In a surprising move, the Niger State Governor, Mohammed Bago, has announced the renaming of the Abubakar Imam International Airport to Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Airport. The decision, according to Bago, aims to align the names with individuals who represent the essence of the respective institutions.
Bago clarified that the renaming was prompted by a desire to ensure alignment between names and legacies, emphasizing the importance of placing “a square peg in a square hole.” He explained that naming the State Polytechnic Zungeru after the late literary icon, Abubakar Imam, was a more fitting tribute. Moreover, he emphasized that President Bola Tinubu approved the decision, indicating a broader consensus.
This abrupt change occurred during the airport’s commissioning on Monday, marking a swift alteration from its previous name honoring Abubakar Imam.
The Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, conveyed this decision, quoting Bago during a live interview on TVC News. In an effort to address the concerns of Niger citizens, the Governor also announced the renaming of the State Polytechnic Zungeru after Abubakar Imam, underscoring the principle of “a square peg in a square hole.”
Bago emphasized Imam’s significant contributions to the literary landscape of not only Niger State but also the broader northern Nigeria region. He stressed that naming academic institutions after the literary icon was a meaningful gesture.
Regarding the renaming of the airport after Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Bago expressed gratitude to the President for approving the establishment of the first Special Airport Agro-Processing Free Zone in Nigeria, alongside his contributions to nation-building. The decision to honor Tinubu underscores the Governor’s appreciation for the support received from both the Tinubu-led government and the President.
Bago assured that the renaming of the airport was conducted after extensive consultations with relevant stakeholders, including the State Executive Council members, and received the approval of the President. This decision reflects a strategic alignment with individuals whose legacies resonate with the institutions they represent.