Ogun State Deputy Governor, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, has called on Nigerians to support indigenous businesses through their difficult periods, saying such encouragement is vital for their growth and long term sustainability.
She made the appeal on Wednesday at the launch of the biography of the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Medview Airlines, Alhaji Muneer Bankole, titled Pathways, Pilgrimage and Destiny, held at The Providence Hotel, Ikeja GRA, Lagos.
Speaking at the event, Salako-Oyedele described Bankole as an accomplished entrepreneur whose resilience and contributions to Nigeria’s aviation industry have left a lasting legacy.
According to her, “The biography stresses the importance of building legacies that will succeed you,” noting that Bankole’s achievements in the aviation sector included “key regulatory changes and economic impacts,” while Medview Airlines “played a key role by pioneering private pilgrim packages in Lagos.”
The Deputy Governor also emphasised the significance of preserving personal histories through biographies, saying they provide valuable lessons for both present and future generations.
She described Bankole as “an astute businessman, a multi tasker and a contributor to community development,” adding that his determination ensured “no stone is left unturned at achieving success.”
Salako-Oyedele further disclosed that the Medview boss had been a close ally of her husband and the family over the years, praying that Allah would continue to grant him good health and long life.
Chairman of the occasion and the Alara of Ilara, Oba Olufolarin Olukayode Ogunsanwo, described Bankole as “a quintessential Nigerian, an entrepreneur, a man of faith, a disciplinarian and an aviation icon,” whose contributions to the nation’s aviation industry remain indelible.
The monarch urged guests to donate generously in support of the publication.
Author of the biography, Prof. Mobolanle Sotunsa, said the four year effort to produce the book chronicled “a life worthy of emulation,” adding that it documented the footprints and pathways that would inspire future generations.
Reviewing the book, Professor of Strategy and Development, Prof. Anthony Kila, described it as “a collection of gratitude to God and his crew,” saying it demonstrated how religion, character and determination could be combined to achieve success.
Kila noted that the book distinguished pilgrimage from ordinary travel, presented wealth as an expression of stewardship, and showed how Bankole’s success was shaped by his environment, affection and the values instilled in him.
