Stakeholders across Nigeria’s aviation industry gathered in Lagos as Skyway Aviation Handling Company PLC (SAHCO) hosted a special Ramadan Iftar lecture and dinner aimed at strengthening industry relationships and promoting ethical values within the sector.
The event, held at the prestigious Lagos Marriott Hotel Ikeja, brought together a diverse audience comprising airline representatives, aviation regulators, handling agents, government officials, industry professionals and other strategic partners who collaborate with SAHCO in the aviation ecosystem.
Organised as part of activities marking the holy month of Ramadan, the gathering provided a platform for reflection on faith, discipline, ethical conduct and unity, while also encouraging closer collaboration among stakeholders within the aviation industry.
In her opening remarks, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of SAHCO, Adenike Aboderin, welcomed guests and expressed appreciation for their continued partnership with the company.
She conveyed gratitude on behalf of the company’s Chairman, Taiwo Afolabi, for honouring the invitation to participate in the event.
Aboderin emphasised that SAHCO strongly believes in fostering an atmosphere of inclusiveness and mutual respect among individuals of different faiths and backgrounds.
She noted that Ramadan represents a period of deep spiritual reflection characterised by sacrifice, compassion, discipline and generosity – values which, she explained, are equally relevant in the corporate environment.
According to her, gatherings such as the Ramadan Iftar lecture provide an important opportunity for industry partners to reconnect, reflect on shared values and strengthen professional relationships.
She further stated that SAHCO remains committed to building a workplace culture that celebrates diversity while encouraging ethical conduct and professionalism across all aspects of aviation operations.
The event featured two keynote lectures delivered by respected Islamic scholars who explored the spiritual significance of Ramadan and its relevance to ethical business practices.
The first lecture was delivered by renowned academic Tajudeen Olalekan Yusuf, who spoke on the theme “Ramadan as a School of Spiritual Discipline, Economic Justice, and Ethical Business Transformation.”
In his presentation, Professor Yusuf explained that the discipline associated with fasting extends beyond abstaining from food and drink, stressing that Ramadan instils important virtues such as self-control, compassion, fairness and accountability.
He urged individuals and organisations to allow the lessons of Ramadan to influence their professional conduct, particularly in areas such as transparency, fairness and justice in economic and business dealings.
According to him, companies and professionals who internalise these principles contribute to the creation of a more ethical, responsible and sustainable business environment.
The second lecture was delivered by Ibrahim Tirmidhee, Imam of the Aviation Workers Central Masjid located at the headquarters of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) in Ikeja.
Speaking on the topic “From Ramadan to the Workplace: The Role of Taqwa in Ensuring Ethical Practices in the Aviation Industry, Airport Operations, and Cargo Businesses,” Imam Tirmidhee emphasised the importance of Taqwa – the concept of God-consciousness – in guiding personal and professional behaviour.
He explained that when individuals carry the spiritual lessons of Ramadan into their daily work, it fosters greater integrity, accountability and dedication to duty.
He also observed that the aviation sector, which depends heavily on safety, trust and professionalism, benefits significantly when workers uphold strong ethical and moral standards.
Following the lectures, guests observed the Iftar dinner, breaking their fast together in an atmosphere marked by unity, goodwill and camaraderie.
The gathering also created opportunities for networking, dialogue and collaboration among aviation stakeholders, reinforcing partnerships that support the smooth functioning of the industry.
The event was attended by SAHCO’s directors and management staff, representatives of airlines, aviation regulators, government agencies, and other key industry partners.
Participants commended SAHCO for organising the initiative and for consistently promoting programmes that encourage ethical values, inclusiveness and cooperation within the aviation community.
Through initiatives such as the Ramadan Iftar lecture and dinner, SAHCO continues to demonstrate its commitment to strengthening partnerships, promoting ethical business practices and fostering a supportive and inclusive corporate culture within Nigeria’s aviation sector.
The company noted that such engagements remain vital in encouraging unity and professionalism among stakeholders who collectively contribute to the growth and sustainability of the nation’s aviation industry.
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