Contestants were assessed on several criteria, including industry knowledge, stage presence, grooming, announcement delivery, and overall appearance. Each displayed remarkable skill, making the competition a crowd favourite.
BY ANTHONY OMOH
Cabin crew from various Nigerian airlines gathered for the 2025 NIGAV Awards to contest for King and Queen Air titles. The competition featured 13 elite crew members from seven domestic airlines, all showcasing talent, poise, and professionalism.
After a highly competitive and exciting contest, ValueJet’s Henry Chika Amaefule emerged King of the Air, while XEJet’s Aisha Yakub earned the Queen of the Air crown. They succeeded Arik Air’s Tyger Opunabo and ValueJet’s Miracle Okechukwu, last year’s winners.
Contestants were assessed on several criteria, including industry knowledge, stage presence, grooming, announcement delivery, and overall appearance. Each displayed remarkable skill, making the competition a crowd favourite.
Chairman of NIGAV, Mr. Fortune Idu, described the competition as the first of its kind globally. He said the King and Queen of the Air initiative was a creative way to celebrate excellence in the airline cabin crew profession.
Following their emergence, Amaefule and Yakub received N2,000,000 reward. However, 10% of that earning, N200,000 was donated to the Save Our Souls (SOS) Children’s Village as their first official act as King and queen. to donate to a charity of their choice. More importantly, they will serve as aviation ambassadors, representing the image of the industry for one year.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, praised the initiative. He said, “The crowning of King and Queen Air reflects innovation unique to Nigeria and unites our domestic airlines.”
Keyamo also lauded the programme’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) angle. He stressed that it aligns with national goals of promoting social harmony, teamwork, and professionalism across the aviation sector.
He stated, “My administration will support efforts that recognise crew excellence. Industry sustainability requires strong regulation and empowered professionals.”
The minister also reaffirmed support for the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), pledging to provide enhanced tools for better industry oversight.
The competition has quickly gained popularity, not just for the glitz and glamour, but for reinforcing the role of crew members in airline branding and safety.
The 2025 edition of NIGAV once again demonstrated that Nigeria’s aviation industry values excellence and talent at every level. By celebrating cabin crew this way, the sector builds morale and drives growth.
