Today, I had one of the proudest moments of my life.
As a technologist I was assigned, as the IT personnel, to set up the boardroom for a high-level Business Strategy and Innovation meeting. Everything was ready the network, the presentation systems, and every technical detail. Once I was done, I sat outside the boardroom in case anyone needed IT support.
Barely two minutes into the meeting, I was called back in to help an executive connect her iPad to the network.
As I quietly did my job, the keynote speaker a highly respected innovation strategist fostering business growth in Europe and Africa began talking about Enugu Air.
His words caught my attention.
He described Enugu Air as more than just an airline. He called it an innovation, a bold investment, and a legacy that has made every Enugu indigene a proud stakeholder in aviation. He spoke about how Enugu, a state once renowned for its coal industry, is once again writing a new chapter of history through aviation.
Then he said something that stayed with me:
“There is no better time to be proud of a state and its leadership than now.”
As he wrapped up that part of his speech, he asked:
“Is there anyone here from Enugu State?”
Two gentlemen from Anambra stood up smiling and said they were from the neighbouring state and were proud of Enugu’s achievement. The speaker laughed and said, “Then take a bow on behalf of Enugu since there seems to be no Enugu indigene here.”
At that moment, I raised my hand.
He looked at me and asked, “Young man, are you from Enugu State?”
With a smile, I replied, “Yes, sir.”
He invited me to the front of the room.
Standing before a room filled with executives and business leaders, he asked me to take a bow on behalf of Ndi Enugu.
I did.
I can’t fully describe how I felt in that moment. It was a simple gesture, but one that filled me with immense pride. I wasn’t there as a guest or an executive. I was there to provide IT support. Yet, for that brief moment, I represented my people Ndi Enugu.
Since then, several executives I’ve met have jokingly called me “Mr. Enugu Air.” I wear the nickname with a smile.
To my fellow Ndi Enugu: regardless of your political leanings or opinions about the current administration, some achievements rise above politics. Enugu Air is one of those achievements. It is part of our story, our identity, and our ambition for the future.
May it grow into a lasting legacy that creates jobs, attracts investment, and helps position Enugu as a leading destination for business, innovation, and opportunity in Africa.
I took a bow on behalf of Ndi Enugu today.
It is a moment I will never forget.
God bless Enugu Air.
God bless Ndi Enugu.
Ngwu Gerald
Information Technologist based in Lagos.
July 24, 2026.