Prominent Nigerians have celebrated aviator, entrepreneur and politician Isaac Balami, describing his achievements and commitment to mentorship as evidence that young Nigerians can make meaningful contributions to the country’s development.

The tributes were delivered at Balami’s 43rd birthday celebration held at the Transcorp Event Centre in Abuja on Tuesday, which attracted thousands of guests, including politicians, family members, business associates, mentees and other well-wishers.

Among the dignitaries at the event were the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda; Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim; former National President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Olumide Akpata, captains of industry and government officials.

The celebration also featured musical performances and comedy from popular entertainers.

Akpata, who chaired the occasion, described Balami as a remarkable individual whose extensive network of friends, associates and partners reflected the impact he has made throughout his career.

He said Balami’s journey from humble beginnings to establishing himself in the aviation industry demonstrated his determination and capacity to overcome challenges.

“Despite his humble beginning, the young man established himself in the aviation industry, a sector we all know for excellence. That tells you who Isaac is,” Akpata said.

He also highlighted Balami’s establishment of a university and his involvement in politics, saying his accomplishments offered reasons for optimism about Nigeria’s future.

“Not only has he established himself in that sector, he also established a university. That tells you who Isaac is. With people like Isaac, we don’t need to worry too much about our country. Even in politics, he is giving it his all,” he said.

Akpata urged guests and Nigerians generally to continue supporting and praying for Balami.

The Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, attributed the large turnout at the celebration and traffic congestion around the venue to Balami’s popularity and strong connections with people.

She described him as “a man of the people, for the people and by the people,” expressing confidence that he would make even greater contributions in the years ahead.

“Balami is a man of the people, for the people and by the people, and it’s only a matter of time before we see more of him,” she said.

She also urged Nigerians and Balami’s supporters to continue praying for and supporting him as he pursues his various interests.

Balami’s father, Chief Balami, paid tribute to his son, recounting his journey from humble beginnings to prominence and appealing to Nigerians to continue supporting him.

The birthday celebration also featured a panel discussion on mentorship, moderated by veteran broadcaster Cyril Stober and Seun Okimbaloye.

The discussion examined the importance of mentorship, with panellists distinguishing between genuine mentorship and political godfatherism.

Balami, who participated in the discussion, explained the rationale behind selecting 42 personalities to serve as inductors into the Fellowship of Mentors.

He also reflected on his personal journey, including his early experience working as a soakaway evacuator before eventually building a career as an aviator, entrepreneur, politician and mentor.