The Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has expressed confidence that Nigerians would witness greater contributions to national development from popular aviator and politician, Comrade Isaac Balami, in the years ahead.

The minister spoke on Tuesday at a ceremony held at the Transcorp Event Centre in Abuja to mark Balami’s 43rd birthday, attended by more than 4,000 guests, including politicians, government officials, business leaders, family members, friends and mentees.

Sulaiman-Ibrahim attributed the large turnout at the event, which caused significant traffic around the venue, to Balami’s strong connection with people across different sectors of society.

Describing him as “a man of the people, for the people and by the people,” the minister said Balami’s achievements at his age were remarkable and suggested that he still had much more to offer the country.

“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.

“Balami just turned 42, and I’m sure we will all wonder at the level he has reached at this age.”

She urged Nigerians and Balami’s supporters to continue to pray for him and provide the necessary support for him to sustain his contributions to nation-building.

The celebration attracted several prominent Nigerians, including the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda; former National President of the Nigerian Bar Association and governorship candidate, Olumide Akpata; and other political leaders, captains of industry and government officials.

Akpata, who chaired the occasion, described Balami’s journey from humble beginnings to prominence as a reflection of his determination and resilience.

He said Balami had not only established himself in the aviation industry but had also founded a university, describing such achievements as evidence of his capacity and commitment to national development.

“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.

“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 urged Nigerians to continue to pray for Balami as he pursues his various endeavours.

The event also featured musical and comedy performances, as well as a panel discussion on mentorship moderated by veteran journalist Cyril Stober and Seun Okimbaloye.

During the session, Balami explained the rationale behind the selection of 42 personalities as inductors into the Fellowship of Mentors.

He also recounted his journey from humble beginnings, including his experience working as a soakaway evacuator, before rising to become an aviator, entrepreneur, politician and mentor.

The event concluded with further tributes from family members, friends, associates and mentees, who celebrated Balami’s achievements and his efforts to create opportunities for others.