By Funmilayo Musa
Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL), operators of the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two (MMA2), on Saturday celebrated its 16th anniversary with a one-of-a-kind exhibition that brought together the best of art and aviation.
The exhibition showcased unique art pieces inspired by aviation and was held at the airport’s gallery space.
The event was attended by aviation enthusiasts, artists and top industry players who were treated to a spectacular display of art pieces that ranged from paintings, sculptures to photographs and installations. The artworks depicted Africans, leisure scenes, women and commentaries on the society.
Speaking at the event, Chairman of BASL, Dr. Wale Babalakin said his mandate is to create an enabling environment for travellers.
“The idea is to uplift the standard with hope that anybody who wants to build an airport tomorrow will have all these standards incorporated into their airports,” he said.
Speaking on the 16 year journey of the terminal, Babalakin revealed that the challenges were enormous, and though BASL was still trying to surmount some of them, they have been purposeful years.
He stated that the journey started as a deliberate effort with the design of the Airport as a major assignment and this was done by the best of architects.
He added that the exhibition was a testament to BASL’s commitment to promoting creativity and providing a world-class airport facility.
Speaking on the non commencement of regional flight operations from the terminal, Babalakin said he was still alarmed that they have not commenced regional operations having gone through the entire process and got certified.
“GAT is still operating illegally because based on the judgment of the Supreme clCourt, the GAT is part of our facility. So, I hope that those who have power, knows our constitutional authority, will know that one encourages enterprise, when rule of law is followed which makes the country calm and become an investment destination.”
Art Curator, Wilson Agu said there are two basic aspects of the arts, data profiling clientele of celebrities and art promoters and a generality of art where people can interact and update themselves with artistic interest
He added that the aim of opening a gallery is to promote arts, culture, innovation, having a platform for young people to interact with their collectors, connoisseurs of art, the enthusiast and also to project art forward.
Agu revealed that women are associated with inspiration, as a unique gender, noting that the first appreciation of humanity must start with women
“MMA2 is a unique place, pace setter,”Agu said. “It’s the first of its kind in the country. The airport is a peculiar facility, a welcoming space for everyone, so it ought to be the foremost projector of our culture, which is meant to be the parlour of the country and state. The aim is to have a platform where art can live, thrive and interact with people,” he added.
Agu thanked the Bi-Courtney Chair, Dr Babalakin who he confessed he had never met in person before now , for approving the initiative and creating a space for the dream to come to a reality.
The launch was attended by artists, curators, art ambassadors and staff of Bi-Courtney/MMA2 among others.
