Lagos: The staff of Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Ltd. (BASL), operators of the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two (MMA2), have described the organisation’s Chairman, Dr Olawale Babalakin (SAN), as a transformative leader as he attains 65 years of age.
According to the staff, Babalakin’s considerable contributions to national development are evident in the MMA2 model.
In a statement by the Head of Corporate Communications, Mrs Ajoke Yinka-Olawuyi, on Tuesday in Lagos, the staff said that the chairman distinguished himself through his commitment to nation-building, exemplified by excellence in business, law, and public service.
“Dr Babalakin is equally admired for translating intellect into action.
” As Chairman of the Resort Group, he has led transformative projects across real estate, construction and infrastructure,” they said.
They said that, among the projects, MMA2 remained Babalakin’s most iconic contribution to national development.
“Following the fire that razed the old domestic terminal at the Lagos airport in 2000, the Federal Government awarded Bi-Courtney the concession to rebuild under a Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) model.
“It was a monumental task, one marked by regulatory resistance, institutional opposition and immense financial pressure,” they said.
According to the staff, under Babalakin’s leadership, MMA2 was delivered without government funding, making it Nigeria’s first and only privately-financed airport terminal.
They described the chairman as a leader who set high standards and inspired others to rise to them.
“His attention to detail, ability to see possibilities where others see obstacles, and his relentless pursuit of quality are traits that have shaped the company’s ethos.
“Crucially, Dr Babalakin places immense value on people. At BASL, staff welfare is treated not as a routine obligation, but as a core business priority.
“He has championed policies that ensure employees are supported, motivated and treated with dignity.”
According to the staff, outside the boardroom, Babalakin’s philanthropic efforts span education, healthcare, and humanitarian causes.
“As we celebrate this milestone, we do so with gratitude for the leadership that built MMA2, for the vision that inspires us daily, and for the values of excellence, resilience and service that continue to guide us.”
