Photos|Capt Wale Oke prepares for final approach

I was rostered to operate an Abuja flight with Capt. Wale on that memorable day. As we passed through the screening point removing all removable to avoid been sent back for more scrutiny by Avsec officials, Capt wale Oke made his way through the screening machine.  Surprisingly, despite removing his belt, shoes and all metal objects, he beeped. Out of curiosity I asked why he beeped. “I have metal blokus” he retorted with a straight face. Jesus Christ! All Crew members burst out laughing…..that was my very first close encounter with Capt Wale Oke. I choose to keep the rest story till his retirement.

Just yesterday, after his last recurrent Sim, he post these beautiful photos on his facebook page and simply wrote:

“WOW! JUST LIKE YESTERDAY. SPL, PPL, CPL, ALTP TYPE RATINGS, RECURRENCES, LPC/OPC NOW THE RACE IS ALMOST OVER. I DID IT MY WAY.”

No better way to cap it all Captain! Nigeria Aviation will miss your kind. You are a rare Gem, an icon and a Professional to the core. Captain Wale Oke has a way of cracking you up and making you laugh. If you ever crossed his path then you must have noticed that there is never a dull moment when you are around him.

As they say, there is time for everything.  A time comes when we have to leave the stage. So as he prepares for the Final approach phase in his flying Career, join me in wishing him a very safe final landing.

Safe skies all the way Captain!