Festus Keyamo is a Nigerian lawyer, columnist, human rights activist, and politician. He currently serves as the minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development of Nigeria. He was also the director of Strategic Communications of the 2019 re-election bid of President Muhammadu Buhari.
He is known for his involvement in several high-profile cases and causes, such as the trials of Mujahid Dokubo-Asari, Ralph Uwazuruike, and Bola Ige, and the allegations against Apostle Suleman Johnson.
He was awarded the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) in 2017. He is a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the ruling political party in Nigeria.
Festus Keyamo Early Life and Education
Festus Keyamo was born on January 21, 1970 in Ughelli, a town in Delta State southern Nigeria. He completed his primary schooling at Model Primary School and pursued his secondary education at Government College, Ughelli, graduating with the West African School Certificate in 1986..
He later went to Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma in Edo State southern Nigeria, where he received a Bachelor of Law degree in 1992. He was called to the Nigerian Bar in December 1993.
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Festus Keyamo Career
Festus Keyamo has had a remarkable career as a lawyer, activist, columnist, and politician. He began his legal career in 1993 at Gani Fawehinmi’s Chambers in Lagos State, where he worked for two years.
He established his own firm, Festus Keyamo Chambers, in 1995 and became involved in several high-profile cases and causes, such as defending the rights of Niger Delta militants, MASSOB members, and Bola Ige’s murder suspects.
He also challenged the Federal Government of Nigeria in court over illegal appointments of service chiefs in 2008, and represented Stephanie Otobo, a Canadian-based singer who accused Apostle Suleman Johnson of breach of promise in 2017.
Festus Keyamo was awarded the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) in 2017, becoming one of the youngest lawyers to attain the prestigious title.
He joined the All Progressives Congress (APC), the ruling political party in Nigeria, and was appointed as the director of Strategic Communications of the 2019 re-election bid of President Muhammadu Buhari.
He was nominated and screened as a minister by the Senate in 2019, and was initially assigned to the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs as a Minister of State.
He was later redeployed to the Ministry of Labour and Employment as a Minister of State in September 2019, where he oversaw issues such as minimum wage, unemployment, and social security .
Festus Keyamo was appointed as the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development of Nigeria in August 2023, following the resignation of Hadi Sirika In this role, he is responsible for developing and implementing policies and programs for the aviation and aerospace sectors in Nigeria.
He is also a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, FCIArb (UK), and a columnist for several newspapers and magazines.
Festus Keyamo Awards
Festus Keyamo has received several awards and recognitions for his legal and political achievements, such as the Global Human Rights Award, the Defender of Press Freedom Award, and the World Medal of Honour.
Festus Keyamo Personal Life
He is married to Isioma Irene Keyamo, and they have two children, Nicole and Festus Keyamo Jnr.
Festus Keyamo Net Worth
Festus Keyamo’s net worth is estimated to be around $1.5 million. He has earned his wealth through his legal practice and other business ventures.