I couldn't have written this story any better. The African 'peoples' and the countries on the continent have many skills, desirable cultures and rich histories; however, the ONE thing no one in Africa has mastered - is commercial aviation - AS AN INDUSTRY. Many nations have tried...and most have failed. The most severe criticism I can level at the African commercial aviation industry - is that NONE of the failed carriers ever progressed past the 'amateur' stage of their maturity. They learned the 'tricks of the trade'...and very little of the actual 'trade'. Ethiopian is the ONLY carrier who has learned the trade, learned to shun and resist 'government' interference, learned how to 'operate' aircraft - in addition to learning how to 'fly' aircraft (HUGE difference), learned how to follow a business plan, learned how to read financial spread sheets...and learned that an airline is a BUSINESS...and not a hobby (and NOT a politicians personal valet and transport). Nigeria could be - and SHOULD be - the home of Africa's largest, safest and most profitable airline. Currently, there is NOT one airline in all of Nigeria worthy of emulation and not in need of massive infusions of capital and operational talent. The industry is NOT getting better...it's been declining for the past two decades! Nigerian...and other African airlines...don't need any more 'awards'; they all need direction, guidance, leadership, management, character - and INTESTINAL FORTITUDE! Operating an airline requires a vast skill set, tremendous energy, laser-like focus on the business plan, the ability to 'multi-task' (X10)...and unwavering Positive Mental Attitude.