News

Ile Nla- Ooni of Ife Palace, Nigeria – 2 April, 2026 — The World Air League is honored to announce that His Imperial Majesty, Arole Oodua Adeyeye Babatunde Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ooni of Ife and spiritual leader of the Yoruba Nation, has formally accepted the role of Chairman of the Nigeria Local Organizing Committee for the World Sky Games.

This appointment marks a significant milestone in the global expansion of the World Sky Games and underscores Nigeria’s leadership role in advancing sustainable aviation, education, and international collaboration across the African continent. The Yoruba Nation, representing more than 60 million people, brings cultural depth, influence, and strategic importance to this global initiative.

The World Sky Games is a first-of-its-kind international platform combining airship racing, STEM education, and environmental stewardship. Designed to catalyze innovation in lighter-than-air (LTA) technologies, the Games serve as both a competitive spectacle and a developmental engine—accelerating investment, inspiring youth engagement, and promoting sustainable solutions for global challenges.

His Imperial Majesty’s acceptance reflects a commitment to positioning Nigeria at the forefront of next-generation aviation and climate-conscious technologies. Under his leadership, the Nigeria Local Organizing Committee will oversee the development of a national airship team and coordinate participation in this historic global endeavor.

Commissioner Don Hartsell, Founder of the World Air League, stated:

“The acceptance by His Imperial Majesty represents a profound moment of alignment between vision, leadership, and opportunity. Nigeria—and the broader African continent—stands at the threshold of meaningful participation in a new era of sustainable aviation. The World Sky Games is not merely a competition; it is a catalyst for invention, education, and economic advancement. This partnership creates a pathway for the peoples of Nigeria and Africa to engage, lead, and benefit from transformative environmental and technological progress.”

This collaboration reinforces the World Air League’s mission to unite nations through innovation, peaceful competition, and shared environmental responsibility. Nigeria’s participation will serve as a powerful example of how global partnerships can elevate local talent, inspire future generations, and contribute to a more sustainable world.