August Harvey Martin (1919 - 1968) was reputed to be the first African American commercial pilot.

He died on June 30,1968 in a rainstorm at Uli Airport while flying in relief materials to Biafra. His wife, Gladys Frank Martin was reported to have also perished with him in the accident.
It may be recalled that Uli as a town bore most of pains of the Nigerian/ Biafran Civil War because of the presence of Biafra Airport. Still to recover from the rude shock of the war, the town has continued to suffer gross neglect from every passing government.

In far away Jamaica, there is a school named after him but there is nothing in the Eastern Region in remembrance of this great hero who lost his life while trying to save the lives of millions of people during the war.

In a post by the town's President General, Engr.Tob Obiagazie, " After due consultations with the Igwe, Igwe In-Council and major Stakeholders in the town, it was decided that town's Civic Center should be named after him ."
"Thus, the Uli Civic Center shall from today, 15/7/2023 be named, called and addressed as:
AUGUST HARVEY MARTIN CIVIC CENTER, ULI."
He further hinted on plans to erect the Statue of the said hero at the Civic Centre.
May his beautiful soul rest in peace.