Stakeholders in Nigeria’s aviation sector have lauded the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, for her remarkable achievements in her first year in office.
At an event held at FAAN’s headquarters in Lagos to commemorate her one-year anniversary and the December edition of the MD’s Quarterly Award for Excellence, Mrs. Kuku was celebrated for her visionary leadership and transformative impact on the agency.
Speaking at the ceremony, FAAN’s Director of Special Duties, Mr. Henry Agbebire, praised Mrs. Kuku’s commitment to operational excellence, noting her contributions to safety, security, and passenger facilitation. “This occasion marks a significant milestone: one year of dedicated service under a leader whose vision has elevated FAAN to a model of operational excellence,” Agbebire said.
The General Manager for Safety, Mr. John Okezie Ekpe, highlighted Mrs. Kuku’s achievements in embedding a safety-first culture within FAAN. He cited advancements such as the establishment of a formal safety policy, regulatory compliance, extensive safety training, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Additional commendations came from the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mrs. Obiageli Orah; the Director of Aviation Security (AVSEC), Albert Afegbai; and Assistant General Manager of Safety, OSH, Oguche Samuel Enejo. All praised her tireless efforts and impactful leadership within a short period.
Mrs. Kuku expressed gratitude to FAAN staff, directors, and management for their dedication and support. “It is not just the work we have done but the spirit in which we have done it together,” she remarked. “I am grateful for the sacrifices and teamwork that have driven our success.”
She also extended her appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for entrusting her with the role, as well as to the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, for his unwavering support.
Looking ahead, Mrs. Kuku outlined FAAN’s plans for the coming months, focusing on landside and airside improvements at airports. She emphasized ongoing safety initiatives aimed at returning major airports to Category Two certification and enhancing passenger experiences through terminal upgrades and equipment automation.
“We are fully committed to providing the same level of service you would expect internationally,” she assured. She also highlighted improvements passengers could expect during the festive season, including better aviobridges and conveyor belts set to arrive next year.
The event’s highlights included the presentation of the MD’s Awards to deserving FAAN staff and the launch of two key documents: the Occupational Safety and Health Manual and the Aerodrome General Safety Handbook.
The ceremony reaffirmed FAAN’s commitment to excellence and its drive to elevate Nigeria’s aviation industry to global standards.
