NCAA Management, Staff Honour Capt. Chris Najomo At 65

The Management and staff of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) on Tuesday, honoured the Acting Director General, of the agency, Capt. Chris Ona Najomo, who turned 65.

At the brief reception ceremony described as the first of its kind since the inception of NCAA about 25 years ago, the management, staff, and union representatives took turns to eulogize the Ag.DGCA for prioritizing aviation safety, security, and staff welfare.

They came out in their numbers to herald the Ag.DGCA welcomed into a red carpet reception and soft music that lightened the mood at the authority’s building, praising his dedication, industry, and contribution to the growth and development of NCAA and the entire aviation industry.

The Director of Human Resources and Administration, Dr Mrs Anastasia Gbem said NCAA is blessed to have Capt. Najomo because he is making a significant impact.

According to Gbem, he made safety and passenger comfort his priority, adding that things have turned around in just about eight months into his appointment.

She noted that Capt. Najomo made sure staff were paid on time, staff that were due for promotion got promoted, paid housing arrears, and promised to pay other staff benefits that have been pending, just as he also revamped the regional offices that had been left moribund for years.

Director of Public Affairs & Consumer Protection, Mr. Michael Achimugu spoke about the reforms the DGCA had introduced at the NCAA that had revolutionised consumer experiences, praising the DGCA for creating a conducive atmosphere for all staff to be productive and thrive.

Najomo who was visibly emotional about the show of love said that he was proud to work for the NCAA, reiterating that staff training and retraining remained sacrosanct because the authority had to build the right competencies to effectively regulate and oversight the industry.

He also said that the condition of service would be reviewed and improved, charging the staff to do what is right and be committed to excellence so the CAA could move forward.

He promised to cooperate with the union but also enlisted their understanding of key management decisions while appreciating the management and staff for their support thus far, attributing his success story to the cooperation of the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo, his management team, and cooperation from members of staff.

Other Directors who spoke to at the event included the Director of Aerodrome & Airspace Standards, Engr. Godwin Balang, the Director of Aviation Security, Mr. Omogo Bernard Chinedu and Corporate Services, Dr. (Mrs.) Rebecca Aghadinazu.

Others include Directors of Special Duties, Mr. Horatius Egua, Finance & Accounts, Mr. Olufemi Odukoya, Airworthiness Standards, Engr. Victor Goyea (represented), Air Transport Regulation, Mrs Olayinka Babaoye-Iriobe, Operations, Licensing & Training Standards, Capt. Donald Spiff (represented) and Company Secretary & Legal Services, Barr. (Mrs.) Mary Tufano-Eche (represented).

Wole Shadare