MANAGING Director, Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Capt Fola Akinkuotu has lamented  the scenario where workers after 35 years of meritorious service are denied their benefits and payments and assured retirees of the agency of prompt payment as at when due.
Speaking at the send forth ceremony organized by members of Aeronautical Information Service AIS in Lagos, Capt Akinkuotu said he would do his utmost to ensure that entitlements are paid after service at the point of exit adding that a labourer was entitled to his wages.
He also advised the working class to always remember that their labour will not be in vain noting that it was sad to see workers not enjoying their retirement lives.
While commending them for their unblemished record and contributions to the system while in service, Capt Akinkuotu urged them never to change their lifestyle in live long assuring them that the agency will always consult them when necessary.
“The working class should always remember that their labour will not be in vain, the labour of the retirees will not be in vain. Its sad to see that after labouring the fruit is not reap. But your case will not be like that”
In his speech, the president of Aeronautical Information Services Association of Nigeria (AISAN) Comrade Babatunde Shittu appluaded applauded it’s members who retired from service recently.
Comrade Shittu said that AIS is able to get to where they are today through the dedication, hard work, sense of purpose, firm belief in all and determination of the retirees to promote the growth and development of Aeronautical Information Services (AIS) as a profession of dignity and respect.
“Your track record and reputation in the aviation industry speak volumes about your humble disposition and strong passion for professionalism and the attitude of doing things right always. You were a mentor to me and many of my colleagues in the AIS profession whom you helped to inspire in so many ways”, the AISAN President said.
Shittu said he was elated to be in their mist for the send forth of the retired members, adding “I see today as being a part of history and partaking in sharing the experiences of your meritorious services in our esteemed agency. We are here today to show our respect and love to our dear professional elderly colleagues” .
Speaking further, Shittu added “It is true that when someone retires, it is a very special occasion the culmination of one’s career in civil service especially in aviation industry where we are saddled with the responsibility to ensure safety, regularity and efficiency of air navigation by the provisions of timely and quality dissemination of aeronautical information. Although, this is a special occasion for them, a number of us, myself inclusive have mixed feelings about it. It is hard for me to be making this speech and saying goodbye to my colleagues, but at the same time we know that you are leaving us in good”.
He therefore, implores the retirees to continually share their well textured experiences and wealth of wisdom especially now that AIS is transiting to an information management system.
“AIS department will be a much emptier place without you, but we promise to live up to your extraordinarily high standards. Once more, thank you for giving us this memorable opportunity to wish you the best in your future endeavors. I am sure you will find new opportunities and pleasures in your new life”, he said.
The function was well attended by stakeholders in the aviation industry including Directors, General Managers and AIS members.
