NigerianFLIGHTDECK Travel and Business Reportage 
IT was a colorful Pass out Parade on Friday as the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) graduated 211 Aviation Security and Fire officers to help keep the airports safe and secure in line with the provisions of the International Civil Aviation Organization.
Managing Director of FAAN, Engineer Saleh Dunoma who addressed the Aviation Security and Aerodrome Rescue and Fire Firefighting Services personnel at the ceremony held in Lagos urged to ensure diligence and hard work is their watch word as they embark on this job.
Engr Dunoma, who was represented at the event by the Authority’s Director of Maintenance and Engineering, Engr Olufemi Ogunode while admonishing the graduants to put service before everything else, advised that the ability to set priorities will determine the quality of their stewardship.
He told the graduates that dedication, hard work and vigilance were key to safety and security at the airport.
He added, “In an era of rapid socio-economic changes, earning the respect and trustworthiness of your superiors, would demand exemplary followership qualities. So you have to care for your superiors and be matured in your dealings. Be receptive to their advice and accept constructive criticism”.
The Director of Human Resources, Hajia Salamatu B. Umar-Eluma in her goodwill message, advised graduants that as security and firemen in the airports, their commitment to honour, respect and devotion to duty must be second to none, as the career is much more than a job, but a calling.
In her words, “Today, we add you as a link to our chain as members of staff of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria. It is a chain that is characterized by professionalism, discipline, sacrifice, team work and inter-agency collaboration”.
The occasion was witnessed by representatives of the Nigerian Customs, FRSC, the Police and other stakeholders.
The event climaxed with the presentation of awards of excellence to those who distinguished themselves in the programme. The awards are in three different categories, for Aviation Security officers, Fire Officers and Parade Commanders.
Also in attendance at the event were the Acting Director of Commercial and Business Development, Mr Tope Okpaise, General Manager, Training and Manpower Development, Mr Nathaniel McAbraham, General Manager, Human Resources, Mr Sanni Jimoh, General Manager, Budget, Mr Abiodun Adegbesan, Regional General Manager, South West, Mr Odugbemi, Controller of Customs, represented by Mr Ariyibi and other dignitaries.
in his closing remarks, the MD, while re-assuring that FAAN will continue to invest in its human resources, charged the graduants to be committed, dedicated and approach duties assigned them with high sense of responsibility.
