FAAN honours John Ekpe for 32 years of service excellence
BY CHUKWUEMEKE IWELUNMO
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) over the weekend bid farewell to one of its most dedicated and experienced fire and safety expert, Mr. John Okezie Ekpe, as he retired after 32 years of meritorious service.
The ceremony, held at the FAAN headquarters in Lagos, was attended by top officials, colleagues, friends, and family members.
Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, Managing Director of FAAN, praised Mr. Ekpe for his invaluable contributions to the authority, particularly in the Fire and Safety department.
Represented by her chief of staff, Mr. Osazuwa Amandi, she commended his dedication and commitment to safety standards, stating that his departure would be greatly felt.
Colleagues and friends of Mr. Ekpe shared their well-wishes and gratitude for his service.
Director of Legal Services, Mrs. Bridget Gold, described him as a man with a good attitude and outstanding boss, worthy of emulation.
General Manager, Cargo Services, Mr. Hyacinth Ugwu, praised his dedication to duty and wished him good health and prosperity in retirement.
General Manager, Aerodrome and Safety Standards, Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Mr. Emmanuel Chukwu, described Mr. Ekpe as a thoroughbred professional and vast in his field.
He urged that such professionals should not be thrown away after retirement, suggesting that they could still be used as consultants.
General Manager, Airfield Operations, Mr. Sunday Ayodele, thanked Mr. Ekpe for his exceptional representation of FAAN at various forums, both locally and internationally.
He noted that Mr. Ekpe’s impact on the authority will be felt for a long time, and his contributions will remain indelible.
Deputy General Manager, Safety Services, Mrs. Ifeoma Mba, praised Mr. Ekpe’s significant impact on the department during his short tenure.
She highlighted the enormous difference his wealth of experience has made in changing the activities of the department, and credited his fatherly and professional advice for motivating staff to strive for excellence in promoting safety standards.
Mrs. Mba also prayed for Mr. Ekpe’s continued guidance and protection in retirement, wishing him a peaceful and healthy retirement.
Mr. Ekpe, who joined FAAN in 1993 as an Aerodrome Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFFS) Officer, has had a distinguished career, marked by numerous achievements and contributions to saving lives and property.
He has been recognized for his exceptional achievements in preventing accidents and incidents in the aviation industry.
Throughout his career, Mr. Ekpe has been instrumental in implementing various initiatives, including the standardization of ambulance vehicles, developing critical manuals, and setting up the Fire training ground with a simulator.
He has also empowered female firefighters by encouraging them to take up leadership roles.
As General Manager, Safety Services, Mr. Ekpe championed the development of the Occupational Safety and Health Manual and the Safety Handbook, which is a critical resource for airport personnel.
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He also oversaw the massive training and retraining of Safety Officers across airports, resulting in the accreditation of the Aerodrome Safety Basic Course by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
Mr. Ekpe’s retirement was marked by the cutting of the retirement cake and the presentation of awards and gifts to the celebrant.
In his response, Mr. Ekpe thanked the MD FAAN for the privilege of serving the authority and his colleagues for their cooperation and teamwork.
As he embarks on his retirement, Mr. Ekpe’s legacy will be remembered for his dedication, expertise, and commitment to safety standards.
His contributions to FAAN will remain indelible, and his departure will be deeply felt.
