The Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, has received the prestigious 2025 Excellence Award of the Centre for International Advanced and Professional Studies (CIAPS), celebrating her exceptional leadership and the far-reaching transformation she has brought to Nigeria’s airport system since taking office two years ago.
The honour was conferred at the CIAPS End-of-the-Year Public Lecture, Awards Ceremony & Cocktail, where the institute described Mrs Kuku as an administrator whose influence has strengthened the aviation industry and contributed significantly to national development.
CIAPS noted that the 2025 edition of the awards spotlights individuals whose achievements go beyond organisational boundaries to make meaningful societal impact.
According to the institution, Mrs Kuku’s selection followed a stringent evaluation process involving performance reviews, nominations from stakeholders, and independent assessments of her contributions to the aviation sector.
It emphasised that she has earned respect across the industry as a visionary and result-oriented leader known for her integrity, strategic thinking, and unwavering commitment to raising operational standards.
In its statement, CIAPS said Mrs Kuku embodies the values of merit, excellence, and transformational leadership that the institute seeks to promote.
It added that her stewardship at FAAN has been marked by improved operational efficiency, strengthened stakeholder engagement, and major reforms targeted at modernising Nigerian airports and upgrading aviation infrastructure nationwide.
The institute further praised her as a “dynamic and forward-thinking administrator whose results-driven approach continues to redefine best practices within the aviation sector.” It said the Excellence Award is reserved for individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary leadership, innovation, and impact in their fields – qualities Mrs Kuku has consistently exhibited.
Represented at the ceremony by FAAN’s General Manager, Administration, Mrs Oluwasola Awe, the FAAN MD expressed her appreciation to CIAPS, stating that the recognition would spur her to intensify her efforts in advancing Nigeria’s aviation landscape.
She emphasised that the award reflects the collective dedication of FAAN’s staff, whose commitment has supported the reforms and improvements underway across the authority.
Mrs Kuku also highlighted the agency’s recently launched Acculturation Programme, which she said is playing a vital role in shaping staff conduct, strengthening skills, and instilling values essential for operating airports in an increasingly digital and technologically advanced environment.
She added that her monthly excellence awards for staff who demonstrate exceptional qualities have also become key motivators within the agency, lifting morale and promoting a culture of excellence that enhances both FAAN’s reputation and the broader aviation sector.
The CIAPS 2025 Excellence Award stands as a major acknowledgment of Mrs Kuku’s leadership, affirming her pivotal role in driving sustainable reforms and positioning Nigeria’s airports for global competitiveness.
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