General Manager, SMS, NAMA, Bola Ahmed presenting an award to a recipient during the NATCA, Lagos chapter ‘SKY KEEPERS’ Award 2023.
The Nigerian Air traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) has applauded members of the Association for their immerse contributions in keeping the airspace safe for flight operations.
Speaking at the maiden edition of an award ceremony tagged: Sky keepers Award 2023 in Lagos, chairman Lagos chapter of NATCA Mr. Uchechukwu Duru said the air traffic controllers make lots of sacrifices for safe air navigation.
Sky Keepers award 2023 is to recognize the contributions of the air traffic controllers who work to enhance the safety of flight in the separation of aircraft both on the ground and in the air.
In his opening remarks, the chairman, Lagos Branch, Nigerian Air traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) Mr. Uchechukwu Duru said, the award is organized to say thank you to all his colleagues who work tirelessly 24 hours, 7 days a week to ensure every aircraft that takes off lands seamless at their various destinations including those overflying the Nigerian Airspace.
He explained that people recognizes pilots, Marshallers and others in the aviation sector but failed to recognize the ATCs because they work behind the scene performing their duties.
According to him, the maiden edition of the recognition awards was to show that the ATCs will continue to appreciate their own.
“Their sacrifice, their dedication and commitment to excellence when it comes to air safety to ensure that things keep running. Oftentimes they do that with great pains and great sacrifice too”.
Also commenting on the awards, the secretary of NATCA, Lagos Chapter, Ginika Ani, said the work of controllers is challenging, addling that as a female, the task is not an easy competing in a male dominated environment.
“Being a female is a privilege working in such an environment, putting in your effort in keeping our Airspace safe”.
She said the work of an ATC is tideous and oftentimes does not give room for relaxation, adding that, the sky keepers award is an avenue for them to unwind with friends.
Management staff of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency NAMA in their goodwill messages, commended the the ATCs in effectively discharging their duties despite the numerous challenges they grapple with on the job.
“And here are people who are working behind the scene, who are in charge of the safety of millions of people and aircraft on a daily basis, the unsung people behind the scene. And it is also an opportunity for all as ATCs to reflect with a view to recognize the massive contributions to air safety”.
Highlights of the event was the presentation of awards to Air traffic Controllers, Aviation stakeholders, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria FAAN, the police, customs, Federal Road Safety Corps, Nigeria Immigration Service amongst others.