Nosa Aituamen
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has implemented an annual medical certification program for all firefighters across the country’s airports.
This initiative, spearheaded by the Managing Director, FAAN, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, aims to prioritize the health and well-being of firefighters given the hazardous nature of their work.
According to Mrs Kuku, “I will not take the health of the firefighters for granted because their job is hazardous. Besides, health is wealth.”
The comprehensive medical fitness tests are designed to assess the health status of FAAN firefighters and mitigate mortality in active service.
This is the first program of its kind implemented across all Nigerian airports.
The National President, Nigerian Aviation Fire and Safety Association (NAFSA), Comrade Ugbeikwu Sunday, commended Mrs. Kuku for her commitment to firefighters’ health.
“The National Leadership of NAFSA wishes to laud the MD/CE FAAN on the implementation of the Firefighters Annual Medical Certification Test which has been concluded in some international airports”.
Comrade Ugbeikwu acknowledged previous efforts to establish the program, noting that while former MD/CE Captain Rabiu Yadudu had approved the initiative, it was not implemented during his tenure or the subsequent brief tenures of Alhaji Yusuf Mohammed Kabiru.
He expressed gratitude that Mrs. Kuku not only approved but also implemented the program.
While praising the successful rollout at international airports, Comrade Ugbeikwu urged FAAN to extend the medical certification tests to domestic airports nationwide, emphasizing the importance of the health and well-being of all firefighters.