Nosa Aituamen
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has announced a new mentoring programme aimed at bridging career gaps for women and equipping them with the skills needed to excel in leadership roles.
The programme, which will be open to both men and women, will focus on capability building and on-the-job shadowing to help women advance their careers.
The initiative was announced by the Managing Director of FAAN, Mrs Olubunmi Kuku during the International Women’s Day celebration in Lagos.
The theme of the event, “Accelerate Action Through Career Development & Strategies for Women Entrepreneurship,” highlighted the importance of gender equality and career advancement for women.
Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku emphasized the need for a workplace culture that fosters equal opportunities for both men and women, and called on women to earn their place at the table through competence and resilience.
She also rejected any form of preferential treatment based on gender, stressing that both men and women should be evaluated on performance and ability rather than stereotypes.
“Men and women should be given the same opportunities, I do not speak of women having a better opportunity or certain privileges that the men don’t have, asking that we are put on the same pedestal”.
FAAN’S spokesperson, Mrs. Obiageli Orah, echoed this sentiment, challenging women to proactively pursue their goals through strategic self-positioning, continuous skill development, and building supportive networks.
“Support your fellow woman, it not going to kill you, it won’t make you less of a woman, in actual fact, it would add to whom you are when you contribute to the development of your fellow woman”.
Other speakers at the event, Prof. Anthony Kila and Dr. Toyin Magbagbeola, encouraged women in leadership positions to prioritize their health and take charge of their lives.
They urged women to abandon excuses related to lack of resources or strength and to focus on developing their skills and surrounding themselves with positive, like-minded individuals.
According to Prof. Kila, “Once you are seen as a diva, the solution finder, it becomes easier to become a leader to be recognized as a point of reference for progress and solution finding”.
Dr. Magbagbeola said, “Lets focus on sleep, on diet and those are the things that we need to look into, boost your immunity, help to restore your body”.
Former Airport manager, south west airports, Mrs Victoria shinaba again stressed the the need for women to support one another, rather than competing against each other.
She encourages women to celebrate each other’s successes and lift each other up, rather than pulling each other down.
“Women should believe in themselves and their abilities, and not wait for others to validate them, take the lead in your own lives, acquire the necessary skills, and demonstrate your capabilities”.
The event also featured panel sessions and drama performances attended by staff and security personnel in the aviation ecosystem.