The managing director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, has described sport as a powerful tool to promoting healthy competition as well as encourage teamwork and collaboration in any organisation.
She stated this in her speech at the grand finale of the ‘10th FAAN Inter-directorate sports competition’ which just ended in Lagos.
The competition featured different spirt activities like football march, lawn tennis, table tennis, scrabble, chess, swimming, badminton and draught.
The other side attractions were taekwondo and cultural displays.
In her address, fhe FAAN MD said the competition was more than a celebration of athletic achievements but more of the spirit of teamwork, camaraderie and well-being.
Her words:“We recognise that a healthy and happy workforce is the backbone of our organisation’s success.
“I want to reaffirm that the welfare of our staff is, and will always remain a top priority.
“This sports competition embodies our commitment to employee welfare, fostering an environment where our staff can relax and recharge, build meaningful relationships, and develop physical and mental well-being.”
Expressing her excitement on the ability of the different departments to come together, Kuku declared: “this is what makes FAAN a great place to work.”
She expressed her appreciation to the sports organising committee and the participating directorates.
“As we celebrate, let us remember that every directorate is a champion in its own right; every staff member is valued and appreciated and every moment of camaraderie strengthens our FAAN family.”
Also speaking, the director of human resources and administration, Dr Luqman Emiola, emphasised that the true essence of the competition goes beyond winning or losing.
“It is about promoting a healthy work environment, fostering unity, and encouraging teamwork. Victory is not solely defined by winning; knowing when to accept defeat graciously and rejoicing with one another is equally important.
“Today, we are celebrating champions; we celebrate teamwork that strengthens our bond, perseverance that pushes us beyond limit and sportsmanship that inspires excellence,” he added.
In the finals of the football match,the directorate of aviation security services (DASS) defeated the managing director/ directorate of legal services (MD/DLS) by five goals to four after penalty shootout. The match had ended in a 2-2 draw at regulation time.
The directorate of airport operations (DAO) squared up for the third place with the directorate of engineering services (DES) in which DAO won with six goals to five on penalty. The first 90 minutes ended 1-1.
