Techeconomy correspondent, who was at the MMIA, reported of unfolding of events since Mr. Festus Keyamo, the minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, was appointed to revolutionize the sector.

In the course of survey, it was noted that the international airport has taken a leap forward in terms of administration and management under current teams of leadership of the Airport. Most importantly, the E-wings of the airport have been thoroughly cleaned with due diligence and attention to details.

Our correspondent also observed that the said MMIA E-Wing has received a facelift unlike what was obtainable in the past.

On further interrogation, it was gathered that the said development at the airport cannot be separated from the current management and exemplary leadership of Olubunmi Oluwaseun Kuku (Mrs.) who recently took over as the MD/CEO, Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).

Kuku has been up and doing and relentlessly pursuing the mandate to upgrade the aviation industry, whilst committing  to bringing about positive change to the sector.

Upon assumption of office, Mrs. Kuku on 18th December 2023, she promised improvement in service delivery, stating, “My mission at FAAN is simple, I am here to complement the good work you have all been doing and consolidate on the foundation that the previous management have laid. We will pursue and deliver on all our obligations to the nation and the international community.”

She stressed that, FAAN, “shall work within the framework of the Renewed Hope Agenda as enunciated by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and in accordance with the policy and program direction of Mr. Festus Keyamo, the Honorable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development.

Against the background of the dutifully well-done job at the E- wing axis of the international airport, was Lakewood Development company limited, a facility maintenance and Janitorial service company.

Investigation from a reliable source revealed that the said organization had been deploying the best of it tools and professional grit in ensuring the E-Wing of international airport is comfortable for visitors and users.

Our source affirmed that since Lakewood facilities and janitorial services took over the E-wing of the international airport, outstanding service delivery has been the other of the day, courtesy of using the state of earth equipment in service delivery.

Accordingly, the “Renew hope Agenda of president Bola Ahmed Tinubu which has made lot of changes visible in Murtala Mohammed international Airport Lagos and Aviation industry generally should be commended”, the source said.

Earlier, Festus Keyamo, already set for himself the vision to repositioning the aviation sector through revenue generation and growth. The human right activist turned Minister target includes; ensuring strict compliance with national laws, regulations and international obligations; improvement and development of infrastructure for passenger convenience; support for the growth and sustenance   of local airline businesses; human capacity development and optimization and many more.

Implicit in the above is that with such janitorial service and topnotch excellence displayed by the Lakewood facility and Janitorial services should be replicated in other area of Murtala Mohammed international Airport.

Just this last month (February 2024), at the Nigeria Aviation Award (NIGAV) in Lagos state, Keyamo noted that despite operating in a though environment, the government and Nigerians travelers still hold the Aviation sector in the highest esteem.

He said that the current administration understands and appreciates the importance of the aviation sector in fast-tracking development, hinting that it had begun to empower the industry by investing heavily in infrastructure to give it a safe backbone to operate and encourage public-private partnerships.

Before then, the Delta born, human right activist, has also show an early sign of purpose driven leadership by suspending the controversial Nigeria Air planned operation and concession of airports two weeks after he was sworn in as the aviation minister and less than four months after his predecessor, Senator Hadi Sirika unveiled the controversial airline in May 2023.

With the recent happenings and development in the Nigerian Aviation sector, and the Murtala Mohammed Airport under the leadership of Mrs. Kuku, it is pertinent that all hands be on deck and every other sector of the economy be driven by the renewed hope of the president Bola Ahmed Tinubu as evidence in the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace development where due diligence, delivery of services is currently   benefiting the masses.

With a remarkable career that spans over two decades, Kuku’s professional journey is a testament to her expertise, leadership, and unwavering dedication to the aviation industry.

Olubunmi Kuku’s academic foundation is as impressive as her professional one. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Finance from the prestigious University of Illinois in 2000, demonstrating early on her aptitude for complex financial systems.

Not resting on her laurels, she furthered her education by obtaining an MBA in International Finance & Strategic Management from DePaul University’s Kellstadt Graduate School of Business in 2004. These academic achievements laid the groundwork for a career marked by strategic insight and innovative thinking.

Before shattering the glass ceiling at FAAN, Kuku honed her skills in various high-impact roles. Her tenure as Vice President and Head of Visa Consulting & Analytics for Sub-Saharan Africa at Visa saw her drive significant growth and development in the region.

She also brought her expertise to Ernst & Young (EY) as a Partner in Business Consulting, showcasing her ability to navigate and transform complex business environments.

Furthermore, her role as a General Manager at the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) overseeing Business Development & Investment underlined her capability in steering organizations towards success.

Kuku’s influence extends beyond the corporate realm into strategic sectors of the economy. She has played a pivotal role in driving transformative growth, notably in her advisory capacity for Strategy & Infrastructure Development at the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency.

Her hands-on involvement with the former Minister of Aviation and as General Manager for Business Development at the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency underscored her deep commitment to the aviation sector.

Collaborating with prestigious development and multilateral agencies, Kuku has engaged with the World Bank, African Development Bank (AFDB), Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), International Finance Corporation (IFC), and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). These collaborations highlight her ability to work at the intersection of international development and strategic economic planning.

Kuku’s professional affiliations and certifications further underscore her commitment to excellence.

Her participation in the Executive Leadership Program, IGNITE, at INSEAD Business School/Visa in 2023, her status as a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Business Development since 2014, her membership in the National Institute of Marketing Nigeria since 2016, and her Executive Education at Harvard Business School in 2004, all speak volumes of her continuous pursuit of professional development and excellence.

Appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Kuku’s ascent to the top echelons of FAAN was not just a career milestone but also a significant moment in Nigerian aviation history. Known for her impeccable leadership skills and dedication, she has always been at the forefront of innovation and efficiency, setting new standards in airport management and operations.

Kuku’s achievements extend beyond her professional capabilities. Her appointment as the Managing Director of FAAN is a significant milestone in breaking gender barriers in a traditionally male-dominated field.

She has not only paved the way for future female leaders in aviation but also left an indelible mark on the history of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria.

In her role at FAAN, Olubunmi Oluwaseun Kuku is tasked with spearheading initiatives towards creating a safer, more consumer-centric aviation landscape in Nigeria.

She is set to establish high standards and efficiency within the industry, demonstrating her dedication, expertise, and unwavering commitment to excellence.

Her leadership is crucial in promoting the goals of the aviation sector and aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision for a renewed and prosperous Nigeria.

Kuku’s journey is not just inspiring but also a beacon of hope and a model for aspiring leaders in the aviation industry and beyond.

This is following her recent appointment as the new MM/CEO of FAAN by President Bola Tinubu.

At a brief handover ceremony held at the FAAN’s Operational Headquarters in Lagos, Mr. Kabir Mohammed, the erstwhile MD/CEO, expressed his appreciation to all staff of the Authority for the cooperation and support he enjoyed while he served as the Chief Executive of the organisation.

According to a statement by Faithful Hope-Ivbaze (Mrs.), acting director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at FAAN, the immediate past MD enjoined them to ensure to support the new Management, so that the objectives of the organisation can be achieved.