New Honour.....FAAN boss Olubunmi Kuku recognized by the Center for International Advanced and Professional Studies (CIAPS)
What a buzz! The Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, just walked away with the CIAPS 2025 Excellence Award for her game‑changing leadership in the aviation sector. It’s the kind of news that makes you feel proud to be Nigerian, especially when a woman is breaking barriers and setting new standards for our airports.
Before she became the first female MD of FAAN, Kuku built an impressive résumé. Armed with a bachelor's degree in Finance from the University of Illinois and an MBA in International Finance & Strategic Management from DePaul University, she cut her teeth at Visa, Ernst & Young, and the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency. Her blend of finance savvy and strategic vision made her the perfect fit to steer Nigeria’s gateway to the world.
The CIAPS award wasn’t handed out on a whim. After a rigorous assessment that included performance reviews, sectoral nominations, and independent verification, the panel highlighted Kuku’s “dynamic, forward‑thinking administration” and her knack for turning vision into reality. The honour was presented at CIAPS’ End‑of‑Year Public Lecture, Awards Ceremony & Cocktail in Lagos
Since taking the helm two years ago, Kuku has turned FAAN into a model of operational efficiency. She rolled out the Acculturation Programme to reshape staff culture and tech‑readiness, launched monthly excellence awards to motivate teams, and spearheaded reforms that have modernised airport facilities and boosted safety compliance across the board. The result? Cleaner terminals, shorter queues, and a noticeable uptick in passenger satisfaction.
Her leadership style is all about empowerment. By celebrating staff who go the extra mile, Kuku has fostered a culture of pride and professionalism that ripples through every airport under FAAN’s wing. It’s not just about the big projects; it’s the day‑to‑day dedication that she amplifies, making sure every employee feels valued and driven to deliver their best.
On the international stage, Kuku’s influence stretches far beyond Nigeria’s borders. She’s been elected Vice President of ACI Africa and serves as a permanent member of the World Governing Board, collaborating with the World Bank, African Development Bank, and other multilateral bodies to shape aviation policy across the continent. Those connections help bring global best practices right to our doorstep.
As we celebrate this well‑deserved recognition, it’s clear that Olubunmi Kuku is not just transforming airports—she’s inspiring a new generation of leaders, especially women, to aim high and lead boldly. Her story is a reminder that with vision, integrity, and a dash of resilience, we can take Nigeria’s aviation sector to unprecedented heights.
*Achievements
- First female Managing Director of FAAN_ breaking gender barriers in a male‑dominated industry.
- CIAPS 2025 Excellence Award_ for transformative leadership in airport modernisation.
- Vice President of ACI Africa_ and permanent member of the World Governing Board, shaping continental aviation policy.
- Launch of the FAAN Acculturation Programme_ to upgrade staff skills for the digital age.
- Implementation of monthly excellence awards_ that boosted staff morale and operational performance.
- Successful reforms_ that improved operational efficiency, safety standards, and passenger experience across Nigerian airports.
- Strategic collaborations_ with the World Bank, AfDB, ECOWAS, IFC, and USAID to attract investment and best practices into Nigeria’s aviation sector.
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