By Chidi Ugwu
The Director General, Civil Aviation, Capt. Chris Ona Najomo has bagged an Honorary Fellowship of the prestigious Nigerian Institution of Safety Engineers (NISafetyE) for ensuring safety standards in the aviation industry.
The Honorary Fellowship is conferred only on professionals who have prioritised safety in their carriers and workplace. Capt. Najomo in his over 44 years as an aviator has impeccable safety credentials hence the award.
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In addition, two staff of the Nigeria Aviation Authority (NCAA) were also conferred with the Fellowship of the Institution.
They include; Engr. Ini Udofia, Technical Assistant, and Engr. Dr. Iteke C. Ifeanyi, the General Manager, Air Operator Certification and Surveillance.
Engr Oluseun Faluyi, FNSE, FNISafetyE, the National Chairman Nigerian Institution of Safety Engineers (NISafetyE) conferred the Fellowships on behalf of the Institution at the NCAA Corporate Headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday.
Shortly before the conferment of the Fellowship, the Chairman said the institution recognized that many regulators, such as the NCAA, have engineers who are engaged in ensuring public safety, which is a cardinal responsibility of any responsible government.
“That is why we believe that you should be part of this professional circle of trust, where knowledge-sharing and technical expertise drive continuous improvement in safety standards” he stated..
“We see an opportunity for greater collaboration between the NCAA and NiSafetyE” he said.
Responding on behalf of the new Fellows, the DGCA Capt. Chris Najomo said the aviation industry is where safety is paramount, and the unique roles of safety engineers, and indeed other safety professionals such as pilots, air traffic controllers and occupational safety & health personnel cannot be overemphasized.
“From designing safer systems and structures to implementing robust safety management practices, indeed safety engineering is the backbone of aviation safety. It is through strategic collaboration, continuous innovation, and unwavering commitment to safety standards that we can achieve safer skies for all” he noted.
As Director General of NCAA, he said he “recognized the pivotal role that the Nigerian Institution of Safety Engineers can play in advancing safety engineering practices.”
He also said he sees an excellent opportunity for synergy and deeper collaboration between the NCAA and the Institution.
“Together, we can enhance our safety frameworks, share best practices, and develop capacity-building programs that empower the next generation of safety professionals” he affirmed.
Capt. Najomo further indicated that “by fostering a strong partnership, for example, in Research & Development, we can address emerging safety challenges and ensure that Nigeria continues to meet and exceed global aviation safety standards.”
He acknowledged that the NCAA achievements are as a result of team effort.
“Our modest accomplishments have been made possible by the collective will and dedication from the Management – some of whom you see here today – and by extension, the entire staff of the Authority. This is backed by the unwavering support of the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development.
I dedicate this honour, therefore, to the generality of the safety professionals in NCAA who tirelessly work to uphold the highest standards of safety in the aviation sector” he said.
