By Chidi Ugwu
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the aviation industry regulatory body, is driving a healthy and productive staff leveraging sporting activities, the Director of Corporate Services, Dr. (Mrs). Rebecca Enyiuche Aghadinazu has said.
She stated this during an engagement with the media on Saturday ahead the maiden edition of the DGCA SPORTS WEEK 2025.
This historic event, the first of its kind in NCAA’s 25-year history, will feature over 300 athletes from regional offices (Abuja, Enugu, Lagos, Kano and Port Harcourt) and the headquarters, competing in Football, Swimming, Chess, Table Tennis, Ayo, and other indoor games.
The event will run from 23rd to 29th of June 2025 at the Nigerian Airforce Base sports complex, Airport Road. The opening will start at 1PM.
She said the event actively supported by the Director-General, Civil Aviation, Capt. Chris Ona Najomo, is an initiative aims to promote unity, fitness, teamwork, resilience, and institutional pride across the Authority.
The Director further indicated that the event will be an annual event because sports potential benefits to staff morale and productivity.
“We need to be healthy to be productive. The event will enhance team work, bonding, unwind, reduce tension and happiness amongst staff. There are a lot of benefits with sports because it has a blend of values. Sports also enhances bonding, discipline, and relieves stress” she stressed.
She added that with NCAA staff indulging in sports, it will improve their health and ultimately, productivity at work.
The Chairman of the NCAA Sports Club, Mr. Razak Sowunmi at the briefing said the NCAA takes sporting activities very serious in order to balance the well being of workers.
“You must be on top of your heath and mindset to regulate properly” he emphasized.
He said the sporting facilities are all conducive, security well provided with the complement of healthcare providers. We have paramedic stationed he assured.
“The wellbeing of staff is key. In the 25 years of existence, this is the first time we are having a sports week” he reiterated.
Also speaking, the Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mr. Michael Achimugu, said DGCA Capt. Chris Najomo upon assumption of duty promised to bring a number of changes in the Authority and has proven himself a man of his words.
“One of the myriad pledges he made was to build a CAA were the staff are fit, healthier and productive. One of the ways he has fulfilled that pledge is to ensure that the CAA staff have better insurance packages. This is because healthy and productive regulatory staff make a better industry” he noted.
He also indicated that the sports week is part of the DGCA’s promise to staff.
“Today, we are presenting to the world the maiden edition of the DGCA Sports Week” he said with excitement.
