BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
Staff of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) celebrated yesterday as the Managing Director and Chief Executive, Engineer Farouk Umar Ahmed, officially flagged off the maiden edition of the MD’s Median Football Competition at the Agency’s Corporate Headquarters in Abuja.
The event was flavoured with a soothing announcement of a salary raise which the MD said was in the offing.
The event, which drew an impressive turnout of staff from across directorates, was not only about sportsmanship but also about deepening bonds within the organisation. Engineer Ahmed, visibly delighted by the enthusiasm of the workforce, described the occasion as “a milestone that marks the beginning of a new culture of unity, camaraderie, and recreation in NAMA.”
He added: “This competition is not just about football,” he told the cheering crowd.
“It is about breaking barriers, promoting teamwork and creating a platform for greater understanding and collaboration across the Agency. It has come to stay and will now be an annual event organised by the Directorate of Public Affairs and Consumer Affairs.”
The MD commended the Directorate for conceiving and executing the initiative, which he said would go a long way in boosting staff morale and reinforcing team spirit within the agency.
According to him, the leadership of NAMA remains committed to creating avenues where staff can interact outside the confines of work, thereby nurturing a healthier and more collaborative workplace culture.
On the salary upgrade, he said; “To the delight of everyone here, I am pleased to inform you that the National Income, Salaries and Wages Commission has approved the new salary structure for NAMA.
This will officially take effect on Friday, 29th August 2025,” he declared.
The announcement was greeted with thunderous applause and cheers, with many staff visibly moved by the gesture. For them, it was more than just a pay rise; it was a recognition of their dedication and contribution to the agency’s growth.
Speaking on behalf of his directorate, the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Affairs expressed gratitude to the MD for his unwavering support and hands-on leadership style.
He praised Engr. Ahmed for balancing the demands of his high office with genuine concern for staff welfare, describing the MD’s involvement in the kickoff ceremony as “a reflection of leadership by example.”
“The fact that our MD, despite his tight schedule, is here with us today to personally flag off this competition shows his commitment to staff welfare in every dimension – from remuneration to recreation,” he said.
The opening ceremony climaxed with a symbolic kickoff by Engr. Ahmed, signaling the commencement of the football tournament.
The competition, which will feature teams drawn from various directorates, promises weeks of excitement, healthy rivalry, and collective celebration.
For many staff, the event was more than just the beginning of a football contest; it was a reminder that the agency’s leadership is not only focused on operational efficiency but also on building a motivated, united, and inspired workforce.
