BY Olapeju Olubi
Soothing news came the way of Nigeria, as the Director, Special Duties at the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Alhaji Ahmad Abba, has emerged the new Executive Vice President for Africa and Middle East Region of the International Federation of Air Traffic Controllers Associations (IFATCA).
His emergence was at the 63rd Annual Conference of the global Air Traffic Controllers body which ends today, Friday April 19th in Singapore.
Before his election into the new position, the Borno state-born alumni of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru, Jos, was the Regional Vice President for IFATCA in the Western Sub region.
Speaking to journalists on his victory at the poll, Abba, an International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) certified Instructor and Auditor said his election is an affirmation of the confidence the global body has in Nigeria affirming that the country and especially the Air Traffic Controllers will benefit immensely from it.
The Air Transport Management Specialist and Search and Rescue expert commended the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, the Managing Director of NAMA, Engineer Farouk Ahmed and the Nigerian Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) for the role they played in ensuring that Nigeria is recognise on the global body of ATCs.
On his vision for the African and Middle East Region of the association, the Air Navigation Services Regulator and Air Transport Service incident and accident investigator said “I will be dedicated to enhancing formal partnerships and collaborations with regional representatives of organisations such as ICAO, Civil Air Navigation Services Organisations and other relevant bodies”
He added that “my team and I will advocate for increasing the presence of women in leadership position among ATCs in our region.
Through mentorship programme, we will connect experienced women air traffic controllers with aspiring professionals, providing guidance, support, and avenues for career growth”
“My goal is to enable air traffic controllers to fully leverage these opportunities for continuous growth and skill development. A well trained and up to date air traffic controller is the cornerstone of a safe and efficient airspace.” He told journalists.
Meanwhile, congratulatory messages have continued to pour in over the NAMA Director’s election at IFATCA.
President, Alumni Association of the National Institute (AANI), Ambassador E.O Okafor and the National Executive Committee of the body congratulated Alhaji Abba on what they described as a well-deserved election.
In a document made available to journalists, the association said
“AANI joyously extends its heartfelt congratulations to the esteemed Alhaji Ahmad Abba mni FCPA, an exemplary luminary in our ranks, on his momentous election as the Executive Vice President for the Africa and Middle East Region of the IFATCA.
“In celebrating his ascension to this prestigious position, it is imperative to reflect upon the profound depth of his contributions to the aviation industry in Nigeria and indeed, to the broader landscape of national development in the country.
“His life, characterised by an unwavering commitment to excellence and service, stands as a testament to his indomitable spirit and dedication to advancing the aviation sector.
“Beyond his illustrious career achievements, Alhaji Ahmad Abba mni FCPA embodies the quintessence of wisdom and knowledge, honed through years of experience and his participation in the esteemed Senior Executive Course at our cherished alma mater, the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru.
“Born on September 16, 1970, in Gamboru-Ngala, Borno State, Alhaji Ahmad Abba’s academic journey commenced at Gamboru Central Primary School, culminating in his attainment of a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree with First Class Honours in Geography from the University of Maiduguri.
“His relentless pursuit of knowledge further saw him earn advanced degrees in remote sensing applications, disaster risk management, and development studies.
“His professional trajectory as an air traffic controller, marked by continuous learning and expertise enhancement, exemplifies his commitment to excellence. From completing the ICAO Standard Diploma in Air Traffic Control to attending numerous specialized courses both nationally and internationally, his dedication to mastery is unparalleled.
Alhaji Ahmad Abba Mni FCPA’s leadership roles within NATCA, his pioneering initiatives, and his service as Director of Special Duties at NAMA underscore his profound impact and influence within the aviation community.”
“Our association AANI stands proudly alongside Alhaji Ahmad Abba Mni FCPA, rejoicing in his achievements and offering our unwavering support as he embarks on this new chapter of leadership within IFATCA.
“We extend our warmest congratulatory message to him and his loving family, wishing him continued success and confidence in his ability to elevate IFATCA to unprecedented heights.
Congratulations, Alhaji Ahmad Abba mni FCPA, Director of Special Duties at NAMA, on this unprecedented pioneering feat, your well-deserved election as the Executive Vice President, Africa and Middle East Region of the International Federation of IFATCA!” the alumni body further said.
