BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
The Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, has extolled the immense value of sports in fostering both physical and mental well-being within an organisation.
According to her, workplace sports serve not only as a medium for healthy competition but also as a catalyst for nurturing teamwork, collaboration, and camaraderie among employees.
She made the declaration at the grand finale of the ‘10th FAAN Inter-directorate Sports Competition,’ which ended in Lagos yesterday.
In her vision, sports will remain a cornerstone of FAAN’s approach to creating a workplace where health, happiness, and success are inextricably linked.
The competition featured football matches, lawn tennis, table tennis, scrabble, chess, swimming, badminton, and draughts.
Other side attractions were taekwondo and cultural displays.
Kuku said the competition was more than a celebration of athletic achievements but also about the spirit of teamwork, camaraderie, and well-being.
“We recognise that a healthy and happy workforce is the backbone of our organisation’s success.
“I want to reaffirm that the welfare of our staff is, and will always remain, a top priority.
“This sports competition embodies our commitment to employee welfare, fostering an environment where our staff can relax and recharge, build meaningful relationships, and develop physical and mental well-being,” she said.
The FAAN Managing Director expressed joy to see various departments bonding on the field of play, remarking; “this is what makes FAAN a great place to work.”
She expressed her appreciation to the sports organising committee and the participating directorates.
“As we celebrate, let us remember that every directorate is a champion in its own right; every staff member is valued and appreciated, and every moment of camaraderie strengthens our FAAN family,” she added.
Also speaking, the Director of Human Resources and Administration, Dr. Luqman Emiola, emphasised that the true essence of the competition goes beyond winning or losing.
“It is about promoting a healthy work environment, fostering unity, and encouraging teamwork. Victory is not solely defined by winning; knowing when to accept defeat graciously and rejoicing with one another is equally important.
“Today, we are celebrating champions; we celebrate teamwork that strengthens our bond, perseverance that pushes us beyond limits, and sportsmanship that inspires excellence,” he added.
In the thrilling finale of the football tournament, the Directorate of Aviation Security Services (DASS) triumphed over the Managing Director/Directorate of Legal Services (MD/DLS) with a 5-4 victory in a nail-biting penalty shootout.
The match had initially concluded in a 2-2 stalemate at the end of regulation time, keeping spectators on the edge of their seats.
For the third-place contest, the Directorate of Airport Operations (DAO) faced off against the Directorate of Engineering Services (DES), securing a 6-5 win after another intense penalty shootout.
The match had also ended in a 1-1 draw after 90 minutes, further highlighting the competitive spirit of the tournament.
