…..dedicates award to Staff
The Director General, Civil Aviation, Capt. Chris Ona Najomo, has been honoured with the prestigious ‘Aviation Man of the Year’ Award 2024, in recognition of his exceptional leadership and contributions to Nigeria’s aviation sector.
The award was presented by Air Transport Quarterly Magazine at a grand ceremony in Lagos.
The organizers praised Capt. Najomo for his unwavering dedication to promoting excellence, safety, and innovation in the industry.
They described the award as an evidence to his tireless efforts in fostering growth and transformation within the sector.
Also to Capt. Najomo’s individual recognition, the Directorate of Consumer Protection, NCAA, also received the award for Best Digital Transformation Initiatives in Consumer Protection 2024, indicating the agency’s commitment to enhancing consumer rights and technological advancements in aviation.
Fondly referred to as “Jolly Papa” by colleagues, Capt. Najomo has earned a reputation as a visionary leader who prioritizes both operational efficiency and employee well-being.
Described as an “employee-centric” director general, he has fostered a work environment where staff members feel valued, motivated, and empowered to excel.
Speaking at the event, the chairman of the occasion, Mr. Adeola Fadairo hailed him as the “Blessed DG”, emphasizing his impact on both the regulatory framework and the workforce under his leadership.
Upon receiving the award, Capt. Najomo expressed his gratitude to the NCAA staff for their dedication to ensuring air travel safety in Nigeria.
“To God be the glory, I dedicate this award to all the staff of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority and to God Almighty. It’s not about me being man of the year; it’s about the collective efforts we have put into making aviation safer and better”.
He further acknowledged the crucial role of his managerial team and staff, highlighting their commitment as the driving force behind the agency’s success.
The DGCA stated, “Once your staff is happy, they are happy to work, and once work is going on, the place is improved”.
Capt. Najomo also reflected on past recognitions, recalling that in the previous year, Champion Newspaper had honoured him for his transformative leadership.
He noted that consecutive recognitions serve as motivation to continue pushing boundaries in aviation governance.
“Last year, it was Champion Newspaper, and this year, it’s Air Transport Quarterly. It shows that our work is being recognized, and it only pushes us to do more,” he added.
The ‘Aviation Man of the Year Award’ is one of the most coveted honours in the industry, celebrating individuals who have made significant contributions to the growth and development of aviation in Nigeria.
With this latest recognition, Capt. Najomo reaffirms his commitment to excellence, innovation, and a safer aviation sector for all.
