The Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Capt. Chris Ona Najomo, has been conferred with an Honorary Fellowship by the Nigerian Institution of Safety Engineers (NISafetyE) in recognition of his outstanding contributions to aviation safety.
The prestigious Honorary Fellowship is reserved for professionals who have demonstrated a steadfast commitment to safety in their careers and workplaces. Capt. Najomo, with over 44 years of experience as an aviator, has maintained impeccable safety records, making him a deserving recipient of the award.
Additionally, two officials from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) were honored with Fellowships of the Institution. They are Engr. Ini Udofia, Technical Assistant, and Engr. Dr. Iteke C. Ifeanyi, General Manager of Air Operator Certification and Surveillance.
The Fellowships were formally conferred by Engr. Oluseun Faluyi, FNSE, FNISafetyE, the National Chairman of NISafetyE, during a ceremony at the NCAA Corporate Headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday.
Speaking at the event, Engr. Faluyi highlighted the critical role regulators like the NCAA play in ensuring public safety. He emphasized the importance of collaboration, stating, “We believe you should be part of this professional circle of trust, where knowledge-sharing and technical expertise drive continuous improvement in safety standards.”
In his acceptance speech, Capt. Najomo underscored the paramount importance of safety in aviation. “Safety engineering is the backbone of aviation safety, from designing secure systems to implementing robust safety management practices. Strategic collaboration, continuous innovation, and unwavering commitment to safety standards are key to achieving safer skies for all,” he stated.
He further reiterated his commitment to strengthening collaboration between the NCAA and NISafetyE. “Together, we can enhance our safety frameworks, share best practices, and develop capacity-building programs to empower the next generation of safety professionals,” he affirmed.
Capt. Najomo also stressed the need for a strong partnership in Research & Development to tackle emerging safety challenges and ensure Nigeria consistently meets and exceeds global aviation safety standards.
Acknowledging the collective effort behind NCAA’s success, he dedicated the honor to the safety professionals within the Authority. “Our achievements are the result of the dedication and commitment of our management team and staff, backed by the unwavering support of the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development,” he said.
The recognition of Capt. Najomo and his colleagues highlights NCAA’s dedication to upholding the highest safety standards in Nigeria’s aviation sector.
