For Mrs. Olubunmi Oluwaseun Kuku, the journey to the helm of affairs at the Federal Airports  Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, may have been divine. Indeed, her appointment, it appears, may have  been defined by uncommon grace, favour, and audacious dominion over daunting odds.

In a world where women are often over -looked and undervalued in a largely competitive male dominated millieu, Olubunmi Kuku has risen over and above the narrow societal calculation and political permutations to emerge the first female Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of FAAN, an

appointment that bears eloquent testimony and credence to her preparation, patriotism and professionalism.

Since she earned her well deserved epaulettes to the plum position in December 18, 2023, Mrs. Kuku has continued to inject her expertise to the management of FAAN and re-organization of the entire system, drawing accolades, applause and encouragements from the industry’s stakeholders who are aware of her professional experience in the last 25 years.

Speaking recently at Airports Council International (ACI) African Conference where she was newly admitted to its board, the FAAN boss revealed her plans and efforts to boost economic growth and attract investments to Nigeria’s airport through her leadership, contacts and connections.

The occasion which was held between February 24th and March 1st in Cairo, Egypt was not just an avenue to display her oratory prowess on the rostrum. It was a veritable platform to cultivate relationship with fellow CEOs and explore partnership opportunities. She disclosed FAAN’s dedication to adopting cutting-edge technologies, promising to revolutionize airport operations, passengers experiences and safety standards.

On the 28th of March, the new FAAN’s MD clocked 100 days in office and while many people believed it was too early to access her performance within the short space of time, others were of the opinion that Kuku has started well and exuded an unusual leadership style that is not only encouraging but will ultimately spell her success in office.

Regardless of the long list of Managing Directors who have preceded her in office, Kuku’s appointment as the first FAAN’s female boss remains an indelible footprint on the sands of time, and bears the imprimatur of a new dawn, renewed hope and best global practices.

She is a woman loaded with a sterling track record of professional accomplishments in both private and public sectors across the African continent. She is currently one of the growing list of female professionals who are making waves in Nigeria, shaking and moving the economic landscape.

Of course, she is not new in the system she had just found herself, neither is she a fresh starter in the business of managing Nigerian owned airports across the states. For four years, between 2011 and 2014, Mrs. Kuku monitored and understudied the aviation industry as a Special Adviser to Princess Stella Oduah, the then Minister of Aviation.

She had also acquired a robust experience at the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) where she held the position of General Manager, Business Development & Investment. While in NAMA, she was saddled with the responsibilities of increasing the agency’s revenue base through Aeronautical and non-Aeronautical sources.

She developed and implemented strategic plans to improve NAMA’s business development efforts, aligning actions with the agency’s overall goals while analysing market trends, identifying emerging opportunities and formulating strategies to capitalize on theme.

Her understanding and knowledge of the Nigerian Aviation industry is unarguable. Having been aware of the challenges and opportunities in the sector, Kuku had, until her assumption of duty, fortified herself with requisite preparation, competence and capacity that bear a reflection on her current resume as a new FAAN’s MD with a Midas touch.