Who is who in avation industry took time out of their very tight schedules to honour a woman of substance, Victoria Bamidele Shinaba as she took a dignifying bow out of the service of Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) after offering 35 years of meritorious service to the development of the industry and mankind.
Listening to the volume of encomiums pour on her at a ceremony in her honour at Welcome Hotels, Murtala Muhammed International Airport Road, Ajao Estate, Lagos by notable personalities in the Aviation industry in Nigeria one would realise
the arrays of attendees at the event held at Welcome Events Centre, Along Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos one have realized that the celebrated first female Regional General Manager, South West Airports, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) performed excellently well in her duties.
The two – in-one event, retirement and launching of her book titled: “MY RESILIENCE by Grace” ,The Memoir of My Bakery, attracted Presidency, retired and serving staff of the aviation industry, diplomats, airline officials, ground handlers and media personalities
Managing Director of FAAN, Captain Hamisu Yadudu who led the Management and staff of the Aviation agency to the event, describe Mrs Shinaba as a committed staff, a woman of God who also pays attention to her family.
Director of Airports Operations Capt. Muktar Muye under whose directorate Shin-Aba served as General Regional Manager South West and Airport Manager Murtala Muhammed International Airport Lagos, was full commendations for the retired first certified airport Manager in Nigeria
Specifically, Muye stated that it was during the tenure of Shin-Aba that the Murtala Muhammed International Airport got its certification from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), thus making it the first airport in Nigeria to be certified.
He described her as, ”very professional, thorough in all her duties. The driving force of the certification process.”
“As Regional General Manager, Shin-Aba led her team under the guidance of FAAN Management to the commissioning of the newly built international terminal, Murtala Muhammed International Airport by President Muhammadu Buhari,” Muye recalled.
The first female Regional General Manager South West Airports (FAAN) also received commendations from the Presidency through the Special Adviser to the President Muhammadu Buhari on Ease of Doing Business, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole on behalf of the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), said, the council enjoyed the cooperation and support of FAAN under her leadership at the Lagos airport.
“Not only they were delivered, they have also continued to be sustainably effective. It is on record that you were extremely hands-on with your supervision at the airport and always on your feet walking across all parts of there terminal and seeing things for your self”.
“As you settle into a well-deserved retirement, our earnest desire and prayer is that you enjoy your retirement in good health, with joy and peace surrounded by your loved ones,” Oduwole added.
Similarly, Travel and Tourism Ambassador, Mr. Ikechi Uko who decorated Shin-Aba with an award as one of the top100 Aviation Business Leaders in Nigeria 2020 said, the first female Airport Manager, Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos manned the most challenging airport in Africa and stand out among the top five women in aviators in Africa.
In his speech during the launching Shin-Aba’s auto-biography tagged: My Resilience: The Memoir of my Bakery.,” the Chief launcher of the book, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Air Peace, Barrister Allen Onyema who described Mrs Shin-Aba as a woman whom many, including himself, misunderstood for what she stands for, noted that the out-gone Regional General Manager, South West airports, FAAN is a sincere and thoroughbred human being who treats everyone with respect and sincerity.
Onyema narrated that his first meeting with her changed the wrong impressions given to him about Shin-Aba. He further described her as very dedicated Officer who is passionate and committed to her duties and wuo discharges her duties without fear or favour.
He said,” Mrs. Shin-Aba is a detribalised Nigerian who relates with everyone on merit, absolute sincerity and respect. She is very thorough and ready to assist within her capacity.
Onyema therefore called on the industry to create an opportunity that would give people of her qualities to keep rendering services to the industry even after their retirements from active service
The book 200 page book chronicles her birth, educational pursuit, challenges of life, her work experience, her service in FAAN, her achievements and recognitions among others.
Also members of her old students association at Iroko Comprehensive Grammar school, Iroko, Oyo State were not left out as they turned out in their large number to celebrate one of their own.
In a statement by their representative, Mr Sola Oginni, the old students said they are proud of Victoria Shinaba for being a good ambassador of their alma mater.
Other dignitaries in attendance were, all Directors and serving General Managers, FAAN, Former Regional General Manager South West Airports, FAAN, Mr Edward Olarerin, former Managing Director, Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Capt Fola Akinkuotu among others.
