Chinedu Eze
The Managing Director, Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) Captain Fola Akinkuotu has pledged to ensure prompt payment of the agency’s retirees’ benefits.
Speaking at the sendforth ceremony organised by members of Aeronautical Information Service (AIS) in Lagos, Akinkuotu lamented that in some cases, it was difficult for retirees to get their entitlements after serving their fatherland for 35 years.
According to Akinkuotu, the agency would strive to ensure that every retiree was paid at the point of exit, noting that a labourer is entitled to his wages.
He also advised the working class to always remember that their labour would not be in vain, and expressed worry that workers suffer after retirement.
While commending them for their unblemished record and contributions to the system while in service, Akinkuotu assured them that the agency would always consult them when necessary.
“The working class should always remember that their labour will not be in vain, the labour of the retirees will not be in vain,” he said.
In a speech, the president of Aeronautical Information Services Association of Nigeria (AISAN) Babatunde Shittu commended its members who retired from service recently.
Shittu said that AIS is able to get to where they are today through dedication, hard work, sense of purpose and firm belief in all and determination of the retirees to promote the growth and development of Aeronautical Information Services (AIS) as a profession of dignity and respect.
“Your track record and reputation in the aviation industry speak volumes about your humble disposition and strong passion for professionalism and the attitude of doing things right always. You were a mentor to me and many of my colleagues in the AIS profession whom you helped to inspire in so many ways”, the AISAN President said.
Shittu said he was elated to be in their mist for the send forth of the retired members.
“I see today as being a part of history and partaking in sharing the experiences of your meritorious services in our esteemed agency. We are here today to show our respect and love to our dear professional elderly colleagues”.
Shittu added: “It is true that when someone retires, it is a very special occasion the culmination of ones career in civil service especially in aviation industry where we are saddled with the responsibility to ensure safety, regularity and efficiency of air navigation by the provisions of timely and quality dissemination of aeronautical information. Although, this is a special occasion for them, a number of us, myself inclusive have mixed feelings about it. It is hard for me to be making this speech and saying goodbye to my colleagues, but at the same time we know that you are leaving us in good”.
He said that AIS department would miss them, “but we promise to live up to your extraordinarily high standards. Once more, thank you for giving us this memorable opportunity to wish you the best in your future endeavors. I am sure you will find new opportunities and pleasures in your new life”, he said.
