Festus Keyamo, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, has unveiled Abdullahi Ganduje, the immediate past former national chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, as Chairman of the Board of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN.
The unveiling was revealed in a video posted on X by the Special Adviser for Digital Media to the Minister, Gbenga Saka, during Wednesday’s inauguration ceremony in Abuja.
This comes just a few days after Ganduje resigned as chairman of the ruling party.
Ganduje, a former governor of Kano State, was inaugurated alongside other board members, including FAAN’s managing director, Ms Olubunmi Kuku; Ms Dorothy Duruaka; Ahmed Ibrahim Suleiman; Nasiru Muazu; Omozojie Okoboh; TP Vembe; and Bridget Gold, who will act as the board’s secretary.
Speaking at the event, Keyamo said, “As we inaugurate this new board, we carry the weight of expectation that we must continue to foster an environment where aviation can thrive, connect diverse regions, and promote socioeconomic development across our nation.
“The challenges we face are numerous—from infrastructure deficits to the ever-evolving dynamics of global aviation. Yet, I am confident that the wealth of experience and expertise that each of you brings to this board will be instrumental in steering FAAN towards achieving its mission.”
He also charged the newly formed board with supporting FAAN and carrying out its tasks as outlined in the FAAN Act.
“To the newly inaugurated board members, you have been entrusted with a critical mandate. You are not merely figureheads; you are the architects of our aviation future. Your role demands a meticulous approach to governance, a commitment to transparency, and an unwavering dedication to the principles enshrined in the Federal Airports Authority Act. These include ensuring safety and security, promoting sustainable development, enhancing passenger experience, and fostering collaboration.
“As you embark on this new chapter, remember that the eyes of the nation are upon you. The success of FAAN is not measured merely by financial growth but by the impact it has on the lives of ordinary Nigerians. Your work will ensure that our airports become not just gateways to the world but also symbols of national pride and progress,” he noted.
Ganduje responded by pledging the board members’ dedication and support to ensure FAAN and the ministry’s growth.
Ganduje said, “As a board, we will assist you in moving this ministry to the next level. There is no doubt we will study the Act of FAAN in order to see our boundary so that we do not exceed our boundary.
“I know this is a common problem between the boards and the executive management and the ministry. So we are fully conscious of this. Therefore, the board members and I will study the Act so that we do not go out of bounds; we do not overshoot. But at the same time, we do not exhibit mediocrity by not doing what we are expected to do.
“I assure you, in conjunction with the executive management, we will ensure service delivery because that is the whole essence of FAAN.
“Service delivery – and this service delivery – is becoming more and more complicated because there are so many stakeholder institutions, both at the national level and the international level. And we must be conscious of Nigeria as a country that is a leading country in Africa. Therefore, we must exhibit our services to the best international standards.”
![Rev. Fr. Anthony Odiong, a US-based Nigerian Louisiana Catholic priest, was arrested in Florida on Tuesday for possessing child pornography, according to law authorities. The suspect is reportedly accused of many other cases of sexual assault. The Waco, Texas, Police Department announced in a Facebook post on Tuesday that officers detained Father Anthony Odiong in Ave Maria, Florida, with assistance from the United States Marshals Service. Waco police announced in March that they had received "credible information" about a sexual assault allegedly committed by Odiong in Texas in 2012. “During the subsequent investigation, a case of possession of child pornography was uncovered,” the police said. The priest was apprehended in Florida by the Caribbean Regional Fugitive Task Force. The Waco Police Department said that he will be extradited to Texas. Odiong had previously served in the Archdiocese of New Orleans before being removed as priest in December of last year due to controversy over homilies in which he claimed, among other things, that the Catholic Church was being taken over by "the gays." At the time, the priest was also accused of abusive behaviour; a Louisiana lady claimed in U.S. bankruptcy court that Odiong had committed both financial and sexual abuse against her. Prior to joining the New Orleans Archdiocese, Odiong served in at least two Texas parishes. On Tuesday, Waco police stated that during their sexual assault investigation, "the presence of other survivors was revealed." “Multiple women have come forward to tell similar experiences as the sexual assault survivor who reported the initial allegation,” the police department said. “Survivors’ experiences ranged from sexual assault and indecent assault, more commonly recognised as groping, and financial abuse, with some survivors experiencing every element of Anthony Odiong’s manipulation.” The police said they “believe there may be more survivors, and we wish to speak with anyone who [has] had similar encounters” with the priest. The Archdiocese of New Orleans issued a brief news release on Tuesday noting Odiong's arrest in Florida. The archdiocese “encourages anyone with any information to contact law enforcement,” the release said.](https://chronicle.ng/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/ezgif-6-4730550ede-450x300.jpg "Odiong: US-based Nigerian Catholic priest convicted over sexual assault")
