IWD: FAAN MD launches mentorship program for staff

The female staff of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), on Saturday, March 8, joined their counterparts in Nigeria and around the world to mark the 2025 International Women’s Day.

Speaking at the event held at the FAAN headquarters in Lagos, the Managing Director, FAAN, Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, launched a comprehensive mentorship program and strategic gender equality.

Mrs. Kuku emphasized that true equality is about providing equal opportunities for both men and women, not granting preferential treatment. “We’re not talking about a revolution that tears things down, but an evolution that lifts everyone up.”

She rejected the notion of special privileges, such as allowing women to leave work early, pointing out that performance and deliverables should be the primary focus, regardless of gender.

“If you’re looking for a seat at the table, you need to be as rugged as the next person,” Mrs. Kuku asserted, urging women to be strategic in their decision-making and to focus on demonstrating their value.

“Ask for things because you have shown that you deserve it. The key word today is deserving.”

The FAAN MD highlighted the economic imperative of gender equality, citing studies that demonstrate the detrimental impact of excluding women from the economy.

“When we exclude women from the economy, we are essentially crippling our global economic engine. Companies with diverse leadership consistently outperform their less diverse competitors.”

Mrs. Kuku also addressed the challenges faced by women, including the motherhood wage penalty and the societal expectations that can hinder their career advancement.