*I have no regret – Olatunji
…as Airport GM lauds her dedication, professionalism
By Mike Adeyemi
Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, was agog penultimate Wednesday as the aviation industry rolled out the drums to celebrate Mrs. Olabisi Olatunji (JP), the immediate past Deputy General Manager, Public Affairs, General Tunde Idiagbon International Airport, Ilorin, who bowed out of service after 35 years of meritorious service.
The colourful ceremony, held at the Hajj section of the airport, also marked Olatunji’s 60th birthday, attracting dignitaries and crème de la crème of the aviation industry who gathered to celebrate her remarkable career and contributions to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).
The event was marked by an outpouring of tributes and accolades, with speakers describing the celebrant as a committed and exemplary public servant whose professionalism, dedication and integrity had brought honour and a positive reputation to FAAN throughout her years of service.
Speaking with our reporter at the event, the Airport Manager, General Tunde Idiagbon International Airport, Ilorin, Aderibigbe Adekunle Suraju, described Olatunji as an astute public servant who has brought reputation to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), urging other staff of the organisation to emulate her sense of dedication.
According to him, “Today is not merely a farewell. It is a celebration of a life of service, dedication, professionalism and achievements. It is also an opportunity for us to express our appreciation to a person who has made meaningful contributions to the growth and reputation of our organisation, FAAN.’
“As the Deputy General Manager of Public Affairs, she has represented the organisation with commitment and professionalism, helping to strengthen relationships with stakeholders, the media, passengers, host communities and the general public.
“Public Affairs is not always an easy assignment. It requires the ability to communicate the organisation’s vision while managing expectations, addressing concerns and protecting the reputation of the institution. In this regard, Olatunji has demonstrated admirable commitment and resilience,” the General Manager said.
Aderibigbe added that the retiree had, beyond her official duties, impacted and mentored many people around her, describing her philanthropic gestures towards humanity as second to none.
“Beyond official responsibilities, however, what makes a career truly memorable is the impact one has on colleagues and the people around them. These personal contributions may not always appear in official records, but they are among the most enduring legacies of a successful career.
“At 60, we celebrate not only age but experience, wisdom and the many lessons gathered through decades of life and service. Retirement, therefore, should not be seen as an end, but as the beginning of another exciting chapter.
“As you retire, we wish you good health, peace, fulfilment and abundant happiness. May the years ahead be even more rewarding than the years behind you,” the GM prayed.
Also speaking at the event, the Branch Manager of Ecobank, who is also the younger brother of the retiree, Olaseinde Olabanji, described his sister as a rare gem and a philanthropist of note. He said that if not for her tutelage, support and encouragement, he might have ended up as an okada rider today.
“My elder sister has a passion for humanity. I can count up to 10 cousins and relatives who lived with her back then, and she catered for all of them. She has elevated a lot of people to greatness. She has a passion for her siblings, a passion for humanity, a passion for growth and human development. She would want to see people do well in life, and she can as well be bitter with you if you are not making progress, having invested so much in you.
“One particular trait I tapped from her is that aspect of helping people. She is a strong philanthropist. She doesn’t want to see people going through hardship. That trait has been what has kept me going in my banking career of over 25 years, as, by the grace of God, I have been able to put close to 20 people into this job, riding on my passion for people.
“I said if my sister could do this for me, I will also emulate her ideology of helping people,” Olabanji said.
The banking executive, however, used the medium to appeal to his sister, Olatunji, to use her retirement to get closer to God. He also urged her to pursue her PhD programme and sustain her philanthropic gesture towards humanity.
“As she retires today, I want to encourage her to get closer to God. She should go ahead with her PhD and sustain her humanitarian services.
“On behalf of the Olaseinde family, I want to appreciate the management and staff of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Ilorin International Airport, for rejoicing with our sister. I want to thank them for this befitting package,” he stressed.
While speaking with our medium shortly after the event, the elated former Deputy General Manager, Public Affairs, General Tunde Idiagbon International Airport, Ilorin, Mrs. Olabisi Olatunji (JP), said she was overwhelmed by the send-off programme organised in her honour, describing her 35 years of service as remarkable and saying she had no regret.
“I am overwhelmed with joy. It is unbelievable. When I came into this arena and I was shedding tears, I asked myself, ‘Is it me?’ It’s wonderful. I want to appreciate the Airport Manager, Mr. Aderibighe Adekunle Suraju, for what he has done for me today. God Almighty will favour him and his family,” the ex-DGM prayed.
Responding to a question on her experience in public service over the last 35 years, Olatunji said the journey had been good and wonderful, describing herself as a child of destiny whom God had shown great favour, having cheated death six times.
“The experience has been good and wonderful. God has blessed me mightily. God has blessed me financially, and it afforded me the privilege to train my younger ones. God has used me to impact lives.
“I have no regret. God has shown me mercy. I cheated death six times. If there is anybody that God loves in this world, it is me. Even Facebook confirmed it that God loves me. Today’s occasion is another attestation that God loves me. I survived many deaths.
“Life has taught me that whatever you sow is what you will reap. If you build human beings, one day God will build you. If I had invested in gold and silver, today I may not have this opportunity. I invested in humanity. I dug boreholes in my village. I dug wells too.
“Yes, I am a child of destiny. I said this because, as a child of destiny, there is no way you will not face persecution and attacks. But if you are focused, hardworking and diligent, you will get there. God can destine one for greatness, but if you don’t work towards it, you may not actualise it.
“There was a massive retirement in FAAN on two occasions, in 1996 and 2006. I survived it. They didn’t sack me. The management saw my dedication and hard work. I developed myself and I worked hard. So, God has been so good to me,” Olatunji affirmed.
The former Deputy General Manager, however, used the medium to appreciate the management and staff of the General Tunde Idiagbon International Airport, Ilorin, as well as other well-wishers present at her retirement and 60th birthday celebration.
She prayed to Almighty God to bless them and wished them the best things in life.