A Trailblazer Bows Out: Celebrating Mr Olatayo Oginni’s Stellar Career In FAAN, By Saliu Bolakale

In accordance with the public service rules, every privileged staff is expected to take a bow after 35 years in service or upon attaining the age of 60.

Today marks a red-letter day for the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), particularly in the Directorate of Airport Operations, as a colossus, a mentor, and an icon, Mr. Olatayo Oginni, hangs his boots.

Having served FAAN with unwavering dedication and excellence for 35 years, Mr. Oginni’s remarkable career is a tapestry of achievements worth celebrating.

Mr. Oginni distinguished himself not only as a resourceful and impactful officer but as a leader whose influence transcended every organ of airport operations.

A man of impeccable managerial acumen, he earned the admiration of colleagues and subordinates alike. Whether at the front or rear of the queue, his presence and stellar contributions were felt by all. He is a man who made a difference wherever he served, leaving a trail of excellence in his wake.

The Pilgrimage of 35 Years

Mr. Oginni’s journey with FAAN is a testament to resilience, diligence, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Beginning as an Operations Officer at Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA), Lagos, he played critical roles, including enforcing security plans and TSA regulations and monitoring centralized security systems to ensure compliance.

In 1993, he was transferred to Kaduna Airport, where he excelled in ensuring airfield safety and maintaining aeronautical records. His six years in Kaduna were marked by notable achievements.

Subsequently, Mr. Oginni served as Head of Airport Operations in Akure and later in Ilorin between 2001 and 2002.

In these roles, he ensured the implementation of FAAN policies, coordinated with aviation stakeholders, and upheld safety regulations.

His expertise later took him to Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport, Abuja, before he returned to MMA, where he served in various capacities from 2003 to 2007.

His appointment as Airport Manager in Ibadan in 2007 was a testament to his outstanding performance. After a year, he returned to MMA as Domestic Terminal Manager, a position he held until January 2017. Under his watch, the terminal experienced unprecedented transformations, with remarkable achievements.

In 2017, he was appointed International Terminal Manager of MMA and later served as Airport Manager at Gen. Tunde Idiagbon International Airport, Ilorin.

In every role, Mr. Oginni etched his name in the annals of FAAN’s history, leaving indelible marks of excellence.

Mentorship and Leadership

Mr. Oginni is a leader with a golden heart, mentoring countless individuals within the Operations Directorate and beyond. Known for his emotional intelligence and charismatic leadership, he has nurtured many staffers who now hold key positions in the aviation sector.

A Legacy Immortalized

As this Amazon of Airport Operations bids farewell to active service, his legacy will forever resonate within the walls of Nigeria’s airports. His contributions are a beacon of hope and inspiration for the next generation of leaders in the aviation industry.

We celebrate you today, Mr. Oginni, and pray that God Almighty ushers you into new horizons filled with joy, fulfillment, and boundless blessings. Your name is written in the stars of FAAN’s history, and your legacy will continue to shine brightly.

Saliu Bolakale Abdulrashid 

GTIIA, Ilorin