Sports Crucial to Physical, Mental Wellbeing in Organisation, says Kuku

The Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, has emphasised the importance of sports in promoting physical and mental wellbeing within the workplace. 

She described sports as a vital tool for fostering healthy competition, teamwork, and collaboration among employees.

Mrs Kuku made this remark during her address at the grand finale of the 10th FAAN Inter-Directorate Sports Competition, which concluded in Lagos yesterday. 

The event showcased a wide range of sporting activities, including football, lawn tennis, table tennis, scrabble, chess, swimming, badminton, and draughts. 

There were also exciting side attractions such as taekwondo demonstrations and cultural displays.

In her speech, Mrs Kuku highlighted that the competition represented more than just athletic prowess. 

It symbolised the spirit of teamwork, camaraderie, and overall employee welfare. 

“We recognise that a healthy and happy workforce is the backbone of our organisation’s success,” she said, reaffirming FAAN’s commitment to prioritising the wellbeing of its staff.

“This sports competition embodies our dedication to creating an environment where our employees can relax, recharge, and build meaningful relationships while enhancing their physical and mental health,” Mrs Kuku added. 

She expressed her joy in witnessing various departments come together in unity, stating, “This is what makes FAAN a great place to work.”

The FAAN boss also extended her gratitude to the sports organising committee and the participating directorates. 

“As we celebrate, let us remember that every directorate is a champion in its own right; every staff member is valued and appreciated, and every moment of camaraderie strengthens our FAAN family,” she concluded.

Dr Luqman Emiola, FAAN’s Director of Human Resources and Administration, also spoke at the event. 

He stressed that the essence of the competition went beyond the idea of winning or losing. 

“It is about promoting a healthy work environment, fostering unity, and encouraging teamwork,” he said. 

Dr Emiola further noted that true victory lies in understanding the value of sportsmanship, acknowledging both triumph and defeat with grace.

During the highly anticipated football final, the Directorate of Aviation Security Services (DASS) clinched victory against the Managing Director/Directorate of Legal Services (MD/DLS), winning 5-4 on penalties after a 2-2 draw in regulation time. 

In the third-place match, the Directorate of Airport Operations (DAO) edged out the Directorate of Engineering Services (DES) with a 6-5 win on penalties, after the match also ended 1-1 at the end of normal play.