CHUKS OKOH,
The Management of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Port Harcourt International Airport (PHIA), has formally handed over Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) items to its host communities of Ipo and Omagwa in furtherance of FAAN’s strategic commitment to safety, stakeholder partnership, operational excellence, and sustainable development.
The engagement forms part of FAAN’s structured community relations and stakeholder engagement framework, which recognises host communities as critical partners in ensuring aviation safety, security of infrastructure, and uninterrupted airport operations.
The Regional General Manager (South-South), Mrs. Lynda Ezike (IAP), was ably represented by the Head of Department, Public Affairs/Protocol, Mrs. Ngozi Onyeanwuna, who warmly received the paramount rulers, chiefs, youth leaders, and other representatives of the host communities.
The programme commenced with an opening prayer, followed by a goodwill address delivered by the Head of Department, Public Affairs/Protocol. In her remarks, she conveyed Management’s appreciation to the traditional rulers and community leaders of Ipo and Omagwa for their sustained cooperation, peaceful disposition, and commitment to maintaining a mutually beneficial relationship with FAAN. She noted that effective community engagement supports FAAN’s safety and security objectives, enhances operational stability, and promotes good corporate governance through transparency and continuous dialogue.
CSR items presented to the communities included 40 bags of 50kg rice, 16 gallons of 25-litre vegetable oil, 10 cartons of malt drinks, 20 packs of Coca-Cola drinks, 2 cartons of whiskey, and 20 packs of bottled water, which were formally handed over to representatives of the Ipo and Omagwa communities.
Dignitaries in attendance included the Head of Department, Public Affairs (representing the RGM), Airport Manager (AM), officers of the DSS, ACP Police, NDLEA, DACOS, Heads of Audit, Commercial and Accounts Departments, the International Terminal Manager (ITM), former ITM, representatives of the host communities of Ipo and Omagwa, and HRH Eze Amadi, Paramount Ruler of Ipo Town.
Speaking on behalf of the host communities, representatives from Ipo and Omagwa expressed heartfelt appreciation to FAAN for the gesture, describing it as a demonstration of inclusive leadership and responsible corporate citizenship. They reaffirmed their commitment to peaceful coexistence, protection of airport assets, and sustained partnership with FAAN in support of safe and efficient airport operations.
In his closing remarks, Mr. Wisdom Ibeneche, speaking on behalf of the Regional General Manager, emphasised that CSR engagements are a strategic tool within FAAN’s stakeholder management and sustainability pillars, designed to strengthen trust, promote social inclusion, and secure FAAN’s social licence to operate. He noted that such initiatives contribute directly to risk mitigation, operational continuity, and community buy-in, which are essential for aviation safety and service delivery.
He further reaffirmed FAAN’s commitment to people-centred governance, sustainable host community relations, and continuous engagement, stressing that peace, mutual understanding, and shared responsibility remain indispensable to protecting critical aviation infrastructure and achieving FAAN’s long-term strategic objectives.
The programme was brought to a close with a closing prayer offered by a representative of the Omagwa community, marking the end of a successful, cordial, and strategically impactful engagement
