New AIB boss charts path to success through inclusive leadership

Engr. Akin Olateru

The new Commissioner of Accident Investigation Bureau, AIB, Engr. Akin Olateru has pledged to take the agency to its deserved position ahead of other agencies in the industry.

According to him, the new leadership will require all hands on deck in order to set a new path to success for the benefit of the industry and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

In his acceptance speech during a handover ceremony held yesterday at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos, the new commissioner appealed to the management and the entire staff to cooperate with him in order to propel the agency forward.

He commended the immediate past Commissioner, Dr. Felix Abali for keeping tabs with effective management of the agency even in the face of overwhelming challenges that would have drown the agency over the last few years.

“I thank you for keeping this place together despite the missiles. I have heard a lot about AIB. I know it is the smallest in the ministry, but, before the end of my tenure, I will ensure that the agency becomes the biggest of all. That’s my mission.

“However, for that to happen, I will require the maximum cooperation of all staff. I can’t do it alone, but we are here to make it happen. It is for the benefit of all staff of AIB if we can make this organisation to work. It’s not about size sometimes, but about efficiency and effectiveness.

Olateru also promised to make training a priority for all staff, stressing that through this, their technical know-how would improve.

“This is a new dawn and I am begging everyone to give this new administration a chance. Whatever that has happened in the past, let it be in the past. Aviation is highly technical, very expensive and the most regulated in the world. At the end of the day, we are all going to be happy because everyone will go on training and more opportunities would be given to people.”

Meanwhile, the outgone commissioner, Mr. Felix Abali, commended the entire staff for their support during his stint at the helm of affairs. He enjoined them to support the new administration for better leadership and results.

He, however, appealed to some of the disgruntled elements in the system to sheath their sword for the growth of the organisation.

“I thank the management and staff for their supports for me through thick and thin. And for those who were bent on destroying the agency, I don’t know what else to tell them to change their minds. I’ve spoken with them, but all to no avail,” he said.