Aviation: FAAN’s Staff Adzege Tersoo Shines In Kenya, Wins AfriSAFE Fire Safety Award 2025.
By Tope Kolawole
In a proud moment for Nigeria and the Aviation industry Mr. Adzege Tersoo Michael, an officer of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), who distinguished himself has been declared winner of the prestigious AfriSAFE 2025 Fire Safety Professional of the Year Award.
The award was presented by the Africa Safety Awards for Excellence (AfriSAFE) at this year’s ceremony held in Mombasa, Kenya from 13th-14th November, 2025
This continental honour comprising of five African regions from a pool of over 86 fire safety professionals, celebrates his exceptional dedication, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to advancing fire safety standards within the aviation industry.
The award recipient expressed gratitude to the management of Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport for the support and warm reception extended to him during the award ceremony.
He said, “I sincerely appreciate the NAIA Management for the warm reception extended to me.
“I also express my profound gratitude to our amiable Managing Director/CE, FAAN Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, for providing an enabling platform that empowers FAAN staff to excel in their various fields of endeavour.”
“Special appreciation goes to the organisers of the 2025 African Safety Awards for Excellence (AfriSAFE) for finding me worthy of this prestigious continental honour. This prestigious award serves as a strong motivation for me to work even smarter and with greater dedication in advancing Fire safety standards within the aviation industry, while upholding excellence in service delivery.”
He said On December 29, 2025, his Head of Department/Deputy General Manager, ARFFS, NAIA, Abuja, Mr. Usoro Johnson, accompanied him to the office of the Regional General Manager, North Central /Airport Manager, NAIA, Abuja, Mr. Danjuma Ahmadu, to formally present the award conferred on him in Mombasa, Kenya.
Mr. Adzege is no stranger to excellence. His passion for safety, discipline, and operational intelligence has earned him multiple recognitions over the years.
In the past, he had won several awards which include the Best ARFFS Personnel at NAIA,Abuja for his outstanding performance and dedication to duty in 2018, the Valour Award from the Nigerian Safety Awards for Excellence, for courageous and exceptional commitment to fire safety in 2019, Consolation Prize in a competition organized by Airports Council International (ACI) 2020 – African Region, where he presented a strategic roadmap for the safe reopening of airports in Africa after the COVID-19 pandemic, outstanding Contribution toward Promoting Fire Safety at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, in May 2025, presented by the HOD/DGM ARFFS NAIA, Abuja, Mr. Ehiniola Adedeji.
His technical expertise is built on a formidable academic foundation, including a Master’s Degree in Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution, a Bachelor of Science Degree in Economics, and National Diploma in Agricultural Engineering and Technology. He was awarded Honourary Doctor of Humanity on May 7th 2025 by Prixton Church and University, USA.
His professional qualifications further highlight his commitment to safety excellence. Adzege Tersoo Michael is a certified Occupational Safety and Health Professional of OSHAcademy, Oregon, USA, with recognized competencies as an Occupational Safety and Health Manager, Specialist, Supervisor, and accredited Train-the-Trainer, and serves in both leadership and member capacities on Safety and Health Committees, contributing significantly to the advancement of workplace safety standards.
Within FAAN, he serves as Assistant Fire Chief and holds several critical roles, including Secretary, NAIA Abuja Certification Team; Departmental Safety Officer, ARFFS NAIA Abuja; Instructor, Airside Operations and Safety Compliance; and Member, NAIA Abuja Runway Safety Team. He is also Chairman, Nigerian Aviation Fire and Safety Association (NAFSA), Abuja, and Graduate member, Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE), UK amongst several others. Beyond these roles, Mr. Adzege holds competency certifications in ICAO Annex 14 and related documents, Airport Emergency Planning (AEP), Airport Certification, Human Factors in Airport Operations, Accident investigation, Combating Human Trafficking in Aviation among other specialized aviation safety disciplines.
Beyond his impressive titles and accolades, Mr. Adzege is celebrated for his humility, composed leadership, and unwavering sense of duty. Hailed by colleagues as a “silent achiever,” he embodies professionalism, integrity, and resilience. Affectionately nicknamed “Neatest” for his impeccable dressing, he inspires younger officers to emulate his discipline and excellence.
