NAHCO Employee Wins Ground Handling Unsung Hero Award in Spain

Chinedu Eze

An employee of the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc, Auwal Dankode, has won the Unsung Hero category of the Pride of Groundhandling Award at the Ground Handling International (GHI), Conference, Barcelona, Spain.  

Dankode was recognized for his exemplary honesty after returning a substantial sum of $10,000 found during a cabin cleaning operation at his Kano International Airport station.

A panel of international judges adjudged Dankode’s act of admirable integrity as excellent enough to trump other five finalists from other countries.

Dankode, a cabin cleaner with NAHCO Plc, received widespread acclaim both within and outside the country after he returned the sum of $10,000 found in the seat just vacated by travelers on an Egypt Air aircraft.

“His story, shared across various platforms, including on the social media pages of prominent Nigerian personalities and blogs, has captured the nation’s attention with many acclaiming his extraordinary act of honesty. This Award is testimony of the fact that this has attracted international attention, as well,” said NAHCO Plc management in a statement.

In recognition of his exceptional behaviour, NAHCO has bestowed upon him numerous accolades, including cash rewards, a double promotion, and the prestigious role of brand ambassador.

Furthermore, the National Orientation Agency honoured him as the Nigerian of the Week on August 28th, acknowledging his unwavering honesty and accountability.

Nigerians on various media platforms have praised Auwal with majority of them noting that his brand of honesty is hard to come by especially considering the current exchange rate of the naira to the United States Dollar.

The Pride of Groundhandling Awards is organised by the Ground Handling International.  It is an annual event celebrating aviation excellence globally, as well as recognizing the outstanding contributions of industry icons.

GHI’s Annual Conference is aviation Ground Handling community’s major conference, hosting thousands of Ground Handling operators, airlines and investors.

The event hosted almost 1,000 stakeholders in 2024 including more than 110 airline carriers from over 60 countries.