By Friday Ejilogo
Walter Fasan, a Nigerian Pharmacist turned Security Specialist and Access Control Officer has won the 2025 Canadian Airports Council (CAC) National Recognition Award for outstanding performance.
An employee of ASP Security Services Limited at Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, Fasan, won the award for as the Security Specialist and Access Control Officer of the security, a position he has held since July 2022.
Described as a positive and supportive presence, he is also recognised for his strong customer service skills, particularly in his role at Toronto Pearson International Airport. His calm demeanor and approachability were noted for helping to prevent potential challenges.
Speaking while presenting the award, Monette Pasher, President of the Canadian Airports Council said, “This day is about recognising the dedication and importance of airport workers across the country. With more than 200,000 people working directly in airports, supporting passenger and cargo operations, and 150 million passengers expected to travel through Canada’s airports in 2025, it is important we take a moment to thank the teams who make it all possible.”
Continuing, the CAC President said, “The award is part of activities marking the celebration of Airport Workers Day, which is a coordinated national effort to celebrate the Canadian Airports Councill’s workforce and highlight the vital role aviation plays in our economy and communities.”
Commenting over the award, Fasan said, “I’m proud to share this recognition with all who give their best every day. I am humbled to become the first-ever African-Canadian Nigerian to receive the Canadian Airports Council (CAC) National Recognition Award, selected from among 52,000 airport workers and 80 nominees. It was more than an award—it was a moment of history. For Nigeria, for Africa, and for every immigrant whose story is still being written,” adding that it is “a tribute to the hard work, dedication, and teamwork of every airport worker.”
Fasan, the only African recipient among the nine that received this year’s award at the 16th Canadian Airport ceremony, began his professional journey in Nigeria as a Pharmacy Technician at Cosmos Pharmacy under the visionary leadership of Azubike Okwor, former President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, and the first Black man to receive a Fellowship in the history of the pharmaceutical industry. He attributes his high values of excellence, discipline, and service to community to his mentorship by the distinguished Nigerian Parmacist.
He first sought green pastures in Isreal before immigrating to Canada in 2010. There, he embraced the challenge of starting a new career in private security after completing numerous certifications and gaining hands-on experience in the field.
Later, he worked with respected firms like RBG Security Inc., under the direction of Ron Boyko, and advanced to become an Operations Supervisor at Hudson’s Bay and Saks Fifth Avenue, the renowned department store.
While at Hudson’s Bay and Saks, his sterling qualities came to limelight when he received the Best Customer Service of All Time award, a reflection of his commitment to excellence.
In 2019, Fasan started his career in the aviation industry, beginning at Menzies Aviation where he later led teams at AAS, serving as Acting Manager at Dexterra.
Over the years, his work has earned wide recognition in the industry, and his story, face, and contributions are featured across Pearson Airport as a symbol of dedication and pride.
He is currently a Security Specialist with ASP Security at Toronto Pearson International Airport.
