Water Fasan’s Journey Of Resilience, Purpose And Legacy From Nigeria To Canada

Walter Fasan, a Nigerian-born pharmacy technician turned security specialist, captured national attention in Canada after receiving the prestigious 2025 Canadian Airports Council (CAC) National Recognition Award—a landmark achievement that gained instant international acclaim.

Fasan’s journey from modest beginnings in Nigeria to global recognition is a story of unwavering determination, grit, and purpose. More than a personal victory, his life is a testament to the power of perseverance, mentorship, and cross-border ambition.

Fasan began his professional life in Nigeria as a Pharmacy Technician at Cosmos Pharmacy, working under the guidance of Mr. Azubike Okwor, a former President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria and the first Black man to receive a Fellowship in the pharmaceutical industry’s history.

Under Mr. Okwor’s mentorship, which lasted several formative years, Fasan learned the values of discipline, service, and professional excellence—principles that would later define his work ethic across continents and industries.

“Mr. Okwor’s mentorship left an indelible mark on me. He taught me to pursue excellence and serve with purpose,” Fasan reflects.

His search for growth and opportunity led him first to Israel, where he gained valuable life experience, and then back to Nigeria in 2009. By 2010, driven by a higher calling and a deep desire to succeed, Fasan immigrated to Canada.

Arriving in Canada with little more than faith and determination, Fasan reinvented himself. He transitioned into private security, undergoing intensive certification processes and gaining field experience through sheer dedication.

He worked with RBG Security Inc. under Ron Boyko’s leadership and soon advanced to Operations Supervisor at Hudson’s Bay and Saks Fifth Avenue, two of North America’s most iconic department stores. His performance there earned him the Best Customer Service of All Time Award, further cementing his reputation for professionalism and people-first values.

In 2019, Fasan entered the aviation sector, joining Menzies Aviation before taking on leadership roles at Airport Assistance Services (AAS) and serving as Acting Manager at Dexterra. Since 2022, he has worked as a Security Specialist with ASP Security at Toronto Pearson International Airport, where he is celebrated not just for his skill, but for his calming presence and exceptional customer service.

Across Pearson Airport, his face and story are now part of campaigns celebrating excellence, diversity, and dedication.

Never one to rest on past success, Fasan returned to school and in 2024 graduated from the Canadian College of Business and Management with a Diploma in Human Resources Management—preparing him for broader leadership roles in training and organizational development.

In 2025, his hard work culminated in a historic moment: Fasan was named one of nine recipients of the Canadian Airports Council National Recognition Award, chosen from 52,000 airport employees and 80 nominees across the country. He is the first African-Canadian of Nigerian origin to receive the honour in the award’s history.

Though his story is still unfolding, Walter Fasan’s rise offers hope and inspiration to immigrants, dreamers, and underdogs everywhere.

“This award was more than a personal achievement—it was a moment for Nigeria, for Africa, and for every immigrant whose story is still being written,” Fasan said.

With faith, focus, and fearless commitment to excellence, Walter Fasan has not only built a remarkable career but also made history—one act of service at a time.