Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has said the
state’s investment in aviation has created about 2,000 direct jobs
through Ibom Air and other activities within the sector.
Eno made the disclosure during the official reception
and water-cannon ceremony for Ibom Air’s newly acquired Airbus A220-300
aircraft at Victor Attah International Airport in Uyo.
The governor described the arrival of the aircraft as
another major milestone in the expansion of the state-owned airline, stressing
that Akwa Ibom’s aviation strategy goes beyond acquiring aircraft and
developing airport infrastructure.
According to him, the state government is also
investing heavily in human capital by training indigenes to take up
professional roles within the aviation industry.
Eno said 14 of Ibom Air’s 30 pilots are Akwa Ibom
indigenes trained by the state government, while 16 of the airline’s 40
aircraft engineers are also indigenes who received government-sponsored
training.
He disclosed that another 10 Akwa Ibom indigenes are
currently undergoing training at the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology in
Zaria, Kaduna State, while 10 cadet pilots are receiving training in Addis
Ababa, Ethiopia, under the sponsorship of the state government.
The governor said the state’s aviation investments
were already producing economic benefits, particularly through employment
opportunities and the growth of businesses connected to the sector.
He thanked President Bola Tinubu for granting
international status to Victor Attah International Airport and commended the
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, for supporting
Akwa Ibom’s efforts to develop into an aviation hub.
The aircraft reception also marked the beginning of
activities to commemorate the state’s 39th anniversary, with the state
government set to commission 39 projects under the theme, “Our Moment of
Gratitude.”
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who attended the
ceremony, praised Governor Eno’s leadership and the expansion of the airport
and Ibom Air fleet.
Akpabio described Eno as “a gift to Akwa Ibom, Nigeria
and West Africa” and commended the government for investing in the training of
indigenes for careers in aviation.
The Chairman of Ibom Air, Captain Mfon Udom, and the
aircraft’s Chief Pilot, Captain Ruth Adebanwo, said the new Airbus A220-300
features advanced technology and improved fuel efficiency, adding that it would
enhance the airline’s operational capacity and support the expansion of its
route network.
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