Akwa Ibom State Governor in southern Nigeria, Umo Eno, has welcomed newly graduated Ibom Air cadet pilots and aircraft engineers trained in France and Ethiopia, describing their success as a milestone in human capital development.
The Governor, who hosted the returnees at Government House, Uyo, said, “I received our newly graduated Ibom Air cadet pilots and aircraft engineers, 15 trained at the Airbus Flight Academy in Toulouse, France, and 20 at the Ethiopian Aviation University in Addis Ababa.”
Governor Eno expressed pride in their achievements, stating, “I am proud that these young men and women, sponsored by our state, excelled with distinction. This is human capital development in action. My message to Akwa Ibom youths is simple: we will continue to open doors, but you must step in and seize the opportunities.”
He also commended his predecessor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, CON, for envisioning the capacity building, saying, “I commend my predecessor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, CON, for the vision of Ibom Air and this training programme, which we inherited and ensured its completion.”
According to the governor, his administration is sustaining that vision by expanding investments in the aviation ecosystem.
“We are sustaining that vision further by investing in the aviation ecosystem, with 10 major projects ongoing at the Victor Attah International Airport. Ibom Air is our airline and our pride, and together we will keep building it stronger. God bless Akwa Ibom State,” he declared.
Observers note that the return of the cadet pilots and engineers strengthens Ibom Air’s manpower base and positions the airline to expand international routes, a move that could generate substantial foreign exchange earnings for the state.
They said that with the imminent commencement of the Maintenance, Repairs and Overhaul (MRO) project at Victor Attah International Airport, Akwa Ibom is well on its way to becoming a regional aviation hub.
Analysts further stressed that the initiatives align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises capacity building, youth empowerment, and global competitiveness for national growth.