A renewed push to revive Nigeria’s Aviation sector and groom a new generation of aviators took centre stage in Kano as industry figures urged deeper investment, mentorship and civil–military collaboration to strengthen the industry.
The call came during a three-day programme in honour of aviation pioneers, held as part of the commemoration of 100 years since the first aircraft landed in Nigeria.
The Managing Director of the Caliphate Aviation Training Centre and Head of Planning for the event, Sa’id Sa’ad, said aviation has the potential to generate thousands of jobs across the country if properly harnessed.
“We have the manpower, traffic, and capacity; all we need is to put our house in order,” Sa’ad said.
He added that the centre is committed to training the next generation through mentorship linking retired veterans with young aviation enthusiasts.
During a keynote lecture titled “100 Years of Nigerian Aviation: The Legacy of the Nigerian Air Force,” Flying Officers A.A, David Sangokoya and A.M. Henry Oludotun Ogunyemiyi traced the sector’s evolution from the first aircraft landing in Kano in 1925 to the establishment of the Nigerian Air Force in 1964.
They called for stronger collaboration between civil and military aviation to boost national competitiveness.
Pioneers including the late Adamu Dan Kabo, the late Aminu Dantata, the late Emir Usman Bin Abdullahi II, the late Sa’ad Sa’id, and the late Mallam Aminu Kano were honoured posthumously for their contributions, alongside veterans and institutions recognised for advancing the sector.
Traditional leaders, veterans and young aviators participated in symbolic “passing of the baton” sessions, flight simulations and demonstrations as part of the celebration.