Add us on Google
Enugu-East Local Government Area has expanded its aviation training initiative, with the graduation of a second batch of beneficiaries bringing the total number of trained youths to 80.
The beneficiaries, who were sponsored to the Universal School of Aviation, Lagos, received their certificates at a ceremony held at the council headquarters in Nkwo Nike. The event drew aviation professionals, government officials and other stakeholders in the sector.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Executive Chairman of the council, Pastor Beloved-Dan Obi-Anike, said the programme was designed not only to equip youths with technical knowledge but also to position them for opportunities in Nigeria’s aviation industry.
“This initiative goes beyond the presentation of certificates. It is about building a highly skilled workforce that can compete and contribute meaningfully to the aviation sector,” he said.
Obi-Anike added that the council was already witnessing improvements in socio-economic development and human capital growth as a result of sustained investments in youth empowerment.
In separate remarks, the Regional Manager, South-East Airports and Manager of Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, Mr Hillary Umunna, alongside the Special Assistant to the Enugu State Governor on Transport, Mrs Ify Ugonabo, commended the chairman’s approach to youth development.
They noted that the programme reflects a deliberate effort to address unemployment and create a pipeline of skilled professionals within the region.
With the latest graduation, the number of beneficiaries has risen to 80, while plans are underway to train an additional 20 youths in the third batch, which will bring the total to 100.
Meanwhile, the council has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences, Uburu, Ebonyi State, to expand its scholarship scheme from 20 to 100 beneficiaries. Currently, five undergraduates from the area are on full scholarship.
The Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Nkiru Fearani, urged other local government leaders to emulate what she described as “visionary and inclusive leadership.”
The council also maintains a bye-law mandating the monthly transfer of 10 per cent of its allocation and internally generated revenue into a Human Capital Development Trust Fund projected at ₦10bn over a decade.
