Anambra State Government has established a scholarship scheme to train 100 pilots and flight engineers as well as other aviation professionals in the next few years to increase the state’s presence in the aviation industry.
The scheme was approved yesterday at the meeting of the State Executive Council, SEC, at Government House Awka following a presentation by the leader of a non-government organization, (NGO), Girls Can Fly Initiative, Mrs Obiagelu Ikejiaku-Adelana, who is the first female pilot from Anambra State.
In the statement signed by the State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, C-Don Adinuba and made available to Nigerian Tribune in Awka, said that Governor Willie Obiano had set up a committee to ensure successful implementation of the scheme with Air Vice Marshall Ben Chiobi, a retired Nigerian Air Force Pilot who is also the Special Adviser to the State Government on Creative Security, as chairman.
Other members of the committee include the Commissioner for Creative Economy and Youth Development, Mr Afam Mbanefo; the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Science and Technology, Professor Theresa Obiekezie; and the Commissioner for Basic Education, Professor Kate Omenugha.
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The Commissioner said that government had set aside N750m to train the first batch of 50 persons to benefit from the scholarship at the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, Zaria, Kaduna State, for two years to obtain the basic flying licence.
According to him, “Thirty of the 50 beneficiaries will be female, and at least two persons will come from each of the 21 local government areas in the state to ensure spread, equity and fairness.
“The scholarship scheme is open to persons who are up to 16 years and have either tertiary or secondary school education.
“To catch them young, the committee will in the next few days start a tour of some 10 schools in the state to sensitise students on the opportunities in the aviation industry.
” This scheme will hopefully boost the state’s participation in aviation as exemplary and other state governments should take a cue from Anambra.”
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