Edo State-born, United States-based aviation entrepreneur, Ehimenmen Odia, and his partner, Morrison Okunbor, have expressed optimism that the Benin Aero Club, the first of its kind in Edo State, has the potential to address challenges such as insecurity, medical emergencies, and tourism, among other issues in the state.
Odia, who is the Executive Officer of Auxano Aviation, noted that investment in the sector provides an opportunity for many interested Nigerians and beginners to learn to fly light, single-engine planes.
The duo added that the initiative also serves as a feeder system for strengthening and providing the necessary manpower for Nigeria’s aviation industry.
They pointed out that, within a few years, Edo State could become the epicenter of local aircraft assembly and production, thereby boosting the state’s socio-economic fortunes.
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The aviation entrepreneurs spoke at the end of a two-day awareness program organized for students and pupils to develop their interest in aviation and encourage them to consider flying as a career path from an early age.
The session, which took place at Benin Airport, provided students and pupils with firsthand exposure to aviation. The invited pupils displayed excitement and enthusiasm upon the arrival of an Australian-built Jabiru light aircraft.
Odia, while thanking Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State and the Ministry of Aviation for providing an enabling environment to kickstart the project, said it was a fulfillment of his childhood dream, which began when he enrolled for pilot training in the United States.
Giving a background on his lifelong dream, the Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma Accounting graduate said the idea to establish the Aero Club was nurtured in the U.S. when he realized that many American business owners and professionals used light aircraft for accessibility and efficiency in service delivery.
“Before I went to the U.S., I always had a love for aviation. I remember when I was in the University of Benin Staff School in Ugbowo, we used to come to GRA and visit the airport as kids to see the planes. The mystery of these big birds flying stayed with me.
“Years later, when I got to the United States, I saw how easy it was to get my private pilot’s license. In Nigeria, I wanted to be a pilot and even tried to join the military, but it wasn’t easy. However, when I got to the U.S., it was a lot easier,” Odia enthused.
“Close to my house was a small airport with 300 planes in a hangar. In the morning, you would find doctors, lawyers, and businesspeople flying their planes to work and back. That’s where the idea of doing this in Nigeria came from.
“Why can’t we have this kind of facility here? Why can’t a lawyer in Benin have a case in Lagos and return the same day? Why can’t a specialist doctor visit five states and still be home by night?
“My vision is to improve efficiency. My partner, Morrison Okunbor, and I carefully studied the aviation environment and discovered that in most successful aviation countries, there are highly efficient and functional general aviation sectors. All pilots start by learning to fly small planes.
“With our Aero Club, we intend to remove the mysticism and class barriers surrounding aviation. If there is adequate support and investment, the club can encourage more people—both young and old—to learn how to fly.”
On his part, the Vice President of Benin Aero Club, Morrison Okunbor, commended Governor Monday Okpebholo for his unwavering support from the project’s inception. He noted that the Aero Club eliminates the need for capital flight by allowing aspiring pilots to train locally instead of going abroad.
“Coming from a background where aviation was a norm, thanks to my elder brother, the late Capt. Hosa Okunbo, this is our little contribution to igniting that zeal in those who want to fly.
“You can imagine the amount of capital flight spent on training abroad, but now, it can be done here. This aircraft is the most suitable for learning to fly due to its high safety level and gliding capability.
“We commend the government for making this possible. In a few months, we will have our own hangars to service the West African market. These aircraft can also be used to tackle insecurity. In South Africa, they are deployed to deter poachers, and we can use them similarly against banditry.”
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