… applauds Udom Emmanuel’s Ibom Air vision
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has received 35 indigenous Ibom Air cadet pilots and engineers who recently graduated from the Airbus Flight Academy, Toulouse, France and Ethiopian Airline Aviation Academy.
Receiving the young cadets accompanied by the Board and Management of Ibom Air, in his office at Government House, Uyo, Governor Eno expressed delight at the successful graduation of the 15 aircraft pilots and 20 maintenance engineers, and described them assets to the State.
“I am very proud of you. And, to know that you are all Akwa Ibomites gives me greater joy. So, I would like to welcome you back on behalf of the Government and people of the State from your training as pilots and engineers,” he said.
Governor Eno commended the aviation professionals for showing diligence in their career paths, assuring them of more opportunities in the sector that would lift them to greater heights.
He thanked his predecessor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, for his sterling vision of setting up and nurturing the State-owned airline, Ibom Air, and for selecting indigenes of the State for training as pilots and aircraft maintenance engineers.
“The vision will surely continue. When we mention Ibom Air, we cannot forget Mr. Udom Emmanuel. We appreciate him on a day like this, and I know how proud he would be to know that the seed he sowed has brought forth all of these harvests today.”
Governor Eno applauded the management of Ibom Air for the work they have done, saying that they have encouraged his administration to build on the achievements of the airline especially in capacity development and quality facilities which, according to him, have made Ibom Air the best in the country.
He expressed delight knowing that the beneficiaries were selected based on merit and without knowing anyone, adding, “We must build a State where people don’t have to benefit from the State or programmes because they know somebody. And, we are truly working as hard as we can to make sure that people get what they should get on merit.
“I really want to say that Ibom Air is the airline to beat, and even our competitors know that. You are indeed doing a great job, and we are so proud of you for giving us this level of human capacity that you have brought to the airline.”
He assured the management of Ibom Air that the State under his leadership will continue to support its plans and programmes to enhance a more excellent service delivery in the country and beyond.
Governor Eno promised to provide a conducive work environment for aviation professionals by giving them comfortable accommodations along the aviation corridor of the State.
Earlier, the Chairman of Ibom Air, Captain Mfon Udom, while presenting the team to the Governor, explained that it comprises 15 cadet pilots and 20 cadet engineers who graduated with excellent grades from the aviation training schools.
Captain Udom appreciated Governor Umo Eno and his predecessor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, for believing in their people and ensuring that they were appropriately trained in critical areas of the aviation industry to boost the State’s airline efficiency and help deliver on its set goals.
In their separate remarks, Enwonoabasi Esara, from Itu Local Government Area and
Moses Okon from Uruan Local Government Area, who spoke on behalf of the cadet pilots and engineers, appreciated the State government for helping them fulfill their dreams.
On hand to receive the new graduates were the Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, Executive Assistant/Chief Delivery Advisor Mr Aniefiok Johnson, members of the State Executive Council, stakeholders in the aviation sector and other government officials.
CONVERSION OF THE SALVATION ARMY SECONDARY SCHOOL, AKAI UBIUM INTO IBOM AVIATION SCHOOL.
….a strategic investment in the Akwa Ibom State aviation sector!
Importance of Establishing an Aviation Academy in Akwa Ibom State
The recent graduation of 35 Ibom Air cadet pilots and engineers trained in France and Ethiopia highlights the massive investments made by Akwa Ibom State in aviation human capacity development. While this is commendable, the absence of a home-grown aviation training institution creates economic and infrastructural gaps.
Converting Salvation Army Secondary School, Akai Ubium into Ibom Aviation School would:
🛫 Provide direct training opportunities for Akwa Ibomites without the huge costs of sending students abroad.
🎓 Institutionalize aviation education in the State and Nigeria’s South-South region.
💼 Create employment for professionals in teaching, maintenance, management, and technical services.
🌍 Position Akwa Ibom as a **hub of aviation manpower development** for West and Central Africa.
💰 Reduce capital flight and retain millions of dollars annually spent on foreign aviation training.
👩✈️ Encourage local youths to pursue aviation careers through easier access and reduced tuition.
Evaluation of Existing Aviation Infrastructures in Akwa Ibom State
Akwa Ibom State already hosts critical aviation infrastructures, making it the most aviation-ready state in Nigeria:
1. Victor Attah International Airport (VAIA):
* Modern passenger terminal with international standard facilities.
* Cargo terminal potential to drive logistics and exports.
* Recently developed **Smart Airport Technology**, enhancing digital operations.
2. Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul (MRO) Facility:
* One of Africa’s most advanced aircraft maintenance facilities.
* Attracts international airlines for aircraft servicing.
* Provides practical training grounds for engineers.
3. Ibom Air (State-owned Airline):
* Nigeria’s most reputable and fastest-growing airline.
* Already employing pilots, cabin crew, and engineers.
* Expanding international operations, needing continuous manpower supply.
4. Mobil Producing Nigeria Airstrip, Eket:
* Used for oil and gas aviation logistics.
* Provides opportunity for helicopter pilot and aeronautical engineering training.
These facilities create the perfect ecosystem for an aviation academy to thrive.
Possible Courses to be Offered at Ibom Aviation School, Akai Ubium
The school can offer professional and technical aviation courses certified by NCAA (Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority), ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization), and IATA. Proposed courses include:
1. Pilot Training (Private Pilot License, Commercial Pilot License, Airline Transport Pilot License).
2. Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (Avionics, Powerplant, Airframe).
3. Cabin Crew & Flight Attendant Training.
4. Air Traffic Control & Aeronautical Communication.
5. Airport Operations & Management.
6. Aviation Safety & Security Management.
7. Logistics, Air Cargo & Ground Handling.
8. Drone Operations & UAV Technology.
9. Hospitality & Travel Management (aviation tourism).
Economic Losses for Not Establishing an Aviation Academy
Despite having world-class aviation infrastructure, Akwa Ibom faces significant economic leakage by not training its own aviation workforce locally:
💸 Foreign Exchange Drain: Billions of Naira are spent on training cadets abroad.
🌍 Dependence on External Institutions: Limits rapid expansion of Ibom Air and other aviation-related businesses.
👨✈️ Talent Drain: Many trained abroad are easily absorbed by foreign airlines instead of serving the State.
🛑 Missed Opportunities: Without a local school, Akwa Ibom cannot attract regional students, thereby losing tuition revenue and tourism inflows.
⚖️ Mismatch in Growth: A smart airport, an MRO facility, and a state airline without a training school means relying on outsiders to sustain local aviation growth.
Conclusion
The conversion of Salvation Army Secondary School, Akai Ubium, into Ibom Aviation School is a *strategic necessity*. It will consolidate Akwa Ibom’s position as Nigeria’s aviation capital, reduce economic leakage, and empower thousands of youths with sustainable careers.
The Ibom Aviation School will become the missing link, ensuring that the investments in Victor Attah International Airport, Ibom Air, and the MRO facility yield maximum returns for the State, while making Akwa Ibom a continental hub of aviation manpower training.
✈️🔥 Akai Ubium, as the cradle of this academy, will forever be remembered as the birthplace of Africa’s next generation of aviation leaders.
It’s inspiring to see Ibom Air investing in the future of aviation by training and celebrating its own cadet pilots and engineers. Beyond boosting local capacity, this step creates career opportunities for young people and strengthens the state’s position in the aviation industry. Hopefully, we’ll see more partnerships that ensure these talents continue to grow and thrive on a global scale.