By Erharuyi A. Joe
The Edo State Governor, Sen. Monday Okpebholo has revealed his administration’s plans to collaborate with an Aviation Company in training Edo people on aviation assembling, piloting, mechanics, among other related skill sets.
Governor Okpebholo disclosed the plans when he led key members of his Cabinet to the Benin Airport to witness the collaboration. He described the event as new development for Edo people, saying it is in fulfilment of his electioneering promises and assured that more developments are on the way.
The Governor who lauded the collaboration, stated that it will reduce unemployment, improve vocational skills in schools, and create wealth in the State, as the presence of the Company would engender social and economic multiplier effects across the three Senatorial districts of the State.
While pledging the State Government support for the project, the Governor disclosed that the Aviation Company will build an assembly plant where trainings will be done. He qualified the investment to be huge and asserted that it would greatly benefit youth in the State.
The visibly elated Governor said he is fulfilled that such development is happening during his administration. He promised that his administration’s support for the project will include incurring the bills for the training of Edo Youth. He added that the support for the Aviation Company is in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu in the Country.
The CEO of the Aviation Company, Ehis Odia, said the partnership became necessary because Governor Okpebholo has demonstrated vision, foresight and forward movement for Edo State in the area of aviation. He stated, “We have a rich history of aviation in Edo State and we have been working for many years to reactivate aviation in Edo State.
“The Company will start assembling light aircrafts here in Benin City, Edo State. We will build a factory here in this Airport and start assemblage. We will begin to work with secondary and technical school students to train aircraft mechanics. We have been dealing with university students, but nobody is investing in primary schools as general aviation starts here in primary schools.
“Edo State will be the first State in Nigeria where aircraft will be assembled. Training will include that of pilots and also encourage aero-clubs in schools. We want to rewrite the narrative and remove the thoughts that aviation is for the rich; but rather it is a means of transportation and we want to make it more effective in Edo State.”
Highpoint of the engagement was a test flight aboard with the Governor, his Chief of Staff, Gani Audu, amongst others, piloted by Donavan Lombard, who stated that they have been flying aircraft from South Africa into Nigeria, where there is no big industry for the Aviation sector, and assured that the collaboration will bring about more effective transportation.
