The Presidential Amnesty Programme, PAP, has initiated the Aviation Resuscitation Programme for Cadet Pilots and Aircraft Maintenance Engineers, aiming to provide sustainable livelihoods for ex-agitators and cultivate a skilled workforce for Nigeria’s Aviation industry.
In a ceremonial event held in Lagos on Monday, the Interim Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Major General Barry Ndiomu (Rtd), officially inaugurated the Aviation Resuscitation Programme for Cadet Pilots and Aircraft Maintenance Engineers. This initiative represents a substantial effort to foster sustainable livelihoods for former agitators and to establish a skilled talent pool to bolster Nigeria’s burgeoning aviation sector.
General Ndiomu, who was represented by Wilfred Musa, the Head of Reintegration at PAP, acknowledged previous attempts by past administrations to revamp training programs within the aviation sector. However, due to administrative challenges and the intricate nature of the industry, these efforts achieved only marginal success.
The flagging off of this program, initiated over eight years ago, underscores the current PAP leadership’s commitment to ex-agitators’ well-being. General Ndiomu stressed the aviation industry’s significance as a “touch point for Commerce,” encouraging a broader perspective on the program’s objectives. Regarding beneficiaries seeking work abroad post-program, he endorsed such endeavors, provided they contribute to Nigeria’s economy within the global context promoting labor mobility.
While noting that the aviation industry is a major “touch point for Commerce” in any country, the IA urged those who are misinterpreting the initiative behind the program to “pay attention” to its long term benefits and instant values.
On arguments that beneficiaries may relocate abroad for greener pastures upon completion of the programme, Ndiomu posited that “there is nothing wrong with it”, as long as they are working abroad and sending home forex, which will in turn add values to the Nigerian economy. “Moreso, we exist within the context of a global village where the mobility of labor is encouraged for the purpose of knowledge expansion and strategic networking.”
He urged aviation stakeholders to take note of the program, and begin to look towards leveraging on the enormous pool of skilled manpower that the program will produce for the aviation industry.
In the aftermath of a Code of Conduct signed by the beneficiaries, General Ndiomu cautioned that discipline must be imbibed throughout their learning process. “We will not hesitate to delist anybody who will run fowl of items as listed. (Code of Conduct)”.
He further charged them to “elevate their reasoning” and “knock off” the feeling of “entitlement”.
In a brief remark, the facilitators of the program, Alom Aviation Services Ltd., expressed optimism that within a year, the trainees will be gainfully employed in the aviation industry.
Capt. Austin Omame, MD/CEO of Alom Aviation Services Ltd., assured that the beneficiaries will be closely monitored throughout their time with the aviation firm which he said is an Approved Training Organization (ATO) duly certified by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
Engr. Ofuafo White Ghavwan, one of the beneficiaries who spoke on behalf of the others, applauded the Amnesty Programme for sending them to one of “the best aviation training schools in West Africa and situation in Lagos.
He noted that the training opportunity has already guaranteed them jobs in the aviation sector where such skilled manpower are in high demand.
The trainees are part of a total of 75 pilots and aircraft engineers sponsored by the Presidential Amnesty Programme to various Aviation Training Organizations (ATO’s) in Lagos (Nigeria), Johannesburg (South Africa) and Toulouse, (France) for type-rating courses as part of its aviation training scheme.
