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 Airlines Aviation Academy, and pledged more funding to sustain the biggest indigenous firm.
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 as 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 and assured them of more opportunities in the sector that would lift them to greater heights.
He thanked his predecessor, former Governor Udom Emmanuel, for his sterling vision of setting up and nurturing the state-owned airline Ibom Air and for selecting State residents to train as pilots and aircraft maintenance engineers.
“The vision will surely continue. When we mention Ibom Air, we cannot forget 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 their work, saying they have encouraged his administration to build on the airline’s achievements, 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 without knowing anyone. He added, “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 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, 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 LGA, who spoke on behalf of the cadet pilots and engineers, appreciated the State government for helping them fulfill their dreams.
