Amnesty Programme Begins Training Of Ex-agitators As Pilots, Engineers

Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) says it has begun the Aviation Resuscitation Programme for cadet pilots and aircraft maintenance engineers.

This was contained in a statement issued yesterday in Abuja by the senior assistant on media to the PAP  interim administrator, Mr Freston Akpor.

He said the training was part of efforts to create sustainable livelihoods for ex-agitators and create a pool of skilled manpower for Nigeria’s aviation industry.

It said that the ceremonial flag-off of the training was held in Lagos on Monday.

Akpor quoted the interim administrator of PAP, Gen. Barry Ndiomu (rtd), as saying that “enormous opportunities abound for the beneficiaries in global aviation.”

Ndiomu, who was represented by PAP’s head of reintegration, Wilfred Musa, recalled that past PAP administrations made efforts at revamping the training programme.

He said Ndiomu maintained that administrative glitches and the complex nature of the aviation industry was the only challenge and that this had made all marginal success to be attained.

Ndiomu said that the flag-off of the programme was initiated more than eight years ago, and that this had shown that the current PAP leadership was critical about advancing the lives of ex-agitators.

He also noted that the aviation industry was a major sector necessary for commercial activities in any country, and urged those who are misinterpreting the initiative behind the programme to pay attention to its long term benefits and instant values.

He also spoke on the argument that beneficiaries may relocate abroad for greener pastures upon completion of the programme, adding that there is nothing wrong with that.

According to the statement, Ndiomu said as long as they are working abroad and sending home forex they will in turn add value to the Nigerian economy.

The statement also quoted the facilitator, Alom Aviation Services Ltd, Capt. Austin Omame, as expressing 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 the training with the aviation firm.

He said that the training was an approved one by the Approved Training Organization (ATO) and was duly certified by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA). (NAN)