Core investors in the aviation sector in Nigeria have said the sector’s economic potential cannot be overemphasised if proper infrastructure and the enabling environment are provided and harnessed by industry stakeholders.
The executive officer and founder of Auxano Aviation, Ehimenmen Odia, disclosed this during the official opening of its Benin office located within the premises of the Benin airport. He said that with the commencement of general aviation services, Edo State in the near future would become the hub of the aviation industry.
Odia also used the occasion to commend Governor Monday Okpebholo for creating the enabling environment and expressed optimism that in a few years, Edo State will produce pilots and aircraft engineers with the take-off of Auxano Aviation in Benin.
He said beside improving efficiency in service delivery it would also boost tourism, create jobs and increase the economic potential of the state and it people.
He said, ” Part of our vision is to create infrastructure and introduce people to flying their own planes. Imagine a situation where doctors, lawyers, and businessmen can fly to Asaba, Lagos, and back quickly and efficiently. Aviation is an untapped sector, and we believe that it will really help us in Edo State.
“For instance, I have told a lot of my friends about Ososo hills, but they can’t see it. But now with Auxano Aircraft, we can fly there. When people come to the state, they can visit tourist sites, and for the young ones, we are working on training them.
“Most people concentrate on big jets and I have had to tell people who care to listen by using the education analogy. It’s like building universities without concentrating on primary schools. Every pilot in the world started by flying small planes, and that is the standard world over.
“I am grateful the government gave us 12 acres of land to build our hangars. So for me, this is a wonderful day,” he said.
Vice President of Auxano Aviation Morrison Okunbo commended the chairman’s vision and initiative in pioneering the first privately funded general aviation services in the entire West African sub-region.
