Abuja: Gov. Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom has received 35 indigenous Ibom Air cadet pilots and maintenance engineers who graduated from Airbus Flight Academy in France and Ethiopian Airline Aviation Academy. Eno, while receiving the Board and Management of Ibom Air at the Government House, expressed delight at the successful graduation of the 15 aircraft pilots and 20 maintenance engineers.

According to News Agency of Nigeria, Eno described the graduates as ‘assets to the state’ and commended them for their diligence in their career paths. He expressed pride in their achievements, noting that their status as Akwa Ibom indigenes added to his joy. He welcomed them back on behalf of the government and people of the state from their training as pilots and engineers, assuring them of more opportunities that would elevate them in the sector.

The governor extended his gratitude to his predecessor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, for his vision in establishing and nurturing the state-owned airline. He praised Emmanuel for selecting state indigenes for training as pilots and aircraft maintenance engineers, stating that the vision would continue to unfold.

Eno also applauded the management of Ibom Air for their contributions, highlighting their encouragement for his administration to build on the airline’s achievements, particularly in capacity development and quality facilities. He emphasized that the beneficiaries were selected based on merit, underscoring the importance of a state where opportunities are awarded fairly.

The governor affirmed his commitment to supporting Ibom Air’s plans and programs for enhanced service delivery in the country and beyond, promising to provide a conducive work environment for aviation professionals with comfortable accommodations along the aviation corridor of the state.

Earlier, Capt. Mfon Udom, Chairman of Ibom Air, acknowledged the excellent grades achieved by the team of pilots and engineers from their training schools. Udom expressed appreciation to the governor and his predecessor for their belief in the people and their efforts to ensure proper training in critical areas of the aviation industry. He noted that this would significantly boost the airline’s efficiency and help achieve its goals.