The trainees are part of a total of 75 pilots and aircraft engineers sponsored by the Presidential Amnesty Programme to various Aviation Training Organisations (ATOs) in Lagos (Nigeria), Johannesburg (South Africa), and Toulouse (France) for type-rating courses as part of its aviation training scheme. Photo Credit PAP achieve
In a bid to create sustainable livelihoods for ex-agitators, create a pool of skilled manpower for Nigeria’s Aviation industry, the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) has flagged off the Aviation Resuscitation Programme for Cadet Pilots and Aircraft Maintenance Engineers.
Speaking in Lagos at the inauguration Ceremony Interim Administrator of the PAP, retired Major General Barry Ndiomu, noted that enormous opportunities abound for the beneficiaries in global aviation.
Ndiomu who was represented by PAP’s Head of Reintegration, Wilfred Musa, recalled past efforts by PAP administrations at revamping the training programs but for administrative glitches and the complex nature of the Aviation industry not much success was attained.
He said the flag-off of the programme, which was initiated more than eight years ago, further shows that the current PAP leadership is critical about advancing the lives of ex-agitators.
He further charged them to “elevate their reasoning” and “knock off” the feeling of “entitlement”.
The facilitator of the program, and CEO Alom Aviation services Austin Omame expressed optimism that within a year, the trainees with their skills will be gainfully employed in the aviation industry.
Austin, assured that the beneficiaries will be closely monitored throughout their time with the aviation firm, which he said is an Approved Training Organisation (ATO) duly certified by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
One of the beneficiaries who spoke on behalf of the others Ofuafo White Ghavwan applauded the Amnesty Programme for sending them to one of “the best aviation training schools in West Africa.
Reporting by Julian Osamoto, editing by Juliet Onwurah