Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has received 35 newly graduated Ibom Air cadet pilots and engineers who have just returned to the state after their training in France and Ethiopia. The graduates; 15 pilots and 20 aircraft maintenance engineers who graduated from the Airbus Flight Academy in Toulouse, France, and the Ethiopian Airlines Aviation Academy were presented to the governor at Government House, Uyo, by the Board and Management of Ibom Air.
According to The Punch, expressing delight at their successful completion of the programme, Eno described them as invaluable assets to the state and praised their diligence. “I am very proud of you, and to know that you are all Akwa Ibomites gives me even greater joy. On behalf of the government and people of the state, I welcome you back from your training as pilots and engineers,” the governor said.
Eno commended the vision of his predecessor, Udom Emmanuel, for establishing Ibom Air and initiating the training of indigenes in critical aviation fields. “The vision will surely continue. When we mention Ibom Air, we cannot forget Mr. Udom Emmanuel. On a day like this, we appreciate him. The seed he sowed has produced this great harvest,” Eno added. He also applauded the airline’s management for its achievements, particularly in capacity development and service excellence, noting that Ibom Air had become “the airline to beat” in Nigeria.
According to him, the state is committed to ensuring that opportunities are based on merit, not connections. “We must build a state where people benefit on merit and not because they know somebody. We are working hard to ensure fairness in all opportunities,” he said. The governor assured that his administration would continue to support Ibom Air’s growth, promising to provide comfortable accommodation for aviation professionals along the state’s aviation corridor. Earlier, Ibom Air Chairman, Captain Mfon Udom, explained that the cadets graduated with excellent results and thanked both the current and immediate past governors for their support in building capacity in the aviation sector.
Two of the graduates, Enwonoabasi Esara from Itu Local Government Area and Moses Okon from Uruan Local Government Area, who spoke on behalf of their colleagues, expressed gratitude to the state government for helping them achieve their dreams. Also present at the reception were the Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah; Executive Assistant and Chief Delivery Advisor, Mr. Aniefiok Johnson; members of the State Executive Council; aviation stakeholders; and other government officials.
