By Shadrach Okon
Akwa Ibom State Government under the leadership of Governor Umo Bassey Eno has sponsored thirty-seven Akwa Ibomites abroad for aviation training.
The governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, dropped the news yesterday while speaking at the launch of ARISE Human Capital Development Strategic Plan and ARISE Local Government HCD Implementation Roadmap, by Nigeria’s Vice President, HE Kashim Shettima, in Uyo.
Governor Eno, while presenting his address at the event stated that such investment in Human Capital Development in the aviation sector is aimed at empowering Akwa Ibom youths with the right skills and training to take up strategic positions in the fast growing aviation sector in Akwa Ibom State.
Giving a break down of the various categories of trainees, Pastor Umo Eno disclosed that sixteen Akwa Ibom youths have been sent to Toulouse, France for training as pilots with Airbus while twenty- one engineers recently came back from training with Ethiopian Airline
Hear Him: “Since we came in, we have undertaken several training sessions for people in critical sectors such as aviation and healthcare delivery. Currently, sixteen of our youths are in Toulouse, France, for training as pilots with Airbus. Twenty-one engineers recently came back from training with Ethiopian Airlines and will soon be absorbed by Ibom Air.
Last year, we sent three of our youths for training as pilots with the Nigerian Aviation Training School in Zaria, with full scholarships. This is preparing them for the aviation industry, where we want to have our own people fly our own airline.”
Governor Eno also said: “Currently, we’re recruiting about a hundred medical doctors who will be sent abroad for training in various fields, so they may form the nucleus of our planned medical tourism initiative in the state. They will be provided with befitting living quarters, decent salaries, and emoluments upon their return, as they are bonded with the state government. We want to stop the ‘Japa syndrome’ in this state.”
Responding, the Vice President, H.E. Kashim Shettima, was the Special Guest of Honour at the event commended Governor Umo Eno and his team for not only adopting the Human Capital Development, HCD framework, but also localizing its operation and placing people at the center of public policies.
His Excellency, Kashim Shettima, who described leadership to mean governing with vision, foresight, and commitment. urged other governors in the country to emulate the example of Governor Umo Eno.
According to him, “Governor Umo Eno is carving a niche for himself and for the people of Akwa Ibom State. He is focused on adding value to the state. He is not loud. He doesn’t grandstand. He is not a controversial person, and for that, we are mightily proud of you. You are one person President Bola Ahmed Tinubu holds in high esteem. I urge every other governor to emulate the standards set by Pastor Umo Eno. There’s no legacy that surpasses that of building our people. There is no monument that will surpass the legacy of health and opportunities. Education is the greatest leveller within a generation.
The event climaxed with the unveiling of ARISE Human Capital Development Strategic Plan and ARISE Local Government HCD Implementation Roadmap, by Vice President HE Kashim Shettima, flanked by Governor Umo Eno, the Co-ordinator for the Office of the First Lady, Mrs Helen Obareki and spouse alongside other dignitaries.
