Posted by Sade Williams
A former governor of Kogi state, Capt. Idris Wada, has decried the spate at which domestic airlines go down, urging stakeholders to work together for the growth of the sector.
He spoke at the dinner/awards at the unveiling of the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE) compendium of 50 outstanding pilots and engineers, held in Lagos at the weekend.
Wada, who noted that domestic airlines lifespan hardly last for a decade, stressing the need for experts’ full dedication towards the survival of the industry.
The former EAS boss however, tasked Pilots and Engineers to always carry out their tasks in accordance with internationally laid down procedures, adding that such was part of the ingredients that would uplift thesector.
Wada, who was a recipient of the award, thanked the members of NAAPE for putting together the ceremony in recognition of pilots and engineers’ strides.
Also speaking, the Minister of State Aviation, Sen. Hadi Sirika represented by the Managing Director of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, Capt. Fola Akinkuotu, said NAAPE has contributed immensely to the development and success of the aviation industry.
Sirika called for higher commitment from the awardees, urging NAAPE members to continue to work within the ambit of the law by maintaining standards by all means possible.
Chairman of the occasion, Mr. Aderemi Makanjuola , represented by Capt Josiah Choms Managing Director of Caverton, said the era of confrontation by unions with management of organizations was over as issues were now being addressed through dialogue.
According to Makanjuola, the integrity of trade unionism must be protected noting that the unveiling of the compendium has shown how far in developments, the aviation industry has gone.
He urged NAAPE members to remain focused in order in their profession as a way to maintaining their position in the industry.
Earlier in his welcome address, the president of NAAPE, Comrade Abednego Galadima, noted that for over three decades, the association has remained firm in the advocacy for the rights, privileges, and welfare of Nigerian pilots and aircraft engineers on one hand while ensuring professionalism and promoting safety of the industry on the other hand.
Galadima said Nigerian pilots and engineers have been contributing immensely to the growth and development of the global aviation industry in general and Nigeria in particular.
He said the industry has recorded five accident free years which is evidence that Nigerian pilots and aircraft engineers, who without debate, were pillars of the industry.
Galadima however noted that with unity, the increasing rate of unemployment among pilots and aircraft engineers in the country will be overcome.
He announced that NAAPE has instituted an annual aviation safety award for aviation organizations, both public and private aimed at promoting and entrenching safety culture and rewarding safe practices.
Dignitaries present at the ceremony, include, the rector Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, Capt Mohammed Abdullah, Former rector, Capt Adebayo Araba, former DG, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, Engr. Fidelis Onyeyiri, Former president of Aviation Round Table, Capt Dele Ore, Managing Director of Aero Contractors Capt Ado Sanusi among others.
