The Anambra State Government has set aside N750 million to train first batch of 50 persons for a two-year scholarship scheme for the acquisition of basic flying licence and flight engineering at the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, Zaria, Kaduna State.

Thirty of the 50 beneficiaries, with two from each of the 21 local government areas are expected to be females.

The scheme was approved at the meeting of the State Executive Council at Government House, Awka, following a presentation by the leader of a nongovernment organisation, ‘Girls Can Fly Initiative’, Mrs. Obiagelu Ikejiaku-Adelana, who is also the first female pilot from the state.

Inaugurating a committee to oversee the implementation and success of the scheme, the state Governor, Willie Obiano, regretted that though the owner of Peace Airline is from Anambra State, the state cannot boast of having up to three or four female pilots in the aviation industry.

He said that at least two persons will come from each of the 21 local government areas in the state to ensure spread, equity and fairness

The four-man committee is made up of Air Vice Marshall Ben Chiobi, a retired Nigerian Air Force Pilot and the Special Adviser to the Anambra State Government on Creative Security, as chairman; the Commissioner for Creative Economy and Youth Development, Mr. Afam Mbanefo; Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Science and Technology, Professor Theresa Obiekezie; and the Commissioner for Basic Education, Professor Kate Omenugha.

The scholarship scheme, which is expected to train 100 pilots and flight engineers, is open to persons who are up to 16 years and have either tertiary or secondary school education.

Speaking on the scheme, the committee chairman said that in other to catch them young, his committee will in the next few days start a tour of ten schools in the state to sensitize students on the opportunities in the aviation industry.

He said that the programme will help to shore up aviation professionals in the state in the next few years and in so doing increase the state’s presence in the aviation industry
On her part, Mrs. Ikejiaku-Adelana described the scholarship award is aimed at boosting state’s participation in aviation as exemplary and urged other state governments to borrow a leaf from the state.

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