Nosa Osula-Aituamen
The Ogun State government has reaffirmed its commitment to training indigenous youths in aviation careers as part of efforts to develop the state’s aviation sector.
This was disclosed by the Chief of Staff to the Ogun State Governor, Dr. Oluwatoyin Taiwo, during a courtesy visit by the Managing Director of Santos Aviation Ltd, based in the US, Mr. Segun Adesanya, at the Government House in Abeokuta.
The visit was aimed at informing the state government about Santos Aviation’s plans to invest in Ogun’s aviation industry.
Dr. Taiwo assured Mr. Adesanya of the state’s full support in realizing his investment objectives, emphasizing the vast potential of the newly constructed Ogun Airport in Iperu, Remo.
He encouraged the aviation expert to take advantage of the facility for his initiatives.
Speaking at the meeting, Ogun State Commissioner for Transport, Mr. Gbenga Dairo, highlighted the progress of the airport project, which has been in development for the past three years.
He noted that the runway is designed to accommodate wide-bodied aircraft.
According to Mr. Dairo, the airport currently operates as a Sunset Airport, but efforts are underway to ensure round-the-clock operations, with the necessary equipment for 24-hour functionality expected soon.
He added that while light aircraft are already utilizing the facility, commercial flight operations are expected to commence within a few months, pending approval from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
The Commissioner also disclosed plans to integrate aviation-related courses into technical institutions in the state, allowing students to gain relevant skills and knowledge in the industry.
In his address, Mr. Segun Adesanya outlined his vision of fostering youth development through technology transfer in aviation training.
He emphasized the need for state involvement in developing local talent, particularly through apprenticeships that will prepare students for careers in aircraft maintenance and engineering.
According to Adesanya, Santos Aviation plans to partner with local technical schools and polytechnics for an 18-month training program leading to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification in airframe mechanics.
Successful candidates will qualify to obtain an Airframe License from the FAA after completing the required examinations.
He further stressed the urgent need for a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility in Nigeria, noting that the lack of such facilities has hindered the career progression of many trained aviation engineers.
Mr. Adesanya proposed that establishing an MRO center at the Ogun Airport would alleviate congestion at Lagos Airport and contribute to Ogun State’s economic growth.
“With Lagos running out of expansion space, Ogun remains the best alternative for aviation development in the region”.