The Federal Government’s amnesty programme has sent out another batch of 20 more ex-militants from the Niger Delta region for a compulsory five-week mandatory training. When the training is completed, it will give the trainees a certification and type rating as licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineers. According to the Presidential Amnesty Programme, PAP, a 12-month on-the-job training (OJT) will precede this experience after which the trainees will graduate from the class course phase of the program.
According to the schedule of the program, the beneficiaries are part of the 75 Pilots/Aircraft Maintenance Engineers pencilled under the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) Aviation Training Scheme, out of which a first set of 20 Aircraft Maintenance Engineers successfully graduated recently during last October 31, 2023.
Admonishing beneficiaries in his goodwill message today in Lagos during the Program Inauguration, the PAP Interim Administrator, Major General Barry Ndiomu (Rtd) noted that the flag-off of training for the second batch is another “promise Kept” by the president Tinubu led administration.
Represented by PAP’s Head of Reintegration, Wilfred Musa, noted that, the global aviation industry is expanding at a rapid pace and manpower development is being emphasised by both the industry operators and regulators.
He explained that by this specialised program, the PAP has become a critical supplier of strategic manpower to the global aviation industry, calling the beneficiaries to maximise the opportunity.
He hinted that the PAP has been positioned to sustain this momentum of creating a cutting-edge opportunities for the career advancement of Niger Deltans, after they have embraced peace. He noted that it is in line with President Bola Tinubu’s mantra of “Renewed Hope Agenda” for the all important Niger Delta region and Nigeria.
Meanwhile, Ndiomu charged the beneficiaries to prove naysayers wrong who advocate that the program was a waste of national resources, by striving to be the best. “You represent not just the future of the Niger Delta, but the future of Nigeria and the global aviation industry.”
He added, “The PAP has provided you with all you require to succeed on this journey, what you owe us in return are excellence”.
In his remark during the inauguration, Managing Director of Alom Aviation Services Ltd, Captain Austin Omame, commended the PAP Interim Administrator for pushing on with the Aviation Resuscitation Program in the country, adding that with their OJT/Type rating licences in their hands, they can secure aviation jobs anywhere in the world.
One of the beneficiaries, Onyeama Kingsley, who spoke on behalf of the second batch beneficiaries, promised that they would reciprocate the efforts of the PAP with dedication and hard work.
