Gov. Umo Eno Celebrates 35 New Ibom Air Pilots and Engineers Trained Abroad

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has expressed pride and joy as 35 indigenous Ibom Air cadet pilots and engineers successfully completed their aviation training abroad and returned to the state.

The young aviation professionals, comprising 15 pilots and 20 aircraft maintenance engineers, trained at the Airbus Flight Academy in Toulouse, France, and the Ethiopian Airlines Aviation Academy, arrived in Uyo on Tuesday.

Speaking while receiving them at Government House, Uyo, Eno praised their dedication and described them as invaluable assets to the state.

“I am very proud of you. And to know that you are all Akwa Ibomites gives me greater joy. I welcome you back on behalf of the government and people of the state from your training as pilots and engineers,” the governor said.

Eno Commends Vision of Udom Emmanuel

Governor Eno lauded his predecessor, Udom Emmanuel, for establishing Ibom Air and initiating the training programme for indigenous pilots and engineers. He said the former governor’s vision continues to yield positive results.

“When we mention Ibom Air, we cannot forget Mr. Udom Emmanuel. We appreciate him on a day like this, and I know how proud he would be to see the harvest of the seed he sowed,” Eno added.

Commitment to Merit and Excellence

The governor stressed that the selection of the cadets was based on merit, not favoritism, saying:
“We must build a state where people get opportunities on merit. Ibom Air is the airline to beat, and even competitors know that. We are proud of your contribution to building human capacity for the airline.”

He also assured Ibom Air’s management of his administration’s continued support, promising conducive work conditions, including modern accommodation facilities along the state’s aviation corridor.

Ibom Air Management Commends Government

Presenting the cadets to the governor, the Chairman of Ibom Air, Captain Mfon Udom, explained that the graduates excelled in their training programmes and would contribute to the airline’s efficiency. He thanked both Governor Eno and former Governor Emmanuel for their commitment to human capital development in aviation.

Two of the graduates, Enwonoabasi Esara from Itu LGA and Moses Okon from Uruan LGA, spoke on behalf of their colleagues, thanking the government for fulfilling their dreams of becoming aviation professionals.

The event was witnessed by top government officials, including the Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, Executive Assistant/Chief Delivery Advisor, Mr. Aniefiok Johnson, members of the State Executive Council, aviation stakeholders, and other dignitaries.