20 ex-agitators from the Niger Delta Region have officially begun a five-week mandatory training as engineers on aircraft maintenance under the Presidential Amnesty Programme.
The PAP Interim Administrator, Major General Barry Ndiomu (retd.), disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday.
He added that the training would mark a significant milestone in their journey towards certification and rating as licensed professionals.
The beneficiaries are part of the 75 pilots under the PAP Aviation Resuscitation Programme for ex-agitators of the Niger Delta region.
The first set of 20 Aircraft Maintenance Engineers earlier graduated on October 31, 2023, The PUNCH reports.
Ndiomu, while addressing the beneficiaries, noted that the flag-off of training for the second batch is another “promise kept” by his administration.
He posited that currently, the global aviation industry is expanding at a rapid pace and manpower development is being emphasized by both the industry operators and regulators.
He reiterated that through this specialized program, the PAP has become a critical supplier of strategic manpower to the global aviation industry.
“You represent not just the future of the Niger Delta, but the future of Nigeria and the global aviation industry.
“The PAP has provided you with all you require to succeed on this journey, what you owe us in return is excellence,” Ndiomu added.
He further underscored the program’s relevance in providing essential manpower to meet industry demands, while reaffirming PAP’s dedication to consistently creating advanced opportunities for the career development of individuals from the Niger Delta region, aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda.”
He, however, urged the beneficiaries to excel in their endeavours and shape the future of the Niger Delta, contributing to Nigeria and the global aviation sector.