Leading aviation experts emphasized the critical role of the aviation industry in driving rapid economic development in the South-East region of Nigeria. The aviation sector was hailed as a potential catalyst for growth during the Aviation Career Meet held at Coal City University in Enugu.
The event, organized by Skyville Integrated Solutions in collaboration with Coal City University and with support from Ethiopian Airline, aimed to rally stakeholders in the South-East towards establishing the region as an aviation hub in the country.
Given its position as a landlocked area, the South-East has a strong imperative to optimize the utilization of its airspace to facilitate the efficient movement of goods and services.
In his address, Uche Ugwu, the convener and Chief Executive Officer of Skyville Integrated Solutions, explained that the collaboration with stakeholders aimed to align with the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) objective of nurturing over 50,000 African aviation professionals in the next two decades.
The organizers sought to cultivate a renewed passion for aviation among young people, students, and professionals across the South-East who could drive the vision of a thriving aviation industry in the region.
“The Aviation Career Meet provides a platform for these aspirations to take root, where talents can be nurtured and where the aviation industry can flourish,” Ugwu stated. The theme for this year’s event, “Inspiring Careers Furthering Aviation for Economic Development,” encapsulated their mission.
He continued, “Today, as we gather here, we do not merely celebrate an event, but rather an opportunity—an opportunity to inspire the next generation of aviation professionals and to chart a course towards greater economic development through aviation. Together, let us inspire careers, further aviation, and contribute to the economic development of our beloved Enugu State, the South-East region, Nigeria, and Africa as a whole.”
Coal City University’s Vice Chancellor, Prof Afam Icha-Ituma, announced that the institution had finalized plans to launch aviation management and commercial pilot training programs. He emphasized the university’s commitment to filling the knowledge gaps within the sector.
“This conference is a crucial stepping-stone for Coal City University in establishing a world-class aviation management program and commercial pilot training aimed at producing competent and highly qualified personnel for the Nigerian and African aviation industry,” Prof Icha-Ituma said.
He further appealed to key stakeholders in the aviation industry to collaborate with the university in realizing their vision of establishing the proposed aviation management and commercial pilot training programs, which would meet the demand for skilled human resources in Africa’s aviation sector.
Former Managing Director and CEO of NAMA, Nnamdi Udoh, encouraged South-East governments and residents to explore the numerous opportunities available in the aviation industry. He emphasized that anyone could find a promising career path within the sector.
Udoh also underscored the enormous economic potential of aviation, stating, “Aviation is capable of generating as much revenue as oil for the South-East.” He noted that the conference aimed to position Enugu as an aviation hub.
Other speakers at the event emphasized the urgent need for a concerted effort in maximizing the untapped potentials of the aviation sector for the growth and development of the South-East region.
