An aviation firm, Skyville Integrated Solutions Limited, says it has concluded plans and modalities with various partners to unlock aviation services employment and entrepreneurship potential to youths in the country.
The Founder and CEO of the firm, Mr Wilson Ugwu, said this in a press briefing in Enugu on Tuesday while announcing the forthcoming one-day conference titled: "The Aviation Career Meet (Summit)".
Ugwu said that ground-breaking initiative (summit) holds the promise of shaping the future of aviation, careers, and economic development in Nigeria and in this sub-region particularly for young and enterprising Nigerians
According to him, the summit holds the promise of uniting stakeholders, professionals, and other aviation enthusiasts from across the globe.
He said: “Our mission for the summit aligns seamlessly with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) vision of nurturing over 50.000 African aviation professionals within the next two decades.
“We believe that by inspiring and guiding the next generation, we can catalyze a positive impact on the socio-economic development of not only Enugu State, the South East region and Nigeria but also the entire African continent.
“The summit serves as a comprehensive platform offering unique experiences that will leave an indelible mark on participants.
“From captivating workshops and enlightening presentations: to networking opportunities that bridge the gap between aspirants and industry experts, we have meticulously crafted an immerse environment designed to spark enthusiasm and facilitate informed decisions.”
Ugwu, who said that the theme of conference is “Inspiring Careers. Furthering Aviation for Economic Development", would be held on Aug. 24 at Coal City University, Enugu.
The founder noted that the theme underscored the commitment to fostering innovation, driving collaboration, and charting a course toward a brighter future for aviation in the country and how it would positively affect young people.
“Our event will feature a range of activities designed to stimulate engagement and learning. These includes captivating keynote speeches by prominent aviation experts, enlightening panel discussions, an interactive career fair showcasing diverse aviation paths, hands-on workshops, and networking opportunities.
“Moreover, we are honored to be celebrating the 10th Anniversary of International Flights to Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, marking it as the South-East Gateway to the world.
“We encourage you to spread the word, share our vision, and participate actively in "The Aviation Career Meet." Registration details and further information will be made available shortly through our website and official communication channels,” he said.
Contributing, former Managing Director of Nigerian Airspace Management Authority (NAMA), Mazi Nnamdi Udoh, noted from experience of working several decades in the aviation industry, there exist a lot employment and entrepreneurship potentials waiting for thousands of youths to fill.
“Many airports are springing up in the country and internationally which our youths can take advantage of their employment opportunities as well as numerous support services in the aviation industry that young and vibrant Nigerians can tap into as entrepreneurs.
“The summit, which is first of its kind targeting young Nigerians, will reposition Nigerians as the leading country that provide top quality man-power and support services to the aviation industry and management space both locally and internationally,” Udoh said.
Speaking, Prof. Afam Icha-Ituma, Vice Chancellor, Coal City University, Enugu, said that the institution was delighted to be part of the partnership and bringing stakeholders, government, firms and other institutions together to the summit.
Icha-Ituma said that the university had been working to establish Aviation Management Department to offer quality education on support and auxiliary services meant to improve aviation and aero-polis in Nigeria and Africa.
“We are also exploring possibility of collaborating with the Nigerian Air Force Command in Enugu near the university to establish a civil aviation training department in the near future and through it get more young pilots for personal and commercial engagement,” he said.