Firms Sponsors 41 Bonny Youth For Aviation Training

The Nigerian National
Petroleum Corporation (NNPC)/Mobile Producing Nigeria (MPN) Joint Venture said that it sponsored 41 indigenes of Bonny Island to study aviation courses at the Nigeria College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria, Kaduna State.
MPN said in a statement on its website that the decision to train the youths was part of the company’s effort to develop capacity and human resources within communities near its areas of operation.
The courses are intended to equip the beneficiaries with skills necessary for job opportunities such as aviation services required at the new Finima Airstrip, which was recently constructed in Bonny Island.
A sendforth ceremony for the trainees was held at the King Perekule Royal Palace, Ancient Grand Bonny Kingdom where the students were presented to the Bonny Chiefs Council.
Chairman of Bonny Chiefs Council, Chief (Col.) A.O Manilla Pepple (rtd) expressed the appreciation of His Majesty King Edward Asimini William Dappa Pepple – the Bonny traditional ruler for the opportunity granted to the selected trainees.
He referred to the programme as a “lifeline opportunity” and thanked the NNPC/MPN joint venture for their effort in creating opportunities for the youths in the areas of its business and advised the youths to demonstrate high level of discipline in their studies.
Speaking, Mr. Adeyemi Fakayejo representing the General Manager Public and Government Affairs, charged the beneficiaries to be diligent and focused during their training in the college, not only to justify their selection but also to be worthy ambassadors of Bonny Kingdom and increase the chances of their employability in the aviation industry.
The 41 trainees were selected through the combined efforts of the Centre for Values in Leadership (CVL) group an indigenous Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), the Bonny Kingdom Development Committee and the Mobil Producing Nigeria Public and Government Affairs team.
According to him, they will be trained in various aviation skills including standard piloting, apron control, telephony, cargo handling, advanced diploma in Aviation management and aviation security.
The first batch of the beneficiaries has arrived the college to commence training while others are expected to leave in August based on the schedule of the college.