BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has taken its campaign to attract young Nigerians into the aviation industry to students and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members, exposing them to career opportunities beyond the familiar jobs of pilots and cabin crew.
The initiative was part of FAAN’s New Generation of Aviation Professionals (NGAP) Training Programme, which brought together NYSC members and students from MMA Secondary School, Air Force Secondary School and Honeyland Schools.
The programme was designed to help participants understand the wide range of professional opportunities available in aviation and encourage them to begin acquiring the skills needed to build careers in the sector.
Representing FAAN’s Managing Director/Chief Executive, Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, at the programme was the Director of Engineering Services, Engr. Abiola Muniru Adejare, who delivered the welcome address on her behalf.
The General Manager, Welfare and Management Services, Mrs Gladys Omotosho, also represented the Director of Human Resources, Dr Emiola Olatubosun Luqman, and delivered his opening speech.
During the training, aviation professionals from different fields spoke to the participants about their careers, the skills required and the opportunities available to young people.
A commercial pilot explained the training, discipline and commitment required to become a professional pilot, while a medical doctor highlighted career opportunities in aviation medicine and the role of healthcare professionals in keeping air transport safe.
An Aerodrome Rescue and Fire Fighting Service (ARFFS) professional also introduced the participants to airport emergency response and fire safety, explaining the specialised skills required to protect lives and property during aviation emergencies.
The programme also looked beyond conventional aviation jobs, with a photographer and filmmaker explaining how young Nigerians could build careers in photography, filmmaking, visual storytelling and media within the aviation industry.
A representative of the Federation of International Drone Soccer Association (FIDA) Nigeria further exposed the participants to drone technology and its growing uses in aviation and other sectors.
The participants also took part in practical drone soccer sessions, giving them hands-on experience with drones, piloting and the application of emerging technology.
The programme ended with advice from its host, the General Manager, Training and Human Resources Development, Dr Toyin Akinlade, who urged the participants to remain committed to learning and develop skills that could position them for opportunities in the aviation industry.
Akinlade encouraged the young participants to look beyond the traditional perception of aviation as a sector meant mainly for pilots and cabin crew, stressing that the industry requires professionals in engineering, medicine, emergency response, technology, media and several other fields.
FAAN’s NGAP programme is therefore aimed at helping young Nigerians understand these opportunities early and prepare for the growing skills requirements of the aviation industry.
Olapeju is a journalist and aviation reporter.
