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NCAA Launches Aviation Skills Program For Youth
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has initiated empowerment programme aimed at inculcating young Nigerians with skills in different fields in the aviation industry to prepare them for jobs in the sector.
One of the challenges faced by Nigeria is how to create jobs for the teeming youths and there is paucity of skilled manpower in the aviation sector; so, NCAA intends to use this programme to prepare young Nigerians by equipping them with technical knowledge, which will prepare them to take up jobs available in the aviation sector.
To this end, the regulatory authority has kicked off the programme with the training of over 100 youths in the airport host communities in five zones of the country, which include Lagos, Port Harcourt, Kano, Abuja and Kaduna.
The first courses that the beneficiaries will be trained on are Passenger and Baggage Handling and Airport Protocol and Logistics.
The skills acquired will also enable them to offer their services in aviation and related sectors of the economy.
Director General, NCAA, Captain Chris Najomo, made this known while addressing young graduates on the initiative, the Aviation Upskilling Development Programme (AUDP), in Port Harcourt on Monday.
He indicated that there are a lot of opportunities that exist in the aviation industry but the youths will have to position themselves well to benefit from them and that is through skills acquisition.
Najomo, who was represented by the Director, Aerodrome and Airspace Standards (DAAS), NCAA, Engr Godwin Balang, recalled that in February 2025, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved a national structure for youth empowerment across all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies. So, the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, in line with this directive, requested that all agencies under its purview align their youth-related efforts with this national framework.
NCAA Director General explained that the youths have been grouped into three categories, which include graduates of tertiary institutions (universities, polytechnics, colleges of education); post-secondary, but non-tertiary educated (youths with some secondary education but who did not complete secondary or tertiary education) and school dropouts, which include out-of-school youths and youths at risk (youths who have not attained primary-level education or are out of school).
“Today’s remarks focuses on the first Category: graduates like you, equipped with academic credentials but often unsure of how to transition into meaningful work or skill-building opportunities. The Aviation Upskilling Development Programme is one response to this gap,” Najomo stated.
He further explained why young Nigerians should consider a career in aviation, saying that the aviation industry is one of the most dynamic and multidisciplinary sectors in the world, observing that it is not just about pilots and flight attendants and remarked that aviation is made up of highly technical roles, regulatory oversight, airport management, safety assurance, environmental compliance, logistics, information technology, engineering, law, finance, and much more.
He identified some of the job roles to include: air traffic services, which involves airspace planning, flight coordination, and communication. Another area is aeronautical engineering/ aircraft maintenance and airworthiness, which is the area that involves gaining expertise in aircraft design, maintenance, and innovative aerospace technologies in addition to inspections, repairs, and ensuring aircraft safety standards.
Other areas include flight operations and cabin crew training which role involves preparing professionals for seamless airline service, customer experience, and flight safety. There is also aviation security and safety, which entails monitoring compliance, managing risk, and supporting emergency preparedness.
There is regulatory affairs that involves oversight of licensing, certification, and compliance; drone technology, which is a growing segment requiring pilots, software engineers, and data analysts. Young Nigerians can leverage on the growing field of drone technology for surveillance, logistics, and emergency response.
Other areas include sustainable aviation and environmental management, airport operations and planning, meteorology, environment science and aviation sustainability, ICT and digital systems, and artificial intelligence and data analytics in aviation , which is utilising data-driven solutions to optimise air traffic management, customer experience, and operational efficiency.
“Every one of these areas needs people. Skilled people. Committed people. People like you,” the Director General said.
So, the objective of Aviation Upskilling Development Programme is to help young Nigerians understand aviation and develop attraction to the sector.
“The Aviation Upskilling Development Programme is not an overnight solution. It is a growing initiative aimed at helping young Nigerians, particularly graduates, understand and begin to navigate their way into aviation. In what you can do to get ready to benefit from this progamme; let me few suggestions.
“Start by learning about the aviation industry: its structure, its terminology, and the role of regulatory bodies like the NCAA, and other aviation parastatals like the Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Nigeria College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMET) and Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB). Free resources are obtainable from their official websites, including from ICAO and IATA materials are very helpful.
“Do not try to master everything. Choose one or two areas that interest you — such as airport operations, flight operations, aircraft design/maintenance, aviation safety, or drone operations — and begin building competence. From documentation systems to surveillance tools, aviation today runs on digital skills. Master tools like Microsoft Excel, basic GIS, safety reporting apps, or data visualization platforms,” the Director General advised.
He also advised the would be beneficiaries to reach out to professionals on LinkedIn. Join youth aviation groups. Attend webinars hosted by aviation training schools and authorities, just like the one you are in today and also to follow regulatory updates from NCAA, FAAN, and NAMA. Being aware of changes in aviation policy can help you align your skills and ambitions with real trends.
‘As an aviator myself who has flown for some 45 years both within and outside Nigeria, I will give a few words on character: aviation is not just technical; it is a sector where discipline, precision, accountability, and ethics are non-negotiable. These values will matter just as much as your qualifications. Build habits of integrity, punctuality, clear communication, and respect for rules. These qualities will distinguish you wherever you go in this industry,” Captain Najomo advised.
Businessday.ng
The Vice Chancellor of Atiba University, Oyo, Professor Sunday Okeniyi, has enjoined the newly employed staff of the institution to develop the spirit of teamwork, respect, and discipline, which are the hallmarks of every successful institution.
Okeniyi disclosed this during the orientation programme for the newly employed staff of the institution.
While welcoming the newly employed staff, he also congratulated them on their successful appointment into the fast-rising institution. “Your joining us today is not by chance, but by merit, commitment, and the will of God. Atiba University is a citadel of learning and character formation, envisioned to nurture and produce men and women of excellence, integrity, and service. By becoming part of this family, you are now co-builders of this noble vision.”
The V-C said the orientation programme was a deliberate initiative of the management to formally integrate the new staff into the University system. “It is designed to give you a clear understanding of our mission, vision, core values, rules, and operational culture. Our goal is not just for you to work here, but for you to thrive, contribute meaningfully, and leave an indelible mark on the growth and transformation of this University.”
He explained that the university places a premium on academic excellence, innovative research, moral uprightness, and community development. These values define the identity and are the standards the staff must all uphold in their respective assignments—whether as academic staff shaping young minds or as non-teaching staff providing essential support services that make our work possible.
While admitting much needed to be done, Okeniyi said the institution has recorded remarkable progress within a short time. “The future we envision—a future of global competitiveness, leadership in innovation and knowledge, and impact within and beyond Nigeria—requires the collective commitment of every member of staff. That includes you. Your dedication, creativity, and professionalism are needed to propel us forward,” he said.
News
This Is War, Kill Every Single One Of Them – Fani-Kayode Blows Hot Over Zamfara Mosque Massacre
Former Aviation Minister Femi Fani-Kayode has condemned the gruesome murder of five worshippers during an early morning prayer in Yandoto village, Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
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Speaking via his 𝕏 account, he insisted that the killers should be wiped out, adding that there should be no room for discussions or negotiations.
Fani-Kayode asserted that the killers are terrorists not bandits and described their actions as an act of war.
He wrote: “These are not bandits. Pls stop calling them bandits. They are bloodthirsty killers and terrorists and every single one of them should be wiped off the face of the earth.
“If our people cannot worship God in peace then we have nothing. No negotiation, no discussion, no ransom payments, no rehabilitation.
“This is WAR. Kill every single one of them, wipe out their blood line and decimate their communities and abodes. There is no place on earth for those that slaughter innocent civilians.”
Meanwhile, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kwara State has accused Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of failing to address the escalating banditry crisis in the state.
Naija News reports that a deadly attack occurred on Sunday in Oke-Ode, Ifelodun Local Government Area, which left several residents and vigilante members dead.
Speaking via a statement on Monday, the Publicity Secretary of the party, Olusegun Olusola Adewara, described the massacre as “a despicable and senseless act.”
He blamed the governor for the insecurity situation in the state, noting that it is a monumental leadership failure.
Adewara said, “The gruesome videos of the casualties circulating online make it look like Kwara is now at war. Under AbdulRahman’s watch, terror is reigning, kidnappers are taking over rural villages, and nowhere is safe again.”
The opposition party faulted AbdulRazaq’s alleged silence and absence from the affected community, insisting that a responsible leader should have personally visited Oke-Ode to commiserate with victims’ families and give assurances of decisive action.
It further accused the governor of neglecting local vigilantes and security personnel “battling criminals in the bush,” while diverting funds to “footballers and entertainers outside the state.”
The PDP’s criticism comes amid rising concern in Kwara North, where repeated bandit attacks have forced residents to abandon farms, schools, and businesses.
News
Nigeria @65: Atiku Knocks Tinubu’s Government In Strongly-Worded Independence Day Message; Details Emerge
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has praised Nigerians for what he described as “uncommon patience, endurance, and resilience despite living under suffocating socio-economic and security conditions”
In his Independence Day message to Nigerians, the opposition leader alleged that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) administration had abandoned Nigerians to their fate
Atiku lamented that Nigerians were enduring pains from “raging insecurity, rising food scarcity, mass unemployment, and a dangerous climate of hopelessness all “compounded by the insensitivity of the APC-led administration
In an Independence Day message released by his media office, obtained by Legit.ng, Atiku lamented that Nigerians are enduring excruciating pains from raging insecurity, rising food scarcity, mass unemployment, and a dangerous climate of hopelessness.
The presidential hopeful accused the Tinubu administration of being insensitive to the plight of Nigerians.
Atiku declared: “It is tragic that in a country blessed with immense human and material resources, millions of our people have been reduced to refugees and beggars in their fatherland. Every responsible government holds the welfare and security of its citizens as supreme. But what we have today is an administration that has abandoned its people. Hunger is killing Nigerians, bandits are massacring communities, yet President Tinubu and his cabinet stand by, unmoved and uncaring.”
Furthermore, Atiku called on citizens not to lose faith, reminding Nigerians that the 2027 election provides a clear opportunity to reject bad leadership and reclaim the promise of a better tomorrow.
He said: “The beauty of democracy lies in the power of the ballot. Oppressed and battered as our people may feel today, they will have the chance to sweep away this inept government at the next polls. That is the power no cabal can take away from the people.”
At 65, Atiku noted, Nigeria remains “a giant moving painfully slow on feet of clay”.
The 78-year-old blamed Nigeria’s condition on “a direct result of decades of poor leadership and wasteful governance.”
He bemoaned: “Yet, he urged Nigerians to keep hope alive, insisting that with the right leadership, the country can still rise from the ashes of failed governance to reclaim its rightful place among the comity of nations.”
PRESS RELEASE
Nigeria @65: @atiku Hails Nigerians’ Courage, Blasts APC Over Economic Strangulation
Former Vice President of Nigeria and Waziri Adamawa, Atiku Abubakar, has paid tribute to the uncommon patience, endurance, and resilience of Nigerians who, despite living under… pic.twitter.com/cPnI9KzxrJ
— Paul Ibe (@omonlakiki) September 30, 2025
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