Gov Umo Eno Receives Newly Graduated Ibom Air Cadet Pilots, Aircraft Engineers, Commends Ex-Gov Udom Emmanuel

Tuesday August 26, 2025
By The NewsDESK |

The Akwa Ibom Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, August 25, received in courtesy the recently graduated Ibom Air cadet pilots and aircraft engineers, who were sponsored by the State Government to top aviation training institutions abroad.

The 15 pilots, who trained at the Airbus Flight Academy in Toulouse, France, and the 20 aircraft engineers, who qualified at the Ethiopian Aviation Academy (now Ethiopian Aviation University), in Addis Ababa, were warmly congratulated by the Governor, who expressed joy that the young beneficiaries excelled with distinction.

Governor Eno commended his predecessor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, for the vision of establishing Ibom Air and initiating the pilot and engineer training programme. He acknowledged that successive leaders had each contributed to the progress the state enjoys today.

Speaking on the broader significance of the achievement, the Governor said:

“This is human capital development in action. For the young people, we are happy that you have made us proud. I am glad you went through the application and online selection process to qualify for this training. This is our message to Akwa Ibom youths: take advantage of available portals and other opportunities to develop yourselves. We will continue to open doors, but you must step in and make the most of them.”

He further reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sustaining the growth of Ibom Air, describing it as “our airline and our pride.” He revealed that the State Government is making substantial investments in the aviation ecosystem, with 10 major projects ongoing at the Victor Attah International Airport, including the aviation village and other supporting infrastructure designed to strengthen the airline’s operations.

Earlier, the Chairman of Ibom Air, Captain Mfon Udom, expressed appreciation to the State Government for sponsoring the programme, describing the outstanding performance of the cadets as remarkable.

Some of the newly graduated cadets, speaking on behalf of their colleagues, expressed gratitude to the State Government for helping them achieve their dreams. They particularly thanked Governor Eno for personally visiting them during their training in France and pledged to contribute their expertise to the continued growth of Ibom Air and the state’s aviation sector.