…Chairman Anike: “The Sky Is Your Starting Point”
Enugu East Local Government Council, under the leadership of Executive Chairman Engr. Pst. Beloved-Dan Obi Anike, has presented certificates to a second batch of 40 middle-level aviation graduates trained at the Universal School of Aviation, Lagos, reinforcing Governor Peter Mbah’s aviation transformation agenda.
The ceremony, held at the Council Headquarters, Nkwo Nike, marks the second cohort sponsored by the Anike-led administration, bringing the total number of trained aviation personnel from the LGA to over 80.
In his keynote address, Engr. Anike described the event as “more than a certification ceremony—it is a declaration that capacity is being built, futures are being shaped, and a new workforce is rising to power the aviation industry.”
The Batch 2 graduates completed training across five critical areas: Cabin Crew, Flight Dispatch, Air Ticketing, Aviation Management, and Travel Agency Management.
Linking the initiative to state policy, the Chairman stated: “In Enugu State, we are witnessing a quantum expansion of the aviation ecosystem—through initiatives such as Enugu Air and the strategic upgrade of Akanu Ibiam International Airport into a modern, globally competitive hub… airports run not just on infrastructure, but on competence.”
He described the programme as a pillar of “Human Capital Development 2.0,” noting: “This is the essence of Human Capital Development 2.0—where training translates into transformation, and individuals become contributors to a thriving economy. Our objective is clear: To create jobs, to improve livelihoods, and to drive inclusive economic growth.”
Representing the Honourable Commissioner for Transport, Ify Ugbonabo, Special Assistant to the Governor on Transport, commended the Council’s proactive approach:
“I commend the Chairman of Enugu East LGA for his foresight and leadership. He has not only keyed into the ‘One Youth, One Skill’ initiative but has deliberately identified aviation as a high-value opportunity sector and extended that opportunity to his people. This is exactly the kind of proactive leadership His Excellency encourages all local government chairmen across the state to emulate. The Ministry’s recent engagements show that many of our people are not currently equipped with the specialized skills required to compete in the industry.”
Industry stakeholders also lauded the initiative. Mr. Hilary Umunna, Regional Manager, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), said:
“Coming here today, I saw young aspiring leaders in the aviation industry. I’m happy seeing that it is young people that were trained, and it gives them the opportunity to grow in the industry. That alone exceeded my expectation. This training opens these young people to opportunities not just in Enugu State but across the nation.”_
Mr. Ifeanyi, representative of the Station Manager, added: “Your Chairman is a man of wisdom, vision, and a man on a mission. It takes leadership with vision to look beyond what is obtainable in his environment and think forward, and that is what your Chairman has done. This is the kind of leadership we need in Nigeria.”
Engr. Anike closed with a direct appeal to the aviation sector: “I therefore respectfully call on aviation agencies, airlines, ground handling companies, travel operators, and regulatory bodies to open their doors for these graduands to undertake the mandatory internship and on-the-job training required for full professional integration. This is not just support—it is an investment in competence.”
Addressing the graduates, he charged: “You are not just certificate holders—you are emerging professionals… As you step into the industry, remember—the sky is not your limit, it is your starting point.”
