By Prince Ijo
The Cross River State Government has sealed a partnership with the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria, aimed at training indigenes in diverse aviation fields and positioning the state as a regional hub for aviation development.
The agreement comes shortly after the acquisition and launch of two state-of-the-art CRJ-1000 aircraft under the administration of Governor Bassey Otu.
The agreement further consolidates the government’s investment in the aviation and tourism sectors.
As part of the deal, NCAT will provide training opportunities for Cross Riverians in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering, Piloting, Air Traffic Services, Technical Communication, Airport Emergency Response, Flight Maintenance, and other critical areas of aviation.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Local Content, Awatt Caleb, who led a two-day working visit to NCAT headquarters in Zaria, said the initiative was a bold step to empower citizens with technical knowledge while ensuring that Cross River people are not left out in the growth of the aviation industry.
“The governor is determined not just to fly aircraft or grow Cally Air, but to raise a generation of Cross Riverians who can fly them, maintain them, and run a world-class aviation system. This initiative is about building capacity, creating jobs, and securing a future where our people lead in every sector,” Caleb said.
During the visit, the Rector/CEO of NCAT, Dr. Danjuma Isma’ila Adam, lauded Governor Otu’s vision, describing him as a “God-fearing leader whose programs, projects, and policies are seen on national news every week.” He confirmed that NCAT would provide technical guidance for a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Cross River, to enable immediate take-off of training.
Dr. Adam further revealed plans to deploy instructors to Calabar and send a special aircraft to convey Governor Otu to Zaria for a red-carpet working visit. He stressed the importance of female pilot training in the state, adding that with consistency, Cally Air could replicate the success story of Akwa Ibom’s Ibom Air.
He also noted that all NCAT training programs are recognized by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), offering Cross River indigenes international career opportunities in the aviation sector.
Awatt, while appreciating Governor Otu’s support, described him as “the driving force behind every bold step we are taking to place Cross River on the global aviation map.”
