Aviation: Rivers State Government trains 10 youths as Helicopter AW139 Engineers at Eastwing Aviation Institute

The Rivers State government has launched a scholarship program at Eastwing Aviation Institute, aimed at empowering Rivers State youths and addressing the global shortage of skilled aviation professionals.

According to Dr. Stanley Pepple who coordinated the selection process of beneficiaries of the program, the governor Siminalayi Fubara’s decision to sponsor training in AW139 engineering was driven by strategic goals related to economic development, skill acquisition, and technological advancement of Rivers youths.”

The program, which is a full sponsorship for qualified indigenes of Rivers State, requires applicants to have an AME license and provide documents stating their indigeneity.

“The requirements were simply asking those who had an AME license to come forward with documents stating they were indigenes of Rivers State,”Pepple said.

He added that 10 indigenes of Rivers State have benefited from the program and completed their training at the Institute. He said the selection process was fair, with advertisements in the media calling for youths from Rivers State to submit their documents for assessment.

“”The Governor is concerned about youths in Rivers State. His initiative ensures the availability of skilled professionals to meet industry needs, foster economic growth for families, and position Rivers State as the leader in aviation development.”

The CEO of Eastwing Aviation Institute Mr. Christopher Edeh expressed his gratitude to the governor for the partnership.

“I would like to extend my deepest appreciation to the Governor of Rivers State for encouraging the youths through their scholarship program. Our students are already benefiting from this goodwill, having commenced their training a few weeks ago.”

He said the program will continue with the next batch of training set to commence soon noting that the initiative will position Rivers State as a hub for aviation training and expertise and address the looming shortage of pilots and engineers.