18 ex-militants who are on amnesty training programme have graduated as private pilots at the African Union aviation academy in Johannesburg, South Africa
The special adviser to the president on Niger delta, Mr Kingsley Kuku who was at the presentation of certificate to the students reaffirmed the commitment of the government to empower the ex-militants to enable them contribute their quota to the development of the nation’s economy.
He revealed that the 26,358 persons who embraced the federal government’s amnesty programme will be trained in various fields before the end of twenty thirteen.
The graduation ceremony involved a demonstration of skill and competence by 17 student pilots who received their private pilot’s licence at the event while others were decorated for flying aircrafts unaccompanied by their instructors.
Mr Kuku who was flown by one of the student pilots at the Grand Central airport in Midrand, also expressed plans by the federal government to ensure that Nigeria dominate the aviation industry soon.
The chief executive officer of the aviation academy commended the federal government for investing in the youths.
Mr Kuku who also doubles as the chairman of the amnesty programme assured the students that the federal government will support them to enable them and secure their commercial pilot’s licence.
The 18 students who obtained their private pilot’s licence were presented with their licences while others who have attained the status of flying solo were decorated.
50 students under the amnesty programme are being trained as pilots in South Africa.