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

According to Dr Stanley Pepple, who coordinated the selection process of beneficiaries of the programme, 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.

He said the programme, which is a full sponsorship for qualified indigenes of Rivers State, requires applicants to have an AME licence and provide documents stating their indigeneship.

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

He added that 10 indigenes of Rivers State have benefited from the programme 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,” he added.

The Chief Executive Officer (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 programme. Our students are already benefiting from this goodwill, having commenced their training a few weeks ago.”

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