The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja has charged student pilots of Nigerian Army (NA) Aviation to embrace every challenge as an opportunity for growth.
The COAS, who was represented by the Commander, 22 Armoured Brigade, Brigadier General OD Williams, stated this while declaring open the orientation of student pilots’ course 19, 2024 at the International Aviation College Ilorin, Kwara State.
The orientation programme was made up of 11 students out of which 10 were drawn from the NA Aviation.
The Pilot Training is geared towards the operational effectiveness pillar of the COAS’ command philosophy which is “ To transform the Nigerian Army into a well Trained, Equipped and Highly Motivated Force Towards Achieving our constitutional Responsibilities within a Joint Environment ”.
The orientation was attended by the Council Chairman of IAC, Kwara Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Dr Mary Arinde; Chairman International Aviation College Ilorin Governing Council, Alhaji Ahmad Gobir and Acting Rector IAC Ilorin, Capt Yakubu Okatahi.
Speaking at the event, the representative of the COAS, Brigadier General OD Williams, remarked that, “this step amongst others is aimed at fully operationalising the NA Aviation, which will no doubt, reshape the battle space for all our operations; thereby enhancing operational effectiveness of the NA.
He told the trainees, that the Pilot Training Programme is critical, as it would serve as foundation stage for their careers as NA Aviators. He reminded the student pilots, that the International Aviation College, renowned for its excellence in Aviation Training will serve as their Launchpad into the skies. “Over the next months, you will undergo rigorous training, which will aim at enhancing your skills both as aviators and as future leaders in the NA Aviation.
He used the opportunity to extend his appreciation to the President, Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the Rederal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his continuous strategic guidance and invaluable support to the NA.
The Rector of the College urged the students to be focused and ready to face the challenges ahead, saying the school would do everything within its power to make their programme worthwhile.
He said the International Aviation College is one of the NCAA-approved training institutions for training of pilots and development of manpower in the Nigerian Aviation sector.
Also the Council Chairman, Alhaji Ahmad Gobir urged the participants to be dedicated to the course to come out in flying colours.
