Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, has revealed plans to set up a state-owned commercial airline aimed at generating employment opportunities for indigenes who have finished their professional pilot training.
The governor made this disclosure during the 40th Executive Council Meeting at the Government House in Kano, where he received several awards, including recognition from the Kano State Pilot Association for his dedication to helping association members complete their aviation training.
The information was made public in a statement released on Thursday by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Dawakin-Tofa.
While addressing the meeting, Yusuf stated that the proposed Kano Airline is expected to begin operations within the next year.
“By the grace of God, the proposed Kano Airline will commence operations within the next one year. We are committed to providing all the necessary support to actualise the project and ensure its successful operation,” the governor said.
Yusuf made the announcement shortly after receiving multiple awards, one of which came from the Kano State Pilot Association in appreciation of his administration’s support for members to finish their aviation training programmes.
The governor also expressed pleasure with the performance of Kano-sponsored pilots who received training in Jordan as part of a programme started by a previous administration.
“I am impressed by the outstanding performance of our young pilots. We will continue to support them and create opportunities for them to contribute meaningfully to the development of the aviation sector,” he added.
Earlier at the meeting, the Chairman of the Kano State Pilot Association, Naziru Ibrahim, praised the governor for assisting in the revalidation of members’ flying licences.
“We appreciate Your Excellency for your continued support, particularly in helping our members revalidate their flying licences. We appeal for further assistance to enable them obtain their final certifications, which will qualify them to operate commercial flights both within Nigeria and internationally,” Ibrahim said.
