By Ladi Gbegi
National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure, NASENI, and Caverton Helicopters have commenced the second batch of training for 10 selected female engineers and scientists from NASENI system-wide in Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, UAVs, technology.
The six-week training programme, which kicked off on Monday, April 7 at Caverton’s training school in Ikeja, Lagos, is part of the NASENI-Caverton, NASCAV, ongoing partnership to strengthen the aviation mandate of NASENI.
A statement by the Director of Information, NASENI, Olusegun Ayeoyenikan, said training is a key component of the SHEFLY project, a pioneering initiative by the Executive Vice Chairman of NASENI, Mr Khalil Halilu, aimed at empowering rural women to leverage drone technology for precision farming and increased agricultural yields, aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’.
In his remarks, the Team Lead of NASCAV project, Dr Abayomi Okesola, who spoke on behalf of NASENI’s management, welcomed the trainees to the epoch training exercise with CAVERTON, citing them as worthy partners due to their impressive track record in aviation and marine spaces.
He said SHEFLY project is very dear to the heart of the EVC/CEO who perceived the exercise as a valuable initiative to promote women in STEM fields and bridge the existing gender gap.
Okesola said the selection of female trainees from various institutes across different zones was a deliberate effort to enable them manage clusters that will be set up to train rural women in drone technology for enhanced agricultural activities nationwide.
In his welcome address, the Managing Director of Caverton Helicopters, Captain Bello Ibrahim, who was represented by the Director of Corporate Services, Mr Ayodele Omueti noted that Caverton is a conglomerate with diverse interests in aviation, marine and training, emphasising that training is essential for ensuring safety and accountability.
He stated that UAVs are modern aircrafts in the aviation sector, stressing that “the training is timely to ensure that we remain current with global technological advancements.”
He urged the trainees to stay focused and acquire the knowledge they have come for.
On his part, the Project Coordinator, CAVERTON Drones, Mr Ese Obukonise stated that the training adheres to aerodynamic principles and is certified by a UK licensed authority, ensuring compliance with international standards and best practices.
He said this would enable the trainees maximise their potentials and contribute effectively to NASENI’s initiatives.
He noted that the demand for UAV pilots in the world is exceptionally high and SHEFLY project would not only promote gender inclusiveness in a male dominated field, but also empower women to capitalise on emerging opportunities in UAV technology.
Upon completion, the female trainees will in turn, train rural female farmers to utilise drone technology to improve and boost farm yields.
The project, which will be launched soon at the Aeronautic and Air Vehicle Development Institute, AAVDI, of NASENI in Kaduna, is designed to enhance food security, improve crop yields and increase the income of rural women farmers.
