Minister of aviation, Princess Stella Oduah has described the training of airline pilots at the International Aviation College ( IAC), Ilorin , Kwara State as one of the steps that will close the gap of manpower needs in the aviation sector.

Speaking at the graduation of the first set of nine pilots by the Kwara State owned International Aviation College, she said the investment   on human capacity development  by the state government is a response to the aviation road map put in place by government to fix deficiencies in the aviation sector.

Oduah who was represented at the graduation ceremony by the managing director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria ( FAAN), Mr George Uriesi , urged other state governments to emulate the steps of Kwara State to build the aviation industry by embarking in projects that will generate endless employment opportunities for Nigerians.

She lauded efforts by the Kwara State government in investing in manpower development for the aviation sector, which she said will transcend the nation's boundaries .

She said: " It is noteworthy to appreciate the efforts of state and local governments and other organizations that have sponsored young Nigerians at this college and encourage others to join hands to build an aviation industry that will generate endless employment opportunities for Nigerians and contribute to the economic development of the country."

Also speaking, the state governor Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed urged the Federal Government to continue to support the International Aviation College, Ilorin to enable it consolidate its leading role as a foremost centre for the training of pilots for the West African sub region.

Ahmed described the training of pilots at the college as one of the steps that will bridge manpower gap in the sector.

He spoke of plans to sustain the standard of training in the college, affirming that Kwara State government is committed to the aerotropolis project initiated by government.

Ahmed urged the minister of aviation to speed up the construction of a cargo terminal at the Ilorin Airport, a project he said will accelerate the pursuit of a hub status for the airport.

He said: "As the aviation industry expands, more pilots will be needed. This explains why we will continue to invest in this college to boost capacity for the aviation industry."

He spoke of plans to expand infrastructure in the college with the construction of additional hostel, an aircraft hangar and a workshop for aircraft repairs next year.

He said the state government was working on partnership to introduce additional aeronautical engineering and management courses for the college at the state university.

In his remarks, the chairman of the college board, Captain Edward Boyo described the graduation of the first set of pilots as a milestone for the industry, as the pilots concluded their programme in sixteen months .

He called on the state government to assist the college with the acquisition of more trainer aircraft to boost its growth.

Also speaking, the chief of air staff, Alex Badeh, said the College has contributed significantly in the training of pilots who are critical in the security of the country.

He said the college has trained about 25 officer, as a foremost institution that deserves to listed as the best aviation training institution in Africa.

In his remarks, the director general of Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority ( NCAA), Captain Fola Akinkuotu urged the college to maintain the highest standard of safety ,so that the entire industry will benefit.

He said :" The college must stay on the standard and imbibe a culture of safety.  The college must inculcate safety culture in the students as it is training pilots. The managers of the college must try to improve on safety standards."