Sept. 5, 2025 | Enugu
The Eastwing Aviation Institute in Enugu has commenced a specialized training program for youths across the South-East, focusing on aviation hospitality, tourism, customer care, and soft skills critical to excelling in the aviation profession.
The initiative, which forms part of the institute’s maiden Southeast Aviation Summit scheduled for Sept. 19–20, is being organized through the Eastwing Youth Foundation. Beneficiaries were drawn from Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo States.
Dr. Segun Babalola, Deputy Provost of the Institute, said during the training on Wednesday in Enugu that the objective was to expose young people in the region to diverse opportunities in aviation through practical and theoretical sessions.
“More than 50 youths registered for this training. We aim to select the first 10 and train them on soft skills. From there, the best five will be chosen, with the top candidate emerging as the Southeast Aviation Summit ambassador. That individual will receive a scholarship to study any course of their choice at the institute,” Babalola explained.
Miss Chinemezu Okeke standing
According to him, the remaining four finalists will receive assistance from partners to secure visas to study abroad.
“We have modules on aviation fuel security, quality assurance, flight dispatch, cabin crew management, ramp safety, baggage handling, electricity, and other relevant skills,” he added.
The deputy provost further disclosed that the institute had written to the International Helicopter Flying School (IHFS) in Emene, Enugu, and the Nigerian Air Force Base, Enugu, to provide platforms and aircraft for practical sessions.
Mr. Christian Agadibe, Executive Director of Eastwing Youth Foundation, stressed that the project was designed to empower young people.
“This foundation was established to create significant value for youths, take them off the streets, and prepare them for a purposeful future,” Agadibe said.
Franklin Onyeamadifechukwu – standing
Ms. Folashade Folayan, a tourism expert and facilitator, trained participants on customer service, emphasizing problem-solving and feedback management.
“Always handle issues as much as you can before escalating them to your supervisor,” she advised.
For the trainees, the experience has been inspiring and transformative.
Miss Chinemezu Okeke, a participant from Enugu State, said the program had broadened her perspective about aviation careers.
“I never knew there were so many roles in aviation beyond being a pilot or an air hostess. This training has opened my eyes to opportunities in aviation hospitality and ticketing. It has given me the confidence to pursue a career in the industry,” she said.
Another participant, Franklin Onyeamadifechukwu, from Anambra State, described the training as life-changing.
“The sessions on aviation safety and customer care were eye-opening. I now see aviation not just as a profession but as a global platform where I can contribute and build a future. I am grateful to Eastwing for believing in us,” he said.
Similarly, Franklin Uyammadu, another beneficiary, appreciated the chance to be part of the program, noting that the knowledge gained would help shape his career path.
The Eastwing Aviation Institute, through its training centre and youth foundation, urged governments, philanthropists, and private individuals to support the initiative to enable more young people from the South-East to access aviation opportunities.
With the aviation industry fast expanding in Nigeria and globally, the program is seen as a vital step in preparing the next generation of aviation professionals from the South-East region. GMTNewsng
