Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has announced plans to establish a state-owned commercial airline within the next one year.
Yusuf said the proposed airline would create employment opportunities for Kano indigenes who have completed professional pilot training.
The governor disclosed this on Thursday during the 40th Kano State Executive Council meeting held at the Government House, Kano.
He also received several awards at the meeting, including a recognition from the Kano State Pilot Association for supporting members to complete their aviation training.
According to a statement by his spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the proposed airline would provide a platform for Kano indigenes who have undergone professional pilot training to secure employment.
“By the grace of God, the proposed Kano Airline is expected to commence operations within the next one year,” Yusuf said.
The governor expressed satisfaction with the performance of Kano-sponsored pilots who underwent training in Jordan under a programme initiated by a previous administration.
He described the pilots’ achievements as encouraging and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting the aviation sector.
Yusuf also assured the trained pilots that the government would provide the necessary support to ensure the successful take-off of the proposed airline and create opportunities for them to contribute to the development of the state.
Earlier, Chairman of the Kano State Pilot Association, Naziru Ibrahim, commended the governor for facilitating the revalidation of members’ flying licences.
Ibrahim described the intervention as a major boost to the careers of the pilots.
He, however, appealed to the governor to further assist members of the association in securing their final certifications, which would qualify them to operate commercial flights within Nigeria and internationally.
