The Rector/CEO of NCAT, Dr Danjuma Isma’ila Adam, commended Governor Otu’s passion for development, facilitating his aide, Amb Awatt’s visit to Zaria, which today will have a positive generational impact on the state.
By Solomon Azu
Cross River State is taking another bold leap toward economic transformation and tourism development with the announcement of a groundbreaking partnership with the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria.
This development comes on the heels of the successful acquisition and launch of two state-of-the-art CRJ-1000 aircraft under the visionary People-First Government of His Excellency, Senator (Prince) Bassey Edet Otu.
The initiative will empower Cross Riverians through comprehensive training in key aviation fields, including Aircraft Maintenance Engineering, Piloting, Air Traffic Services, Technical Communication, Airport Emergency Response, Flight Maintenance, and more, ensuring that indigenes are active participants in the state’s expanding aviation industry.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Local Content, Ambassador Awatt Caleb, led a two-day working visit to NCAT, where he was warmly received by the Rector/CEO and top management staff of the college. The engagement concluded with NCAT’s firm commitment to partner with Cross River State on pilot training, aviation workforce development, and the establishment of a South-South Zonal Training Centre in Calabar — a move that will make Cross River a hub for aviation training in the region.
Speaking during the visit, Amb Awatt Caleb stated the reason for his coming, commented on Governor Bassey Otu’s visionary leadership, and affirmed that the partnership will complement the government’s massive investments in aviation infrastructure, tourism, and economic renewal. “The governor is determined not just to fly aircraft or grow Cally Air, but to raise a generation of Cross Riverians who can fly them, maintain them, and run a world-class aviation system. This initiative is about building capacity, creating jobs, and securing a future where our people lead in every sector,” he said.
The Rector/CEO of NCAT, Dr Danjuma Isma’ila Adam, commended Governor Otu’s passion for development, facilitating his aide, Amb Awatt’s visit to Zaria, which today will have a positive generational impact on the state. He described him as “a God-fearing leader whose programs, projects, and policies are seen on national news every week.” He revealed that NCAT will provide technical guidance for the signing of a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to kickstart training immediately. He further announced plans to deploy instructors to Calabar and even send a special aircraft to convey Governor Otu to Zaria for a red-carpet working visit.
Dr Adam also stressed the importance of female pilot training in Cross River, adding that if Akwa Ibom could make Ibom Air a success story, then Cally Air can become an aviation model for Nigeria. He assured that all NCAT training programs are recognised by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and open doors for international career opportunities.
This partnership is expected to boost youth empowerment, strengthen local content participation, and stimulate tourism by making Cross River not just a destination but a centre of aviation excellence. It also aligns with the Bilateral Air Service Agreement signed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu last month, which opens new opportunities for Nigerians to receive advanced aviation training.
Amb. Awatt concluded by thanking Governor Bassey Otu for his unwavering support, describing him as “the driving force behind every bold step we are taking to place Cross River on the global aviation map.”
With this partnership, Cross River is poised to produce its own world-class pilots and aviation professionals, turning the state into a beacon of innovation, opportunity, and economic growth.