Nigeria: 20 Nigerian ex-militants for aviation training in South Africa

Afriqueenligne (PANA)

27 March 2011

Nigeria: 20 Nigerian ex-militants for aviation training in South Africa

In continuation of the Nigerian government's amnesty programme for the Niger Delta militants, 20 former combatants have left the country for South Africa for aviation training at the African Union Aviation Academy, renowned to be one of the best in the world. The 20, billed to be at the academy for the next 14 to 16 months, were sent forward at a ceremony in Abuja by the Amnesty Office, headed by the Special Assistant to Mr. President on Niger Delta, Kingsley Kuku, with South Africa's Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Godfrey Malaudzi, in attendance. The 20, including a lady, would be trained as Private Pilot License holders, Commercial Pilot License holders and flight engineers.

Kuku, who admonished the youth to be good ambassadors of Nigeria while in South Africa, said that aside from working to get the best training for the former combatants, flying them outside the country was in compliance with the United Nations code.