By Jabiru Hassan
Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has announced plans to establish a state-owned commercial airline that would provide employment opportunities for Kano indigenes who have completed professional pilot training.
The announcement was contained in a statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on Thursday. Yusuf disclosed the plan during the 40th Executive Council Meeting at the Government House in Kano, where he received several awards, including recognition from the Kano State Pilots Association for supporting members’ aviation training.
The governor said the proposed Kano airline was expected to commence operations within the next year, subject to the necessary processes and approvals. He assured members of the association that his administration would provide the required support to advance the project and ensure its successful operation. Yusuf also expressed satisfaction with the academic performance of Kano-sponsored pilots who underwent training in Jordan under a programme initiated by a previous administration.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Kano State Pilots Association, Naziru Ibrahim, commended the governor for supporting the pilots, particularly efforts to facilitate the revalidation of their flying licences. Ibrahim appealed to the governor to further assist members in obtaining their final certifications, which would enable them to qualify for commercial flight operations in Nigeria and internationally.
