Last Monday, a group called Women in Aviation, (WIA) Nigeria chapter gathered in Abuja and later rose with a demand that the aviation industry should be headed henceforth by a professional, as it obtains in professional sectors in the economy such as health, engineering/works, judiciary, ICT, finance, agriculture, etc. The group insisted that aviation all over the world is a specialized realm with global certifications and qualifications,outside the academic classroom,such as the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the trade association for the world’s airlines, that are mandatory for players in the sector, which enablesaviation experts be on the same page with other aviation professionals all over the world. As players in the aviation industry, and in line with the affirmation for women participation in government, the Women in Aviation encouraged President Goodluck Jonathan to search the aviation sector for a professional woman for the position of minister of aviation. MUSA ADAMU writes
Women in Aviation, Nigeria Chapter, is a non-profit organization that encourages the advancement of women in all aviation career fields and interests. It was formally established in 2006 as Association for Women in Aviation industry.
The group has over 600membersincluding pilots, maintenance technicians, air traffic engineers, air traffic controllers, business owners, educators, journalists, flight attendants, dispatchers, AVSEC personnel, securities agencies, high school and university students, aero medical officers, airport managers and many others.
WIA provides year-round resources to assist women in aviation and to encourage young women to consider aviation as a career. WIA also offers educational outreach programs to educators, aviation industry members and young people nationally and internationally. In addition, WIA promotes public understanding of the accomplishments and contribution of women in the industry.
The coordinator of the Women in Aviation group, Safiya Ibrahim Ogoh, explained that the group is an international organization which advocates for women in the industry to create a gender balance and also develop the dream of younger generation that has intention for career in such area.
SafiyaOgoh explained further that WIA’s mission is to empower women in Nigeria to achieve unimagined possibilities and transformations through technology, leadership and economic prosperity in the industry.
Other objectives of WIA include fostering, promoting and engaging in aviation education, particularly as it relates to women in aviation; cultivating, fostering and promoting interests and understanding among the public in the accomplishments and contributions of women in aviation.
Women in Aviation also wishes to establish, acquire and maintain information and material, acting as a depository for historical and scientific interest, which pertain in any way to the science in aviation, especially as it relates to women in aviation. Materials may include the collection of books, documents, papers, letters, and reportse.t.c, and maintain a library of such materials; to encourage the young ones to build up their future in aviation; to provide a platform of connections , resources and opportunities for women; to transform corporate and media perceptions of women, and to demonstrate that advancing women directly contributes to the prosperity of all.
They thanked Mr. President, for his “magnanimity as a leader, and having so far displaying high level regards for gender mainstreaming,” which they said is a sign that he is endeared to the actualization of affirmative action which is thus prominent in his cabinet composition so far.
They also saluted the erstwhileminister of aviation, Princess Stella Oduah for her doggedness, of which despites her misfortunes, she was able to represent the women folk by presenting what they described as “sterling performance” especially the area of airport development.
“We wish to salute the courage of the former minister of aviation for her giant strides in the Aviation industry transformation projects which was witnessed in infrastructural developments at, General Aviation Terminal, Muritala Mohammed Airport, Lagos; NnamdiAzikiwe International Airport, Abuja (Domestic Terminal); MallamAminu Kano International Airport Terminal,Kano; Benin Airport Terminal; AkanuIbiam International Airport, Enugu; Aerotropolis and more
“In line with our core mandate for gender advocacy in the aviation industry; we wish to state that professionalism should be the basis for selection of a minister forthe aviation sector which requires high level technicalities and precision,” she said
In seeking a balance between gender participation and professionalism, WIA said they are throwing their support behind the Rector, Nigeria College of Aviation, Zaria, CaptainChinyereKalu,(MFR), as the nextminister of aviation. “We are convinced that she has paid her dues in the sector for over 35 years. She has an enviable record as the first female pilot in Nigeria with a proven track record and pedigree of rapid development, zero tolerance for corruption with the fear of God, as manifested in her short term as Rector, Nigeria College of Aviation Technology,Zaria.”, the group said
WIA said they endorse Kalu for the position because according to them, she has the capacity for performance and is very prudent with a verifiable record of achievements.They argued further that using a non-professional for the position of minister will mean isolating Nigeria in the global aviation league.
For instance, a minister of aviation will be dealing with a number of agencies under the minister including Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), National Aviation Management Agency (NAMA), Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) Nigerian College of Aviation and Technology (NCAT), Nigerian Meteorological (NIMET) agency, National Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO), and the Aviation Audit Bureau (AAB).
“A non professional cannot find his or her feet in the sector if he or she is not a fellow professional. A minister of aviation should be a professional in at least one of the core areas of aviation technology. We saw it play out in the last dispensation when the erstwhile minster of aviation (Stella Oduah) was unable to offer coherent explanation over highly overpriced bullet proof vehicles presented to her by as mere operational vehicles and she appended her signature. It was obvious that part of the problem was because she was more like a fish out of water in the aviation sector.
“It is also a known fact all over the world that one cannot work, or received cooperation in anywhere aviation technical facilityif one is not a member of the International Air Transport Association (IATA). The group is the trade association for the world’s airlines. It represents some 240 airlines or more than 80% of total air traffic. IATA supports airline activity and helps formulate industry policy and standards.
“Our decision is informed by the desire to proffer a lasting solution to the incessant aviation crises and continuity of the implementation of Aviation Master Plan which is a major component of Mr. President’s Transformation Agenda.”
