A presidential aspirant for the forth-coming National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers, NAAPE, Comrade Ahmed Maikudi has promised to bring back the vibrancy the Association was once known for if elected.
He said the lost dignity of its members would be assiduously pursued with a view to restoring it 100%, adding that under his leadership, NAAPE would become proactive on issues of safety and of national concern.
At a news conference in Lagos, comrade Maikudi who is currently the National president of NAAPE, said NAAPE had been stunted in growth due largely to leadership problems.
“This lack of growth is largely due to leadership, as a result of this development , I present myself to the call of the good people of our noble profession , as the next president of our great Association, NAAPE”.
He added,” as I submit myself as the candidate to this clarion call, permit me to let you know that I am the current National Vice-Oresudent, engineers and I have been part and at sometime lead the successful negotiations in some of the airlines and also been part of the committee that have signed a N2.5 billion secretariat project and I have also lead the struggle to liberate some airlines from the shackles of slavery by their management”.
The presidential hopeful emphasized that is agenda is geared towards professional, restoration of dignity of the association and togetherness/unity, as well as ensure NAAPE is properly and internationally recognized and represented.
” as I solicit your support to take NAAPE not. Just to the next level but to where it ought to be as a critical player in the development of the aviation industry, where professionalism will be our style, dignity of labour our pride and togetherness our motto”.
Comrade Maikudi noted if elected, his leadership would vigorously pursue the problems of the unemployed pilots and engineers in the industry, adding that the issue of unemployment of the over 500 pilots and engineers in the industry was largely due to closure of airlines in the country and expatriate quota.
He observed that talks are currently on with the ministers of state, aviation, interior and foreign affairs, as jobs meant for Nigerians have been taken over by foreigners.
” I will ensure that all member airlines have a working condition of service, ensure all nigerian pilots and engineers in Nigeria becomes members of this great association and proud to be members”.
On the N2.5 billion secretariat building in Lagos, he promised that in less than 24 months the project would be up and running, adducing the delays to challenges in the diagram and bureaucracy in the agencies.
