In a bid to drive development, tourism and trade in Plateau State, the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN) has called on the state government to invest in the construction of more airports.
Comrade Ahmadu Illitrus, the President of the association made the call at the 4th Quadrennial delegates conference of ATSSSAN held in Jos, the Plateau State capital.
Illitrus said the state remained Nigeria’s leading tourist destination and with the right investment in place, the state would further grow logistics and trade potential.
In his address, Illitrus said he was aware that the state government had plans to invest in aviation and allied ventures and called for the translation of the plan into concrete action for the benefit of the state.
Illitrus said there was opportunity yet to be tapped in the civil aviation infrastructure at Heipang – Yakuba Gowon Airport in Jos.
He assured that ATSSSAN will collaborate with the state government to conduct a civil aviation career exposition with a view to creating awareness amongst students and primary school pupils in the state about career prospects in the aviation industry.
The ATSSSAN President recalled that in the early 1980s, Plateau State Government had an aviation scholarship portfolio and indeed sponsored its qualified indigenes to study at the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, Zaria.
He noted that it was the memories of those beautiful years that encouraged ATSSSAN to again approach the State Government for support and partnership.
He advised for the immediate expedition of the submission, owing to the value addition and the benefit the career exposition would bring to young minds in Plateau State.
Illitrus noted that from the corridor of frugality and strict financial discipline, ATSSSAN saved resources that was used to liquidate the gratuity of all the workers of the secretariat adding that some of whom resigned their appointments willingly in pursuit of higher callings, while others left after a long period of dedicated service to ATSSSAN.
On his part, the Plateau state Governor, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang who was represented by the Deputy, Mrs. Josephine Piyo said the conference theme: “Human Capital Needs of Civil Aviation in Nigeria: Challenges and Prospects” was apt.
Mutfwang affirmed that Nigeria’s ability to remain competitive and meet international standards in the rapidly evolving aviation landscape rests significantly on the quality, competence and continuous development of its human capital.
The Governor said: “This gathering presents another important opportunity to evaluate progress, strengthen strategies, and chart new pathways that will improve safety, service delivery, labour relations, and technological advancement across the aviation sector.
“Your thoughtful engagement with these critical issues demonstrates a deep sense of responsibility and unwavering commitment to building a more efficient, resilient, and future-ready aviation industry for our nation,” he told the delegates.
