NCAA takes essay competition, mentorship programme to Lagos schools

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), in collaboration with Vonzota Gold Limited, is organising an essay competition, titled, “Beyond Pilots and Planes: The hidden careers that keep the sky moving and safe,” as part of its mentorship programme ‘Wings of Tomorrow for the Development of Future Aviation’ for secondary schools in Lagos.

In her address to the students of Mende Junior and Senior Secondary Schools and Immaculate Heart Junior and Senior Secondary Schools, Mende, as well as Ojota Junior and Senior Secondary Schools, Lagos, Mrs. Lawal Obiageli Constant, assistant director, Oshodi/Isolo Local Government Education Authority, announced that the essay competition was open to all public junior and senior secondary schools in Lagos State.

“Cash awards, including mentorship opportunities under the initiative await the first, second and third-place winners,” she said.

The assistant director urged the students to send their entries for the competition before the closing date.

Mrs. Veronica King-Nwankwo, a facilitator under Wings of Tomorrow, in her speech to Immaculate Heart Junior and Senior students, took the students through the rudiments of the aviation industry, explaining various details about pilots, cabin crew, air traffic controllers, maintenance engineers, avionics engineers and their daily schedules for the seamless performance of the industry.

She said: “For example, the avionics engineers ensure that the aircraft computers are in perfect condition.”

Meanwhile, Chizoba Anyamele, moderator for the Wings of Tomorrow programme, informed students of Mende Junior and Senior School that the programme was made possible by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority and Vonzota Gold, for them to understand the various career paths in the aviation industry.

“There are four sectors within the industry: Safety, Logistics and Operations, Avionics and Electrical Engineering.” She informed the students that they all work in tandem for the industry to be effective.

At Ojota Junior and Senior Secondary Schools, Mrs. Lawal Obiageli Constant equally mentored students who showed interest in making a career in aviation, like the other schools earlier visited.

In all the schools, pupils were informed that the grand finale of the programme was scheduled for Thursday, October 8, in Lagos, with the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo in attendance.