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The Isaac Balami Foundation has launched a tuition-free aviation scholarship program, empowering 160 Nigerian youths to pursue careers in the aviation industry. This initiative is part of the Foundation’s Youth Empowerment Scheme (iYES).¹

According to Isaac Balami, the founder of the scheme, “What took some of us 15 to 20 years to achieve, my vision is to help you accomplish in the next five years, if you are determined.” The program commenced with orientation activities at Aviatrix Hub, followed by an excursion to 7star Global Hangar and a visit to the proposed campus of the Isaac Balami University of Aeronautics and Management (IBUAM).

Mrs. Victoria Adegbe, Accountable Manager at Aviatrix Hub, emphasised the importance of preparation, saying, “There is no room for failure. We are here to prepare you for the future of the aviation industry.” Engr. Roland Ahmed, Accountable Manager at Leadstream Aviation, highlighted the critical nature of safety in aviation, reminding students that every decision mattered.

The beneficiaries expressed their heartfelt gratitude, with one participant, Chris Okafor, saying, “I had given up on this dream before I found this opportunity and applied. I received the offer just a day before my birthday.” Another student from Borno State shared how her late father encouraged her to pursue her dreams in aviation despite discouragement from others.

The scholarship program was originally announced by Balami to commemorate his 40th birthday on August 25, 2024, and reflects the Foundation’s commitment to nurturing talent and creating opportunities for those passionate about aviation.

Mrs. Obioma Udealor, Executive Director of the Foundation, welcomed the beneficiaries and urged them to recognise the contributions of the foundation and its partners. “Welcome to the programme. You are already experiencing more than you might have expected. We are providing you with numerous resources and experiences to help you excel in this industry. Please make our efforts count,” she said.

Other speakers at the event included Dr. Nneka Ekpe, Group COO at 7star Global Hangar, and Dr. Joshua Abbey, Project Director at 7star Global Hangar.

The beneficiaries were also given a tour of the facilities at Aviatrix Hub and 7star Global Hangar, where they were exposed to the latest technology and equipment in the aviation industry.

One of the beneficiaries, who was visibly excited, said, “I never thought I would have the opportunity to study aviation, but thanks to the Isaac Balami Foundation, my dream is now a reality.”

Another beneficiary, who hailed from Borno State, recounted how she was once told she had no future ambition due to her lofty dreams of becoming an aviation practitioner, but stated that her late father encouraged her. “My father always believed in me, and now I have the opportunity to make him proud,” she said.

Chris Okafor, another beneficiary, expressed his gratitude to the foundation, saying, “I had given up on this dream before I found this opportunity and applied. I received the offer just a day before my birthday.”

The Isaac Balami Foundation’s tuition-free aviation scholarship program is a significant investment in the future of Nigerian youths, and is expected to produce a new generation of aviation professionals who will drive the growth and development of the industry in Nigeria.

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