Eastwing Aviation Institute, located in Eme, Enugu State, is set to host the maiden edition of the South East Summit aimed at creating awareness about opportunities in the aviation and tourism sectors among youths in the South-East region.
The summit is scheduled to take place on September 19th and 20th 2025, it will feature various programmes and trainings designed to expose young people to the vast potentials within the aviation industry, particularly the youths.
Segun Àbioye Babalola, deputy provost and Industrial Liaison Officer of the institute, in his address, expressed concern over the low participation of youths from the South-East in aviation training programmes, despite the institute being located within the region.
He said: “This summit is primarily about creating awareness and educating the youth on the importance of aviation and tourism to our economy,” Babalola said.
He revealed that over 50 youths, both male and female, have already registered for a two-week training programme, which will run alongside the summit.
The training, he said, would include both virtual and in-person sessions, covering key topics such as ticketing and reservations, hospitality management, soft skills and mechatronics in aviation.
As part of the summit activities, participants will also embark on an excursion and technical training including visits to the Nigeria Air Force Base and hands-on experience in helicopter maintenance.
According to Babalola, the programme will culminate in an evaluation process, where 10 outstanding participants will be selected for advanced soft skills training, and one top participant will be crowned South East Aviation Summit Ambassador receiving a scholarship in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Technology.
While participation in the programme is free, Babalola emphasized its value, noting that similar courses typically cost upwards toN800,000, elsewhere.
“Certificates will be issued to all participants, regardless of whether they are selected for the scholarship,” he said, adding that the summit provides real value and opportunities for skill acquisition.
The training is being organized in partnership with the Eastern Youth Foundation of Eastwing Aviation Institute. The foundation aims to empower underprivileged youths through practical skills training, certification, and strategic industry partnerships.
Babalola also disclosed collaborations with institutions such as the International Helicopter Flying School for pilot training, highlighting that the initiative covers a wide range of disciplines including aviation engineering, safety, management and cabin crew training.
On the broader impact of the summit, he noted its potential to boost activity at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport Enugu, positioning it as a key aviation hub comparable to Lagos.
“We are building local capacity to support our aviation infrastructure. The goal is to establish an aviation training center in Enugu to groom professionals who will drive growth in the sector.
“The South South-East Aviation Summit marks a significant step toward bridging the aviation knowledge gap in the region and offering the youth a pathway into one of the world’s most dynamic industries,” he said.
