Date: 2009-12-10

The Nigerian Air Force has concluded plans to establish a Maintenance base (Hanger) in Ilorin, the Kwara State Capital, mainly for the maintenance of aircrafts.

The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Oluseyi Petinrin (CFR) disclosed this on Wednesday when he paid a courtesy visit to the Kwara State Governor, Dr Bukola Saraki in his office at the Government House.

Air Marshal Petinrin explained that the project, which is to commence in January 2010 at the Ilorin International Airport, would be handled by an Italian based company, Alenia Aeronautics.

According to the Chief of Air Staff, the hanger project, when completed would maintain different kinds of aircrafts, adding that its services would also be made available to the private airliners for patronage.

He said the establishment of the hanger project was the only way to reciprocate the contributions of Dr Saraki to the development of Aviation industry.

"It was only right for the Nigerian Air Force to complement the efforts of Dr Saraki in recognition of his love for the Aviation industry and his intention to establish an Aviation College in the State", Petinrin Said.

"With the vision of His Excellency to develop the Aviation industry, the Air Force is building the hanger in Ilorin to maintain the aircrafts", the Air Force boss further disclosed.

He described the project as part of the Air Force’s contribution towards complementing Governor Saraki’s effort at using Aviation as another means of developing the State.

Responding, Dr Saraki praised the Chief of Air Staff for siting the project in the State and assured that the State Government would give all necessary support to fast track its completion.

He described the hanger project as long over due in the country, saying that Nigerians had been yearning for the maintenance of Air transportation.

The Governor, who explained that Ilorin international Airport was in a State of total neglect before his assumption of office in 2003, expressed delight that his administration had constructed both Passenger and Cargo Terminals to enable the Airport regains its international status.

Dr Saraki disclosed that the proposed International Aviation College in Ilorin would commence operation in July next year, pointing out that 13 instructors of the College are currently undergoing training in South Africa ahead of the take-off of the College in 2010.



Mas’ud Adebimpe

Chief Press Secretary to the Kwara State Governor

10/12/09