…As Gov AbdulRazaq Renews Negotiations
By Adeniyi Adedeji, Ilorin
The sour relationship between the Kwara State International Aviation College, IAC, and the Nigerian Airforce occasioned by alleged misappropriation of funds by the institution is now to be restored.
The Kwara State government, in a statement through the spokesman to the governor, Rafiu Ajakaiye, said the Nigerian Airforce, whose personnel were at a time being trained by IAC withdrew its men and took them to South Africa.
Ajakaiye said the governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, had visited the headquarters of the Nigerian Air Force to explore fresh collaborations between the military institution and IAC.
Received by the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Abubakar Sadique, the governor apologized to the Air Force authorities over how its previous relationship with the Aviation College went sour.
The agreement by the Airforce and IAC was terminated a few years ago, following alleged mishandling of funds meant for training on the part of the state.
Ajakaiye said, “The Air Force switched the training of its officers to South Africa, following the soured relationship with the IAC.
“His Excellency was at the headquarters of the Nigerian Air Force for preliminary re-engagement meeting.
“The governor expressed his full commitment to a new beginning and sought a new partnership built on mutual trust.
“There was a sufficient show of goodwill on both sides. The two sides are to put together a team to discuss a new partnership on training of fixed wings and rotor pilots in Kwara State, among other things.
“The deal may also see the Nigerian Air Force deploying its engineers to Ilorin as part of the partnership.”
