NCAA Tasks Aviation Journalists On Developmental Journalism

…As NCAT Urges Agencies, Airlines To Invest In Training

The Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt. Nuhu Musa has urged aviation correspondents under the aegis of the League of Airport and Aviation Correspondents (LAAC) to focus on developmental activities that would impact on the development of the Nigerian aviation industry.

This is just as he pointed out that LAAC has contributed in no small measures to ensure that the industry is where it is today.

Nuhu said this while speaking at the opening ceremony of LAAC’s one week training   programme today at the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria Kaduna State.

The Director General, who was represented by the General Manager, Aviation Safety Inspector, Engr. Muhammed Sani, said that though LAAC has contributed to the development of the aviation sector, it should however beam its searchlight on developmental activities in the sector.

He contended that besides focusing on issues that would impact on the industry, LAAC should also bring to the front burner the opportunities in the industry.

According to him, “Developmental journalism brings attention to issues that are hitherto overlooked or under-represented by other media and the stakeholders. If truth must be told, there is a plethora of issues in aviation that could be highlighted to support the notion of the media as a tool for national development.

Therefore, it will be a significant development if developmental issues affecting aviation are brought to the front burner.”

He continued, “Aviation Industry in Nigeria has consistently craved for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). Our esteemed practitioners can do well to in a most lucid way highlight investment baskets in the industry. The issue could border on any segment of aviation that can impact the industry by way of policy shift or elicit a course of action.”

Sani stated that in doing this, the agencies would be thoroughly challenged and consequently provide an industry that every Nigerian will be proud of; adding that it would be highly commendable if the reportage is redirected and focussed on developmental activities as well as coverage reporting.

He commended LAAC for its continued support as it concerns constant reportage on the activities in the industry and NCAA for sponsoring the training.

In his words, “It is most gratifying that the Regulatory Authority, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) is once again at the forefront to ensure that our practitioners of the fourth estate of the realm – the media are well trained and continued to be refreshed.”

Sani pointed out that NCAA has continued to exercise this gesture due to the very critical role of the media in global aviation, stressing that in several spheres of life, the media component is almost indispensable to the entire business of aviation.

“In Nigeria, the League of Airport and Aviation Correspondents (LAAC)has been a very crucial partner in the development of aviation industry in the country, “ he affirmed.

Declaring the training programme open, the Rector of NCAT, Capt Abdulsalami Mohammed commended NCAA for making the LAAC training an annual programme, adding that training and re-training goes a long way to ensure the development of the industry.

Training, the NACT boss contended is very important in every area of business, adding that the success rate in the industry has been attributed to training and re-training by the various agencies.

He stated that NCAT encourage agencies and airlines to invest seriously training and re-training of their personnel to achieve the desired results.

Abdulsalami noted that NCAA realises the importance of training and that this accounts for why the regulatory body is training LAAC members to ensure they report  the sector accurately,

He said that airlines invest in infrastructure but are reluctant to invest in training and re-training of the personnel that will manage and maintain the infrastructure.

Earlier, the LAAC Chairman, Olusegun Koiki commended the managements of all the aviation agencies in the country, most especially that of NCAA, the Federal Airports Authority (FAAN), Accident Investigation (AIB), Nigeria, NCAT and Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO) for their contributions towards the success and sustenance of the yearly programme over the years.

Koiki stated that the partnership between LAAC and NCAT within the last one year has been symbiotic, assuring that that LAAC would  not only continue to support Institution in pursuing its goals and objectives  but that it would  ensure that the college  furthers it performance in the global aviation training market.

He added that there is no doubt that the volume of  knowledge garnered from the trainings under this programme has significantly helped LAAC as aviation media practitioners and journalists to disseminate aviation information more accurately and professionally amidst technological advancements in application of safety, security, economics and regulation of the sector.

In his words, “I am confident that this year’s training will further empower us to play our role as the fourth estate of the realm.”

No fewer than 50 participants are taking part in the one week training.

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