“Save Their Dreams Before It’s Too Late”: Bayelsa Stakeholder Begs Gov. Diri to Rescue Kariyai Daukoru, Ebilatei Amabebe
By Passman Akpos
A prominent Bayelsa stakeholder, Hon. Wisdom Oniekpar Ikuli, has appealed to the Bayelsa State Government, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), and other public-spirited individuals to intervene and restore the hopes of two young Bayelsans, Kariyai Daukoru and Ebilatei Amabebe, by sponsoring their commercial pilot training.
In a statement released on Monday, Ikuli described the duo as brilliant and ambitious youths whose dreams of building careers in the aviation industry have been threatened by circumstances that delayed their training.
According to him, the issue has generated widespread public attention, with intense debates across social media and conventional media, as well as threats of protests from some youth groups. He also referenced the recent arraignment and remand of Kariyai Daukoru at the Kuje Correctional Centre over a civil matter involving the Group President of Azikel Group, Dr. Godbless Azibapu Eruani.
Ikuli urged all parties to embrace dialogue and constructive engagement rather than hostility, noting that peace and reconciliation have historically resolved even the most complex conflicts around the world.
He appealed to Governor Douye Diri, whom he described as the Governor-General of the Ijaw Nation, to leverage the state’s investment in the aviation sector by supporting the training of the two young men as commercial pilots.
The stakeholder commended the Bayelsa State Government for acquiring commercial aircraft, describing the move as a visionary investment that would create opportunities for indigenous professionals rather than limiting aviation assets to government officials.
He argued that as Bayelsa develops its airline operations, there will be an increasing demand for qualified pilots and first officers, making it strategic for the government to invest in the training of indigenous youths who could eventually be employed by the state’s airline.
Ikuli further suggested that the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria, would provide a more cost-effective option for pilot training. According to him, the institution has produced the majority of Nigeria’s commercial pilots since its establishment in 1964.
He maintained that local pilot training could significantly reduce costs compared to overseas programmes while still providing world-class aviation education. He added that specialized aircraft type-rating courses could be pursued abroad later if necessary.
The Bayelsa stakeholder also noted the growing demand for commercial pilots across Nigeria and the African continent, stressing that many African countries already send their trainees to NCAT, Zaria.
He called on the Bayelsa State Government, the NDDC, corporate organizations, and philanthropists to see the sponsorship of Kariyai Daukoru and Ebilatei Amabebe as an investment in the future of the state’s aviation industry and human capital development.
Ikuli concluded by urging stakeholders and members of the public to move away from confrontation and negative narratives, advocating instead for practical solutions capable of preserving the aspirations of the two young Bayelsans.
He expressed optimism that with timely intervention, the dreams of Kariyai Daukoru and Ebilatei Amabebe could still be realized, ultimately benefiting both Bayelsa State and the wider Nigerian aviation sector.
