A new chapter in Edo State’s aviation landscape has begun with the launch of the Benin Aero Club, the first of its kind in the region.
Spearheaded by Edo State-born United States-based entrepreneur and CEO of Auxano Aviation, Ehimenmen Odia, and his partner, Morrison Okunbor, the Aero Club aims to address critical issues ranging from insecurity and medical emergencies to boosting tourism and stimulating economic growth.
Odia and Okunbor envision the Aero Club as a catalyst for aviation development in Nigeria, providing opportunities for enthusiasts and beginners to learn to fly light, single-engine aircraft. They believe this initiative will serve as a vital feeder system, strengthening the aviation industry’s manpower pool and paving the way for Edo State to become a hub for local aircraft assembly and production.
“Our vision is making things efficient,” Odia stated. “We looked carefully at the aviation environment with my partner, Morrison Okunbor, and what we discovered, for example, is that if you go around the world, most successful aviation countries have very efficient, functional general aviation sectors; all pilots start by learning how to start flying planes.”
The ambitious project received a significant boost after a two-day awareness program targeting students and pupils, designed to spark an early interest in aviation careers. The event, held at Benin Domestic Airport, gave participants firsthand experience, including a close-up look at an Australia-built Jabiru light aircraft, generating palpable excitement and enthusiasm.
Odia, an Ambrose Alli University (AAU)-trained Accountant, credits his time in the United States for inspiring the Aero Club concept. He observed the widespread use of light aircraft by business owners and professionals for enhanced accessibility and efficiency.
“Before I went to the US, I have always had a love for aviation… Years later, when I got to the United States, I saw how easy it was to get my private pilot license, but while in Nigeria, I wanted to be a pilot, trying to get into the military, and all that wasn’t easy, but when I got to the US, it was a lot easier.”
He further elaborated on the potential benefits: “Why can’t a lawyer in Benin have a case in Lagos and come back to Benin the same day? Why can’t a specialist doctor visit five states or locations with ease and be back home?”
Okunbor echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the transformative potential of the Aero Club. “So, with our aero club, we intend to remove the mysticism and classicism surrounding it. If you have the support system, investment, and through the aeroclub, you can encourage people to learn how to fly, not just the young people but older people.”
Okunbor, whose passion for aviation stems from his late brother, Captain Hosa Okunbo, emphasized the club’s commitment to providing accessible and high-quality pilot training within Nigeria.
“This is our little contribution in igniting that zeal for anybody that wants to fly,” he stated. He further highlighted the significant cost savings associated with domestic training, noting, “You can imagine the level of capital flight spent to go and train abroad, but you can have it done here.”
The Aero Club’s aircraft, chosen for its safety and gliding capabilities, is deemed ideally suited for flight instruction. Beyond training, Okunbor envisions a broader role for the aviation industry in bolstering security. He pointed to the potential use of aircraft in combating insecurity, citing the example of South Africa where similar aircraft are employed to deter poachers. “We can do it too against the menace of bandits,” he asserted.
Odia expressed his gratitude to Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, and the Ministry of Aviation for their support in establishing the Aero Club. The initiative represents the culmination of his lifelong dream, ignited during his childhood and nurtured through his training as a pilot in the United States.
The Benin Aero Club, with its focus on accessibility and education, promises to usher in a new era of aviation opportunities and economic growth for Edo State.
