By Chinelo Obogo
South African Airways (SAA) has launched an annual aviation Career Day in Nigeria to celebrate children, while pointing out the need for Nigerian youths to be guided when choosing a career.
Speakers cutting across various fields in aviation such as Flight dispatch, Air Traffic Control, aircraft pilot, travel consultants gave talks as the students who were drawn from more than five public and private schools.
Country manager of the airline, Mrs. Kemi Leke-Bamtefa, who spoke at the launch in Lagos, said the population of youths in Africa is large, therefore there is need for parents and teachers to deliberately mould their characters positively.
She said the airline appreciates everyone who contributes everyday to the development of young people, without which the world would be devoid of happiness.
Speaking further, Leke-Bamtefa, explained that the phrase “it takes a village to raise a child” originates from an African proverb which means that it takes many people to provide a safe environment for children.
While charging the students to be responsible to their country, she used the occasion to announce newly introduced additional routes such as Lilongwe, Blantyre, Victoria falls and Windhoek in Namibia, adding that SAA currently operates three flights a week on Sundays, Wednesdays and Friday out of the new terminal at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.
“Children, today we celebrate you, we value your essence and contribution to our society at large. At SAA, we promise to carry you along in our journey to sustainability. Part of our effort in empowering our children is the SAA Secondary School Essay competition and now the maiden edition of the SAA Aviation Career day for our children in Nigeria. In recent past, we have also worked with some orphanage homes in Nigeria to provide a safe haven for our young children.
“Our goal is to encourage the children and young people to feel safe and understand their contribution towards a greater Africa. Our approach is targeted at improving the children’s access to resources and transform their consciousness through their beliefs, values and attitudes. One of such access is this forum to showcase the career opportunities within our Industry. We have airline industry experts in our midst today ready to share experiences and mentor our young people.
“Today is Africa Day, We all have so much to learn about our beautiful continent. As an African carrier, our expansion strategy is currently focused on Africa and truly it is time for Africa.
“However, let us also remember the great responsibility upon us towards a greater Nigeria and Africa as a whole. Lastly to the adults: Our duty is to protect, guide and love them with all our might, for they are our greatest treasures,” she said.
