The Azikel Group has formally denied allegations of treating Bayelsa youths unfairly in its aviation training programme, describing the initiative as a legitimate philanthropic effort aimed at empowering young Nigerians with aviation careers.
Robert Igali, the Project Coordinator of the Azikel Aviation Training Programme, made the clarification on Tuesday in response to an online report and a 49-page petition submitted to the Bayelsa State House of Assembly. The petition accused the company of misconduct in the management of the training scheme.
Igali asserted that the programme was set up purely as a non-political, non-commercial initiative funded by the President of Azikel Group, Dr. Eruani Azibabu Godbless. The goal, he said, was to give Bayelsa youths a chance to pursue careers as helicopter and fixed-wing aircraft pilots, as well as aircraft maintenance engineers, through international training opportunities, particularly in the United States.
He explained that the programme did not involve any financial benefit to the sponsor and was open to qualified applicants free of charge. Applicants were required to have a science background and be aged between 25 and 35. The selection process involved a computer-based test (CBT), and successful candidates were initially trained and mentored at the Azikel Aviation Hangar in Nigeria before advancing to international training.
Igali noted that two individuals were selected after passing the CBT on February 28, 2024. They began their in-house training in March 2024 and received a monthly stipend of N205,200 throughout the programme. Their training was scheduled to last for 16 months, from March 2024 to June 2025.
However, according to Igali, both candidates resigned from the programme in June 2025. During their participation, they were reportedly trained and supervised by engineers and pilots within the company. Their supervisors were also tasked with evaluating their progress and issuing recommendations for their eventual transition to training abroad.
The coordinator emphasized that Azikel Aviation is not engaged in commercial flight operations and, therefore, the trainees were not rendering any commercial services to the company. He added that the trainees had expressed impatience and a strong desire to travel to the U.S., often disregarding the importance of in-house training and the need for a formal recommendation from their supervisors.
By March 26, 2025, the company had started formal admission procedures with OSM Aviation Academy in the United States, involving the selected candidates. However, Igali said a security report later emerged, suggesting the candidates were planning to abscond upon arrival in the U.S.
The report claimed the individuals were selling their belongings in Nigeria, signaling an intention not to return. In response, Azikel Group launched an internal investigation. According to Igali, this inquiry confirmed the allegations, including that the candidates were disengaging from their roots in Nigeria and had no intention of returning after training.
He alleged that once the trainees became aware of the investigation, they resorted to social media campaigns to discredit the programme. This, he said, coincided with their eventual resignation in June 2025.
Igali also clarified that one of the reasons the candidates were not recommended for the U.S. training was their poor attitude and performance during the hangar-based training. Their supervisor withheld the required recommendation due to these concerns, which is a prerequisite for progressing to the international stage of the programme.
He reaffirmed that the Azikel Group remains committed to supporting youth development in Bayelsa and stressed that the group acted in good faith throughout the process. The aviation training programme, he reiterated, was initiated to provide genuine opportunities to deserving individuals and not for political gain or financial return.
