NATIONAL Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE) yesterday elected new executives at its Delegates Conference in PortHarcourt with, Engineer Galadima Abednego of Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT) Zaria elected as the new president.
Engr. Galadima beat Engr Roland Ahmed Maikudi of Aero Contractors with 41 votes, scoring 56 while Maikudi scored 15 votes while 2 votes were declared void.
Engr Adebayo Oluyemi was also elected as the new Deputy President with 50 votes beating his closest rival, Captain Abass who scored 23 votes while one vote was declared void.
Richard Allison and Captain Yakubu Ducas were elected as National Vice President (Engineers) and National Vice President (Pilot) respectively.
Comrade Charles Erhueh  and Comrade Igwe Francis were both returned unopposed as Financial Secretary and Public Relations Officer of the pilots and engineers association.
The conference commenced around 9:30am at the Apex Hotel and ended with the elections and swearing-in around 5:30pm on the day.
Speaking shortly after the inauguration of the new exco in Port-Harcourt, Engr Galadima said that by the grace of God, he would become a good servant leader of NAAPE, adding that he is going to hit the ground running.
The new President said issues affecting NAAPE members will be immediately resolved.
“I want to appreciate each and everyone who participated. I congratulate the out going President and the planning committee of the delegate conference. We are going to promote excellence in the industry through NAAPE Voice. We will also use it to generate revenue for our union. We will continue with the great works of the past exco”.
Galadima who immediately announced the appointment of Mrs Kyola Dyaji as the new women commission leader said the lady will see to the affairs of female Pilots and Engineers.
“Our watchword is that any injustice in any branch is a threat to all our branches. I specifically appreciate Engr Roland for making sacrifice for the association”, he said.
In his comment, out going president of NAAPE, Engr Isaac Balami said that the election was very credible, enjoining his members to be law-abiding at all times.
Balami while confirming that the election was free and fair said he never expected less as all of them are exposed professionals.
The election was preceded by national delegates conference and symposium held at the Hotel Presidential Port Harcourt.
The conference with the theme: “The role of AviationProfessionals in Aviation Development” attracted industry players and people from all walks of life including the former governor of Akwa Ibom State, Air Commodore Indongesit Nkanga, former Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority NCAA, Engr Benedict Adeyelika amongst others.
