The Azikel Group has reaffirmed its commitment to youth empowerment, saying its aviation training programme remains on course despite what it described as "cheap blackmail" by two former trainees.
In a statement signed by Azikel's lead communication officer, Mr Austin Ebipade, he said the company would not allow the actions of "a few individuals who abuse opportunities given to them" to derail its investment in building careers for Bayelsa State youths in the aviation sector.
"We will continue to support genuine and committed Bayelsa youths who want to serve their country, not those looking for shortcuts to escape responsibility," Ebipade said.
He urged members of the public to disregard negative publications targeting the company, describing them as deliberate attempts to tarnish the image of the philanthropic initiative.
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According to Ebipade, the aviation training programme is designed to sponsor qualified young Bayelsans to the United States for pilot and aircraft engineering training, strengthening local aviation industry capacity.
He explained that candidates undergo strict in-house training and character vetting before being sent abroad, a process meant to ensure they return to Nigeria to contribute to national development.
"Azikel's investment in youth development is for the long term, and we will not be discouraged by acts of ingratitude or false claims," Ebipade said, assuring that more opportunities will be created for youths committed to building careers and giving back to society.
