*The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure says the training for 10 female engineers and scientists in Unmanned Aerial Vehicles technology is aimed at empowering rural women to leverage drone technology for precision farming and increased agricultural yields

Alexander Davis | 绿帽献妻

The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) and Caverton Helicopters have announced the commencement of the second batch of training for 10 female engineers and scientists from the agency-wide in Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) technology.

NASENI said the six-week training programme, which kicked off Monday, April 7, 2025, at Caverton’s training school in Ikeja, Lagos, was part of the NASENI-Caverton, (NASCAV) ongoing partnership agreement to strengthen the aviation mandate of the agency.

It stated that the training is a key component of the SHEFLY project, a pioneering initiative by Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, Executive Vice-Chairman/Chief Executive Officer (EVC/CEO) of NASENI.

Mr. Olusegun Ayeoyenikan, Director of Information at NASENI, in a statement Tuesday, April 8, 2025, said the programme was aimed at empowering rural women to leverage drone technology for precision farming and increased agricultural yields in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu鈥檚 Renewed Hope Agenda.

Objectives of training programme

NASENI highlighted the objectives of the project include training and deploying female drone pilots to support precision farming.

The programme was also designed to enhance agricultural productivity and food security, and empower rural women to adopt innovative technologies, and fostering sustainable agriculture practices in Nigeria.

In his remarks, Dr. Abayomi Okesola, Team Lead NASCAV project, who spoke on behalf of NASENI Management, welcomed the trainees to the epoch training exercise with CAVERTON.

Okesola described them as worthy partners due to their impressive track record in aviation and marine spaces.

Dr. Okesola emphasised the SHEFLY project is very dear to the heart of the EVC/CEO NASENI, who perceived the exercise as a valuable initiative to promote women in STEM fields and bridge the existing gender gap.

He also noted the selection of female trainees from the various Institutes across different zones was a deliberate effort to enable them manage clusters that would be set up to train rural women in drone technology for enhanced agricultural activities nationwide.

In his welcome address, Captain Bello Ibrahim, Managing Director of CAVERTON Helicopters, represented by Mr. Ayodele Omueti, Director of Corporate Services, noted CAVERTON is a conglomerate with diverse interests in aviation, marine and training.

Captain Ibrahim emphasised that training is essential for ensuring safety and accountability.

According to him, UAVs are among the modern aircraft in the aviation sector.

He also stressed that 鈥渢he training is timely to ensure we remain current with global technological advancements鈥�.

Ibrahim urged the trainees to stay focused to acquire the knowledge they have come for.

In his remarks, Mr. Ese Obukonise, Project Coordinator CAVERTON Drones, stated that the training adheres to aerodynamic principles and is certified by a UK license Authority, ensuring compliance with international standards and best practices.

Obukonise said this would enable the trainees maximise their potentials and contribute effectively to NASENI鈥檚 initiatives.

He also noted that the demand for UAV pilots in the world is exceptionally high and the SHEFLY project would not only promote gender inclusiveness in a male dominated field but also empower women to capitalise on emerging opportunities in UAV technology.

Upon completion, the female trainees will in turn, train rural women farmers to utilise drone technology to improve and boost farm yields.

The SHEFLY project, which will be launched soon at the Aeronautic and Air Vehicle Development Institute, AAVDI, of NASENI in Kaduna, is designed to enhance food security, improve crop yields, and increase the income of rural women farmers.

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