December 06, (THEWILL) – The President of the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers, Engr. Galadima Abednego, has expressed gratitude for the condolence visit by the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development over the death of Capt. Yakubu Dukas, describing it as a gesture that has provided some level of solace to the grieving association.
Dukas, a seasoned helicopter pilot and Vice President of NAAPE, was among the victims of the Sikorsky SK76 helicopter crash that occurred on October 24, 2024, off the coast of Bonny Finima in the Atlantic Ocean.
To console the association, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), dispatched a high-powered three-man delegation to NAAPE’s Lagos office on Friday.
The delegation was led by Engr. Pius Chukwu and included Asapuro Namasado and Abubakar Sadile, all from the ministry.
Presenting a condolence letter from the Minister, Engr. Chukwu conveyed Keyamo’s deep sorrow over the tragic loss.
The letter, referenced FMA/PMD/106/S.19/T/66, read, “We are deeply saddened to learn about the tragic demise of Comrade Capt. Yakubu Dukas, Vice President of NAAPE and a valued member of your esteemed organization, who was a pilot in the ill-fated helicopter that crashed on October 24 off the coast of Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
“On behalf of the Honourable Minister, the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, and members of his management team, we extend our heartfelt condolences to NAAPE, the family of the deceased, and the entire aviation community. This is a devastating blow to all who worked with him.”
Responding, Abednego commended the Minister for his empathy and support during this difficult time, describing Keyamo’s actions as a source of comfort for NAAPE and the aviation industry.
“We miss him, but this token of a visit from the Minister has given us some level of comfort, as we remain part of his immediate constituency,” he said.
Abednego described Dukas’ death as a colossal loss and called on the government to grant NAAPE observer status in the ongoing investigation into the crash.
He also praised the efforts of search-and-rescue teams but urged the government to invest in critical infrastructure to improve search-and-rescue operations and minimize casualties during emergencies.
“While we commend the efforts so far, it is imperative for the government to optimize performance by providing necessary investments in infrastructure to mitigate the loss of lives and property in future incidents,” Abednego added.
Anthony Awunor, is a business correspondent who holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Linguistics (UNILAG). He is also an alumnus of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria Kaduna State. He lives in Lagos.
