Two Bayelsa youths selected as the only successful candidates of the high-profile Azikel Aviation Training Program have petitioned the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, alleging systemic betrayal, prolonged neglect, and a breach of public trust by the Azikel Group, led by businessman and philanthropist, Dr. Azibapu Eruani.
In a 49-page petition addressed to the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere, and dated July 7, 2025, the petitioners—Ezekiel Kariyai Daukoru and Engr. Yebei Ebilate Amabebe—recounted a harrowing two-year journey of emotional distress, academic abandonment, and shattered dreams after securing top scores in a gruelling aviation scholarship examination organised by the Azikel Group.
The two candidates told SaharaReporters that the aviation training program, launched with fanfare in August 2023 and touted as a fully sponsored, merit-based initiative, had promised to send 155 successful Bayelsa youths to the United States for comprehensive pilot training.
However, out of 767 applicants, only Daukoru and Amabebe scored above the 80% cut-off, securing 81.5% and 88% respectively.
Despite this achievement, the duo told SaharaReporters that they have since endured 15 months of silence, broken promises, and manipulation, including a last-minute imposition of a six-month unpaid probation at the company’s hangar, menial tasks in place of training, and shifting timelines that never materialised.
They said the program’s objectives are to empower Bayelsa youths with high-level aviation skills, create employment opportunities, promote self-reliance, develop local capacity in aviation-related fields, and foster private sector involvement in youth development.
Meanwhile, the training tracks offered allow participants to specialise in Fixed-Wing Aircraft Piloting (Aeroplane), Rotor-Wing Aircraft Piloting (Helicopter), and Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (for both fixed-wing and rotor-wing aircraft).
The affected candidates told SaharaReporters that the eligibility criteria required applicants to be youths aged 25 to 35 from Bayelsa State.
The application was free of charge and submitted through an online portal. Screening was conducted via a Computer-Based Test (CBT) at the Federal University Otuoke ICT Centre.
However, to qualify for the program, candidates needed a minimum pass mark of 80 percent. The test consisted of 200 questions to be completed in two hours, allowing an average of 36 seconds per question.
They mentioned that only two candidates were successful: Yebei Ebilate Amabebe and Ezekiel Kariyai, who scored 88% and 81.5% respectively.
Daukoru and Amabebe noted that the training destination is the US. Visa support is to be provided through M1 visas, facilitated in partnership with the U.S. Embassy. The training offers access to cutting-edge aviation facilities and instruction aligned with FAA standards.
Meanwhile, the partners and supporters of the program were listed to include: Azikel Group – Sponsor and organizer, Federal University Otuoke – CBT host, U.S. Embassy – Visa facilitation, Bayelsa State House of Assembly – Political support and advocacy, Federal Aviation Administration (USA) – responsible for administering the 200-question examination, United Airlines – Job provision partner and Emirates Airlines – Job provision partner.
Background
On August 1, 2023, the world watched as Dr. Azibapu unveiled a dream, one that spoke to the hearts of the youth of Bayelsa. The businessman and philanthropist introduced the Azikel Aviation Sponsorship Training program, affectionately known as “The Azikel Aviation Training Scheme.”
Amidst a wave of excitement and anticipation, a staggering 767 aspiring aviators, brimming with hope and belief in the Group President’s vision, applied. The company’s rigorous selection process distilled this number to 155 exceptional candidates, ready to prove their mettle. Among them were Yebei Ebilate Amabebe and Ezekiel Kariyai Daukoru.
Examinations at the Federal University Otuoke ICT Centre
The two successful candidates told SaharaReporters that they defied the odds set against them and achieved 81.5% and 88% respectively, as against the FAA’s set standard of 70% for professionals in the industry.
They said, “One question that we kept wondering, was the US Embassy really involved? Did the FAA set 200 questions for 2hrs for novices in the industry, while their standard for professionals is 60 questions in 2hrs? Even the coordinator the program was shocked that we were able to beat the cut-off mark, he asked, are you a pilot? Is your relative a pilot? All questions to which reflected nothing but the fact that the exam was designed to be nearly impossible.
“For the sake of clarity, none of us have relatives in the aviation industry, none of us are pilots. Our achievement that day, was nothing but hard work in its purest form, sleepless nights, resilience and the grace of God. If the company had kept its promise, we should have both earned our private pilot license and looking forward to commercial and airline transport pilot license by now.”
Collapse Of Azikel Aviation Training Promise
Daukoru and Amabebe stated on March 6, 2024, that Deacon Robert Igali, Special Assistant to Dr. Azibapu Eruani, publicly declared on Rhythm 94.7 FM that “all visas are already in process” and that selected Bayelsans would depart for aviation training in the U.S. within 10 days.
They said, “As one of the organisers of the CBT exams, Deacon Igali’s statement, made with conviction, raised hopes and expectations. The announcement was further amplified by the involvement of the U.S. Embassy and FAA, suggesting official endorsement.
“However, this statement marked the beginning of a journey defined by delay, contradiction, and broken trust.
“We were only two successful candidates out of 108 who sat for the exam. Despite being told that training would begin immediately, we were informed—after meeting Dr. Eruani—that a six-month probation at Azikel Hangar would precede our journey.
“From April 1 to September 31, 2024, we worked with dedication—cleaning, supporting engineering tasks, and awaiting word. But after this period, our letters to HR and the Group President were ignored. A December 23, 2024 meeting with Executive Director Presley Asemota confirmed that the delay was now tied to awaiting a loan facility, contradicting earlier claims that funds had been set aside to train 155 youths.”
The candidates alleged that two unqualified individuals were added to the program in March 2025, undermining its merit-based claims.
They also expressed shock that the training was limited to Private Pilot License (PPL) level, despite earlier promises of full Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) training, noting that a PPL alone is inadequate for professional aviation careers.
They said, “We abandoned academic programs—one of us a Master’s degree at the University of Benin, the other a Petroleum Engineering degree at Igbinedion University—based on the promise of immediate training. These sacrifices are irreversible. We also lost over a year of professional development, trapped in a program that offered no certification, no timeline, and no future.
“We sold personal belongings, relocated families, and used savings to prepare for training that never began. Today, we are mocked in public, our names announced but our fates ignored. The damage has not only been material—it is emotional and reputational.”
The candidates selected for the 2023 Azikel Aviation Training Program have petitioned the Bayelsa State House of Assembly to investigate the initiative, alleging it was more of a publicity stunt than a genuine empowerment effort.
They cited internal staff reports indicating preferential treatment and manipulation during the selection process. The candidates are demanding clarity, justice, and a full implementation of the promised training components, including all pilot certifications.
They also want the Assembly to summon Azikel Group representatives to explain delays, establish proper communication with trainees, provide a realistic training timeline, and introduce oversight mechanisms for future empowerment programs in the state.
They told SaharaReporters that if the Bayelsa State House of Assembly refuses to investigate the matter, their next step will be a global call for accountability.
Daukoru and Amabebe added that, depending on the outcome of the investigation, they will reach out to the Federal Aviation Administration, the U.S Embassy, United Airlines, Emirates, and other respected institutions whose names were publicly associated with the program.
The candidates said they intend to question why such organisations and bodies would support initiatives that undermine the efforts and aspirations of hardworking youths in Bayelsa.
They criticised the unfairness of a system that quickly condemns youths who choose violence, yet neglects or betrays those who pursue merit, discipline, and excellence through legitimate means.
They said, “We are not asking for charity. We are not begging for sympathy. We are demanding answers, not just for ourselves, but for every young person who still believes that doing things the right way should count for something.”
“If the world truly wants to see young Africans rise, then it must stop punishing those who dare to rise with integrity,” they said.
They said they remain grateful for the original vision of the Azikel Aviation Training Program. However, they cannot remain silent in the face of systemic neglect and reputational harm.
“We trust that the Bayelsa State House of Assembly will rise to this moment, not only to address our case, but to reaffirm the values of justice, accountability, and youth empowerment in our state,” they said.
“We are available to appear before any committee or panel to provide further documentation and testimony.
“We respectfully urge the Bayelsa State House of Assembly to take decisive action.”
Efforts made by SaharaReporters to contact Dr. Azibapu Eruani CFR, President of the Azikel Group, were unsuccessful, as he neither answered multiple phone calls nor responded to messages sent via SMS and WhatsApp.
