The Governor Osun State, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has described as worrisome the increase in air accidents in the country.
Aregbesola, who made this observation in Osogbo, Osun State on Monday, said though no system is perfect, the increase in air crashes in the country requires another look at the state of Nigeria’s aviation industry.
He said when the frequency of air accidents soars, then a nation’s aviation sector needs serious attention and if need be a total overhaul.
On Saturday, the Governor of Kaduna State, Mr. Patrick Yakowa; a former National Security Adviser, General Andrew Owoye Azazi; and four others died when a Nigerian Navy helicopter in which they were travelling crashed in Bayelsa State.
Aregbesola said an air crash presents an avenue for in-depth investigation to discover the cause (s) of such crash with a view to preventing future occurrences.
He said: “Air disasters do happen everywhere in the world. But when one occurs, it affords experts, the management (of the aviation industry) and the government the opportunity to investigate and know more in order to prevent future disasters.
“Our own case is different. The rate of air mishap in Nigeria is becoming more worrisome.
“The culture in other developed climes is that aircraft are maintained and serviced regularly. They are not cared for when they develop faults.
“More so, when it now involves military aircraft, that calls also for serious concern for us as a nation. Military aircraft must be in good condition at all times.”
