As part of the ongoing training of female engineers and scientists from National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) system-wide in Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) technology, NASENI has revealed that its SHEFLY project will be launched soon at the Aeronautic and Air Vehicle Development Institute, AAVDI, of NASENI in Kaduna.

NASENI and Caverton Helicopters had jointly commenced the second batch of training for 10 selected female engineers and scientists from NASENI system-wide in Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) technology some weeks ago.

According to the Director Information, NASENI, Olusegun Ayeoyenikan, in a statement released at the commencement of the training, noted that SHEFLY project is designed to enhance food security, improve crop yields, and increase the income of rural women farmers.

“The project’s objectives include training and deploying female drone pilots to support precision farming, enhancing agricultural productivity and food security, empowering rural women to adopt innovative technologies, and fostering sustainable agriculture practices” he revealed.

The AUV technology training, according to him, is a key component of the SHEFLY project, a pioneering initiative by the Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NASENI, Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, aimed at empowering rural women to leverage drone technology for precision farming and increased agricultural yields, aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

In his remarks, at the commencement of training, the team Lead NASCAV project, Dr. Abayomi Okesola said 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.

Dr Abayomi said the selection of female trainees from the various institutes across different zones was a deliberate effort to enable them manage clusters that will be set up to train rural women in drone technology for enhanced agricultural activities nationwide.

The Director Corporate Services, Ayodele Omueti who represented the MD CAVERTON Helicopters, Captain Bello Ibrahim, noted stated that UAVs are among the modern aircraft in the aviation sector, stressing that “the training is timely to ensure we remain current with global technological advancements”.

On his part, the Project Coordinator CAVERTON Drones, Ese Obukonise stated that the training adheres to aerodynamic principles and is certified by a UK license Authority, ensuring compliance with international standards and best practices. He said this would enable the trainees maximize their potentials and contribute effectively to NASENI’s initiatives.

He 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 capitalize on emerging opportunities in UAV technology. Upon completion, the female trainees will in turn, train rural women farmers to utilize drone technology to improve and boost farm yields.

Source: NASENI PRESS RELEASE