Bukola Saraki, former senate president, has pledged to support the four Kwara-based students who constructed the working prototype of an aircraft from locally sourced materials.
The four secondary school leavers identified as Jimoh Abdulfatai, Abdulateef Hanafi, Musa Aliu, and Jamiu Abass had earlier recounted how they sold their belongings to build the N3.5 million prototype of their aircraft.
The young men had also met with AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, the state governor, alongside other government dignitaries who promised to work with them towards providing support for the growth of their innovation.
On Tuesday, Yusuph Olaniyonu, a spokesperson to Saraki, confirmed to TheCable Lifestyle that the former senate president directed representatives of his foundation to meet with the students.
He said the meeting was to determine the areas in which the school leavers’ innovation can be supported.
“The representatives of the foundation already had a meeting with the guys to determine in what areas they can be assisted. And the issue will be taken up from,” Olaniyonu said.
We acknowledge the potential and the positive drive of our young people and we will continue to work with them to provide opportunities for their growth. #HappyNationalYouthsDay
Advertisement— Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq (@RealAARahman) November 1, 2020
In a tweet, Saraki also wrote: “Quite fascinating to read about these talented young innovators from my home state, Kwara. I have just directed my foundation (@ABSFoundationNG) to reach out to them to support both their work and education.”
Quite fascinating to read about these talented young innovators from my home state, Kwara. I have just directed my foundation (@ABSFoundationNG) to reach out to them to support both their work and education. https://t.co/Cj6CFH8H54
Advertisement— Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki (@bukolasaraki) November 1, 2020
While detailing the cost of sourcing the aircraft’s components, one of the students had said: “It cost us about N3.5m. We contributed the money. For example, I had a motorcycle that I used for commercial purposes in Ilorin.
“I sold it to buy the materials used in building the aircraft. Others also had belongings that they sold.
“We contributed money to make the project a reality. We got materials locally. We got the plate from Surulere in Ilorin, bought pipes, and other materials.
“We used a Volkswagen 1200 engine to power the aircraft. It has all the components of a normal aircraft such as propellers, wings, tail, flying gear, etc. Although we have not tested this one, the smaller one we built was tested.”
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