Caverton Signs MoU with Chinese University for UAV Devt, Training

Bennett Oghifo

Aviation expert, Captain Akinsete Olushina, of UAV Integration Unit, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), has commended Caverton Offshore Support Group (COSG) for always moving ahead of the curve in the cutting-edge technology to enhance its operations.

Olushina made the remarks in Lagos yesterday, during the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Caverton Group and ShenZhen University of Information Technology (SUIT) of China on UAV ‘Drone’ production, which aims is to drive and boost technology research and development in Nigeria.

The MoU focuses on the development status and market demand of the drone industry, drone standard-setting methods, and Nigeria’s policy landscape.

According to him, Caverton, as a game changer in the aviation sector, was always ahead in technology and its story of growth and excellence is there for people to see.

“It is my pleasure to be here today, and it is very important what we are witnessing today. You see, with the amount of investments and fortitude that have been invested by Caverton to put up this structure at its centre and steps taken by the group from China to assist in this new venture, I can assure you that the future is UAV no doubt.”

Speaking further, he said, “It is quite clear that UAV is taking over most of the rotary aerial works. Apart from carrying passengers, most aerial works now are being done by UAVs.

“My initial visit here was at the preliminary stages and today, due to the commitment and visionary leadership of Caverton Group, I can see the transformation in terms of assembly line and training facilities.”

Olushina was optimistic that the new venture will be a fantastic union between the two giant entities.

“We expect that something good will come out of this,” he said, as he expressed his gratitude to the team who travelled all the way from China to share their knowledge.

He wrapped up his remarks by pledging his support from the NCAA to be of assistance when the need arises. “You have our full support because that is where the future lies.”

In his welcome address, Chief Operating Officer (COO), Caverton Offshore Support Group (COSG), Rotimi Makanjuola, thanked the August visitor for coming to Caverton Helicopters all the way from China to partner with them.

Taking his guests down the memory lane, Makanjuola delved into the company’s trajectory and its exploits in marine, shipping, aviation and, lately, boats manufacturing as well as, recently, the marine arms of the Caverton Group, which unveiled the first electric ferry in Nigeria.

On the activities of Caverton Helicopters since it began operations 20 years ago, Makanjuola said the company, which began operations with the oil and gas sector, now boasts of Maintenance, Repair and Operations (MRO), which facilities are at par with the developed world.

“Caverton Helicopters have been operating for the past 20 years in the oil and gas industry. We have operated a range of different types of helicopters and fixed wings with a high-profile clientele base.

“For the MRO, this is where the company does most of its heavy maintenance, a 40,000 square feet centre. We have done a variety of maintenance for third parties and for neighbouring countries such as Benin Republic, Mozambique, Ivory Coast. In the MRO, we have different capabilities to do line maintenance, structural works, others, and the Airforce aircraft.

“We work closely with the manufacturers. We are working closely with the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI). We have refurbished two of its light helicopters as well as those of the Nigerian Navy. We are doing training for them. We have been contracted by the manufacturer to support the Presidency’s aircraft as well. We have done some work with NASENI in the areas of agriculture, and light work on security and some training for its staff,” he said.

The company’s tentacles, according to Makanjuola, spread across borders as it operates in Cameroon working directly with the national oil in the country.

Listing some of the facilities at the MRO, he noted that there are also AW139 full flight simulators, which are certified by the regulatory authorities including NCAA (the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority), adding that it also has AW109 Simulator which is used for training the Nigerian Navy pilots.

The COSG COO said in the area of promoting local content, so far, over 200 Nigerians pilots and engineers who are now working in different countries all over the world have been trained by Caverton.

In terms of expansion, Makanjuola said he “is proud to announce that the company has been granted a license to operate Cargo which is the next phase in our line of expansion.”

In the area of drones, early last month, Makanjuola said, Caverton-powered Drone Soccer held its inaugural training. Drone Soccer, a new sporting activity which combines the excitement of sports with technology and aspects of aeronautical engineering.

Sponsored by Caverton Helicopters under the banner of the Federation of International Drone Soccer Association (FIDA Nigeria), the event created an exciting buzz in the Indoor Sports, he informed his Chinese visitors to sign into new partnership with the company.

In his own address at the all-important event, Deputy Secretary of Party Committee and President of the ShenZhen University of Information Technology (SUIT) in China, Mr. Wang Hui, expressed the commitment of his university to a sustainable partnership with Caverton Helicopters Limited of Nigeria having carefully studied what it does and is capable of doing more.

He said, “We came here with our partner, Ogun Guangdong Free Trade Zone and other companies to come for consecutive partnership with Caverton, which has shown its experience PPP with most experienced SUIT in information and technology.

“Before now we have built communication with different universities in Nigeria like Lagos University, Afe Babalola University, and we all have the opinion that information, transformation and modern manufacturing are so important here for Nigeria.

“ShenZhen University of Information Technology is willing to help to do some of these works together with Nigerian people to build a great country. We would like to work with Caverton on UAV field for the first step. The next step will be to send Chinese experts here to train about UAV technology. Apart from training, I believe we can do research and handle work together in future.

“Our UAV strength is very excellent and we can manufacture the real industrial line and we can make a big work together in future. I believe we have a glorious future in the law, attitude and cooperation together,” he said.

In his remarks, Air Vice Marshall Osichinaka Chiedu Ubadike, Deputy Commandant, Air Force Institute of Technology, Kaduna, praised Caverton Group for this bold step in innovation technology that it has taken.

“Caverton already has a footprint with the institution, and this is an opportunity to enhance the partnership. The Air Force Institute of Technology, the technology arm of the Nigerian Armed Forces, has interest in this collaboration. And coming here and hearing the Chinese partner mentioning the area of our activities, whatever arrangement the Chinese can cascade into the Nigerian Armed Forces through the Airforce Institute of Technology, will be a welcome idea.”

Thanking Caverton for the invitation to be part of the historic moment, he said in Drone development and research is the future. He said, apart from parading some of the best in intellectual capability, the school also has an affiliation with a university in the United Kingdom.

While highlighting some of the activities which aligns with some of what the institution is doing, the AVM was elated to collaborate with Caverton in so many areas and that whatever arrangement the team has with Caverton they are willing, able and ready to collaborate.

Throwing more light on what the Memorandum of Understanding is all about, Executive Director, Corporate Services, Caverton Helicopters said, “It is basically a partnership between ShenZhen University of Information Technology in China. We had visited the university to see what they could do. And the team is here to see what we have. The good news is that they are ready to partner with us with regards to research and development of UAVs drones specially. They are already ahead because they are into production of drones.

“With that, we believe it will enhance what we have already started in terms of production of drones with The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) and utilizstion of drones for agricultural purposes in Nigeria.”

Speaking on the Chinese Ogun State Free Zone, a local partner, Omueti said as its president has said, “they are willing to be involved in what Caverton is doing as far as UAV is concerned because they already have a market for it and other products coming from China. And they are ready to market it for us.”

Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) is an aircraft piloted by remote control of onboard computers.