Azikel Group has debunked allegations made by two beneficiaries of its aviation scholarship programme, describing the claims as misleading and lacking important context.

The company said allegations by Ezekiel Kariyai Daukoru and Yebei Ebilate Amabebe ignored documented efforts to implement the programme despite operational challenges.

The response followed a public statement and media reports in which the two beneficiaries accused the company of abandoning the scholarship after prolonged delays.

The former trainees alleged they waited more than a year without being sent to the United States for promised pilot training.

They also claimed repeated requests for updates received little response, forcing them to resign from the programme.

However, Azikel Group insisted the scholarship was genuine and had progressed beyond mere promises.

The company released email correspondence showing discussions with a United States aviation academy over training arrangements for four Nigerian students.

The documents showed Azikel officials requested quotations, training schedules and visa procedures for the proposed pilot training programme.

Correspondence from March 2025 also detailed accommodation, tuition, M-1 visa requirements and Federal Aviation Administration-compliant training for the beneficiaries.

Azikel said the documents demonstrated active engagement with international training partners rather than abandonment of the initiative.

The company acknowledged that implementation experienced delays but maintained they were administrative and logistical, not evidence of bad faith.

It further argued that expanding the programme from two to four beneficiaries reflected its commitment to helping more young Nigerians.

The group also disputed claims that beneficiaries were left without direction during their probation period.

According to the company, the probation formed part of preparations for the overseas training while administrative processes continued.

Azikel said public claims suggesting the programme was fraudulent or merely a publicity stunt were false and damaging.

The company urged the public to consider documentary evidence before drawing conclusions from social media posts and media reports.

It reaffirmed that its founder, Dr. Eruani Azibapu, established the aviation scholarship to develop indigenous aviation professionals and expand opportunities for Bayelsa youths.

The company said it remains committed to youth empowerment and responsible corporate philanthropy.

It added that while disagreements may arise, such issues should be resolved through facts, dialogue and documented evidence rather than misinformation.

The released documents include correspondence with a U.S. flight academy, resignation letters submitted by the beneficiaries and records relating to the scholarship’s implementation.

Azikel maintained that the full documentation presents a broader picture than the allegations circulated in the public domain.

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