BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
The maiden edition of the Aviation Youth Webinar, organised by AeroTribe Limited, has provided a platform for young Nigerians to engage directly with seasoned professionals on the future of the country’s aviation industry.
Held on Wednesday, August 28, the webinar was themed “Youth & the Future of Aviation Industry: Youths’ Perspectives on Nigeria’s Aviation Industry.”
It brought together aviation veterans, young professionals, and students to discuss challenges facing aspiring aviators and identify pathways to greater youth inclusion.
The convener, Mr. Olalekan Sarumi, said the forum was designed to bridge the gap between youth and industry experts.
“The webinar was put together to highlight the challenges youths face in pursuing careers in aviation and to provide solutions by connecting them with seasoned aviators who could share their experiences and offer guidance,” Sarumi explained.
Keynote speakers included Engineer Wale Odutola of Aviation Techniks & Trainings International (Attair) and Captain Wale Oke, a former captain with Nigeria Airways, who both underscored the importance of mentorship and training in building the next generation of aviators.
A panel session further explored trends in aviation, youth participation, global competitiveness, and innovation.
The panel featured Engineer Akinrotoye Samuel of Eastwind Aviation; Mrs. Annie Ojewunmi of Air Peace, popularly known as the Airplane Girl; and Mr. Ozoilo Rex, a 300-level student of Afe Babalola University.
The session was moderated by Miss Archibong Joy of Aero Contractors.
Among the key takeaways were the need to industrialise the aviation sector, expand mentorship and training programmes, embrace STEM education, and create affordable pathways for aviation training.
Speakers also stressed the role of technology and innovation in driving competitiveness and the importance of collaboration among stakeholders to enhance skills acquisition, digitisation, and youth inclusion.
Sarumi concluded that the success of the maiden webinar highlights “the urgency of empowering Nigerian youth to take their rightful place in aviation,” while calling for stronger collaboration to shape a more innovative and inclusive industry.
