…Students win cash prizes, flight tickets
BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
Aviation industry leaders, regulators and education stakeholders converged in Lagos for the grand finale of the 15th National Travel Essay Competition (NTEC) and Air Transport Youth Empowerment Summit (YES), where they emphasized the need to prepare young Nigerians for leadership roles in a rapidly evolving aviation sector.
The event, organised by Travel & Business News at the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) Annex, Murtala Muhammed International Airport, was held under the theme, “Soaring Beyond Limits: Youth Innovation and Leadership in Aviation.”
The summit brought together students, teachers, aviation professionals and government officials to discuss the future of Nigeria’s aerospace industry and the role of young people in driving innovation, safety and sustainable growth.
Speaking at the event, Chairman of Sabre Central and West Africa, Dr. Gbenga Olowo, represented by Sabre’s Marketing and Business Relationship Manager, Nurudeen Adeokin, described the competition’s 15-year journey as a significant contribution to human capital development in the aviation industry.
According to him, the future growth of aviation will depend not only on infrastructure development but also on the emergence of innovative young professionals capable of navigating technological disruptions.
He noted that artificial intelligence, automation and data-driven decision-making were transforming the aviation landscape and urged participants to equip themselves with relevant skills to remain competitive.
“The next phase of aviation growth will be driven by young innovators and bold thinkers who are prepared for the opportunities and challenges of a technology-driven world,” he said.
Also speaking, Director-General of the NCAA, Captain Chris Najomo, represented by the agency’s Deputy Manager, Public Relations, Lagos, Mrs. Carol Adekotujo, said the event’s theme aligned with ongoing efforts to expand and modernise the Nigerian aviation industry.
He encouraged students interested in careers such as piloting, aerospace engineering, cabin crew services and air traffic control to seek mentorship opportunities and practical exposure early in their careers.
Najomo stressed that future aviation leaders must understand emerging technologies, including autonomous aircraft systems, electric-powered aviation and sustainable aviation fuels.
He described “soaring beyond limits” as the determination to overcome obstacles through resilience, innovation and ambition.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) also used the platform to sensitise participants on the dangers of substance abuse.
Representing the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the agency, Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), Assistant Comptroller-General of Narcotics, Mrs. Rita Geh, said a drug-free lifestyle was essential for anyone seeking a career in aviation.
She explained that aviation operations require high levels of concentration, accuracy and sound judgment, leaving no room for impairment caused by drug use.
According to her, the agency’s War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign is aimed at encouraging young Nigerians to protect their mental health and make responsible choices.
“A drug-free lifestyle is not just a personal choice; it is a professional and safety imperative,” she said.
The event also featured the final stage of the essay competition, where participants competed in two categories.
Secondary school students wrote on “The Impact of Social Media on Air Transport Safety,” while tertiary institution contestants addressed “Ending Luggage Tag Swapping in Drug Trafficking at Nigerian Airports.”
At the end of the competition, Oluwafemi Joshua Oluwaseyifunmi of Abesan Senior High School, Ipaja, Lagos, emerged winner in the secondary school category.
He received a cash prize of N120,000 and a complimentary domestic flight ticket sponsored by Arik Air.
Patrick Chidiebere David of Abiolu Comprehensive College, Igando, Lagos, came second and received N80,000, while Eloyewan Naomi of Abesan Senior High School secured third place and won N60,000.
In the tertiary institution category, Odetayo Omolola Elizabeth of the University of Lagos clinched first place, earning N150,000 and a return ticket to Johannesburg sponsored by South African Airways.
Adebakin Temiloluwa Esther, also of the University of Lagos, finished second with N100,000, while Vincent Ikechukwu Maduka of the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, came third and received N70,000.
One of the highlights of the event was the introduction of the Steadfast Spirit Award by Mrs. Peace Jesulayomi Akinsulire, winner of NTEC 2017.
The N30,000 award was created to recognise resilience, consistency and determination among contestants.
Sharing her personal experience, Akinsulire revealed that she participated in the competition six times before achieving success.
She encouraged students not to be discouraged by setbacks, stressing that persistence often leads to breakthrough opportunities.
The inaugural recipient of the award, Patrick Chidiebere David, later went on to secure second place in the secondary school category.
To further encourage academic excellence, Sabre presented gift packages to the top three performers in the secondary school category.
Organisers expressed appreciation to aviation agencies and corporate partners, including NCAA, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Caverton Offshore Support Group, Sabre West Africa, South African Airways, Arik Air, SAHCO Plc and OCP International for supporting the initiative.
They reaffirmed their commitment to nurturing future aviation professionals and strengthening Nigeria’s position in the global aviation industry through sustained investment in youth development.
For 15 years, the National Travel Essay Competition and Youth Empowerment Summit have served as platforms connecting students with industry professionals, helping to inspire careers in aviation and related sectors.
Olapeju is a journalist and aviation reporter.
