BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, has called on industry stakeholders to be intentional about discovering and nurturing young talents as part of efforts to secure the future of Nigeria’s aviation sector.
His charge was delivered in a keynote address by Mrs. Obiageli Orah, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), during the grand finale of the 14th National Travel Essay Competition (NTEC 2025) and Air Transport Youth Empowerment Seminar.
The event, which also marked the 20th anniversary of Travel & Business News, held on May 24, 2025, at the NCAA Annex Training Hall, Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos.
With the theme “Navigating Career Entry Challenges to Secure the Future,” the gathering brought together young minds, aviation experts, and educators to spotlight the need for youth engagement in an industry grappling with an ageing workforce.
“As a globally regulated sector, it is important that stakeholders put measures in place to continually attract the right quality and quantity of human resources required to move the industry forward,” said Mr. Keyamo.
“It is important to note that programmes such as this are avenues through which we can breed, nurture, and harvest such human resources.
Travel and Business News is doing a great job in this regard and deserves accolades.”
The minister also highlighted the urgent challenges facing the sector. “One of the critical challenges facing the industry is the ageing and retiring workforce leading to widened knowledge gaps and operational issues.
“This programme, I believe, is among other things, designed to make aviation appealing to the younger generation while encouraging them to develop interest in taking up a career in the industry,” he added.
Mr. Ewos Iroro, Founder and National Coordinator of NTEC, explained that the competition was birthed in 2009 to ignite interest in aviation, travel, and tourism among young Nigerians.
“NTEC has raised many young talents who are now working in various fields of aviation. And a few days ago, one of our past winners of this competition, Miss Adeola Peace who graduated from Murtala Muhammed Airport Secondary School, Ikeja several years back, got her Masters Degree as an Aeronautical Engineer,” he shared with pride.
The Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Captain Chris Najomo, was represented at the event by NCAA Lagos Regional Manager, Barr. Olubukola Teriba.
In his message, he emphasized the significance of the platform in light of the barriers many young Nigerians face in entering the industry.
“This year’s theme reflects the shared concerns of countless young Nigerians who seek to make their mark in aviation, tourism, and the wider transport ecosystem but often face steep barriers to entry: lack of access, limited mentorship, financial constraints, skill mismatches, and systemic gaps.
“I commend the organizers for their unwavering commitment to youth development, intellectual engagement, and aviation advocacy. Your vision to connect young Nigerians with the world of air transport and tourism through writing, dialogue, and mentorship is both timely and commendable.”
Also lending her voice to the cause, FAAN Managing Director Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, represented again by Mrs. Orah, underscored the long-term value of such programmes.
“This is a breeding ground where many of our young ones have their first encounter with the aviation world. And many of them may just stick to aviation and pick a career here. At FAAN, we will continue to encourage and support programmes such as this.
The inherent benefits of this seed sown in our youths are unquantifiable.”
This year’s essay competition featured thought-provoking topics. Secondary school students wrote on “The Role of Public Perception on Airlines’ Safety Performance,” while tertiary institution participants tackled “The Security Implications of AI on Air Travel and How to Mitigate Them.”
Entries were rigorously reviewed and defended before a panel of independent assessors chaired by Mr. Alex Nwuba, President of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association of Nigeria.
Other assessors included Princess Titilayo Owolabi-Akerele, Mrs. Victoria Adegbe, Barr. Olubukola Teriba, Mrs. Christabel Eromosele, Mrs. Obiageli Orah, and Mr. Godbless Oziegbe.
At the end of the contest, Miss Olatunji Deborah Taiwo from the University of Lagos clinched first place in the tertiary category with a cash prize of N150,000.
She was followed by Mr. Patrick Onyekachi Favour of Lagos State University who won N100,000, and Mr. Vincent Ikechukwu Maduka of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka who received N50,000.
In the secondary schools category, Abdulazeez Fatimoh Ajoke of Abesan Senior High School, Abesan Estate, Ipaja emerged first, winning N100,000.
Her schoolmate, Akinyoola Roqeebah Morenikeji came third with N50,000, while Patrick Chidiebere David of Abiolu Comprehensive College, Igando, secured second place with N70,000. All top finalists received goodie bags and gifts from South African Airways.
To broaden the impact of the Youth Empowerment Seminar, Queens College was specially invited to submit an essay reflecting a student’s perspective on the seminar’s theme. Ali Francisca Uwamaka’s compelling write-up won the top spot.
She presented her essay to the audience as a Young Aviation Enthusiast and was rewarded with N10,000 and a special gift pack from SAA.
In a heartwarming gesture to inspire future aviators, Mrs. Orah asked participating students who aspired to become pilots to raise their hands—and rewarded several for their interest.
They included Akujieze Chisomebuka of Princeton College, Surulere; Ojo-Ibukun Benjamin Inioluwa of Agbado District Comprehensive High School, Ogun State; and Sowunmi Anuoluwapo and Ali Francisca Chiamaka, both from Queens College, Yaba.
The event ended on a celebratory note with a cake-cutting ceremony to commemorate two decades of consistent youth engagement by Travel & Business News, as well as celebrate the birthdays of all guests born in May—a fitting end to a day dedicated to vision, inspiration, and the future of Nigeria’s aviation industry.
