BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
The Women in Aviation International (WAI) Glowing Wings Chapter has taken a bold step towards inspiring young women into pursuing careers in aviation.
That was thrust of the Girls in Aviation Day (GIAD) 2024, successfully held at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos.
The event, which took place on September 20, 2024, brought together young female students from across Lagos to inspire, empower, and encourage them to pursue careers in aviation.
Students from several secondary schools, including Queens College, Yaba; Abiolu Comprehensive College, Igando; Princeton College, Surulere; and Abesan Senior High School, Ipaja, were in attendance, eager to discover the vast opportunities available to women in the aviation sector.
The event was a powerful showcase of the determination to break stereotypes and inspire girls to explore a field historically dominated by men.
An array of distinguished female aviation professionals graced the event with insightful presentations and mentorship opportunities.
Among them were Engineer Felicia Nnenna Agubata, Deputy General Manager of Terrestrial Services at NAMA and Vice President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers; Kate Nnanna-Ibemgbo, Air Traffic Controller and Air Safety Inspector at NCAA; and Morounke Babalola, Cabin Services Manager at United Nigeria Airlines.
These trailblazing women shared their personal stories, offering the students a window into the world of aviation and highlighting the power of perseverance, hard work, and vision.
In her welcome address, Mrs. Njoku Evelyn, Chapter President of the WAI Glowing Wings Chapter, represented by Mrs. Nwaugbala Dominica, encouraged the students to dream big:
“Today, we are not just celebrating Girls in Aviation Day, but the future of aviation itself. The skies are yours to explore, and I want each of you to know that your dreams are valid. Whether it’s the control tower or the cockpit, there is a place for you in this industry, and we are here to help you get there.”
Following the presentations, the students participated in an interactive Q&A session, with winners receiving branded WAI Glowing Wings Chapter notebooks for their correct answers.
The session provided a unique opportunity for the girls to engage with the professionals, ask questions, and learn more about various aviation career paths.
Engineer Dr. Agubata, in particular, offered mentorship opportunities to students interested in engineering, highlighting the importance of persistence: “The future is female, but you must step forward to claim it.”
The event concluded with a tour of the MMIA facilities, further igniting the students’ passion for aviation.
They left with gift packs and a renewed sense of purpose, inspired to take on the skies and pursue careers in aviation.
The WAI Glowing Wings Chapter, a non-profit organisation committed to empowering young women to pursue careers in aviation, continues to champion initiatives like GIAD to ensure that the next generation of female aviators is fully equipped to break boundaries and redefine the future of aviation in Nigeria.
