WAI GLOWING WINGS MENTORS 80 GIRLS ON AVIATION CAREERS
By: Safiya Abdulrahim Dabban
The Women in Aviation International (WAI), Glowing Wings Chapter, has encouraged young Nigerian girls to pursue careers in the aviation industry and challenge gender stereotypes.
The call was made during the 2026 Annual Girls in Aviation Day in Lagos, themed, “She Can Fly: Dream, Discover and Soar,” where more than 80 students from four schools explored career opportunities in the sector.
Speaking at the event, the chapter’s Vice President, Mrs Lola Akande, who represented the President, Mrs Evelyn Njoku, said aviation offers opportunities beyond piloting and cabin crew roles.
She encouraged the students to consider careers in areas such as aviation law, meteorology, flight dispatch, safety investigation, engineering, public affairs and airport management.
The Commandant of Command Day Secondary School, Ikeja, Lt Col Peter Garuba, represented by the school’s Administrative Officer, Capt James Olaniyan, said gender and background should not limit young people from pursuing careers in aviation.
Other aviation professionals, including Mrs Lilian Ezetendu, Mrs Victoria Adegbe and Mrs Irene Ejakita, shared their experiences and explained the technical and professional responsibilities involved in aviation careers.
The programme also featured mentorship and networking sessions, allowing the students to interact with female aviation professionals. A quiz competition was held, with Blooming Greens Secondary School, Yaba, emerging first, followed by Murtala Mohammed Airport Secondary School, Ikeja, and Command Day Secondary School, Ikeja.
WAI Glowing Wings reaffirmed its commitment to mentoring young women and encouraging more girls to explore opportunities in the aviation industry.