Women in Aviation International (WAI) Glowing Wings Chapter – Lagos, Nigeria recently joined its global counterparts to celebrate Girls in Aviation Day (GIAD) 2024, igniting passion and ambition in the next generation of female aviators.
Held at the old Murtala Muhammed International Airport, the event aimed to inspire and empower girls to pursue careers in aviation, shattering stereotypes and breaking barriers. This year’s celebration featured career talks by seasoned female aviation professionals in the Nigerian aviation sector, as well as an airport facility tour, providing a behind-the-scenes look at the inner workings of aviation.
The esteemed speakers at this event included Engr. Dr. 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/Air Safety Inspector at NCAA; and Morounke Babalola, Cabin Services Manager at United Nigeria Airlines.
In her welcome address, the chapter’s President and General Manager (GM), Public Affairs, NAMA, Mrs. Njoku Evelyn who was represented by Mrs. Nwaugbala Dominica, the chapter’s Secretary and Ass. GM Directorate of Special Duties at NCAA welcomed the students, saying:
“Today is a special day; one that fills my heart with pride and hope for the future. As we gather here to celebrate Girls in Aviation Day 2024, we are not just celebrating the potential of girls and young women across Nigeria and beyond; we are reaffirming our belief that the sky holds no limits for anyone willing to dream, learn and soar. To all the young girls here today, I want to tell you something important: you belong in aviation. The skies are yours to explore. Airport control towers and runways are not just places you visit; they are places where you can lead.”
Students from Queens College, Yaba; Abiolu Comprehensive College, Igando; Princeton College, Surulere; and Abesan Senior High School, Ipaja, participated in the event. An engaging Q&A session followed the presentations, with students receiving WAI Glowing Wings Chapter branded notebooks for providing correct answers.
Engr. Dr. Agubata offered mentorship opportunities to students interested in engineering, accentuating the significance of perseverance and determination. She highlighted the importance of not just mentoring female students interested in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), but also monitoring them to ensure that they stay the course. In her own words, “The future is female, but you have to first walk up to the table,” she urged, inspiring the young minds to take ownership of their aspirations.
The celebration reinforces WAI’s mission to inspire and empower girls to go after careers in aviation by providing an opportunity for them to network and gain mentors, while shining light on the limitless possibilities and opportunities the industry has to offer.
