Women across Nigeria’s aviation industry gathered in Lagos to celebrate the 2026 edition of International Women’s Day, with a strong call for mentorship, inclusion, and greater participation of women in shaping the future of aviation.
The event, held at the NCAA Regional Office Conference Hall, was organised by the Women Commission of the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE), bringing together aviation leaders, regulators, and professionals from across the sector.
Convener of the NAAPE Women Commission, Kyola Dyaji, set the tone for the gathering by highlighting the critical contributions women have made to the aviation industry over the years.
She noted that from the earliest days of flight to today’s advanced global aviation system, women have steadily contributed to the safety, innovation, and connectivity that drive the industry.
According to Dyaji, women are now increasingly visible across key aviation roles including pilots, engineers, air traffic controllers, regulators, researchers, and executives.
However, she cautioned that despite the progress made, achieving full gender equality in aviation still requires deliberate efforts from governments, institutions, and industry leaders.
Speaking on the theme of the event, “Give to Gain,” she explained that progress in the aviation sector depends on professionals investing in their own growth while also supporting and mentoring others.
President of NAAPE, Bunmi Gindeh, who served as the chief host, praised the increasing role of women in a sector traditionally dominated by men.
He said women across aviation technical and operational roles continue to demonstrate professionalism, resilience, and excellence, proving that competence and dedication—not gender—define success in the industry.
Gindeh also described the NAAPE Women Commission as an important platform for mentorship and professional development, helping to encourage more young women to pursue careers in aviation.
Also speaking at the event, President of the International Federation of Aeronautical Information Management Associations (IFAIMA), Olufunmilayo Adeyemi, urged women to remain intentional about personal growth and professional development.
Drawing from her experience as the first woman and first Black leader of the global aeronautical information management body, Adeyemi encouraged women to support one another, share knowledge, and open doors for the next generation of aviation professionals.
The Managing Director of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Ahmed Farouk Umar, also acknowledged the growing influence of women in Nigeria’s aviation sector.
Represented by the Acting General Manager, Standards, Hauwa Musa, he said the agency remains proud of its female technical personnel whose expertise contributes to the safe and efficient management of Nigeria’s airspace.
He added that bridging the gender gap in aviation requires sustained investment in mentorship, training, and inclusive workplace policies that enable women to rise into leadership and technical positions.
Chairing the event was the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Olubunmi Kuku, who described the celebration as more than a ceremonial gathering.
Represented by FAAN’s Deputy General Manager, One-Stop-Shop, Uju Eze William-Jumbo, Kuku said the annual event continues to inspire women and encourage young girls to see aviation as a viable career path.
Also lending her voice, General Manager, Public Affairs at NAMA and President of Women in Aviation Glowing Wings Chapter, Evelyn Njoku, described the celebration as both a recognition of achievements and a reminder that equal opportunity remains essential to the industry’s future.
The event also featured panel discussions involving pilots, maintenance engineers, cabin crew executives, and flight dispatchers, alongside presentations on emotional intelligence and personal development planning.
As the gathering concluded, participants emphasised that the future of aviation will not only depend on technological advancement but also on the people who choose to lead, mentor, and create opportunities for others.
For many of the women present, the celebration reinforced a shared belief that in aviation, the sky is no longer the limit—but only the beginning.
Written by Nosa Aituamen