AeroTribe Hosts Maiden Aviation Youth Webinar, Champions Future of Nigeria’s Aviation Industry
The maiden edition of the Aviation Youth Webinar, organised by AeroTribe Limited, has successfully convened young professionals and seasoned experts to deliberate on the future of Nigeria’s aviation industry, with a focus on youth inclusion, innovation, and mentorship.
Held on Wednesday, 28 August 2025, the virtual forum carried the theme “Youth & the Future of Aviation Industry: Youths’ Perspectives on Nigeria’s Aviation Industry.”
Initiator of the webinar, Mr Olalekan Sarumi, said the event was conceived to spotlight the challenges young Nigerians face in pursuing aviation careers and to provide practical solutions by connecting them with industry veterans.
“The aim is to inspire the next generation of aviators by sharing real-life stories and strategies that can help them overcome hurdles,” Sarumi explained.
Keynote addresses were delivered by aviation professionals, including Engr. Wale Odutola of Aviation Techniks & Trainings International (Attair) and Captain Wale Oke, a former captain with Nigeria Airways.
Both speakers underscored the urgent need to build capacity and prepare Nigeria’s youth to take up pivotal roles in shaping the nation’s aviation future.
The highlight of the webinar was a panel session that examined emerging trends in aviation, barriers to youth inclusion, global competition, and opportunities for innovation.
The panel featured Engineer Akinrotoye Samuel of Eastwind Aviation; Mrs Annie Ojewunmi, popularly known as “The Airplane Girl” from Air Peace; and Mr Ozoilo Rex, a 300-level student of Afe Babalola University. The session was moderated by Miss Archibong Joy of Aero Contractors.
Some of the major takeaways from the discussion included:
The critical role of mentorship and training programmes in nurturing new aviators.
The industrialisation of Nigeria’s aviation sector as a pathway to sustainable growth.
Opportunities for youth to contribute beyond flying, through technology, engineering, and innovation.
The need for greater collaboration between stakeholders to design training programmes, enhance skills acquisition, and drive digitisation.
A strong push for STEM education to strengthen the pipeline of future aviation professionals.
The call for policies to make aviation training more affordable and accessible.
The webinar also underscored the importance of fostering diversity, promoting youth inclusion, and encouraging the adoption of technology to keep Nigeria’s aviation sector globally competitive.
According to participants, the maiden edition has set the stage for more robust engagements that will drive long-term transformation and position Nigerian youths as active players in the aviation landscape.
