Aviation Industry Leaders Inspire Young Talents as National Travel Essay Competition Celebrates 15th Anniversary
Stakeholders in Nigeria’s aviation sector have reaffirmed the importance of nurturing young innovators and future leaders as the 15th edition of the National Travel Essay Competition (NTEC) and Air Transport Youth Empowerment Summit (YES) culminated in Lagos with a call for greater investment in human capital development.
The grand finale of NTEC 2026, organised by Travel & Business News, was held on Saturday, May 30, at the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) Annex of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.
The event commemorated fifteen years of promoting excellence and encouraging young Nigerians to pursue careers in aviation and allied industries.
This year’s summit, themed “Soaring Beyond Limits: Youth Innovation and Leadership in Aviation,” attracted students, teachers, regulators and leading players in the aviation industry, who explored ways of positioning the younger generation to drive technological advancement and sustainable growth within the sector.
Speaking at the event, Chairman of Sabre Central and West Africa, Dr Gbenga Olowo, represented by the company’s Marketing and Business Relationship Manager, Mr Nurudeen Adeokin, described the 15-year journey of the initiative as a remarkable achievement in capacity building and youth empowerment.
According to him, the aviation industry’s future lies in the creativity and ingenuity of young people who are prepared to embrace innovation and emerging technologies.
He noted that physical infrastructure alone would not guarantee the sector’s progress, stressing that bold thinkers and young innovators would play a more decisive role in shaping the next phase of aviation development.
Dr Olowo highlighted Sabre’s continued investment in talent development through educational partnerships and corporate social responsibility initiatives. He urged the finalists to prepare for a future aviation ecosystem increasingly influenced by artificial intelligence, automation and data-driven decision-making.
The Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, Capt. Chris Najomo, represented by the Deputy Manager, Public Relations, Lagos, Mrs Carol Adekotujo, also underscored the significance of empowering young people to become drivers of innovation and sustainable development.
He linked the summit’s theme to recent progress in the country’s aviation industry, particularly the expansion of airline fleets made possible by the implementation of the Cape Town Convention.
Capt. Najomo said true growth in aviation required individuals who were willing to rise above limitations through resilience, determination and vision.
He encouraged students aspiring to careers in piloting, aerospace engineering, air traffic management and cabin services to take advantage of mentorship opportunities and practical training programmes.
The NCAA boss further stressed that future aviation professionals must develop competencies in emerging areas such as autonomous aircraft systems, electric aviation and sustainable aviation fuels, which are expected to define the industry in the coming decades.
The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), represented by Assistant Comptroller General (Narcotics), Mrs Rita Geh, emphasised the importance of maintaining a drug-free lifestyle among aviation professionals.
Marwa described substance abuse prevention as a critical safety issue, noting that the high level of precision and concentration required in aviation operations makes compromised judgement unacceptable.
He explained that through the agency’s War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign, the NDLEA was working to create awareness among young people and encourage them to protect their mental health and become advocates against drug abuse.
One of the major highlights of the programme was the grand prize competition, which featured essay presentations on two critical topics.
Students in the secondary school category addressed the subject, “The Impact of Social Media on Air Transport Safety,” while contestants from tertiary institutions examined “Ending Luggage Tag Swapping in Drug Trafficking at Nigerian Airports.”
At the end of the keenly contested exercise, Oluwafemi Joshua Oluwaseyifunmi of Abesan Senior High School, Abesan Estate, Ipaja, emerged winner in the secondary school category.
He received a cash prize of ₦120,000 and a complimentary ticket to any domestic destination on the Arik Air network.
Patrick Chidiebere David of Abiolu Comprehensive College, Igando, Lagos, came second and received ₦80,000, while Eloyewan Naomi of Abesan Senior High School secured third place with a prize of ₦60,000.
In the tertiary institutions category, Odetayo Omolola Elizabeth of the University of Lagos emerged champion, winning ₦150,000 and a complimentary ticket to Johannesburg sponsored by South African Airways.
Another student of the University of Lagos, Adebakin Temiloluwa Esther, placed second and received ₦100,000, while Vincent Ikechukwu Maduka of the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, came third with a cash prize of ₦70,000.
A new feature introduced during the anniversary edition of the competition was the Steadfast Spirit Award, instituted by Mrs Peace Jesulayomi Akinsulire (née Lawson), winner of the 2017 National Travel Essay Competition and an alumna of the University of Lagos.
The award, valued at ₦30,000, was established to recognise perseverance, consistency and determination among participants.
Sharing her experience, Mrs Akinsulire disclosed that she participated in the competition six times, including four consecutive appearances, and explained that the lessons she learnt through repeated attempts helped shape her personal and professional growth.
She said the award was meant to celebrate those who continue striving for excellence despite setbacks and encouraged students not to give up on their dreams.
Patrick Chidiebere David was the first recipient of the Steadfast Spirit Award and subsequently went on to secure second position in the secondary school category.
In recognition of academic excellence, Sabre also presented gift items to the three best-performing students in the secondary school category.
Organisers expressed gratitude to industry stakeholders and partners whose support contributed to the successful hosting of the event.
These include the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, Caverton Offshore Support Group, Sabre West Africa, South African Airways, Arik Air, SAHCO Plc and OCP International.
As the curtain fell on the landmark edition of the competition, participants and stakeholders renewed their commitment to promoting continuous learning, innovation and leadership among young Nigerians, with the ultimate goal of strengthening the country’s position in the global aviation industry.
For fifteen years, the National Travel Essay Competition and Youth Empowerment Summit have served as a platform connecting students with industry professionals and providing opportunities for aspiring aviation experts to develop the skills required to succeed in the sector.
