SAA marks Nigeria’s independence with initiative to develop aviation talents

South African Airways (SAA) marked Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day anniversary by hosting the Aviation Youth Forum at the NCAA Annexe, Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.

Present at the event were students from Air Force Secondary School, Ikeja; Abiolu Comprehensive College, Igando; Abesan Senior High School, Ipaja; Murtala Muhammed Airport Secondary School, Ikeja; and Princeton College, Surulere, who spent a day with aviation professionals to gain inspiration and guidance on charting their unique future career paths in the sector.

The event, themed ‘Finding Your Place in Aviation – Ask the Professionals, ’ featured a lineup of esteemed guest speakers from the aviation industry, including representatives from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Aviatrix Hub, Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association of Nigeria, and SAA. The speakers shared their insights and experiences, providing the students with valuable knowledge and inspiration.

Kemi Leke-Bamtefa, country manager of SAA, emphasised the significance of aviation in Nigeria’s development, encouraging students to explore various career paths in the industry. “Whether you dream of flying an aircraft, maintaining one, guiding it from the tower, designing airport systems, analysing flight data, or you want to be in commercial sales, in travel and tourism, build drones, create travel technology or tell aviation stories like the journalists, there’s a seat for you in this industry,” she said.

She noted further that, “With over 25 years of commitment to youth development and empowerment in Nigeria. We have dedicated youth programs such as SAA Secondary School Essay Competition, SAA Aviation youth forum and have partnered with organisations on several initiatives to guide and encourage innovation amongst the Nigerian youth.

“Nigeria celebrates 65 years of a nation that dared to fly—standing tall, resilient, and creative. Independence Day reminds us that freedom is not just a date on the calendar; it’s the courage to dream, the discipline to prepare, and the determination to fly. That is the spirit of aviation, and that is the spirit of Nigeria.”

Alex Nwuba, the Keynote Speaker at the forum, president of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association of Nigeria, advised students to become tech-fluent and think about long-term solutions in the face of emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI). “By the time most of you finish university, the world you will be prepared for, will not be what you got prepared for. That is because of AI, and that is the reality that we must face,” he said.

Other eminent industry professionals were also present and made presentations sharing their stories and experiences as well as motivating and encouraging the students to follow their dreams on their path to making a career in the sector.

They include Victoria Adegbe, MD, Aviatrix Hub, an approved Aviation Training Organisation; Kate Nnanna-Ibemgbo, Deputy General Manager, Air Traffic Management/State Safety Program, NCAA; and Irene Ejakita, a Cabin Crew Manager.

An award ceremony ensued, where South African Airways recognised and rewarded guest speakers and students present. Guest speakers were honoured with Award Certificates of Appreciation for their outstanding contributions, invaluable insights and inspiring words. Also, students who actively participated in the feedback session received branded T-shirts, and all students received goody bags as a token of appreciation, all courtesy of South African Airways.

The event concluded with a facility tour of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport Control Tower carefully coordinated by Edino Emos, the TRACON Manager, Nigerian AirSpace Management Agency, NAMA.

There students witnessed Air Traffic Controllers at work and gained very useful insight into the aviation industry – a testament to the airline’s commitment to empowering the next generation of aviation professionals in Nigeria.