The Maman Avia Initiative, a youth-focused non-governmental organisation, is strengthening its mission to empower young people, women, and aspiring professionals within the aviation industry through targeted programmes, mentorship, and advocacy.

Established to bridge the information and opportunity gap in aviation, the Initiative continues to provide career guidance, sponsorship support, and professional development opportunities aimed at nurturing the next generation of aviation leaders.

As part of its broader vision, the organisation operates Avia Membership 360, a community-based platform that brings together aviation professionals and individuals from other fields who share a passion for personal growth, networking, and opportunities within the aviation ecosystem.

The Initiative is committed to expanding access to aviation education for underrepresented youths while promoting excellence, leadership, and inclusion across the industry.

Its core objectives include creating awareness about aviation career opportunities, providing mentorship and career guidance, supporting aviation training and education, and fostering professional networking and industry exposure.

Through its flagship programmes such as the Youth Aviation Business Conference, Miss Aviation Nigeria, and its aviation-focused YouTube channel, Maman Avia Initiative continues to drive conversations around education, awareness, and innovation within the sector.

A key focus area for the organisation is engaging students in secondary and tertiary institutions at critical stages of career development. Through structured outreach programmes, students are introduced to diverse career paths within aviation, including technical, operational, administrative, and managerial roles.

Approximately six months ago, the Initiative successfully conducted an outreach programme across selected government secondary schools in Lagos State. The sessions exposed students to aviation career opportunities and personal development insights, sparking significant interest among participants, many of whom expressed enthusiasm for career paths they had not previously considered.

Beyond physical outreach, the Initiative continues to impact its growing community through webinars, mentorship sessions, and virtual learning engagements facilitated by aviation professionals and industry experts. These platforms are designed to equip young people with the practical skills, knowledge, and exposure necessary for academic and professional success.

The organisation is driven by a dedicated leadership team comprising Ololade Adenekan, Co-ordinator/President; Uchenna Odoabuchi, Vice President; Nwaoha Adaeze, Secretary; Daniel Tumeyar, Public Relations Officer; Aisha Shoyomboi, Youth Development Officer; Sandra Ushie, Welfare Officer; and Ayomide Adewole, Assistant Welfare Officer.

Through its programmes, advocacy, and strategic partnerships, Maman Avia Initiative continues to champion the growth and empowerment of future aviation professionals while contributing meaningfully to the development of the aviation industry.

As it expands its reach, the organisation remains open to sponsorships, collaborations, and partnerships with institutions, corporate organisations, and individuals committed to youth empowerment, education, and the advancement of aviation.

Ifeoma Okeke-Korieocha is the Aviation Correspondent at BusinessDay Media Limited, publishers of BusinessDay Newspapers. She is also the Deputy Editor, BusinessDay Weekender Magazine, the Saturday Weekend edition of BusinessDay. She holds a BSC in Mass Communication from the prestigious University of Nigeria, Nsukka and a Masters degree in Marketing at the University of Lagos. As the lead writer on the aviation desk, Ifeoma is responsible and in charge of the three weekly aviation and travel pages in BusinessDay and BDSunday. She also overseas and edits all pages of BusinessDay Saturday Weekender. She has written various investigative, features and news stories in aviation and business related issues and has been severally nominated for award in the category of Aviation Writer of the Year by the Nigeria Media Nite-Out awards; one of the Nigeria’s most prestigious media awards ceremonies. Ifeoma is a one-time winner of the prestigious Nigeria Media Merit Award under the 'Aviation Writer of the Year' Category. She is the 2025 Eloy Award winner under the Print Media Journalist category. She has undergone several journalism trainings by various prestigious organisations. Ifeoma is also a fellow of the Female Reporters Leadership Fellowship of the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism.

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