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In a sector historically led by men, Captain Adeola Ogunmola Sowemimo has made significant strides. She holds the distinction of being Nigeria’s first female pilot of the Boeing 787, operating long-haul flights for Qatar Airways. Her journey illustrates that with dedication, determination, and adequate support, anyone can reach remarkable heights, irrespective of gender.
Globally, women are increasingly taking on positions that were once deemed exclusive to men. The aviation industry is also experiencing this transformation, with Captain Adeola serving as a prominent example of female success in traditionally male-dominated fields.
At the age of 31, Captain Adeola is breaking barriers as the first Nigerian woman to pilot the Boeing 787 Dreamliner for Qatar Airways. This state-of-the-art aircraft can achieve speeds of Mach 0.85, approximately 1,024 kilometers per hour, as she expertly navigates it, ensuring the safe transport of 250 passengers worldwide.
Her journey to becoming a Dreamliner pilot was fraught with challenges. Adeola's narrative is one of resilience, tenacity, and a passion for aviation.
Born on October 16, 1990, in Kaduna, Nigeria, she attended various schools in Kaduna and Ibadan, facing obstacles such as religious conflicts. Nevertheless, Adeola remained steadfast in her goals, completing her secondary education at First Baptist Model High School in Kaduna in 2007. Following her secondary education, she embarked on a pre-degree program at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) in Oyo State.
Her enthusiasm for aviation led her to enroll at the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology in Zaria, where she completed her training from 2009 to 2010. Following this, she pursued additional training at Sunrise Aviation Inc. in Florida, USA.
After finishing her pilot training, Adeola returned to Nigeria to embark on her flying career.
In 2013, she began her tenure with Medview Airlines in Lagos as a First Officer on Boeing 737 aircraft.
Her proficiency quickly resulted in a promotion, allowing her to operate the Boeing 767-300ER. However, her most significant achievement occurred in 2018 when she became the first Nigerian woman to pilot the Boeing 787 Dreamliner with Qatar Airways.
Her expertise has enabled her to undertake transatlantic flights on the Boeing 767, and in 2020, she commenced flying the Lagos-to-Abuja route for Qatar Airways. Adeola is now part of a distinguished group of pioneering African female pilots, including Chinyere Kalu, Nigeria’s first female commercial pilot, and Asli Hassan Abade, Somalia’s first female aviator.
Captain Adeola Ogunmola Sowemimo embodies more than the role of a pilot; she symbolizes hope, resilience, and the belief that women can accomplish their goals through dedication. Her narrative serves as a beacon of inspiration for young African girls, illustrating that with commitment, they can also realize their aspirations.
Adeola’s path highlights the power of hard work and determination in overcoming obstacles, regardless of their magnitude.
She stands as a testament to the idea that nothing is beyond reach, and her legacy will undoubtedly motivate countless individuals for generations ahead.