Abdulazeez Ajoke of Abesan Senior High School, Ipaja, Lagos, emerged winner in the secondary schools category of the 14th National Travel Essay Competition and Air Transport Youth Empowerment Seminar, clinching a cash prize of N100,000.
The event, held at the Training Hall of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority annexe, Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, was aimed at discovering hidden talents and nurturing future aviation professionals.
This year’s theme was, “Navigating Career Entry Challenges to Secure the Future.”
In the same category, Patrick David of Abiolu Comprehensive College, Igando, Lagos, came second and won N70,000, while Akinyoola Morenikeji, also of Abesan Senior High School, Ipaja, placed third and received N50,000.
The essay topic for the 2025 competition in the secondary schools category was “The Role of Public Perception on Airlines’ Safety Performance.”
Additionally, Ali Uwamaka of Queen’s College, Lagos, received a special recognition award of N10,000 and was named Young Aviation Enthusiast for her outstanding write-up on the theme of the Youth Empowerment Seminar.
The Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Mrs Obiageli Orah, also presented special prizes to students who expressed interest in becoming pilots
Recipients included Akujieze Chisomebuka of Princeton College, Surulere; Ojo-Ibukun Inioluwa of Agbado District Comprehensive High School, Ogun State; and Sowunmi Anuoluwapo and Ali Francisca Chiamaka, both of Queen’s College, Yaba, Lagos.
In the tertiary institutions category, Miss Olatunji Taiwo of the University of Lagos emerged overall winner, receiving an N150,000 cash prize.
Mr Patrick Favour of Lagos State University came second and was awarded N100,000, while Mr Vincent Maduka of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, placed third, winning N50,000.
Contestants in the tertiary category defended their essays orally before a panel on the theme: “The Security Implications of AI on Air Travel and How to Mitigate Them.”
The top 10 finalists in the secondary school category and the top five from tertiary institutions also received goodie bags and branded gifts courtesy of South African Airways.
Entries and oral defences were judged by a panel of Independent Assessors chaired by the President of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association of Nigeria, Mr Alex Nwuba. Other members included Chief Executive Officer of Royal Hope Foundation, Titilayo Owolabi-Akerele; FAAN’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mrs Obiageli Orah; Managing Director of Aviatrix Hub, Mrs Victoria Adegbe; NCAA’s Regional Manager, Lagos, Olubukola Teriba; FAAN’s AGM Protocol and Passages, Mrs Christabel Eromosele; and Nigeria Airways veteran, Mr Godbless Oziegbe.
A key highlight of the event was the cutting of a commemorative cake to mark the 20th anniversary of Travel & Business News, organisers of the initiative.
Earlier, the NTEC Founder and National Coordinator, Mr Ewos Iroro, said the competition, initiated in 2009, was created to encourage Nigerian youths to consider careers in aviation, travel, and tourism, while also boosting awareness and support for the air transport industry.
“NTEC has raised many young talents who are now working in various fields of aviation. Just a few days ago, one of our past winners, Miss Adeola Peace, who graduated from Murtala Muhammed Airport Secondary School, Ikeja, several years ago, bagged a Master’s degree in Aeronautical Engineering,” he noted.
The Director General of the NCAA, Capt. Chris Najomo, represented by NCAA Lagos Regional Manager, Olubukola Teriba, said the event’s theme reflected the challenges faced by young Nigerians hoping to break into the aviation and transport industries.
He cited issues such as lack of access, limited mentorship, financial constraints, skill mismatches, and systemic barriers as some of the hurdles that need to be addressed to empower more youths to enter and thrive in the sector.
