Highlighting Women In Aviation
Look up! In the skies above Nigeria, there are women who fly planes and run aviation companies, manage airside teams, and build policy. There are few more notoriously male- dominated industries than aviation, even in 2024, so it’s apt that with one week to go until the first Guardian Woman Festival, held on March 15 and 16, we shine a light on these high- flying women. The women we focus on here are among dozens nominated for the Seven Wonder Women Award across seven categories. You can vote now by visiting our website. Chinyere Kalu ( First Nigerian female commercial pilot)
CHINYERE Kalu is a truly remarkable woman. She smashed the glass ceiling in spectacular style and, against the odds, became the first Nigerian female commercial pilot and, indeed, the first woman to fly a plane in Nigeria. This stunning achievement was recognised in her inauguration into the Nigerian Women Achievers Hall of Fame and her becoming a member of the Order of the
Federal Republic, conferred on her in 2006.
Kalu was born in Akwete, Ukwa East LGA in Abia State, Eastern Nigeria, and became interested in aviation through the adventures of her aunt, who loved travelling. After her school education in Yaba, Lagos State, she attended the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology in Zaria in 1978, training as a commercial and private pilot. After further courses in the UK and USA, she received her license as a commercial pilot on May 20, 1981. Between 2011 and 2014, she was the rector and chief instructor of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology.
Adeola Ogunmola Showemimo ( First Nigerian female pilot to fly with Qatar Airways)
W
HILE Chinyere Kalu paved the way for female Nigerian pilots, the list of female firsts continues to be achieved. Pilot Adeola Ogunmola Showemimo became the first Nigerian female pilot of Qatar Airlines, con
currently becoming the first female Nigerian to fly the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.
Adeola Ogunmola Showemimo was born in Ogbomoso, Oyo state, and graduated in Transport Management from Ladoke Akintola University before travelling to the US to learn to fly at the Sunrise Aviation Academy, graduating in 2011.
After her training, he worked for Med- View Airline, becoming the first officer on a Boeing 737 and later a Boeing 767- 300ER. It was in October 2018 when she moved onto the
Boeing 787 Dreamliner at Qatar Airlines. As Qatar Airways operated its first flight to Abuja, it was Adeola Ogunmola Showemimo in the cockpit.
Like Chinyere Kalu before her, Adeola Ogunmola Showemimo continues to write the history of black African women breaking through barriers.
Toyin Olajide ( COO, Air Peace)
T
HE name ‘ Air Peace’ sets out its mission from the beginning. Yes, it looks to expand its network across the world ( it recently announced Mumbai operations and, very soon, London), but it also aims to create employment opportunities for Nigerians and ‘ thereby contribute to the well- being of our people’. It’s currently the largest airline in West Africa, with a fleet of 29.
At the helm of operations is COO Toyin Olajide, who has been there since 2014. During her tenure, she organised Nigeria’s first all- female flight crew and is passionate about having a full Nigerian staff roster. She has stated that fostering an enabling environment is part of the company’s ethos, and they are also pushing to drive up the entire aviation infrastructure in Nigeria and work closely with the government and other airlines to improve standards.
Kemi Leke- Bamtefa ( Manager, South African Airlines, Nigeria)
K
EMI Leke- Bamtefa has more than 20 years of experience in the airline industry, from sales to marketing, gover
nance to strategic planning. She has risen to her current role as Nigeria country manager for South African Airways ( SAA), a post she has held since 2019.
In a year that celebrates South African Airways’ 90th anniversary, Leke- Bamtefa had a chance to honour the travel agents in Nigeria who help support the airline. This also demonstrated how multifaceted her role is. One recent initiative was an SAA Aviation Career Day for Nigerian children, which introduced pupils to the wide variety of careers in the industry. This is important when 60 per cent of the population is under 25. Other programmes included the SAA Secondary School Essay Competition and working with orphanages across the country.
Adefunke Adeyemi ( Secretary General, African Civil Aviation Commission)
ADEFUNKE Adeyemi was the 2021 recipient of the Ato Girma Wake Lifetime Achievement Award for African Aviation and was recognised as one of the 100 Most Influential People of African Descent. As the Secretary General of the African Civil Aviation Commission, she is responsible for all aviation matters in the African Union. Before her role, she was the Regional Director of Advocacy and Strategic Relations in Africa for the International Air Transport Association.
Adefunke Adeyemi is a lawyer. She studied law at the University of Lagos and then earned her Master of Laws ( LL. M.) in International Commercial Law from the University of Cambridge.
Adeyemi also founded a business and legal advisory service, Africa Advocacy ( Consulting) Services, a pan- African onestop shop for advocacy and implementation across sectors other than aviation. Outside her work, she enjoys running and creative writing and regularly volunteers.
Olubunmi Oluwaseun Kuku ( MD FAAN)
OLUBUNMI Oluwaseun Kuku has made history by becoming the first female Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria ( FAAN). Her role is to continue developing the country’s airports, improving infrastructure, securing revenues, and making the passenger experience safe and enjoyable. Kuku was appointed to the role at the end of 2023 with a mandate to rejuvenate the sector. Her appointment reflects her two decades of leadership and expertise in the aviation industry. Kuku graduated from the University of Illinois in 2000 with a Bachelor of Science in Finance and earned an MBA in International Finance & Strategic Management from Depaul University’s Kellstadt Graduate School of Business in 2004. After roles with Visa and Ernst & Young, she entered the aviation world role as a General Manager at the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency ( NAMA), overseeing business development and investment and working closely with the Minister of Aviation. In being appointed MD of FAAN, she was praised for breaking gender barriers in a traditionally male- dominated field.