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On August 31st, 2016, Aviation Revolution Africa hosted the Maiden Edition of her African Girls Fly Too (AGFT) Aviation and Aerospace Summer Camp at Travelodge Hotel and Events Center at Ikeja, Lagos under the theme “S.T.E.A.M Education: The Bedrock of Being Captains of Africa’s Future”
In attendance at the event were participants drawn from all walks of life, including students from Little Saints Orphanage Home, Lagos.
In his Opening remarks, Mr. Apanisile Olalekan, the President of Aviation Revolution Africa welcomed the speakers and participants to the maiden “African Girls Fly Too (AGFT) Aviation and Aerospace Summer Camp” stressing the importance of their presence in an epoch making event in the history of the organization. He identified the need to create awareness on the various careers and opportunities available within the aviation industry. This as he intoned will help debunk the erroneous misconception that the industry should be gender-specific. He further stressed the need for current aviators, both male and female, to encourage the female gender to develop interest in the aviation industry which is one of the pillars behind the establishment of Aviation Revolution Africa.
The Series of Sessions for the day started as the Educational Advocacy Officer of Aviation Revolution Africa, Prince Olanrewaju Gideon who identified the improvements that are needed to make Aviation Education attractive, mainly the role of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (S.T.E.A.M) Education in the relevance and advancement of aviation-related aspirations.
One of the Guest Speakers, Captain Joan Obasi while delivering her lecture on the topic “Experience Success on your own terms” shared her inspiring story on how she became a Pilot after starting off as a Flight Attendant, how she sold her first car to afford her to take flying lessons. She implored the participants to pursue their dreams tenaciously and put in all their best to achieve their set goals.
Air Traffic Controller Gideon Gaza from the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency- Abuja, followed suit with his lecture which was centered around “What it takes to be an Air Traffic Controller. He took the audience deep into the different ways air crashes are prevented and managed. In tandem with the gravity of their work, he referred to air traffic controllers as life savers. Stressing that Air Traffic Controllers save billions of life than a Medical doctor does.
Kunbi Leshi, A Cabin Crew Management Consultant was another guest speaker who spoke extensively about the career path of a Cabin Crew Member; most significantly the requirement to become one,job responsibilities as well as the benefits. It was such an interesting session as the participants watched Videos illustrating the various roles of a Cabin Crew Member during a flight session.
The Session on International Radiotelephony Spelling Alphabets as led by Miss Victory Adekanmbi, came with loads of excitement and engagement as participants were intimated with the pronunciation and meaning of each of the alphabets as used for communications within the Aviation Industry. Participants took turns to introduce themselves using the Radiotelephony alphabets. E.g A as Alpha, S as Sierra, W as Whisky, L as Lima, et al
Olumide Odebiyi, General Manager Operations with Skyway Aviation Handling Company Limited (SAHCOL) was another guest speaker who spoke on “Building a plan for your Career Path in Aviation and Aerospace”.
The event took a dramatic turn when Ifeoluwa Odeniran, a Tech Support Consultant with Sabre Holdings treated the audience to a Live Practical Session on how to Book a Flight Ticket using the world’s leading Global Distribution System (GDS), SABRE owned by Sabre Holdings,which is used by more than 425,000 travel agents around the world with more than 400 airlines, 220,000 hotels, 42 car rental brands, 38 rail providers and 17 cruise lines.
Mrs Modupe Sessi and Mrs Dominica Nwaugbala both of Women in Aviation International, Glowing Wings Chapter gave a detailed summary of the organization and implored aspiring aviators especially females to maintain a Positive Mental Attitude without harbouring any distraction for organisations as Women in Aviation International and Aviation Revolution Africa were established for a cause of advocacy for them to blaze the trail in the Aviation and Aerospace Industry which is male-dominated.
Other highlights of the events include Presentation of Awards to the Guest Speakers which was performed by the Representatives of the Women in Aviation International, Glowing Wings Chapter who were present at the event.
This was followed by the Session led by Miss Oluwatomisin Ajao, a Representative of the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI), an initiative of President Barack Obama, who was present at the event gave some words of encouragement to the participants and also appreciated the organization for the free entrances slots that was alloted to members of their organization.
While delivering the closing remarks and vote of thanks, Capt. Tolu Oluwaniyi, A.R.A Board member appreciated the presence of the highly distinguished aviators and stressed the commitment of A.R.A towards the advancement of aviation education.
The event ended with a Facility Tour of the Murtala Mohammed Airport co-ordinated by Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited, as the participants were treated to an inclusive excursion round the facility.
#AfricanGirlsFlyToo #AGFT2016NG was a success because of these great mentors.. Please accept my thank you! Nations rise through you! Kunbi Leshi, Joan Obasi, Joy Ogbebo, Gideon Gaza,Olumide Odebiyi (AvMP), Bi-Courtney Aviation MMA2, Prince Olanrewaju Gideon Seun.
Photo Credits: Rehoboth Creations Photography.
Aviation Revolution Africa
