Captain Adeola Ogunmola Sowemimo: First Nigerian female pilot with Qatar Airways

Captain Adeola Ogunmola Sowemimo is a name that inspires hope, courage, and determination. As the first Nigerian female pilot to fly the Boeing 787 Dreamliner for Qatar Airways and the Boeing 767 across the Atlantic Ocean, her story is one of resilience and groundbreaking achievements.

Early Life and Education

Born on October 16, 1990, in Kaduna, Nigeria, Adeola's journey to success wasn't without challenges. Growing up in a region affected by religious conflicts, she moved between schools in Kaduna and Ibadan. Despite these disruptions, she remained focused on her education and graduated from First Baptist Model High School in Kaduna in 2007.

After high school, Adeola enrolled in a pre-degree program at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) in Oyo State. However, her passion for flying soon took over, and she decided to pursue her dream of becoming a pilot.

She began her aviation training in 2009 at the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology in Zaria. Eager to advance her skills, she traveled to the United States and trained at Sunrise Aviation Inc. in Florida, earning her Commercial Pilot Licence in 2011.

Trailblazing Career

Adeola started her professional career in 2013 as a First Officer for Medview Airlines in Lagos, flying Boeing 737 planes. Her dedication and exceptional skills quickly earned her a promotion to fly the Boeing 767-300ER.

Her career took a historic turn in 2018 when she became the first Nigerian female pilot to join Qatar Airways. This milestone made her the first Nigerian woman to fly the advanced Boeing 787 Dreamliner, a wide-body airliner capable of carrying 250 passengers and reaching speeds of over 1,000 kilometers per hour.

In addition to her work with Qatar Airways, Adeola has achieved remarkable feats in aviation, including piloting transatlantic flights and becoming a role model for aspiring female pilots worldwide.

Overcoming Challenges

Adeola's journey to the skies wasn’t easy. Religious conflicts during her childhood, the rigorous demands of aviation training, and breaking into a male-dominated field tested her resilience. But with determination, she shattered barriers and proved that women can excel in aviation.

Personal Life

Beyond her career, Adeola is a loving wife and mother. She married Seun Funmi Olamilekan Sowemimo on April 22, 2017, and balances her demanding career with family life.

Inspiring the Next Generation

Adeola’s achievements place her alongside pioneering African female aviators like Nigeria’s Captain Chinyere Kalu and Somalia’s Asli Hassan Abade. She stands as a beacon of hope for women who dream of pursuing careers in male-dominated industries.

Her success story demonstrates that with focus, hard work, and support, any dream is achievable. Captain Adeola Ogunmola Sowemimo is not just a pilot; she is a trailblazer who has paved the way for others to follow.

Comments