In 2018, at just 28 years old, Captain Adeola Ogunmola Sowemimo made history by becoming the first Nigerian woman to pilot the Boeing 787 Dreamliner for Qatar Airways. Her journey from Kaduna, Nigeria, to the cockpit of one of the world’s most advanced aircraft is a testament to determination and resilience.
Early Life and Education
Born on October 16, 1990, in Kaduna, Adeola faced challenges early on, including religious conflicts that led her to attend multiple schools in Kaduna and Ibadan. Despite these obstacles, she remained focused on her education, completing her secondary schooling at First Baptist Model High School in Kaduna in 2007. She initially enrolled in a pre-degree program at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) in Oyo State but soon decided to pursue her passion for aviation.
Aviation Training and Career
Adeola began her aviation training at the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology in Zaria from 2009 to 2010. To further hone her skills, she attended Sunrise Aviation Inc. in Florida, USA, where she graduated in 2011. Upon returning to Nigeria, she started her professional career with Medview Airlines in Lagos in 2013 as a First Officer on Boeing 737 aircraft. Her competence quickly led to a promotion to fly the Boeing 767-300ER.
Her significant breakthrough came in 2018 when she joined Qatar Airways, becoming the first Nigerian woman to pilot the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. This state-of-the-art aircraft, capable of speeds up to Mach 0.85 (approximately 1,024 km/h), carries up to 250 passengers on long-haul routes. In 2020, she began operating the Lagos-to-Abuja route for Qatar Airways.
Personal Life and Legacy
Beyond her professional achievements, Adeola is also a dedicated wife and mother. She married Seun Funmi Olamilekan Sowemimo on April 22, 2017, and together they have built a family. Balancing a demanding career with family life, Adeola serves as an inspiration to many aspiring female aviators.
Her accomplishments place her among pioneering African female pilots, such as Chinyere Kalu, Nigeria’s first female commercial pilot, and Asli Hassan Abade, Somalia’s first female aviator. Adeola’s story continues to inspire young women across Africa to pursue careers in aviation and break through traditional gender barriers.
Leave a Comment