Miss Aviation Nigeria: Inspiring Vision to Empower Young Female Aviators 

Mohammed Mayowa, Joy Oranezi, Sylvester Onyinyechi, Chinasa Miracleg, Ogechi Nmesirionye and Priscilla Felix are the overall winner of the Miss Aviation Nigeria pageant, the first Runner Up, Miss Eloquence, Miss Amity, Miss Personality,  and  Miss Aviation Nigeria Top Model, respectively, of the 2023 Miss Aviation Nigeria Pageant, an empowerment initiative that encompasses various levels of support. The winners recently shed light on their impactful and respective endeavours through their commitment to empowering young women and inspiring future leaders in the aviation industry. Their dedication and passion serve as a beacon of hope, encouraging others to pursue their dreams and contribute to the growth and development of the aviation industry. Enrolled in different training programmes, the ladies have been actively involved in school career sensitisation programmes, charity outreaches, and more. With an upcoming project focused around the airport and a special launch for youths on the horizon, these remarkable women are determined to make a difference.  In this exclusive group interview with MARY NNAH, they discussed their experiences, the impact of winning the pageant, and their plans for empowering young women in the aviation industry

How has winning the Miss Aviation Nigeria pageant impacted your life and career aspirations in the aviation industry?

Mayowa: Winning the pageant has been an incredible experience, opening up many doors for me in the aviation industry. It has provided opportunities to explore my career aspirations and connect with influential people in the industry.

Onyinyechi, you mentioned that your pet project focuses on informing young people about the aviation world. Could you share some details about how you plan to achieve this and what inspired you to choose this particular project?

Onyinyechi: My project aims to reach secondary school students, specifically those in JSS3 and SSS3. I want to expose them to various career options in the aviation industry and inspire them to consider aviation as a viable path. My inspiration comes from my own experience, realising the importance of early exposure to career choices and the lack of information available to young students.

Nmesirionye, we heard you were crowned Miss Personality. Can you describe your experience and how winning has shaped your perspective on empowerment, inspiration, and achievement for young people?

Nmesirionye: Winning the Miss Personality title has been a truly transformative experience. It has shown me the power of inspiration and the impact it can have on people’s lives. I now have a platform to empower young individuals and be a voice for positive change. It has shaped my perspective on the significance of empowerment, inspiration, and achievement, particularly for young people who need guidance and support.

Mayowa, you mentioned your plans to beautify the airport, and hold talk and dine sessions with youths. Could you provide more details about these initiatives and how you believe they will contribute to the betterment of society?

Mayowa: The beautification of the airport aims to create a welcoming and visually appealing environment for travellers. The talk and dine sessions with youths will provide an opportunity for them to engage with industry professionals, learn about different aviation careers, and gain insights into the industry. These initiatives will inspire and motivate young people, contributing to a better society by fostering a sense of community and encouraging them to pursue their dreams.

Miss Aviation Nigeria aims to create entertaining, educative, and impactful aviation events. In what ways do you believe the pageant has achieved these objectives, and what further improvements or additions would you like to see in future editions?

Mayowa: The pageant has successfully created impactful events through career talks in schools, visits to orphanages, and other activities. However, we can further enhance the pageant by incorporating more interactive elements and increasing participation from young people. We want to provide opportunities for them to actively engage and showcase their talents and skills within the aviation industry.

How has participating in the Miss Aviation Nigeria pageant helped you grow personally and professionally? Are there any specific skills or lessons you have learned that you believe will be valuable in your future endeavours?

Mayowa: Participating in the pageant has been a transformative journey. I have gained valuable skills such as public speaking, networking, time management, and personal development. These skills will undoubtedly be useful in my future endeavours, allowing me to navigate the aviation industry with confidence and professionalism.

Priscilla Felix: I can attest to the growth I experienced personally and professionally through the pageant. It served as a finishing school, equipping me with skills like CPR training and boosting my personal development. These lessons and experiences have prepared me for a successful career in the aviation industry.

The Miss Aviation Nigeria pageant emphasises the importance of providing information, education, and empowerment to young people in the aviation industry. How do you plan to share your knowledge and experiences with others and inspire them to pursue careers in aviation?

Mayowa: I plan to share my knowledge and experiences by speaking at conferences, mentoring young individuals, and volunteering with organizations supporting the aviation industry. By being a positive role model, I hope to inspire others to pursue their dreams in aviation and show them that with determination and hard work, anything is possible.

Nmesirionye: I aim to share my knowledge and experiences through online campaigns, webinars, and various sensitization programs. My goal is to enlighten young people, especially young women, about the possibilities within the aviation industry and provide them with the guidance and encouragement they need to pursue aviation careers.

As winners of the Miss Aviation Nigeria pageant, you have become role models for aspiring young women in the aviation industry. How do you intend to use your platform and influence to encourage and support other girls and women who aspire to be a part of this field?

Mayowa: I plan to use my platform and influence to mentor aspiring women, speak at events, and share my experiences and insights. It is essential to encourage young girls and women to pursue their dreams in the aviation field and provide them with the support they need to overcome any challenges they may face.

Nmesirionye: I fully understand the responsibility that comes with being a role model. I aim to organize online campaigns, webinars, and mentorship programs to provide guidance and support to young girls and women. By sharing my journey and experiences, I hope to inspire them to believe in themselves and pursue their passions in aviation.

Miss Aviation Nigeria has been successful in promoting the aviation industry and creating investment opportunities. What are your thoughts on the future of the pageant and its potential to further contribute to the growth and development of the industry?

Mayowa: I believe the Miss Aviation Nigeria pageant has excellent potential to contribute further to the growth and development of the aviation industry. With its focus on empowering young women and promoting aviation careers, it can continue to create opportunities, inspire future leaders, and attract investments that will drive the industry’s progress.

The Miss Aviation Nigeria pageant is centred on the youth and the girl child. How do you envision the pageant inspiring and empowering young girls to pursue their dreams, particularly in the aviation field?

Mayowa: The pageant serves as a platform for young girls to see positive role models who have achieved success in the aviation industry. By showcasing our journeys, achievements, and passion for aviation, we hope to inspire young girls to dream big and pursue careers in aviation. Through educational initiatives and mentorship programs, we aim to provide them with the necessary support and resources to excel in this field.

Priscilla: The pageant can empower young girls by exposing them to various aviation career options and challenging traditional gender stereotypes. By fostering a supportive environment and providing educational opportunities, we can encourage them to pursue their dreams fearlessly and break barriers in the aviation industry.