*Recalls how she became a pilot

By Dickson Omobola

She could pass for any other guest. But to industry professionals, she is strikingly familiar. Endowed with the trio of beauty, savviness and confidence, yet she demonstrates simplicity.

Walking around, down-to-earth, was the Director of Flight Operations of a Nigerian carrier, Aero Contractors.

Dressed in an embroidered white gown and black suit with heels was Captain Imoleayo Adebule, having a chat with like-minded people at the South-West Regional Air Transportation Summit, SWRATS, 2024 organised by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, in Lagos.

Unlike today’s baddies that take delight in wandering about at official functions as a way of getting noticed for pointless reasons, Adebule explored the occasion to either reconnect with old friends or connect with new friends – one of which is this reporter.

Speaking to this reporter in the middle of a tea break at the event themed: ‘Repositioning the Nigerian Aviation Industry for the Financial Capability and Economic Viability: An Inclusive Regulatory Dialogue’, Adebule invites readers into her almost two decades of flying.

Passionately, she spoke. Slowly, she recounted how it started. And for her, she never envisioned being a pilot as she wanted to be an engineer. Join us as she speaks.

How it all started

“I have always been fascinated by how things work. And you could link that to engineering. Therefore, I wanted engineering when I sought admission into the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, NCAT, Zaria. But because I was a bit late for admission, I was told flying was the available course. Surprised, I was like what do I do? Is flying interesting? I went back, slept over it, and decided to give it a shot. I gave it a shot and ever since then, I have found it very interesting. Frankly, it has been very fulfilling for me. That was how I started my flying journey, and I have been flying since 2006 while training at the College of Aviation.

Joining Aero Contractors

“I joined Aero Contractors in 2008. I have been working with Aero Contractors from 2008 to this moment. I joined the organisation straight out of school. It has just been amazing since then. Aero Contractors, I have to say, encourage females. And every staff member also encourages females. Aero gives us all a very good platform to grow without discrimination.

2006 and her family fears

“My family were all very encouraging of my journey; although at a point, around 2006, when the industry experienced a few unfortunate incidents and accidents, everybody held a bit of reservation towards flying. But after that, they have been quite encouraging; and up to date, they are very supportive.

Paying through flying school

“If we look back from 2006 to date, we can all tell the difference in the economic situation of the world and Nigeria. Back then, I was fortunate because Aero Contractors sponsored my training all the way (smiles) .

“But at the moment, it has been quite a struggle for businesses to stay alive not to talk of sponsoring people to learn how to fly. However, I am positive and certain that many airlines still channel effort into developing capacity in the industry in whichever way they can. Basically, that was how I got into flying.

First aircraft she flew

“I started flying on the Dash, the 300 and then went over to fly the 737 (Boeing). I had the opportunity of flying the Q400 as well. And now, I am a captain on the 737.

A bit about Aero

“Everybody knows it (Aero). Of the airlines in Nigeria, it is the oldest. It is just as old as Nigeria. We say it is one year older than Nigeria because it started in 1959 and was incorporated in 1960. Since it was incorporated, it has still been around to date. Therefore, you can also say the slogan stands for its name. It is the most reliable and it is still around even though it has gone through ups and downs. It also has a lot of goodwill. Despite the economic state of the country, Aero is still here and standing quite strong.

Advice to women.

“As they say, I think the world is our oyster. There is the sky; and like we say, it is not just your limit, it is like a starting point. If you can dream it, you can do it. If you have it in you, go for it.

Age

(Hesitant) “Well… I am below 40 years. (Smiles)

On Dr Harold Demuren’s notion that female pilots don’t jump from one airline to another

(Pauses a while before responding) “I don’t like to boil that down to gender because it is more about personal choices and preferences. To explain, I have male colleagues who have stayed back for so long. And there are some females as well. If we are to look at it from that perspective, you tend to, from history or time, see that women are seemingly a bit more, do I use the word loyal, when it comes to things like this.

“As long as there is a conducive environment to grow, the probability of women staying in for longer is a little higher than what you get with men. However, I think it is up to individual preferences. People set goals and determine what they want for themselves.

Fears flying

“Over time, one gets used to it. One understands the science behind it. With time, most of one’s fears disappear.

Challenges experienced as a female pilot

“I no longer see anything as a challenge because it is an opportunity for us women in aviation to show what we can do and deliver our duties professionally.”