In a field traditionally dominated by men, Captain Adeola Ogunmola Sowemimo has made history as Nigeria’s first female pilot of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Flying long-haul routes for Qatar Airways, Adeola’s journey from Kaduna to commanding one of the world’s most advanced aircraft is a testament to hard work, determination, and breaking through gender barriers.
At just 31 years old, Captain Adeola’s accomplishments are already impressive. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner she pilots can cruise at speeds of Mach 0.85, around 1,024 kilometers per hour, carrying up to 250 passengers across continents. Achieving such a role in a sector traditionally dominated by men underscores her remarkable achievement.
Born on October 16, 1990, in Kaduna, Nigeria, Adeola’s path to becoming a Dreamliner pilot was paved with challenges. Moving through various schools due to religious conflicts, she remained focused on her education, completing secondary school at First Baptist Model High School in Kaduna in 2007.
Her journey took a pivotal turn when she shifted her focus from a pre-degree course at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) to pursuing her passion for aviation. Adeola enrolled at the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology in Zaria and completed her training in 2010 before advancing her skills at Sunrise Aviation Inc. in Florida, USA.
Returning to Nigeria, Adeola began her flying career in 2013 with Medview Airlines as a First Officer on Boeing 737 planes. Her talent quickly led to a promotion to the Boeing 767-300ER. However, her significant breakthrough came in 2018 when she joined Qatar Airways as the first Nigerian woman to pilot the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.
Adeola’s role has seen her navigate international routes, including the Lagos-to-Abuja flight for Qatar Airways. She joins a distinguished group of pioneering African female pilots, including Nigeria’s first female commercial pilot, Chinyere Kalu, and Somalia’s first female aviator, Asli Hassan Abade.
Beyond her professional achievements, Captain Adeola is also a devoted wife and mother. She married Seun Funmi Olamilekan Sowemimo on April 22, 2017, and manages the complexities of both career and family life with grace. Her ability to balance these roles demonstrates that it is possible to excel in demanding professions while maintaining a fulfilling personal life.Captain Adeola Ogunmola Sowemimo’s story is more than just about aviation. It is a beacon of hope and an example that with determination and support, women can achieve greatness in any field. Her journey serves as an inspiration for young African girls, proving that with perseverance and hard work, they too can soar to new heights.
Adeola’s achievements are a powerful reminder that barriers can be broken, and dreams can be realized, regardless of gender. Her story will continue to inspire and encourage future generations, reinforcing the idea that nothing is impossible.
Captain Adeola Sowemimo is not just a pilot; she is a trailblazer whose legacy will inspire many to reach for the skies.
