Captain Adeola Ogunmola Sowemimo has made history as the first Nigerian woman to pilot the Boeing 787 Dreamliner for Qatar Airways, breaking barriers in a field traditionally dominated by men. Her remarkable journey is a testament to the power of determination, hard work, and perseverance.
Born on October 16, 1990, in Kaduna, Nigeria, Adeola faced numerous challenges during her education, including religious conflicts, but she remained focused on her dreams. After completing her secondary education at First Baptist Model High School in Kaduna in 2007, she pursued a pre-degree course at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH). However, her passion for flying led her to the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology in Zaria, where she completed her training from 2009 to 2010. She then furthered her aviation education in the U.S. at Sunrise Aviation Inc. in Florida.
Adeola's flying career began in 2013 with Medview Airlines in Lagos as a First Officer on Boeing 737 planes, and she later progressed to flying the Boeing 767-300ER on transatlantic routes. Her major breakthrough came in 2018 when she joined Qatar Airways, becoming the first Nigerian woman to fly the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.
At just 31 years old, Adeola pilots one of the most advanced aircraft in the world, safely flying 250 passengers across international routes at speeds of up to 1,024 kilometers per hour. Her achievement places her alongside other pioneering African female aviators, such as Chinyere Kalu, Nigeria's first female commercial pilot, and Asli Hassan Abade, Somalia’s first female aviator.
In addition to her successful career, Adeola balances her roles as a wife and mother. She married Seun Funmi Olamilekan Sowemimo in 2017, and together they manage both family and career responsibilities.
Captain Adeola Ogunmola Sowemimo’s inspiring journey is a symbol of hope and determination for young girls across Africa. She has shown that with focus and perseverance, breaking barriers and achieving great heights is possible, no matter the challenges. Her legacy will undoubtedly inspire generations to come.
