The second edition of the South-East Aviation Summit Eastwing Youth Competition (SASEYC 2.0) was held in Enugu on October 3, 2026, with over 50 young people, secondary school students, aviation enthusiasts, and industry stakeholders in attendance. The summit, themed “Advancing Youth Potentials Through Aviation Innovation and Excellence,” aimed to expose young Nigerians to career opportunities in the aviation industry. Presentations were made by aviation professionals, educationists, and industry leaders.
Dr. Christopher Edeh, CEO of Eastwing Aviation Institute, stated that the initiative was established to give young people early exposure to aviation and access to opportunities that previous generations may not have enjoyed. Drawing on his experience in the Nigerian Air Force, Edeh emphasized that introducing young people to aviation early would help them make informed career choices. He stressed the need to develop credible, accredited training opportunities within Nigeria.
Edeh highlighted operational challenges that have contributed to the collapse of several Nigerian airlines, noting that sustainability in the aviation business requires sound management and strict adherence to safety standards. He identified timely payment of workers’ salaries, replacement of life-limited aircraft components, and effective management of fuel and other operational resources as essential to airline survival. Edeh commended the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority for its role in enforcing safety standards.
HRH Igwe Dr. Lawrence Agubuzu, the Father of the Day, commended Edeh for investing in aviation training and contributing to manpower development and the Nigerian economy. Agubuzu encouraged young people to overcome their fear of flying, describing air transportation as one of the safest modes of transport. He said aviation offered diverse career paths beyond piloting, including aircraft maintenance engineering and cabin crew services.
Dr. Ibrahim Bello Bashir, Rector of Federal Polytechnic, Damaturu, highlighted the global demand for aviation professionals and called for greater efforts to equip young people with the skills needed to fill emerging vacancies. Bashir cited Boeing projections indicating that the global aviation industry would require approximately 2.5 million personnel over the coming years. He emphasized that academic qualifications should be complemented by practical skills and recognized professional certifications.
Laure Jifack, founding partner of Aeropath and CEO of Ubuntu HR Consulting, drew attention to the shortage of technical personnel in Africa’s aviation industry, particularly aircraft maintenance engineers and certified technicians. Jifack described the shortage as both a challenge and an opportunity to develop a stronger indigenous aviation workforce. She identified the high cost of training and travel requirements as major barriers preventing many young Africans from entering the industry.
The summit also featured the presentation of certificates to the top 10 candidates of the competition, highlighting the importance of discipline, respect, and hard work in achieving success in the aviation industry. The event provided a platform for young people to explore career opportunities in aviation and for industry leaders to offer guidance and support.
Key points
- The summit aimed to expose young Nigerians to career opportunities in the aviation industry.
- Dr. Christopher Edeh emphasized the need to develop credible, accredited training opportunities within Nigeria.
- The global aviation industry is projected to require approximately 2.5 million personnel over the coming years.
