In a profession traditionally dominated by men, Captain Adeola Ogunmola Sowemimo has broken barriers and achieved remarkable success. She is the first Nigerian woman to pilot the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, an advanced long-haul aircraft, for Qatar Airways. Her journey is a testament to hard work, determination, and the belief that gender should not limit one’s potential.
At just 31 years old, Captain Adeola is making history by flying one of the most advanced commercial aeroplanes, capable of speeds up to 1,024 kilometres per hour. She safely navigates the skies, transporting over 250 passengers across the globe regularly.
Born on October 16, 1990, in Kaduna, Nigeria, Adeola’s early years were not without challenges. She attended multiple schools in Kaduna and Ibadan, often due to religious conflicts in the region. Despite these difficulties, Adeola remained focused on her education, graduating from First Baptist Model High School in Kaduna in 2007.
She briefly pursued a pre-degree course at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) in Oyo State, but her passion for aviation led her down a different path. In 2009, she enrolled at the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology in Zaria, where she completed her initial training. Adeola then moved to Florida, USA, for further aviation education at Sunrise Aviation Inc.
Upon completing her training, Adeola returned to Nigeria and began her professional flying career in 2013 with Medview Airlines in Lagos, where she served as a First Officer on Boeing 737 planes. Her skills and determination soon earned her a promotion to pilot the Boeing 767-300ER, a larger aircraft used for long-distance flights.
Her biggest breakthrough came in 2018 when Qatar Airways hired her as the first Nigerian woman to fly the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. This marked a major milestone in her career, solidifying her position as a trailblazer in the aviation industry. Adeola’s piloting experience spans transatlantic flights, and she is now responsible for flying routes between Lagos and Abuja for Qatar Airways.
Captain Adeola joins a distinguished group of African female pilots who are breaking barriers in the aviation industry. She stands alongside pioneers like Chinyere Kalu, Nigeria’s first female commercial pilot, and Asli Hassan Abade, Somalia’s first female aviator.
Beyond her professional achievements, Adeola is also a wife and mother. She married Seun Funmi Olamilekan Sowemimo on April 22, 2017, and they have since built a family together. Balancing a demanding career with family life is no easy feat, but Adeola has shown that with determination and support, it is possible to excel in both.
Captain Adeola Ogunmola Sowemimo’s story is more than just a career achievement; it is a symbol of hope and determination for young African girls who aspire to pursue careers in fields traditionally dominated by men. Her journey proves that with dedication, anyone can overcome barriers and reach for the stars.
Adeola’s success is a reminder that hard work and perseverance can lead to extraordinary accomplishments. Her story will continue to inspire many for years to come, as she represents not just an accomplished pilot but also a beacon of what is possible for women in aviation and beyond.
