Leading aviation stakeholders have renewed their commitment to developing the next generation of industry professionals as the 15th National Travel Essay Competition (NTEC 2026) and Air Transport Youth Empowerment Summit concluded in Lagos.

The landmark event, organised by Travel & Business News at the NCAA Annex of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, brought together regulators, aviation executives, educators and students to chart a pathway for the future of Nigeria’s aerospace sector.

Held under the theme, “Soaring Beyond Limits: Youth Innovation and Leadership in Aviation,” the summit focused on empowering young Nigerians to play active roles in shaping the industry amid rapid technological transformation.

Addressing participants, Chairman of Sabre Central and West Africa, Dr. Gbenga Olowo, represented by Nurudeen Adeokin, said the future growth of aviation would depend largely on the ability of young innovators and leaders to embrace emerging technologies and drive transformation.

He reaffirmed Sabre’s commitment to supporting talent development through partnerships and educational initiatives designed to prepare students for a rapidly evolving aviation landscape.

The Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, Capt. Chris Najomo, represented by Mrs. Carol Adekotujo, highlighted the opportunities being created through ongoing growth in the sector and urged students to pursue practical training, mentorship and professional excellence.

According to him, tomorrow’s aviation leaders must develop expertise in cutting-edge areas such as sustainable aviation fuels, electric aircraft technology and autonomous flight systems.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency also used the platform to advocate for a drug-free lifestyle among aspiring aviation professionals.

Representing the Chairman and Chief Executive of the NDLEA, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), Assistant Comptroller General (Narcotics), Mrs. Rita Geh, said substance abuse has no place in an industry where precision, safety and sound judgement are paramount.

The summit also celebrated academic excellence through the grand finale of the National Travel Essay Competition.

Oluwafemi Joshua Oluwaseyifunmi of Abesan Senior High School emerged winner in the secondary school category, while Odetayo Omolola Elizabeth of the University of Lagos secured first place among tertiary institution contestants.

Winners received cash prizes and sponsored flight tickets, with Arik Air providing a domestic travel ticket for the secondary school champion and South African Airways sponsoring an international ticket to Johannesburg for the tertiary category winner.

A newly introduced Steadfast Spirit Award, sponsored by former NTEC winner Mrs. Peace Jesulayomi Akinsulire, recognised perseverance and determination among contestants, further reinforcing the programme’s emphasis on character development alongside academic achievement.

The event ended with recognition for outstanding students and appreciation to supporting organisations, including NCAA, FAAN, NAMA, Caverton Offshore Support Group, Sabre West Africa, South African Airways, Arik Air, SAHCO Plc and OCP International.

Stakeholders at the summit unanimously pledged to deepen investment in youth empowerment initiatives, describing young Nigerians as the driving force behind the future growth, innovation and global competitiveness of the nation’s aviation industry.

The Executive Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, has been selected to deliver the 14th Convocation Lecture of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), in recognition of his contributions to national development and service to humanity.

The university also announced that Okonkwo will be conferred with an honorary degree during the institution’s 2026 convocation ceremonies scheduled for October.

In a letter signed by the Founder and Chancellor of ABUAD, Afe Babalola, the university disclosed that its Senate approved Okonkwo as the convocation lecturer for the event.

According to the letter, the lecture will take place on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at the Alfa Belgore Multipurpose Hall on the university campus, while the honorary degree award will be conferred during the grand finale of the convocation ceremonies on Wednesday, October 21.

ABUAD said Okonkwo would be among three distinguished Nigerians selected to receive honorary degrees this year, noting that the recognition is reserved for individuals who have made significant contributions to humanity and national development.

Explaining the choice of the airline executive, the Chancellor described Okonkwo as a distinguished professional whose achievements and leadership credentials make him eminently qualified to deliver the convocation lecture.

“With your antecedents and pedigree, you are certainly the right person to be invited to deliver the 14th Convocation Lecture,” Babalola stated in the letter.

The Chancellor also noted that the invitation would provide Okonkwo an opportunity to witness the university’s achievements over the past 16 years in advancing quality and functional education in Nigeria and to explore possible areas of collaboration.

The institution highlighted its commitment to educational excellence, saying it has continued to transform higher education through the promotion of quality learning, innovation and practical knowledge.

Responding to the invitation, Okonkwo expressed gratitude to the university and described the dual honour as a privilege.

“It is my absolute delight to accept both proposed designations as Convocation Lecturer and as a Recipient of the University’s Honorary Degree,” he said.

The United Nigeria Airlines chairman added that he was honoured to join the ranks of eminent statesmen and technocrats previously featured at the university’s convocation ceremonies and pledged his continued commitment to the service of humanity.

The development further underscores the growing recognition of Okonkwo’s contributions across the aviation, business and educational sectors, as ABUAD prepares for one of the major highlights of its 2026 academic calendar.

Passengers on United Nigeria Airlines enjoyed an unexpected reward on Monday as the airline presented newly released Samsung Galaxy smartphones to lucky winners during selected Lagos–Abuja and Abuja–Lagos flights.

The giveaway was part of the airline’s “Awesome Row” partnership with Samsung, an initiative designed to enhance customer experience by combining travel with access to cutting-edge technology.

Three passengers — Hamid Ibrahim, Chidi Chinedu and Gbenga Bello — emerged winners through an onboard lucky dip conducted during the flights and received the latest Samsung Galaxy devices.

In addition to the prizes, passengers were given exclusive inflight access to experience Samsung’s newly launched Galaxy A57 and Galaxy A37 smartphones, creating an interactive product showcase at 30,000 feet.

Speaking on the success of the promotion, the Chief Commercial Officer of United Nigeria Airlines, Dayo Olawuyi, said the initiative reflects the airline’s commitment to delivering memorable experiences for customers.

According to him, the partnership with Samsung aligns with the airline’s mission of connecting people while offering value beyond transportation.

“At United Nigeria Airlines, we fly to unite. Every route we operate, every flight we run, is about bringing Nigerians together, whether for business, work or family functions,” Olawuyi said.

He noted that the collaboration with Samsung was designed to create lasting memories for passengers while rewarding customer loyalty.

“This partnership with Samsung is an extension of that mission because they share our belief in delivering the very best to Nigerians. Together, we wanted to create a moment that passengers would never forget. We are very thrilled for Hamid, Chidi and Gbenga, and we congratulate them on their wins,” he added.

Olawuyi reiterated that the airline remains focused on ensuring passengers enjoy quality service and innovative experiences that distinguish the carrier within Nigeria’s aviation market.

The promotion forms part of United Nigeria Airlines’ broader strategy to strengthen customer engagement and reward passengers through unique value-added initiatives.