● Chijioke Ogbodo
ENUGU – In a strategic move to promote youth empowerment and human capital development in the Southeast, Eastwing Aviation Institute has announced the Face of Eastwing / Aviation Summit 2025, scheduled to hold this August at the scenic Nike Lake Resort, Enugu.
Themed: “Growing Dreams: Touching Lives in Aviation through Human Development,” the two-day event aims to nurture the next generation of aviation professionals, focusing on young Nigerians aged 18 to 30. The summit will feature training workshops, a competitive selection process, and the crowning of the Face of Eastwing 2025 – an ambassadorial figure who will champion the cause of youth development within the aviation and allied industries.
Speaking at a media briefing in Enugu, Deputy Provost of Eastwing Aviation Institute, Dr. Babalola Segun Abioye, said the summit is designed as a transformative platform that blends learning, exposure, and opportunity. “This is more than an event – it is a mission to expand access, raise aspirations, and prepare young Nigerians for global relevance,” he said. “We are planting the seeds today for an aviation ecosystem led by our youths.”
Dr. Abioye noted that while Eastwing Aviation Institute is the first privately-owned and NCAA-certified aviation school in the Southeast, it was established with the goal of decentralising aviation training in Nigeria and making it accessible to regions often overlooked. He urged government institutions, development partners, and private investors to support the summit, which has a projected budget of ₦22 million.
“This is not charity,” he emphasized, “it is an investment in Nigeria’s future. The aviation sector is ripe for indigenous growth, and that begins with empowering our young people to take the lead.”
The summit’s scope also includes visa support services, mentorship, and scholarships for outstanding participants. One of the strategic partners, LoFish Global Travel & Tours Ltd, is offering free visa assistance to the top five winners of the Face of Eastwing competition, alongside mentorship opportunities in travel and logistics.
Speaking at the press conference, Ms. Ifunanya Okonkwo, the Admin/Marketing Team Lead of LoFish, explained that their collaboration with Eastwing reflects a shared vision of inclusive development. “LoFish is a proud partner with Eastwing Aviation. We have our own airline yet to be launched, and we’ll need cabin crew, staff, and technical hands from the aviation sector. This will open more doors for youth employment,” she said.
She added that LoFish is working closely with the Nigerian Export Promotion Council to provide one-on-one guidance for young Nigerians interested in import-export opportunities. “We’re here to make it easier for you. Aviation is a gateway, not just for flights, but for business, innovation, and enterprise,” she concluded.
In a show of endorsement from the aviation industry, Mr. Chinedu Abugu, President of the Airfreight Stakeholders’ Forum at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, noted the strategic relevance of Eastwing’s expansion in the Southeast. “There is a strong possibility of Eastwing establishing a maintenance hangar here in Enugu. This will drastically reduce the cost incurred by airline operators who currently fly aircraft abroad for C-checks,” he said.
Abugu maintained that a functional hangar would not only improve turnaround time for aircraft but would also create skilled technical jobs for engineers, technicians, and logistics staff in the region. “It’s a move that makes economic sense, and it puts Enugu on the map as a serious aviation hub,” he said.
The summit is expected to attract over 5,000 participants, including students, aviation professionals, government representatives, and private stakeholders. Activities lined up include panel sessions, soft skills training, mock interviews, and a glamorous award ceremony.
Dr. Abioye reaffirmed Eastwing’s commitment to sustaining the summit as an annual event that will continue to inspire and uplift the aspirations of Southeast youths. “Together with our partners, we are building a runway to the future. And this time, the youth are the pilots,” he said. GMTNewsng
