What does it feel like to be the first lady pilot from
Ondo State?
To be honest, I had no idea until I was told a few weeks ago.
But it feels really good to achieve such a feat. And I don’t plan
to stop here. There are many more to come, God willing.
Has the government in your state accorded you any
recognition for this achievement?
No they haven’t. But I’m sure it’s no fault of theirs. They’re
probably not aware of the achievement. I’m sure they would want to
be a part of this success story.
Why did you have to relocate to South
Africa?
To be honest, aviation schools in Nigeria are too expensive. The
payment plan is not flexible enough. They have stringent
requirements which can discourage the faint-hearted. Lastly, I
can’t vouch for their national, much less international,
recognition.
What was the feeling the first time you flew an
aeroplane?
Flying as pilot-in-command for the first time was exhilarating,
to say the least. It was all I ever dreamt it would be and more. It
met and surpassed my expectations.
Did you feel you would achieve more being a pilot than
being a lawyer?
Well, if I had pursued a career as a pilot rather than a lawyer,
I would definitely be way ahead in my career by now. But I don’t
for one second regret pursuing Law first. It might not have been my
first love, but I also grew to love it. I’ve always believed in the
importance of education and I’m eternally grateful to my mother for
making me graduate from the university before going to aviation
school.
My experience as a lawyer has made me grow and mature in a
special way, and I still intend to acquire an LLM in Aviation Law
in order to merge both fields of study and make it one. My goal is
to one day be in a position to make great change in the aviation
sector through, for example, implementation of laws. And my law
degree will go a long way in helping me to achieve that.
Since you are based in South Africa, what are you doing
at present?
I have just acquired my private pilot licence, so I’m currently
working on my commercial pilot licence.
You look very young. Does this in anyway undermine your
strength in the midst of male colleagues?
Wow! Thanks for the compliments. Well, looking young and being a
woman always puts me at a disadvantage anywhere I go as would most
women, particularly in such a male-dominated profession. It however
does not slow me down or intimidate me. Rather, it fuels the
motivation I need to prove my worth.
I came to South Africa with no formal or informal aviation
background, but I was able to excel exceedingly in both theoretical
and practical aspects. My exams were way above average, and I
finished my practical in a record time. I was also awarded the best
private pilot progress trophy. So I dare say I earned their
respect.
What motivated or inspired you to take this path after
your law degrees?
To be succinct, passion for aviation. Aviation has and will
always be my first love. Before law was aviation. Even my final
year project at the University where I bagged my Diploma in Law and
Bachelor of Law degree was centered on the Fly Nigeria Bill.
Information is power. Without it, we are lost. I was,
unfortunately, ill-informed on the requirements for pursuing
aviation and it slowly took the back burner while I pursued my law
degree, which I do not regret for one second. I always felt a
vacuum which my law degree could not fill.Everyone thought well,
after Law School, she’ll probably get a job and let it go. That was
however not the case. I drew up a plan with set goals and
timelines, did proper research on all that was required and started
saving up for the execution of my plan.
When I informed my mother, she was initially against it. I can’t
say that I blame her though. I’m her only child. That is why I’ll
be eternally grateful to Dr. Olisa Agbakoba (SAN) who succeeded in
getting her on board. When the time for executing my plan came, I
did, and the rest is history.
•Akinfolarin being decorated when
she qualified as a pilot
What barriers did you encounter and how did you break
them?
First barrier: aviation is a very expensive dream, so funding
posed and still poses a threat to my passion. But I didn’t and
won’t let that stop me. I’m however lucky to have the most
supportive mother who puts my needs before hers. After I had saved
up to sort out things like the initial deposit required by the
school, visa application processing fees and air ticket, my sweet
mother parted with her valuables in order to raise funds for my
private pilot training. I also got some financial help and support
from well-wishers like Dr. Olisa Agbakoba (SAN), His Excellency
Otunba Christopher Alao-Akala, Her Excellency Dame Bimbo Fashola,
Uncle Adeleke Adefala, my sweet Aunty Magdalene Lasode, Aunty Fanni
Aisien Osana and my surest Uncle Atunyota Alleluya Akpobome aka
Alibaba.
There was discouragement from people I thought could help with
funding. Someone actually told me not to think of aviation but
rather live a simple life and become a secondary school teacher,
which I thought was hilarious. For the records, I have absolutely
nothing against teachers, but it is just not my passion.
Notwithstanding, I persevered and didn’t lose hope or faith in God.
God’s favour has been endless and I cannot praise Him enough.
What is the most important lesson you have learnt so
far?
With God, hard work and perseverance, the word ‘impossible’ does
not exist.
Any plans to settle down soon?
If I had a penny for every time I’ve been asked this question,
I’d be wealthy right now. Hopefully, sometime in the future.
You have only been referring to your mother. What about
your father?
He is alive and well. Thank God.
Tell us about your background?
I am 29 years old, daughter of Mr. Collins Funsho and Mrs Gladys
Nwabuaku Akinfolarin. I am from Ondo town, Ondo West Local
Government Area, Ondo State. My mother is originally from
Arondizuogu, Ide-Ato North Local Government Area, Imo State. I have
a Diploma in Law, LLB, BL, private pilot licence and commercial
pilot licence in the works. I love driving, swimming, playing
tennis and watching movies. I’m passionate about Aviation and
Law.
Nation
What does it feel like to be the first lady pilot from
Ondo State?
To be honest, I had no idea until I was told a few weeks ago.
But it feels really good to achieve such a feat. And I don’t plan
to stop here. There are many more to come, God willing.
Has the government in your state accorded you any
recognition for this achievement?
No they haven’t. But I’m sure it’s no fault of theirs. They’re
probably not aware of the achievement. I’m sure they would want to
be a part of this success story.
Why did you have to relocate to South
Africa?
To be honest, aviation schools in Nigeria are too expensive. The
payment plan is not flexible enough. They have stringent
requirements which can discourage the faint-hearted. Lastly, I
can’t vouch for their national, much less international,
recognition.
What was the feeling the first time you flew an
aeroplane?
Flying as pilot-in-command for the first time was exhilarating,
to say the least. It was all I ever dreamt it would be and more. It
met and surpassed my expectations.
Did you feel you would achieve more being a pilot than
being a lawyer?
Well, if I had pursued a career as a pilot rather than a lawyer,
I would definitely be way ahead in my career by now. But I don’t
for one second regret pursuing Law first. It might not have been my
first love, but I also grew to love it. I’ve always believed in the
importance of education and I’m eternally grateful to my mother for
making me graduate from the university before going to aviation
school.
My experience as a lawyer has made me grow and mature in a
special way, and I still intend to acquire an LLM in Aviation Law
in order to merge both fields of study and make it one. My goal is
to one day be in a position to make great change in the aviation
sector through, for example, implementation of laws. And my law
degree will go a long way in helping me to achieve that.
Since you are based in South Africa, what are you doing
at present?
I have just acquired my private pilot licence, so I’m currently
working on my commercial pilot licence.
You look very young. Does this in anyway undermine your
strength in the midst of male colleagues?
Wow! Thanks for the compliments. Well, looking young and being a
woman always puts me at a disadvantage anywhere I go as would most
women, particularly in such a male-dominated profession. It however
does not slow me down or intimidate me. Rather, it fuels the
motivation I need to prove my worth.
I came to South Africa with no formal or informal aviation
background, but I was able to excel exceedingly in both theoretical
and practical aspects. My exams were way above average, and I
finished my practical in a record time. I was also awarded the best
private pilot progress trophy. So I dare say I earned their
respect.
What motivated or inspired you to take this path after
your law degrees?
To be succinct, passion for aviation. Aviation has and will
always be my first love. Before law was aviation. Even my final
year project at the University where I bagged my Diploma in Law and
Bachelor of Law degree was centered on the Fly Nigeria Bill.
Information is power. Without it, we are lost. I was,
unfortunately, ill-informed on the requirements for pursuing
aviation and it slowly took the back burner while I pursued my law
degree, which I do not regret for one second. I always felt a
vacuum which my law degree could not fill.Everyone thought well,
after Law School, she’ll probably get a job and let it go. That was
however not the case. I drew up a plan with set goals and
timelines, did proper research on all that was required and started
saving up for the execution of my plan.
When I informed my mother, she was initially against it. I can’t
say that I blame her though. I’m her only child. That is why I’ll
be eternally grateful to Dr. Olisa Agbakoba (SAN) who succeeded in
getting her on board. When the time for executing my plan came, I
did, and the rest is history.
•Akinfolarin being decorated when
she qualified as a pilot
What barriers did you encounter and how did you break
them?
First barrier: aviation is a very expensive dream, so funding
posed and still poses a threat to my passion. But I didn’t and
won’t let that stop me. I’m however lucky to have the most
supportive mother who puts my needs before hers. After I had saved
up to sort out things like the initial deposit required by the
school, visa application processing fees and air ticket, my sweet
mother parted with her valuables in order to raise funds for my
private pilot training. I also got some financial help and support
from well-wishers like Dr. Olisa Agbakoba (SAN), His Excellency
Otunba Christopher Alao-Akala, Her Excellency Dame Bimbo Fashola,
Uncle Adeleke Adefala, my sweet Aunty Magdalene Lasode, Aunty Fanni
Aisien Osana and my surest Uncle Atunyota Alleluya Akpobome aka
Alibaba.
There was discouragement from people I thought could help with
funding. Someone actually told me not to think of aviation but
rather live a simple life and become a secondary school teacher,
which I thought was hilarious. For the records, I have absolutely
nothing against teachers, but it is just not my passion.
Notwithstanding, I persevered and didn’t lose hope or faith in God.
God’s favour has been endless and I cannot praise Him enough.
What is the most important lesson you have learnt so
far?
With God, hard work and perseverance, the word ‘impossible’ does
not exist.
Any plans to settle down soon?
If I had a penny for every time I’ve been asked this question,
I’d be wealthy right now. Hopefully, sometime in the future.
You have only been referring to your mother. What about
your father?
He is alive and well. Thank God.
Tell us about your background?
I am 29 years old, daughter of Mr. Collins Funsho and Mrs Gladys
Nwabuaku Akinfolarin. I am from Ondo town, Ondo West Local
Government Area, Ondo State. My mother is originally from
Arondizuogu, Ide-Ato North Local Government Area, Imo State. I have
a Diploma in Law, LLB, BL, private pilot licence and commercial
pilot licence in the works. I love driving, swimming, playing
tennis and watching movies. I’m passionate about Aviation and
Law.
Nation
Read more https://nairalaw.com/why-i-dumped-legal-practice-to-become-a-pilot/