Waoh! See the First African Pilot to Fly Solo Round the World

A Nigerian pilot, Ademilola Odujinrin, on Wednesday made history when he emerged the first African pilot to undertake a solo flight around the world. Odujinrin, popularly called ‘Lola’, achieved the feat after safely landing at the Washington Dulles International Airport, from the trip he embarked upon in September last year He embarked on the trip under Project Transcend, a foundation which aims to inspire young people to achieve their goals, regardless of their personal circumstances. He said: “Ever since I was a child, I dreamed of one day flying around the world. We have a responsibility to lead by example and follow our dreams. I want African children to think: ‘I can do this too!’” Odunjinrin who works with Air Djibouti successfully completed an entire circumnavigation in a Cirrus SR22, stopping in more than 15 countries on five continents.

On arrival, Odunjinrin was met and welcomed by to Air Djibouti’s Chairman, Aboubaker Omar Hadi, and Cardiff Aviation’s Chairman, Bruce Dickinson. Also on the welcoming team was the Ambassador of Djibouti to the United States, His Excellency, Mr. Mohamed Siad Doualeh; Senior Director of Strategic Planning for Djibouti Ports & Free Zones Authority, Mr. Dawit Michael Gebre-ab; and Chief Operating Officer of Air Djibouti, Mr. Moussa Houssein. Ademilola has logged over 4,000 hours as a commercial Boeing 737 pilot since earning his pilot licence six years ago.