Deputy Superintendent of Customs (Pilot) Olanike Nafisat Balogun, has emerged as the first female pilot in the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).
A statement on Sunday by the Customs National PRO, CSC Abdullahi Maiwada, said that Balogun who was born in Kaduna and a native of Odo-Otin Local Government Area, Osun State was treading a path of resilience and breaking barriers in the aviation industry.
Balogun’s career journey began in 2002 when she was recruited as a Customs Assistant to serve as a cabin crew member in the Service’s Airwing Unit.
In a recent interview, DSC Balogun while reflecting on her career odyssey, disclosed that the Service’s support enhanced her promotion from a flight attendant to a licensed pilot through which she was able to realise her ambition.
“Staying in the Service when many of my colleagues opted for better-paying airline jobs was a tough decision, but I was determined to contribute to public service and achieve my dream of becoming a pilot,” she said.
According to Maiwada, Balogun’s career milestones include earning an Advanced Diploma in Air Ticketing and Cabin Services, a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Ahmadu Bello University, Pilot Certification from the Flying Academy in Miami, Florida, with the NCS sponsoring her training.
DSC Balogun expressed delight that her emergence as the first female pilot in the NCS Airwing would serve as a huge inspiration to women within and beyond the Service never to relent in pursuing their dreams.
“My role as the first female pilot in the Service reflects my commitment as a woman to advancing my passionate dream as well as the operational capabilities of the NCS” she added.
“I hope my journey motivates young Nigerians, especially women, to chase their dreams and break through barriers,” she added.
The Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, in a statement commended her dedication and described her achievement as a testament to the Service’s commitment to capacity building and innovation. “Her story exemplifies what is possible with determination and institutional support,” he said.
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