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Dayo Emmanuel
Record setting Nigerian pilot has told journalists in Lagos about his experience as the first African to fly solo round the world.
Born in the United Kingdom to Nigerian parents from Ogun State, Ademilola Odujirin developed his aviation dream as a child. He relayed how as a little boy he developed interest in making kites with newspapers.
“I was inspired to be a pilot from the age of 10. I recall the habit of making kites out of the newspapers that my father bought until I got myself in trouble. When I got the opportunity to travel out of the country, I saw it as an opportunity to get closer to my dream. I enrolled to train as a pilot,” he explained.
Defeating insinuations that the feat was impossible with a small one-engine aircraft, the 38 year old told journalists at the Lagos Airport how he commenced on the journey. “I started the journey in the United States of America. But before I started, I heard that the Ooni of Ife was in the USA, so I sought to meet him for his blessings,” he said, adding that, “The monarch gave me his blessings and the journey began.”
Starting from the United States, the pilot who returned to the UK at age 17 traversed the world on a single engine aircraft. Iceland was his next touch from where he moved through other European nations to Africa then into Asia.
One of Odujirin’s aims was to encourage Nigerian and African youths; inspiring them to achieve their legitimate dreams and aspirations. He also wishes to correct the negative perception of the world towards Nigeria and redefine the African narrative.
Sponsored by Tolaram Group, Translynx Nigeria Limited, Air Djibouti with support and partnership from various companies and individuals, the solo expedition tagged Transcend: One Man One Plane One World began in June 2016 after the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi flagged it off with royal blessings.
Odujirin successfully completed the historic flight March 29, 2017, landing at the Dulles International Airport, Washington DC.
Accordingly to the pilot, the journey spanned through 25 countries, across five continents and lasted nine months. He explained further that “Although the actual duration of the journey was 300 hours (six weeks), the journey was elongated by weather, technical and financial challenges. The flying aspect was the easiest while the logistics was a bit difficult.”
Undeterred by the setbacks, he said, “Some of my biggest motivation was the support I got from my team and prayers from people like the Ooni of Ife. But I will like to add that the fear of failure is one of my motivation. I flew a total of 300 hours and encountered challenges such as technical and clearances.”eyE
Talking about his challenges, he told the media that “Another very challenging part of the journey was the weather. For instance, I was stuck in South East Asia for two months due to bad weather,” he added.
On how he survived, he revealed that, “I lived on water and energy bars just to avoid food as I didn’t have access to toilets.”
When asked why the project which has drawn global attention to Nigeria was not backed by the Nigerian government and relevant authorities, he relayed how he was turned down. “I approached the authorities but they didn’t show support and I think this was down to people around the key figures. Fundamentally, I think there was the issue of do-ability. I do not think they saw me as somebody capable of flying round the world.”
In a goodwill message relayed by video, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Ogunwusi commended Odujirin’s determination. “When Ademilola Odujinrin approached me, I blessed him and prayed that he will go and return in peace. I am happy with his feat and I thank the almighty God for his life.
“I hope Nigerian youths can draw inspiration from his laudable achievement. I am happy that although a lot of people around the world know Nigeria for negative news, this is something positive that Nigeria can be celebrated,” he said.
