The Lagos Branch of Women in Aviation International (WAI), Nigeria, on Sunday marked its 2025 End-of-Year celebration with a powerful blend of reflection, recognition, and renewed commitment to advancing women across Nigeria’s aviation ecosystem.
The event, which also featured an outreach visit to an orphanage, brought together industry leaders, regulators, partners, and members in a gathering that underscored both legacy and leadership.
Welcoming guests, the Chairperson of WAI Lagos Branch, Amb. Ijeoma Chukwu, described the celebration as a testament to “the strength of our shared legacy, the power of our collective efforts, and the unwavering spirit that binds us together as women in aviation”.
Anchored on the theme, “A Heart of Gratitude, A Vision for Tomorrow”, she said the gathering was not only to celebrate achievements but to chart new paths for growth and greater impact.
“As we give thanks for our journey so far, let us also renew our dedication to our shared values, mission, and vision”, she stated, acknowledging the role of executive members, donors, volunteers, the national leadership, and the entire WAI family in sustaining the association’s momentum.
In her keynote address, the President and Founder of Women in Aviation International, Nigeria, Mrs. Rejoice Ndudinachi, described Lagos as the birthplace of a movement that has since transformed into a national force.
“Lagos is not just another branch. Lagos is our foundation. It is where vision met courage”, she said.
From its beginnings in Lagos, WAI Nigeria has grown to over 17 branches and aviation clubs nationwide, fostering mentorship, advocacy, and professional development for women across the aviation value chain — from cockpit and control tower to engineering, leadership, and policy-making.
Ndudinachi paid tribute to aviation trailblasers such as the Nigerian first female pilot, Capt. Chinyere Kalu, and praised the Lagos branch for consistently leading with passion and excellence.
“Being a woman in aviation has not always been easy”, she noted.
“But this organisation has been a place of strength — a platform where collaboration triumphs over competition, and where every woman’s success becomes a shared victory”.
Also speaking, the Regional Manager of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Lagos Region, Erelu Olubukola Teriba, described WAI as “a movement of momentum” that does more than celebrate accomplishments — it multiplies them.
“In the Lagos Chapter, we do not compete — we collaborate. We do not wait for opportunity — we engineer it”, she said, adding that when women rise together with preparation and purpose, “the industry does more than grow — it evolves”.
The celebration concluded with a renewed call for mentorship, capacity-building, and leadership representation, reinforcing WAI’s rallying cry: Connect. Engage. Inspire.
The event culminated in award presentations.