Olusegun Ariyo
The Nigeria Customers Service has introduced Deputy Superintendent Olanike Balogun as its first female pilot who accordingly rose from humble background
The spokesperson of NCS, Abdullahi Maiwada, made this announcement in a statement on Sunday.
Reacting, the Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, lauded 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.
In her remarks, Balogun said that being the first female pilot in the NCS Airwing is credited to inspiring women within and beyond the service never relenting in pursuing their dreams.
Her journey from a humble background, according to the statement that it was through her unwavering ambition and the Service’s support enabled her transformation from a flight attendant to a licensed pilot. “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,”
Balogun’s career milestones include earning an Advanced Diploma in Air Ticketing and Cabin Services, a Master’s in Public Administration from Ahmadu Bello University, and eventually securing her Pilot Certification from the Flying Academy in Miami, Florida, with the NCS sponsoring her training.
“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 stated.
