Najomo Charges Youths to Embrace Foundational Skills

The Director-General of Civil Aviation, Capt. Chris Najomo, has called on the next generation of aviation professionals to push beyond their limits and embrace foundational skills to bridge the gaps in career development in the aviation industry in Nigeria.

He also emphasized the need for mentorship, hands-on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education and early career dialogue.

Capt. Najomo gave this charge at the grand finale of 15th National Travel Essay Competition (NTEC 2026) and Air Transport Youth Empowerment Summit themed: "Souring Beyond Limits: Youth Innovation and Leadership in Aviation," held in Lagos on 30th May, 2026.

Represented by the Deputy General Manager, Public Relations, Mrs. Carol Adekotujo, the DGCA challenged the youths to read, research, propose innovative solutions to real-world problems, and embrace new technologies like autonomous flights, electric aircraft and sustainable aviation fuel to reshape the future of flight.

He, therefore, enjoined intending students, who would like to make their mark in aviation, tourism, and the wider transport ecosystem, to get involved early, identify the courses (such as pilots, Cabin Crew, dispatchers and other career areas) tailored to their talents and pursue them vigorously.

The NTEC 2026, 15th in its series, was organized by Travels & Business News, aimed at discovering hidden talents and raising future aviation professionals to address the challenges of ageing workforce and shortage of skilled manpower in the sector.