A Nigerian pilot becomes first African to fly solo around the world

Ademilola Odujinrin

A Nigerian born pilot for Air Djibouti Ademilola "Lola" Odujinrin has made history by becoming the first African pilot to fly solo around the world. 

In a statement, the Djibouti Ports and Free Zone Authority (DPFZA) said that Odujinrin had completed the final leg of his historic journey, landing safely at Washington Dulles International Airport. 

"The pilot has completed the entire circumnavigation in a Cirrus SR22, stopping in more than 15 countries on five continents, returning to Washington DC, where his journey began back in September," the statement said.

The flight was part of Project Transcend, a foundation, which aimed to inspire young people to achieve their goals regardless of their personal circumstances. 

Odujinrin, who has logged 4000 hours as a commercial Boeing 737 pilot since his pilot licence six years ago said: "Ever since I was a child, I dreamed of one day flying around the world. We have a responsibility to lead by example and follow our dreams. I want African children to think: 'I can do this too!'. 

Tor Tiv the 5th Successfully Coronated

The Tiv Nation remains an ethno-linguistic group and fourth largest tribe in the Federation. The Tiv Nation, over the years, has played a key role in the political, social, and economic affairs of our dear country.

Prof. Ayatse’s  victory was accepted by the entire Tiv Nation without demur.

As he braces up to assume the exalted office of Tor Tiv The Fifth today, Prof. Ayatse would be expected to draw on the boundless fund of goodwill that greeted his victory to tackle some of the challenges facing the Tiv Nation today, including the need to accelerate the resurgence of the Tiv Nation’s presence on the Nigerian scene; and also to work towards resuscitating the faltering ancestral friendly ties with our brothers and sisters in the Northern parts of the country.

The coronation was in grand style and successful as all hands were on deck to give it the aura needed. 

The event had in attendance top dignitaries from the Nation, including Audu Ogbe (representing the Ag. President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo), OCHI'IDOMA His Royal Highness-Agabaidu Elias Ikoyi Obekpa, Former Vice President of Nigeria Atiku Abubakar (Zege Mule U Tiv), APC National Chairman John Oyegun, Hon. Yakubu Dogara, Senator Bukola Saraki, Governor Rochas Okorocha, Governor Yari Abdulaziz, Governor Samuel Ortom, Senator George Akume, etc.

In response through goodwill message to Prof. James Ortese Ayatse, these few excerpts from leaders in all spheres of life flowed in: