Steadfast Spirit Award Debuts at 15th NTEC Summit, Honouring Persistence in Aviation Talent Development - By Daisy BARRO

Patrick Chidiebere David of Abiolu Comprehensive College, Igando - Lagos & pioneer beneficiary of the Steadfast Spirit Award of ₦30,000, receiving his prize from Mrs. Peace Jesulayomi Akinsulire (née Lawson), founder of the Steadfast Spirit Award.

The Grand Finale of the 15th annual National Travel Essay Competition (NTEC 2026) and Air Transport Youth Empowerment Summit (YES) concluded 30 May 2026 at the NCAA Annex, Murtala Muhammed International Airport, with the introduction of the Steadfast Spirit Award, a new recognition targeting consistency and resilience among student participants. Hosted by Travel & Business News, the event convened regulators, operators, educators, and emerging talent under the theme “Soaring Beyond Limits: Youth Innovation & Leadership in Aviation,” marking a 15-year continuum of structured capacity development for Nigeria’s aerospace sector.

The Steadfast Spirit Award was instituted by Mrs. Peace Jesulayomi Akinsulire (née Lawson), NTEC 2017 champion and University of Lagos alumna, to acknowledge sustained engagement by contestants irrespective of podium placement. The ₦30,000 distinction was conferred prior to the main inter-school contest and recognized Patrick Chidiebere David of Abiolu Comprehensive College, Igando, Lagos, who later secured second place in the secondary schools category.

Delivering remarks at the presentation, Mrs. Akinsulire addressed participants: "I participated in this competition six (6) times, and four of those were back to back. I didn’t always get first place, but I refused to stop showing up. Every time I wrote, I became better. Every time I tried again, I became stronger. Every time I didn’t win, I grew. That is why I decided to introduce this ₦30,000 Steadfast Spirit Award, to celebrate something powerful: consistency, persistence, and courage. This award is for the student who keeps trying. The one who submits again. The one who improves quietly. The one who refuses to give up. To the recipient, this is your reminder that your effort is seen. Your dedication matters. And your breakthrough may be closer than you think", she said.

The summit addressed human capital as a critical enabler of industry modernization. Dr. Gbenga Olowo, Chairman of Sabre, Central & West Africa, represented by Nurudeen Adeokin, Sabre's Marketing & Business Relationship Manager, characterized the event's 15-year milestone as a triumph of sustained capacity building. Dr. Olowo argued that the true evolution of the industry would be catalyzed by "young innovators" and "bold thinkers" rather than physical infrastructure alone. He further challenged finalists to prepare for an operational environment being fundamentally redefined by artificial intelligence, automation, and data intelligence.

The Director General (DG) of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt. Chris Najomo, represented by Mrs. Carol Adekotujo, NCAA's Deputy Manager, Public Relations for Lagos, linked the event’s theme to the current expansion of national fleets facilitated by the Cape Town Convention. He defined “soaring beyond limits” as the act of exceeding constraints through sheer ambition and resilience. The DG urged students pursuing careers in aerospace engineering, piloting, cabin crew services, and air traffic control to engage in hands-on workshops and early mentorship, and highlighted that the leadership of tomorrow must be fluent in sustainable technologies, including autonomous flight, electric aircraft, and sustainable aviation fuels (SAF).

Representing Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mrs. Rita Geh, Assistant Comptroller General (Narcotics) at the agency framed a drug-free lifestyle as a "non-negotiable technical requirement" for any aviation professional. “A drug-free lifestyle is not just a personal choice; it is a professional and safety imperative,” he remarked, emphasizing that the precision required in flight operations leaves no margin for the compromised judgment associated with substance abuse.

During the competition, entrants were assessed on contemporary industry challenges. Secondary school contestants addressed "The Impact of Social Media on Air Transport Safety," while tertiary-level participants examined "Ending Luggage Tag Swapping in Drugs Trafficking at Nigerian Airports."

In the secondary schools division, Oluwafemi Joshua Oluwaseyifunmi of Abesan Senior High School, Abesan Estate, Ipaja took first place with ₦120,000 and an Arik Air-sponsored domestic ticket. Patrick Chidiebere David placed second with ₦80,000, and Eloyewan Naomi of Abesan Senior High School ranked third with ₦60,000. For tertiary institutions, Odetayo Omolola Elizabeth of the University of Lagos, Akoka, Yaba, Lagos earned first position with ₦150,000 and a South African Airways-sponsored ticket to Johannesburg. Adebakin Temiloluwa Esther of the University of Lagos finished second with ₦100,000, while Vincent Ikechukwu Maduka of the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus placed third with ₦70,000.

Proceedings closed with Sabre presenting gift packages to the three highest-placed secondary school students. Organizers acknowledged support from NCAA, FAAN, NAMA, Caverton Offshore Support Group, Sabre West Africa, South African Airways, Arik Air, SAHCO Plc, and OCP International. Stakeholders reiterated calls for continuous learning and decisive leadership to elevate Nigeria’s position in the global aviation ecosystem through investment in next-generation professionals.