Numerous Nigerians continue to laud the remarkable achievements of three Nigerian sisters who shattered records by becoming pilots with various airlines and helicopter companies. Beyond the allure and admiration of excelling as female pilots in a predominantly male-dominated field, these three sisters have conveyed a powerful message of hope, resilience, and an unyielding "I can do it" spirit to countless aspiring female Nigerians with dreams of pursuing their own ambitions.

Amid Nigeria's apparent absence in embracing the revolutionary rise of female pilots, Oluwafunmilayo, Oluwaseun, and Mopelola Makinde defied expectations by following in their father's footsteps and becoming pilots themselves.

Originating from Nigeria, these three sisters have not only challenged stereotypes but have also reached remarkable heights in their piloting careers.

As reported by Black Wall ST Media, their journey into the aviation realm was profoundly influenced by their father, Captain Wale Makinde, an experienced helicopter pilot who has devoted his life to the art of flying.

Working with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, Makinde's unwavering zeal and dedication to his profession served as a profound inspiration for his daughters, igniting their desire to follow in his footsteps from a tender age.

According to Black Wall ST Media, Mopelola Makinde, the eldest of the three sisters, fondly recalls being captivated by her father's captivating tales of piloting helicopters to remote and challenging terrains. As she matured, her passion for aviation grew and firmly took root in her heart, leading her to pursue a career in the same field. Witnessing her father's unwavering commitment and determination, Mopelola realized that gender should never stand as an obstacle to pursuing one's dreams.

Following in her father's illustrious footsteps, Mopelola embarked on an ambitious journey to become a helicopter pilot. With unwavering support from her family, she overcame numerous hurdles and obtained her well-deserved pilot's license. Today, she takes immense pride in her role as a skilled and experienced helicopter pilot, breaking through stereotypes and becoming an inspiration to countless young women, encouraging them to explore aviation as a viable career path, as reported by Black Wall ST Media.

Equally captivated by her father's profession, the middle sister, Oluwaseun Makinde, absorbed tales of courage and precision required in piloting helicopters. Driven by determination, she set out to forge her own path in the boundless skies. From the early days of her training, Oluwaseun showcased remarkable tenacity and dedication. Despite facing societal pressures and skeptics who doubted a woman's capability to thrive in such a demanding field, Oluwaseun remained steadfast and undeterred, resolutely pursuing her dreams.

Bolstered by her family's unwavering support and guided by her father's invaluable mentorship, Oluwaseun excelled in her training, earning her wings as a skilled helicopter pilot. With each flight, she fearlessly shatters barriers, becoming a beacon of inspiration not just for young girls in Nigeria but also for aspiring female pilots worldwide.

Opting for a distinct path within the aviation industry, Oluwafunmilayo Makinde, the youngest of the three sisters, chose to keep her feet firmly planted in the skies. While Mopelola and Oluwaseun ventured into the realm of helicopters, Oluwafunmilayo pursued a career as a fixed-wing pilot. Her ambition and enthusiasm were no less than her sisters', and she embraced the challenges of flying with equal zeal.

By becoming a fixed-wing pilot, Oluwafunmilayo's choice added diversity to the family's impressive array of aviation accomplishments. Her journey exemplifies the notion that the aviation world offers numerous paths to success, each deserving equal recognition and respect, as highlighted by Black Wall ST Media.

Despite facing numerous challenges that surround the practice of their profession and contribute to the underrepresentation of women, these resilient individuals have continued to demonstrate their ability to excel in their field.

Abdulsalami Mohammed, the former rector of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT) in Zaria, witnessed the gradual development of women's interest in aviation. The first female pilot at NCAT was trained in the late 1970s, a time when the airline industry also had limited female representation.

Mohammed pointed out some of the challenges faced by pilots, particularly the expensive training and the need for recurrent training to maintain proficiency. Pilots must regularly carry out a specific number of take-offs and landings within designated time frames. Additionally, frequent medical examinations are required. If a woman becomes pregnant, aviation regulations mandate her to stop flying until after giving birth and being declared medically fit again. After childbirth, she must undergo training again before resuming flight operations, a process that takes a minimum of 12 months. Throughout this period, the airline she works for continues to pay her salary despite her inability to fly. These factors contribute to the unique challenges faced by female pilots in the industry.

These factors also have an impact on the cabin crew. For instance, in the Middle East, when employing female cabin crew, they often require them to sign an undertaking stating they will not get pregnant for a certain period of time. Some people prioritize investing in training their daughters over their sons because they believe that female children tend to provide more care for their parents in old age. Single men who are pilots have more flexibility to travel and work with foreign airlines, but for females considering starting a family, these responsibilities can limit their career options. These challenges contribute to the underrepresentation of women in the profession.

To bridge the significant gender gap among pilots in Nigeria, experts emphasize the importance of education in changing the mindset of females and their parents, challenging the notion that aviation is exclusively a male domain.

According to Moses Oyesanya, a Mathematics professor at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), there is a lack of early exposure for females to the aviation sector.

He observed that parents often do not consider the aviation profession as a viable option for their female children. While sons are encouraged to pursue careers as pilots, there is a noticeable lack of encouragement and support for young girls to follow the same path. Oyesanya emphasized the significance of a child's background and how it plays a crucial role in shaping their aspirations, highlighting the need to address this disparity in order to foster greater gender inclusivity in the aviation industry.