British-born Nigerian pilot Captain Ademilola Odujinrin is set to embark on a daring mission to achieve the lightest non-stop flight between London, England, and Kano, Nigeria in an aircraft under 1,000kg.
Captain Lola, who is meticulously preparing his aircraft, is currently undergoing a personal weight loss journey of over 20kg to optimize the plane’s aerodynamic efficiency.
The Guinness World Records groundbreaking initiative, titled “Building Bridges Flight,” aims to showcase tourist attractions at significant locations in Nigeria, including Kano, Borno, Enugu, Akwa-Ibom, Owerri, Warri, Benin, Ogun State, Lagos, and Abuja. The President of Nigeria and the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace are expected to receive the team in Abuja.
This historic feat is expected to push the boundaries of aviation technology and demonstrate the boundless possibilities of human achievement. The flight from London to Lagos is planned to take 17 hours, making an impressive homecoming for the Nigerian pilot.
The multi-state journey aims to inspire young people, promote national unity, foster collaboration, push a positive narrative about Nigeria and its people, and drive a message of hope and optimism. It will serve as a platform to educate, motivate, and inspire the vibrant and active youth of Nigeria.
Captain Lola, the first African pilot to fly solo around the world in a single-engine light aircraft, is set to embark on this air tour as a testament to the power of hard work, dedication, and pushing beyond limitations—a message to resonate with Nigerians of all ages, especially the youth.
Lola developed an interest in the mechanics of flight at a young age, qualifying for his Private Pilot License (PPL) at age 20. He later attended Queen Mary University of London, where he studied Aerospace Engineering. His tenacity and determination have seen him overcome incredible odds.
In 2010, he embarked on a solo bicycle ride from Tangier, Morocco to London, England, passing through various cities in 17 days. He qualified as a commercial pilot in the same year.
In 2017, Lola became the first African pilot to fly solo around the world, completing the circumnavigation in a Cirrus SR22. He stopped over in more than 15 countries on five continents, taking off in Washington DC and flying across America, Europe, Asia, Australia, through the Pacific Ocean, and back to the USA. He received the ODAA award in 2017, honoring extraordinary performance in his field.
