Southeast Aviation Summit to empower 50 youths

The Eastwing Youth Foundation, the non-governmental arm of the Eastwing Aviation Institute, has unveiled plans for the second edition of the Southeast Aviation Summit and Eastwing Youth Competition, with a target of empowering over 50 young people from the Southeast through a transformative aviation development programme.

The summit, scheduled to hold on September 26th, 2026 is designed to inspire, educate, and expose young people to the diverse career opportunities available in the aviation industry. The initiative will place a strong emphasis on safety, innovation, leadership, and skills development, equipping participants with the knowledge and confidence needed to pursue successful careers in aviation.

The event is an annual initiative dedicated to promoting aviation awareness, career development, innovation, and youth inclusion within Nigeria’s aviation sector. Through strategic partnerships and impactful programmes, the summit provides a platform for young people to engage with industry experts and explore opportunities in the aviation industry.

The Eastwing Youth Competition, which made its successful debut last year under the theme “Face of Eastwing Competition/Southeast Aviation Summit,” was established to address the underrepresentation of Nigerian youth in the aviation industry by creating awareness and building the capacity of aspiring aviation professionals.

According to the organisers, aviation remains one of the country’s most promising yet least explored career sectors among young Nigerians. Through mentorship sessions, career talks, competitions, networking opportunities, and practical learning experiences, the summit aims to ignite interest in aviation especially Southeast and prepare participants for opportunities within the global aviation ecosystem.

Speaking on the initiative, the Executive Director of Eastwing Youth Foundation, Christian Agadibe said: “The programme reflects their commitment to nurturing the next generation of aviation professionals and contributing to the sustainable development of Nigeria’s aviation industry. The 2026 edition is expected to bring together aviation professionals, policymakers, industry stakeholders, students, and aspiring young aviators from across the South-East and beyond for a day of learning, inspiration, innovation, and collaboration. With a target of empowering more than 50 youths, the Southeast Aviation Summit 2026 represents another significant step toward building a more inclusive, skilled, and globally competitive aviation workforce in Nigeria.”