–Ladidi Kolo, pilot
While women have traditionally held positions as flight attendants and ticket agents, it is only recently that females are being given the opportunity to demonstrate their prowess in the cockpit. Although, women have made great strides in the aviation industry, their male counterparts are often preferred when it comes to flying the giant bird. Ladidi Victoria Kolo is among the few women who have broken through the barriers, to fly an airplane. Youthful yet bold, the 22-year old from Nupeland tells the story of how what began as a childhood passion has seen her soar in her chosen field.
What were your childhood years like?
Growing up, for me was much fun. When I looked back at those days, I smile. I remember my childhood years in Maiduguri then, I was always curious about flying objects. Back then, in my innocence, I didn’t understand the mechanism of flying until I got to know that airplanes were flown by human beings and that the object was called an aeroplane. I was really fascinated by aeroplanes as a child and I had the feeling to be high up there flying.
How did the journey into becoming a pilot begin?
In 2014, after I completed my first degree, I decided to open up to my daddy concerning my dream. He got in touch with his very close friend, Mr. Akin Eric Garuba who works at Capital Airlines.
They had a lengthy discussion and promised to get me into a school to start from. Mr. Garuba contacted his colleagues in South Africa and they assisted me to gain admission. After I secured the admission, the issue of payment arose. The private pilot license training cost a substantial amount of money. It’s quite expensive and my dad had a panic attack because he didn’t even know where to get such money. But, to our surprise, his friend came to our rescue, I guess he saw how passionate I was, qualifying as a pilot. He told my dad to calm down and that he would sort things out which he did. According to him, it was payback time for him. He told me my father was a good man who showed him so much kindness some years back. I am really grateful to God and to Mr. Garuba because if not for his kindness, I won’t be a pilot now.
Who is your role model?
I am a strong believer in gender equality. So, my role models are women who don’t see themselves as lesser than men. These are women like Senator Ruykayat Gbemi Saraki, I have an Uncle who always spoke glowingly of her and I am really fascinated by her courageous activities. Also, the APC gubernatorial candidate for Taraba State, Hajia Aisha Alhassan and of course the President’s wife, Mrs. Aishat Buhari.
What was your first flying experience like?
It was terrifying, but as time went on, I got used to it. Owing to the love and passion I have for flying, I overcame my initial fears. You know what it feels like when it’s your first time to learn how to drive. You are a little scared and careful but as time goes on, you’ll get used to it. It is funny though, but right now, I feel safer on air than on ground. I don’t even think about plane crash. If it is possible, I can relocate and live high up there. My fear is about the road. When I came back and I was told to ride an Okada I was so scared. I wish I could go anywhere, I want to by air no matter how short the distance is.
Are you a qualified pilot?
Yes, to an extent because I have my foreign pilot license but I still need to get to the next stage which is the commercial pilot license.
How do you intend to achieve that?
I’m aware that the economy is in a bad shape and that things are pretty difficult but I am looking up to God. Only him can make my dreams come true because for the first training, my parents had to sell the only car they had which didn’t cover anything. Also, his friend, Mr Eric Garuba, like I mentioned earlier was an instrument that helped in the structured payments. He is not even from my place, nor from my state. He encouraged me and told my dad not to worry that he would help in the school, which he did.
Currently, I have gained admission into a flying school in America and South Africa but the cost is quite scary and I know my parents won’t be able to pay. The training costs about $57,000 for 6-9 month-course duration. I wouldn’t mind, if I can get support from the Governor of Kwara and Niger states to help me achieve my dreams.
Are you the first pilot from Nupeland?
Honestly, I am not so sure about that. But currently I don’t know of any. Maybe there exists one whom I am not aware of but I believe that through this publication we might get to find out.
Who is your hero?
My flying hero is Captain (Mrs). Chinyere Kalu, Nigeria’s first woman commercial pilot.
What was your parent’s initial reaction when you told them, you wanted to become a pilot.
Well, they told me it is a risky profession but they gave in and saw it as fate .You know, I had passion for it. It was all I wanted to do at that time. So, they had no choice but to encourage me and help me take it to the highest level.
Were you discouraged by friends and families when you first hinted that you wanted to be a pilot?
I was never discouraged by them and that actually ignited my passion for flying. I felt encouraged by all from the words of support I got from family and friends.
Why did you choose to read Sociology in the university?
I chose sociology as my discipline because it gave me the opportunity to interact with people, making new friends, provide solution to the social problems around me. Sociology has helped me to shape my outlook to the world generally.
What’s the relationship between flying and Sociology?
Studying sociology has given me added advantage in flying because it’s a pathway to understanding my environment better. It has also enhanced my knowledge of the important step towards developing a more detailed understanding of important sectors in flying.
Do you feel intimidated by your male counterparts?
I feel great. I believe in gender equality. People wrongly perceive that training as a pilot should be or are designed for young, mechanically-inclined males. Exceptions may apply when women are exceptional. It is this gender inequality issue that makes people who have little or no knowledge about flying to feel it’s a job for men only. Male trainees face difficulties like their female counterparts. During training, some men even dropped out, some gave up. I completed the rigorous course even as a female. So I’m grateful to God for seeing me through and for crowning my effort with success.
What changes do you want in the industry that would give better opportunities to more women to become pilots?
Enlightenment is the key. In Africa, Nigeria being no exception, females are relegated to the kitchen. Even the educated ones still have issues fitting into jobs perceived to be for males only. In addition, the males often feel threatened when a female rises up to some professional levels. I believe females should be educated and accorded the equal opportunities. Their confidence level should be elevated as that of their male counterparts. Pilot trainings are capital intensive. Aside encouraging females, I feel the fees should be subsidized. The females should be accorded the enabling environment to bring into the industry.
How does it feel being among the few female pilots flying?
I feel great and delighted seeing myself doing what is considered more of men’s career. I am happy, very happy I’m where I want to be.
Are women really better at flying a plane?
Although being a good pilot is not about gender but more about professionalism. However, women have innate advantage because of their ability to switch between multiple tasks, which are necessary skills when flying a plane and reacting to the unexpected situations that might lead to accident. I also think that women have intuitive advantage too.
What are your plans for the future?
I have big dreams but top on my priority list is to serve my country. I want to use my experience here in Nigeria because of the love I have for my country. I told my dad sometime that I wouldn’t mind joining Nigerian Air Force, and he strongly believes it is possible but we all know what it is like joining any of the Armed Forces in Nigeria.