Enugu teenager wins aviation scholarship

An 18-year-old Enugu girl, Favour Chinecherem, has been awarded a scholarship to study Aircraft Maintenance Engineering at Eastwing Aviation Institute. She secured the victory after winning the 2026 Southeast Aviation Summit/Eastwing Youth Competition, which was attended by over 50 young people from across the South-East region.

Chinecherem, who has harboured an interest in aviation since the age of 10, expressed her determination to pursue her dream despite the initial intimidation caused by other contestants. She encouraged other young people to not give up on their aspirations despite the challenges they might face. The competition, organized by the Eastwing Youth Foundation and Eastwing Aviation Institute, aimed to expose young people to aviation careers beyond piloting and provide practical pathways into the industry.

Christian Agadibe, the convener, noted that Chinecherem's victory reflected the potential and determination of young people in the region. The initiative, under the theme "Advancing Youth Potentials Through Aviation Innovation & Excellence," sought to introduce young people to aviation careers early to help them make informed career choices.