Captain Joan Obasi, Chief Pilot of United Nigeria Airlines, has been honoured as Female Pilot of the Year at the 15th Nigeria Aviation Awards and Ministerial Dinner held Thursday in Lagos.
The ceremony brought together key industry professionals and stakeholders to celebrate excellence and sustained contributions to safe flight operations across Nigeria. The award recognises Captain Obasi’s technical expertise, leadership, and commitment to maintaining high operational standards within the aviation sector.
As Chief Pilot of United Nigeria Airlines, she is responsible for overseeing flight standards, crew training, and regulatory compliance, playing a pivotal role in strengthening safety culture and operational discipline within the airline.
According to the organisers, Captain Obasi emerged as the top choice in a public poll following her nomination, underscoring her widespread recognition within the industry.
The award was received on her behalf by First Officer Folake Marcetic, as Captain Obasi is currently overseas undergoing professional training. In a statement delivered at the event, she described the honour as both a personal achievement and a reflection of collective effort.
“This award is a tribute to the collective discipline of my team at United Nigeria Airlines and a message to every aspiring female aviator that the sky is no longer a limit, but a workplace where competence is the only currency. I am honoured by this recognition and grateful to Almighty God, the management and staff of United Nigeria Airlines for their support, and the public who voted. It is a call to do more as we continue to contribute to the growth of aviation in Nigeria and Africa,” she said.
In a congratulatory message, the airline’s management commended her achievement, describing it as a reflection of the organisation’s commitment to human capital development and safety.
They noted that Captain Obasi’s professionalism and dedication to operational excellence continue to inspire confidence across the airline’s operations, adding that her recognition reinforces United Nigeria Airlines’ focus on talent development and inclusivity.
Her emergence as Female Pilot of the Year not only highlights individual excellence but also signals a broader shift toward increased inclusion and recognition of women in the aviation industry, traditionally dominated by men.
