The National Travel Essay Competition, NTEC 2026 Grand Finale produced six outstanding winners after students impressed judges with innovative solutions to aviation safety and security challenges. Beyond the cash prizes, the competition reinforced the growing role of young Nigerians in shaping the future of the country’s aviation industry.
The 15th National Travel Essay Competition and Air Transport Youth Empowerment Summit (YES), organised by Travel & Business News, was held at the NCAA Annex, Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos. The event attracted aviation regulators, airline executives, educators and students under the theme, “Soaring Beyond Limits: Youth Innovation & Leadership in Aviation.”
NTEC 2026 crowns Nigeria’s brightest aviation talents
The biggest celebration belonged to the winners.
In the secondary school category, Oluwafemi Joshua Oluwaseyifunmi of Abesan Senior High School, Ipaja, emerged overall winner. He received ₦120,000 and a complimentary domestic ticket sponsored by Arik Air after presenting an outstanding essay on “The Impact of Social Media on Air Transport Safety.”
Patrick Chidiebere David of Abiolu Comprehensive College finished second and won ₦80,000, while Eloyewan Naomi, also of Abesan Senior High School, claimed third place with ₦60,000.
The tertiary institutions category was equally competitive.
Odetayo Omolola Elizabeth of the University of Lagos secured first place, winning ₦150,000 and a complimentary Johannesburg return ticket sponsored by South African Airways. Adebakin Temiloluwa Esther, also from the University of Lagos, finished second with ₦100,000, while Vincent Ikechukwu Maduka of the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, placed third and received ₦70,000.
Contestants tackled practical industry issues during the grand finale. Secondary school students explored the impact of social media on air transport safety, while tertiary participants proposed solutions to ending luggage tag swapping in drug trafficking at Nigerian airports.
However, one participant left with more than one reason to celebrate.
Patrick Chidiebere David first received the newly introduced Steadfast Spirit Award before later finishing second in the competition. The special ₦30,000 award recognised his persistence and commitment over several attempts.
The award was introduced by Mrs. Peace Jesulayomi Akinsulire, winner of NTEC 2017 and a University of Lagos alumna, who encouraged students never to give up despite setbacks.
“I participated in this competition six times. I didn’t always get first place, but I refused to stop showing up. Every time I wrote, I became better. Every time I tried again, I became stronger. Every time I didn’t win, I grew,” she said.
She explained that consistency often produces greater success than natural talent alone.
“This award is for the student who keeps trying. The one who submits again. The one who improves quietly. The one who refuses to give up. Your effort is seen. Your dedication matters. Your breakthrough may be closer than you think,” Akinsulire added.
While the winners took centre stage, aviation leaders challenged them to continue preparing for careers in a rapidly changing industry.
Chairman of Sabre Central and West Africa, Dr. Gbenga Olowo, represented by Marketing and Business Relationship Manager, Nurudeen Adeokin, described the competition as a powerful investment in Nigeria’s future workforce.
“The future of aviation will be shaped by young innovators and bold thinkers,” he said.
According to him, artificial intelligence, automation and data analytics will redefine aviation careers, making innovation and continuous learning essential.
The Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, Capt. Chris Najomo, represented by Deputy Manager, Public Relations, Lagos, Mrs. Carol Adekotujo, urged students to pursue mentorship and practical experience.
“Soaring beyond limits means exceeding constraints through ambition and resilience,” he said.
He encouraged aspiring pilots, engineers, cabin crew and air traffic controllers to embrace emerging technologies such as autonomous aircraft, electric aviation and Sustainable Aviation Fuel.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency also reminded participants that professional excellence begins with discipline.
Representing NDLEA Chairman, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), Assistant Comptroller General of Narcotics, Mrs. Rita Geh stressed that substance abuse has no place in aviation.
“A drug-free lifestyle is not just a personal choice; it is a professional and safety imperative,” she said.
She urged participants to become ambassadors of safe living while protecting the mental strength required for innovation and sound decision-making.
In addition, Sabre rewarded the top three secondary school winners with gift packages, recognising academic excellence and encouraging continued achievement.
Organisers also acknowledged the support of NCAA, FAAN, NAMA, Caverton Offshore Support Group, Sabre West Africa, South African Airways, Arik Air, SAHCO Plc and OCP International for helping to deliver another successful edition.
After 15 years, NTEC 2026 continues to do more than reward excellent essays. It is building a pipeline of future pilots, engineers, regulators and aviation leaders whose ideas could help shape the next chapter of Nigeria’s aviation industry.
