Deputy Superintendent of Customs (Pilot) Olanike Balogun has made history as the first female pilot in the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), breaking barriers and showcasing resilience in the field of aviation.
A native of Odo-Otin Local Government Area in Osun State, and born in Kaduna, Balogun’s journey began in 2002 when she was recruited as a Customs Assistant and served as a cabin crew member in the Service’s Airwing Unit.
In a recent interview, Balogun shared her remarkable journey, highlighting how her unwavering ambition and the support of the NCS helped her transition from a flight attendant to a licensed pilot. “Staying in the Service when many of my colleagues opted for higher-paying airline jobs was a tough decision, but I was determined to serve the public and pursue my dream of becoming a pilot,” she said.
Balogun’s career milestones include earning an Advanced Diploma in Air Ticketing and Cabin Services, a Master’s in Public Administration from Ahmadu Bello University, and eventually obtaining her Pilot Certification from the Flying Academy in Miami, Florida, with the NCS sponsoring her training.
As the first female pilot in the NCS Airwing, Balogun expressed pride in her achievement, seeing it as a source of inspiration for women within and beyond the Service to relentlessly pursue their dreams. “My role as the first female pilot in the Service reflects my commitment to both my personal ambitions and enhancing the operational capacity of the NCS,” she noted.
Balogun remains dedicated to motivating others, especially young Nigerians and women, to break through barriers and chase their dreams. “I hope my story encourages others to believe in their potential and defy limitations,” she said.
Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, praised Balogun’s dedication, calling her achievement a reflection of the NCS’s commitment to capacity building and innovation. “Her story exemplifies what can be achieved through determination and the support of the institution,” he stated.
