Deputy Superintendent of Customs (Pilot) Olanike Balogun has etched her name in history as the first female pilot in the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), exemplifying resilience and determination in the field of aviation.
Born in Kaduna and hailing from Odo-Otin Local Government Area in Osun State, Balogun’s journey began in 2002 when she joined the NCS as a Customs Assistant, serving as a cabin crew member in the Service’s Airwing Unit.
In a recent interview, DSC Balogun reflected on her remarkable transformation from a flight attendant to a licensed pilot. She credited her success to her unwavering ambition and the NCS’s support. “Staying in the Service when many colleagues opted for better-paying airline jobs was challenging. But I was determined to contribute to public service and achieve my dream of becoming a pilot,” she shared.
Her career achievements include earning an Advanced Diploma in Air Ticketing and Cabin Services, completing a Master’s in Public Administration at Ahmadu Bello University, and obtaining her Pilot Certification from the Flying Academy in Miami, Florida, sponsored by the NCS.
As the first female pilot in the NCS Airwing, Balogun views her milestone as a source of inspiration for women within and beyond the Service. “My role reflects my commitment to advancing both my dream and the operational capabilities of the NCS,” she said. She hopes her story will encourage young Nigerians, particularly women, to overcome barriers and pursue their aspirations.
The Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, praised Balogun’s dedication, describing her achievement as a testament to the NCS’s focus on capacity building and innovation. “Her story exemplifies what is possible with determination and institutional support,” he remarked.
Balogun’s journey remains a beacon of inspiration, highlighting the power of resilience and the impact of institutional backing in breaking new ground.