In a bid to bridge the glaring gap in aviation representation among Southeast youths, the Eastwing Youth Foundation—an initiative of Eastwing Aviation Institute—has partnered with LoFish Global Travel & Tours Ltd to launch the Face of Eastwing Competition/Southeast Aviation Summit 2025.
The initiative was unveiled today in Enugu and is scheduled to culminate in a grand event this August, offering compelling prizes and opportunities for participants.
Speaking at the official press conference held at the LoFish head office in Enugu, Eastwing Aviation Institute’s Deputy Provost, Dr Baba Lola Segun Abioye emphasized the urgent need for regional self-determination in aviation development.
“We in the Southeast need to stop waiting for the federal government to transform the aviation sector,” he said. “Must we continue going to Sokoto, Kano, Canada, or India to find aviation personnel? These people don’t have two heads. If our youths are properly trained, they can compete favorably with anyone globally. What’s more, a Nigerian aviation license allows you to work anywhere in the world.”
He further highlighted the overreliance on expatriates in the aviation industry, noting that these are roles Southeast youths can fill with the right support and training.
Echoing this sentiment, Ifunanya Okonkwo, Admin/Head of Marketing of LoFish Global Travel & Tours Ltd, stated:
“We are supporting this project because we believe that exposure and education will carry the dreams of Southeast people across borders.”
With the theme “Growing Dreams: Touching Lives in Aviation through Human Development,” the initiative is more than a competition—it is a strategic movement to combat underrepresentation and create sustainable pathways through scholarships, mentorship, and industry exposure.
The grand event will be hosted at Nike Lake Resort, Enugu, in August 2025 tentatively. Organizers anticipate over 5,000 applicants from across the Southeast. Fifty selected candidates, aged 18 to 30, will undergo intensive pre-training in aviation and hospitality. These will be narrowed down to a Top 10 during the summit’s first day, with the final winner crowned Face of Eastwing 2025 on Day 2, serving as an ambassador for youth empowerment in the region.
But the rewards go far beyond titles.
The grand prize includes a full aviation scholarship at Eastwing Aviation Institute—the first privately-owned NCAA-approved aviation school in the Southeast. Additionally, the top five finalists will receive free visa assistance to any country of their choice, courtesy of LoFish Global Travel & Tours. All finalists will benefit from exclusive internships, mentorship programs, and certifications designed to launch careers in aviation, hospitality, and tech. Other incentives include brand endorsements, media features, and special recognition awards.
The competition is open to Southeast indigenes and residents, including graduates, tertiary institution applicants, and first-year students. Registration requirements include:
Filling out the online registration form link : https://eai-ng.com/face-of-eastwing/
Indicating state of origin (for assessment center allocation)
Paying a registration fee of ₦5,000
According to the organizers, this token unlocks life-changing opportunities many young Nigerians would otherwise never access.
The initiative has attracted strong backing from key partners including Phoenix Crest Hospitality Services, Nigerian Connect, NAN, LoFish Global Travel & Tours, and Artmatazz Media. Discussions are also ongoing with major airlines such as Air Peace, United Nigeria Airlines, and Ibom Air to provide internship slots for high-performing candidates.
This announcement marks the start of a broader campaign aimed at reshaping the aviation narrative in the Southeast. For years, the region’s lack of presence in the sector has been attributed not to a shortage of talent, but to limited access. The Face of Eastwing project seeks to rewrite that story.
The press conference concluded with a passionate appeal for corporate sponsorships, philanthropic contributions, and government backing. Organizers are encouraging stakeholders to sponsor at least one youth and help unlock their future.
Awards will also be presented during the summit to recognize excellence in aviation and hospitality. Categories include Most Influential Person in Aviation and Best Hospitality Hotel in Aviation.
Sponsorship opportunities include branding rights, CSR partnerships, scholarship donations, and event visibility.
Registration is now open.
For sponsorships, media partnerships, or participation details, visit:
Facebook: Eastwing YouthFoundation
Instagram: @eastwing_youthfoundation
Email: ngo.eastwing@eai-ng.com or the links: https://eai-ng.com/face-of-eastwing/
Together, we will fly.
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