Chairman of Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council, Igwe Samuel Ikechukwu Asagu, (Ogadagidi), has endorsed the Face of Eastwing/ Southeast Aviation Summit, promises to be the Royal Father of the Day during the courtesy visit from Eastwing Aviation Institute, in partnership with LoFish Travel and Tours, at the Igwe’s Palace, Nsukka to formally intimate him of the upcoming event.
The event which would take place in August 22nd and 23rd 2025, is an initiative spearheaded by Eastwing Aviation Institute, organized by Eastwing Youth Foundation is made to be an Academic competition amongst Southeast Youths to awaken their zeal and empower them into Aviation Careers.
His Royal Highness described the initiative as “the kind of bold and necessary innovation the Southeast has been waiting for.” He lauded the project’s potential to create new career pathways for Nigerian youth and position the region as a serious contender in aviation and tourism development.
Addressing the delegation which included students from the Institute during the courtesy visit, HRH said: “I believe aviation is the next big thing. As someone who travels often, I understand the importance of safe, accessible, and efficient air transport. I am happy this movement is starting here, in Enugu. The youth need to see that the future can take off from their own soil.”
The visit, which took place at the Igwe’s expansive and beautifully maintained palace, was quite successful. The Igwe was even more generous and warm and offered a royal reception.
Leading the Eastwing delegation was Mr. Christian Agadibe, Executive Director of the Eastwing Youth Foundation. He was joined by Mrs. Blessing Kenechukwu Cletus, Eastwing Aviation Institute Administrative; Ms. Itoro Umoette, the Institute’s social media handler; two students enrolled in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering at the Institute; and two representatives from LoFish Travel and Tours. Each member was asked to introduce themselves personally, reflecting the Igwe’s evident interest in the individuals behind the initiative.
The Igwe, visibly impressed by the delegation and its mission, commended the team for not waiting on government intervention but instead taking direct action to reshape the narrative of youth engagement in Nigeria.
“We often complain about leadership, but change must start from the people. I am always proud when I see citizens pushing boundaries on their own,” he said.
HRH also noted that the initiative comes at a crucial time, given the growing public concern around aircraft safety in Nigeria. He urged the organizers to use the summit as a platform to speak candidly on safety standards, traveler education, and the importance of regulatory awareness.
“This is a timely event,” he said. “Use it to inform the public on how to travel safely, and wisely. These conversations matter.”
Beyond aviation, the Igwe also shared his personal commitment to social welfare. He spoke briefly about his village food bank, a community program he funds himself to fight hunger and support vulnerable families.
The Face of Eastwing competition, scheduled to hold in Enugu, is set to reward passionate youths with aviation scholarships, spotlight aspiring aviation professionals, travel influencers, and hospitality talents from across the Southeast. Organizers say it will serve as both a career-launching platform for lucky youths, and a celebration of innovation in a region that has historically lacked access to aviation infrastructure. The Summit phase will feature power packed conversations and discusses on Aviation Safety and on strategies to make the industry more accessible to intelligent Nigerian Youths.
But the best part of the event comes at the end when a mouth-watering scholarship and other prizes would be awarded to youths and winners of the competition.
To join the competition, visit: https://eai-ng.com/face-of-eastwing/
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