The Makinde Sisters: Inspiring Story Of How Three Sisters Became Pilots

In a world where aviation is still largely male-dominated, three Nigerian sisters—Mopelola, Oluwaseun, and Oluwafunmilayo Makinde—have soared above stereotypes, proving that the sky is truly the limit. Their story is not just one of professional success but also of perseverance, breaking barriers, and inspiring a new generation of women to take up careers in aviation.

The Makinde sisters’ journey into aviation was deeply influenced by their father, Captain Wale Makinde, a seasoned helicopter pilot who dedicated his life to flying. Growing up, the sisters were captivated by his stories of navigating challenging terrains and handling the complexities of aviation. This early exposure planted the seeds of ambition in their hearts, leading them to pursue careers in the skies.

Mopelola Makinde, the eldest, vividly remembers her fascination with her father’s work. She was drawn to the adventure and skill required in piloting helicopters. Determined to carve her own path, she trained rigorously and earned her pilot’s license, becoming a skilled and experienced helicopter pilot. “I wanted a challenge,” she recalls. “I told my dad I wanted to fly helicopters because people think flying a helicopter is difficult. Nothing motivates me more than being told I can’t do something.”

Following in her footsteps, the middle sister, Oluwaseun Makinde, also set her sights on aviation. Inspired by both her father and older sister, she was eager to prove that women could thrive in the demanding world of flying. Despite facing societal pressures and skepticism, Oluwaseun remained undeterred. With her family’s encouragement and her father’s mentorship, she completed her training and became a helicopter pilot. “Watching my sister conquer her dreams while managing her family showed me that work-life balance is achievable,” she shared.

The youngest sister, Oluwafunmilayo Makinde, took a slightly different path within the aviation industry. While her older sisters chose helicopters, she became a fixed-wing pilot, mastering the art of flying airplanes. Her choice added diversity to the family’s aviation accomplishments, proving that there are multiple ways to succeed in the field.

Becoming a pilot in Nigeria, especially as a woman, comes with significant challenges. Training is expensive, and the industry is not always welcoming to female pilots. Former rector of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Abdulsalami Mohammed, once noted that it took years for women to gain traction in the field. He explained that pregnancy, societal expectations, and family responsibilities often deter women from pursuing long-term careers in aviation.

Despite these obstacles, the Makinde sisters have defied the odds. Mopelola reflects on the significance of their achievement: “It’s important to see more women represented in this space, and having one of those women be my sister makes me happy. Our youngest sister is also a pilot. We’re all on this journey together, and it’s such a wonderful bonding experience.”

Flying together has strengthened their sisterly bond. Mopelola and Oluwaseun, both helicopter pilots, have had the unique experience of working side by side in the cockpit. “She’s a professional, and I’m not just saying that because she’s my sister,” Mopelola says of Oluwaseun. “Once we get into that cockpit, we’re in sync on everything. She supports me and asks me questions before I even think about what I need.”

For Oluwaseun, the experience is equally special. “The first time I flew with my sister, I was trying to impress her. Yes, she’s my sister, but she’s also the Captain, and I couldn’t mess this up. Now, it’s just an amazing feeling—we get to do this together.”

The Makinde sisters’ journey is a powerful reminder that gender should never be a barrier to pursuing one's dreams. Their success challenges the status quo and paves the way for more women to enter the aviation industry.

Their story is more than just one of personal achievement—it’s a call to young girls everywhere to dream big, to challenge limitations, and to take flight in whatever career they choose. As the sisters continue to soar, they leave behind a legacy of inspiration, proving that when women lift each other up, the sky is truly the beginning, not the limit.

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