The first British-African pilot to fly solo around the world in a single-engine aircraft will speak tomorrow in Elephant and Castle about his record-breaking journey.
Ademilola (Lola) Oyewale Odujinrin landed at Washington Dulles international airport on March 29 2017, having set off 276 days prior on June 26. He wants to inspire the next generation to chase their goals.
The journey was the culmination of a project he had started in 2014, three years after becoming a professional commercial pilot in 2011, a previous lifelong goal.
In his speech at the event, Lola will talk about the many obstacles he overcame to achieve his dreams and complete his historic trip.
“I want people to know that nothing is impossible if you have a vision and you act with purpose and intent.
“My goal is to continue to break new grounds and give back to my community – Elephant & Castle – which supported me through my darkest times.”
After being born in Elephant & Castle, he and his family moved to Nigeria when Lola was a toddler.
He became fascinated by flight from a young age. He said on his blog: “I remember vividly making paper kites and flying them into the night.”
This led to Lola dreaming of seeing the world from the air and motivated him to move back to London at 18 years old to study Aerospace Engineering at Queen Mary University of London.
After many years of work to become a commercial and privately-licensed pilot, Lola achieved his first wing as a private pilot when he was 20.
‘Lola Odujinrin: from Elephant & Castle to flying solo around the world’ will take place on September 25 at 7.30pm. More information and tickets available here
