HOME BUILT ULTRALIGHT AIRCRAFT – THE RESULT OF SHEER PASSION

(1) JIMOH AHMED
(2) ABBAS JAMIU
(3) ABDULATEEF HANAFI
(4) ALIU MUSA

The A few days ago, someone sent me a video clip marked, “I think you need to see this”. It came via WhatsApp and though I was in a meeting,curiosity got the better of me. So I clicked.

And WOW!!!!! I was completely blown away. Four young men, not only from my state, but from my Local Government, Ilorin West LGA, had spent the last three years (they started in May 2017) building a plane. This aircraft is 17ft tall, 20 ft wide and 15 ft long.

I am SO PROUD of these young men, and found out when I spoke with the group leader, Jimoh Ahmed, that since the age of 7, he has had a passion for aircrafts. With each year, his passion and love for planes and aviation generally grew. He is now 31.

This aircraft was built with blood, sweat and tears; a labour of love, of passion and commitment. IN SPITE OF EVERYTHING – no formal training, no access to money, no enabling environment and YET, they forged ahead, and built this aircraft from scratch. Bit by Bit. Bolt by bolt. Screw by screw. One of them even sold his phone to raise money to get across the finish line.

It reminds me of that quote by Dan Gable, “Gold medals aren’t really made of gold. They are made of sweat, determination, and a hard-to-find alloy called guts”.

Let me use this opportunity to wish Aliu Musa a speedy recovery of his illness.

May all your other plans come to pass, and may Allah help us achieve them. I am indeed honoured to be a part of it. You have done the hard part, my role is the easy part, but know that I see it as a privilege to be able to do this. May Almighty Allah spare all our lives and I look forward to attending your graduation insha Allah – cannot wait to see you all in your caps and gowns.

The Minister of States, Transportation    Congratulations once more.

Representing and doing us proud.