Nigerian Pilot Lola Odujinrin Aims for Guinness World Record with Lightest Non-Stop Flight from London to Nigeria
British-born Nigerian pilot, Captain Lola Odujinrin, is set to embark on a daring and historic mission to achieve the lightest non-stop flight between London, England, and Kano, Nigeria. Flying in an aircraft weighing less than 1000kg, Captain Lola’s attempt aims to secure a Guinness World Record (GWR) for this remarkable feat.
Captain Lola described this ambitious challenge as a “record-breaking 20-hour endurance flight from London to Nigeria, with the first stop in Kano State inside the smallest and lightest aircraft ever.” This mission marks another milestone in his aviation career, building on his earlier achievement of becoming the first African and ninth British pilot to fly solo around the world.
This record attempt draws parallels to the previous Guinness World Record set by Roberto Bisa of Italy, who completed the longest journey by ultralight aircraft, covering 25,804 km from Istrana, Treviso, Italy, to General Rodriguez, Buenos Aires, Argentina, in August 2015. Captain Lola, however, is determined to etch his name in history once again by undertaking this unique and challenging flight.
Captain Lola’s meticulous preparations for the flight include significant efforts to optimize the plane’s aerodynamic efficiency. He underwent a weight loss journey of over 20kg, showcasing his dedication and thoroughness. He emphasized that the success of this mission depends on the perfect harmony between pilot, aircraft, and weather conditions, describing it as a battle of “Man vs. Machine vs. Nature.”
The adventure will be documented by a team of professional filmmakers, capturing the historic stops planned at significant locations in Nigeria. These stops include Kano, where the first-ever recorded flight landed in Nigeria in 1925, as well as Borno, Enugu, Akwa-Ibom, Owerri, Warri, Benin, Ogun State, Lagos, and Abuja. In Abuja, the final destination, Captain Lola and his crew will be received by the Minister of Aviation and the President of Nigeria.
Captain Lola expressed that this flight is more than just an aviation achievement; it is a demonstration of the boundless possibilities of human achievement and the potential to push the boundaries of aviation technology. This multi-state tour within Nigeria will not only celebrate this historic feat but also highlight the rich aviation history and innovation within the country.
