Dreams look better in reality.
Chioma Rosemary Onyekaba’s story is is that of sacrifice and rediscovery.
Who is she?
A celebrated author, creative director, humanitarian, and founder of multiple brands including; BBF Printing Press, Cromstar Studio, BBF Fashion, and BBF Travels & Tours Ltd. These are platforms she has long built for others, often placing her own aspirations on hold.
She is no stranger to giving. But for years, she was also no stranger to giving up, not for lack of skill, but because life had conditioned her to shrink. To dim her light so others could shine. To soft pedal on her ambitions in favor of everyone else’s.
“I gave up on myself more times than I can count,” she admits. “I thought my dreams were too far gone.”
But God had a different story to write.
She once loathed Geography. She once stared at 1,740 pages of aviation manuals and almost closed the book for good. She laughed at aviation lingo “N for Nancy,” “T for Tango” bewildered that alphabets could carry accents. Aviation, she believed, was built for technicians, not storytellers.
But what if destiny doesn’t care about labels?
Today, Chioma Rosemary Onyekaba stands tall as Nigeria’s Best Performing Student in IATA Training an award given by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the world’s foremost authority on global aviation.
Not the best in Abuja. Not the best in a cohort. The best in Nigeria.
“Only God could have done this,” she says, tears brimming. “He didn’t just surprise me, he announced me.”
Her journey, however, was not walked alone. Chioma credits her trainer, a guide, mentor, and voice of encouragement who helped her find her way through the technical maze and silenced her inner doubts.
“Thank you for helping me through the hard parts,” she said, reflecting on the path that led her here. “You taught me I belonged in this space.”
To IATA, she extended heartfelt gratitude not just for the award, but for opening the doors to a global industry that once seemed so far removed from her creative world.
“Thank you, IATA, for giving a second chance to a first-time dreamer,” she said. “You gave me knowledge and a seat at the table.”
But this achievement is bigger than one woman. It’s for every Nigerian girl who ever felt unseen. For every creative who feared their passion didn’t belong in technical spaces. For every dreamer who almost walked away too soon.
Chioma’s victory is a powerful reminder that what’s meant for you will find you even if it has to fly across the skies to get there.
