Jamil Mohammed Abubakar Reflects on His Prolific Career as a Pilot After More Than 11 Years of Service

He openly expresses his passion for flying planes. He mentors young flyers and cares for the less privileged and less fortunate through his NGO, JMD Foundation. Captain Jamil Muhammed Abubakar, the man of many virtues, talks about his high-volume piloting career after serving for more than a decade.

Waiting in the wings

Going by Abubakar’s earnest desire to serve the nation, the piloting career seemed to lay in wait for him with open arms. He shares, “Choosing my career was not a decision made as a result of circumstances. I’ve always wanted to serve people. It brings me so much joy to see people safe, healthy, and happy. I’m a pilot and philanthropist by virtue of the love I have for humanity.” Abubakar strongly advocates and lives by the principle of ‘be the change you want to see.’

Need for speed

Abubakar had developed an incessant need to go fast at a very early age. He reminisces, “I have loved speed since I was a kid. Before, I used to ride power bikes. I ride a lot. I love fast cars and stuff. My dream of becoming a pilot started at age four. Why I am referring to all these things is because I don’t know how to explain it. It is just an amazing feeling! I wish I can find a better word to say it. It is something that I love. If I can, I will keep flying myself all around. Even after a plane crash, it didn’t stop me from doing what I love to do best. I like it. It is not just a professional job; it is my hobby.”

The secret sauce to a perfect take-off

Abubakar advises aspiring pilots just to be true to themselves. If one can stay true to themselves, every other thing will work out for them. Abubakar has observed that people have problems when they lie to themselves. And when things are not okay, they try to confuse themselves into believing that they are. Abubakar further explains, “Just accept the fact and look for a way forward. Don’t try to live in limbo on the pretext that everything is good.” They say drunkenness is a temporary solution to a permanent problem. Even if some draughts might wither away issues for a while, it’s foolish to think that the issues are gone. Abubakar shares, “In my flying career, I have always remembered this, and that’s why I have made it to the highest levels that my piloting career had to offer. If you remember and follow this advice, then the sky’s the limit for all you young aspiring flyers out there.”

Abubakar is enthusiastic about traveling and embracing nature. He does mentorship programs for future pilots and is happily married to Princess Fatima Dangote Abubakar, daughter of business mogul Akilo Dangote, the richest person in Africa.