Meet Abdulsalam ‘Blinjoe’ Quadri Opeyemi, the Nigerian celebrity pilot
Abdulsalam ‘Blinjoe’ Quadri Opeyemi is successful businessman and a trained pilot.
When a roll call of people who braced all odds to achieve greatness is made, Abdulsalam Quadri Opeyemi, who is fondly called Blinjoe, and is a trained pilot, will surely be in the list given his grass to grace narrative.
Blinjoe studied computer engineering at the University of Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria but he has always had a strong desire to become a pilot, an ambition he never gave up on as he pursued this lifelong ambition by working hard and persevering despite all odds that came his way. Like a patient man who bade his time, Blinjoe finally obtained a private pilot license, which entitled him to start flying.
Blinjoe has always had an interesting life full of highs as a successful businessman. He has embraced both his triumphs and his setbacks, and he has used his unrelenting drive to turn failures into stepping stones to success.
Born on June 6, 1989, he attended Dayspring School in the Kwara State capital, before proceeding to Ojoku Grammar School, in nearby Offa. His quick understanding of the intricacies around computers helped him to secure admission into the University of Ilorin to study computer engineering.
One entrepreneurial idea led to another, slowly and steadily establishing his foothold in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Blinjoe’s unbelievable journey isn’t just about creating wealth, but also about putting it to worthy causes. Blinjoe believes in giving back to society. He has been a regular philanthropist to the needy around the world. He does whatever he can in his capacity.
“When we were kids, many fantasised about becoming pilots. The notion of flying over the air and landing in different places while clothed in a bright white uniform has a certain allure,” he recalled.
Like millions of Nigerians, Blinjoe first dreamt of becoming a doctor, but offered him a high life, which he grabbed with both hands, thanks to his hard work and perseverance. However, being a pilot, like any other job, is a viable option. Following these ambitions demand enormous efforts and sacrifices.
Blinjoe believes that a fundamental attribute of any prospective pilot is resilience because the job requires patience, thoroughness, and dedication during training and practice.
“Everyone has dreams, and some of us choose to pursue them while others let them fade away as life takes hold. However, there are several reasons to pursue your ambitions no matter what. It can be tough to reclaim that childlike optimism as life’s realities set in,” he said.
