Popular skit maker and content creator, Abdulgafar Abiola, aka Cute Abiola, has revealed how he supported a young drone maker, Musa Ali Aola, to achieve his ambition of becoming a commercial pilot, with assistance from Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.
Aola, also known as Alidron, developed a passion for aviation at a young age and began building remote-control aircraft from scratch before receiving support to pursue professional pilot training.
In a documentary published on his YouTube channel on Thursday, The Cute Abiola Studios, the young pilot expressed gratitude to the comedian for helping him achieve a dream he once thought might take many more years to realise.
“You are the greatest thing that has ever happened to me. You coming into my life has really shaped a lot of things because I never believed I would be here today,” Aola told Abiola.
He explained that his ambition to become a pilot inspired him to start building small remote-control aircraft, adding that the experience helped him discover his talent for making flying machines.
“It all started as a passion when I was very, very young. I really had a passion for being a pilot. That actually motivated me to start building remote-control aircraft from scratch, just small toy RC aircraft,” he said.
“I started like that, and that was when I discovered I had a talent for building a flying aircraft.”
Abiola, in a post on his verified Instagram account, said he met Aola on January 21, 2023, describing the date as a memorable moment.
According to the comedian, Aola was passionate about aviation and was making local drones while trying to find his way in life when they met.
“I saw something in him. I decided to believe in him, support him and help him take the next step,” Abiola said.
The comedian said he supported Aola’s aviation training, which progressed from obtaining a private pilot licence to completing the training required for a commercial pilot licence.
Aola recalled that he had tried to reach Abiola through Instagram after years of pursuing his ambition.
He said he had hoped that someone would recognise his talent and give him an opportunity to develop it.
“I used to have the passion of being a pilot when I was young. Then I started building remote-control aircraft with the belief that one day I would definitely be a pilot,” he said.
“I was very sure that I would see one white guy who would just say, ‘Oh, you are talented. Let me take you abroad.’ That was just my belief.”
Aola said a friend who trained as an aircraft maintenance engineer also encouraged him to keep pushing towards his goal.
He explained that the friend’s progress in aviation helped strengthen his determination to continue pursuing his own dream.
“I used to have friends who did it as well. Today, I am very happy that he is a graduate too. He graduated from the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, Zaria, as an aircraft maintenance engineer, and here I am today,” he said.
“He motivated me as well. What he was doing really pushed me to this extent, to who I am, and made me realise that I needed to keep pushing.”
Reflecting on the role of support in his journey, Aola said his experience had taught him that opportunities could come from unexpected places.
“At a point, we relocated from Zaria, and anywhere God pushes you to meet your helper, trust me, you will definitely go there and meet your helper,” he said.
He added that meeting Abiola had changed the course of his life, expressing appreciation for the comedian’s decision to support his aviation training.
“Meeting you is the best thing that has ever happened to me after reaching out to you,” Aola told Abiola.
The comedian, who accompanied Aola to the International Aviation College, Ilorin, where he trained, also acknowledged AbdulRazaq’s contribution to the journey.
Abiola said he introduced the young man to the governor, who subsequently supported his training.
During the documentary, a member of the aviation college’s staff described Aola as a serious student who knew what he wanted and showed enthusiasm for learning.
Another staff member said Aola had demonstrated dedication and commitment during his training.
The college’s director, retired airline captain Yakubu Okatahi, also praised the Kwara State Government for supporting aviation training and helping Aola pursue his ambition.
Okatahi said becoming a pilot required considerable dedication and commitment, explaining that students had to meet the required training standards before obtaining their licences.
“It is not always easy. We have had a lot of people who wish to become pilots, but if you do not put in the dedication, effort and commitment, you will fall short,” he said.
He added that Aola had performed well during his training and described him as capable and dedicated.
The documentary also showed Abiola accompanying Aola on a flight at the aviation college, allowing the comedian to see firsthand how far the young man had progressed.
Abiola said he was confident in Aola’s ability as they prepared for take-off, describing the experience of seeing someone he had supported fly an aircraft as a proud moment.
“Seeing someone I once believed in now flying me in an actual plane, honestly, it was a very proud moment for me,” he said.
After the flight, Aola explained that his pilot training had involved meeting demanding standards and developing the skills needed to operate an aircraft safely.
He also clarified that obtaining a commercial pilot licence did not automatically qualify him to fly every type of aircraft.
“Not yet,” he said when Abiola asked whether he could fly larger aircraft.
“After the training, after getting your commercial pilot licence, there is something we call type rating, and that is the most part a lot of pilots get stuck on: the money for the type rating.”
He explained that the additional training was necessary for pilots to qualify to operate specific aircraft types.
“Type rating is just about further training after getting your commercial pilot licence to fly bigger aircraft,” he said, adding that the course could cost about $30,000.
Abiola said he had spent more than N30m on Aola’s training and related expenses, with the total approaching N40m when accommodation was included.
The comedian appealed to Nigerians and members of the diaspora to help raise the money needed for the additional qualification.
“I am begging Nigerians. Please come through for my brother and let us do this together. I will make sure anything I can still support him with, I will,” Abiola said.
“Let us gather that money and make sure we are part of this history till the end. That type rating must come true.”
Aola expressed gratitude to Abiola, AbdulRazaq and Nigerians for the support he had received throughout his journey.
“I want to use this moment to thank you so much. There is nothing I can ever do in this life that can match the support you have given me and the impact you have made in my life,” he said.
He also thanked the governor for his contribution, adding, “I want to use this moment to appreciate His Excellency, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, for his impact in my life. Thank you very much, sir.”
Aola further disclosed that becoming a pilot had not ended his interest in drone development. He took Abiola to his parents’ house, where he maintains a small workshop for building and working on drones.
He showed the comedian a surveillance drone model he called “Aerovant”, which he said was being developed for civilian and military applications.
According to Aola, the model was intended to have vertical take-off and landing capabilities, allowing it to operate in locations with limited space.
He said he was still working on the design and making adjustments after test flights.
Aola also explained that building a full-sized aircraft would require collaboration and expertise beyond what one person could provide.
“With the additional knowledge of aeronautical engineering, I can build an actual aircraft from the beginning to the end,” he said. “But it will require a lot of teamwork because building an aircraft is not just something you can do alone.”
Despite his progress in aviation, Aola said he intended to continue developing his drone-making skills alongside his piloting career.