Cute Abiola Helps Young Drone Maker Train as Pilot

Popular skit maker and content creator, Abdulgafar Abiola, also known as Cute Abiola, has shared how he assisted a young drone maker, Musa Ali Aola, in achieving his dream of becoming a commercial pilot. This support came with help from Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.

Aola, who is also called Alidron, has loved aviation since he was young. He started making remote-control aircraft from scratch before getting support to start professional pilot training.

In a documentary released on his YouTube channel on Thursday, The Cute Abiola Studios, Aola expressed his gratitude to the comedian for helping him reach a dream he thought might take a long time to achieve. "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 dream of being a pilot pushed him to build small remote-control aircraft. This experience helped him find 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.

Abiola shared on his verified Instagram account that he met Aola on January 21, 2023. He described this date as a memorable moment. According to Abiola, Aola was passionate about aviation and was making local drones while looking for his way in life at the time 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 supported Aola’s aviation training, which moved from getting a private pilot licence to completing what was needed for a commercial pilot licence. Aola recalled that he tried to reach Abiola through Instagram after years of chasing his dream. He had hoped someone would notice his talent and give him a chance to grow 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 noted that a friend who trained as an aircraft maintenance engineer also motivated him to keep pushing toward his goal. He said his friend's progress in aviation made him more determined to achieve his 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 support he received, Aola said he learned that help can 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 changed his life, thanking the comedian for his support in 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 went with Aola to the International Aviation College in Ilorin where he trained, also thanked AbdulRazaq for his role in the journey.

Abiola said he introduced Aola to the governor, who then supported his training. In the documentary, a staff member from the aviation college called Aola a serious student who knew what he wanted and showed eagerness to learn. Another staff member mentioned that Aola showed dedication and commitment during his training.

The college’s director, retired airline captain Yakubu Okatahi, praised the Kwara State Government for helping with aviation training and supporting Aola's dream. Okatahi said becoming a pilot takes a lot of dedication and commitment, explaining that students must meet training standards before getting 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 also noted that Aola performed well in his training, calling him capable and dedicated.

The documentary showed Abiola flying with Aola at the aviation college, allowing the comedian to see how far Aola had come. Abiola said he felt confident in Aola's ability as they prepared for take-off, calling it a proud moment to see someone he supported fly an aircraft. "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 mentioned that his pilot training required meeting strict standards and learning to operate an aircraft safely. He added that getting a commercial pilot licence does not automatically mean he can fly every type of aircraft. "Not yet," he said when Abiola asked if 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 this extra training is necessary for pilots to qualify to operate specific aircraft.

"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 has spent more than N30 million on Aola’s training and related costs, with the total nearing N40 million when accommodation is included.

The comedian called on Nigerians and those in the diaspora to help raise the money needed for this 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 thanked Abiola, AbdulRazaq, and Nigerians for the support he has 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 support, saying, "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 shared that becoming a pilot has not stopped his interest in building drones. He took Abiola to his parents' house, where he has a small workshop for making and working on drones.

He showed the comedian a surveillance drone model he calls "Aerovant", which he said is being developed for both civilian and military use. Aola explained that the model is meant to have vertical take-off and landing abilities, allowing it to work in tight spaces. He mentioned he is still adjusting the design after test flights.

Aola added that building a full-sized aircraft will need teamwork and expertise that go beyond what one person can do. "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."

Even with his progress in aviation, Aola said he plans to keep improving his drone-making skills alongside his piloting career.