There are stories that begin with privilege.
This is not one of them.
This is the extraordinary story of Chioma Rosemary Onyekaba — a Nigerian woman whose journey has been anything but conventional. A renowned author, writer, humanitarian, creative director, and founder of BBF Printing Press, Cromstar Studio, Crombooks Store, BBF Fashion, BBF Travels & Tours Ltd, and multiple creative, literary, and marketing brands. Chioma is no stranger to service, sacrifice, and silent resilience. She has worn many hats, built platforms for others to shine, and poured herself into helping people remember who they are — often forgetting to chase her own dreams in the process.
She gave up on herself more times than she can count, not because she lacked ability, but because life demanded she dim her light for others to feel safe in theirs. She laid down her ambitions, set aside her voice, and believed for a long time that her dreams were too far gone.
But God had a different script.
Yes — she hated Geography.
Yes — she once looked at 1,740 pages of aviation training and nearly closed the book forever.
Yes — she laughed when she first heard “N for Nancy” and “T for Tango” and wondered how alphabets could have accents.
Yes — she believed that the International Air Transport Association (IATA) was built for technical minds, not for an art-inclined soul like hers.
But destiny, when written by God, never follows human logic.
Today, Chioma Rosemary Onyekaba stands as the Best in Nigeria, awarded in international recognition by IATA — the leading global aviation body. Not the best in Abuja. Not the best in a local cohort. But the best in the country.
“Only God could have done this,” she says, with eyes full of tears and a heart full of gratitude.
“I’ve fallen short of many goals. I’ve missed the mark more than once. But this? I never saw it coming. God didn’t just surprise me — He announced me. In a way that made it clear: only God could have done it.”
Chioma’s journey wasn’t one she walked alone. She honors the voice, patience, and impact of her trainer, whose guidance helped her believe that she, too, could rise in a space she once felt excluded from.
“Thank you for walking me through the parts I thought were too hard. For helping me silence the voices of doubt. For teaching me that I, too, belong here,” she shared.
She extended her deepest appreciation to IATA — not just for the award, but for opening the door and making space for her to grow, serve, and lead in the global travel and aviation industry.
“Thank you, IATA, for giving a second chance to a first-time dreamer. You didn’t just give me knowledge — you gave me a seat at the table,” she said.
This win isn’t just personal. It’s historic. It’s for every Nigerian woman who’s ever felt invisible. For every creative who thought their dreams didn’t fit into technical spaces. For every soul who dared to try — one more time.
This is a tribute to dreams that almost died.
And proof that what’s yours will always find its way — even if it has to fly across the world to get to you.
Here’s to Chioma Rosemary Onyekaba —
The girl who once hated Geography.
The woman who once gave up.
The leader who is now… Best in Nigeria.
And to the world?
She’s just getting started.
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