Encomiums were lavishly poured on the Chairman of Air Peace -Dr. Allen Onyema –and the entire staff last weekend at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island. Lagos, at what truly qualified to be called an August occasion to commemorate the airline’s 10th anniversary celebration.
Significantly, even those who are not close associates of the airline agreed with the showers of praises on Air Peace having known the series of initiatives that philanthropic and patriotic Onyema had undertaken over the years for the benefit of Nigerians.
It is strikingly appropriate to commence the commendations with the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Fidelity Bank Plc –Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe – who, in her speech at the event attended by the Vice president and four state governors, disclosed that the reputable financial institution partnered Air peace right from the beginning.
The Fidelity Bank boss made it very clear that the beginning of the airline wasn’t easy at all and it amounted to a big risk at that time to grant Onyema necessary financial assistance. Unperturbed, however, resilient Onyema remained focused with a determination to succeed.
According to Onyeali-Ikpe, “We did the heavy –lifting at the time nobody believed in sponsoring the aviation industry because, for no reason, statistics showed that it was a risky business; and like the Minister had said many had died before them. So when we made pitches to the board to finance, they were like “don’t go there”. But we believe in Allen. We believe in his strength of personality; and I stand here to tell you today that it’s been a wonderful experience.”
Significantly, unlike business people who after being granted loans either divert it to other things or refuse to keep to the agreements on repayment of the loan, Onyema proved to be a man of integrity.
The Fidelity boss put it this way: “The biggest thing I can tell you today about the company is their financial discipline. Anytime I have a reason to say it, I always say it. Air Peace, led by the Chairman, has what you call financial discipline. You don’t remind them when their payments are due, and I don’t know which banker would not be delighted by such.”
Affirming Onyema’s resilience, the Fidelity Bank boss also stated: “We know they have fought battles both internationally and locally and they’ve survived.”
She assured, “We are happy to be a strategic partner of air peace and we will continue to be.”
Like the Fidelity boss, other speakers spoke so well about the airline and the Chairman. The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima lauded Air Peace for repositioning Nigeria’s aviation industry by facilitating regional integration.
Represented by the Minister of Transport-Senator Sa’idu Ahmed Alkali, Shettima declared: “You are our pipeline to economic growth, not because of perfection, but because you have weathered the storm and have aspired like great businesses all over the world.”
Speaking on a similar note, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, affirmed Onyema’s patriotism. He described the airline as a “Proud Ambassador of Nigeria”, adding that the Chairman deserved commendation for elevating Nigeria’s recognition in aviation globally.
For the Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, Air Peace’s safety record is her edge. In the Governor’s words: “One thing I particularly want to congratulate you for tonight is your safety records. Most of us board with the certainty that as long as it is Air Peace, we will arrive safely to our destinations”.
Like Obaseki, the Governor of Anambra, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, delivered his goodwill message virtually stating that Air Peace has been of great value and called the celebration an historic event.
He described the Air Peace a ‘national champion and global brand’ and wished the airline great sustainability. “This one in my view, is built to last and hopefully it will be listed not only on the Nigeria stock exchange but also other global exchanges.”.
To Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, having succeeded in setting standards for commercial airlines in the country, the airline would become the leading airline in Africa. The Governor affirmed: “I have no doubt that with a business guru as Chief Allen Onyema at the helm, the goal will be achieved very soon.”
The Chief Operating Officer of Ibom Air, George Uriesi, described Air Peace as a pacesetter, just as he congratulated the entire staff for being “Road openers”. He stressed that the Chairman and the staff deserved commendation for loving Nigeria and demonstrating such in their commitment to service.
On Air Peace’ patriotic gestures, what readily comes to mind was the support the airline granted to the country during the terrible COVID-19 period. Apart from helping to deliver medical supplies and personnel to the country and donating money and food items to help many Nigerians, the airline evacuated many Nigerians from overseas countries even as it helped nationals of other countries in Nigeria to return home. Specifically, Air Peace evacuated over 300 Chinese from Lagos to China on May 2020 and 286 Indians to Kochi from Lagos three days after. Israel also benefitted from the evacuation exercise at that time.
At different times too, Air Peace has always demonstrated a high level of concern and care for Nigeria and Nigerians. During the xenophobic attack in Johannesburg in 2019, Air Peace evacuated 186 Nigerians who showed up out of a list of 319 from South Africa free of charge. Similarly, in May last year, Nigerian students stranded in war-torn Sudan were evacuated free of charge by the airline.
Interestingly, the Cleric who declared the event open, Pastor Patrick Ogunselu affirmed Onyema’s patriotism as demonstrated many times by the airline’s generosity to Nigerians. According to him:“Air Peace has not just flown commercially. It has also been responsible for helping Nigerians in distress all over the world. It is a commercial organization but functions like a charity organisation, always giving back to the community.”
Indeed, Onyema himself didn’t mince words on his love for the nation, even as he assured that the airline would never compromise on safety for any reason whatsoever. In his words: “I have always believed in Nigeria as a great nation, and I owe no apologies to anyone for my undying love for the country”. He added that even if ensuring safety would lead to flight delay or any form of financial loss, safety would remain sacrosanct no matter any pressure to do otherwise. He also stated inter-alia: “Air Peace was established for Nigeria….we will do everything to support Nigeria and make the nation proud”.
Remarkably, true to the encomiums and true to the scriptural assertion that “He that watereth shall be watered himself”, Air Peace has also been enjoying goodwill and great patronage from Nigerians. Consequently, the Airline which started with seven aircrafts on October 25th 2014 now has 51 aircrafts, without any incident of air crash.
To the airline, just as the name indicates, peace aboard throughout a flight is her other word for guaranteed safe flights. Not surprisingly therefore, after safe trips nationwide to the huge satisfaction of travellers locally, Air Peace commenced international flight in 2022 with the first country being the republic of China. Afterwards, the airline’s international destination has continued to increase, with London joining the list early this year.
Responding to a question on what the future has in stock for passengers at home and abroad, and even for all stakeholders, the airline’s Head, Corporate Communications, Dr. Ejike Ndiulo said: “Having achieved so much in just a decade, touching the lives of people, including those who haven’t even patronised our airline, our assurance is simply this: it would certainly get better. We remain committed to our vision of being ever dependable by guaranteeing customer satisfaction and safety in all our routes: domestic, regional and international.
“With undisputable excellent leadership as exhibited by our Chairman, and with dedicated professionals who are ready to work beyond the call of duty and who believe in teamwork, Air peace is certainly on the path to being the airline to beat, not just in Nigeria, but in Africa and beyond.”
Air Peace officially commenced business on October 25th, 2014. Since then, the company has grown to be a reputable airline in the country, even as it commenced international flights in 2022 with a flight to China. From 7 aircraft and 5 destinations on its first day of operations, Air Peace has grown into a leader in West African aviation. Founded in 2014 by visionary leader Dr. Allen Ifechukwu Onyema, the airline connects people across Africa and beyond with a fleet of Boeing and Embraer aircraft. The airline’s “No City Left Behind” initiative has brought service to underserved regions, fostering social and economic development. Air Peace’s commitment to corporate social responsibility has led to transformative initiatives, from scholarships and health programs to environmental conservation. The airline’s 10-year journey exemplifies resilience, innovation, and a relentless focus on customer satisfaction.
