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Praises strength, resilience amid challenges @ 10
L-R: Allen Onyema, chairman/CEO, Air Peace Limited; Saidu Ahmed Alkali, minister of transportation representing Vice President Kashim Shettima; Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State; Festus Keyamo, minister of aviation and aerospace development; and Obiora Okonkwo, chairman, United Nigeria Airline, during the 10th year anniversary of Air Peace held at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island. Lagos, recently
Sade Williams/Business a.m.
Air Peace, West and Central Africa’s largest carrier by fleet size, received high praises from Nigeria as it celebrated 10 years of operating in and from Africa’s most populated country, Nigeria, with the country’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima describing the airline as “a Nigerian product and a Nigerian pride”.
He also acknowledged Air Peace’s resilience, patriotic spirit, and significant contributions to the nation’s aviation industry and economy.
The airline’s 10th-anniversary celebrations were held in Lagos, the country’s economic and financial capital and attended by all 36 state governors, with some attending in person and others represented. Numerous industry leaders from across various sectors also joined to celebrate this momentous occasion.
Vice President Shettima described the milestone as a testament to Air Peace’s enduring presence in both Nigerian skies and the hearts of Nigerians.
Reflecting on the airline’s role as a bridge for commerce, tourism, and global integration, he commended Air Peace’s contributions to expanding domestic routes and positioning Nigeria as a regional air travel hub. The vice president also applauded Allen Onyema, the airline’s Chairman, for creating jobs for thousands of Nigerians and even citizens beyond Nigeria’s borders.
Shettima praised Air Peace’s strength in weathering industry challenges, noting that “Air Peace has displayed an exceptional level of resilience that speaks to the strength of its leadership and workforce.”
He also emphasised the federal government’s commitment to protecting the Air Peace brand and ensuring its continued success in the aviation sector.
Highlighting the government’s commitment to advancing Nigeria’s aviation sector, Vice President Shettima referenced the recent approval of the Cape Town Convention on aviation leasing, which will reduce operational costs and foster competitiveness in the industry. This policy, he emphasised, will empower airlines like Air Peace to continue expanding and thriving.
Shettima remarked that Air Peace has always answered the call of the nation, recalling the airline’s pivotal role in repatriating Nigerians from conflict zones in Sudan, Libya, and South Africa.
He concluded his message with a call to action, urging Air Peace to keep its focus on people and community. “prioritise the people, listen to them, and carry them along,” he noted.
The airline said in a statement marking the anniversary that as Air Peace looks ahead to the next decade, it does so with a renewed commitment to its core values and a steadfast dedication to connecting Nigerians with the world.
