BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
The Chairman and Founder of Air Peace, Dr. Allen Ifechukwu Onyema, has been honoured with an honorary Doctor of Business Administration (Honoris Causa) by the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE).
This was disclosed by the Head, Corporate Communications, Air Peace Limited, Dr. Ejike Ndiulo in a statement.
Bestowed during the university’s recent 9th Convocation Ceremony, the prestigious recognition celebrates his remarkable achievements in business, his staunch patriotism, and his profound humanitarian contributions, which are hallmarks of a leader dedicated to national progress and social impact.
As the leader of Nigeria’s foremost airline and West Africa’s largest carrier, Onyema has redefined the aviation landscape while championing national unity and humanitarian causes.
The grand occasion brought together dignitaries, scholars, and industry leaders who convened to honour Onyema’s outstanding contributions to business, philanthropy and social cohesion.
This distinction not only recognises his remarkable achievements in the aviation sector but also celebrates his strong dedication to uplifting Nigerians, fostering peace, and driving economic empowerment.
The convocation also recognised other distinguished honorees, including former Attorneys General of the Federation and Ministers of Justice, Senator Kanu Agabi, SAN, and Chief Christopher Adebayo Ojo, SAN, as well as Chief Olusegun Alebiosu, Managing Director of First Bank Nigeria.
In his address, FUOYE’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Abayomi Fasina, lauded Dr. Onyema for his relentless commitment to philanthropy and national development.
He particularly highlighted Onyema’s humanitarian interventions, including his voluntary evacuations of Nigerians stranded in crisis situations, his transformative strides in aviation that have positioned Nigeria as a key player in the global air travel sector, and his patriotic dedication to national unity.
“Dr. Onyema’s selfless acts transcend business success; they embody the essence of true leadership, one that uplifts others and advances society,” noted.
Dr. Onyema’s journey to becoming one of Nigeria’s most admired entrepreneurs is a story of resilience, vision, and purpose-driven leadership.
As the founder of Air Peace, he has been instrumental in bridging connectivity gaps, expanding domestic and international routes, creating thousands of jobs, and making air travel more accessible and affordable for millions of Nigerians.
However, his impact goes far beyond aviation.
In 2019, at the height of xenophobic attacks in South Africa, Onyema demonstrated an extraordinary sense of patriotism by deploying Air Peace aircraft to evacuate stranded Nigerians, completely free of charge.
This noble act earned him widespread national and international acclaim as a humanitarian par excellence.
Through the Foundation for Ethnic Harmony in Nigeria (FEHN), Onyema has also been a steadfast advocate for peacebuilding, youth empowerment, and conflict resolution.
His initiatives have provided thousands of young people with leadership training and non-violence education, fostering social harmony and national development.
In his acceptance speech, Dr. Onyema expressed heartfelt gratitude to FUOYE and reaffirmed his belief in Nigeria’s boundless potential.
He urged students to embrace hard work, integrity, and a spirit of service, emphasizing that education and entrepreneurship remain critical pillars for national transformation.
“Education should not rest solely on the shoulders of the Federal Government. The private sector must actively engage through investments, donations, and scholarships to foster academic excellence and innovation,”
Onyema asserted, underscoring the importance of collaborative efforts in advancing Nigeria’s educational sector.
FUOYE’s decision to honour Onyema aligns with the university’s commitment to recognising individuals who exemplify excellence, innovation, and selflessness.
It underscores the crucial role academic institutions play in shaping narratives that inspire future generations.
