BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
Dr. Allen Ifechukwu Onyema, Chairman of Air Peace, has been famed by the Nigerian Army with the prestigious “Outstanding Support/Service to the Nigerian Army” award during the 2024 Nigerian Army Day Celebration.
The event took place on July 6, 2024, at the Maxwell Khobe Cantonment in Jos, Plateau State. Distinguished attendees included the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, the Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang, and his Taraba State counterpart, Agbu Kefas.
At the event, Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff of Nigeria, lauded Onyema for his continuous contributions to Nigeria’s socio-economic development through his airline and other enterprises.
He highlighted Onyema’s exceptional service to the nation and humanity at large.
When Air Peace was founded in 2014, Onyema introduced a unique initiative to support Nigerian military personnel.
This initiative offered military officers flights at a reduced fare of 10,000 naira, underscoring Onyema’s commitment to supporting those who serve the nation.
In 2022, Air Peace further demonstrated its respect for military personnel by instituting a priority boarding policy for military officers, acknowledging their invaluable service.
Onyema emphasized this gesture as a heartfelt appreciation for the sacrifices made by the military, stating, “It is our way of saying thank you for all they are doing for the country.”
In September 2023, during his conferment with a Doctor of Management Science Degree by the Nigerian Defence Academy at its 33rd Convocation Ceremony in Kaduna, Onyema pledged to extend flight ticket rebates to retired military officers. This commitment further solidifies his dedication to honoring and supporting the military community.
Onyema’s unwavering support for the Nigerian military and his substantial contributions to Nigeria’s socio-economic development continue to inspire and significantly impact the nation. His actions reflect his deep-seated dedication as a Pan-Nigerian nationalist, striving to foster unity and progress across the country.
