Pomp and Pageantry As Air Peace Marks  Decade of Excellence, Resilience

West Africa’s leading airline, Air Peace, marked its 10th anniversary with a spectacular celebration over the weekend at the Eko Convention Centre in Victoria Island, Lagos. The grand event drew prominent figures from both Nigeria and internationally, all gathered to celebrate the airline’s journey of resilience, growth, and dedication to service.

Hosted by media personality Ayo Mairo-Ese and renowned comedian Bovi, the glamorous night was a dazzling tribute to Air Peace’s legacy as West and Central Africa’s largest carrier and one of the fastest growing on the African continent. The event opened with a stirring rendition of the national anthem, setting a patriotic tone for the festivities, followed by a soul-stirring performance by singer Timi Dakolo. 

An array of goodwill messages were also directed toward Air Peace’s chairman, Allen Onyema, lauding his leadership in guiding the airline through a challenging industry landscape.

Among the distinguished guests in attendance were Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo, Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, Abia State Governor Alex Otti, Gambia’s First Lady Fatoumatta Bah Barrow, former Nigerian football star Jay-Jay Okocha, to mention a few.

Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, commended Air Peace’s achievements, noting the airline’s success in maintaining operations in a challenging industry.

 “If you look at the history of airlines in Nigeria, it is difficult for any of them to survive more than 10 years and still look healthy. We have a history of great mortality of airlines. More than a hundred airlines in the last 40 years or so. And here, we have Air Peace, after 10 years still looking strong, still looking healthy and actually on the rise rather than on the decline. 

“Air Peace is a proud ambassador of Nigeria, and as a government, we are proud to support them,” Keyamo stated. 

He emphasised the Nigerian government’s commitment to supporting domestic airlines and announced an upcoming milestone in Nigerian aviation, revealing that Nigerian operators have been invited to meet with global aircraft financiers and lessors in Ireland early next year.

He said, “We got a letter yesterday (Thursday), inviting all of us to Ireland in January. We have not recieved that type of letter in Nigeria for a long time. Because of what we have done in the last few months, the collection of the leading lessors in the world and aircraft financiers have invited all of us to a meeting in Ireland in January. 

“They want to start discussing at the highest level with Nigerian operators, the business of aircraft leasing and financing. We are on the right path and all thanks to people like Allen Onyema.”

Governor Obaseki took the stage to praise Onyema’s dedication to Nigerian aviation and nation-building, describing him as an “amazing Nigerian.” 

Reflecting on the role of Air Peace in a country where transportation infrastructure often falls short, Obaseki noted that “air travel is no luxury; it is a necessity.” 

He applauded the airline’s exceptional safety record and said it has effectively become “an unofficial national airline.”

The event also featured an award segment recognising long-serving employees, the airline’s trade partners, and loyal customers for their contributions to Air Peace’s success. The evening concluded with a cake-cutting ceremony and a series of performances by Nigerian artists, including Efezino, Ada Ehi, Mirabel Chisom, Kcee, Flavour, and an electrifying final act by Davido.

In his speech of gratitude, Onyema praised President Tinubu’s efforts in improving the business environment of the country.

 “If I praise President Tinubu for aiding the ease of doing business in Nigeria, then you must know that I am speaking the truth,” he declared, pointing to what he sees as tangible steps taken by the administration to improve industry conditions.

He further called on Nigerians to give up on stigmatising themselves and change the negative narrative sometimes touted about the country.  

Onyema also described Keyamo’s appointment as Aviation minister as a “positive revolution” in the aviation sector. He highlighted Keyamo’s commitment to the industry and his willingness to listen to stakeholders.

He acknowledged the high mortality rate of airlines in Nigeria and credited Keyamo for addressing these issues head-on, explaining that the minister’s lack of “entrenched interest” has been pivotal.

The airline chairman referenced Keyamo’s open and transparent approach to governance, which he believes is in stark contrast to previous leaders who he accused of using their offices for personal gain.

“The appointment of Festus Keyamo has caused a positive revolution in the aviation industry. Whether you like to hear it or not, there are evidences to prove that this man has given it his all. A lot of you might not know some of the things that have been causing the high mortality rate of airlines in Nigeria. We have a minister that listens. He is one who was never given a little opportunity to succeed. He surprised all of us.

“He has no agenda from entrenched interest and that is what is working for him because what is causing problems in governance in Nigeria is when people who are in government decide to be involved in one wreck or the other, reaping where they did not sow or trying to use the instrumentality of their office to do certain things, then they start faltering. This minister has no entrenched interest. He is as open as a book.

“The problem in governance is, when people in government decide to be involved in one wreck or the other, reaping where they did not sow or using the instrumentality of their office to do certain things, then they start faltering,” he said

Chioma Kalu and Melissa Enoch

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