Keyamo Hails Onyema as ‘The Oracle Himself’, Applauds Air Peace for Redefining Nigeria’s Aviation Frontier
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, has lauded Nigeria’s leading airline, Air Peace, and its Chairman, Dr. Allen Ifechukwu Onyema, for their groundbreaking achievement in launching direct flights from Abuja to London Heathrow Airport – a milestone he described as a transformative moment in the nation’s aviation history.
Speaking at the colourful inaugural ceremony held at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, Keyamo extolled Air Peace for its unwavering vision, patriotism, and resilience in taking Nigerian aviation to new heights.
The Minister emphasised that the airline’s successful acquisition of a highly coveted Heathrow slot represents not just a victory for Air Peace but also a demonstration of the strength and competitiveness of indigenous operators on the global stage.
“This achievement is a major statement of intent – that Nigerian airlines have the capacity to compete favourably with the best in the world,” Keyamo declared. “It symbolises a new era where our own operators no longer play second fiddle in international aviation but lead boldly with excellence and integrity.”
The Minister, who attended the event alongside senior government officials and representatives of the Presidency – including the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Hon. Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia – expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his foresight and steadfast support of local carriers.
He reiterated that the Federal Government’s aviation policy under President Tinubu was deliberately crafted to encourage growth, sustainability, and the global competitiveness of indigenous airlines.
“The mandate from Mr. President was clear: to support the growth, development, and sustenance of our local entrepreneurs within the aviation sector,” Keyamo affirmed. “Air Peace is the biggest player we have in Nigerian aviation today, and it is the duty of the government to stand firmly behind such visionary local businesses.”
Keyamo revealed that the Abuja–Heathrow route materialised after months of high-level diplomatic engagements between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, which resulted in a more balanced and equitable bilateral air service agreement.
He noted that this breakthrough stands as proof of what can be achieved when government and private enterprise align with a shared national purpose.
The new Abuja–Heathrow service follows nearly two years after Air Peace’s successful launch of direct flights between Lagos and London Gatwick, further consolidating its position as the first Nigerian carrier to operate direct services from both Lagos and Abuja to the United Kingdom.
In a glowing tribute to Air Peace’s founder, Keyamo hailed Dr. Allen Onyema as a visionary leader, describing him as “the Oracle himself” – a patriotic investor whose determination and courage have continually redefined the possibilities within Nigeria’s aviation industry.
“This is a huge investment driven purely by faith in the Nigerian dream,” Keyamo remarked. “Dr. Onyema’s courage, consistency, and commitment to national progress embody the true spirit of nation-building. As a government, we will continue to promote and protect businesses like Air Peace that are proudly flying the Nigerian flag across the world.”
He further asserted that the success of Air Peace marks a new dawn for Nigeria’s aviation industry, demonstrating that local carriers, when properly supported, can meet and even exceed international standards.
With the inauguration of the Abuja–London Heathrow service, Air Peace has not only expanded its international footprint but also cemented its reputation as West and Central Africa’s largest carrier.
The milestone reinforces the airline’s mission to connect Nigeria to the world through safe, reliable, and world-class air travel – a testament to the spirit of Nigerian excellence and innovation.
