Vice President Shettima Celebrates Air Peace at 10, Describes Airline as Nigerian Pride

Vice President Shettima Celebrates Air Peace at 10, Describes Airline as Nigerian Pride
L-R: Dr. Allen Onyema, Chairman/CEO, Air Peace Limited; Saidu Ahmed Alkali, Minister of Transportation representing Vice President Kashim Shettima; Governor Godwin Obaseki, Edo State Governor; Festus Keyamo, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development; and Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, Chairman, United Nigeria Airline during the 10th anniversary of Air Peace held at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Isaland, Lagos.

October 25th marked a milestone for Nigeria’s Air Peace, as the airline celebrated its 10th Anniversary and was hailed as “a Nigerian product and a Nigerian pride” by the Vice President, Kashim Shettima. 

The Vice President commended the airline’s resilience, patriotism, and its notable contributions to Nigeria’s economy and aviation sector.

The event, held in grand style, drew an impressive turnout of dignitaries, with all 36 state governors participating – some in person and others represented. 

Key figures from various sectors also joined the celebration, underscoring Air Peace’s standing in the Nigerian market and the respect it has garnered within the business community.

Vice President Shettima’s remarks celebrated the airline’s steadfast role in connecting Nigerians, both within the country and abroad. 

He described the 10-year milestone as evidence of Air Peace’s “enduring presence in both Nigerian skies and the hearts of Nigerians.” 

The Vice President praised the airline for its role as a bridge for commerce and tourism, lauding its expansion of domestic routes and its success in positioning Nigeria as a regional hub for air travel.

Furthermore, the Vice President applauded Dr Allen Onyema, the Chairman of Air Peace, for his vision and commitment to job creation, noting that Air Peace has provided employment opportunities not only for Nigerians but also for citizens of neighbouring countries. 

“Air Peace has displayed an exceptional level of resilience that speaks to the strength of its leadership and workforce,” Shettima noted, underscoring the airline’s ability to navigate challenges within the aviation industry.

The Vice President reiterated the federal government’s dedication to supporting the aviation sector, highlighting the recent approval of the Cape Town Convention on aviation leasing. 

This move, he explained, will enable airlines like Air Peace to reduce operational costs and enhance their competitiveness. 

Such policy measures, Shettima stressed, reflect the government’s commitment to securing the future of Nigeria’s aviation industry and to protecting pioneering brands like Air Peace.

In a stirring part of his speech, Shettima acknowledged the airline’s dedication to national service, recounting instances when Air Peace stepped up to repatriate Nigerians stranded in conflict zones in countries such as Sudan, Libya, and South Africa. 

He commended the airline’s efforts, which have been a source of pride and reassurance for Nigerians at home and abroad.

The Vice President concluded his speech with a call to action for Air Peace, urging it to continue its people-centric approach. 

“Prioritise the people, listen to them, and carry them along,” he advised, encouraging the airline to hold steadfast to its values and community focus.

As Air Peace looks towards the next decade, it does so with a strengthened commitment to its mission of connecting Nigerians with the world, embodying both resilience and pride. 

The Vice President’s message, delivered on his behalf by the Minister of Transport, Hon. Sa’idi Alkali Ahmed, resonated strongly with attendees, reinforcing Air Peace’s reputation as an emblem of Nigerian ingenuity and service in the skies.

Tersoo Agber

Journalist, Travel enthusiast, PR consultant, Content manager/editor, Online publisher.