A decade of resilience: Air Peace celebrates a legacy of aviation excellence

Marking a milestone in Nigeria’s aviation history, Air Peace celebrates 10 years of growth and service, overcoming industry challenges with resilience, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to connecting communities across Africa and beyond.

Amidst pomp and pageantry, Nigeria’s and West Africa’s biggest airline, Air Peace, pulled out all the stops to mark its 10th anniversary, surrounded by the airlines’ staff, trade partners, government and public dignitaries, as well as friends and supporters of the brand.

To honour the milestone achievement, Air Peace hosted a well-attended, talk-of-the-town event at the Convention Center, Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos. Despite the rain, the celebrations went as planned as the hall was filled to capacity.

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10 Years of Resilience

Themed “10 Years of Resilience”, the event celebrated a decade marked by dedication, innovation, and dogged excellence in Nigeria’s aviation space. The evening took attendees through the airline’s journey, from its ambitious launch of seven aircraft on its first day of operations to its current status as West Africa’s leading airline.

Air Peace Chairman and CEO, Dr Allen Ifechukwu Onyema, delivered a heartfelt message of gratitude to the airline’s staff, stakeholders, loyal passengers, and dignitaries in attendance.

“Resilience is more than a theme—it’s the spirit that drives us to connect cities, nations, and people across borders.” Praising the airlines’ doggedness over the last decade, he said if they had faltered, it would have affected the trajectory of the Nigerian aviation industry.

Dr Onyema thanked the president and the aviation minister for the positive changes carried out in the sector as well as fostering a supportive business environment.

“For the times we have disappointed you or didn’t meet your expectations, we are sorry,” he added to the airline’s customers. “But just know that your safety is of utmost importance to us and we will continue to improve. Air Peace was set up to provide jobs, help the country, and provide value. This is a pan-Nigerian company and it will always remain so.”

With aviation-inspired décor and a walkway chronicling the airline’s journey, guests walked through key milestones representing the airline’s origins, its extensive route expansions across Africa and internationally, fleet additions, and impactful corporate social responsibility (CSR) projects.

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The event was attended by distinguished personalities, including Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State; Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo; Vice President of Nigeria, Kashim Shettima, represented by the Minister of Transportation, Sa’idu Ahmed Alkali; Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi; MD, Fidelity Bank, Dr Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe; Sales Director, Boeing Commercial Aviation, Moore Ibekwe Jr; Vice President of Sales, Embraer Commercial Aviation, Francisco Moraes; Chairman, United Nigeria Airlines, Dr Obiora Okonkwo; and First Lady of The Gambia, Fatoumata Bah-Barrow.

Goodwill messages and testimonials

Goodwill messages were also read out by the Chief Operating Officer of Ibom Air, George Uriesi; Special Adviser on Diaspora and Foreign Affairs to Kaduna State, representing the Governor of Kaduna State, Uba Sani, Maureen Okogwu-Ikokwu; and Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo.

Representing the airline’s corporate partners, Dr Onyeali-Ikpe, the MD of Fidelity Bank, hailed the airline’s resilience and inspirational business model, highlighting its economic impact and community initiatives.

Minister Festus Keyamo echoed this sentiment, pledging the government’s continued support for Air Peace’s future endeavours, including expansion of routes and continued excellence.

Congratulating Air Peace, Governor Obaseki noted the airline’s service to Nigerian citizens, especially in areas with limited road infrastructure. He praised the airline’s role in fostering tourism and business growth in Edo and across Nigeria.

Representing the Vice President, Senator Alkali acknowledged Air Peace’s contribution to regional integration, underscoring its extensive network as a foundation for cultural and commercial exchange.

Awarding dedication

A special award ceremony was held during the event to honour devoted staff who have exemplified dedication over the past decade. Categories included Longest Serving Staff Award (Joseph Oludele); Longest Serving Pilot Award (Captain Victor Iwo Brown); Longest Serving Cabin Crew Award (Ikwo Edeth Iyanam, Pauline Aiya-Obaze, Mayowa Junior Samuel, and Adewale Oluwaseun Oyebade); Longest Serving Support Staff Award (Stella Kobindi Muomelite and Onehi Gafar Eira); Longest Serving Ground Operations Award (Leonard Olisakwe); Longest Serving Engineer Award (Henry Uchenna Azubuike); and Longest Serving Aviation Security Award (Monsuru Olasheinde Akinbola).

The Flyer of Devotion Award was presented to individuals who had flown with Air Peace over 200 times. The award recipients include Ndudi Elumelu, Obinna Ofili, Emeka Ariguzo, David Badejo, Busuyi Oluwadare, Ebere Uzozie, Omonigho Akpovona, and Yiannakis Christodoulou.

The Flyer of Distinction Award, given to individuals who had flown with Air Peace over 250 times, was presented to Emeka Iwuchukwu and Olumbe Akinkugbe.

The airline also recognised its top trade partners in the travel sector. They included Wakanow, Travelstart, Satguru, Bon Voyage, Orih Travel and Tours, Shepherd Trust Microfinance Bank, Business Travel Management, Trips.ng, TG Travels, Finchglow, Super International Travels, Quantum Travels, Mfest Travels, Chellas Travel Service Limited, and Touchdown.

The Outstanding Technical Leadership Award was presented to the airline’s Chief Operating Officer, Oluwatoyin Olajide; Fidelity Bank received the Best Financial Partner Award; and Ejiroghene Eghagha got the Exemplary Leadership Award.

Electrifying performances

The celebration was a fusion of glamour and entertainment, featuring electrifying performances from top Nigerian artists.

Soulful renditions by Efezino and Mirabel Chisom set the mood, followed by Ada Ehi, who captivated the crowd with her uplifting songs. Comedian Kenny Blaq brought humour to the evening, followed by Timi Dakolo’s powerful performance of Great Nation, which resonated deeply with the audience.

Kcee and Flavour followed with performances that had the guests dancing, while Davido closed the night with an exhilarating set, delivering hit after hit to the audience’s delight.

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From seven aircraft and five destinations on the first day of operations to a leader in West African aviation, Air Peace has achieved remarkable growth since its founding in 2014 by Dr Allen Onyema. With a mission to connect people across Africa and beyond, Air Peace has introduced numerous international and domestic routes, supported by a fleet of Boeing and Embraer aircraft. The airline’s “No City Left Behind” initiative has brought service to underserved regions, furthering social and economic development.

Air Peace’s commitment to CSR—from scholarships and health programmes to environmental conservation efforts—has changed lives.

The anniversary celebration was not only a tribute to the airline’s success but also a reminder of its dedication to elevating African aviation and unwavering commitment to connecting communities across borders.