By Olusegun Olanrewaju
The Chairman of Air Peace, Allen Onyema, has been recognised by the Nigerian Army with the prestigious award for ‘Outstanding Support/Service to the Nigerian Army’.
At the event, which marked the climax of 2024 Nigerian Army Day celebration. was held at the Maxwell Khobe Cantonment in Jos, Plateau State, at the weekend.
In attendance were the Honourable Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, and his Taraba State counterpart, Agbu Kefas.
Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt,-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, said the award was in recognition of Onyema’s continuous use of his airline and other enterprises to contribute to the socio-economic development of Nigeria, as well as outstanding service to the nation and humanity in general.
When Air Peace was established in 2014, Onyema announced a special initiative, a rebate, to support Nigerian military personnel.
Officers of the Nigerian military were offered flights at a reduced fare of N10,000.
In 2022, Air Peace further demonstrated its commitment to honouring military personnel by introducing a priority boarding policy for military officers, acknowledging their invaluable service to the country.
“It is our way of saying thank you for all they are doing for the country,” Onyema stated, highlighting his dedication to motivating and supporting the nation’s military.
In September 2023, Onyema pledged to introduce rebates on flight tickets for retired officers of the Nigerian military during his conferment with a Doctor of Management Science Degree by the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) at its 33rd Convocation Ceremony in Kaduna.
‘’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, reflecting his dedication as a Pan-Nigerian nationalist,’’ a citation read.
