Nigerian Army awards Onyema for Outstanding Support, Service

By Matthew Denis

The Chairman of Air Peace, Dr. Allen Ifechukwu Onyema has been recognized by the Nigerian Army with the prestigious award for “Outstanding Support/Service to the Nigerian Army” at the 2024 Nigerian Army Day Celebration.

The event was held at the Maxwell Khobe Cantonment in Jos, Plateau State on 06 July 2024 and in attendance were the Honourable Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, His Excellency, Barr Caleb Mutfwang, Governor of Plateau state and the Governor of Taraba state, His Excellency, Agbu Kefas.

According to the Chief of Army Staff of Nigeria, Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, the award is in recognition of Onyema’s continuous use of his airline and other enterprises to contribute to the socio-economic development of Nigeria and his 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 10,000 naira.

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 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.