Air Peace and its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Dr Allen Onyema, have received a double award at the 2026 Nigeria’s Pride Awards. The honours recognise the airline’s contribution to Nigerian aviation, infrastructure investment, job creation and international connectivity. Onyema was named Outstanding Responsible Corporate Citizen of the Decade, while Air Peace emerged Best Airline of the Decade.
The awards were presented on November 10, 2026, at the Grand Hall of Barcelona Hotel, Abuja. The First Green White Resource Centre (FGWRC), publishers of African Leadership Scorecard Magazine, Nationwide Reports and The Beauties of Nigeria TV, organised the ceremony.
The recognition highlights the airline’s growth and its expanding role in Nigeria’s aviation industry. It also acknowledges Onyema’s leadership and commitment to corporate citizenship and national development.
Air Peace Award Recognises Aviation Investment and Humanitarian Service
According to the organisers’ citation, Air Peace earned recognition for its transformation into a leading Nigerian airline. The citation highlighted its investment in aviation infrastructure, employment generation and human-capital development. It also recognised the airline’s expansion into international markets and contribution to increased competition within the aviation sector.
In addition, the organisers acknowledged Air Peace’s humanitarian interventions, particularly its evacuation operations involving Nigerians during periods of crisis. Its support for Nigerian sports and other national causes also featured prominently in the citation.
The airline’s contribution to making international travel more affordable through increased competition was another factor behind the award. These achievements, according to the organisers, demonstrate the wider economic and social impact of its operations.
Onyema’s individual honour recognises the leadership behind the airline’s development and its record of responsible corporate citizenship. His initiatives supporting Nigerians and contributing to national development also formed part of the recognition.
Organisers Commend Onyema’s Leadership
Speaking at the presentation, Founder and Organiser of Nigeria’s Pride Awards, Mr Bonaventure Phillips Melah, commended Onyema’s leadership. He also praised Air Peace for its contributions through aviation investment, job creation, humanitarian service and international connectivity.
Melah said the recognition reflected the importance of individuals and organisations making meaningful contributions to Nigeria’s development. The awards celebrate leadership that advances national progress, unity and human welfare.
Meanwhile, receiving the honours on behalf of Onyema and Air Peace, the airline’s spokesperson, Mr Osifo-Whiskey Efeoghene, expressed appreciation to FGWRC and the organising committee.
He said the awards reflected Onyema’s commitment to building a Nigerian airline with a strong national purpose. He also credited Air Peace employees for their dedication to connecting communities, creating opportunities and serving the country.
The spokesperson’s remarks underscored the importance of collective effort in sustaining the airline’s growth. He acknowledged that the achievements recognised by the award extended beyond individual leadership to the contributions of the entire workforce.
Nigeria’s Pride Awards Celebrate National Contributions
Nigeria’s Pride Awards recognises individuals and organisations whose leadership and service contribute to national development. Its scope includes contributions to peace, unity and the wellbeing of humanity.
For Air Peace, the latest recognition adds to its public profile as a major Nigerian aviation operator. The double award also places renewed attention on the relationship between private-sector investment, aviation development and national economic growth.
However, the honours extend beyond the airline’s commercial operations. They also highlight the growing importance of humanitarian interventions, employment opportunities and international connectivity in assessing corporate contributions to society.
With Onyema receiving the individual distinction and Air Peace taking the airline category, the 2026 ceremony delivered two significant recognitions for the Nigerian aviation industry.
