Overland Airways, Nigeria’s leading airline, has been appointed the Official Airline Carrier for the Itsekiri Global Homecoming scheduled for August 16 to 22, 2026. The appointment places the airline at the centre of a major gathering expected to attract sons, daughters and friends of the Itsekiri nation from Nigeria and the diaspora.
The Itsekiri Global Homecoming will also feature activities commemorating the 5th anniversary of the coronation of the Olu of Warri, His Majesty Ogiame Atuwase III. Therefore, the week-long celebration is expected to combine cultural activities, community engagement and opportunities for Itsekiri people worldwide to reconnect with their heritage.
Chief Executive Officer of Overland Airways, Capt. Edward Boyo, a prominent Itsekiri, congratulated the monarch and expressed the airline’s pride in supporting the historic gathering. He said the airline’s association with the celebration reflects its longstanding commitment to connecting communities and supporting economic, cultural and trade relations.
“The Management and Staff of Overland Airways congratulate His Majesty Ogiame Atuwase III on the 5th anniversary of ascending the throne of his fathers and join the millions of Itsekiri worldwide to pray for health, peace and prosperity during his reign.”
Itsekiri Global Homecoming Strengthens Air Connectivity
Capt. Boyo added that Overland Airways was proud to be associated with the Itsekiri Global Homecoming, describing the event as consistent with the airline’s wider mission. According to him, the airline has spent the past 24 years providing air connectivity while promoting economic, cultural and trade relations across the communities it serves.
The appointment also highlights the importance of air connectivity to the success of the homecoming. Meanwhile, the airline has announced discounted fares for travellers flying to Osubi Airport from Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos, giving participants an easier travel option for the celebration.
The development follows Overland Airways’ role in restarting scheduled airline services to Osubi Airport in 2025. The airline pioneered the restart with the deployment of brand-new Embraer 175 aircraft and has continued providing customer-focused services to Warri and neighbouring communities.
For travellers planning to attend the Itsekiri Global Homecoming, the discounted fares could provide a convenient option for reaching the Warri area.
Capt. Boyo reaffirmed the airline’s commitment to serving passengers and communities across its network. He said the carrier would continue focusing on reliable air services while supporting connectivity between people and communities.
“Overland Airways is committed to providing reliable air services to our customers across the communities that we operate.”
The airline has also evolved from an all-turboprop operation into a mixed fleet following the introduction of brand-new Embraer E175 jets. The fleet development reflects Overland Airways’ broader ambition to expand its connectivity while offering safe, reliable and affordable air travel.
The Itsekiri Global Homecoming is therefore expected to be an important moment for the Itsekiri community, particularly as it coincides with the 5th anniversary of the Olu of Warri’s coronation. In addition, the involvement of Overland Airways provides a dedicated air travel link for participants travelling from Lagos and beyond.
With the event scheduled for August 16 to 22, 2026, the airline’s appointment as Official Airline Carrier is expected to support easier access to the celebrations. Overland Airways’ discounted Lagos-Osubi fares could also encourage more participants to attend the gathering and experience the cultural programme planned for the week.
The partnership ultimately brings together aviation, culture and community, reinforcing the role of air connectivity in supporting major national and international gatherings. As preparations continue, the Itsekiri Global Homecoming is set to welcome participants for a celebration centred on heritage, unity and the 5th anniversary of the monarch’s reign.
