The 30th Anniversary Celebration of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in Abuja became a moment of national reflection as the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Air Peace, Dr Allen Onyema, was unveiled and honoured as a Distinguished Human Rights Defender. The gathering, held at the Nigerian Airforce Conference Centre, drew notable voices across Nigeria’s human rights community and reaffirmed the NHRC mission to uphold dignity and justice for all. The recognition placed the NHRC at the centre of a renewed national conversation on human rights leadership.
The honour presented to Dr Onyema stemmed from his sustained humanitarian work, which the NHRC described as a symbol of courage, empathy and unwavering commitment to the vulnerable. His rescue interventions for trafficked Nigerian girls in Côte d’Ivoire, as well as the free evacuation flights that brought Nigerians home during the xenophobic crisis in South Africa, demonstrated a consistent belief in the sanctity of life. The NHRC also highlighted the emergency airlifts Air Peace provided during the COVID-19 outbreak and at other critical moments of conflict across Africa. These efforts strengthened the NHRC’s emphasis on timely action and social responsibility.
His long-standing advocacy for peace in the Niger Delta further shaped the profile celebrated at the event. Dr Onyema’s non-violent transformation programmes were recognised as key contributions to regional stability. He also offered wide support to Nigerian sportsmen and women while extending critical relief assistance to internally displaced persons in the North. These actions aligned closely with the NHRC philosophy of inclusive protection and national cohesion. The Commission noted that his service history illustrated a pattern of leadership defined by compassion rather than convenience.
The honour added to Dr Onyema’s expanding list of national commendations. Among them is the National Productivity Order of Merit, which acknowledged his influence in corporate leadership and humanitarian initiatives. The latest recognition strengthened the NHRC narrative that defending human rights requires both institutional resolve and individual dedication. The Commission described him as a patriot whose interventions consistently restore faith in shared humanity.
The ceremony closed with applause for all honourees as the NHRC marked three decades of safeguarding rights and promoting dignity across Nigeria. The anniversary celebration reinforced the NHRC message that human rights protection remains a collective responsibility and a benchmark for national progress.
The organisers also honoured other distinguished figures including Prof. Wole Soyinka, GCON; Alhaja Saudatu Mahdi, MFR; Prof. Ngozi Joy Ezeilo, SAN, OON; Dr Abdul Shaibu Oroh, OON; Dr Jake Epelle; Prof. Yusuf Ali, SAN; Chief (Mrs) Erelu Bisi Adeleye-Fayemi; and Barr. Mrs Ayo Obe, OON.
