The Chairman of Air Peace, Dr. Allen Onyema has been described as a Pan Nigerian nationalist by the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR).
Speaking during the Diamond jubilee Awards Night of the Institute,
the institute’s President and Chairman of Council, Dr. Ike Neliaku (FNIPR) commended Air Peace and its Chairman for always representing Nigeria and supporting the nation through philanthropic efforts and the provision of mass employment.
The NIPR honoured Onyema with the Diamond Prize for Excellence in the Promotion of Brand Nigeria during the institute’s 60th Anniversary ceremony held at the Congress Hall of the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja on the 27th of June, 2024.
In his presentation speech, Dr. Ike Neliaku stated that the Diamond Prize for Excellence was awarded to recognize Onyema’s achievements and unwavering support in building brand Nigeria and standing with her against all odds.
He further stated, “Onyema is the Nigerian of today, tomorrow, and forever because he always advocates for a greater Nigeria and will do whatever it takes to see that Nigeria achieves greatness. He is the torch that spreads the light of Nigeria globally. He is a Pan Nigerian Nationalist”
In an unprecedented gesture, the institution presented Onyema with his award along with a bank cheque for the sum of two hundred thousand Naira.
Onyema, amidst other dignitaries, stated, “Nigerians should stand up against being stigmatized by other nations. We are a great nation. The only people who can save us from this stigma are ourselves. Until we rise up and refuse to bend, others will continue to ride us and take advantage of us. It is no longer about selfish interests but about the collective good of everyone in Nigeria.”
He also offered solutions, emphasizing that Nigerians should be ever ready to face these challenges if they want to progress from a state of “low” to a state of “excellence.
He further stated, “We have 378 ethnic nationalities in Nigeria. This is sure strength in diversity. This is something that other countries look forward to having. We all believe that there is strength in diversity, and as Nigerians, we have to find our strength in our uniqueness.”
Onyema received rapturous applause from the audience as he came on stage to receive his award.
In his acceptance speech, Onyema expressed his deep appreciation to NIPR for the prestigious award, affirming his strong belief in their mission and goals for the nation. He remarked, “On a day like this, I am immensely proud to be Nigerian. Seeing Nigerians from all walks of life, different ethnicities, and religions embracing each other gives me hope that this country will remain united forever.”
Onyema also praised former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, stating, “He is a peacemaker and statesman.”
Grateful for the honor and recognition, he urged the institution to create a program that will encourage Nigerians to think of themselves as one nation, unified by broad nationalism as against ethnic and religious nationalism.
Dignitaries in attendance included Nigeria’s former Head State, General Yakubu Gowon and several serving and former Ministers
It can be recalled that in 2019, Onyema freely airlifted 503 stranded Nigerians amidst the xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in South Africa. During the COVID-19 period in 2020, he used Air Peace for the evacuation of Nigerians from several countries free of charge, not forgetting his free evacuation of stranded Nigerians out of Sudan during the crisis in that country in 2023.
