A concerned group of Nigerians in the diaspora, the International Watchers, has singled out Air Peace Chief Executive Officer, Allen Onyema, for praise over what they describe as his consistent humanitarian support for Nigerians across the world.
In a statement made available to journalists, the group noted that Onyema’s interventions have, over the years, bridged critical gaps in emergency response, particularly in situations where citizens were stranded abroad or exposed to danger.
The group recalled that during the 2019 xenophobic attacks in South Africa, the Air Peace boss deployed aircraft at no cost to evacuate distressed Nigerians back home. According to them, the intervention not only provided immediate relief but also restored a sense of national pride at a time many felt abandoned.
They further highlighted Onyema’s similar gesture during the 2023 crisis in Sudan, where he offered to airlift Nigerians free of charge once they were moved to safer neighbouring countries. The group described the move as proactive and reflective of a deep sense of patriotism, noting that it came even before full-scale government mobilisation.
The International Watchers also referenced the 2025 repatriation of 78 trafficked Nigerian women from Côte d’Ivoire, facilitated by Onyema in collaboration with Nigerian diplomatic missions. Beyond their safe return, they noted that the victims were provided with medical and psychosocial support, describing the effort as a holistic approach to humanitarian intervention.
According to the group, Onyema’s contributions were equally evident during the global COVID-19 pandemic, when Air Peace operated evacuation flights from countries including China and Turkey. These efforts, they said, complemented government actions at a time when international travel restrictions posed significant challenges.
They added that the airline also played supportive roles during the Russia–Ukraine conflict, assisting in the evacuation of Nigerians caught in the crisis, further reinforcing Onyema’s reputation as a dependable figure in emergency situations.
Beyond crisis interventions, the group commended Onyema’s role in strengthening Nigeria’s aviation sector. They noted that through the expansion of Air Peace into international routes, he has contributed to stabilising airfares, improving access for Nigerian travellers, and reducing dependence on foreign carriers.
The group maintained that such efforts demonstrate the growing importance of private sector participation in national development, urging other business leaders to emulate Onyema’s model of combining enterprise with social responsibility.
They, however, called on relevant government agencies to institutionalise partnerships with indigenous operators like Air Peace to enhance rapid response mechanisms during emergencies, noting that collaboration remains key to safeguarding Nigerians both at home and abroad.
