August 18, (THEWILL) – The Anambra State Government has applauded Air Peace for its No-City-Left-Behind strategy that has seen it open operations in different parts of the country in the last few months.
In recent times, Air Peace has been opening up new routes across the country; the latest route operations were opened in Gombe and Ibadan, Oyo State, within a space of three days.
In a statement issued on Tuesday in Awka, the Anambra State capital, the government said that: “It is proud of the development record, the pan-African vision and commitment of the airline’s leadership, particularly its Chairman, Chief Allen Onyema, a worthy son of our great state.”
In the statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Mr C. Don Adinuba, the government commended “the carrier for an aggressive route development programme when airlines across the globe are managing to remain afloat as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic which dealt a serious blow to not just the aviation sector but also the entire tourism industry.”
It is delightful, according to the Anambra State government, that while some airlines are acquiring refurbished aircraft, Air Peace “has been purchasing a large number of brand new state-of-the-art equipment and deploying them on Nigerian domestic routes for the safety and comfort of our people.
The government urged other airlines to borrow a leaf from Air Peace by developing routes like Ibadan-Port Harcourt and Enugu-Kano to deepen national integration rather than continue with traditional flying from Abuja into Lagos and flying into other cities from these places.
It said: “Chief Onyema’s commitment to national unity and economic integration is reminiscent of Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe’s promotion of Nigeria’s unity as well as nationalism through journalism by establishing newspapers in places like Kano, Zaria, Lagos, Onitsha, Port Harcourt and others and forging solid friendships with individuals and by building enduring alliances with different groups throughout the nation.”
Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State, according to the Commissioner, has already called Onyema on the phone to congratulate him on the route development programme, which he described as capital intensive and time consuming, recalling how two aircraft from the Air Peace fleet flew into Anambra International Cargo and Passenger Airport under construction on Friday, April 30, on demonstration flights.
Revealing that the state airport will be commissioned soon, Adinuba said: “Governor Obiano also thanked the Air Peace Chairman for his support for working closely with the Anambra State Government to build a hangar at the state airport for the repair and maintenance of aircraft.”
He added “We are also delighted that Air Peace is working hard to see if the Embraer aviation company of Brazil can establish its African service centre in the state.
About the Author
Anthony Awunor, is a business correspondent who holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Linguistics (UNILAG). He is also an alumnus of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria Kaduna State. He lives in Lagos.
