Air Peace chairman, Allen Onyema, bags honorary doctorate at FUOYE
By Jeffrey Agbo
The Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) marked a historic moment at its ninth convocation ceremony by conferring the Doctor of Business Administration (Honoris Causa) on Allen Onyema, the Chairman and Founder of Air Peace, Nigeria’s foremost airline and West Africa’s largest carrier.
This distinguished honour recognises his transformative impact on Nigeria’s aviation sector, his unwavering commitment to national unity and his remarkable humanitarian efforts.
The grand event brought together dignitaries, academia and industry leaders who gathered to celebrate Onyema’s legacy of service, innovation and patriotism. The honour was not merely an acknowledgment of his business acumen but also a tribute to his dedication to uplifting Nigerians and fostering peace across communities.
The convocation also celebrated other distinguished honorees including former Attorneys General of the Federation and Ministers of Justice, Senator Kanu Agabi, SAN, and Christopher Adebayo Ojo, SAN, as well as Olusegun Alebiosu, Managing Director of First Bank Nigeria.
In his address, FUOYE’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Abayomi Fasina, lauded Onyema for his philanthropic endeavours particularly highlighting his selfless evacuations of Nigerians in distress, his innovative strides in the aviation sector that have elevated Nigeria’s global standing and his unwavering patriotism in championing national unity.
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Onyema’s journey to becoming one of Nigeria’s most respected entrepreneurs is a testament to resilience, vision and purpose-driven leadership. As the founder of Air Peace, he transformed Nigeria’s aviation industry by bridging connectivity gaps, providing employment to thousands, and ensuring accessible and affordable air travel for millions.
His contributions extend beyond business. In 2019, at a time when xenophobic attacks threatened the lives of Nigerians in South Africa, Onyema deployed Air Peace aircraft to evacuate stranded citizens—at no cost. His selfless act earned him national and international recognition as a true humanitarian.
Moreover, through the Foundation for Ethnic Harmony in Nigeria (FEHN), Onyema has played a pivotal role in peacebuilding and conflict resolution, empowering thousands of youths with leadership and non-violence training. His initiatives have contributed significantly to social cohesion and national development.
In his acceptance speech, Onyema expressed profound gratitude to FUOYE and reiterated his belief in Nigeria’s potential. He urged students to embrace hard work, integrity and a spirit of service, emphasising that education and entrepreneurship remain critical tools for national transformation. Addressing the challenges within the education sector, he said, “Education should not rest solely on the shoulders of the Federal Government. The private sector must actively engage through investments, donations, and scholarships to foster academic excellence and innovation.”
FUOYE’s decision to honour Onyema aligns with the university’s commitment to recognising and celebrating individuals who exemplify excellence, innovation and selflessness. It highlights the vital role of academic institutions in shaping narratives that inspire future generations.
