Chief Allen Ifechukwu Onyeama: A Pillar in Nigeria’s Aviation Industry, Undeserving of Victimization

Chief Allen Ifechukwu Onyeama, the Chairman of AirPeace, stands as one of Nigeria’s most accomplished and hardworking entrepreneurs. His airline, AirPeace, has not only redifined the aviation landscape but has also provided immense relief to millions of Nigerians. With relentless determination and a vision to democratize air travel, Onyeama has grown AirPeace into a dominant force, one that competes directly with global airlines. Yet, despite his monumental contributions to Nigeria’s aviation sector, he is repeatedly subjected to scrutiny, victimization, and disparagement from foreign authorities and Western media. This ongoing attack on Onyeama is not just an attack on an individual but a blatant affront to the Nigerian aviation sector, and it calls for urgent action from all stakeholders.

At a time when the cost of air travel was skyrocketing, seemingly without bounds, it was AirPeace that stepped in to stabilize the market. Nigerians had been at the mercy of astronomical airfares, as foreign carriers monopolized major routes. The ripple effect was devastating, limiting the capacity of the average citizen to fly and stifling the growth of the nation’s aviation industry. However, AirPeace, under the astute leadership of Chief Onyeama, disrupted this narrative. By offering competitive pricing and expanding its domestic, regional and international reach, AirPeace provided Nigerians with an affordable and reliable alternative. The significance of this cannot be overstated—AirPeace became a symbol of healthy competition, lifting the industry and curbing exploitative practices by foreign carriers.

The success of AirPeace’s international routes, including the historic commencement of flights to London Gatwick, is a testament to its pivotal role in strengthening Nigeria’s bilateral air service agreements (BASA). The landmark push by Nigeria’s Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo SAN, to secure favorable BASA routes would not have had the same impact without the involvement of AirPeace. The airline’s presence on international routes—especially with major destinations like London—challenged long-standing monopolies and helped reduce fares that had been skyrocketing. This development not only empowered the Nigerian consumer but also marked a significant victory for local airlines in a fiercely competitive global market.

Onyeama’s AirPeace is paving the way for other Nigerian airlines to capitalize on more BASA routes, unlocking a new era of international connectivity and competition. His contribution has been nothing short of revolutionary, a fact that should be celebrated rather than subjected to unwarranted attacks.

The repeated victimization of Chief Onyeama by U.S. authorities and the Western press appears increasingly orchestrated, raising suspicions that it is part of a larger agenda to destabilize Nigeria’s aviation sector. It is no coincidence that as AirPeace rises and disrupts the status quo, Onyeama faces intensified scrutiny. This situation should raise alarms for all Nigerians, especially those within the aviation industry.

This is not just Onyeama’s fight—it is a fight for the survival and autonomy of Nigeria’s aviation sector. At a time when the nation is striving to assert its place on the global stage, the attack on AirPeace, the closest entity Nigeria has to a national flag carrier, is an attack on the industry’s collective future. Let no one be mistaken—Chief Allen Onyeama’s plight is a battle for the soul of Nigerian aviation, and the fallout will affect not just AirPeace but hundreds of its employees and the broader economy.

If the authorities, regulators, and stakeholders within the aviation sector fail to rally around Onyeama now, it will be a monumental loss for the country. It is a moment that demands unity, not division. The future of Nigerian aviation depends on the survival of its biggest players, and Chief Onyeama, as the Vice President of the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), embodies the aspirations and ambitions of countless Nigerians. His downfall would be a blow not only to AirPeace but to every stakeholder who believes in the growth and competitiveness of the Nigerian aviation sector.

If I were a member of the AON, I would not sit idly while one of our most illustrious members faces such unfair persecution. The fact that Onyeama has built one of the largest employers in Nigeria’s aviation industry speaks volumes about his dedication, vision, and capability. Allowing him to fall victim to external forces is tantamount to delivering a slap to the entire aviation community.

Defending Our Own: A Matter of National Pride
We must ask ourselves: if we do not defend our own, who will? Chief Allen Onyeama’s contributions to Nigeria’s aviation industry should inspire pride, not condemnation. AirPeace is the pride of Nigeria’s aviation sector, representing our collective ambition to compete on the global stage. The airline is a symbol of our capacity to build and sustain world-class businesses that challenge global giants, providing critical services at home and abroad.

This is the time for the Nigerian government, aviation regulators, and all industry stakeholders to stand together. We must reject any agenda—whether foreign or domestic—that seeks to tarnish the achievements of one of our finest entrepreneurs. The aviation roadmap for Nigeria, painstakingly dreamt by the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo SAN and being charted by Chief Onyeama and others, must not be derailed by baseless accusations and targeted victimization.

The Time for Action Is Now
Chief Allen Onyeama and AirPeace represent the future of Nigeria’s aviation industry. His plight is not just his own but a call to action for all Nigerians. The stakes have never been higher, and this is a turning point in the history of Nigerian aviation. If we do not act now, we risk allowing foreign interests to dismantle the progress we have worked so hard to achieve.

The time to eschew bitterness and rally around our own is now. Let us not allow external forces to sow division, or as the saying goes, “smear our white clothes with blood.” We must come together in defense of Chief Onyeama and AirPeace. The survival of the Nigerian aviation industry depends on it.

Chike Stanley, a concerned aviation investor writes from Abuja.

EVELYN JOSHUA ROUSES APOSTOLIC AGE REVIVAL IN ARGENTINA

BY DARE ADEJUMO

The face of apostolic revival is changing in Argentina. A new wind of change, blowing across the entire Latin America’s with the CRUSADE of Pastor Evelyn Joshua of the Synagogue Church Of All Nations SCOAN just held at PORTAL DEL CIELO in Resistencia, CHACO in Argentina
Portal Del Cielo (door of heaven) as the name of the venue implies became symbolic for the new birth in which over 80’000 predominantly white people that attended the two-day power-packed revival were held spell bond!
Obviously there must have been some intuitive awakening in the people. Twenty four hours before the event, scores of people were already arriving at the premises, spending the night under the outside canopy not minding the 19 degree centigrade of the cold weather gripping the jugular of the land as they couldn’t access the venue till the day of the event.
The expectation is palpably high. The crowd was unimaginable. The venue was filled to the brim. The surrounding open fields, of about five acres of land, apart from the inside bowl suddenly became an emergency additional overflow for a myriad of people who could neither find a place to sit nor stand inside the main bowl.
Pastor Evelyn Joshua had earlier in her message told the audience about God’s good mission of love for mankind and the wind of change that was about to blow in the country. Touched by the enthusiasm of the crowd who were ardently seeking the face of God, Pastor Joshua assured them that God would never disappoint anyone who genuinely put his or trust in Him.
“A time for God is a time for renewal. The glorious hour for the turn around in your challenges has come. Get ready for God’s shower of blessings upon your lives and the land”. Pastor Evelyn Joshua stated.
Quoting profusely from the books of Hebrew, Romans, John, Mark and Psalms, the woman of God enjoined the people to yield their hearts to the words of God and make His words the standard for their lives. “You must maintain a close relationship with God and you must be of unconditional love and active faith to flow in God’s will without which you cannot achieve anything from God” she further stated, adding that “without a genuine love, God can never entrust anyone with His power”.
As expected the crusade was a dream fulfilled for the people who were yearning for deliverance, healing, blessings and salvation. In a reminiscence of the penticost, the venue was turned upside down with the rainfall of deliverance for the souls under the demonic grip of Satan, just as healings were taking place simultaneously from several people who were there with various afflictions, diseases including mental cases, paralysis, those in crutches and all forms of challenges whether marital, drug addiction, sexual pervasion, suicidal spirits among others. Several people were violently rolling on the floor, uncountable demonized people were manifesting just as many others were vomiting all evil things in their stomachs with tumultuous and cacophonic noises! Some were energetically hissing or mewing; barking or yelling with all orgies of hubble-bubbles, hullabaloos with ferociously terrifying countenances!
It was really a tough time for SCOAN’S ushers who were almost overwhelmed by the crowd of satanic victims arrested by the Holy Spirit.
Several people from the neighbouring countries such as Chile, Paraguay, Brazil, Uruguay, Colombia, among others were visibly present.
Hear pastor Willy Gancia with three other pastors from Brazil: “we are happy to witness this move of God here in the hand of Pastor Evelyn Joshua. We thank God for the grace upon her life. We all knew Prophet TBJOSHUA as a true man of God for we witnessed and had direct experience with him while on earth. Our joy is full. This is a new beginning for the land of Argentina. Thank God that we are partaker of the blessings in this crusade”.
To Fredi Marcel Bianchi from Uruguay: “’we are plenty here from our country to partake of the blessings in this crusade. We know that God is with this ministry of TBJOSHUA and you can see that enormous grace upon Pastor Evelyn Joshua. We in Uruguay don’t want to be passed by. The presence of God here is real; for we can see the moves of the Holy Spirit”.
Monica Yopice, a leader from Chile: “we are quite familiar with this ministry and we know all the devices of Satan against it. We are grateful to God that His holy name has continued to be glorified in SCOAN. Blessed are they that have their eyes clearly open to see God’s presence with the ministry. We are here for the blessings because in every occasion such as this, the blessings of God upon the people cannot be underestimated. We are grateful to God for being here”.
Argentines were particularly happy for the crusade experience as such had never occurred in their land. It was like a national festival as people came from all nooks and crannies for the crusade. Christians and none christians in their thousands were in the crusade. Residents of Resistencia were particularly elated for hosting the crusade which has brought a lot of transformation to the lives of the people.
Guillermo Alejandra a prominent community leader: “This is a great event in our life here. What we could see happening practically was beyond explanation. I am happy to witness the crusade. It’s a blessing for the Argentines”.
A medical practitioner, Dr Elisa Mbango from Angola living in BuenosAires: “I flew down here to partake in this crusade. It’s that directed me to come. God is with Evelyn Joshua. I know coming to attend is a blessing for me”.
A?Pastor Juan Juorez: has this to say: “God is awesome. I am happy this is happening in our land. I thank God for showing us this great mercy. What a great blessing to our land especially at this time.
The Argentine Republic is a country in South America with an area of 2’780’400km. Second largest country in South America after Brazil; the 4th largest in America and the 8th in the world Argentina has its own unsalutory enormous shares in the economic and social problems confronting the world today.
Many dignitaries from all walks of life attended the crusade including Carmel Britto, President of the CHACO Province Chamber of Deputies, Jorge Gomez, a government minister, Roy Nikishch, Mayor of Resistencia, Gracias Pedro Luis, Director or Worship and Affairs, Fernando Tometo, Commissioner of Police, Veronica Liliana Mazzaroly, Minister of Tourism, Lt Col Santiago Villagra, Pablo Mujica, Secretary of Human Development, Javier Pinero, Director of Worship Affairs in Resistencia, Pastors Robert Acosta, Susan Perez, Jorge Ledesma and Alicia Ladesma among several others.

A predominantly Christian country but where the apostolic fire has been in abeyance, Pastor Evelyn Joshua has rekindled hope and lightened the fire of Christian revival not only in Argentina but the entire Latin America’s to the people’s delight. It’s the dawn of a new Christian era.

Keyamo: Appraising the exploits of a giant achiever

By Kunle Olalekan

Personality is a multifaceted concept unfolding through observable behaviours, traits, and interactions. These indicators include character, physical presence, verbal communication, nonverbal cues, interpersonal relationships, distinctive habits and traits, and environmental interactions.

Research reveals a strong link between conscientiousness, achievement, and personality. Conscientiousness encompasses orderliness, rule adherence, dutifulness, focus, goal-oriented behaviour, and impulse control. Achievement, meanwhile, involves completing tasks with requisite effort, skill, or courage. Notably, conscientious achievement is driven more by consistent effort than sheer willpower.

This interplay of internal and external characteristics forms a comprehensive picture of an individual’s identity, influencing their values, beliefs, and actions – publicly and privately. This concept is exemplified in the remarkable life and career of Chief Barrister Festus Egwarewa Keyamo, SAN, CON, FCIArb UK, Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development.

Chief Festus Keyamo, born January 21, 1970, in Ughelli, Delta State, has a remarkable life story. His childhood experiences shaped his personality, conscientiousness, and future achievements. As a lawyer, activist, and columnist, Keyamo faced criticism and attacks for his convictions and opposition to unjust policies.

He courageously defied military rule and poor governance, risking personal freedom and safety. In 2015, Keyamo rallied Nigerians to vote out President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration, citing insecurity, corruption, and economic concerns. He also boldly spoke out on high-profile cases, such as Chief Bola Ige’s murder, advising the nation to seek truth and justice.

Keyamo is a highly respected figure in Nigeria, known for his wise counsel, unwavering stance, and strong voice, which have become a beacon of hope for a nation in need of reform. His thoughts, wise counsel, doggedness, uncompromising stands, and voice have not only become the voice of reawakening and consciousness to a sleeping nation but also reformative, timely, and directional as it invokes hindsight.

He spoke against the abdication of state duties and engagement in petty politics, bickering, and divisiveness by officials of successive administrations. As a forceful voice in national development and patriotism, economy, social order, politics, religion, and statesmanship, he elicited reactions and reforms in various shades of national life and governance.

Chief Keyamo’s early life, discipline, and strong personality are positive attributes. Even as a young man, he recalled being disciplined by his father for inviting girls to their house. As the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Chief Festus Keyamo has no escape route; he is aware that he must work the talk. His positive public criticism must bear on the observance of official duties as proof of integrity, character, personality, and conscientiousness.

Upon assuming duty as the helmsman of the Ministry, he initiated strong actions and revolutionary transformation aimed at repositioning the nation’s aviation and aerospace sector for sustainable growth. Chief Keyamo’s formative agenda is to secure the improvement and development of infrastructure for passengers’ convenience, optimize revenue generation, and reform the sector to meet market dynamics and global uncertainties.

A man with zero tolerance for incompetence, Chief Festus, within a year, reviewed several international travel protocols in Nigeria. Upon touring the nation’s major airports, he immediately directed relocation from the old terminal of the Murtala Mohammed International Airport to the new one, insisting that with 60 check-in counters underutilized in the new terminal, there was no reason to continue using the old terminal.

As a fervent nationalist, Chief Keyamo reversed the National Flag Carrier deal of President Mohammed Buhari’s administration, deeming it not beneficial to Nigeria, driven by the conviction that no local airline should be designated as a national flag carrier. To foster healthy relationships with major partners in the Aviation and Aerospace sector for Nigerians’ ultimate benefit, he carried out major interventions.

Considering Nigeria’s huge investment and interest in the United Arab Emirates, Chief Festus Keyamo initiated diplomatic moves to enhance competition, reduce high fares, and establish a dynamic flight arrangement. This led to the amicable settlement of conflicts, reversal of visa restrictions, and improved flight arrangements.

Convinced that aviation demands professionalism, good conduct, and friendly disposition, Chief Keyamo trained and retrained Federal Aviation Authority of Nigeria staff. To boost revenue generation, stop leakages, and reduce VIP privileges abuse, he enforced Access Gate Fees at all airports using technology. As a transformative leader, Chief Keyamo undertook meetings to resolve labour conflicts, protect staff from VIP and military molestation, and promote dialogue and the rule of law. He demonstrated humility by correcting mistakes and releasing corrigenda to show capacity and extend goodwill.

Notably, Nigeria’s aviation global rating significantly improved, as rated by the Aviation Working Group. This rating brings comfort to financiers and lessors, and increased administration of rules will further comply with the Convention, boosting global stakeholder confidence. Chief Keyamo ensured the preparation and signing of the Practice Direction for the CTO, reflecting the world’s vote of confidence in Nigeria’s Aviation and Aerospace Sector.

Keyamo spearheaded the renovation and expansion of the Murtala Mohammed International Airport’s old terminal facilities to enhance its infrastructure and accommodate growing passenger traffic and incoming airlines. He facilitated national and bilateral meetings with key stakeholders, including the FCT Minister and diplomatic communities, resulting in compensation payments for the airport’s expansion, the signing of the BACA Agreement with Brazil for direct flights to Nigeria, and a partnership with the IICRC for infrastructural development ¹[2).

To boost airport viability, Keyamo established an 8-man Ministerial Task Force Committee to curb illegal private chartered operators’ activities. He also inaugurated the United Kingdom National Executive Safety Committee (NESC) and a task team to implement the Presidential Initiative and Ministerial Alternative. Keyamo’s achievements are notable, but there’s still room for growth. To further support the aviation sector, he should consider guaranteeing major operators access to financing facilities at single-digit interest rates for 7-15 years.

Chief Keyamo should encourage existing maintenance, Repairs, and Overhaul Organizations to expand their space and equipment, enabling them to accommodate more aircraft. Several MROs are already certified by the NCAA and provide Category A to C maintenance for Nigerian airlines’ aircraft.

To enhance airspace efficiency, Keyamo should ensure the proper functioning and verification of the Total Radar Coverage of Nigeria (TRACON). Additionally, aligning the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology’s curriculum with operators’ manpower needs is crucial.

Key performance indicators (KPIs) should include monitoring, inspecting, maintaining, and upgrading facilities. Chief Keyamo’s efforts in air safety through effective regulations, navigational infrastructure, and airline operating efficiency have led to the upgrade of Nigerian Airspace Management Agency’s (NAMA) facilities and equipment, facilitated by an agreement with Thales of France ensuring effective TRACON maintenance.

The completion of the Aerospace Information Service (AIS) and training of Air Traffic Controllers demonstrate Keyamo’s commitment to national development and social justice, paving the way for significant achievements.

In conclusion, Chief Barrister Festus Egwarewa Keyamo’s remarkable life and career serve as a shining example of conscientious achievement, driven by his commitment to justice, equality, and national development As the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, he has spearheaded transformative reforms, prioritizing infrastructure development, revenue optimization, and sectoral reform.

His leadership has yielded significant improvements in Nigeria’s aviation global rating, boosted stakeholder confidence, and demonstrated his dedication to social justice. As Keyamo continues to drive progress in Nigeria’s aviation sector, his legacy as a champion of justice, human rights, and national development remains steadfast. His inspiring story serves as a beacon, illuminating the path for future generations of leaders and change-makers.

Olalekan, an aviation analyst, wrote this piece from Ikeja, Lagos