Air Peace wins best Airline of the decade at Nigeria’s Pride Awards

Air Peace airline clinched two prizes on Tuesday at the 2026 Nigeria’s Pride Awards, emerging as Best Airline of the Decade and Outstanding Responsible Corporate Citizen of the Decade. The 2026 Nigeria’s Pride Awards took place on Tuesday, November 10, at Barcelona Hotel Abuja. The event was organized by First Green White Resource Centre (FGWRC) with the theme: “Celebrating Excellence, Patriotism, Sacrifice and Outstanding Service to Nigeria.” Speaking after receiving the awards, Chairman/CEO of Air Peace, Dr.

Allen Onyema who was represented by Efe Osifo Whiskey, Communications Manager, praised organisers of the award for their foresight and patriotism, saying many Nigerians who are doing great things, are not being given adequate recognition. He said Air Peace has continued to fly Nigeria’s flag across nations and continents, as the leading airline in the West African sub-region, adding that it has contributed significantly to Nigeria’s aviation industry through job creation, investment in aircraft, improved connectivity and the promotion of indigenous participation in international aviation.

According to him, Air Peace has intervened for Nigeria severally including evacuation of Nigerians stranded abroad during emergencies, support for national sporting activities and initiatives aimed at making air travels more accessible. The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, OFR (Rtd) who dedicated his Lifetime Distinction Award for Excellence, Patriotism, Sacrifice and Exemplary National Service to Nigerian fighting troops, said they are working day and night to make the nation safe for all citizens.

The Minister who was represented by Mrs. Ogidi Paul, a Director in the Ministry, commended First Green White Resource Centre for coming up with the idea of honouring Nigerians and non-Nigerians who are contributing positively to the growth of the nation. Chairman of the Occasion, Paul Boroh said the awards have become an important pillar in Nigeria’s quest for national excellence, providing an opportunity to showcase the exceptional talents, creativity and resilience of Nigerians across different sectors.

The EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, said Nigeria is a nation blessed with extraordinary talents, resilience, and a spirit that refuses to be defeated, adding that, in every corner of the world, Nigerians are breaking barriers in science, in sports, in arts, in business, in technology, in public service, and in community development. The EFCC Chairman who was represented by a team of officers led by Aisha Mohammed, Assistant Commander, Head of Enlightenment & Reorientation, said, too often, the loud voices of a few who engage in fraud and corruption have attempted to drown the quiet, powerful stories of the millions of Nigerians who are doing great things, honestly.

“That is why this event is so important. The Nigeria’s Pride Award is not just an award ceremony, it is a national statement, it is a declaration that integrity still pays, excellence still matters, and hard work still has a reward in Nigeria. Dame Joyce Oduah, former General Secretary of Nigerian Bar Association and current Secretary General of Pan African Lawyer Union, said awards are more valuable when they are not for sale or given to the highest bidder.

She said Nigeria’s Pride Awards is unique because it represents genuine efforts to honour those who are truly contributing to the building of the nation without any condition attached. Sir Charles Obi KSC (Onowu), said the spirit of giving to the less privileged members of the society is a divine gift and urged wealthy people in the society to help the needy as government alone cannot solve the problem of society.

Earlier in remark, the convener of Nigeria’s Pride Awards 2026, Bonaventure Phillips Melah, who is the founder of First Green White Resource Center (FGWRC), said the initiative was established to recognise Nigerians whose achievements, sacrifices and contributions continue to advance the country despite its numerous challenges. Melah observed that negative developments often dominated public discourse, leaving the achievements of hard-working Nigerians, institutions and organisations insufficiently recognised, stressing that, while wrongdoing must be condemned and failures scrutinised, outstanding achievements must equally be acknowledged and rewarded.

He said the awards sought not only to reward success but also to inspire responsibility, particularly among young Nigerians and those entrusted with public responsibilities. Other notable awardees include Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN who got awards in two categories as Most Impactful Minister of the Decade and Outstanding Aviation Investment & Global Partnership, Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah as Overall Best Governor of the Year; Brig Gen.

Paul (Rtd), Peacebuilding, National Stability and Human Capital Development Award; EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, Courageous Leadership in Anti-Corruption % Exe