Air Peace has received two major honours at the 2026 Nigeria’s Pride Awards, emerging as Best Airline of the Decade and Outstanding Responsible Corporate Citizen of the Decade.
The awards ceremony took place on Tuesday, November 10, at the Barcelona Hotel in Abuja. Organised by the First Green White Resource Centre (FGWRC), the event was held under the theme, “Celebrating Excellence, Patriotism, Sacrifice and Outstanding Service to Nigeria.”
Speaking on behalf of Air Peace Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Dr Allen Onyema, the airline’s Communications Manager, Efe Osifo Whiskey, praised the organisers for recognising Nigerians and organisations making meaningful contributions to the country.
He said many individuals and institutions doing remarkable work often receive little public recognition, despite their efforts to improve the nation’s image and development.
Whiskey noted that Air Peace has continued to represent Nigeria across international destinations, describing the airline as a leading carrier in the West African subregion. He highlighted its contributions to the aviation industry through job creation, aircraft investment, improved air connectivity and efforts to increase Nigerian participation in international aviation.
He also recalled the airline’s interventions in national emergencies, including the evacuation of Nigerians stranded abroad, support for sporting activities and initiatives aimed at making air travel more accessible.
The ceremony also recognised the contributions of military personnel, with the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, dedicating his Lifetime Distinction Award for Excellence, Patriotism, Sacrifice and Exemplary National Service to Nigerian troops.
Represented by Mrs Ogidi Paul, a director in the ministry, the minister commended the organisers for creating a platform that celebrates Nigerians and other nationals contributing to the country’s progress.
He said the relative peace enjoyed in the country comes at a significant cost to members of the armed forces, who continue to work tirelessly to protect citizens. He described the troops as true patriots deserving of national recognition.
Chairman of the occasion, Paul Boroh, said the awards had become an important platform for celebrating excellence, creativity and resilience across different sectors of Nigerian society.
He also urged stakeholders to make better use of the country’s natural and human resources, including its youthful population, oil and gas reserves, solid minerals, agricultural land, coastline and entrepreneurial strength. According to him, these resources could drive sustainable economic growth if supported by practical plans that create jobs, attract investment and improve infrastructure.
The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ola Olukoyede, also used the occasion to stress the importance of integrity and responsible conduct in building a better Nigeria.
Represented by a team of officers led by Aisha Mohammed, Assistant Commander and Head of Enlightenment and Reorientation, Olukoyede said Nigerians continue to make significant achievements in science, sports, entertainment, business, technology, public service and community development.
He expressed concern that the actions of a few people involved in fraud and corruption often overshadow the achievements of millions of hardworking Nigerians.
Olukoyede described the Nigeria’s Pride Awards as more than an ordinary ceremony, saying it sends a message that integrity, excellence and hard work still deserve recognition.
He explained that the EFCC’s responsibility goes beyond tackling internet fraud, money laundering and corruption. According to him, the commission also believes in celebrating honest entrepreneurs, committed public servants, teachers, doctors, innovators and young people who contribute positively to society.
He congratulated the award recipients, describing them as ambassadors of a new Nigeria whose achievements demonstrate that success can be built through honesty and hard work rather than fraud or dishonesty.
The EFCC chairman also pledged the commission’s continued support for initiatives that promote national pride and positive values.
Former General Secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association and current Secretary General of the Pan African Lawyers Union, Dame Joyce Oduah, said awards carry greater value when they are not influenced by money or given to the highest bidder.
She described Nigeria’s Pride Awards as a meaningful effort to recognise people making genuine contributions to national development.
Sir Charles Obi KSC, also known as Onowu, encouraged wealthy Nigerians to support less privileged members of society. He said helping people in need was a special responsibility and noted that government alone could not address every social challenge.
Earlier, the convener of the awards, Bonaventure Phillips Melah, who is also the founder of FGWRC, explained that the initiative was established to celebrate individuals and organisations whose achievements and sacrifices continue to move Nigeria forward.
He observed that negative developments often dominate public discussions, leaving the contributions of hardworking Nigerians overlooked. While stressing the need to condemn wrongdoing and hold people accountable, he said positive achievements should also be acknowledged and rewarded.
Melah added that the awards were designed not only to recognise success but also to encourage responsible conduct, particularly among young people and those holding public positions.
Several other prominent Nigerians and organisations received honours at the event. Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, received two awards: Most Impactful Minister of the Decade and Outstanding Aviation Investment and Global Partnership.
Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, was named Overall Best Governor of the Year, while Senator Ahmed Aliyu Wadada, representing Nasarawa West Senatorial District, received the Lawmaker of the Decade Award.
After receiving his award, Wadada praised Governor Abdullahi Sule for his leadership and the development projects carried out under his administration. He also pledged to do more for the people of Nasarawa State if elected governor in the next year’s election.
Other recipients included retired Brigadier General Paul, who received the Peacebuilding, National Stability and Human Capital Development Award; and Dr Chudi Ugwuada Ezirigwe, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of AEA, who was honoured for Excellence in Entrepreneurship Development and Economic Empowerment.
Flora Home International School in Jikwoyi received recognition for its contribution to affordable, grassroots quality education and human capital development. Huang Haiyan, Chief Executive Officer of Lunisolar Prime Company Limited, was honoured for Green Energy Innovation, Sustainable Development and Industrial Partnership.
Several Nollywood personalities were also recognised, including Alex Usifo Omiagbo, Livinus Nnochiri, Gloria Okafor, Sonia Ihuoma Uche, Tonia Okojie, Maimuna Yahaya Abaji, Agba Chiagozie, also known as Enjoyment, Dr Okoroafor Chukwuemeka Chibuikem, popularly known as Chuks Chyke, Tagbo Ifechukwu, known as Ability, Eucharia Ugwumba, Ali Nuhu, Ruth Jacob, Shan George, Okawa Shaznay and Frederick Leonard.
The 2026 Nigeria’s Pride Awards brought together public officials, business leaders, entertainers and other personalities to celebrate individuals and organisations whose work continues to contribute to the country’s growth and development.
