How Nigerians Welcomed First AirPeace Flight To London

Nigerians in the UK gathered in unison on Thursday night to celebrate Nigerian airline Air Peace’s entrance into the London route.

BIGPEN NIGERIA (https://bigpenngr.com) reports that Aviation Minister, Festus Keyamo (SAN); Mike Ozekhome (SAN), Timi Alaibe, Obi Cubana, Ifeanyi Ubah, Olumide Akpata, some actresses and others were on-board the inaugural flight of Air Peace to London.

The new route was unveiled to community leaders and business delegates at a well-attended business cocktail on behalf of Air Peace with the top management of Air Peace and leaders of community and the business community.

Organised and led by the Nigerian Diaspora Direct Investment Summit (NDDIS), about 200 guests were treated to wine and finger food at the Clermont, Charing Cross, Strand, London.

Air Peace flights between London Gatwick and Lagos has since touched down.

The Acting Nigerian High Commissioner, Amb Cyprian Heen was represented by the Head of Information, Mrs Ubong Johnson. She pledged the high commission support for Air Peace as they start their journey in London.

The business cocktail was graced by representatives of the Nigerian High Commission, UK Nigerian community champions and business leaders, friends of Nigeria and other celebrities.

Mabel Marquez Prieto (Nollywood Actress), Mr Olu Ayegbusi, (Chairman, Olu Olu Foods), Judy Akuta, (Nollywood Actress and Welfare Secretary CANUK), Mr Dun Salam, (Chairman of Admiralty Homes and Estates, Lekki).

In his welcome speech the convenor of the event, Prince Bimbo Roberts Folayan, described Air Peace as a source of pride for every Nigerian. He revealed that the business cocktail event was put together within only 4 days and yet people turned up with great excitement.

He described the founder of Air Peace, Dr Allen Onyema as an altruistic and patriotic Nigerian who freely airlifted hundreds of Nigerians who were trapped in Sudan in 2023.

He called on the community to rally round the airline to ensure that they compete favourably with all other airlines on the world stage and promised to work with Air Peace to ensure that they satisfy the needs of the Diaspora.

Prince Bimbo Roberts Folayan, Founder, NDDIS and Convenor, Sindy Foster, Principal Managing Partner of Avaero Capital Partners
Proposing a toast to Dr Allen Onyema, Sindy Foster, an aviation expert and Principal Managing Partner of Avaero Capital Partners and Air Peace consultant revealed that the event coincided with the birthday of the founder and led the guests in singing a happy birthday song.

In separate speeches, top leaders of the Nigerian community, the Chairman of the Central Association of Nigerians in the UK, Ayo Akinfe, Chairman of Nigerians in Diaspora, UK South, Pastor Niyi Zacchaeus, past Chairman of CANUK, Dr. Boma Douglas, two-time past Mayor of Enfield, Auntie Kate Anolue, Nigerian Women in Diaspora founder, Jenny Okafor, Past Chairman of Ohaneze Europe, Chief Anthony Ajidua, all called Nigerians and friends of Nigeria to make Air Peace the airline of choice when travelling to Nigeria and other destinations.

Pastor and Mrs Niyi Zacchaeus, Chairman of Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO UK South), Mrs Zacchaeus, partner, Crownwise Consult and Miss Africa, UK

Tojake UK-Wade, Nu9empire founder, Hon Lady Jane Ezolu, Vice Chairman, NIDO UK South, Kola Olutimehin, Corporate Trainer, Bimbo Folayan and Mrs Kemi Lawson, Financial Adviser

The main presentation of the night was made by Ikenna Nnabuife, Deputy Marketing Manager, Air Peace, who revealed several options and incentives for individual and corporate customers.

Ikenna also led other Air Peace officials at the event in answering Diasporans questions during the question-and-answer session.

The event attracted several dignitaries and leaders from the Nigerian Diaspora. Among them, Femi Okutubo, publisher of Nigerian Trumpet, Prince Mike Abiola, publisher of African Voice newspapers, Dr Alistair Soyode, the founder of Europe’s first Black TV channel and former Chairman of NIDO Europe, Hauwa Yussuf Europe NTA representative, Deejay Abass, an acclaimed Entertainment Consultant; Dr Adeola Adeleye-Fasubaa Esq., the Special Adviser to the Ekiti State Governor on Diaspora Matters, founder of BEFFTA, Dr. Pauline long amongst several other leaders from the African Diaspora community. African beauty queens: Miss Africa UK, Miss Pride of Africa UK, were also in attendance to add glamour to the evening.

Dr Alistair Soyode, Founder, Ben TV, Her Excellency Mrs. Carolyn Onyebuchi-Adelakun, Miss Africa, Otunba Ade Adeshina & Yeye Dianne Martins-

The Nigerian Diaspora Direct Investment Summit is the foremost Nigerian business organisation established in the UK to support the business class of Nigerians in the Diaspora, other international business leaders and companies that are keen to expand their investment portfolio into Nigeria or to the UK. It was set up to bridge the gap between Nigerians in the Diaspora and their homeland. It was also set up to provide opportunities for the identification of potential markets, sources of Finance, Technology and Technical skills that could boost the promotion and stimulation of enterprise and the creation of growth and jobs in wider Nigeria. NDDIS summits have been attended by business delegates from Nigeria, the Diaspora, UK, European and other international business leaders and companies, investors, vendors, manufacturers, project owners, technology companies, funders etc on one hand and private sector led CEOS, public officials, (governors, Ministers, commissioners, Director Generals and Permanent Secretaries) from Nigeria on the other.

Nigeria’s largest airline, Air Peace was founded in 2013 by Nigerian lawyer and businessman Allen Onyema. Dr Onyema says that he started the airline with the intention of using it as an engine to provide economic opportunities for Nigerian youths. Air Peace is committed to easing Nigerians’ burden of travel by providing affordable, direct flight services. With the launch of its direct flights to the UK, Air Peace is set to redefine international travel for Nigerians, offering unparalleled service and Connectivity.