Allen Onyema || Celebrating the Igbo Man Behind Air Peace

Allen Ifechukwu Onyema is a name that has become synonymous with Nigeria’s aviation success story. As the founder, chairman, and CEO of Air Peace, the largest airline in Nigeria, he has transformed the local airline industry and positioned Nigeria as a major player in African air travel. Beyond business, Onyema is also known for his unwavering commitment to peace and national unity in Nigeria.

In this article, we will explore the life, career, and impact of Allen Onyema, highlighting the man behind Air Peace and his journey to becoming one of Nigeria’s most influential entrepreneurs.

Early Life and Education

Allen Onyema was born in March 1964 in Benin City, Nigeria, but his roots trace back to Mbosi, a town in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State. As the first of nine children, he grew up with a strong sense of responsibility and leadership. His education journey took him to several schools across Nigeria. He attended St. Anthony’s Secondary School in Azia, Urhobo College in Effurun, and Government College in Ughelli both in Delta State. These diverse learning environments exposed him to Nigeria’s cultural and ethnic diversity from an early age, shaping his later passion for unity.

For higher education, Onyema attended the prestigious University of Ibadan, where he studied law. He graduated in 1987 and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1989. His legal education equipped him with critical thinking and negotiation skills, which would later prove useful in both his business and peace advocacy efforts.

Career Beginnings and Entrepreneurial Spirit

After completing his studies, Onyema moved to Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial capital, in search of opportunities. He started his career as a lawyer at Nwizugbo & Co. Chambers. His hard work and skillful handling of legal cases quickly earned him a promotion to Head of Chambers within just two years, a remarkable feat for a young lawyer. Despite his success in law, Onyema’s entrepreneurial spirit drove him to branch out into business. He established his own law firm, Onyema & Co., and invested heavily in real estate. Over time, he built a substantial portfolio of properties in Lagos and Abuja.

However, it was his vision to contribute more directly to Nigeria’s development that led him to the aviation industry.

Founding Air Peace

In 2013, Allen Onyema founded Air Peace with a mission that went beyond profit. He wanted to create jobs, boost Nigeria’s economy, and promote peace through connecting different parts of the country by air. The airline officially began operations in 2014 with just a few aircraft, flying primarily domestic routes.

From the start, Onyema was determined to make Air Peace different. He invested in modern aircraft and hired skilled personnel. His leadership style combined business acumen with a passion for service. Air Peace quickly grew into Nigeria’s largest airline, known for its reliability, safety, and expanding routes. Today, it flies domestically and internationally, serving destinations across Africa and even to Europe.

Under Onyema’s leadership, Air Peace has become a symbol of Nigerian pride and potential in the aviation industry.

Commitment to Peace and National Unity

Allen Onyema’s commitment to peace dates back to his university days, when he led efforts to calm religious and ethnic conflicts in Ibadan. These experiences motivated him to dedicate part of his life to peacebuilding. In 2005, he founded the Foundation for Ethnic Harmony in Nigeria (FEHN), a non-governmental organization aimed at promoting unity and peaceful coexistence among Nigeria’s diverse ethnic groups. Through FEHN, Onyema has organized workshops, training programs, and dialogues to address ethnic conflicts.

One notable achievement was his role in facilitating the peaceful disarmament and training of over 30,000 militants in the Niger Delta region, a critical step towards lasting peace in the oil-rich but conflict-prone area.

His peace efforts have won him respect from leaders and communities across Nigeria.

Air Peace’s Role in Humanitarian Efforts

Allen Onyema and Air Peace have gone beyond flying passengers, they have shown great commitment to helping vulnerable people, especially in fighting human trafficking and supporting victims.

Recently, Air Peace played a major role in safely bringing back 78 Nigerian girls who were trafficked to Côte d’Ivoire. These girls, mostly teenagers, were rescued and Air Peace arranged free flights to return them home. The airline worked closely with the Nigerian government, the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) and Vincent popularly Known as Verydarkblackman to make sure the girls received medical care, counseling, and were reunited with their families. Besides this, Air Peace also partners with NAPTIP to help rehabilitated victims find job opportunities within the airline, aiding their reintegration into society and reducing the risk of re-trafficking.

Air Peace’s staff have even helped stop trafficking attempts onboard their flights. In one notable case, the airline’s crew prevented the illegal transportation of a three-month-old baby out of Nigeria.

Allen Onyema’s leadership and personal dedication have been key to these humanitarian efforts. His work with government agencies and organizations shows how business success can be used to make a real difference in people’s lives.

In 2019, during xenophobic attacks in South Africa targeting Nigerian migrants, Air Peace played a crucial role in evacuating over 600 Nigerians. Onyema personally oversaw the operation, providing free flights to bring Nigerians home safely. This act of kindness was widely praised and strengthened Air Peace’s reputation as more than just an airline, but a company with a heart for its people.

Challenges and Controversies

Like any major business figure, Onyema has faced challenges. In November 2019, he was indicted by the U.S. Department of Justice on allegations of bank fraud and money laundering related to aircraft purchase financing. Onyema denied the allegations, asserting that all transactions were legal and transparent.

Despite these legal battles, Onyema has continued to run Air Peace and maintain its operations without disruption, demonstrating resilience and focus.

Awards and Recognitions

Allen Onyema’s work in business and peacebuilding has earned him several awards, including:

• Africa Leadership Merit Award (2006)
• Martin Luther King Jr. Global Award for Excellence (2007)
• Hope for Humanity Award from the Rotary Club
• Honorary Doctorate in Business Administration from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (2020)

These honors recognize both his business success and his dedication to peace and social causes.

Personal Life and Values

Allen Onyema is married to Alice Ojochide Onyema, and they have four children. He is known to be a humble family man who values education, discipline, and integrity. Onyema often credits his family for their support and encouragement throughout his career.

Legacy and Future Outlook

As Nigeria’s aviation industry continues to evolve, Allen Onyema remains a key figure driving growth and innovation. Air Peace’s expansion into new routes and acquisition of modern aircraft signal the airline’s ambitions to become a leading African carrier.

Beyond business, Onyema’s vision for a united Nigeria through peace and economic development continues to inspire many. His journey from a young law student to a successful entrepreneur and peace advocate shows what vision, resilience, and dedication can achieve.

Conclusion

Allen Ifechukwu Onyema is much more than the founder of Nigeria’s largest airline. He is a visionary who believes in the power of business to transform society. Through Air Peace, he has created jobs, boosted the economy, and connected Nigerians across the country and beyond. Through his peace advocacy, he has worked tirelessly to heal divisions and build bridges among Nigeria’s diverse communities.

Despite facing obstacles, Onyema remains steadfast in his mission, proving that with commitment and passion, positive change is possible. For anyone interested in Nigeria’s business and social progress, Allen Onyema’s story is one of hope, leadership, and the pursuit of unity.