…Obi of Onitsha hails United Nigeria Airlines for immortalising Igbo icons
By Steve Oko
UMUAHIA — Governor of Abia State, Alex Otti, has described the naming of two newly acquired Boeing 737-800NG aircraft after late literary icon Chinua Achebe and the Obi of Onitsha, Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe, as a fitting tribute to the enduring contributions of the Igbo people to scholarship, leadership and national development.
Otti spoke in Lagos during the unveiling of the aircraft acquired by United Nigeria Airlines and named in honour of the two distinguished Igbo sons whose legacies continue to inspire generations.
The governor commended the airline’s founder, Obiora Okonkwo, for immortalising two symbols of Igbo excellence, noting that the gesture went beyond aviation and reflected the values of intellectual achievement, cultural pride, integrity and visionary leadership associated with the Igbo nation.
“For remembering to honour our people, you will be honoured,” Otti said.
The aircraft named after Chinua Achebe celebrates the legacy of the acclaimed author of Things Fall Apart, widely regarded as one of the most influential works of African literature. The second aircraft honours Obi Alfred Achebe, whose reign has been marked by distinguished traditional leadership, corporate accomplishments and public service.
Speaking at the event, Okonkwo said the decision to name the aircraft after the two personalities was deliberate and symbolic.
According to him, Chinua Achebe remains a global ambassador of African literature whose works elevated the dignity of the Black race, while Obi Alfred Achebe embodies the ideals of traditional leadership, excellence and service.
The ceremony drew political leaders, captains of industry, traditional rulers and aviation stakeholders, who paid glowing tributes to the honourees and celebrated Igbo heritage and enterprise.
Otti also used the occasion to highlight progress on the proposed Abia Airport project, revealing that work on the facility had reached an advanced stage. He commended the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, for supporting private sector-driven reforms and backing the project.
In his remarks, Keyamo disclosed that Otti personally advocated for the upgrade of the proposed Abia airstrip to a full international airport and assured the Federal Government of the state’s readiness to provide counterpart funding.
The minister described Otti’s commitment to aviation infrastructure as a major factor in the progress recorded on the project and pledged continued federal support.
Responding to the honour, Obi Alfred Achebe expressed gratitude, describing the gesture as both humbling and deeply meaningful. He reflected on his relationship with the late Chinua Achebe and prayed for the continued growth and success of the airline.
Chairman of Air Peace, Allen Onyema, said United Nigeria Airlines was on course to becoming one of West Africa’s leading carriers.
He urged Nigerians to support indigenous businesses and praised Otti’s developmental initiatives, describing him as “the pride of the South-East and a beacon of hope for Nigeria.”
The event climaxed with the official unveiling of the two Boeing 737-800NG aircraft by Governor Otti amid applause from dignitaries, industry leaders and traditional rulers.
Meanwhile, former Senate President Adolphus Wabara commended United Nigeria Airlines for the initiative, describing it as a powerful statement on the resilience, creativity and global impact of the Igbo people.
Wabara urged Igbo entrepreneurs and professionals excelling in various fields to remain proud of their heritage, describing the Igbo race as a major asset to Nigeria and the Black race.
He expressed confidence that through courage, innovation and resilience, the Igbo people would continue to make significant contributions to national and global development.
