A coalition of Nigerians in the diaspora has nominated the Chief Executive Officer of Air Peace, Allen Onyema, for a Humanitarian International Award in recognition of what it described as his longstanding humanitarian contributions to Nigeria and Nigerians across the world.

The coalition, made up of several diaspora-based advocacy and policy groups, said the nomination followed Onyema’s consistent record of interventions during national and international emergencies, as well as his support for vulnerable Nigerians through charitable donations and social responsibility initiatives.

In a joint statement issued to journalists, the coalition said Onyema had distinguished himself over the years as “a patriotic Nigerian whose compassion has repeatedly transcended business interests.”

The groups involved in the nomination include the Global Peace Movement International led by Mike Uyi; The International Watchers chaired by Olusegun Ademola; Nigerian Heritage & Development Agenda with Imatitikwa Igbinoba as Secretary General; Sustained Policy & Reform Coalition headed by Hauwa Ladi Usman; Nigerian Interest Protection Forum chaired by Chidebere Chiamaka Ifesinachi; and Diaspora Accountability Network Nigeria represented by its Secretary General, Beatrice Etim-Onyemachi.

According to the coalition, one of the major considerations for the nomination was Onyema’s intervention during the 2019 xenophobic attacks in South Africa, where Air Peace deployed aircraft free of charge to evacuate stranded Nigerians back home.

The coalition noted that the gesture earned widespread commendation at the time and restored hope to many Nigerians who felt abandoned during the crisis.

They also referenced Onyema’s intervention during the Sudan crisis in 2023, when he volunteered to airlift Nigerians at no cost after they were evacuated to safer neighbouring countries.

According to the statement, the Air Peace Chairman demonstrated uncommon patriotism by offering assistance even before full government arrangements were concluded.

The coalition further highlighted the 2025 evacuation and repatriation of 78 trafficked Nigerian women from Côte d’Ivoire, facilitated through Air Peace in collaboration with Nigerian diplomatic authorities.

They stated that beyond transporting the victims home, Onyema also ensured that the women received medical attention, counselling and psychosocial support to aid their reintegration into society.

The diaspora groups equally praised Onyema’s role during the COVID-19 pandemic, noting that Air Peace operated special evacuation flights from countries such as China and Turkey when global travel restrictions made international movement difficult.

They added that the airline also supported evacuation efforts involving Nigerians affected by the Russia-Ukraine conflict, describing Onyema as a dependable figure during humanitarian emergencies.

Beyond emergency interventions, the coalition said Onyema has consistently supported state governments, institutions and individuals through cash donations, relief materials and sponsorship of empowerment initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of Nigerians.

According to the groups, Onyema’s philanthropic gestures have extended to educational support schemes, youth empowerment programmes, assistance to internally displaced persons and humanitarian donations during periods of national hardship.

They maintained that his investments in Nigeria’s aviation industry through Air Peace have also helped expand local and international connectivity, improved competition in the sector and reduced dependence on foreign airlines.

The coalition described Onyema as “a symbol of compassionate leadership and responsible enterprise,” urging Nigerian business leaders to embrace humanitarian values alongside commercial success.

They added that the proposed Humanitarian International Award would serve as recognition of Onyema’s contributions to national development, humanitarian service and the protection of Nigerians in distress across different parts of the world.