(Governor of Abia State, Alex Otti. Photo by Arise News)
Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, on Thursday unveiled two newly acquired Boeing 737-800NG aircraft belonging to United Nigeria Airlines, named in honour of the late literary giant and author of Things Fall Apart, Professor Chinua Achebe, and the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Achebe.
The unveiling took place at Nesto Aviation Services, Gate 4 Access Road, Local Airport, Ikeja, Lagos.
Speaking at the event, Otti commended the Chairman and Founder of United Nigeria Airlines, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, for honouring distinguished Nigerians through the gesture, telling him that those who remember to honour others would themselves be honoured.
The governor also commended the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), for encouraging greater private-sector involvement in the aviation industry, pointing out that government had previously seen itself as being in competition with private operators rather than supporting them.
Otti further praised the move to set up an aircraft leasing company, noting that it would help boost the operational capacity of local airlines.
He commended the initiative, saying it would enable local carriers to operate with strong government backing.
The governor also expressed gratitude for the minister’s support of the Abia Airport project, disclosing that work on the runway was now well advanced.
He reaffirmed Abia State’s readiness to function as a hub for United Nigeria Airlines, in line with an earlier suggestion from the minister.
In his own remarks, Okonkwo said the acquisition of the aircraft was a reflection of growing confidence in the future of Nigeria’s aviation sector, spurred by ongoing reforms.
He explained that one aircraft was named after Chinua Achebe in recognition of his global literary legacy, while the other honoured Igwe Alfred Achebe for his exemplary traditional leadership, corporate achievements, and contributions to national development.
Earlier in the event, Keyamo laid out the Federal Government’s reform agenda for the aviation sector, stressing the importance of dialogue and collaboration with industry players.
He also commended Otti’s commitment to developing aviation infrastructure and pushing forward the Abia Airport project.
Keyamo revealed that the project was initially proposed as a simple airstrip, but Otti had met with President Bola Tinubu to advocate for a full airport instead, pledging that Abia State would provide the required counterpart funding to upgrade the facility.
Speaking at the ceremony, Achebe thanked United Nigeria Airlines for the honour, describing it as humbling and deeply meaningful, while also reflecting on his relationship with the late Chinua Achebe and what the tribute represented.
Also present was the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Air Peace, Allen Onyema, who expressed confidence that United Nigeria Airlines was on track to becoming one of the largest airlines in West Africa.
