TheCable

Air Peace has launched its inaugural flight to Ibadan, Oyo state capital, thereby expanding its operation within the country.

The airline touched down at the Ibadan domestic airport on Tuesday.

With the inaugural flight, Air Peace is set to commence a daily flight from Abuja to Ibadan.

In a series of tweets, Seyi Makinde, governor of Oyo, commended Allen Onyema, chief executive officer of Air Peace, for the development.

Makinde said his administration would continue to upgrade facilities at the Ibadan airport till it assumes international standards.

The governor said the state would also ensure that the airport serves as an immediate alternative to the Lagos airport in case of weather or other challenges.

The governor expressed optimism that the commencement of air flight operations by Air Peace airline at Ibadan, would promote the economy of the state.

Makinde, who also inaugurated the Airport Protocol Lounge rehabilitated by the state government, disclosed that contract for the construction of an aviation fuel facility at the airport had been awarded.

He said the facility would enable airline operators to use Ibadan as their operational base.

“This morning, we received the first Air Peace flight to Ibadan. Air Peace will operate a daily flight into Ibadan. Our heartfelt appreciation goes to the Chairman, Chief Allen Onyema and the management of Air Peace Airline for keying into our vision and pioneering this project,” the tweet reads.

“We also used the opportunity to officially open the renovated and remodelled Protocol/VIP Lounge at the Ibadan Airport, Alakia. This is one of several steps we have taken to upgrade the airport to make it an alternative airport in southwestern Nigeria.”

We also used the opportunity to officially open the renovated and remodelled Protocol/VIP Lounge at the Ibadan Airport, Alakia. This is one of several steps we have taken to upgrade the airport to make it an alternative airport in southwestern Nigeria. pic.twitter.com/wNaJpzJB5Y

— Seyi Makinde (@seyiamakinde) August 17, 2021

In his remarks, Onyema called on Nigerians to treat the country as they would handle family.

The Air Peace CEO said Nigerians must learn to embrace peace and work hard towards sustaining the unity of the country.

“We might have injustice and inequity in the land; even in our families we have injustice and inequity, we cannot address this injustice and inequity through violence or promoting rancour or things that will tear our families apart,” he said.

“Likewise, I want everyone of us to take Nigeria the same way; we can jointly and collectively address our shortcomings peacefully as a nation.”

Onyema commended Seyi Makinde, governor of Oyo state, for attracting investors to the state, stressing that the inaugural flight is the product of the governor’s efforts.

Tega Aiyenuro, the airport manager, said the Ibadan airport, been the only airport close to the Murtala Mohammed International Airport Lagos, is a viable alternative for flights to any part of the nation and the world.

She called on other airline operators to come to Ibadan airport for business.