Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, on Thursday unveiled two newly acquired Boeing 737-800NG aircraft added to the fleet of United Nigeria Airlines, with the planes named in honour of renowned novelist and author of Things Fall Apart, Professor Chinua Achebe, and the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Achebe.
The Punch, the unveiling ceremony was held at Nesto Aviation Services, Gate 4 Access Road, Local Airport, Ikeja, Lagos.
Speaking at the event, Otti praised the Chairman and Founder of United Nigeria Airlines, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, for recognising notable Nigerians through the naming of the aircraft.
“For remembering to honour our people, you will be honoured,” the governor said.
Otti also lauded the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), for creating an enabling environment for private-sector investment in aviation, noting that government policies in the past often positioned the state as a competitor to private operators.
He further welcomed efforts to establish an aircraft leasing company, describing the initiative as a major boost for indigenous carriers.
“What you have done is to help local airlines operate under the strong support of the government. I want to commend and encourage you for that,” he said.
The governor equally acknowledged Keyamo’s support for the Abia Airport project, disclosing that construction work on the runway had reached an advanced stage.
He reiterated the state government’s willingness to position Abia as a hub for United Nigeria Airlines, in line with an earlier proposal by the aviation minister.
In his address, Okonkwo said the addition of the aircraft signified growing optimism about the prospects of Nigeria’s aviation sector amid ongoing reforms.
According to him, one of the aircraft was named after Chinua Achebe to celebrate his enduring contributions to global literature, while the second was dedicated to Igwe Alfred Achebe in recognition of his leadership, achievements in the corporate world and service to national development.
Earlier, Keyamo highlighted the Federal Government’s reform agenda for the aviation sector, stressing the importance of engagement and cooperation with industry stakeholders.
The minister also commended Otti for advancing aviation infrastructure in Abia State and driving the airport project to reality.
He explained that the project was initially conceived as an airstrip but was upgraded after Otti met with President Bola Tinubu and successfully pushed for a full airport, assuring the Federal Government that the state would provide counterpart funding for the development.
Responding to the honour, Igwe Alfred Achebe thanked United Nigeria Airlines for the recognition, describing it as both humbling and significant.
He also spoke about his relationship with the late Chinua Achebe and the importance of celebrating his legacy.
Also speaking at the ceremony, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Air Peace, Allen Onyema, expressed optimism about the airline’s future, saying United Nigeria Airlines had the potential to emerge as one of West Africa’s leading carriers.
