Governor Alex Otti of Abia State on Thursday in Lagos unveiled two Boeing 737-800NG aircraft named after literary giant Chinua Achebe and the Obi of Onitsha, Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe. The planes belong to United Nigeria Airlines.
Otti said the naming was a fitting tribute to the contributions of the Igbo people to scholarship, leadership, and national development. He commended the airline's founder, Obiora Okonkwo, for immortalising two symbols of Igbo excellence.
"For remembering to honour our people, you will be honoured," Otti said.
The aircraft named after Chinua Achebe celebrates the legacy of the author of Things Fall Apart, one of the most influential works of African literature. The second plane honours Obi Alfred Achebe, whose reign has been marked by traditional leadership, corporate accomplishments, and public service.
Okonkwo said the decision was deliberate and symbolic. Chinua Achebe remains a global ambassador of African literature whose works elevated the dignity of the Black race, he explained. 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. They paid tributes to the honourees and celebrated Igbo heritage and enterprise.
Otti also used the occasion to highlight progress on the proposed Abia Airport project. He revealed that work on the facility had reached an advanced stage and commended the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, for supporting private sector-driven reforms.
Keyamo disclosed that Otti personally advocated for upgrading the proposed Abia airstrip to a full international airport. He assured the Federal Government of the state's readiness to provide counterpart funding and pledged continued federal support.
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.
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. He 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.