NEWS
The Crucial Need to Rally Behind Allen Onyema’s Air Peace
By Philip Agbese
As a concerned citizen deeply invested in our nation’s economic prosperity, I find it imperative to shed light on the paramount importance of rallying behind Allen Onyema and recognising the aviation sector as a pivotal gateway to our much-needed economic breakthrough.
Meanwhile, the views expressed in this piece are not representative of the parliament, but rather reflect the fervent belief in the necessity of awakening the sleeping giant that is our aviation industry. It is a great concern to me. Being a deep cut in my heart, and in the heart of every other patriotic citizen, it is imperative that such charades done by foreign countries need to be addressed as soon as possible.
It is commendable to note that, the central bank governor has been so helpful in supporting our indigenous flight carriers to start international operations, in a bid to save money for the country. But unfortunately, foreign nations aren’t allowing us into their country as much as a small fraction are being permitted into ours. Nigerians have been spending more money than any other country for the same distance miles of flight.
In the last 25 years, people from South Africa have been paying a lesser fee for a 9hrs flight to London in comparison to Nigeria’s 6hrs flight to the same London. It’s such a despicable act and a conscious wickedness of the highest order.
The current state of Nigerian aviation is unacceptable. Foreign airlines exploit us to the detriment of our economy. They enjoy a disproportionate number of flights into Nigeria while stifling our own airlines’ access to their markets. This is economic sabotage, plain and simple, and these are the reasons behind the fight for Justice by Allen Onyema; the chief executive officer of Air Peace.
Turning our attention to the indispensable task of bolstering Allen Onyema as a national asset, it is imperative to draw lessons from his unwavering patriotism and dedication, particularly during the challenging times brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. Mr. Onyema’s selfless efforts to evacuate our citizens from foreign countries exemplify his commitment to the well-being of our people and the nation at large.
He flew to these locations to evacuate stranded Nigerians. It’s time for a collective response. We must stand tall and reclaim our economic sovereignty. Supporting Allen Onyema, the visionary behind Air Peace, is the first crucial step.
Furthermore, it is essential to commend Minister Festus Keyamo for his remarkable achievements in recent times, which unequivocally demonstrate that there are no limits to our success when provided with a conducive environment. We, like his mentors, know Keyamo’s tenacity and dedication. His commendable stewardship at the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace has not only been a testament to his capabilities but has also served as an inspiration to many who recognize his unwavering dedication to the advancement of our aviation sector.
Minister Keyamo has also been a strengthening voice in this fight for more recognition of indigenous flight, just like its foreign counterpart. During his facility tour of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo spoke about the dilemma in BASA agreements, saying that if the foreign airlines’ operations in Nigeria are stopped, air travellers would suffer; but foreign airlines are enjoying the frequencies in Nigeria which they cannot give to Nigerian airlines. Keyamo insisted that there must be a midway where the foreign airlines would be accommodated as well as also create opportunities for domestic carriers.
In addition, it is crucial to address the detrimental impact of foreign airlines on our citizens and our economy. These entities not only pose a threat to our national interests but also perpetuate economic sabotage, thereby necessitating a critical examination of their actions and the need to hold them accountable for their exploitative practices.
Arik Air once battled the British airport authorities when they refused to grant it the Abuja-London route and insisted that the Nigerian airline must pay for slots. But British Airways did not do the same in its operations from London to Lagos and from London to Abuja, same as UK-based Virgin Atlantic Airways, which does not pay for slots in its London-Lagos operations. Arik Air was forced to pay for slots and while the two British Airlines operated 21 flights a week, Arik Air was operating about four flights a week.
The Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) which strengthens countries’ aviation relationships, and helps in the repartition of funds, and its disbursity, has been disrespected, and ridiculed by these foreign countries. They didn’t respect the BASA they signed with Nigeria. One of the countries from the Middle East is doing up to 21 frequency weekly into Nigeria, and we had to fight for it, but just one was granted to Air Peace. UK has 21 frequencies in Nigeria, while Nigeria has none in the UK. They even dare to ask us to stop requesting any and will get to us whenever they are ready.
There have been numerous cases where these foreign countries employ diverse dirty tricks to delay our local carrier flights. They first use Immigration; then they insist on searching every piece of luggage in the aircraft, just to delay the flights so that it would lose its on-time performance record.
Such could be likened to an incident that happened about two years ago when Air Peace started flight service to Sharjah. UAE inspectors at the airport started a long search that culminated in just the replacement of a small bulb in the aircraft. Consequently, the flight was delayed for hours. These evil tactics have always been perpetuated by foreign countries just to discredit our indigenous flights, and further discourage citizens from using them.
The question we are asking the concerned bodies in Nigeria is, “Why should Nigerians be paying N2.3 million naira for economy tickets to board foreign airlines to London, while our indigenous airlines like Air Peace are willing to charge N500,000 for the same?” Why should we be treated unjustly, while they get good treatment from us?
The absurdity of this boring drama needs to stop, and that is why we need to give our unwavering support to the main face (Allen Onyema) behind this struggle because he deserves it. Allen Onyema can be easily described as:
A Champion of Nigerian Aviation: Air Peace, under his leadership, has become a symbol of national pride. It’s a vibrant, homegrown airline that creates jobs, boosts tourism, and challenges the dominance of foreign carriers.
A Committed Patriot: Onyema prioritizes Nigerians. He has consistently offered competitive fares, making travel more accessible to our citizens. During the pandemic, he demonstrated his commitment by evacuating Nigerians free of charge.
A Catalyst for Economic Growth: A thriving domestic airline industry fosters economic diversification. Air Peace creates a ripple effect, stimulating related sectors like hospitality, tourism, and logistics.
However, it is worthy of note to state that Allen Onyema’s fight isn’t just for Air Peace alone, but it’s for all of Nigeria’s domestic carriers. It is a fight for every one of us to pick up, and this is where we, the citizens, come in.
As a concerned patriotic citizen, I believe here are a few things we can do to support Allen Onyema and the Nigerian aviation sector:
Public Advocacy: This will help to raise awareness about the lopsided practices of foreign airlines. Let your voice be heard through social media, letters to the editor, and public discussions.
Support Domestic Travel: We need to choose to fly Nigerian airlines whenever possible. Rich Nigerians and top officials should understand that a preference for patronizing foreign airlines over domestic carriers on international routes is a sabotage to our economy. Irrespective of our position or office, our hardened support in patronizing our own will send a powerful message and strengthen our domestic carriers.
Demand Fair Practices: We need to urge the government to create a level playing field for Nigerian airlines. Advocate for policies that encourage competition and protect our national interests.
By uniting behind Allen Onyema and Air Peace, we can achieve several things:
Economic Empowerment: A robust domestic aviation sector fuels economic growth and job creation. It positions Nigeria as a regional aviation hub, attracting investment and foreign exchange.
National Pride: Supporting a homegrown success story like Air Peace fosters a sense of national pride. It demonstrates our ability to compete on the global stage.
Global Influence: A strong Nigerian aviation industry strengthens our position in international negotiations. We can demand fairer treatment for our airlines and citizens.
The time has come to put an end to the friendly sabotage of our economy. We can’t keep enriching other people’s economies at the expense of the growth of our economy. It is business, and they should understand that they need us as much as we need them.
The time has come for a unified and concerted effort to rectify the prevailing challenges within our aviation sector, with a particular emphasis on extending our support to Allen Onyema. This is an opportune moment for collective action, and it is incumbent upon us to seize the momentum and embark on a transformative journey toward a more vibrant and resilient aviation industry that reflects the true potential of our nation. It’s time for us to awaken the sleeping giant, claim our rightful place in the global aviation sector, and unlock the path toward economic prosperity.
By doing so, we can collectively endeavour to rectify the existing inadequacies and pave the way for a more robust and prosperous aviation industry that serves the best interests of our nation. This is the time to get it right, and starting with Allen Onyema will be apt. This is a call to action and sustained commitment. Let’s make Nigeria soar!
Agbese MHR, the Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, writes from Abuja.
Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, Comrade Grace Ike has called for transparency, accountability, and effective deployment of tax revenues to infrastructure development as part of the sweeping tax reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
She spoke at the inaugural distinguished parliamentarian lecture organised by the House of Representatives Press Corps with the theme “navigating tax reforms in Nigeria: Insights on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s policies”.
The lecture was delivered by former Speaker of the House of Representatives are Chairman of the National Credit Guarantee Company Limiter Yakubu Dogara.
The NUJ Chairman said the tax reforms represent bold steps toward modernizing Nigeria’s fiscal system, broadening the tax base, and reducing over-dependence on oil revenues.
She said “Tax reform is pivotal to Nigeria’s economic growth, fiscal sustainability, and social development. Under President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, we are witnessing bold steps aimed at modernizing and strengthening our tax system”.
Ike commended the administration’s commitment, emphasizing that the success of the reforms depends on how well revenues are used to improve infrastructure and the quality of life for citizens.
“We must place emphasis on improved infrastructures, urging the government to deploy taxes effectively,” she noted.
The NUJ FCT Chair stressed the need for clear communication of the policies so Nigerians understand their rights and responsibilities.
She said the media has a central role in fostering dialogue and building public trust in the reforms.
“The media must provide accurate, unbiased information and foster public dialogue to build trust in these reforms. Transparency and accountability should guide every stage of implementation to protect the interests of all Nigerians,” she stated.
Ike also urged collaboration among all stakeholders, including lawmakers, the executive, civil society, and the media, to ensure the reforms deliver tangible benefits.
“Our collective goal must be a Nigeria with a robust economy, where tax policies contribute to sustainable development and improved quality of life for every citizen,” she added.
She commended the Speaker of the 10th House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, for making the lecture a reality, describing it as a platform that will enrich public policy engagement.
Chairman of the House of Representatives Press Corps, Gboyega Onadiran said taxation has become one of the most contentious issues in Nigeria today, with multiple narratives circulating about petroleum tax, data tax, and requirements such as the National Identification Number (NIN) for bank operations.
He said the newly introduced Distinguished Parliamentarian Lecture is designed to bridge the gap between the legislature and the public by simplifying parliamentary activities and clarifying national issues.
“As journalists, the mirror of society and agenda setters, we believe this forum offers a unique opportunity to unpack these grey areas and simplify parliamentary activities for Nigerians,” he said.
The Press Corps chairman explained that the aim of the lecture is to create a platform where distinguished parliamentarians, past and present, can share knowledge and provide clarity on topical national issues through the lens of the legislature.
“This is vital, because the legislature remains the most misunderstood arm of government in Nigeria,” he added.
Onadiran described the inaugural guest lecturer, former Speaker Yakubu Dogara, as a statesman whose insights would enrich discourse on tax reforms and national development.
“As Speaker of the 8th House of Representatives, he presided over the passage of historic bills, set legislative records, and distinguished himself as a bridge-builder committed to deepening democracy and promoting good governance,” he noted.
The Chairman of the Organising Committee of the Distinguished Parliamentarian Lecture, Philip Nyiam, said the initiative marks a new chapter for the Press Corps, positioning journalists as agenda setters and contributors to national development beyond routine reporting.
Nyiam said the Press Corps was determined to expand its role by enlightening Nigerians on issues of national interest.
“This is a novel in the history of the House Press Corps. It is part of efforts to change the narrative where journalists are seen as only reporting press releases, statements and conferences. As the watchdog of society, we are also agenda setters and we also enlighten society on key issues of national interest,” he stated.
He explained that the lecture was organised to demystify President Tinubu’s tax reform agenda, which has sparked apprehension and debate since the law came into effect.
According to him, the event provides a platform to address controversies around the reforms and their place in the Renewed Hope Agenda of the administration.
“This will be the contribution of the Press Corps to the growth of our nation and the sustenance of democracy and good governance,” Nyiam added.
He said the choice of the guest lecturer, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara, former Speaker of the 8th House of Representatives and current Chairman of the National Credit Guarantee Company Ltd., was deliberate, given his experience, courage, and record of legislative achievements.
Nyiam expressed confidence that the deliberations would enrich national discourse on tax reforms and governance.
...Backs Governor Idris, President Tinubu’s Security Drive
Members of Kebbi State Caucus of the National Assembly on Friday called for the arrest and prosecution of the former Minister of Justice and Attorney General for the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami over the breach of public peace which occurred last week.
Speaking on behalf of the Caucus during a press briefing held in Abuja, Senator representing Kebbi Central, Senator Adamu Aliero who responded to the baseless petition dated 10th September , 2025 initiated by Malami, pledged support for Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi State on his tiredness efforts to maintain law and order in the State.
Senator Alero who was flanked by two Senators and Members of the House of Representatives Kebbi State Caucus, said: “The attention of the Kebbi State APC National Assembly Caucus has been drawn to a petition authored by the former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami SAN, dated 10th September 2025, in which he alleged that His Excellency, Comrade Dr. Nasir Idris (Kauran Gwandu), Governor of Kebbi State and other political actors are involved in Importation of Political Thugs, Foreign Mercenaries and Clandestine Arms Deals in the state.
“We wish to categorically state that these allegations are false, unfounded and politically motivated. They represent a desperate attempt by Mr. Malami, now leader of an imaginary opposition party in Kebbi State, to undermine the peace, progress and stability that our people currently enjoy under the leadership of Governor Nasir Idris.
“Ironically, it is on record that during Malami’s recent condolence visit to Birnin Kebbi, he hired thugs from Sokoto, Koko and Rara to accompany him into the state capital. These thugs, under his watch, attacked the APC State Secretariat with stones while chanting ‘One term’ against the Governor.
“Their actions led to violent clashes with APC supporters — an unprecedented development in Kebbi politics, which has always been known for its peaceful nature and culture of mutual respect. This incident alone speaks volumes about who is truly attempting to sow chaos and disrupt the peace of our state.
“At no time has the Kebbi State Government, nor the APC family, been involved in clandestine activities or linked with terrorist groups, as mischievously signed personally by the former Chief Law Officer of the Federation and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria.
“Kebbi remains one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria today, owing to deliberate investments in security, collaboration with security agencies and the overwhelming support of our patriotic citizens. It is important to note that the state Governor has demonstrated great Capacity and performance in the Security sector above all expectations and this is responsible for the Peace that the state has enjoyed compared to other states since the Governors assumption of Office
“We call on Nigerians to see Malami’s petition for what it truly is — a smear campaign laced with dangerous rhetoric intended to incite fear and distract from his dwindling political relevance. Resorting to alarmist narratives and unverified claims about foreign mercenaries and terrorism is not only irresponsible but also reckless, especially coming from a former top law officer of the federation.
“The Caucus further urges security agencies to focus their efforts on genuine threats to national security and not be drawn into partisan theatrics. We reaffirm our unwavering support for all security agencies working tirelessly to keep our borders safe and our communities peaceful and this sort of negative narratives are designed to undermine the efforts of the security agencies. We urge you not to be deterred. We also urge you to invite to invite Malami to substantiate his allegations.
“As elected representatives of the people of Kebbi State, we stand solidly behind Governor Nasir Idris and the APC administration. Together, we remain committed to delivering good governance, strengthening democracy and protecting the peace and dignity of our state.”
On his part, Senator representing Kebbi South, Senator Garuba Musa Maidoki who described APC as a peaceful party, said: “We want to put it on record that Malami’s house is less than 50 meters from the APC state headquarters, and if APC is a violent party, we would have had so much clashes between him and our people. But it had never happened until this incident came with a convoy, campaign style, and that sequence to that convoy.
“The national chairman of the INEC actually has warned that the political campaign has not started. It’s a campaign style moving in order to provoke our people. And we challenge him to produce evidence to you that there are… He says he has evidence. We challenge him to produce it, that our party is importing weapons. We are not a dangerous people.
“We do not support any dangerous activity towards Nigeria. We do not support We do not support terrorism in whatever form and manner. And we are against it. We are going to fight it.”
Senator Maidoki also applauded President Bola Tinubu efforts in the fight against insecurity, saying: “The President has done so well in the fight of banditry today. Before we came in, in my own constituency, we have more than 100 villages that have been abandoned and evacuated.
“But to the glory of God today, all the villages have gone back. That is not to say we don’t have challenge. We still have a long way to go. But we have done progress and we are expecting more progress. We will not be associated with any banditry. We reject that call. And we ask him to produce the results.”
NEWS
BTO Renewed Hope Media Team Commends President Tinubu’s Achievements, Hails Tunji-Ojo’s Transformative Impact
The BTO Renewed Hope Media Team has commended the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for what it described as “bold, transformative reforms” that are repositioning Nigeria for sustainable growth and development under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
In a statement issued on Monday, the team noted that since assuming office, President Tinubu has demonstrated “exceptional courage and visionary leadership” through policies that are reshaping the nation’s economic, infrastructural, and institutional landscape.
The statement highlighted key reforms such as the removal of fuel subsidy and the unification of the foreign exchange windows, which have freed up resources for national development and sent strong signals to investors about Nigeria’s commitment to fiscal discipline. It also cited the administration’s repayment of the $3.4 billion COVID-19 IMF loan and the ₦100 billion Sovereign Sukuk loan, describing these steps as evidence of responsible economic management.
The BTO Renewed Hope Media Team gave special commendation to the Ministry of Interior under the leadership of Hon. Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, applauding what it called his “transformative contributions” to effective governance. It particularly praised the ministry’s “historic feat” of clearing a backlog of 204,332 passports within just three weeks, a move it said has restored citizens’ confidence in government service delivery.
“Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has redefined efficiency and innovation in public service,” the statement read. “His leadership has not only eased the burden on Nigerians seeking passports but has also repositioned the Ministry of Interior as a model of modern governance.”
Beyond passport reforms, Dr. Tunji-Ojo has also spearheaded an unprecedented transformation of Nigeria’s correctional system. Under his dynamic leadership, correctional centres—once seen merely as punitive spaces for punishment and social exclusion—are being repositioned as hubs of reformation, rehabilitation, and empowerment. The recent inauguration of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) Special Study Centre at the Abakaliki Correctional Centre, Ebonyi State, marks a significant milestone in these far-reaching reforms, offering inmates the rare opportunity to pursue quality education and rebuild their lives.
In line with the minister’s vision, correctional centres are no longer to be viewed as places where society condemns and abandons its offenders, but as platforms for personal transformation and national reintegration. Dr. Tunji-Ojo has repeatedly stressed this in his policy drive: “I don’t want our correctional centres to be places of condemnation. Correctional service is becoming transformational, rehabilitatory, and, of course, reformatory, and that’s what I want to see,” he said, reiterating his resolve to redefine the role of custodial facilities in national development.
The Abakaliki NOUN Special Study Centre embodies this philosophy in action. Inaugurated by the Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Ndidi Nwakuche, the centre was made possible through collaborative partnerships between government, private foundations, and development organisations. The building housing the facility was fully renovated and furnished by Hon. Chinedu Ogah, Chairman of the House Committee on Reformatory Institutions, while the Sudan Mission Foundation in the Netherlands equipped the centre with modern educational tools, ensuring that inmates have access to resources on par with regular university campuses.
During the inauguration, the Controller-General noted that the initiative signifies a shift in priorities for correctional management in Nigeria, emphasising that corrections should focus on redeeming lives rather than condemning them. He commended the Vice Chancellor of NOUN for sustaining the partnership that has so far established 15 correctional study centres nationwide, giving inmates across the country access to quality higher education.
The impact of this initiative is already evident in Abakaliki. Twenty-eight inmates have enrolled as pioneer students, 25 of whom are pursuing undergraduate degrees, while three are working toward their master’s programmes. The state controller of the correctional centre, Offem Bessie, described the development as “the opening of new doors of hope, opportunities, and transformation.” She highlighted that inmates now have the chance to upgrade their educational status and reshape their futures while serving their sentences, aligning with global best practices and the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners.
Hon. Chinedu Ogah praised the determination and resilience of the enrolled inmates, commending them for embracing education despite their current circumstances. He pledged that his foundation would fully support the pioneer students by covering tuition, books, and other learning materials to ensure they complete their studies without financial obstacles. “Being an inmate should not deprive anyone of the right to education or personal growth,” he said, adding that education remains one of the most powerful tools for reform and reintegration.
Mrs. Modukwe Adesina, the National Coordinator of NOUN Special Study Centres, provided further insight into the scale of these reforms. According to her, over 2,000 inmates across Nigeria have benefited from NOUN’s scholarship programmes, with 207 graduating from various undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across 12 custodial centres. With Abakaliki Correctional Centre now becoming the 15th facility approved by NOUN, more inmates than ever before will gain access to quality education, vocational training, and mentorship opportunities.
These strides in prison education are complemented by other innovative reforms introduced under Dr. Tunji-Ojo’s leadership. One of the flagship initiatives is the establishment of a dedicated showroom in Maiduguri, where products handcrafted by inmates are displayed and sold to the public. Supported by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), with funding from the German government and the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, the programme equips inmates with vital vocational skills, offering them a chance to contribute meaningfully to society while generating income.
The broader vision is clear: to create a correctional system that produces reformed, skilled, and responsible citizens capable of reintegration and positive contributions to the national economy. This approach has earned Nigeria commendation from international partners, who have lauded the ministry’s commitment to aligning correctional practices with global standards while upholding human dignity and promoting second chances.
Dr. Tunji-Ojo’s reforms reflect a deliberate shift from punitive incarceration to restorative justice. Rather than merely punishing offenders, the government is investing in programmes that equip inmates with education, vocational expertise, and entrepreneurial skills. The long-term goal is to reduce recidivism, combat societal stigma, and provide rehabilitated individuals with pathways to meaningful employment and self-reliance upon their release.
The synergy between the Ministry of Interior, NOUN, international partners, and local stakeholders has proven to be a catalyst for change. From transforming correctional centres into learning hubs to empowering inmates with practical skills, these reforms are reshaping the country’s justice and rehabilitation landscape. The Abakaliki study centre is a shining example of what is possible when reform-driven leadership is matched with collaboration and innovation.
For many inmates, the NOUN centre represents more than just classrooms and books; it symbolises hope, dignity, and the promise of a second chance. It underscores the government’s belief that every individual, regardless of past mistakes, deserves an opportunity to rebuild their life and contribute positively to society.
Beyond the Ministry of Interior, the team highlighted other landmark achievements of the Tinubu administration, including the establishment of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), which grants zero-interest loans to tertiary institution students, the creation of new federal universities in Rivers, Osun, and Ekiti States, and the rollout of the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Project to deliver 6,612 housing units nationwide.
It also pointed to major infrastructural projects like the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway, and significant upgrades within the aviation sector, alongside President Tinubu’s legal victory over Process & Industrial Developments (P&ID) Ltd, which saved Nigeria a staggering $11.5 billion.
“The Renewed Hope Agenda is not just a slogan; it is a reality unfolding before our eyes,” the statement added. “Under President Tinubu’s leadership, and with dedicated public servants like Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Nigerians are seeing concrete results, improved services, and governance that truly delivers.”
The team concluded by expressing optimism that the administration would consolidate on its achievements and deliver even more transformative dividends to Nigerians in the years ahead.
