Air Peace recently hosted a poignant Night of Tribute to honour its departed Sports Diplomacy Ambassadors, including Moses Effiong, Charles Bassey, Christian Chukwu, Obisia Nwakpa, and Peter Rufai.
The event was held at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs in Lagos and brought together families, former teammates, and dignitaries to celebrate the legacies of these national icons.
The ceremony, curated by football legend Dr. Segun Odegbami, featured soulful performances by iconic vocalist Yinka Davies, elevating the evening into a stirring blend of tribute, nostalgia, and reverence. Air Peace Chairman, Dr. Allen Onyema, delivered a heartfelt address, underscoring the airline’s deep commitment to national pride and remembrance. He described the fallen athletes as patriots who gave everything to the nation without guarantees of reward, playing for honour and country.
Onyema lamented the lack of sustained national recognition for sports icons and emphasised that honouring them is key to reviving true nationalism among the youth. He praised Odegbami’s tireless work in mobilising and advocating for these legends.
This event is part of Air Peace’s Sports Diplomacy Ambassadors initiative, which aims to recognise and celebrate Nigeria’s sports heroes. In 2022, the airline honoured the 1980 AFCON-winning squad and the 1976 Olympic team with a permanent Wall of Fame and awarded them lifetime, unlimited business-class flights.