The Executive Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines (UNA), Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, has been named Travel Personality of the Year and recognised among Nigeria’s Top 100 Travel and Tourism Icons for 2025/2026.
The recognition, determined through public voting, was presented at the 22nd Akwaaba African Travel Market in Lagos, with UNA Chief Commercial Officer, Adedayo Olawuyi, receiving the award on Okonkwo’s behalf.
The award recognises Okonkwo’s leadership of United Nigeria Airlines and the airline’s growth since its establishment, as well as its contribution to domestic air connectivity and the wider travel industry.
According to the organiser of the Travellers Awards, Ikechi Uko, the recognition reflects the rapid growth of United Nigeria Airlines in less than six years and the impact it has made on Nigeria’s travel industry over the past year.
Uko said the airline under Okonkwo’s leadership had focused on improving access to air travel, connectivity, operational efficiency, convenience and the overall passenger experience.
“The recognition honours the airline’s commitment to providing Nigerian travellers with greater access, improved connectivity, efficiency, convenience, and seamless travel experiences, while contributing significantly to the growth and development of domestic air travel in Nigeria”, Uko said.
The Travellers Awards, established in 1996, recognises individuals, organisations and businesses that have made notable contributions to aviation, travel and tourism across Nigeria and Africa.
The awards are organised by Travellers Magazine, described by the organisers as West Africa’s pioneer travel magazine, which was first published in 1993.
The recognition places Okonkwo among individuals acknowledged by the organisers for their contributions to the development of Africa’s travel and tourism landscape.
Receiving the award on behalf of Okonkwo, Olawuyi said the achievement demonstrated the potential of a well-managed, passenger-focused domestic airline to build a sustainable presence in Nigeria’s aviation market.
He said the recognition was also significant for passengers, as it reflected appreciation for the airline’s role in advancing domestic air travel.
According to him, the award reinforces United Nigeria Airlines’ commitment to providing passengers with improved connectivity and quality travel experiences.
The recognition comes as United Nigeria Airlines continues to expand its domestic operations and strengthen its position within Nigeria’s competitive aviation market.