Air Peace, West and Central Africa’s largest carrier, held a heartfelt Night of Tribute on July 28, 2025, at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) in Lagos, in honour of its departed Sports Diplomacy Ambassadors.
The event, curated by football legend Dr. Segun Odegbami (MON), celebrated the lives of Moses Effiong (MON), Charles Bassey (MON), Christian Chukwu (MFR), Obisia Nwakpa (Golden Gloves), and Peter Rufai (MON), fondly known as Dodo Mayana.
In attendance were notable figures including the Enugu State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Mr. Lloyd Ekweremadu, respected cleric Pastor Ituah Ighodalo, Air Peace COO Mrs. Oluwatoyin Olajide, and several dignitaries from Nigeria’s sports and business sectors. The evening featured a touching sermon, nostalgic tributes, and a moving performance by iconic singer Yinka Davies.
Air Peace Chairman, Dr. Allen Onyema, delivered an emotional tribute, describing the late athletes as patriots who served Nigeria with unmatched dedication during times when sports offered no material rewards.
He recalled personal moments with Charles Bassey and Peter Rufai, expressing regret over missed opportunities to celebrate them more in their lifetimes.
Dr. Onyema also spoke on the 1976 Olympic team, who were withdrawn from the Montreal Games due to Nigeria’s anti-apartheid stance, only to return home to neglect.
He emphasized the importance of national recognition and remembrance, linking it to rebuilding true nationalism among youth.
He commended Dr. Odegbami, saying, “He is a man I will love forever”, for his relentless advocacy and preservation of Nigeria’s sporting legacy.
This tribute follows the 2022 Air Peace Wall of Fame initiative, where the airline honoured the 1980 AFCON-winning squad and 1976 Olympic team with lifetime business-class flight access and national recognition.
For Air Peace, the Night of Tribute was more than a commemorative event—it was a declaration of national memory, affirming that those who once lifted Nigeria’s spirit on the global stage must never be forgotten.
