Governor of Abia State, Alex Otti, has described the naming of two newly acquired Boeing 737-800NG aircraft after literary icon Chinua Achebe and the Obi of Onitsha as a powerful recognition of Igbo excellence in leadership, culture, and intellectual achievement.
The aircraft, operated by United Nigeria Airlines, were named in honour of the late renowned author Chinua Achebe and the traditional ruler Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe during a ceremony held in Lagos.
Speaking at the event, Otti praised the airline’s founder, Obiora Okonkwo, for immortalising two figures he described as symbols of intellectual depth, leadership, and cultural pride.
“For remembering to honour our people, you will be honoured,” Otti said.
He noted that the gesture went beyond aviation, describing it as a tribute to values associated with the Igbo nation and Nigeria’s broader development narrative.
The first aircraft honours Chinua Achebe, widely regarded as one of Africa’s mbost influential writers, whose The novel Things Fall Apart reshaped global perceptions of African literature.
The second aircraft- celebrates Igwe Alfred Achebe, whose reign as Obi of Onitsha has combined traditional leadership with corporate and public service excellence.
The founder of United Nigeria Airlines, Obiora Okonkwo, said the naming was intentional and symbolic, stressing that both men represent distinct pillars of African achievement—literature and traditional leadership.
READ ALSO: Tinubu renames Abuja road in honor of Chinua Achebe
The event also drew key stakeholders in Nigeria’s aviation sector, including the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, who reaffirmed Federal Government support for the proposed Abia Airport project.
Keyamo disclosed that Governor Otti had advocated for upgrading the planned Abia airstrip to an international airport and assured that the state was ready to provide counterpart funding.
Otti also revealed that construction work on the airport project had reached an advanced stage.
Chairman of Air Peace, Allen Onyema, commended United Nigeria Airlines for its expansion and described the initiative as evidence of growing indigenous capacity in the aviation sector. He also praised Otti’s developmental efforts in Abia State.
Former Senate President Adolphus Wabara also lauded the airline, saying the move reflects the resilience and global contributions of the Igbo people.
The ceremony ended with the official unveiling of the aircraft in Lagos, attracting political leaders, traditional rulers, and industry stakeholders who described the event as a symbolic celebration of heritage, innovation, and national pride.