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Alex Otti unveils United Nigeria Airlines aircraft named after Chinua Achebe and Obi of Onitsha
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, unveiled two new Boeing 737-800NG aircraft belonging to United Nigeria Airlines, named after the late literary icon Professor Chinua Achebe and the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Achebe. The ceremony took place at Nesto Aviation Services in Ikeja, Lagos. Governor Otti commended Professor Obiora Okonkwo, Chairman and Founder of United Nigeria Airlines, for honoring distinguished Nigerians. He also praised the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, for promoting private-sector participation in aviation and for supporting the establishment of an aircraft leasing company to strengthen local airlines. Otti noted the advanced stage of work on the Abia Airport project runway and reaffirmed Abia State's readiness to serve as a hub for United Nigeria Airlines. Professor Okonkwo stated that the aircraft acquisition reflects growing confidence in Nigeria鈥檚 aviation industry, attributing the naming of the aircraft to Chinua Achebe's global literary legacy and Igwe Alfred Achebe's exemplary traditional leadership and contributions to national development. Minister Keyamo outlined the Federal Government鈥檚 aviation reform agenda, emphasizing collaboration with stakeholders, and commended Governor Otti鈥檚 commitment to the Abia Airport project, highlighting Otti's advocacy for a full-fledged airport with counterpart funding from Abia State. Igwe Alfred Achebe expressed appreciation for the recognition, describing it as humbling and meaningf
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