Nigerian Airline Air Peace held a Night of Tribute on 28 July 2025 at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Lagos, to honour its departed Sports Diplomacy Ambassadors.
Those remembered were Moses Effiong (MON), Charles Bassey (MON), Christian Chukwu (MFR), Obisia Nwakpa (Golden Gloves), and Peter Rufai (MON), fondly called “Dodo Mayana.”
The commemorative evening was curated by football legend Dr Segun Odegbami, MON, popularly known as “The Mathematical.” It brought together family members, teammates, sports stakeholders, and dignitaries in a show of unity and remembrance for the legacies left by these national heroes.
Among those in attendance were Enugu State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Mr Lloyd Ekweremadu; respected clergyman Pastor Ituah Ighodalo, who delivered a moving sermon and tribute; and Chief Operating Officer of Air Peace, Mrs Oluwatoyin Olajide. The evening was further elevated by a soulful performance from iconic singer Yinka Davies.
Chairman of Air Peace, Dr Allen Onyema, delivered a powerful address, describing the fallen athletes as “patriots who gave everything to the nation at a time when there were no guarantees of reward, yet played for honour and country.” He recounted emotional memories of his interactions with the late Charles Bassey and Peter Rufai and reflected on the missed chance to celebrate them more while they were alive.
He also revisited the sacrifice of the 1976 Olympic team, who were recalled on the eve of the Montreal Games due to Nigeria’s anti-apartheid stance. He decried the neglect they faced upon returning home and used the moment to call for sustained national recognition of such icons.
“Honouring them is key to reviving true nationalism among our youth,” Onyema stated. He commended Dr Odegbami for his relentless efforts in advocating for sports legends, calling him “a man I will love forever” for his resilience and selflessness.
Air Peace has consistently demonstrated a commitment to celebrating Nigeria’s sporting heroes. In 2022, the airline hosted a grand event at the NIIA and Eko Hotel, unveiling a permanent Wall of Fame and awarding members of the 1980 AFCON-winning squad and the 1976 Olympic team with lifetime, unlimited business-class flights as Sports Diplomacy Ambassadors.
This recent Night of Tribute served not only as a solemn farewell to fallen icons but also as a national reminder that those who once lifted the nation’s spirit must always be remembered. Through this initiative, Air Peace reaffirmed its identity as a symbol of patriotism, memory, and honour beyond aviation.
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