Why We Evacuated Nigerians From South Africa Free Of Charge – Air Peace Chairman Allen Onyema
Speaking on the gesture by Air Peace to evacuate stranded Nigerians in the xenophobic attacks, the Chairman of the airline, Allen Onyema, said:
“We carried out the evacuation free of charge. It is for our people. We decided to do it because we want to show that it is not all about money; that nobody can go into his grave with his bank account or a fat purse, but that you can go to the grave with the legacies you leave behind.
“So we decided to carry out this evacuation after seeing the gory pictures on the internet. Like I have always done before in this country, it was a duty to lift the lives of my people in trouble.
“It is not the first time. It was a patriotic act to send signals to some foreign countries who want to try Nigeria.
“Yes, as Nigerians, we have our differences. But we are one and the dehumanization should stop to restore the dignity of this country.
“We moved in to restore the pride and resolve of Nigerians to live together, to do this for the harmony of Nigerians to support the government.
“This is to give the returnees a sense of belonging. As we moved into the aircraft, they started singing the national anthem. They felt proud to be Nigerians.
“As they sang the national anthem, it brought drew tears to my cheeks. The motivation is there, and we thank God.
“Air Peace is ready is do as many trips as there is a single Nigerian left in South Africa to be evacuated. We were to move over 320 Nigerians, but the authorities in South Africa frustrated us. We are ready to go back and bring our people.”
Video: How Nigerian Rescued From South Africa Appreciated Air Peace Owner Allen Onyema
