Air Peace, NIIA Host Emotional Tribute Night for Late Sports Icons

Air Peace, in partnership with the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), led a solemn tribute evening on 28 July 2025 at the NIIA’s Sports and Diplomacy Wall of Fame in Lagos. The event paid homage to fallen legends Christian Chukwu, Peter Rufai, Charles Bassey, Moses Effiong and Obisia Nwakpa. Emotions ran high as attendees reflected on their contributions to Nigeria’s sporting heritage.

The tribute featured plaques of honour, sashes of distinction, and a cash award of ₦1.5 million presented to each family in memory of the icons. Air Peace Chairman Dr Allen Onyema also pledged complimentary airline tickets domestic and one free international journey annually for living sports ambassadors linked to the 1980 Green Eagles and other veteran delegations.

A delegation of notable former athletes including Dr Olusegun Odegbami, Dr Felix Owolabi, Dr Bruce Ijirigho, Uche Okechukwu, Sylvanus Okpala and Frank Onwuachi attended, representing three generations of Olympians and national team members. They collectively reaffirmed their commitment to preserving the legacies of those honoured.

The tribute also served as a reaffirmation of national duty, emphasising the importance of recognising sports icons while alive and ensuring their contributions are never forgotten. Air Peace’s role in facilitating the ceremony and broader Hall of Fame initiative positions the airline as a key custodian of sports memory and national pride.

Editorial

We commend Air Peace and the NIIA for convening a dignified tribute to Nigeria’s departed sporting heroes. Honouring Christian Chukwu, Peter Rufai, Charles Bassey, Moses Effiong and Obisia Nwakpa in such a solemn setting affirms respect and gratitude for those who carried the national dream.

We believe that pairing formal recognition plaques, sash and awards with tangible support such as complimentary flights reflects a deeper vision. It says that these icons are not past relics but timeless contributors to Nigeria’s identity.

We feel that the involvement of football legends from across generations underscores collective ownership of these legacies. When athletes like Odegbami, Owolabi and Okechukwu gather under a shared banner, they remind us that sacrifice and excellence span decades.

We assert that commemorative events should be more than symbolic gestures. They should catalyse long-term structures—like the Wall of Fame and future Hall of Fame that ensure current and future generations remain inspired by those who came before.

We remain convinced that this event marks a new benchmark in national sports appreciation. By combining ceremony, support and commitment, Air Peace and the NIIA have raised the bar for how we honour our heroes.

Did You Know?

1. Christian Chukwu captained Nigeria’s Green Eagles to their first Africa Cup of Nations title in 1980 and later managed the team from 2003 to 2005.
2. Charles Bassey passed away just hours after Chukwu on 12 April 2025, marking a tragic day for Nigeria’s 1980 AFCON-winning squad.
3. Air Peace chairman Dr Allen Onyema funded the establishment of the NIIA Sports and Diplomacy Wall of Fame and intends to build a full Hall of Fame to honour national sports icons.
4. Living members of the 1980 Green Eagles and 1976 Olympic squad have been appointed as Air Peace Special Ambassadors, entitled to free domestic and annual international flights.
5. The tribute event on 28 July coincided with growing public concern over the welfare of retired sports icons in Nigeria many of whom suffer health or financial difficulties in later life.