Photo caption: The Chairman/CEO, Air Peace Limited, Dr. Allen Onyema and Chief Operating Officer, Air Peace Limited Mrs. Oluwatoyin Olajide decorating Capt. Chibuzo Mbanefo with his new rank
Air Peace, Nigeria’s foremost airline and West Africa’s largest carrier, has elevated Senior First Officer(SFO) Chibuzo Mbanefo to the rank of Captain on its Boeing 777 fleet.
According to a statement signed by the
Head, Corporate Communications, Air Peace,Dr. Ejike Ndiulo, Captain Mbanefo has consistently demonstrated exceptional skill, leadership, and commitment to upholding Air Peace’s high operational standards.
The statement explained after undergoing rigorous training and meeting all regulatory requirements, Mbanefo has now officially assumed the esteemed position of Captain, reinforcing Air Peace’s legacy of nurturing top-tier aviation professionals.
While introducing SFO Mbanefo to the Chairman/CEO Air Peace Limited, Dr. Allen Onyema and Chief Operating Officer, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Olajide, Capt. Gerald Udaya extolled Mbanefo’s exceptional qualities.
Specifically, Udaya noted that SFO Mbanefo had completed over 4,800 flight hours on the right-hand side of the B777 and acknowledged his exceptional performance in the rigorous command upgrade training program.
He expressed immense pride in Mbanefo’s elevation to the left seat as Captain, a testament to his knowledge, competence, and proficiency.
The pivotal moment of the ceremony was marked by the epaulette change, ceremoniously conferred by Dr. Onyema and Mrs. Olajide, symbolizing Mbanefo’s new status as Captain.
Also reflecting on Mbanefo’s journey, Capt. Iwo-Brown urged him to maintain a disciplined approach, adhere strictly to aviation protocols, and never compromise safety—a cornerstone for sustained success in the industry.
In an emotion-laden speech, Mbanefo expressed deep gratitude to the Chairman, his wife, family, and the flight operations management, acknowledging their unwavering support.
He recalled his early days in aviation before joining Air Peace as a flight dispatcher, adding that with the Chairman’s support,he transitioned from Cadet to First Officer, undergoing intensive training on the Boeing 737.
Mbanefo pointed out that though he could have progressed to Captain on the B737, but that his passion for the B777 guided his career path, a decision celebrated in this elevation ceremony.
In his remark, the Air Peace Chairman congratulated the newly promoted Captain, and reaffirmed Air Peace’s commitment to empowering Nigerian pilots:
“At Air Peace, we believe in recognizing and rewarding excellence. Captain Mbanefo has exhibited outstanding professionalism and dedication, and we are incredibly proud to see him take this next step in his career. This promotion aligns with our mission to build local capacity and ensure our flight operations remain world-class.”
While emphasising the importance of humility, continuous learning, and prioritising safety, Onyema encouraged Capt. Mbanefo to embrace his new role with responsibility.
According to him, “It is only your character that determines your altitude in life.”
He expressed confidence in Mbanefo’s ability to lead and uphold Air Peace’s commitment to excellence and safety.
As Air Peace continues to expand its fleet and route network, recently adding new destinations and reinforcing its long-haul capabilities with its Boeing 777 aircraft, this promotion aligns with the airline’s vision to provide safe, world-class air travel while empowering Nigerian aviators.
The ceremony which took place at the corporate head office of Air peace had in attendance the Chairman/CEO, Dr. Allen Onyema, Chief Operating Officer, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Olajide, along with the airline’s Flight Operations Management team, Captain Mbanefo’s wife, family members, and well-wishers.
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