This significant career progression was officially communicated through a statement released on Monday by the airline's Head of Corporate Communications, Ejike Ndiulo.
Both officers have demonstrated considerable expertise and proficiency, having each accumulated over 4,000 hours of flight time on the Boeing 737 aircraft. This substantial flying experience underscores their technical competence, developed skill set, and proven readiness to undertake the responsibilities of a Captain.
The celebratory event marking their elevation saw the newly appointed captains adorned with their epaulettes by the Chairman of Air Peace, Dr. Allen Onyema, and the Chief Operating Officer, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Olajide. The occasion was further graced by the presence of the officers' families and various professionals from within the aviation industry.
Captain Adeoye, who embarked on his journey with Air Peace directly from flight school in 2016, and Captain Okeke, who joined the airline in 2018, both described their promotion as the most defining and momentous occasion in their professional careers to date.
Speaking at the decoration ceremony, Dr. Allen Onyema, the Chairman of Air Peace, lauded the newly appointed captains for achieving this significant career milestone. He also commended the dedicated trainers whose guidance and mentorship played a crucial role in shaping them into disciplined and safety-conscious aviators.
Dr. Onyema emphatically reiterated Air Peace's unwavering commitment to safety, stressing that the airline places paramount importance on sound judgment and adherence to procedures over any form of recklessness. He further challenged the new captains to broaden their aspirations beyond the confines of the cockpit.
"In Air Peace, we don’t need overzealous decisions. We don’t need heroes. We need you alive," Dr. Onyema stated firmly. He continued, "Your friends and families need you alive, so don’t go into dangerous areas just to be known as a hero. Stick to the operational procedures and always follow through with your safety manuals."
Looking ahead, Dr. Onyema encouraged the captains to embrace a broader vision: "The sky is not your limit—it’s your foundation. You must think ahead and work with a sense of purpose, not just for the airline, but for your families and for the greater good of Nigeria."
In closing, Dr. Onyema advised the newly conferred captains to lead with strong character and unwavering conviction, consistently upholding the core values that define the operational ethos of Air Peace. This promotion signifies Air Peace's commitment to recognizing and advancing talent within its ranks, further strengthening its operational capacity and safety standards.