Follow Us on Google
Founder and CEO of United Nigeria Airlines, Professor Obiora Okonkwo, has been honoured by the Aka Ikenga, a non-partisan Igbo socio-economic think tank, as an enabler of the group’s vision and that of Ndigbo.
According to the Igbo socio-economic think tank, the decision to recognise him as a unique ‘enabler of Ndigbo vision, strength, and resilience’ was clear in Okonkwo’s distinctive services, mentorship and inspirations to common nationhood in the aviation industry. The event which was held in Lagos recently, saw the United Airline boss and some other notable sons and daughters of Ndigbo being honoured in recognition of their contributions to several sectors of the nation’s economy.
According to the Aka Ikenga, what commended Okonkwo further as Aka Ikenga vision partner was his tenacity in service to the country and Ndigbo because he has primed himself as an industry path builder and barriers breaker in aviation.
Accepting the award, Okonkwo acknowledged that he was determined to continue to work hard for the industry, Igbo race and the country at large despite the difficult terrain of business.
According to him, “This award is an award of recognition, we accept it and we are delighted, encouraged; because sometimes when you are out there you will think everybody is against you. Now we know there are people who work silently and are recognised. We are in a battle field, this recognition is just simply a kind of a pat on the back and I am encouraged and would continue to work harder.” He however, advised the gathering to always support each other in whatever industry they find themselves in and not allow acrimony and envy to come between them.
He said: “We must celebrate one another and not work against each other in whatever sector we find ourselves at any time. I have had so many discussions on what has been done to Igbo people, but nobody talks about what Igbo people do to themselves.”
