Air Peace, the largest carrier in West and Central Africa, has issued a rallying cry to Nigerians, urging them to throw their weight behind local businesses to bolster the country’s economy instead of perpetuating the trend of capital flight. Dr. Allen Onyema, the Chairman of Air Peace, delivered this message at the Silverbird Man of the Year Awards held on Sunday.
In his address, Dr. Onyema emphasized the importance of embracing peace amidst the nation’s numerous challenges. He underscored the need for Nigerians to support indigenous businesses to propel economic growth actively. Rather than resorting to practices that facilitate capital flight or hinder the progress of local enterprises, Dr. Onyema implored Nigerians to “support their own” to foster prosperity.
Furthermore, Dr. Onyema advocated for a mindset of broad nationalism, urging citizens to transcend ethnic and religious sentiments. He cautioned against the detrimental effects of consistently favouring foreign businesses over local brands, asserting that such a trend could severely impede the country’s economic advancement.
Dr. Onyema highlighted Air Peace’s recent endeavor to offer low fares for its London service as a testament to its commitment to national development. This initiative aimed to alleviate the financial burden of air travel for Nigerians on the UK route and compelled foreign competitors to adjust their fares in response.
Similarly, Senator Ben Murray Bruce, the CEO of Silverbird Group, echoed the sentiments expressed by Dr. Onyema, stressing the imperative for Nigerians to throw their weight behind Air Peace and other local enterprises. He emphasized that sustainable economic development in Nigeria hinges on robust support for indigenous businesses.
Acknowledging Nigeria’s economic challenges, Senator Ben Murray Bruce urged Nigerians to rally behind the government led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, allowing time for economic stabilization. He emphasized the importance of solidarity and collective effort in navigating the current economic turmoil while advocating for support for local businesses as a crucial component of the nation’s economic revival.
