Victor Ezeja
Leading carrier in West Africa, Air Peace, has promoted its Senior First Officer, Chibuzo Mbanefo, to the rank of Captain on its Boeing 777 fleet.
This was confirmed in a statement released on Sunday by Dr. Ejike Ndiulo, Head, Corporate Communications, Air Peace.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelAccording to the statement, Mbanefo was elevated to the position of Captain after undergoing rigorous training and meeting all regulatory requirements.
“Captain Mbanefo has consistently demonstrated exceptional skill, leadership, and commitment to upholding Air Peace’s high operational standards,” Ndiulo stated.
“After undergoing rigorous training and meeting all regulatory requirements, he has now officially assumed the esteemed position of Captain, reinforcing Air Peace’s legacy of nurturing top-tier aviation professionals.”
The statement said Captain Gerald Udaya, who introduced Mbanefo to the Chairman/CEO Air Peace Limited, Dr. Allen Onyema and Chief Operating Officer, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Olajide, hailed his exceptional qualities.
Captain Udaya specifically mentioned that 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 programme.
He expressed immense pride in Mbanefo’s elevation to the left seat as Captain, adding that it is a testament to his knowledge, competence, and proficiency.
At a ceremony to mark the change of epaulette, Dr. Onyema and Mrs. Olajide conferred on Mbanefo the new status of Captain.
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.
Captain 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 the aviation industry before joining Air Peace as a flight dispatcher.
Capt. Mbanefo revealed that with the Chairman’s support, he transitioned from Cadet to First Officer, undergoing intensive training on the Boeing 737. Although he could have progressed to Captain on the B737, his passion for the B777 guided his career path—a decision celebrated in this elevation ceremony.
Speaking at the ceremony, Dr. Onyema congratulated the newly promoted Captain, and reaffirmed Air Peace’s commitment to empowering Nigerian pilots: “At Air Peace, we believe in recognising 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, Dr. Onyema encouraged Captain Mbanefo to embrace his new role with responsibility.
Onyema said: “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.
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.
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.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with seven years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Master's degree in Mass Communication.
