In a grand celebration marking its 10th anniversary, Air Peace, West Africa’s largest airline, successfully concluded its much-anticipated October Sports Festival, popularly known as “October Fest,” on October 20, 2024.
The festival, which ran for nearly two months, was designed to foster unity, camaraderie, and team spirit among Air Peace staff, serving as a highlight of the airline’s decade-long journey of excellence.
The October Fest, a football tournament that featured eight male teams and a special novelty match for two female teams, kicked off on August 31, 2024. The festival brought together staff from Air Peace’s various stations across sub-Saharan Africa to compete, while building stronger bonds within the airline’s workforce.
Competing Teams
Male Teams:
BUU Shooters
BVE Rangers
BQQ Warriors
BUO Army
BWI Wanderers
BYJ Rovers
BXG Gunners
BQV Invaders
Female Teams:
BUJ Amazons
BYF Angels
The tournament was a spectacular display of skill, excitement, and sportsmanship, with each match generating significant fanfare among employees and their families. After weeks of competitive matches, the finals delivered an unforgettable conclusion.
In the male category, the BQQ Warriors faced BXG Gunners in a high-energy final that ended 1-1 after regular time. The match was ultimately decided by penalties, where the BXG Gunners emerged victorious, clinching the championship title in front of an enthusiastic crowd.
In the female category, the BUJ Amazons played against the BYF Angels in another nail-biting contest that also finished 1-1 in regulation time. The BUJ Amazons won in the penalty shootout, securing their place as champions in the female category.
The champions, as well as the first and second runners-up in the male category and the first runners-up in the female category, were awarded significant financial rewards. To add to the festive atmosphere, fans (staff) in attendance were treated to an array of prizes, including international flight tickets, generators, washing machines, refrigerators, freezers, cash rewards, and other exciting household appliances.
Speaking at the event, Air Peace Chairman/CEO, Dr. Allen Onyema, highlighted the significance of the October Fest as more than just a football competition, noting the values that have driven Air Peace’s success over the past decade.
“October Fest is a celebration of the resilience, dedication, and spirit of teamwork that has been the backbone of Air Peace over the last 10 years. This festival isn’t just about competition; it’s about bringing our Air Peace family together, recognizing our shared achievements, and fostering the unity that continues to drive our success. This milestone serves as a reminder of how far we’ve come and the bright future ahead,” said Dr. Onyema.
In addition to Dr. Onyema, members of the airline’s executive board and management were present to witness the thrilling conclusion of the tournament and celebrate the contributions of staff who have been instrumental in Air Peace’s growth.
Founded in 2013, Air Peace has rapidly grown to become West Africa’s largest airline, operating domestic flights across Nigeria and international routes to destinations such as Johannesburg, Dubai, and London. The airline’s commitment to delivering safe, reliable, and affordable air travel has earned it a leading position in the African aviation industry.
The October Fest served as a key event in celebrating Air Peace’s 10th anniversary, showcasing not only the airline’s success but also its dedication to fostering unity and well-being among its workforce. As the company moves forward, it remains focused on innovation, service excellence, and further development in the African aviation space.
With the conclusion of the October Fest, Air Peace embarks on the next phase of its journey, looking to build on the strong foundation of teamwork, resilience, and a decade of excellence that has made it a trailblazer in the region’s aviation industry.