Air Peace Limited has promoted Senior First Officer Solomon Ayegba to the rank of Captain on its technologically advanced Embraer 195-E2 fleet, a milestone that underscores the airline’s strong emphasis on structured career advancement, rigorous training and the development of world-class aviation professionals within Nigeria.
The decoration ceremony was held at the airline’s corporate headquarters in Ikeja, Lagos, and brought together top executives, flight operations leaders and members of Captain Ayegba’s family.
Present at the event were the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Dr Allen Ifechukwu Onyema; Director of Flight Operations, Captain Augustin Kamano; Head of Training, Captain Gerald Udaya; Deputy Head of Training, Captain José Calvino; Head of Human Resources, Mrs Osinaka Ifedigbo; as well as other senior management officials and pilots.
Captain Ayegba’s elevation crowns a remarkable seven-year journey with Air Peace, built on discipline, consistency and exemplary performance.
He joined the airline in 2018 as a Second Officer on the Embraer 145 and later distinguished himself as the first Second Officer to transition to the Embraer E195 aircraft.
His steady rise through the ranks was guided by the airline’s demanding training regime, strict operational standards and a culture that rewards merit and professionalism.
Speaking at the ceremony, Director of Flight Operations, Captain Augustin Kamano, described Ayegba’s promotion as a clear validation of his competence and character, noting that his record throughout his career had been impeccable.
“Captain Ayegba has shown outstanding learning capacity, discipline and professionalism. He has no history of incidents, accidents or disciplinary issues, and his performance during training and line operations has been consistently exceptional,” Kamano said.
He disclosed that Ayegba successfully completed all prescribed command courses, simulator sessions and final proficiency checks, earning strong recommendations from training captains, including Captain José Calvino, who affirmed his readiness to take command of the Embraer E2 aircraft.
In his remarks, Deputy Head of Training, Captain José Calvino, commended Ayegba for meeting and surpassing the airline’s exacting training standards, stressing that his transition to captaincy was the result of dedication, sound judgement and strict compliance with standard operating procedures.
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Dr Allen Onyema, in his address, congratulated the new Captain and reminded him that captaincy represents the height of a pilot’s professional calling.
He stressed that the role demands not only technical excellence but also humility, integrity and an unwavering commitment to safety.
“Captaincy is not about authority, but responsibility,” Dr Onyema said. “Never compromise safety, never misuse your position and always remain humble. At Air Peace, safety is sacrosanct, and character must always go hand in hand with competence.”
Responding, Captain Solomon Ayegba expressed heartfelt gratitude to the management of Air Peace for the confidence reposed in him and for providing an environment that fosters growth, discipline and excellence.
“I am sincerely grateful to the management of Air Peace for believing in me and giving me the platform to grow professionally,” he said. “I thank my instructors, superiors and colleagues for their mentorship, guidance and constant support throughout this journey.”
He paid special tribute to Dr Onyema, describing the Chairman’s leadership philosophy and trust as a major influence on his professional development.
“I deeply appreciate the Chairman, Dr Allen Onyema, for the trust he has placed in me. His emphasis on safety, integrity and professionalism has shaped my approach to aviation and leadership. I am fully conscious of the responsibility that comes with this new role,” Ayegba stated.
The new Captain also acknowledged the unwavering support of his wife, a Senior Cabin Crew member with Air Peace, noting that her understanding of the demands of the aviation industry played a significant role in his success.
The ceremony, attended by Ayegba’s wife and children, highlighted the importance of family support in sustaining excellence within the aviation profession.
Captain Ayegba’s promotion further cements Air Peace’s reputation as a pilot-focused airline committed to nurturing indigenous talent through comprehensive training programmes, a modern fleet and a robust safety culture.
His assumption of command on the Embraer E195-E2 fleet reinforces the airline’s standing as a leading force in African aviation and a dependable institution for producing globally competitive aviation professionals.
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