News Highlights:
- Gold Chinyere Ike became the first woman from Umuerim-Umukparo Mbala to fly, turning a childhood dream into national inspiration.
- Air Peace celebrated her viral story with a village visit and free tickets, reinforcing its mission to make air travel accessible to all Nigerians.
What began as a childhood fantasy beneath the skies of Mbala Isuochi, in Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State, turned into a viral story of inspiration and pride, one that has now captured the attention of a nation.
Gold Chinyere Ike, a nursing graduate and entrepreneurial farmer, made history as the first woman from Umuerim-Umukparo Mbala village to board an aeroplane. Her maiden flight, taken with Air Peace in March 2025, wasn’t just a personal milestone—it became a communal celebration and a symbol of possibility.
Her candid social media post, where she described the surreal experience of flying for the first time, resonated deeply with Nigerians. “When we were on air, I could see the sky differently,” she wrote. “Down here, we look up to the sky. But when you’re flying, it’s almost like the sky is beneath you.”
Her reflection—poetic, humble, and filled with awe—quickly went viral. What followed was a powerful example of how a single voice, when amplified, can uplift an entire community.
In response to the overwhelming public reaction, Air Peace sent a delegation to Chinyere’s village, Umuerim-Umukparo Mbala, to celebrate her moment and to affirm the airline’s mission of bridging Nigeria’s communities—both urban and rural.
Welcomed with drums, dancers, and heartfelt gratitude, the Air Peace team was received like returning heroes. “That you people came to my village just because of me—I’m grateful. The community is so happy,” Chinyere said, overwhelmed with emotion.
During the visit, Air Peace presented her with two complimentary return tickets to any domestic destination, along with branded gifts.
Chairman/CEO of Air Peace, Dr. Allen Onyema, shared a heartfelt message: “Ms. Gold Chinyere Ike’s journey represents exactly why we do what we do. Air Peace was founded not only to provide safe and affordable air travel, but to make flying accessible to everyday Nigerians—regardless of background.”
He added, “We believe that when people move, dreams move with them.”
Chinyere’s parents, filled with pride, thanked the airline for recognizing their daughter. Her father, who has long trusted Air Peace, shared, “When it was time for her to travel, I insisted she fly with them.” Her mother echoed the gratitude: “To honour our daughter this way—it means the world to us.”
Chinyere herself is already dreaming of her next destinations—Lagos again, and Abuja, a city she’s always longed to see.
Her story is a reminder that while not everyone grows up with access to air travel, the dream of flight can still come true—and when it does, it has the power to lift entire communities. In celebrating her journey, Air Peace reinforces its role not just as a carrier, but as a conduit for progress and hope.
Since its founding, Air Peace has championed the democratization of air travel, connecting underserved regions, creating thousands of jobs, and empowering everyday Nigerians to dream bigger—and fly higher.