Mercy Odeh (Content Editor)

Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines (UNA), Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, has been named Travel Personality of the Year and recognised among Nigeria’s Top 100 Travel and Tourism Icons for 2025/2026.

The recognition, which was based on public voting, was presented at the 22nd Akwaaba African Travel Market in Lagos, with UNA’s Chief Commercial Officer, Adedayo Olawuyi, receiving the award on Okonkwo’s behalf.

The organiser of the Travellers Awards, Mr Ikechi Uko, said the honour reflected the growth of United Nigeria Airlines and its impact on Nigeria’s domestic travel industry in less than six years of operation.

Uko said the airline, under Okonkwo’s leadership, had focused on expanding access to air travel, improving connectivity and operational efficiency, and providing greater convenience for passengers.

He said the recognition also acknowledged the airline’s contribution to the development of domestic air travel in Nigeria.

“The recognition honours the airline’s commitment to providing Nigerian travellers with greater access, improved connectivity, efficiency, convenience, and seamless travel experiences, while contributing significantly to the growth and development of domestic air travel in Nigeria,” Uko said.

Since commencing operations, UNA has expanded its presence in Nigeria’s domestic aviation market, connecting passengers across key destinations and, more recently, extending its network to the international market with its Accra-Abuja route.

The airline has also continued to grow its operations and build partnerships within the travel and tourism industry, as it seeks to strengthen its position in the regional aviation market.

The development of its international operations has placed UNA among Nigerian carriers seeking to deepen air connectivity between Nigeria and other West African destinations.

The Travellers Awards, established in 1996, annually recognises individuals, organisations and businesses considered to have made notable contributions to aviation, travel and tourism in Nigeria and Africa.

The awards are organised by Travellers Magazine, described by the organisers as West Africa’s pioneer travel magazine.

Speaking on the recognition, Olawuyi said the award was an acknowledgement of the airline’s progress and the confidence placed in its operations by travellers.

He said the growth of UNA demonstrated that a passenger-focused domestic carrier could build a sustainable presence in Nigeria’s competitive aviation market.

Olawuyi said the airline would continue to focus on improving the travel experience while expanding connectivity for passengers.

He added that the recognition would further strengthen the airline’s commitment to contributing to the growth of Nigeria’s domestic aviation industry.