Nigeria’s largest airline, Air Peace, has announced the creation of 1,000 new jobs for fresh graduates through its 2025/2026 Graduate Trainee Programme.
According to the airline, this development comes as a direct response to the Federal Government’s recent suspension of the 4 per cent Free on Board levy on imported goods.
The FOB levy caused outcry among manufacturers, importers, and customs agents over claims that the new levy would worsen inflation in the country.
The Minister of Finance and Cordinating Minister for Economy, Wale Edun, agreed that the levy, introduced by Customs, posed risks to trade facilitation, economic stability, and Nigeria’s business climate.
Edun explained that the suspension followed widespread concerns raised by manufacturers, importers, and clearing agents, who argued that the levy would worsen inflation, erode trade competitiveness, and dampen the investment climate.
Chairman of Air Peace, Allen Onyema, who announced the initiative through a statement on Wednesday, commended President Bola Tinubu and Edun for their responsive leadership in addressing the concerns of stakeholders across critical sectors in the country.
The airline’s boss said, “This suspension is a lifeline for the aviation industry. It removes a heavy burden that could have crippled airlines and triggered massive job losses. In turn, Air Peace is reciprocating this kind gesture by creating 1,000 fresh graduate jobs for young Nigerians.”
Onyema further highlighted that the move exemplifies how government-private sector synergy can drive meaningful economic impact.
“If further supportive measures like this come from the Federal Government, I can assure you that thousands more jobs will be created in the aviation sector. This is how partnerships can transform a nation.” He added.
Explaining the employment opportunity, Onyema said the Graduate Trainee Programme is aimed at equipping young Nigerian graduates with essential skills, mentorship, and practical exposure to thrive in aviation and related industries.
He stated, “It serves as a strategic pipeline for building a competent, future-ready workforce to support the continued growth of the sector.”
To be qualified for the programme, Air Peace said applicants must be “30 years old or younger at the time of application with a minimum of Second Class Lower (2:2) in any discipline from a recognised university
Air Peace said, “The candidate must also be in possession of a NYSC discharge certificate, exclusion, or exemption letter and must demonstrate passion, adaptability, and a strong desire to learn.”
Interested applicants can apply through https://flyairpeace.com/graduate-trainee-program/. Alternatively, candidates may scan the QR code on the official programme flier.
The All Progressives Congress, APC, Abia State chapter has denied plans to sponsor a protest against the Governor Alex Otti led administration in the state.
The State government, in a statement by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity,Mr. Ferdinand Ekeoma, alleged that the opposition is planning to stage a protest under the tag; ‘Tinubu Dey Work, Otti Dey Chop’ in the state.
However, the APC while reacting to the accusation through its state publicity secretary,Uche Aguoru, reminded the Otti led administration that it has the duty of maintaining law and order in the state.
The APC said; “However, given the Abia State Government’s well-established reputation for propaganda, misinformation, and calculated public deception, it is both reasonable and necessary to question the intent behind this claim.
“There is a strong possibility that this narrative is a deliberate ploy to divert public attention from the mounting concerns over governance failures, financial opacity, and the apparent mismanagement of public resources under the current administration.
“In recent months, citizens of Abia State have become increasingly vocal, demanding transparency and accountability regarding the management of state finances.
“Available records shows that over one trillion naira has accrued to the state with little to no corresponding improvement in infrastructure or the welfare of the people. These concerns remain largely unanswered, fueling public distrust and deepening suspicion of systemic mismanagement and possible financial impropriety.”
The APC stated that it is not aware of any planned protest,as it has never been known for orchestrating protests in the state.
“The APC is a responsible and law-abiding political party that does not engage in actions capable of disrupting public peace or undermining the security and wellbeing of citizens.
“Our party, both within Abia State and nationally, is not known for orchestrating protests or encouraging civil unrest. On the contrary, our track record reflects a commitment to lawful engagement, constructive opposition, and responsible political conduct. It is instructive, however, that those attempting to attribute such actions to the opposition belong to a political tradition that has, on multiple occasions, resorted to protests and confrontational tactics, accompanied by violence and disregard for rule of law.
“Given this context, it is not far fetched to consider that the present alarm raised by the Abia State Government may itself be part of a staged narrative designed to manufacture a crisis, shift blame to the opposition, and ultimately distract from legitimate public scrutiny over governance issues.”
The party called on law enforcement agencies to remain vigilant and impartial in the discharge of their duties to ensure that the peace and security of citizens are not compromised.
“Any credible intelligence regarding threats to public order should be acted upon decisively. However, it is equally important to guard against the misuse of state apparatus in advancing politically motivated narratives or suppressing legitimate opposition.”
The Member, representing Ukwa East/West Federal Constituency and Chairman, House Committee on South East Development Commission (SEDC), Hon. Chris Nkwonta, has enjoined his Constituents and Nigerians, to imbibe the virtues of sacrifice, forgiveness, hope, patience, humility and love for humanity as exemplified by Our Lord Jesus Christ, which is the real essence of Easter Celebration.
In a statement personally signed by the Legislator, he called on his Constituents and the Christian Community in Nigeria to demonstrate Christ-like virtues of love for humanity, hope for a better future, peaceful and harmonious disposition in their dealings with one another for a United Ukwa Federal Constituency and indeed Nigeria, where brotherly love reigns amongst Citizens.
He maintained that despite the prevailing temporary economic difficulties; there is light at the end of the tunnel and strong hope for a better, improved and secured economy within a short period of time.
Hon. Nkwonta, wished everyone a hitch free and joyous Easter Celebration.
The Member, representing Ukwa East/West Federal Constituency and Chairman, House Committee on South East Development Commission (SEDC), Hon. Chris Nkwonta, has enjoined his Constituents and Nigerians, to imbibe the virtues of sacrifice, forgiveness, hope, patience, humility and love for humanity as exemplified by Our Lord Jesus Christ, which is the real essence of Easter Celebration.
In a statement personally signed by the Legislator, he called on his Constituents and the Christian Community in Nigeria to demonstrate Christ-like virtues of love for humanity, hope for a better future, peaceful and harmonious disposition in their dealings with one another for a United Ukwa Federal Constituency and indeed Nigeria, where brotherly love reigns amongst Citizens.
He maintained that despite the prevailing temporary economic difficulties; there is light at the end of the tunnel and strong hope for a better, improved and secured economy within a short period of time.
Hon. Nkwonta, wished everyone a hitch free and joyous Easter Celebration!