The President of the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), Chief Emeka Obegolu, SAN, has congratulated the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of United Nigeria Airlines, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, OFR, on the conferment of an honorary Doctor of Letters (D.Litt.) degree on him by Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti.
Obegolu described the recognition as a fitting acknowledgement of Okonkwo’s contributions to education, aviation, entrepreneurship, philanthropy and national development.
The ACCI president conveyed his congratulations in a letter dated October 22, 2026, following the conferment of the honorary degree on the airline executive by the university.
He said the honour reflected Okonkwo’s record of enterprise, service and commitment to the advancement of key sectors of the Nigerian economy.
Obegolu also commended Okonkwo for delivering the university’s 14th Convocation Lecture, titled “Functional Education and the Nigerian Project: Strategic Human Capital Development for National Renewal.”
According to the ACCI president, the lecture addressed a critical national issue by highlighting the importance of functional education and strategic human capital development to Nigeria’s progress.
He noted that investment in human capital remained an important pathway to sustainable development, stressing the significance of education in building the capacity required to advance the country’s development objectives.
The ACCI president said the lecture further underscored the need to recognise the relationship between education, national renewal and the development of a productive society.
He observed that Okonkwo’s contributions as an entrepreneur, philanthropist and a pioneer in Nigeria’s aviation industry demonstrated that business leadership should extend beyond commercial success to include service to society.
According to him, the airline executive’s achievements reflected the role business leaders could play in supporting education, promoting enterprise and contributing to national progress.
Obegolu added that the honorary doctorate recognised a distinguished record of commitment to enterprise and service, particularly in areas considered important to Nigeria’s economic and social development.
He expressed confidence that the recognition would further encourage Okonkwo to sustain his contributions to the advancement of education and the growth of the aviation industry.
The ACCI president also expressed optimism that the honour would inspire continued engagement by the United Nigeria Airlines chairman in initiatives aimed at advancing Nigeria’s broader development agenda.
He wished Okonkwo continued success and greater accomplishments, expressing hope that the airline executive would maintain his contributions to improving lives and supporting national development.
The recognition, according to the congratulatory message, highlights the importance of leadership that combines entrepreneurial achievement with contributions to education, philanthropy and the wider economy.
Obegolu’s message also reflects the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s recognition of business leaders whose activities and achievements extend beyond their individual organisations to support broader societal and economic advancement.
The ACCI president reiterated his goodwill towards Okonkwo, wishing him further accomplishments in his professional and philanthropic endeavours.
