Allen Onyema Biography: Age, Career, Spouse, Net Worth

Who is Allen Onyenma?

Allen Ifechukwu Onyema, CON, is a distinguished Nigerian lawyer and entrepreneur. He is the Chief Executive Officer and founder of Air Peace Limited, an airline he established in 2013, which has since grown to become one of Nigeria’s leading carriers.

Profiling Allen Onyema

Allen Onyema Biography

Allen Onyema is a prominent Nigerian businessman, lawyer, and philanthropist, widely recognized for his significant contributions to both the business and social sectors. Born in 1964 in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria, he later moved westward to pursue his passions and build his career.

Allen Onyema is best known as the founder and chairman of Air Peace, a leading Nigerian airline that has grown to become one of the largest in the country, with an expanding network of domestic and international routes. In addition to his successful business ventures, Onyema is the chairman of the Foundation for Ethnic Harmony in Nigeria (FEHN), an organization dedicated to promoting peace and unity among Nigeria’s diverse ethnic groups.

In 2019, he gained widespread recognition for his act of humanitarianism when he offered one of his Air Peace planes to help evacuate Nigerians from South Africa during the xenophobic attacks. This selfless gesture further solidified his reputation as not only a successful businessman but also a compassionate and dedicated philanthropist.

Early Life

Allen Ifechukwu Onyema was born on the 28th of March, 1964, in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria. He hails from the Igbo-speaking community, specifically from a town called Mbosi, located in the Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State. This region is known for its rich cultural heritage and strong family values, which would influence Allen Onyema’s upbringing and character in profound ways.

As the firstborn of his parents, Allen Onyema grew up with a sense of responsibility, guiding and looking after his eight younger siblings. His childhood was marked by the deep sense of family and community that is common in many Nigerian households. Despite the challenges they faced, especially as the family was not wealthy, Allen Onyema’s parents instilled in him the importance of education and hard work, values that would shape his future endeavors.

Allen Onyema’s formative years were spent in the Benin-Warri axis, an area that exposed him to the complexities of Nigeria’s diverse cultures and environments. It was here that he began to form a strong work ethic, driven by the desire for a better future. However, his early life was not without hardship. In 1991, he experienced a significant personal tragedy with the loss of his mother to kidney failure. This event deeply affected him, leaving a lasting emotional impact. Despite the grief, Allen Onyema found strength in his family and his academic pursuits, which ultimately propelled him to move westwards in search of educational and professional opportunities.

Determined to build a better future for himself and his family, Allen Onyema relocated to pursue further education, which marked the beginning of his journey toward success. He moved westward, eventually finding greener pastures that would set the stage for his eventual rise as a successful businessman, philanthropist, and leader. His early experiences in the Niger Delta Region and the Benin-Warri axis, coupled with the resilience he developed after the loss of his mother, laid the foundation for the achievements he would later accomplish in his career.

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Education

Allen Ifechukwu Onyema completed his basic education in Nigeria, where he developed the academic foundation that would support his future pursuits. After his basic schooling, he attended St. Anthony’s Secondary School in Azia, where he began to cultivate his intellectual abilities and a passion for learning. His secondary education continued at Urhobo College in Effurun, an institution known for its academic rigor and commitment to producing well-rounded individuals. These formative years provided him with a strong academic grounding and an appreciation for education as a tool for personal and professional growth.

In addition to his time at St. Anthony’s and Urhobo College, Allen Onyema was also a pupil at Government College in Ughelli, further broadening his educational experience and exposure to diverse perspectives. His years in these institutions helped to sharpen his leadership skills and foster a drive for excellence, qualities that would later propel him into his successful career.

After completing his secondary education, Allen Onyema earned his Higher School Certificate from Government College in 1984, which set the stage for his next major academic step. His academic excellence led to direct admission into the University of Ibadan, one of Nigeria’s most prestigious universities, where he pursued a degree in Law. At the University of Ibadan, Allen Onyema deepened his understanding of legal principles and developed the analytical skills that would later serve him in his career as a lawyer and businessman.

After three years of intense study at the University of Ibadan, Allen Onyema continued his legal education at the Nigerian Law School, which is a critical requirement for law graduates to practice law in Nigeria. Upon completion of his studies at the Nigerian Law School, Allen Onyema was called to the Nigerian Bar, officially becoming a barrister and solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria. This achievement marked a significant milestone in his legal career, establishing him as a qualified legal practitioner.

In addition to his law degree, Allen Onyema holds a level-three certification in Nonviolence Education from the University of Rhode Island. This certification reflects his commitment to promoting peace and nonviolent solutions in his professional and philanthropic efforts. His studies in nonviolence education have complemented his work as a philanthropist, particularly in his role as the chairman of the Foundation for Ethnic Harmony in Nigeria (FEHN), where he advocates for peaceful coexistence among Nigeria’s diverse ethnic groups.

Through his academic journey, from his secondary education to his qualifications in law and nonviolence, Allen Onyema built a solid educational foundation that has supported his success in business, law, and philanthropy. His commitment to learning and personal growth has been a key factor in his ability to navigate and thrive in various fields.

Age

Allen Ifechukwu Onyema was born on March 28, 1964. As of 2024, he is 60 years old.

Career

Allen Ifechukwu Onyema has had a remarkable career spanning various sectors, including law, business, and philanthropy. He is widely recognized as the founder and chairman of Air Peace, one of Nigeria’s largest and most successful airlines. Under his leadership, Air Peace has expanded its operations significantly, both domestically and internationally, establishing routes to destinations within Africa, the Middle East, and beyond. Air Peace’s success has positioned Allen Onyema as a prominent figure in the aviation industry, contributing to his wealth and recognition.

Before his ventures in business, Allen Onyema had a successful career as a lawyer. He studied law at the University of Ibadan, then attended the Nigerian Law School, where he was called to the Nigerian Bar. His background in law laid a solid foundation for his leadership skills and business acumen, which he later applied in his entrepreneurial journey.

In addition to his success in aviation, Allen Onyema has been deeply involved in philanthropic efforts through his foundation, the Foundation for Ethnic Harmony in Nigeria (FEHN). His dedication to fostering peace, unity, and understanding among Nigeria’s diverse ethnic groups has been a central part of his personal and professional life. His contributions to social causes, especially during times of crisis, such as his heroic act of offering his airplane to evacuate Nigerians from South Africa during the 2019 xenophobic attacks, have earned him widespread recognition and admiration.

Allen Onyema’s career reflects a deep commitment to both business excellence and social responsibility. His leadership in Air Peace has revolutionized the Nigerian aviation industry, while his philanthropic work continues to impact communities across Nigeria and beyond. Through his work, he has become a symbol of success, resilience, and dedication to national and international causes.

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Awards

• Africa Leadership Merit Award from Africa International News Magazine (2006).
• Martin Luther King Global Award for pioneering Nonviolence Education in West Africa (2007).
• Hope for Humanity Award from the Rotary Club.
• L&M leader of the month award for demonstration of compassion and meeting a need (2019).

Personal Life

Allen Ifechukwu Onyema, at the age of 28, entered into marriage in 1993 to his betrothed, Alice Ojochide Onyema. Alice Ojochide Onyema hails from the Igala-speaking part of Kogi State, located in the central region of Nigeria. Their marriage brought together two families from different ethnic backgrounds, which reflects the unity and diversity that Allen Onyema values both in his personal life and in his professional endeavors.

Allen Onyema and Alice Ojochide Onyema’s union has been blessed with four children. They have three sons, who are named Chinonso Onyema, Obinna Onyema, and Ugochukwu Onyema, as well as a daughter named Nnenna Onyema. The Onyema family is known for their close-knit bond and their shared commitment to fostering values of love, respect, and support within the family.

Throughout their years together, Allen Onyema and his wife, Alice Ojochide Onyema, have remained strong partners in both life and family. Their marriage has not only been a source of personal fulfillment for Allen Onyema but also a foundation for raising their children with a sense of responsibility and discipline. Allen Onyema’s role as a father to Chinonso Onyema, Obinna Onyema, Ugochukwu Onyema, and Nnenna Onyema is one that he holds dear, balancing his demanding career with the responsibilities of raising a family.

Together, Allen Onyema and Alice Ojochide Onyema have created a family that values education, hard work, and integrity, which are qualities they seek to pass down to their children. The Onyema family’s close ties and commitment to one another are an important part of Allen Onyema’s personal life, and they continue to support his various philanthropic and professional endeavors.

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Net Worth

As of 2024, Allen Ifechukwu Onyema, the successful businessman, lawyer, and philanthropist, is estimated to have a net worth of approximately $1 billion. His wealth is primarily derived from his role as the founder and chairman of Air Peace, one of Nigeria’s leading airlines, which has expanded its reach both within Africa and internationally. In addition to his airline business, Allen Onyema has diversified his wealth through various investments in sectors such as real estate, legal services, and philanthropy. His notable philanthropic efforts, particularly in promoting ethnic harmony and supporting humanitarian causes, further contribute to his prominent standing in both business and social circles.

Social Media

• Instagram:- @allen_onyeema
• Twitter:- @Ifeallenonyema