*Says acts patriotic
By; JACOB ONJEWU DICKSON
While describing their acts as genuine patriotism, the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), has singled out Mr. Allen Onyema of Air-Peace, Aliko Dangote and MTN for rising to the occasion in ensuring Nigerians caught up in the Sudan crisis are evacuated home.
ACF expressed this in a statement signed by its chairman, Chief Audu Ogbeh, made available to our correspondent in Kaduna yesterday.
“However, one person who stands out in this demonstration of patriotism is Mr Allen Onyema of Air-Peace.
“We notice that, some years ago, when some Nigerians were expelled from South Africa, he sent several flights to South Africa to bring them back at his own cost.
“He has equally sent our national football team out a number of times to enable them participate in tournaments and this time from Sudan, he deployed a whole Boeing 777 Aircraft including the fueling, overflight duties, landing fees, international flight charges and other costs in order to rescue Nigerians caught up in Sudan,” ACF said.
The statement added, “We want to thank him for this remarkable and consistent show of patriotism, we are deeply touched, and we pray that the Almighty God will reward him adequately. “
Arewa Consultative Forum said that, “This is to express our joy and relief at the efforts of the Nigerian Government. namely the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and the Diaspora organisation in bringing back our youths and others caught up in the sad events in Sudan.
“We appreciate their efforts and commend them for their commitment to national service.
“We are however particularly grateful and appreciative of the support given by some very patriotic Nigerians. In particular, we want to thank Mr Allen Onyema and Aliko Dangote for the personal support they gave to the stranded Nigerians. Aliko’s 100,000 Naira to each of them, and MTN’s recharge credit of 25,000 Naira each are extremely remarkable gestures of good-heartedness and patriotism. Only God Almighty will reward them for these efforts.
“These patriots continue to show that in spite of our challenges and difficulties as a nation, we have men and women who still love their country and will go to any length to render service in times of need,” the statement said.
