ABUJA—President Goodluck Jonathan has sent a letter of appreciation to Chief Johnson Arumemi-Ikhide, Chairman of Arik Air, for providing the aircraft that brought the national football team, the Super Eagles, from South Africa to Nigeria after the African Cup of Nations 2013.

In the letter to Arik boss,   President Jonathan said: “Your very kind gesture of providing the aircraft that brought our gallant and victorious team and officials back home from South Africa was an act of high patriotism worthy of note.”

He expressed confidence that Chief Arumemi-Ikhide “will continue to avail the nation of your worthy endowments in the future.”

The President challenged others to emulate Arik Air’s demonstration of enduring faith in Nigeria.