Recently, Air Peace’s crew attire stirred debates following a video where the crew walked alongside the Chairman, Dr. Allen Onyema to board their London flight.
Despite intended pride, the video sparked tribal rhetoric on social media, with Nigerians questioning the Igbo ‘Isi Agu’ attire.
Critics raised concerns over ethnic identity, while others defended Air Peace’s right to cultural representation.
A brief flashback raises question about the argument especially as the Isi Agu attire was not created yesterday.
Interestingly, the airline has showcased the Isi Agu uniform during previous international launches to positive reception. The Isi Agu attire is meant for international flights only having been created in 2018. It premiered amidst pomp and pageantry, when Air Peace launched its Sharjah, United Arab Emirates (UAE) flights on July 5, 2019.
Showcasing a rich blend of culture sewn corporately, the uniform received high praises for its creativity.
In 2021, the airline commenced non-stop flights to Johannesburg, South Africa with its crew wearing the same raiment. Same thing happened when the airline launched Guangzhou, India and all its regional operations. The crew equally wore the same attire to rescue Nigerians of all ethnicities during the xenophobic attacks in South Africa. It also carried out other rescue missions including the same United Kingdom during the height of COVID.
Question arising now is: Why the hullabaloo with the Lagos- London route? What is spectacular about the United Kingdom, Gatwick route that would lead this myopic campaign against the airline.
The Isi Agu uniform is in its fifth year of usage without as much as anyone raising an eyebrow, so why now? Or is this a deeper reflection of the inner psyche of the average Nigerian, seeing race instead of progress?
Mayhap, these trivia debates based on sentiments should give way to the benefits this venture into the UK holds.
People, in our opinion, should look at how this airline’s commencement into the United Kingdom has changed the pricing dynamic, crashing it considerably. They can also look at how this in its small way will reduce the pressure of the naira, ensuring its strengthening by flying Nigeria.
Social critics should also acknowledge Air Peace’s efforts in promoting Nigerian culture through cuisine and hospitality onboard.
Air Peace serves an array of ‘swallows’ and Nigerian soups, with local kiliche from the North, Pepper soup and balanced with a healthy drink of ‘Zobo’ which helps regulate blood pressure.
Embracing cultural diversity, especially through cuisine, is more nationalistic than dwelling on trivialities that tarnish the nation’s image.
