The National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO) has explained why Air Peace Airline should be celebrated for the use of Nigerian cultural attire by its crew members on the Lagos to London flight.
Air Peace began its inaugural direct flight from the Murtala
Muhammed International Airport, Lagos to Gatwick Airport, London, on Saturday,
March 30.
However, amidst the celebration, questions arose regarding
the incorporation of Isi Agu, a traditional Igbo attire, into the airline’s
uniform.
However, NICO Executive Secretary, Chief Biodun Ajiboye, in
a statement issued by his media aide, Caleb Nor, on Wednesday said the action
of the airline was in line with the institute’s new national orientation drive
which harps on the need for Nigerians to take pride in their dress culture.
Ajiboye said: “Rather than congratulate Onyema and his team
for achieving such a feat which comes with some form of relief, considering the
airline’s unbeatable fare, some unpatriotic elements saw it as an opportunity
to criticise him along tribal lines.
“As the cultural orientation agency that is responsible for
mobilising all Nigerians toward a culture-oriented lifestyle, NICO is of the
view that such a milestone will not only give Nigerians a sense of belonging
but also help in repositioning our cultural image before the international
community.
“Apart from promoting our cultural image, our indigenous
dress culture also creates a pathway that will distinguish us as a people in
our quest for a national identity.
“Our dress culture helps to create a cultural identity which
is a sin-qua-non to national identity.
“The institute therefore uses this opportunity to call on
all well-meaning Nigerians to rekindle interest and pride in our indigenous
dress patterns in a way that will promote our unity in diversity.
“Meanwhile, the institute has also drawn the attention of
airlines operating in the country on the need for inclusion of cultural content
using indigenous languages for onboard announcement while offering air
transport services.”
Ajiboye noted that the use of local languages for
announcement would not only give indigenous passengers a sense of belonging but
help them to better absorb and assimilate the information.
NAN
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