In a noteworthy development that marries the worlds of aviation and culture, Air Peace, a leading Nigerian airline, has drawn commendation from the National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO) for its innovative decision to outfit its crew in traditional Nigerian attire. Otunba Biodun Ajiboye, the Executive Secretary of NICO, lauded the airline’s initiative, underscoring its significance in promoting the richness of Nigerian cultural heritage.
During a recent address at a cultural event, Ajiboye emphasized that Air Peace’s approach aligns seamlessly with NICO’s mission to foster national identity and pride through cultural awareness. He highlighted the initiative’s dual role in showcasing Nigeria’s diverse cultures to an international audience while reinforcing a sense of national identity among Nigerians. “This is a commendable step by Air Peace, not just in promoting our culture, but also in setting a precedent in the aviation industry,” Ajiboye stated.
Air Peace’s decision to incorporate cultural attire into its crew uniforms represents a broader commitment to celebrating Nigerian heritage. This move, warmly received by passengers and the broader public, positions the airline as a pioneer in the aviation sector, where uniformity often overshadows individual cultural expression.
The endorsement from NICO is expected to encourage other entities, both within and outside the aviation industry, to explore innovative ways of integrating cultural elements into their branding and operations. As Nigeria continues to champion its cultural heritage on the global stage, initiatives like that of Air Peace play a vital role in enhancing the country’s cultural narrative.
This story not only reflects a growing trend towards cultural inclusivity and pride but also signals a promising direction for corporate participation in national cultural promotion. As the conversation around cultural identity and representation gains momentum, it will be interesting to see how other sectors respond to this call for a more culture-centric approach.
The National Institute for Cultural Orientation #NICO commends @AirPeace70576 for the use of cultural attire by its crew members.
The Executive Secretary of NICO, Otunba Biodun Ajiboye says the initiative is in line with the Institute’s national orientational drive…… pic.twitter.com/UNWmUNfrki— NTA International (@NTAinternation1) April 3, 2024
