Air Peace: A national pride we must take as ours – Our Peace, Our Security By Prof. O.E Bassey

There are things that make us less proud of our country than should be, things that give us more pain than joy. As such, when noble feats that give us a strong footing in the comity of nations spring up, we should be at the vanguard, tooting its horns.

Until recently, flights from Nigeria to destinations worldwide were notably more expensive compared to routes from other African nations, despite potentially longer travel durations. As reported by Business Day on July 19, 2023, a recent examination of ticket prices revealed a stark contrast. For instance, a single economy class ticket from Lagos to London via Turkish Airlines was priced at $1,636 (equivalent to N1,313,708, based on the exchange rate of N803/$ on the I&E window). Conversely, for the same travel date, a one-way ticket from Cotonou to London on Turkish Airlines cost substantially less at $469 (approximately N376,607).

Flights from South Africa to London or Istanbul have consistently been more economical than those from Lagos to the same destinations, despite the considerable distance covered and the utilization of the same airline and travel date. This discrepancy in airfare has been attributed to two primary factors: the ongoing exchange rate crisis and the issue of trapped funds faced by airlines. Notably, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) recently revealed that Nigeria’s outstanding debt in trapped funds amounted to $812.2 million out of a total of $2.27 billion globally, thus ranking Nigeria as the country with the highest amount of trapped funds worldwide.

However, a silver lining appeared in a time we needed it, as Air Peace on March 30, 2024, flew from Lagos to Gatwick Airport, London, in what could best be described as a triumphant entry into the international aviation space after the defunct Nigerian Airway left the international air corridors many years ago.

Applauded worldwide by industry experts as a positive milestone in the aviation sector for Nigeria, there is a thing of pride for us Nigerians to hold on to especially at a time as gloomy as this.

There are reports that other airlines on the heels of Air Peace bringing down the fees of international flights have started undercutting their prices to take Air Peace out of the market having perceived it as a threat: this is the time we need to come together and stand by our own, fly our own and project our own to the world, especially knowing its diverse benefits to the country:

Enhanced Connectivity: A national carrier would serve as a vital link connecting Nigeria to key destinations worldwide. This enhanced connectivity can stimulate tourism, foster business partnerships, and strengthen diplomatic ties with other nations.

Economic Growth: With a functioning national carrier, there is a potential to drive economic growth by creating jobs and stimulating investment in related industries. From pilots and cabin crew to ground staff and maintenance personnel, the airline industry offers a diverse range of employment opportunities. This is not to mention the attraction of foreign investment in airport infrastructure, aircraft procurement, and ancillary services, further bolstering Nigeria’s economy.

Promoting Nigerian Culture: A national airline provides a unique platform to showcase Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage and diversity to the world. From the in-flight cuisine featuring local delicacies to the entertainment options showcasing Nigerian music and films, every aspect of the travel experience can serve as a window into the country’s vibrant culture. This cultural promotion not only fosters national pride but also contributes to the global recognition and appreciation of Nigeria’s artistic and culinary traditions.

Lastly, Security of our air space: Operating a national carrier gives Nigeria greater control over its airspace and strengthens its sovereignty in the international arena. In times of crisis or diplomatic tensions, having a reliable means of air transport that is under national jurisdiction ensures that the country’s interests are safeguarded. A national airline can also play a crucial role in emergency response efforts, such as evacuating citizens from conflict zones or disaster-stricken areas.

The benefits of Nigerians taking Air Peace as theirs by ensuring it is protected and promoted extend far beyond the realm of aviation. With its functionality backed by a strong patronage and solid loyalty base, it can serve as a powerful catalyst for progress and prosperity – a viable climate for peace.

Proverbs 11:25: “Generous persons will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.”

Meanwhile, I am delighted to inform you that come October, 1, 2024, we at NISSI Safety Management Institute: An Institute famous for Peace Leadership will be celebrating our 20th Anniversary.

To this end is our campaign to spread the education of peace leadership to both the old as young, women and children in various places from corporate organisations, to political organizations, worship centers, educational institutions, markets and communities.

It is in our belief that the more educated the people are in respect to peace leadership, the more peaceful our country will become.

So this is a call-to-action, to hop on our Peace campaign train, to arm yourself, your friends, your colleagues, your employees, your congregation with contemporary peace leadership knowledge that makes for a happier and more fulfilled life, personally and collectively.

Kindly call or send a message on Whatsapp to +2347065828892, to be a beneficiary of this.

Prof. Ofonime Emmanuel Bassey is a Leadership, Conflict, Peace and Security Management Coach with decades of experience in the practice and promotion of Law Enforcement, Peace and Security through the Nigeria Police and the United Nations.

He has served and interacted at the top level management of the Nigeria Police as well as internationally as a United Nation’s Monitor/Mentor in Kosovo, Europe.

Ofonime is a certified United Nation’s Trainer, and currently a Professor of Leadership, Peace and Conflict Resolution with ICOF University, USA/Zambia and a Professor of Peace Education with Charismatic International University, Cameroon.

With his marks well-established in Peace Leadership both in Nigeria and Africa, he is the President, NISSI Safety Management Institute: An Institute famous for Peace Leadership.

Presently, he is spearheading a campaign tagged “The Next Peace Leaders”, a campaign that is billed to run from 2022-2030 with a target of training 37,000 young peace leaders.

For leadership, conflict, peace and security consultations and trainings, reach him via:

Facebook: Dr. O.E Bassey

LinkedIn: Dr. O.E Bassey

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WhatsApp: +2347065828892

Mail: emmanuelbassey@gmail.com