Nigerians blast lady over criticism of airline use of ‘Igbo audio’

Nigerians have criticized a social media user over her criticism of the use of the Igbo language by pilots aboard Air Peace flights. 

In a statement on Monday, an X user, simply identified as Queen Veekay, berated the airline for using Igbo language aboard its flight.

Describing it as “disgusting behavior,” Queen Veekay alleged that Igbos would have complained if Yoruba was used by other airlines in their audio.

Veekay said, “Air Peace has started using Igbo audio on their planes, and I must say this is another disgusting behavior because if this plane were owned by a Yoruba person, we’d see complaints about how Igbos are being marginalized on airplanes. Are Igbos going to be the only tribes on that plane?”

Reacting to her statement, Nigerians mentioned that other airlines use indigenous languages aboard their flights.

Dr. Joshep Onourah remarked, “Ibom Air has always spoken local dialects on flights since 2020. Same for most international airlines.”

Godswill Essien also notes that “Ibom Air used English and Ibibio on my last flights from and to Abuja. No one complained. What you are dragging is a non-issue.”

Afam Deluxo, in his reaction, notes that “Air Peace is a privately owned business by an Igbo man and is not your national carrier.”

He adds, “If you have any issues with the usage of the Igbo language onboard, you can start your own airline company. When you have a national carrier, you can dictate to them.”

For Olu, he argues that “Air Peace can use any language they want on their planes for announcements. Igbo is still an indigenous language, and I am sure they also announce it in English.

“Air Peace is a private business, not a government-owned entity. You are free to call Turkish Air or Saudi Air and complain.”

Savn Daniel described the use of the Igbo language by the airline as “a common trend that is geared to promote the culture of a people.”

He adds, “Enter Ibom Air and other airlines. There is nothing serious about it. Rather, the airline should be applauded.

“After all, traveling is part of education; you learn new things and new languages.”

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