By Segun Martins Fajemisin
London UK
Wednesday 22 October 2025
There are moments when one is compelled to ask, “Why are things the way they are?” Not in the philosophical sense, but in the practical, everyday context of how we organise, communicate, and present ourselves. This is especially so when the stakes are high, and the spotlight is international. Such was my sentiment at the Air Peace Business & Community Leaders Reception held in London on Wednesday, 22nd October 2025, at the Clermont Hotel, London Charing Cross. The event marked the formal launch of Air Peace’s London–Abuja route, a milestone for Nigerian aviation and a bold statement of intent in the global travel arena. Yet, despite the significance of the occasion, the execution left much to be desired.
TIMEKEEPING: A PERSISTENT ACHILLES’ HEEL
The reception was scheduled to begin at 6:00pm. By 7:10pm, there was still no formal start, no announcement, and no signs of why the delay had occurred. Attendees, many of whom were business leaders, community influencers, and members of the diaspora, were left to their own devices. Conversations sprang up in pockets, small talk filled the void, and the absence of structure became glaring. It was a familiar scene, one that many Nigerians expect, but not one that should be normalised, especially not on an international stage.
Timekeeping remains a chronic challenge at Nigerian events, and while allowances can be made for cultural nuances, there is a threshold beyond which it becomes disrespectful. The lack of communication regarding the delay was particularly troubling. In the age of instant messaging and digital signage, a simple update could have gone a long way in managing expectations and preserving goodwill.
THE PRECEDING FORUM AND A MISSED OPPORTUNITY FOR SEAMLESS PLANNING
To be fair, the day had already been a busy one for Air Peace. Earlier, from 12:30pm to 4:00pm, the airline hosted the ‘UK B2B Forum: TMCs and Corporate Travel Forum’ at the same venue. This event was aimed at introducing the brand to travel management companies and corporate travel stakeholders. It was a strategic move, and by all accounts, a necessary one. However, the scheduling left a two-hour window before the evening reception – ample time, one would think, to reset and prepare.
Yet, the transition between the two events appeared disjointed. There was no visible effort to integrate the earlier forum into the evening’s programming, nor was there any indication that lessons from the afternoon session had informed the evening’s logistics. The result was a reception that felt hastily assembled, lacking the finesse and forethought that such a high-profile launch demanded.
THE ATMOSPHERE – A SILENCE TOO LOUD
One of the most curious aspects of the evening was the absence of ambient energy. Nigerian events are typically vibrant affairs, punctuated by Afrobeat rhythms, animated chatter, and a palpable sense of celebration. Here, however, the silence was almost eerie. No music played to fill the void, no cultural motifs adorned the space, and no emcee stepped forward to warm up the crowd. It was as though the event had been stripped of its soul, leaving behind a shell of formality without the spirit of festivity.
At 7:10pm, finger buffets were quietly laid out. There was no announcement, no ceremonial unveiling, just a quiet shift in activity that spread through the room by word of mouth. It was symptomatic of the evening’s broader issue: a lack of structure and intentionality.
THE PROGRAMME BEGINS… EVENTUALLY!
At approximately 7:12pm, a taped advertorial-cum-documentary was played. It was a polished piece, showcasing Air Peace’s journey, its fleet, and its aspirations. This was followed by prayers: one by a Christian, another by a Muslim, thus reflecting Nigeria’s religious diversity and offering a moment of solemnity. Then came the acknowledgements: the acting Nigerian High Commissioner, other dignitaries, and notable guests were recognised.
The compère deserves commendation, though. Despite the lack of a formal programme schedule, she managed to effect smooth transitions between segments, maintaining a semblance of order amidst the chaos. Her professionalism was among the few redeeming features of the evening.
SUBSTANCE VS SENTIMENT
As expected, the event leaned heavily on sentiment. There was much backslapping, effusive praise, and declarations of pride. Air Peace was lauded as a game-changer, a disruptor in the aviation space, and a symbol of Nigerian excellence. Speakers extolled the airline’s virtues, its potential to break the monopoly of British Airways, and its role in making travel more affordable for Nigerians.
Yet, amidst the encomiums, substance was in short supply. Of the few questions permitted during the interactive segment, only one attendee raised the issue of delays – specifically, the persistent lateness that characterises Air Peace’s domestic operations in Nigeria. It was a brave intervention, and one that deserved more attention. Unfortunately, it was quickly glossed over, and the conversation returned to safer, more celebratory terrain.
This reluctance to engage with hard truths is problematic. Launching a London–Abuja route is commendable, but it must be accompanied by a commitment to operational excellence. Nigerian travellers are weary of delays, cancellations, and poor customer service. If Air Peace is to succeed on the international stage, it must confront these issues head-on, not bury them beneath layers of praise.
MY DEPARTURE, A QUIET EXIT
By 8:30pm, I decided to leave. The event had exceeded its advertised time slot of 6:00pm to 8:00pm, and with no programme order in sight, there was no telling when it would end. It was a quiet exit, much like the quiet entrance, and it left me reflecting on what could have been.
LESSONS FOR THE FUTURE
There is no doubt that Air Peace has achieved something remarkable. Establishing a direct route between London and Abuja is no small feat, and it opens up new possibilities for travel, trade, and cultural exchange. But with great ambition comes great responsibility. The airline must recognise that its brand is now global, and with that comes the need for global standards.
Here are a few lessons that future events, whether by Air Peace or other Nigerian entities, might consider:
• Timekeeping is non-negotiable. Respect for attendees’ time is a mark of professionalism and courtesy.
• Communication is key. If delays occur, inform your guests. Transparency builds trust.
• Structure matters. A clear programme schedule helps manage expectations and ensures a smooth flow.
• Cultural identity should be celebrated. Afrobeat, visual motifs, and Nigerian hospitality are assets, not distractions.
• Substance must accompany sentiment. Praise is welcome, but accountability is essential.
A HOPEFUL OUTLOOK
Despite the shortcomings of the evening, I remain hopeful. Air Peace has the potential to redefine Nigerian aviation, to offer alternatives to monopolistic pricing, and to restore dignity to the Nigerian traveller. But it must do so with intentionality, humility, and with a commitment to excellence.
The London–Abuja route is a beginning, not an end. It is an invitation to dream bigger, to serve better, and to represent Nigeria with pride and precision. If Air Peace can rise to the occasion, then perhaps future receptions will not only start on time but also end with a sense of fulfilment, both for the organisers and the guests. Until then, we watch, we hope, and we continue to ask, “Why are things the way they are?”
Not with resignation, but with a resolve to make them better.
Segun Martins Fajemisin is Chief Information Officer at Infomediaworks Limited, London. With a background in journalism, publishing, and information management, he focuses on knowledge organisation, digital transformation, and innovation in information practices.
