17/08/2025
My Perspective on the Ibom Air Incident Involving Ms. Comfort
After reviewing various videos and reading multiple accounts of the incident involving Ms. Comfort and the Ibom Air crew, I feel compelled to share a few thoughts.
Ms. Comfort’s behavior reflects a common attitude seen in some customers the belief that paying for a service entitles one to act without courtesy or respect. While the principle that "the customer is always right" exists to encourage good service, it does not excuse rudeness, defiance, or the mistreatment of staff.
That said, the situation could have been managed more effectively by the crew. It would have been more appropriate to calmly inform her that due to her conduct and refusal to comply with crew instructions, she would be handed over to the appropriate authorities as is standard procedure in aviation. Proper communication might have prevented the situation from escalating into a physical removal, which was unfortunate and undignified.
Separately, I find the online criticism of one of the female Ibom Air staff members particularly the comments about her age and appearance deeply troubling. This kind of disrespect is part of a larger societal problem.
We must begin to challenge the discriminatory mindset that limits opportunities based on age, gender, or appearance. A woman’s ability to serve professionally as a flight attendant should not be judged by her age but by her competence, training, and professionalism.
In many other parts of the world, job opportunities are based on merit, not age. Employers focus on skills, experience, and qualifications. Sadly, in Nigeria, many talented individuals are denied opportunities simply because they don’t fit an arbitrary age bracket.
I commend Ibom Air for offering employment to this lady and other older ladies as society have called them 'old'. Thank you for giving opportunities to those who are often unfairly overlooked. Every person who works with dignity deserves our respect.
Let’s do better as a society.