Arik Air escaped air crash yesterday when some hunters of rats and squirrels set fire near the field of the airport in Ibadan, Oyo State. The fire was said to have spread far into the fields of the airport lose to the runway, engulfing the whole environment. It was learnt that the overbearing smoke led to the diversion of the Arik aircraft, having earlier been diverted from Abuja to Ibadan to Lagos. The pilot of the aircraft, which schedule was to leave Abuja at 9:40am and arrive Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, an hour later, was said to have announced descent into Ibadan when he suddenly took off again. The pilot was to later tell passengers that there was a radio message of a fire outbreak at the Ibadan airport, hence the advice that the flight should head to Lagos. After landing in Lagos and waiting for some time, the pilot was then advised again to head to Ibadan as the fire had been put off. The aircraft landed in Ibadan at about 2pm, according to the sources. [myad]
President Muhammdu Buhari has made it clear that never again would any group be allowed to hold Nigeria to ransom under any guise. He asked Nigerians that: “We must never again allow any group to hold the nation to ransom under whatever guise.” In a message at the eve of Christmas today, to commiserate with Christians, the President asked Nigerians to rededicate themselves to the virtues of peace, love, honesty, justice, equity, piety, humility and service to others which Jesus taught. The President said that the greater manifestation of these virtues and ideals in the lives of the citizens would immensely help to build a more united, peaceful, secure and progressive nation. “Let us also reach out in love and compassion to fellow Nigerians who are in distress at this period of our nation’s history.” President Buhari appealed to Nigerians not to allow the current socio-economic and security challenges to dampen their expectations for a better Nigeria, adding that his government has taken a number of measures to restore hope to the people. He said that the 2016 Budget had defined his commitment to giving Nigeria a new lease of life. “Our change slogan is not a campaign gimmick but a promise that must be kept. We are determined to bring about tangible changes in the lives of our people. “In this regard, efforts will be intensified to recover stolen funds, block revenue leakages and enthrone due process, transparency and accountability. Public office is a public trust that must be held to the highest ethical standards.” The President rejoiced with all Nigerians, “especially our Christian brothers and sisters,” on the occasion of this year’s Christmas, which he described as an “occasion of the commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ.” He asked those who are travelling to their homes for the celebration to “please drive carefully.” [myad]
A show, based on a collection of true life stories of a heartbreaking examination of female self-discovery and challenges facing Nigerian women is back on stage. The show is scheduled to be featured from December 24 – 27 at the Muson Centre, Onikan, Lagos. According to the organizers, the play will examine the cultural and social behaviour as well as beliefs that oppress, reject and limit a woman’s potential. HEAR WORD! inspires women to break barriers, realise their full potential and contribute to nation building. The show, produced and directed by IfeomaFafunwa, will feature powerful performances from a cast of extraordinary Nigerian actresses which include, TaiwoAjai-Lycett,Joke Silva, Bimbo Akintola, Omonor, ElvinaIbru, Ufuoma McDermott, Zara Udofia, Deborah Ohiri, Rita Edward and Odenike. [myad]
Pope Francis on Wednesday was announced the winner of Germany’s 2016 Charlemagne Prize, which is offered for services to promoting unity in Europe. “In these times, in which many citizens in Europe seek orientation, His Holiness Pope Francis sends a message of love and encouragement,” the awarding board said in a statement. It lauded the Pope for being a voice of conscience that urged Europe to place people at the centre of its politics. In a break from tradition, the prize-giving ceremony is to take place in Rome, rather than the German city of Aachen, where the Charlemagne Prize Society is based. The board did not give a date for the ceremony. Previously winners of the prize include European Parliament President, Martin Schulz; EU President, Donald Tusk; and German Chancellor, Angela Merkel. [myad]
President Muhammadu Buhari felicitates with the Islamic community in Nigeria as they celebrate the birthday of Prophet Muhammad. This was even as the Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode called on Muslims in the country to offer special prayers for greater peace, unity and continuous progress of Nigeria as they join their counterparts across the world to celebrate Maulud. The President calls on all Muslims to use the opportunity of his birthday to reflect on the teachings of the Prophet, who lived a life of piety, prayer and service to God and humanity.
As they join the rest of the Islamic world in commemorating the prophet’s birthday, President Buhari urges the adherents of the Islamic faith to rededicate themselves to upholding the injunctions of the Holy Quran in their personal life and in their relationship with others.
He wishes all Nigerians Happy Eid-el-Maulud celebrations.
Governor Ambode, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Habib Aruna, enjoined Muslims to follow the exemplary leadership of the Holy Prophet by promoting peaceful co-existence among the various segments of the society. While imploring Nigerians to shun ethnic, political and religious differences and work towards building a safer and better Nigeria, Ambode said the celebration of the birth of the Prophet should renew the faith and bond of unity among Nigerians as one people and one nation irrespective of diversity. “On the occasion of the commemoration of the birth of the holy Prophet, it is imperative to reflect on his teachings and uphold his legacies of unity, integrity, peaceful coexistence and love for one’s neighbour, which are indispensable in our quest for meaningful development and the profitable management of our diversity.” Governor Ambode also urged Muslim to internalize the virtues of honesty, selflessness, charity, tolerance, good neighbourliness, justice, equity and fairness, which Prophet Mohammad preached; saying such will go a long way to engender national development. He said: “I want to seize this occasion to urge all Nigerians to commit and rededicate themselves to making greater effort to imbibe these qualities and values as they celebrate the Prophet’s birth. “I therefore wish all our Muslim brothers and sisters in Nigeria and Lagos in particular a happy Eid-el-Maulud.” [myad]
The Lagos State Government has undertaken to provide Free Bus Ride to Lagosians on Christmas Day, December 25, to make life easy for the resident during the festivities. Managing Director of LAGBUS, Mr. Idowu Oguntona, the move is aimed at promoting the use of public transportation, as well as reducing congestion on Lagos roads during the festivities. He said in a statement that the free bus ride will be provided on all LAGBUS routes across the metropolis within normal operational hours (6:00a.m – 10:00p.m) on December 25. Oguntona implored Lagosians to take the opportunity of the free bus service provided by the State Government even as he appealed to motorists not to drink and drive so as to prevent avoidable accidents during festivities. He wished all Lagosians happy celebration, showing his appreciation for their patronage during the year. [myad]
Governor of Kwara state, Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara has presented a budget of N116,164, 643,775 for the 2016 fiscal year to the state House of Assembly. Tagged: “Budget of Sustained Expansion,” Ahmed said that the budget has a decrease of N1.5 billion, representing 1.3 per cent against the 2015 budget. According to him, the 2016 budget is made up of Recurrent Expenditure of N48.4 billion, representing 42 per cent of the total budget, while capital expenditure stands at N57.7 billion, representing 49 per cent of the budget. Ahmed, however, said that N10 billion or nine per cent of the budget was set aside to service public debt in 2016. The governor said that one of the objectives of the proposal was to boost socio-economic activities by completing ongoing projects in health, roads, energy, education, water and justice sectors. He assured the people that the budget would ensure efficient expenditure that will result in significant savings and provide the fiscal space required for growth and stability of the state’s economy. Ahmed told the House that the 2016 budget would increase revenue and block leakages to ensure additional revenue required for the implementation of government programmes and projects. The governor said N25.3 billion of the budget is expected to be sourced from the statutory Federal Allocation, amounting to 21.8 per cent of the budget, while N7.3 billion would come from Value Added Tax. Non-oil revenue, Ahmed said, would account for N4.2 billion. representing 3.7 per cent of the budget, while Internally Generated Revenue is expected to fetch N29.7 billion, representing 25 per cent of the budget. He said N25.8 billion or 22.2 per cent of the budget would come from Capital Development Fund Receipt/Aid and Grants, while N20 billion would come from the bond to be taken from Capital Market. Ahmed added that “term loan facility from financial institutions is expected to contribute N4.2 billion, representing 3.6 per cent of the total revenue. Meanwhile, economic affairs, comprising agriculture, energy, works and transport, information and communication, had the lion share of N37.7billion, representing 32.5 per cent of the budget. Education came next with N30.4 billion or 26.2 per cent of the budget, followed by General Public Services, gulping N27 billion, representing 23.3 per cent. The governor said the budget would capture construction of new state roads to link up with farm settlements, communities, educational institutions, health centres, industries and tourism sites, which will cost N8.8 billion. The roads are Kaiama-Kishi (62.85km), Patigi-Rogun Kpada (43.5km) and Ilesha-Baruba-Gwanara (32.80km). Others are Geri-Alimi Fly-over Bridge, expansion of Kwara Polytechnic Road-Oyun Bridge-Oke-Ose Teaching Hospital (7km) and dualization of Michael Imoudu-Ganmo/Afon junction road (1.9km). “To improve the quality of education at all levels, government will focus attention on infrastructure development of our educational institutions to provide environment conducive for teaching and learning,” he said. According to Ahmed, 30 secondary schools across the three senatorial districts of the state would be renovated. The governor said the 2016 budget would boost rice and fish production, improve water and energy supply and develop grazing reserve to prevent clashes between cattle grazers and crop farmers. [myad]
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has punished the Aero Contractors Airlines for breaching safety regulations when it used a ladder to disembark passengers at the Bauchi airport on Saturday. The punishment is in line with Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations.
The Director General of the regulatory agency, Captain Muhtar Usman, said in a letter to the airlines, that the airlines was punished for allowing the use of a ladder to disembark passengers from a Boeing 737-500 aircraft in a non-emergency situation, which was contrary to its approved aircraft handling manual.
“Therefore, this is a violation of Part 9.2.4.2(b) of Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations, which attracts a civil penalty. “All relevant agencies made useful submissions during the course of the investigation,” NCAA said in a statement yesterday. The director general also said in the letter that “in view of the safety implications of your action you are hereby sanctioned in accordance with the provisions of Part 20.2.3(15) of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulation.”
NCAA noted that although the incident did not result in any mishap, the aircraft was airworthy and the crew qualified to operate the flight.
“However, it is viewed as a breach and resultantly a fine running into millions of naira has been clamped on the airline to serve as deterrence and to forestall any similar infraction by any other airline operator,” the director general said. In addition, the captain of the flight was fined for failing to comply with the provisions contained in the aircraft manual.
“The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) therefore wishes to reiterate its earlier warning that all airlines should endeavour to adhere strictly to Civil Aviation Regulations,” NCAA added.
Meanwhile, FAAN has shifted blame over the Aero Contractors ‘use of ladder to disembark passengers at the Bauchi airport on Sunday.
A statement signed by FAAN management explained that the Bauchi airport is managed by the Bauchi state government while FAAN only provides statutory services at the airport such as aircraft marshaling, aviation security services and fire cover.
“The authority does not provide handling services for Aero Contractors and therefore does not understand why it should be held responsible for non-provision of appropriate equipment for passenger disembarkation.” While making further clarification, even though government had instituted a probe into the saga, it said: “Without prejudice to the directive given by the Minister of State for Aviation, for the immediate investigation to determine the immediate and remote causes of the unfortunate incident, we wish to clarify that Aero Contractors use of unauthorised equipment (ladder) to disembark its passengers does not have anything to do with FAAN.
“We also do not understand why the absence of marshallers on the apron, as claimed by the airline could cause the use of unauthorized equipment for disembarkation of passengers from the aircraft.” [myad]
Cameroonian troops have killed at least 70 residents while pursuing members of Boko Haram who were fleeing Gwoza area of Borno state.
Troops were said to have entered Kirawa-Jimni village, asked where Boko Haram insurgents were and started shooting.
one of the residents, Muhammed Abba said: “we didn’t know what was going on but the Cameroonian troops suddenly appeared and began to ask us for Boko Haram terrorists.”
Abba, who is the village and deputy commander of a local group of civilians set up to fight the extremists in Gwoza added: “before we could say a word, they started firing. That scared most of us and we began to run.”
Abba said that when people returned on Monday, they found 70 corpses littering the ground.
The Borno state spokesman for a civilian self-defense group, Abbas Gava, confirmed the reports, saying that he received calls from residents of Ashigashiya village near the border with Cameroon.
“They said the soldiers were in hot pursuit of the Boko Haram terrorists who ran into Kirawa-Jimni. The soldiers did not waste time upon arrival as they immediately opened fire on the villagers,.
Kirawa-Jimni is a border community near Cameroon, located around the area where Boko Haram insurgents once held sway. Many Gwoza residents who had fled to Maiduguri and Yola say the insurgents are still very present in the area.
Cameroonian troops also chased Boko Haram fighters into Nigerian territory on November 30, killing at least 150 people, burning huts and forcing people out of their communities.
Cameroon’s government denied the charges, saying the military is trained to respect human rights. It said it had also carried out a coordinated operation on several border villages around Lake Chad November 27 to November 29, freeing 900 people held by extremists. [myad]
Founder of the Odua Peoples Congress (OPC), Dr. Fredrick Fasehun has asked the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government to pay him and his organization the money owed them for the protection of the nation’s oil pipelines.
Speaking at a quarterly interactive media roundtable in Lagos, Fasehun who is also the national chairman of the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN), said that six companies were given the contract by the Goodluck Jonathan administration to guard pipelines belonging to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).
According to him, a total of 18,000 personnel were sent to the field out of which OPC contributed 4,000, saying that his organization was not given a dime before the contract. He said that after Jonathan’s exit, the contract was terminated with nothing given to the OPC.
“We were given the contract on March 15, 2015 and we deployed youths into the jungle. They faced insects, snakes and other wild animals and some of them even died. The government did not pay us a kobo before or during the time of the contract which ended on June 15.
“We have asked our lawyers to study the terms of the contract. An official in the NNPC told me that we had been paid but I told him that we had not received a penny. We call the attention of the powers that be to look into this. The holy books say that a worker deserves his wage.”
Reacting to the information minister, Alhaji Lai Mohammed that Jonathan gave the OPC over N2 billion as mobilization fee for the election under the guise of pipeline protection, Fasehun asked him to withdraw the statement and correct the wrong impression.
“Someone who is now a minister once told Nigerians that I collected N2.8bn. Lai Mohammed, who I call a liar, is now the government’s mouthpiece and he must correct that impression.” [myad]
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Arik Air escaped air crash yesterday when some hunters of rats and squirrels set fire near the field of the airport in Ibadan, Oyo State.
