Aero Aircraft Overshoots Runway, Abuja Airport Closed

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November 12, 2023

Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja

By Akinwale Kasali

There was pandemonium at the Nnamdi Azikwe Airport in Abuja, when a Lagos-Abuja Flight overshot the runaway and its nose wheel stuck to the soft ground. “It suddenly veered off the runway”, an eyewitness said.

The Flight operated by Aerocontractors landed at the Airport but as it was taxiing on Runway A4 the unfortunate incident happened.

This led to the temporary shutdown of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

There was no fatality or injury as passengers were safely evacuated from the aircraft while efforts to remove the aircraft from the runway began.

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has commenced investigation into the incident after it was notified.

The aircraft involved is a Boeing 733 with Nationality and Registration Marks 5N-BYQ. The incident occurred around 10:47am (Local Time) on 12th November, 2023.

NSIB Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Dr. James Odaudu, who confirmed the incident said, “The aircraft upon landing at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja from Lagos and in a bid to exit the runway via A4 had its nose wheel stuck in the grass verge with its fuselage on the runway.

“Consequently, the runway was closed pending the towing of the aircraft from the runway.There was no injury or fatality.

“The NSIB, hereby, solicits information from the general public in form of pictures, video or recording evidences to assist in conducting a comprehensive investigation.”

Veteran Actor, Samanja Dies At 84 Years

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Akinwale Kasali

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November 12, 2023

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By Akinwale Kasali

The Nigeria Movie Industry, especially, Kannywood, has once again been thrown into mourning. It has lost one of its legendary actors, Usman Baba Pategi, popular as Samanja.

The legendary Samanja was known for his comical roles in the Hausa Genre Movie Industry.

The Late Samanja, a retired Army personnel, died in the early hours of Sunday at a private hospital in Kaduna State after a prolonged illness.

He had served in the Nigerian Army before retiring to work for the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, FRCN, in Kaduna.

Samanja passed away at the age of 84, leaving behind two wives and twelve children.

According to a statement issued by one of his sons, Mohammad Usman, the late actor’s funeral prayer will be held at the Kabala Costain mosque in the Kaduna metropolis Sunday in accordance with Islamic injunction.

Gov Oyebanji Leads Ekiti Team To Investment Seminar In Egypt

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Ayodele Oni

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November 12, 2023

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By Ayodele Oni

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, will, on Monday, leave for Egypt to attend this year’s Conference of the African Sub-Sovereign Governments Network, scheduled for Tuesday, in Al Manara, Cairo.

The conference is organized by Afreximbank and the United Cities and Local Governments of Africa (UCLG Africa) with the theme: “Accelerating AfCFTA Implementation: Unlocking Trade & Investment Opportunities for African Sub-Sovereign Governments”.

According to a statement by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Mr Yinka Oyebode, the conference, which is aimed at increasing collaboration to promote trade, development and investment initiatives within the context of AfCFTA would be of immense benefit to Ekiti State, which recently got a free trade zone status for its Knowledge Zone.

Governor Oyebanji’s attendance will facilitate more investment opportunities for Ekiti State as the programme offers networking and deal making opportunities among participating states, regions and nations.

The Governor will be accompanied on the trip by the Commissioner for Investment, Trade and Industry, Mrs Tayo Adeola; Commissioner for Finance, Mr Akintunde Oyebode; and Director- General, Ekiti State Development and Investment Promotion Agency ( EKDIPA), Lolade Oke- Olutola.

Drug War: NDLEA Arrests Physically Challenged, Ex Convict

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Ayodele Oni

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November 12, 2023

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By Ayodele Oni

In continuation of the war against drugs, Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested a 45-year-old physically challenged man, identified as Godwin Emuneyin during a raid at Afuze, Aviosi, and Utese communities in Edo state.

According to the agency, the operatives also carried out the raid in neighboring Delta state and other parts of the country where they arrested several persons, amongst them an ex-convict, Alhaji Bubakari in Adamawa state.

In a statement on Sunday, by its director of media and advocacy, Femi Babafemi, explained that in the course of the raid, the operatives recovered over 33 tons of psychoactive substances in Edo, Delta, Ogun and some other states including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

“The suspect Godwin, Emuneyin was arrested on Tuesday 7th November at his base in Afuze following credible intelligence. As at the time of his arrest, a wooden box used to conceal illicit substances including 18 pinches of methamphetamine, one block and 71 wraps of skunk, was recovered from him.

“In other interdiction operations in Edo state, NDLEA operatives on Monday 6th November recovered 42 bags of skunk weighing 480kgs from a camp in Aviosi forest in Owan West LGA, while the Utese forest in Ovia North East LGA was also raided same day with 231.5kgs of the substance recovered and a cannabis farm measuring 0.778960 hectare destroyed.

“In Adamawa state, operatives on patrol along Ngurore-Yola road on Thursday 9th November intercepted a Toyota Corolla car marked TZG 97 KY loaded with 30, 899 Tramadol 225mg and 100mg pills concealed inside the body compartments of the car.

“The driver found in possession of the drug exhibits, Sani Samaila (a.k.a Isa Male),25, said he was bringing the consignment from Jalingo, Taraba State to deliver in Yola, Adamawa State.”

Constitutional Role: Tinubu Directs Traditional Rulers To National Assembly

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Ayodele Oni

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November 12, 2023

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By Ayodele Oni

President Bola Tinubu, has advised Traditional Rulers in the country to direct their request for constitutional roles to the National Assembly.

The President, however, expressed support for their desire for such role after an intervention by the National Assembly.

Tinubu also assured the Traditional Rulers of support in their respective domains to ensure peace and security.

The President spoke at the weekend in Ondo town during the 70th birthday celebration of Oba Victor Kiladejo, the Osemawe of Ondo Kingdom, held at the Diocese of Ondo (Anglican Communion) Cathedral Church of St. Stephen.

Tinubu, who was represented by Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, said the last 17 years reign of Oba Koladejo, has been very peaceful.

He commended the Ondo Monarch for the giant strides recorded in terms of infrastructural and human capital development and urged everyone to keep supporting the traditional ruler in ensuring that there was peace and security while the kingdom continued to develop.

He said the Federal Government noted the support Oba Kiladejo lent to agencies, institutions, and government officials in relation with the Oba’s community over the years.

The President appreciated the commitment to extending the frontiers of development engagements which were coordinated in the traditional rulers domain, and his subjects both at home and abroad in the past years.

Tinubu vividly recalled almost two decades ago when the Kabiyesi pulled out of his very successful private medical practice in Lagos.

“You pulled out to mount the throne of your forefathers, as the Osemawe and Paramount Ruler of the Ondo Kingdom.

“It is evident that 17 years on, your imperial majesty has filled that expansive office admirable, thus proving that the kingmaker of Ondo, obviously operating under divine inspiration, did not make a mistake in their unanimous choice of you as the next Osemawe in 2006.

“Today, no one needs to go too far to encounter the evidence of your impactful reign over the Ondo Ekimogun people. They are visible all over the community, and touch practically all aspects of human endeavor.

“On a personal note, let me, once again, express my appreciation to you for the two letters of congratulations you so graciously sent to me upon my victory at the February polls, and later, my subsequent inauguration as President.

“I pray that the years ahead turn out to be much more remarkable, for you, your immediate family, and the good people of Ondo Kingdom, whom you have led so admirably, these past 17 years. May your reign continue to be fruitful and prosperous,” he said.

“All I can wish is that this should continue and probably get better under the leadership of kabiyesi as he continues to lead us in the right direction,” he said.

Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, in his congratulatory message, said the Ondo monarch’s counsel to his administration has been found invaluable and development focused.

“It is our earnest prayer that your Majesty will continue to enjoy good health and divine wisdom in providing the much needed leadership for Ondo Kingdom and Ondo State in general.

“It is my great pleasure to join other numerous Nigerians in wishing your Majesty many more years of fruitful service to mankind.”

Imo: Uzodinma Secures Second Term Victory As Governor In A Landslide

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Ayodele Oni

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November 12, 2023

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By Ayodele Oni

Senator Hope Uzodinma of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has been declared winner of the Saturday, November 11, 2023 Governorship election in Imo State.

In an unprecedented victory, the Governor, who contested for a second term in office, won massively in all the 27 Local Government Areas of the State.

With a total vote of 540,308, the Governor beat his closest rivals, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, popular as Samdaddy of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP and Chief Athan Achonu of the Labour Party, LP, to a very distant second and third places, respectively.

While Anyanwu scored 71,503 votes, Achonu scored 64, 081. Both men were defeated in their Local Government Areas.

18 Candidates contested for the Governorship election, but aside from Uzodimma, Anyanwu and Achonu, the others made little or no impact, and could easily be classified as “the also ran.”

The Returning Officer and Vice Chancellor, Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Professor Fashina Abayomi, who declared Uzodimma winner, at INEC State Headquarters in Owerri. He said Governor Uzodimma scored the majority of lawful votes cast and met the constitutional requirement

With the declaration, Senator Uzodimma has been re-elected for a second term in office, and will take his Oath of Office on January 15, 2024.

Agents of the major opposition parties were not available to sign the result sheets as they had staged a walk out over the refusal of the Returning Officer to review the results, which they claimed were at variance with the results uploaded on the bimodal voter accreditation system.

HReport says the State is generally calm while supporters of the APC were seen celebrating the unprecedented victory.

“Make Yoruba Language Compulsory In Schools” – Gani Adams Urges South-West Governors

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Akinwale Kasali

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November 11, 2023

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By Akinwale Kasali

Gani Adams, the Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland has lamented the neglect of indigenous Yoruba language in schools in the South West. He has, therefore, urged Governors and Lawmakers in the South West to prioritize the language in schools to stop it from going extinct.

The Yoruba Generalissimo said it is necessary to make Yoruba language compulsory in Schools – Primary, Secondary and in Tertiary Institutions – in the South West so as to further promote the language.

Adams made this call during the 2023 edition of Odo Erelu Festival, at Meiran, Agbado Oke-Odo Local Council Development Area of Lagos State. He stressed that such an initiative would help in deepening the knowledge of traditional religion in Yoruba land.

He added that one of the best ways to sustain Yoruba culture and tradition is to teach the younger generation everything they need to know about the language, culture, and identity, adding that it is the role of the government in the southwest to promote Yoruba language.

Adams said: “Yoruba language should be a compulsory subject in our schools from the basic, secondary, and tertiary institutions.

“Our children should be taught Ifa and other traditional religion knowledge for them to know and have comprehensive knowledge about our history, our existence, and the science of our languages.

“Ifa usually enhances our spiritual knowledge and gives insights into the background of our being and existence.

“The Chinese and all the Asian countries will always teach their children the basic and core knowledge of their culture and traditions.

“Cultural festivals, like Osun Osogbo, Olokun, and Odo Erelu Festivals have remained a major platform that helps in sustaining the cultural identity of the people and one of the best way to define people is to know and understand their culture and tradition.

“As far as I am concerned, there is nothing bad if we teach basic Ifa’s traditional religion knowledge in our schools as we teach both the Christian Religion Knowledge (CRK)and Muslim Religion Knowledge (IRK) in our schools“.

It Is In Your Nature to be Caring – Cleric Commends Obi, As Obi Donates N20 Million to Hospital

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The Source

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November 11, 2023

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The Bishop of Nsukka Diocese, Anglican Communion, Rt Rev Aloysius Agbo, has described the Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi, as one whose very nature is to care for the well-being of others and society while commending him for always going the extra mile to make life better for others.

Bishop Agbo made the remarks on Saturday when Mr Peter Obi visited Faith Foundation Mission Hospital, Nsukka, and donated N20 million to the hospital management, to support the establishment of the College of Nursing Sciences. The Bishop noted that Obi has remained consistent in his quest to build a better Nigeria.

“Beyond politics, Obi is a leader who sincerely seeks for the well-being of others and the progress of society. It is in his nature to be caring. We appreciate his donation of N20 million to us today. Our promise to him is that the money will be put into judicious use. With this initial amount he has given us, we will start work immediately, and by one month, everyone will see tangible results,” the Bishop said.

Presenting the cheque of N20 million to the Management of Faith Foundation Mission Hospital, Nsukka, through the Bishop, Obi explained that his ultimate desire in life is to see a better and productive Nigeria, where the critical sectors of health, education, and poverty eradication, are all very functional.

“My visit to this hospital today to present this cheque is not politically motivated, but in line with my commitment to investing in the three most critical areas of development, which are health, education, and poverty alleviation.

“Health remains a critical component of development measurement, and at the foundation of its success are trained healthcare workers.

“I am happy that the Diocese of Nsukka, Anglican Communion, has made this bold move to set up a College of Nursing Sciences. I will continue to support any project that will bring development to our nation and be beneficial to Nigerians,” Obi said.

Obi appreciated the Bishop and his entire team at Faith Foundation Hospital, for coming up with the idea while expressing his confidence in the church’s ability to prudently manage resources to achieve their vision.

It will be recalled that Obi is already supporting Shanahan College of Nursing Sciences in the same Nsukka.

Bayelsa Decide: Governor Diri Defeats Labour Party Candidate In Polling Unit

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Akinwale Kasali

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November 11, 2023

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By Akinwale Kasali

Bayelsa Labour Party, LP, Gubernatorial Candidate, Udengs Eradiri, has lost his Polling Unit to incumbent Governor Duoye Diri of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

Eradiri polled just Eight Votes In Unit 05, Ward 10, Yenagoa Local Government Area of the state, with PDP’s Diri polling 130 Votes, while Timipre Sylva of the All Progressives Congress, APC, polled 45 Votes as announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.

Diri also emerged winner in the Yindimie Compound Square, polling unit 013, Ward 10 in the Sagbama Local Government Area of the state.

The Governor polled 137 votes during the exercise while the major contender, Silva gathered 55 votes from the result declared by the electoral commission officers.

Also, in Amadikurumor Compound Square, polling unit 014, Ward 10, the PDP gubernatorial candidate gathered 195 votes as against 89 gotten by the APC flagbearer. Meanwhile, Eradiri got only one vote in unit 014 and no vote in 013.

Enyeama, Fmr Super Eagles Goalkeeper Now PhD Honouree

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Ayodele Oni

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November 11, 2023

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By Ayodele Oni

It was a day to be remembered for former Super Eagles Goalkeeper, Vincent Enyeama as he was conferred with an Honorary Doctorate Award by the University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

Enyeama made the disclosure in photos shared on his Instagram page on Saturday.

“God has been my strength. He has been in the details. I can’t thank Him enough.

“I want to thank the University of Uyo’s Vice Chancellor and his team for conferring me with this great honorable award. God bless you, sir.

“I want to thank my wife #promisevincent, she has really been the bone from my ribs. God bless you and your family.

“I want to thank my family for always standing by me no matter the circumstances.

“To my fans and supporters, I love you guys. Thank you. A new title has been added to me. This is the Lord’s doing.”