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Dana Air To Begin Operations, Again, Next Week

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Dana Air

By Akinwale Kasali

Dana Air is set to resume its flight operations after successfully concluding the restructuring and re-engineering of its audit organized by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA.

The NCAA suspended the Airline’s to audit its operations after a couple of uncomfortable incidents.

In a post announcing its re-beginning of operations the Airline said: “We wish to sincerely, and once again, tender our unreserved apologies to all our customers, vendors, travel partners, and corporate clients for the abrupt suspension of our flights.

“We totally regret the inconvenience caused and we wish to reassure them that Dana Air remains strong and will never take their patronage, relationship and loyalty for granted.”

The statement signed by the Accountable Manager/ Chief Operating Officer of Dana Air, Ememobong Ettete,  said, “The audit for us was a re-engineering process and having successfully concluded the audit and an extensive one at that for the second time, and with a new management team fully in charge, we are now well positioned despite the current challenges and hostile economic environment, and concentrating fully on strengthening our operations efficiently for sustainable growth while still offering safe, reliable and exciting flying experience to our loyal guests.

“As a proudly Nigerian brand with Nigerians at the helm of affairs and with over 14 years of service to the Nigerian flying public, we remain eternally grateful to our customers, travel partners, clients and vendors for keeping faith with us while the audit lasted and we would never take your loyalty and support for granted as it means a lot to us.

“We wish to also express our profound gratitude to the NCAA for the painstaking Audit process and the professionalism exhibited by the team of inspectors and also the management personnel who stayed sometimes beyond their official closing times to see that we do what is needed to be done properly and in good time during the course of the Audit process.”

“This audit has repositioned us as a vibrant and resilient brand and it’s turned out really good for us and for the industry at large. This is also highly recommended for all domestic airlines for the good of the industry.

“For customers with unused tickets, and as a little token for our short absence from the market, we have extended their validity for one year, a transfer option is also available to them and we shall be offering competitive fares as always, and gifting free tickets onboard our flights for the next 30 days from November 9th.

Our 24/7 Customer Service Team will, also, be available to assist customers with any request of their choice on unused tickets and redemption.”

Leadership Failure, Nigeria’s Problem, Not Religion Or Ethnicity, Obi Insists

By
The Source
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Peter Obi

The Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr.  Peter Obi has said emphatically that the problem of this country is not religion or ethnicity as many erroneously believe but on the failure of leadership which his tenure as President if elected will correct.

Obi who was answering questions from  his support groups across the country through  a virtual meeting Thursday night said that Nigerians whether Muslim or Christian are facing the same problems.

“There is nowhere in Nigeria where a Muslim buys cheaper bread because he is a Muslim, ditto Christian. Our economic  problems arising from poor leadership does not discriminate on basis of religion or tribe. There is no separate electricity for a Christian or Muslim, everyone is suffering the same thing.

We can’t continue repeating the same method we have been using that is not working

“ I have said it repeatedly, don’t vote for me because of where I come from. Vote for me because of what am offering. I am the most qualified in this presidential race not because of where I come from but because of what I am coming with, what I can offer.

“My antecedents, my qualifications, I have been tested with power and I left a mark, the only governor in Nigerian history who finished eight years left money, built infrastructure, owed no contractor or salary or pension. I have been to the best schools in the World, acquired enormous knowledge for leadership challenges. I am a businessman and in it I left records.

Explaining why his focus will be much in the North as president, Obi said because the potentials there are much and they need to be tapped and harnessed. With what I have in mind for the north, the region will forever remain grateful because I am going to change the region. We need to cultivate arable land there.

Obi regretted that Nigeria is the poverty capital of the World and the North contributes the larger chunk of it despite its sons being in power for 47 out of 62 years of our nationhood.

“What that means is that who is in power whether your tribesman or your religion is not the solution but the capacity and competence of the person.

“Very distinguished and respected Nigerians from the North have ruled this country but if you go to Nigeria today, the ten poorest states are from the region, the region has the most unemployed youth, out of school children , and the worst school kidnapping record globally”, he said.

The LP flag bearer noted that Nigeria is not the only country with diversity, but it depends on how it’s being handled, as he  recalls that the Central Mosque in London worth millions of pounds in value was donated by the Queen of England who is not a Muslim and in Dubai, the huge Catholic Church there was built by the Emir of Dubai who is not a Christian.

“I have said it frequently  that the 2023 election must not be on anybody’s entitlements, his religion or tribe but on competence, character and what you did before, how did you handle public funds when it was placed in your custody?

Obi also answered questions on other areas including linkage with Nigerian students who are now back on campus.

“To Nigerian students, you will never regret being part of this movement, you can never regret being part of taking back of Nigeria I assure you”

Obi-Datti Media noted that within ten minutes of opening the zoom meeting over 50,000 persons joined who were anxious and desirous to hearing from their reigning political icon. A lot of many could not join as the zoom could not cope with the rush.

Obi’s zoom meeting  with support group is part of the strategy to keep in touch with his numerous followers at home and in the diaspora, as well as get feed back from them on his policies and programs.

Kwara Govt Approves 100 Percent Increase In Students Bursary

By
Ayodele Oni
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By Ayodele Oni

Barely a week after it made transportation free for students of tertiary institutions, Kwara State government has approved an increase in bursary allowances paid to students of the state origin in tertiary institutions  by 100 per cent.

Before each student was paid N5,000, now jerked up to N10,000.

A statement by Mansura Amuda-Kannike, Press Secretary, Ministry of Tertiary Education, on behalf of the Commissioner, Dr Afees Abolore-Alabi, disclosed this in Ilorin.

The statement said that the process of accessing the bursary is strictly automated adding that the portal will be open for a week, from Friday, November 4 and closes on Friday, November 11, 2022.

“Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Dr Alabi Afees Abolore said in the statement that application for the bursary will open on Friday 4th November and close at 12 midnight on November 11, 2022.”

The statement explained that the rise in bursary allowance comes barely one week after Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq approved free transport services for students returning for their studies following the end of the months-long industrial action by university lecturers.

“The free transport serves as palliatives to all parents and guardians.

“The Commissioner appreciated the commitment of Governor AbdulRazaq to his campaign promises to all and sundry.”

Abolore expressed optimism that the present administration will not rest on its oars to ensure that Kwara indigenes get their share of the dividends of democracy as and when due.

The Commissioner assured that more opportunities would still come for tertiary institution students while urging them to always be good ambassadors of the state in their various institutions of learning across the country.

Revisit Original Intention Of NDDC Birth, Uzodimma Tells Visiting Acting MD

By
The Source
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Hope Uzodimma - Imo Civil Servant Promotion

Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has decried what he calls marginalisation within marginalisation in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), appealing to the new leadership to revisit the original intention for setting up of the Commission.

He made the remarks on Friday when the Acting Managing Director of the NDDC, Eng. Emmanuel Audu-Ohwavborua led a team of his top management staff on a courtesy call to the Governor at Government House, Owerri.

During the visit, the Commission presented some drugs to the government which the Managing Director said were meant for designated hospitals in Imo State.

Governor Uzodimma said over the years past NDDC leadership resorted to maintenance approach to solving problems affecting the member states as opposed to projects conception and implementation, noting that from the Act establishing the Commission, so many things have been left unaccomplished.

He regretted that even in the area of interventions, some of the states like Imo as a critical stakeholder in the oil and gas has not been treated fairly.

For instance, the Governor noted that a typical example was during the Covid-19 pandemic era when the Commission was expected to come to the aid of the State, but it was nowhere to be seen not withstanding that it featured prominently in other NDDC states.

“What is good for the goose, is good for the gander,” Governor Uzodimma said, and appealed to the new leadership to redress the issue of intra marginalisation in NDDC.

He reminded Audu-Ohwavboua of the need to intervene immediately on the Elele-Owerri corridor of old Owerri-Port Harcourt road as well as on the Mgbidi-Awomama axis of Owerri-Onitsha road in his emergency programme ahead of yuletide as both corridors are key to major movements involving indigenes of the state and other road users.

Besides, the Governor also solicited the intervention of the NDDC in the flood-ravaged communities of Imo State like Ohaji/Egbema and Oguta local government areas as a way of further cushioning the effects of their hardship.

He described the Acting Managing director as one who is  “able, capable and can solve the problems in NDDC.”

Governor Uzodimma expressed delight over his appointment, saying  that he “possesses good knowledge of the terrain and has demostrated capacity in the various positions he has held.”

He charged him to solve the problems of the NDDC, a Commission he described as a “child of circumstances set up to alleviate the sufferings of the oil producing states.”

His words: “Go back to the original intention of setting up the Commission so that the impact will be felt by our people.

“We have observed marginalization inside marginalization. Non of the oil producing states should be marginalised. We must get justice, we must get equity, we must get even distribution of amenities, address marginalisation inside the NDDC.

“Each time they say we are a member, why is intervention not coming to Imo State, but going to other states? Repair Elele to Owerri road and also repair the bad sections from Mgbidi to Awommama under your emergency programme.”

Earlier in his address, the Acting Managing Director who was the former Director in the Delta State office of NDDC, said it was an “auspicious moment to be in Imo State at this time to present drugs with the flood disaster in some riverine communities in Imo State.”

He agreed with the Governor that there are problems but reassured him that he will start from the onset to solve the problems facing the Commission.

“We are technocrats.  We don’t make promises we are not ready to honour. Be rest assured that the marginalisation has ended.”

The high point of the visit was the handing over of the drugs to the Governor, witnessed by top government officials from Imo State and those from the NDDC.

Ekweremadu To Forfeit 40 Landed Properties, As Abuja Court Gives Order

By
Ayodele Oni
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0

By Ayodele Oni

As the legal tussle between United Kingdom, (UK) and former deputy senate president, Ike Ekweremadu over organ harvesting for his child remains unresolved, he is again faced with another in Nigeria over acquisition of some properties.

An Abuja Federal High Court on Friday issued an order of interim forfeiture of 40 landed properties belonging to the former Deputy Senate President.

It was learnt that 10 of Ekweremadu’s properties in Enugu, three in the United States of America (USA), two in the United Kingdom (UK), one in Lagos, nine in Dubai, and 15 located in the Federal Capital Territory are affected by the interim forfeiture order.

Justice Inyang Ekwo, the trial Judge, gave the order following an ex-parte motion filed and moved by Ibrahim Buba on behalf of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Ruling on the motion, the Judge ordered EFCC to publish the interim forfeiture order of the properties in a national daily within seven days from the date the order was given.

Justice Ekwo, adjourned the matter till December 5, for a report on the objection from any member of the public regarding the properties.

Ondo Communities Give BEDC Ultimatum Over 10-Month-Old Blackout

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
BEDC

By Ayodele Oni

Residents of Irese, Aaye and Ikota towns in Ifedore Local Government Area of Ondo state have threatened to shut down the office of the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) in Akure over the continued power outage in the area.

The three towns had been in ‘total blackout’ since February 2022; paralysing the economic, commercial, and social activities of residents in the communities.

With the 10-month-old blackout, many business owners in the three affected towns have shut down their shops while artisans who depend on electricity to survive their trades have continued to relocate from the communities.

In a protest letter addressed to the Regional Manager of the BEDC, Akure, the residents complained vehemently that the power outage has heightened insecurity in the three towns.

According to the residents, several efforts to ensure the electricity company address their plight have been without luck.

The letter, signed by the Olurese of Irese, Oba Ahmed Destiny Saka, on behalf of the three towns, stated that the residents have no choice than to stage a mass protest to express their grievances.

“After exploiting all avenues of amity to bring sanity to our relationship by reinstalling electricity  supply to our communities with no success in view, we have no choice but to organize a procession spanning protests to let the world know of the parlous state of electricity supply to our towns,” the letter read in part.

NPA Presents Licences To 5 Export Processing Terminal Operators

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The Source
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NPA Presents Licences To 5 Export Processing Terminal Operators

The Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA), Thursday, presented operational licenses to five Export Processing Terminal, EPT, operators.

The licenced terminals are Messrs. Diamondstar Port & Terminals Ltd; Messrs. Esslibra Terminal; Messrs. Sundial Global Trade & Service Ltd; Messrs. Bellington Cargo Ltd and Messrs. Tenzik Energy Ltd.

Speaking at the presentation ceremony, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of NPA, Mohammed Bello Koko, said the terminals were to support ongoing efforts to create the enabling environment that would scale up the nation’s export development initiative.

The public presentation of the licences is coming just a few days after the Authority formally inaugurated the Lilypond Export Processing Terminal.

The MD said the exercise was a testament of the port’s unflinching resolve to transform Nigeria’s export potentials into actualities.

He stressed that the need for the Export Processing Terminals was underscored by the limitations of current port facilities in the Lagos area which were operating beyond their ‘’as built capacity’’ for cargo handling.

According to him, the EPTs were therefore holding areas positioned in Lagos and Ogun States to help exporters prepare their arrival at port terminals in view of the traffic management challenges that were visible in Lagos.

He disclosed that the procedure for licensing the terminals commenced in April 2021 “when we released public notice No. 4152 for Expression of Interest for the Certificate of Export Processing Terminal to Service Lagos Ports Complex and Tincan Island Port Complex.”

He noted that at the close of the advertorial on May 24, 2021, not less than 30 companies had expressed interest.

“The inspection committee and the Project Delivery Team (PDT) following a thorough engagement including a presentation by prospective companies arrived at a list of Ten (10) companies which were subsequently granted approval to join the Lilypond Export Processing Terminal.

“Today, only five (5) out of a total of Eleven (11) Companies have met our stringent conditions and would be granted formal certification. The remaining six (6) who hold provisional licenses would, unfortunately, be dropped at the end of this month if they fail to meet our standards to allow us to consider other applicants on our waiting list.

“This journey has not been easy but we have insisted on ensuring that only venture capitalists willing to deploy appropriate resources can make the cup,” he maintained.

Koko stated that the NPA had also used this project to encourage local content in the export value chain and “we are proud of that. We will offer all support policy-wise to ensure the growth and stability of the terminals.

“This initiative signposts the Nigerian Ports Authority’s commitment to the implementation of the National Action Plan on Agro-Export and the Federal Government of Nigeria’s desire to diversify the national economy from oil export to non-oil exports.

“We are also currently working to integrate the CBN NXP to the e-call up regime and have progressed on discussion to operationalize same using the electronic call-up as the gateway.

“The integration of the barge and train movements will complete the circle and we look forward to work in collaboration with Nigerian Customs to achieve this.

“The Nigerian Ports Authority is not unaware of the existence of export warehouses handling manufactured products. We are working with the Export Command of the Nigerian Customs Service to bring up seamless modalities that will govern this aspect of the project.”

He disclosed that movement of Agro Export boxes arriving at the ports from Lagos and Ogun states shall only be allowed into the ports from any of the Export Processing Terminals.

“For export containers arriving from the Domestic Export Warehouses (DEWs) located across the country, the Authority is committed to receiving them subject to compliance with the traffic management put in place by the Lagos State Government in collaboration with the Nigerian Ports Authority,” he said.

He enjoined terminal operators, shipping companies, and other stakeholders to have first-hand knowledge of the procedure to ensure the success of the Federal Government National Action Plan on Agro – Export development in the country.  You have a responsibility to ensure strict compliance in this regard.

Nigeria, Cameroon Deepen Trade Ties, Commission Link Bridge

By
The Source
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0
Nigeria and Cameroon Border

By Ayodele Oni

Governments of Nigeria and Cameroon have inaugurated the newly constructed border bridge linking both countries and a joint border post for seamless trade and migration between the two countries.

President Muhammadu Buhari of Nigeria and President Paul Biya of Cameroon, performed the joint inauguration of the 1.5 km Ekok/Mfum Bridge and Joint Border Post (JBP) at Mfun, Cross River State.

Performing the ceremony, the Presidents said the link bridge project will deepen socio-economic and diplomatic relations between Nigeria and Cameroon, while the Joint Border Post will not only strengthen the existing cordial relations but also enhance the volume of economic activities in the region, as well as movement of persons, goods and services with countries along the corridors.

A statement by media aide to Minister of state for transportation, Ebenezer Adeniyan, stated that President Buhari, was represented by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Zuberu Dada.

He noted that the development will provide a veritable synergy between inter-country regions to combat the teeming security challenges bedeviling the countries along region.

“It will also serve as a vital link between the Western and Southern African regions. The Federal Republic of Nigeria also expects that this Joint Border Post and bridge will enhance security patrol and facilitate effective cooperation in this part of our border with the Republic of Cameroon.

“It is also our hope that it will complement the efforts of the Governments of Nigeria and Cameroon to combat the scourge of terrorism and violent extremism in our region.”

Buhari also commended the development partners, African Development Bank ( AfDB) and World Bank for providing the funds and support given to Economic Community of West Africa (ECOWAS) and Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) to help Nigeria and Cameroon to complete the project in record time.

On his part, President Biya of Cameroon,  who was represented by his Minister for Public Works, Emmanuel Nganuo Djours, stated that, “the construction of the bridge over Cross River is part of the Transport Facilitation Program on the Bamenda – Manfe – Abakaliki – Enugu – corridors.

The corridor covers 441 metres of road that will facilitate trade and strengthen relations between Cameroon and Nigeria”.

Also speaking at the ceremony, Nigeria’s Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN, who expressed delight over the completion of the project, added that the bridge will play a significant role in networking several cities across Africa.

“What is most important is that this bridge connects Nigeria and Cameroon. It is the beginning of a trans-African connection.

“We are not just trying to connect Nigeria and Cameroon; we are trying to connect Lagos to Mombasa in Kenya and this is the significance of this bridge.”

Nigeria’s Minister of State for Transportation, Prince Ademola Adegoroye, who hailed the roles of international development partners and the Minister for Works, Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN, in the project, stressed that inter-governmental agencies of both countries, such as Customs, Immigration and others can work in synergy to promote mutual benefits and healthy coexistence between both nations.

“The main objective of this project is for  better trade facilitation between both countries by combining customs clearance and other activities in one place to achieve economics of scale, simplify customs procedures and increase cooperation and coordination of controls amongst others.

“It is my hope that as border officials work together in cooperation, the ties that bind our countries will further be  strengthened to the benefit of all.

“Also, it is hoped that the comfort of the new facility will enable the officials work together in peace and harmony, resulting in the prosperity of the people of the region.”

2023: Nollywood Actors Throw Weight Behind Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu

By
The Source
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Nollywood Actors

By Akinwale Kasali

Members of Nigeria’s Make Believe Industry, Nollywood, Yoruba Genre, have supported the Candidature of All Progressives Congress, APC, Presidential Candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Party’s Governorship Candidate in Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo Olu.

The Actors who visited the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, said that having weighed their options and looking at the antecedents of Tinubu while in the saddle as Governor of Lagos State from 1999 to 2007 and the giant strides the State experienced, they have no doubt that he would replicate same if he becomes the President of the Country in 2023.

Team Leader of the Group, veteran actor, Saheed Balogun, said that over 60 of them in the Industry came together to preach the Tinubu gospel, having in mind that he is the right man to succeed President Muhammadu Buhari, having shown over the years that he has the leadership qualities to give Nigerians the a good life.

He added that Governor Sanwo Olu is working on Tinubu’s template and roadmap in making Lagos State a Mega City and a force to reckon with.

Responding, Obasa urged the Nollywood actors, producers and entertainers of like minds not to relent in their efforts to ensure victory for Tinubu.

He thanked the group of social influencers for their efforts to ensure a successful presidential election victory for Tinubu, and further tasked them to sustain the relationship that exists between them and the State Government.

“Our task is to involve people, enlighten them and make them see reasons why they should continue, particularly here in Lagos, to support the APC. They have always supported APC and we want them to continue.

“To us, every vote is an investment because every single vote counts,” Obasa said while commending the group for assisting in mobilising and enlightening the electorate.”

The Speaker advised the group not to take to social media violence, but instead embrace dialogue, truthful analysis and explanations in the course of the members’ activities.

He described social media as a platform to meet and intimate the youth on the workings of Government, which some may not be aware of.

“For example, while some young people on social media decry unavailability of sufficient school chairs in primary schools, the government already projected for enough chairs for anticipated school children and is overwhelmed with the influx of more people to Lagos State, a number that can never be determined,” he said adding that this applies to all sectors of the state.

Also speaking, another actor, Damola Olatunji noted that Tinubu laid the foundation that successive governments latched on to put Lagos in an enviable position among states.

Outlining some of the group’s activities, the actor said they hope to influence thoughts on social media, carry out door-to-door engagements and organise a town-hall meeting.

ASUU, FG Set To Lock Horns Again

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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0
Adamu Adamu

The Academic Staff Union of University, ASUU, is set to lock horns with the federal government again barely a month after it called off its month-long strike.

The development is coming a few hours after the Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu said he had failed to turn around the education sector.

The minister has been variously criticized for being among the federal government officials who allowed the ASUU strike to drag for too long.

The university teachers went back to work in October more than eight months after they abandoned their work in February this year due to a disagreement with the federal government over salaries and allowances.

But on Wednesday the union said the payment of half salary to the returnee lecturers for the month of October may force them to take another drastic action.

Speaking on the issue, the National Vice President of ASUU, Chris Piwuna, described the development as “insulting, humiliating and embarrassing” to the lecturers who have not received their salary for several months. Recall that Emmanuel Osodeke, the president of the union had last month said many lecturers were finding it difficult to go back to work because of lack of transportation fare.

The lecturers have now decided to withhold the results of their students if their salaries are not fully paid.

For instance, the Gombe State University chapter of ASUU, said it will withhold the examination results of students and will discontinue the supervision of undergraduates and postgraduates projects should the government fail to release the withheld salaries for members of the union for the period while they were on strike.

According to a statement signed by the branch chairman, Suleiman Jauro, the lecturers said they had no other option than to proceed on this line of action.

“The Congress of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, Gombe State University branch, at its meeting held today, Wednesday 2nd November 2022, received the report of the engagements between the branch’s leadership and the University administration over the release of the withheld salaries.

“After exhaustive deliberations, the Congress, therefore, resolved that given the University administration’s refusal to release the August and September salaries, members shall not submit the results of the first Semester examination for the 2021/2022 session; Not continue with the supervision of both undergraduate and postgraduate projects allocated prior to the commencement of the strike action,” the statement said.

ASUU had agreed to return to work last month after a deal brokered by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila.

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