All Posts in "Day: April 7, 2021"

Azman Air Blames Staff For Assault On  NCAA Boss

1,000 staff at risk as NCAA suspension hits Azman Air - Daily Post Nigeria
The suspended Azman Air has said that the recent press statement, which centred on the attack of Capt. Musa Nuhu, the Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) was from one of its  staff.
The airline in a statement by Muhammad Abdulmunaf, its Accountable Manager, said that the staff who felt the suspension of the airline for comprehensive safety audit by the regulatory body was due to its failure to advertise in the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) magazine as canvassed by Nuhu who was then a Nigerian representative in the organisation, was responsible for the media statement without the knowledge and approval of the management.
The airline apologised to Sen. Hadi Sirika, the Minister of Aviation and Nuhu and NCAA for any embarrassment the statement might have caused them.
The airline also  insisted that there was no way it would have approved such a statement to be issued against Nuhu and NCAA, stressing that the regulatory’s conducts were still within its purview.
The statement read :  ”On March 21, 2021, we issued a press statement expressing our surprise and shock at a publication credited to us in which the integrity and reputation of the Director General of the NCAA, Capt. Musa Nuhu, came under attack as a result of the decision taken by the regulator to suspend our operations based on safety considerations.
“At the suspension of our services by the NCAA, an overzealous staff, who erroneously thought that the suspension was dictated by our failure to pay for the advert, without the  knowledge  and  consent  of  management  of  Azman,  authored  the  unfortunate allegations against the DG.
“We wish to unreservedly tender our apologies to both the person of Capt. Musa Nuhu  and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority. We state categorically that there wasn’t and, there  is  still,  no  iota  of  truth  in  the  allegations  which  are  capable  of  damaging  the reputations of the DG and the NCAA. We equally extend our apologies to the Honourable Minister of Aviation, Sen.  Hadi  Sirika,  for  any  embarrassment  our  actions  may  have  caused him and the government.
“We regret every inconvenience caused the DG, NCAA, the Minister of Aviation and the aviation industry in Nigeria as a result of our publication of that falsehood.  While we seek forgiveness for our actions, we promise to tighten our communication controls to avoid future embarrassing situation as this one caused by us.”
NCAA had on March 8, 2021, suspended the operations of Azman Air, citing several safety infractions by the airline.
The agency said the airline was an accident waiting to happen due to the series of serious incidents and numerous unprofessional conducts the airline involved itself in recent times.
Online Editor by — April 7, 2021 in Aviation 0
Oyo To Partner Yamaha On Improved  Transportation Sector

Oyo govt issues 2 weeks ultimatum to commercial transport operators to use state colours | naijauto.com
Oyo State Government has reiterated its readiness to partner MAX.NG/YAMAHA Corporation, Japan to develop the transport sector in the state.
The governor, who hosted the management of the MAX.NG/YAMAHA Corporation, Japan at the Head of Service, Conference Room, Secretariat, Ibadan, explained that the company’s vision and mission were in line with the vision and dream of the state.
He  said that the present administration in the state is doing a lot across different sectors and will continue to explore opportunities wherever it can come from in order to develop the economy of the state.
He said: “A lot of what you are doing definitely resonates with our vision and dream in Oyo State.There are four main pillars we are pursuing and I can see that the summary of what you are doing can key into the pillars as we are looking at Health, Education, Economic Expansion through Agribusiness and on top of all that is security. We must secure our land to ensure that investors like you are safe.
“Congratulations on the Assembly Plant that you launched today and I wish you all the best.I am also glad you have had a good time with all the government officials you have met in the state.
If there is an issue as you expand your business in Oyo State, feel free to approach me or other government officials that you have met.
“As you rightly said, we are a Pacesetter state and we mean business. So, there is a lot that we are doing across different sectors in line with our vision and priorities and we will continue to explore opportunities of where we can do more.”
The governor explained that recently the government commissioned the ultra-modern Okada and Tricycle loading points to facilitate easy transportation of residents in the state capital and to boost transportation sector
“Even in the transportation sector, around last week, we launched motorcycles and tricycles loading points, which is a pilot scheme. We understand that we need them today as a vital part of our transportation, but how do we organise them? How do we get data? How do we make it safe and secure so that it can become what people can admire?
“That is the pilot scheme and if it works well, we will be extending it to other parts of the city and other parts of the state entirely.I also heard you talk about electric cars.
This is exciting, because even if we keep dreaming that Nigeria has plenty of fuel, oil, fossil and all that, we will continue to drive on the path we are and the world is going to leave us behind.
In his remarks, the co-founder of MAX.NG, Mr Adetayo Bamiduro, said  that the company has plans for the state in the area of financial inclusion, mobility transportation, logistics, identity management, data and mobile application development for the progress and economic development of the state.
Online Editor by — April 7, 2021 in Oduduwa 0
Buhari Loses  Official Driver 

Buhari loses official driver
Master Warrant Officer, Sa’idu Afaka, the official driver of President Muhammadu Buhari,has been announced  dead.
He died at the State House Clinic on Tuesday after a prolonged illness.
The President has consequently extended heartfelt condolences to his family.
 Garba Shehu, Senior Special Assistant to the President (Media & Publicity), said President Buhari, commiserated with the government and people of Kaduna State.
He described the late Afaka as an honest, capable and reliable person who handled his job with utmost care and responsibility.
The President recalled that in 2016 the soldier, while on pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia, picked up a bag containing a large amount of foreign currencies and turned it over to the National Hajj Commission, an action which earned him praises from the Saudi and Nigerian authorities.
President Buhari prayed Almighty Allah to ‘‘bless the soul of the departed with an elevated place in heavens,’’ committing the family and friends to divine comfort and patience.
Online Editor by — April 7, 2021 in News 0
Kano Slashes Salaries Of Political Appointees By Half

Coronavirus: Gov. Ganduje slashes salaries of political appointees by 50% [ARTICLE] - Pulse Nigeria
Kano state government has slashed the salaries of political office holders in the state by 50 percent for the month of March due to dwindling resources.
The state had on Monday announced its inability to pay its civil servants N30,000 minimum wage due to shortfall in the federal receipt.
The state commissioner for Information, Malam Muhammad Garba, explained that  the action was due to shortfall in the revenue accruing to the state from the federation account.
He added that  decision affected the governor, deputy governor and all public office holders in the state that included all commissioners, special advisers, senior special assistants and Special Assistants among others.
Malam Garba said that at the local government level, the salary slash affected the chairmen, vice-chairmen, elected councilors, supervisory councilors, advisers and secretaries of local governments
Online Editor by — April 7, 2021 in Politics 0
 Nigeria,Brazil To Deepen Cultural Ties

Minister of Information and Culture Lai Mohammed has big plans for Nigeria Tourism
Lai Mohammed, the Minister of Information and Culture, has disclosed  that Nigeria intends to boost its century old heritage relationship with Brazil with focus on economic development.
He said should  enhance its cultural tourism with the South America country, which is the fifth largest nation in the world.
He further stated that the window of relationship sustained by the thriving community of Brazilian Descendants in Lagos Island would get the Federal Government the necessary assistance through factoring its iconic festival into Nigeria’s cultural festival calendar.
He also appreciated the support and recognition of Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Governor of Lagos State in the ongoing efforts by Brazilian Descendants Association in preserving the history and architecture of Brazilian Nigerians in diaspora in Lagos Island.
Mohammed, represented by Otunba Segun Runsewe, the Director-General, National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), explained that the first generation of Nigerians who were taken by the Portuguese slave merchants, left an enduring legacies of Yoruba culture, which according to him has become a veritable platform of cultural and historical relationship between Nigeria and Brazil, today.
Speaking at the unveiling of the Afro Brazilian Cultural centre in Brazilian Quarters, Popo  Aguda Lagos Island, on Easter Monday, the Minister noted the center would not only preserve the historical narratives of Nigerian descendants in Brazil, but would encourage and foster deep relationship with the government and people of Brazil.
He said: “I want to thank Lagos State Governor Mr. Babajide sanwo-Olu for the support and encouragement to the Brazilian Descendants Association and for preserving the architecture of Brazilian Descendants Community in Lagos Island, dating centuries old.”
Mrs.  Ibijoke sanwo-Olu, the wife of the Lagos State Governor, who cut the tape to open the Afro Brazilian Descendants centre, commended the efforts of the association and noted that carnival festival celebration in Lagos nay Nigeria was made manifest by the Brazilian Descendants community in Lagos Island.
She commended the cultural presence of Alhaji Lai Mohammed, Minister of Information and Culture and Runsewe whom she recognized as the pivot of Nigeria’s cultural diplomacy.
Hon. Lawal Pedro, Chairman, Brazil Descendants Association and former Solicitor-General of Lagos State, explained that a museum of Brazilian Descendants community would be opened soon at the Lagos State University as a way of encouraging studies and research of Lagos descendants in Brazil.
He noted further that the POPO AGUDA Lagos Island Centre of the Brazilian Descendants association was geared towards bringing close to the community, easy access to all that needed to be known about historical narratives of Nigerian descendants in Brazil.
Online Editor by — April 7, 2021 in Travel & Tourism 0
Effium Killings: Ebonyi Indigenes Want Inquest Into Escape of 55 Suspects 

Effium Killings: Ebonyi Indigenes Demand Investigation Into Escape Of 55 Suspects – Independent Newspapers Nigeria
The Association of Ebonyi State Indigenes in the Diaspora (AESID) has demanded for the prosecution of the state’s police commissioner,Aliyu Garba,over the  disappearance of the  55 suspects arrested in connection with the killings in Effium communities in the state.
They  also demanded that after thorough  investigation, security agents implicated in the dastardly acts should be dismissed.
They faulted the police narrative of the incident, stating that the authorities claim of escape came hours after the said suspected militia were handed over to the State’s Commissioner of Police, for their onward transportation to the Police Command Headquarters in Abakaliki.
They said: “That CP Garba and his men; DCOPs, DCP Chuku G.C and his orderly, Uche, 2i/c SWAT, Asp. Amaechi, Inspector Emmanuel Uko of the Anti-kidnapping Unit, Ebonyi State Police Command and other Police officers, and indeed, including the sister security agencies like some NSCDC officials involved in the said controversial escape of the arrested suspects and so indicted be made to face the full wrath of the law. They should all be diligently and uncompromisingly investigated and brought to book for their roles in the saga.Should they be found wanting in any way or form unbecoming of officers of the law, they should be summarily dismissed from service to serve as a deterrent to others who would wish to compromise or joke with the very serious issue of security which has become a nightmare in the present-day Nigeria.”
They said the  police should  re-arrest and produce the said 55 escapees for trial “as we believe that the information which they would provide and the evidences they would deduce would help in bringing these limitless killings to an end (immediate and remote).”
The Association which described the situation in Ebonyi as “a soap opera,” said it is outraged by news reports that 55 out 66 hired militias who were successfully arrested on Saturday afternoon at Okpoduma village in Effium by the Nigerian military escaped from the custody of the Nigeria Police Force.
“As a matter of fact, we are most disturbed, like other sane minds eager to see the end of the carnage and wanton destruction of lives and property particularly of Ezza descents in Effium that the said arrest of the mercenaries could only happen when the GOC led his team in a very professionally coordinated operation.
“How can an entire security apparatchik including; the Police, DSS and the NSCDC in Ebonyi who were unable to unravel the mysterious supply of arms, charms and very deadly weapons in the ongoing senseless carnage needless to talk about making any reasonable arrest of the masterminds be at the heat of a controversy leading to the fleeing of 55 already-arrested suspects?
We want to believe that it is either some conspiracy from top government officials we suspect have been funding this war were about to be busted by the said arrested and freed mercenaries or nothing, absolutely, nothing less,” it lamented.
Online Editor by — April 7, 2021 in Ndigbo 0
FRSC Officials Return N.7million To Family Of Accident Victim

FRSC returns cash, laptop, others to family of accident victim - QED.NG
The Anambra State Sector Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has returned N716,800 cash found at a scene of  accident scene at Ozubulu, Anambra State to the family of the deceased
The accident occurred along Onitsha-Owerri expressway, in Ekwusigo Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The spokesperson of the Sector Command, Mrs. Florence N. Edor said  that the victim, Mrs.Oparaocha was one of the passengers in a Nissan Bus marked LSH517YG that was involved in a ghastly motor accident on March 22 with a truck registered GGU83XA.
Seven  persons, comprising of three males and four females were involved in the crash but Mrs. Oparaocha and the driver lost their lives.
The commission contacted the relatives of Mr. Oparaocha through her mobile phone when they found the money.
Presenting the money in Orifite the Unit Commander, Assistant Corps Commander Bamidele Ayanwale explained that the money  was recovered when the FRSC officers went on a rescue mission after the occurrence of an accident.
Ayanwale thereafter handed the money belonging to late Mrs. Oparaocha to her son, Mr Chibueze Oparaocha, after a written undertaking with full identification by the Unit intelligence officer.
He commended the officials of the commission for their kindness and honesty, saying: “I was surprised when we got the call to come and collect the money found on my late mother. I did not believe that such gesture can still happen in Nigeria of today.
Online Editor by — April 7, 2021 in Motoring 0
IDPs Beg For Peace In North

Internally Displaced Persons, (IDPs) in the North East have begged for restoration of peace in the region, saying such achievement would afford them the opportunity to return to their original homes and livelihoods.
They lamented that their displacement as a result of Boko Haram activities have thrown them to the dark side of life, wondering if they would ever return to their ancestral homes again.
The IDPs under the umbrella of Conference of North East IDPs, expressed displeasure with the current state of insecurity in the country, recalling that they had thought the appointments of new service chiefs would make a difference but it’s not so.
In the statement signed by Alhaji Umar Shafa,for Borno State; Chief Bitrus Waja representing Adamawa State and  Mallam Mohammed Buni,for Yobe State, respectively, they appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari to expedite action against insecurity so that total peace could be restored.
They claimed that Boko Haram threats have assumed a new dimension with direct target on farming communities and markets.
 “This is is a deliberate act to weaken the economy of the North East. Farmers are killed and their farms and livestock destroyed or stolen everyday,”they claimed in the statement
“We express our frustration with the current security situation in the North East, particularly the Internally Displaced Persons,IDPs whose plights are not only getting more frustrated but also out of hand on a daily basis.
“The hope of getting back to our communities is dimming every day without any sign of it getting better.The Boko Haram threats have assumed a new dimension with direct target on farming communities and markets. This is is a deliberate act to weaken the economy of the North East. Farmers are killed and their farms and livestock destroyed or stolen.    We’re are more worried that the press is giving little attention to this incidents which happens on a daily basis”, they said
They commended  Governor Babagana Zulum,who they described as “a governor with the heart of the people”.
Online Editor by — April 7, 2021 in Arewa 0
 COVID-19 Vaccines Effective-LASG

prof-akin-abayomi News — Latest On Prof. Akin Abayomi — — The Guardian Nigeria News – Nigeria and World News
Professor Akin Abayomi, Lagos State Commissioner for Health,has assured residents of the state that the COVID-19  vaccines are effective and saving lives of the people against the deadly disease
He gave the  advice at a COVID-19 vaccine summit organized by the Global Emerging Pathogens Treatment (GET) consortium
He said:“As a responsible government, the Incident Commander, Mr. Governor himself, has taken the vaccine, the Deputy Incident Commander, the Deputy Governor, has taken it, I have taken it, and the entire leadership of the state government have taken it, in demonstration of the safety and efficacy of the vaccine”
He said so far from the monitoring and observation of those 127, 000 Lagosians who have been vaccinated, there has been zero fatality and zero admission into any hospital as a result of the vaccination.
He noted that the state had gained experience in managing such an occurrence as the pandemic due mostly to the strategies that had been put in place because of the Ebola outbreak.
He stated that the vaccination in the state can only be accessed at the approved designated vaccination centres scattered across the state, stressing that the state government has not outsourced Covid-19 vaccination to any outlet apart from the government centres.
He  solicited the support and cooperation of non-state actors to keep the government on its toes and help disseminate the truth and fact about the Covid-19 vaccination.
Dotun Bobadoye, the Chief Operating Officer, GET Consortium, while speaking said that the vaccine hesitancy had become a major deterrent to ensuring a majority of the public are vaccinated against the coronavirus.
Professor Isaac Adebayo, Professor of Virology and Immunology, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo State while delivering his paper title; ‘Understanding the advantages and possible challenges with AstraZeneca Vaccine’, stated that the vaccination outweigh the risk of side effect and that the vaccination had enhance reduction in death and hospitalization.
Online Editor by — April 7, 2021 in Health 0
Why Nigeria’s Unemployment Level Is High-LCCI

LCCI says skill mismatch worsens Nigeria's unemployment situation
The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) says skill mismatch was responsible for the worsening unemployment situation in the country.
The chamber at a news conference in Lagos,expressed concern over the development .
President of the chamber,Mrs Toki Mabogunje ,revealed plans to train 1,000 young Nigerians under the Future Africa Internship Programme (FAIP)
She said:“At the LCCI, we have realised that skill mismatch contributes to persistent worsening of Nigeria’s unemployment situation.It is therefore, not surprising that employers of labour lament about the skill deficiency of job seekers, especially fresh graduates.The discordance between school curriculum and industry needs affirms why many young people are unemployed,’’ she said.
Mabogunje said the internship programme was aimed at enabling thousands of young Africans to achieve economic sustainability through internships.
She explained  that the initiative was to also address the discordance between school curriculum and industry, to engender more skilled and employable youths in the country.
Online Editor by — April 7, 2021 in Labour/Human Resources 0