All Posts in "Day: January 27, 2024"

LASU Gives N1m To Staff Who Smerged UNILAG’s Best Doctoral Student

Lagos State University (LASU) has celebrated its Mathematics lecturer, Dr Aminat Ige, who recently completed her doctoral programme at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), emerging as the best doctoral thesis winner.

Dr Ige − an alumna of LASU and lecturer at the Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Science, LASU − was announced the best doctoral thesis winner during the recently concluded 54th convocation ceremonies of UNILAG.

The Vice Chancellor (VC) of LASU, Professor Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, during the senate meeting on Thursday, met with Dr Ige and her husband Dr Nasir Ariyibi.

The VC stated that it is a policy of the university senate to honour outstanding achievers in the university.

“Dr Ige is a pride of LASU and one of the best we have ever produced. She has projected this university positively to the whole world by winning not just the best PhD thesis in the Faculty of Science of UNILAG but the best overall in the university. When the best of UNILAG is from us, we can truly be proud,” the VC said.

The VC, on behalf of the university senate, presented Dr Ige with a cheque of one million naira (N1,000000) and a plaque.

The Deputy Vice Chancellor (DVC) Administration of LASU, Professor Adenike Boyo, noted that Dr Ige is a sociable, versatile, and hardworking woman who commits her best not just to the university but also to the Akesan Kingdom where she impacts the lives of children with a regular Mathematics competition.

The DVC urged her to continue to stay true to herself and give her best as she still has a lot to offer.

Responding,Dr Ige stated that she had received support from all members of the university community, adding, “I am overwhelmed by the show of love. I will give my best to LASU.”

The Dean of the Faculty of Science, Professor Moses Akanbi, who taught Dr. Ige, in her undergraduate days, emphasised that the Department of Mathematics and Faculty of Science are proud of her.

The Director of DICT, Professor Toyin Enikuomehin, said Dr Ige’s drive for knowledge is admirable, and that she deserves to be celebrated to encourage other students of the university.

The Coalition of Aworis and Descendants in Diaspora honoured Dr Ige in Lagos for her stellar academic feat.
Source:Tribune

admin by — January 27, 2024 in Education 0
FG Promises Increased Support For Local Airlines

Mohammed Shosanya

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo SAN, has declared that the Federal Government of Nigeria would always support Nigeria’s Airlines to grow and flourish as well as break new grounds in order for them to remain in business.

Keyamo stated this on Friday while holding discussions with the management of NORSE Atlantic Airways led by its CEO, Mr Ben Boiling in London,United Kingdom.

A statement by the Ministry’s Head of Public Affairs,Odutayo Oluseyi,on Saturday in Abuja,said the discussions centered on the partnership of NORSE Atlantic Airways with the leading Nigeria’s domestic carrier, Air Peace Airline. NORSE Atlantic Airways is a major carrier in the UK and Europe.

“The Minister at the meeting gave credence to the spread of Air Peace on regional and international routes, and stated that NORSE Atlantic Airways partnership with Air Peace Airline is the right step in the right direction.”

He emphasised that one of his Key Performance Indicators [KPI] and presidential directive was ensuring the growth and development of Nigeria’s domestic airlines, as Aviation is one of the key components of the Renewed Hope Agenda trust of the current administration under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, in reviving Nigeria’s economy.

Mr Boiling on his part thanked the minister for being part of the discussions and that NORSE Atlantic Airways was ready to start the partnership with Air Peace Airline the moment the final authorisation is granted to Air Peace Airline for the commencement of direct flights into Gatwick Airport in London from Lagos, Nigeria.

Nigeria Aeronautical Authority officials from the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development and the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority [NCAA] were in London to discuss with the officials of Department for Transport of the UK on how to surmount the issue of slot allocation to Air Peace Airline to fly into Gatwick Airport in London. Also at the meeting were top executive management team of Air Peace Airline led by its Chief Operating Officer, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Olajide and Ms Nnenna Onyema, Executive Director.

Since securing its authorisation to fly into the UK, after satisfying allbb the requirements, the issue of slot allocation at Gatwick Airport has been the major obstacle preventing the Airline from commencing the direct flight into London.

Though, the officials of the Department for Transport at the meeting made it known that the Government of the UK had no authority over allocation of slots at the eight primary airports in the UK, they agreed to raise the concern of the Federal Government of Nigeria to the relevant authorities on the three major issues presented on behalf of Air Peace Airline which were- the staggering departure time; restrictive turn around time; and approval for the 2024 summer schedule. It is hoped that the fall out of the meeting would achieve its purpose to enable Air Peace Airline to commence its flight operations into the United Kingdom, which Nigerians have been yearning for.

Officials of the Nigerian Aeronautical Authority at the meeting were Capt. Chris Najomo, Acting Director General of NCAA; Mr Hassan Ejibunu, Director, Air Transport Management of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development; and Mrs Olayinka Babaoye-Iriobe, Director, Air Transport Regulations of NCAA.

admin by — January 27, 2024 in Aviation 0
Ibadan Excursion: NCAA Suspends Mattini Airline’s Aircraft

Mohammed Shosanya

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has suspended the operations of the PNCF of Mattini Airline Services Limited with immediate effect over the Ibadan runway excursion involving its Challenger CL 601 aircraft, with registration marks N580KR at Ibadan Airport on Friday.

NCAA said it has also commenced an economic investigations into the operation of the aircraft viz-a-viz the terms and conditions of the PNCF as detailed in its Annexure

According to NSIB, the aircraft, with 12 passengers and three crew members onboard was en-route Ibadan from Abuja the incident occurred. .

The aircraft, on final approach to landing Runway 22, Ibadan Airport overshoot the runway.

A statement signed by Michael Achimugu,Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection of NCAA on Friday night reads in parts;
“While the NSIB is conducting the safety investigation, the NCAA has initiated an economic inquiry into the operation of the aircraft viz-a-viz the terms and conditions of the PNCF as detailed in its Annexure.

“In the meantime, and in accordance with Sec 32 (4) of the Civil Aviation Act 2022, the NCAA has suspended the PNCF of Mattini Airline Services Limited with immediate effect.

“The suspension will subsist until determination is made that the conditions of the PNCF have been adhered to.

NCAA has further initiated a safety and economic audit of all private jet operations in Nigeria.
NCAA wishes to assure the travelling public of its utmost commitment to safety and the entrenchment of global best practices.

“Mattini Airline Services Limited holds a valid Permit for Non-Commercial Flight (PNCF).In line with statutory provisions, the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has launched an investigation into the occurrence.”

Also, confirming the commencement of investigation into incident in a statement on Saturday in Abuja, Director Public Affairs and Consumer Protection
NSIB,Mrs Bimbo Olawunmi Oladeji said;” The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has been notified and commenced investigation into a serious incident involving a Challenger 601-3R aircraft with Nationality and Registration Marks N580KR operated by Mattini Air which occurred at about 1055am (Local Time) on 26th January, 2024.

“The NSIB has deployed a Go Team to investigate the incident. As the investigating agency, NSIB needs and hereby solicits for your assistance. We want the public to know that we would be amenable to receiving any video clip, relevant evidence, or information any members of the public may have of the serious incident; that can assist us with this investigation.

“The Bureau will appreciate that the general public and press respect the privacy of the people involved and NOT assume the cause of the serious incident until formal report is released.

” The Bureau will release the preliminary report as soon as possible.”

admin by — January 27, 2024 in Aviation 0
Heritage Energy, JV Partners Support UN’s SDG 4 On Inclusive Education

Mohammed Shosanya

Heritage Energy Operational Services Limited (HEOSL) and its Joint Venture Partners in OML 30 (NNPC Exploration and Production Ltd & Shoreline Natural Resources Ltd) have presented a total of 795 scholarship awards to indigenes drawn from the 112 OML 30 Host Communities during this year’s United Nations International Day of Education on Thursday.

Speaking during the Awards/Town Hall Meeting Adesola Adebawo, HEOSL General Manager, Government Joint Venture and External Relations stated that, “This town hall meeting is particularly special as it coincides with the United Nations’ International Day of Education and highlights OML 30’s contribution to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 4) on inclusive and quality education for all.” “We in OML 30 have always been committed to our corporate social responsibilities, recognizing the transformative power of education in shaping the future,” he said.

He added that, the “OML 30 scholarship programme stands as a testament to our dedication to the well-being and progress of our 112 Host Communities in Delta State”.

Mr. Adebawo, who was represented by Mr. Edesiri Akpomujere stated that in 2023 alone, OML 30’s sustainability efforts include Annual Scholarship payment to 2,300 beneficiaries and industrial training opportunities for 130 undergraduates. He noted that since 2017, the scholarships programme has benefitted more than 3,000 deserving students.

According to him,”Our commitment to transparency extends to the recognition of academic excellence. We are proud to celebrate the exceptional achievements of the 12 best performing students from the 2023 OML 30 Scholarship aptitude test, conducted by the West Africa Examination Council (WAEC).”

Celebrating an outstanding beneficiary of the scholarship programme, Oscar Odemavi Osikorobia who graduated with first class in Sociology and Anthropology from the Benson Idahosa University, Benin in 2022 was conferred with OML 30 Academic Excellence Award at the ceremony.

Speaking on the OML 30 Scholarship as Catalyst for Human Capital Development, Prof. E. O Agbalagba a lecturer at the Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun (FUPRE) underscored the importance of diligence, determination and hard work as ingredients for success in life.

He commended the effort of the awardees as well as the sponsors HEOSL and its JV Partners who deemed it fit to include Human Capital Development training through the scholarship programme.

Also speaking was Barr. Martins Mukoro, a conflict resolution expert, who made a presentation on Issues and Conflict Management under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA). In his presentation, he posited that the overall aim of the PIA is to foster sustainable development in the oil and gas communities.

He maintained that though conflict is inevitable, all the stakeholders need to work harmoniously to achieve the desired goal.

admin by — January 27, 2024 in Education 0
Bribery: Supreme Court Affirms Lawan Farouk’s 5yrs Jail Term

Mohammed Shosanya

The Supreme Court has dismissed an appeal filed by the Chairman of the then House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee on Fuel Subsidy probe, Hon. Farouk Lawan seeking to quash his 5 years jail term.

Lawan had represented Bagwai/Shanono Federal Constituency of Kano State, and was found guilty of demanding an aggregate sum of $ 3million from Chairman of Zenon Petroleum and Gas Ltd, Chief Femi Otedola, to give his company a clean bill of health in the fuel subsidy probe the House of Reps initiated on 2012.

The former lawmaker has been in prison custody since 2021.

Justice Angela Otaluka, of a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory sitting at Apo, had on June 22, 2021, sentenced the former lawmaker to seven years in prison.

Lawan had among other reliefs, argued that he was not allowed to make a plea of allocutus (plea for leniency) by the trial court before it sentenced him to 5 years. imprisonment.

But the Supreme Court affirmed the judgement that convicted and sentenced Lawan, to five years in prison for bribery.

In a unanimous judgement, a 5-man panel of the apex court, dismissed Lawan’s appeal for lacking in merit.

Justice Inyang Okoro wrote the lead judgement that was read by Justice Tijjani Abubakar.

In the verdict, the Supreme Court said it was “crystal clear that failure of the trial court to call for allocution, did not vitiate the sentence passed on the Appellant.”

Dissatisfied with the decision, Lawan, filed a 6-ground of appeal to challenge his conviction.

He submitted that the ICPC failed to adduce credible evidence establishing a prima facie criminal case against him.

In its judgement on February 24, 2022, the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal affirmed the High Court’s judgment.

In an unanimous decision by a 3-man panel, the Court of Appeal reduced Lawan’s jail term from 7 to 5 years, after it discharged and acquitted him of two of the charges that led to his conviction.

admin by — January 27, 2024 in Law/Human Rights 0
Blackout Will Soon End-Power Ministry

Mohammed Shosanya
The Ministry of Power,says blackout being experienced in the country has been attributed to low supply of gas to power generating companies, which has been adversely affected production leading to blackout in some parts of the country.

Bolaji Tunji, Special Adviser, Strategic Communication and Media Relations on Friday quoted the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu as saying efforts are being made to ensure a quick resolution of the problem.

“In the past couple of weeks, there has been a significant downturn in the level of power supply to Nigerians. This is mainly due to a decreased level of gas supply to generation companies. This situation has led to a lower level of energy supplied to load centres, which has affected supply of electricity to distribution companies”.

The statement disclosed that the federal government is looking into ensuring that outstanding payments are made to power generation companies to resolve the problem.

“Efforts are on the way by the Federal Government to ensure outstanding payments are made to generation companies, to ensure improved gas supply and increased power generation, this will also enable distribution companies to supply more electricity to Nigerians.. We acknowledge the current unsustainable situation, and we expect a turnaround immediately”, the statement added.

admin by — January 27, 2024 in Power 0
Brazil Pledges Participation In Oyo Cultural Festivals

Mohammed Shosanya

A cultural Ambassador, The Oba Apetu, Obatala Ile Ife, Willer Almeida, has pledged the commitment of Brazil’s representation and participation in the forthcoming Oyo Unified Egungun Festival and the World Sango Oyo Festival.

Almeida, a Brazilian, stated this during a courtesy visit recently to the Honourable Commissioner for Culture and Tourism Ministry in Oyo State, Dr. Wasiu Olatubosun.

He stated that his mission as a Cultural enthusiast from Brazil to Oyo State, is to motivate enthusiasts in the diaspora to keep up the cultural heritage, adding that Brazilians are lovers of tradition.

The Commissioner lauded Oba Almeida and his entourage for identifying with the cultural heritage, traditions and customs of Oyo State.

Olatubosun further spoke on the efforts of the State Government under the leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde in creating an enabling environment for tourism to thrive.

He said that the security architecture in the State has placed Oyo foremost amongst other States as a haven of peace.

The Interconnectivity of the road network leading to the five geo-political zones in the State has also created a major ease of access to over one hundred and sixty tourist sites located in the State.

admin by — January 27, 2024 in Travel & Tourism 0
I’m Still Speaker Of Ogun Assembly -Oluomo

Mohammed Shosanya

The impeached speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Olakunle Oluomo has insisted that he remains the Speaker of the Assembly despite the ‘purported’ impeachment.

Addressing a press conference at his official residence, Friday evening,Oluomo insisted that the 18 lawmakers who signed his impeachment notice did not follow the due process of law.

He said he was served the notice of impeachment on Wednesday and that he has replied his colleagues on Friday, despite having till tomorrow to respond.

The lawmaker representing Ifo I State Constituency, also revealed that he has approached a Federal High Court to determine weather he could be removed in that ‘Gestapo and coup’like manner’.

admin by — January 27, 2024 in Politics 0