The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • United Nigeria Airlines boss urges states to embrace aviation to aid growth 

    United Nigeria Airlines boss urges states to embrace aviation to aid growth 

    • Airline begins Benin, Kano, Sokoto operations 

    Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, has urged state governments to take air transportation as a catalyst for driving economic growth in their domains.

    Okonkwo said a partnership among state governments and local carriers would open their corridors for investment opportunities and facilitate the movement of people.

    The airline chairman said this would ensure that the economic and commercial activities of such people contribute to the revenue accruing to the states. 

    Speaking yesterday at Benin Airport in Edo State when the airline started its inaugural flights to Abuja and Lagos, Okonkwo hailed the state for the reception it gave the carrier.

    United Nigeria Airlines has also begun flights to Kano and Sokoto.

    Okonkwo said the reception Governor Godwin Obaseki accorded the airline was sufficient evidence that a partnership among players in the air transport value chain would drive the economic development agenda of the administration.

    He said: “We are glad to be here. It is not about whether we are eight or seven. We have to thank the governor who took the initiative to invite us here. Discussion started in Lagos in 2022 and our team has visited Edo State. Today, we have fulfilled the first promise, which was to start flying here.

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    “I can tell you that we were encouraged by his commitment and persistence. Many people have been talking about attracting investments only by rhetoric. But he matched his words with action. Not many people understand the importance of air travel to the economic development of any state. It is a catalyst.

    “You can imagine a time you had only one airline coming in and the number of passengers coming in then. All these things are what add to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of a state.

    “So, we think that until the time other governors understand the importance of aviation, there is no other magic to grow the economy of a state. So, we thank you, Your Excellency.”

    Obaseki urged the Federal Government to upgrade air navigation equipment at Benin Airport to enable eight carriers operating from the aerodrome carry out 24-hour flight operations.

    With extended hours of operations at the aerodrome, the governor said, the facility would be optimally utilised.

    He also appealed to the Federal Government, through the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), to take as a priority the installation of night facilities, like the Instrument Landing System (ILS), to enable the airport operate round the clock.

  • Family begs Fed Govt to grant Mamu administrative bail 

    Family begs Fed Govt to grant Mamu administrative bail 

    The family of the publisher of Desert Herald and former chief negotiator between the Federal Government and bandits, Tukur Mamu, has pleaded with the government to release him from detention.

    They expressed worry over the detainee’s deteriorating health in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS). 

    The family pleaded that an administrative bail be granted to the detainee to enable him attend to his failing health.

    A statement, titled: A Passionate Appeal for Mercy, by his children – Faisal Tukur Mamu, Dr. Zainab Tukur Mamu, Usama Tukur Mamu, Nazir Tukur Mamu, Kashim Tukur Mamu, and Marwan Tukur Mamu (two years old) – on behalf of the family, said the appeal became necessary in view of their father’s deteriorating health.

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    “On behalf of the family of Tukur Mamu, we, the childre, call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu; the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima; and the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu; and the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, to please, in the name of God Almighty and in the name of humanity, to wade in on the continuous detention of our father and help ensure his bail.”

    “We are not seeking the discontinuation of our father’s trial but we are passionately pleading for your good office and for you as a loving and responsible father to please grant our father an administrative bail so that he will urgently do the much-needed surgery,” the statement said.

  • Lagos records zero bank robbery in four years

    Lagos records zero bank robbery in four years

    • Sanwo-Olu raises N2b for security trust fund

    Lagos State has had no record of bank robbery in the last four years, records released by the Security Trust Fund (LSSTF) indicated yesterday.

    Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu yesterday said this was made possible due to the continuous improvement and review of the state’s security architecture, as well as the consistent surveillance to nip organised crimes in the bud.

    The governor spoke at the 17th Town Hall on security, organised by the LSSTF, where stakeholders in the security circle, citizens and private sector donors met to evaluate issues relating to safety in Lagos between October 2022 and September 2023.

    There were, however, 189 cases of home robberies, 172 of which were foiled by security operatives, and 257 suspects arrested.

    The governor praised the police and sister agencies for their collaborative efforts towards combating crime in the city, saying the state has built a stabilised security landscape compared to other parts of the country.

    He, however, said more challenges lie ahead to overcome. 

    According to the governor, the government, through the LSSTF, had consistently funded security operations to ensure quick response to threats and crimes.

    The government also provided operational vehicles and equipment to enhance the capacity of operatives, he noted. 

    These interventions, the governor said, improved the frequency of responses, which ‘resulted in the unprecedented progress in the annals of policing in the state’.

    He said: “We convene here today to discuss and evaluate the trajectory of our collective effort to bolster security in Lagos. Our discussion centres around the convergence of security strategies, which is an integral component of our THEMES+ agenda. Our administration recognises security as a multifaceted challenge and we promise to continue to pursue policies and actions that will foster the well-being of all Lagosians, while we keep faith with our pledge to building a secure, and inclusive community.

    “LSSTF, fuelled by voluntary donations, has significantly strengthened our security architecture, providing essential vehicles and equipment. While challenges still persist, our state’s security landscape is notably more stable than many other parts of the country. We have equipped and strengthened co-operation among various safety and security agencies; our collaboration with armed security agencies through the Lagos State Security Council remains crucial in acknowledging the sacrifices made by officers and men to ensure our safety.”

    Sanwo-Olu pledged that 2024 would kick off with new security measures, adding that his administration would be raising the fleet of patrol vehicles for security agencies by 300 units. This, he said, will be done in collaboration with local government authorities.

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    The governor also said the Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps (LNSC) has been repositioned to gather actionable intelligence to complement efforts by the security agencies, adding that the state’s emergency call centre was undergoing operational restructuring for enhanced intelligence reporting.

    “To address critical needs, the government, in collaboration with local authorities, will provide 300 patrol vehicles through the LSSTF at the beginning of next year. We have repositioned the neighbourhood safety agency to gather actionable intelligence to support security responses,” Sanwo-Olu added.

    The governor also personally led the donation drive to LSSTF, raising N2 billion voluntary contributions to the trust fund at the event.

    Oil mogul and businessman Femi Otedola pledged N1 billion to the Fund, just as other donors gave their words.

    Acting Commissioner of Police, Waheed Ayilara, said 103 firearms, 324 assorted ammunition and 279 dangerous weapons were recovered during the year.

    He added that 158 cases of murder were recorded, with the incidents resulting in the death of 163 victims. Also, 18 kidnapping suspects were arrested in connection with eight incidents.

    The police boss also raised the alarm on the rising cases of domestic violence and abuse, noting that 256 cases of gender related violence were recorded with 333 suspects in custody.

    Executive Secretary of the LSSTF, Dr. AbdurRazaq Balogun, said the Lagos State Police Command only received nine patrol vehicles from the Federal Government within two years, stressing that the Fund used donations it received in the last 10 months to bridge the equipment shortfall within federally-controlled security agencies operating in Lagos.

    Balogun added that Lagos remained the only state with 28 functioning bullet-proof vehicles, with three vehicles’ armoured features being replaced every five years.

    He said: “The Fund received N318.75 million in cash donations and two vehicles in 2023. We continue to thank our donors as their partnership is far-reaching and critical to the success of our activities.”

    LSSTF BOT Chairman, Mr. Kehinde Durosinmi-Etti, said though economic situation in the country had affected donations to the Fund, the agency surpassed its revenue target by 94 per cent.

  • Govt holds safety training for retail gas operators

    Govt holds safety training for retail gas operators

    A mid preparations for the Yuletide and to prevent fire incidents, Lagos State Government has organised safety training for retail gas operators.

    The Director General, Lagos State Safety Commission, Mr. Lanre Mojola, in his keynote address at the one-day training, in conjunction with the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, with the theme: ‘Safety training for retail gas operators in Lagos State’, said the programme was organised to proffer solution to incessant gas explosions and fire incidents that often led to loss of lives and property.

    Mojola, represented by the Director, Administration and Human Resource,  Dr. Nike Akindele, said cars, electrical appliances, or any other item could be replaced if damaged or burnt,  “but human life is irreplaceable.”

    He added: “Since life is irreplaceable, human beings must do everything possible to protect it.

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    “The purpose of the training is to give operators public knowledge, which can assist them in what to do in case there is fire incident or probably avoid its occurrence.” 

    Papers were presented by safety experts, including Adedoyin Odufuwa, Safety Audit 2, Lagos State Safety Commission, who presented a paper on ‘Gas retailing: Hazards and risk control’. Mr. Adeyinka Adebiyi spoke on ‘Gas cylinder handling and emergency management’.

    Director, Oil and Gas, Sesan Odukoya from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, presented a paper on ‘Cooking gas penetration policy and regulatory of retail business’.

    The last paper presentation was done by Mr. Odunayo Olukotun from the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, who delivered a paper on ‘Fire prevention and fire management’.

  • Osun Assembly passes bill extending judges’ retirement age to 70

    Osun Assembly passes bill extending judges’ retirement age to 70

    Osun House of Assembly yesterday passed a bill extending the retirement age of judges and other judicial officers from 65 to 70 years.

    The bill is entitled: “Osun State High Court and Customary Court of Appeal Registrars, Secretary to the State Judicial Council, State Counsels in the Ministry of Justice, State Magistrates and District Customary Courts’ Presidents Retirement Age Bill, 2023.”

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the bill was passed during the plenary session, held at the assembly complex in Osogbo, after passing the third reading.

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    Speaker of the assembly, Mr Adewale Egbedun, said the final copy of the bill would be produced and forwarded to Governor Ademola Adeleke for his assent.

    Egbedun expressed appreciation to his colleagues for the conduct of the 2024 budget presentation and defence by various ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) in the state.

    NAN reports that the budget defence exercise, which lasted for 11 days, saw 90 MDAs appearing before the House Committee on Budget and Appropriation, chaired by Mr Saheed Fatunmise.

    The last set of MDAs that appeared before the committee on Monday included: Osun Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Osun East, Osun West and Osun Central Education District Offices.

    Others were: Osun Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Osun Tourism Board and Osun Council for Arts and Culture

  • Ighodalo joins Edo governorship race

    Ighodalo joins Edo governorship race

    • Businessman unfolds plan for economy

    Frontline governorship aspirant in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and former Chairman of Sterling Bank PLC, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, has said he is offering himself in service to Edo people as the state’s next helmsman.

    He said he is not offering himself for personal gains, but to elevate the state to new heights, proffering innovative solutions to the peculiar challenges faced by the people.

     Ighodalo, who served as chairman of Alaghodaro Economic Summit Ltd/Gte and founding partner at Banwo & Ighodalo, a leading corporate and commercial law firm in Nigeria, outlined his comprehensive vision for Edo’s future, emphasising key initiatives to improve the lives of the people and reposition the state as Africa’s leading economy.

    The PDP aspirant listed education, health care, job creation, infrastructure development and sustainable economic policies as key areas of focus for his administration.

    He said: “When I look at Edo State, for instance, how can we enhance the economic situation for our people? How can we improve agriculture, boost employment and ensure that people have money in their pockets?

    “There are also challenges with basic amenities such as water, electricity and roads. We need to address these issues. Edo State is blessed with abundant resources, both natural and human, and it has the potential to become the leading state in the country and Africa. To achieve this, we must take strategic steps and make the needed decisions.”

    On leveraging Edo’s huge diaspora remittances to drive sustainable economic development and growth, Ighodalo said: “Many of our children based in the diaspora send money home, but the funds are often used for immediate needs such as feeding and schooling. We should encourage them to invest in new businesses. However, this requires creating an environment that instills confidence in the success of such ventures.

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    “If we collectively think and plan, there are ample opportunities to make Edo State a thriving and prosperous place.

    It all boils down to creating an atmosphere where businesses can flourish, employment opportunities are abundant and people have confidence in investing in new ventures. We must ensure that the citizens have access to essential services such as quality education and health care.”

     He added: “My vision for Edo State is to make it the number one state in Nigeria and a leading subnational in Africa. This involves ensuring that people have sufficient funds in their pockets, creating job opportunities for those who seek employment and establishing a robust educational and health care system to cater for our people. To achieve this, we need to cultivate an environment that attracts investments and instills trust in the minds of those willing to contribute to the state’s growth. I am committed to ensuring the well-being and prosperity of the people of Edo State.”

  • We’ll build new Oyo where citizens are law-abiding, says Makinde

    We’ll build new Oyo where citizens are law-abiding, says Makinde

    Oyo State Governor ‘Seyi Makinde, has said his administration will create a different state where citizens are law-abiding despite the many challenges they are faced with.

    The governor also said the state would soon come up with a legislation to restore order and sanity in the society.

    He said these during the inauguration of the Chief Bolaji Ayorinde, SAN-led Oyo State Advisory Council, held at the Executive Chambers of the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.

    Members of the State Advisory Council inaugurated by the governor are: Chief Bolaji Ayorinde, SAN (Chairman); Senator Monsurat Sunmonu; Senator Hosea Agboola; Senator Gbenga Babalola; Senator Kamorudeen Adedibu; Hon. Babatunde Oduyoye; Mr Michael Lana and Alhaji Bashiru Ajibade.

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    The governor also inaugurated the Governing Council of the Emmanuel Alayande University of Education, Oyo, chaired by an indigene of Oyo town, Prof Ayoade Ogunkunle, in an event held earlier in the same Chambers.

    Other members of the University’s Governing Council are: Prof. Josiah Olusegun Ajiboye; Professor Abass Aderemi Adedibu; Chief Isaac Aderibigbe Koleoso and Hon. (Mrs) Funmilayo Okikiola Orisadeyi.

    Speaking shortly before the inauguration of the Advisory Council, Governor Makinde said the Council is a sort of feedback mechanism for the administration.

  • ‘We have holistic plan for Ogun transportation system’

    ‘We have holistic plan for Ogun transportation system’

    Ogun State Government said it has put in place a holistic transportation system that will help address the problem of rural-urban migration, among other issues. 

    Transport Commissioner Mr. Gbenga Dairo, who made this known while briefing reporters on the newly introduced Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) bus scheme, said the transportation plan, which was developed in collaboration with the United Kingdom Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office (UKFCDO) and eggheads at the Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, had been adopted by the state and was already being implemented in stages.

    He said the target of the ministry was to deliver affordable, safe, accessible and a sustainable transportation system that would take care of all parts of the state be they rural or urban.

    He confirmed that the ministry, which earlier began the Pilot CNG fuelled bus scheme with the Adatan-Ita Osin route, “has now extended the services to the Mowe-Ibafo-Berger route towards mitigating the increasing costs of transportation experienced by commuters.”

    He said the pilot scheme was amongs other objectives designed to test the cohabitation of formal and informal transportation systems in the state starting with Abeokuta, the capital, as a case study. 

    “The transportation scheme will spread to other parts of the state in the coming months, as there are plans to roll out more of such bus services. 

    “We are working hard to put all the needed infrastructure in place. All forms of infrastructure, be it key infrastructure or operating infrastructure like management, regulations, funding are all important to us and we are working to put them in place.

    “A lot of patience and cooperation are required as it will take time, good planning and commitment to get to our dream destination as far as transportation is concerned in Ogun State. 

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    “There are many issues to address. Issues like parking, route system, agencies, etc are key to the success of the transportation plan. We are working on all these with a lot of commitment,” he said.

    According to Dairo, Ogun State is different from Lagos State in terms of transportation.

    “Our state is largely rural. Also, Ogun is not as populated as Lagos and there are far more smaller towns and villages to consider when developing a transportation plan. 

    “We also have to consider the many corridor locations that we have in Ogun State. Locations such as Mowe, Ibafo, etc, as well as the many Lagos border locations that include Ota, Ojodu-Abiodun, Ogijo, etc, when planning a transport system.

    “We already have a partnership with UKFCDO funded consultants on the introduction of a transport authority.

    “Though investments in transport can be expensive, the sector also generates revenue. As such, we should be able to recover 70 per cent of investment in good time. We also have plans for a Transport Fund to further make the actualisation of our plans easy,” he said.

    Dairo also spoke on government’s plan for other forms of transportation in the state. 

    “Similarly, rail transport development is key to us because of its many advantages. We have revisited the Lagos/Ogun Joint Development Commission where certain agreements were entered into concerning rail and land transport that will link both states.

    “We are working on that with Lagos to extend the red line railway into Ijoko, Ifo, Kajola, Papalanto. I can confirm to you that the governor is very interested in this. 

    “Also, there are investors who want to connect our Agro Cargo Airport to Lagos State by rail. Talks are equally ongoing on this. We are working on bus plans for all cities with consideration for the characteristics, size and the purchasing power of the people in our diverse communities.

    “We are fine tuning our inter city transportation schemes too. High capacity buses and alternative fuels are further being discussed,” he added.

  • ‘Benefits of Tinubu’s economic reforms will outlive decades’

    ‘Benefits of Tinubu’s economic reforms will outlive decades’

    The amalgamated groups of All Progressives Congress (APC) have said the economic reforms introduced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will outlive decades. 

    The groups in a communique at the end of the Southwest meeting attended by chapters from Osun, Oyo, Ondo, Ekiti, Lagos and Ogun states, implored Nigerians to pray for President Tinubu to be successful. 

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    The communique signed by the Secretary of the Organising Committee, Abayomi Disu, and Chairman, Alhaji Olawale Jimoh, reiterated their commitment to the party’s unity in Southwest states. 

  • ASUP threatens examination boycott over 11 months’ salary arrears

    ASUP threatens examination boycott over 11 months’ salary arrears

    Members of the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnic (ASUP), Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo ( RUGIPO) chapter, have threatened to boycott conduct of the forthcoming examination if their 11 months’ salary arrears are not paid.

    They said they could no longer endure hardship to discharge their duties without being paid.

    Chairman of RUPIGO ASUP, Ade Arikawe, who spoke at a news conference in Owo, said the lecturers only received salary for February and part-payment for March 2023.

    Arikawe said they have been waiting for seven years for normalcy to return to workers’ salary payment, but to no avail.

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    He added that it was worrisome that management of the institution refused to pay the financial benefits of promotion of staff from 2015 to  date.

    Arikawe said RUGIPO currently suffered huge deficits in infrastructure equipment and teaching aids, adding that the situation was so appalling to the extent that the polytechnic had to borrow some equipment and machines used in the last accreditation exercise in the institution.

    Spokesman for the institution, Mr Samuel Ojo, said all categories of workers were being owed salaries.

    He said what was owed workers was not up to 11 months as alleged by ASUP.

    He enjoined ASUP to have a synergy with the institution’s management to fathom lasting solution to the crisis.