The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Reflections on the 30th anniversary of ‘June 12’

    Reflections on the 30th anniversary of ‘June 12’

    Sir : Thirty years have passed since the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election in Nigeria, a historic moment that remains etched in the memory of the nation. This election, widely regarded as the freest and fair in Nigeria’s history, represented a pivotal moment for democracy and the hopes of millions of Nigerians.

    As we mark the anniversary, the phrase “justice delayed is justice denied” rings true. It is crucial that we address all forms of injustice as we move forward. Among the injustices that demand our attention are the fraudulent nature of the constitution and the marginalization resulting from an inappropriate power structure imposed by a cabal determined to subjugate and control the instruments of power by any means necessary.

    The current power structure perpetuates marginalization and denies many Nigerians the opportunity to participate fully in the democratic process.

    The anniversary of the annulment of the June 12 election also brings to light the issue of arbitrary killings carried out by the state with impunity. We must remember individuals like Kudirat Abiola, the Ken Saro-Wiwa, and countless others who lost their lives due to state-sanctioned violence. Their deaths serve as stark reminders of the urgent need for justice and accountability. We cannot allow these heinous acts to go unpunished. Only by holding those responsible to account can we begin to heal the wounds of the past.

    Read Also: June 12: Hope to Renewed Hope

    Financial fraud has been endemic in our nation, with the looting of the national treasury and fraudulent contracts, including subsidies. Corruption has persisted across successive administrations, from Ibrahim Babangida and Sani Abacha to Abdulsalam Abubakar, Olusegun Obasanjo, Umaru Yar’Adua, Goodluck Jonathan, to Muhammadu Buhari. No individual should be exempted from the pursuit of justice and the demand for accountability. It is imperative that those responsible for these acts of financial misconduct face the full force of the law. 

    Only then can we rebuild trust in our institutions and ensure that the resources of our nation are utilized for the betterment of all Nigerians.

    Indeed, we must accord recognition, appropriate dues, and compensation to the families of MKO Abiola and Babagana Kingibe. 

    Their sacrifices and contributions to our democracy should never be forgotten. By providing them with the support they deserve, we demonstrate our commitment to honouring their memory and rectifying the wrongs of the past.

    To truly move forward, all individuals involved in the annulment of the June 12 election must be thoroughly investigated and prosecuted according to the law. The pursuit of justice for these actions is a necessary step towards building a better Nigeria—a Nigeria where the rule of law prevails, and the voices of the people are heard.

    As we commemorate the 30th anniversary of the annulment of the June 12 election, let us renew our commitment to the ideals of democracy, freedom, and justice. The struggle for a better Nigeria continues, and it is incumbent upon each of us to play our part in shaping a brighter future. Together, we can overcome the injustices of the past and pave the way for a truly democratic and prosperous Nigeria.

    •Prof. Babs Onabanjo,

    United States.

  • How to rev online market place engine

    How to rev online market place engine

    The post-pandemic era has witnessed an uptick in the use of technology to address problems. The removal of fuel subsidy that has seen the pump price of petrol go up by almost 300 per cent will also make many to thinkof how to use technology, especially online market platforms, to address their needs. However, fast and reliable deliveries are crucial, writes LUCAS AJANAKU.

    Imagine a smartphone without fast internet connection or a luxury car without fuel. In either case, the criticality of logistics in the realm of e-commerce comes to the limelight. Logistics serve as the backbone of e-commerce operations, and within this domain, the fast-delivery system reigns supreme as the height of efficiency and effectiveness. This is more significant in this fast-paced world, where consumers have come to expect swift, punctual, and customer-centric delivery options that add value to their purchasing experience. Therefore, the element of speed has emerged as a paramount requirement within the brand experience, playing a pivotal role in fostering enduring customer loyalty and driving repeat purchases.

    Fueling economic growth

    The impact of speedy delivery extends far beyond customer satisfaction—it is a catalyst for robust economic growth. According to a Statista survey, the revenue in Africa’s e-commerce market is projected to experience a continuous surge between this year and 2027, reaching a colossal total of $27 billion. This exceptional growth can be attributed to the availability of fast delivery services, which has attracted a greater number of people to embrace online shopping, resulting in a surge in sales and overall market expansion. As delivery times shrink, consumers are gaining increased confidence in e-commerce platforms, leading to a substantial boost in revenue for businesses. It’s a resounding win-win situation, with heightened trust driving consumer spending and businesses reaping the financial rewards.”

    Read Also: FAO, Lagos eye $414.98b global red meat market

    Consumer satisfaction

    When it comes to online shopping, nothing brings greater satisfaction to consumers than the assurance of a swift delivery after clicking the “buy now” button. Fast delivery is not just a perk; it is a fundamental driver of consumer happiness, and it excels in fulfilling that role. The convenience it offers is unparalleled, fostering a sense of trust and reliability that keeps customers coming back for more. This aspect is of utmost importance for businesses aiming for longevity through customer retention.

    Interestingly, data from a McKinsey survey has shown that nearly half of shoppers abandon their online carts if shipping times are too long or vaguely provided. Thus, a functional logistics system, built on the pillars of fast and dependable delivery, is essential for sustainable business growth. The demand for such efficiency is growing exponentially, prompting e-commerce platforms to rise to the challenge and meet consumer expectations.

    Fast delivery has sparked an innovation revolution in African e-commerce. To keep up with the need for speed, companies are turning to cutting-edge logistics solutions and embracing futuristic tech. This surge of innovation has also given rise to a bustling ecosystem of startups and tech-savvy logistics providers, bringing more options and better prices.

    In this regard, Jumia and Konga are leading the way with its innovative logistics solutions, designed to meet the constantly evolving demands of modern-day consumers. In an era where instant gratification is the norm, with customers seeking swift and timely responses to their demands, Jumia is ensuring a positive customer experience by offering fast delivery options through the Jumia Express Service.

    Fast delivery has sparked a transformation within African e-commerce. In response to the demand for speed, companies are embracing cutting-edge logistics solutions and embracing futuristic technologies, propelling the industry forward at an astonishing pace. This surge of innovation has given birth to a thriving ecosystem of startups and tech-savvy logistics providers, presenting consumers with a myriad of options and improved pricing.

    Leading the charge in this exciting landscape is Jumia, whose innovative logistics solutions are meticulously crafted to meet the ever-evolving demands of modern-day consumers. In an era where instant gratification is the new normal, customers are seeking swift and timely responses to their needs, and e-commerce companies like Jumia are at the forefront of ensuring a positive customer experience by offering fast delivery options through their Jumia Express Service.

    Partnership as elixir

    Konga has partnered Samsung, a multinational manufacturing conglomerate to offer shoppers free delivery and installation as well as free installation kits when they purchase any of the Samsung consumer electronics products on Konga.

    The offer is part of activities for the month-long Konga Mid-year Shopping Festival, a popular annual sales fiesta, which kicked off on May 30th and ends on 30th of June, 2023.

    Through this incentive, shoppers on the Konga platform can now have their Samsung electronics products delivered at no cost, in addition to having certified technicians handle the installation at their residence free of charge. This offer covers items such as Samsung TVs UHD 65′ & above and QLED 55′ & above; all Samsung air conditioners; Samsung washing machines front loaders 6kg and above and Samsung refrigerators double door (300Ltrs & above), side by side, French doors and be-spoke. Furthermore, customers will receive free installation kits for Samsung TVs and residential air conditioners as part of this offer.

    Also adding to the excitement is the option of same day delivery for all ordered items through KongaNow, a May 2013 initiative of Konga that addresses the twin problems of fake products and delayed deliveries by ensuring that verified products are delivered to shoppers within one to six hours, provided orders are placed before 2pm. Any item labelled KongaNow on the Konga website is entitled to same day delivery in Lagos and Abuja. Shoppers in other cities will also enjoy fast-tracked delivery, although with slight delays owing to logistics reasons.

    This development is bound to add an extra kick and special flavour to the Samsung Brand Day, an exclusive one-day sale of Samsung products on the Konga website scheduled for June 13.  For the Samsung Brand Day, shoppers are set to enjoy special pricing and discounted deals on various Samsung products cutting across its Mobile Phone range and accessories as well as consumer electronics such as TV sets, air conditioners, refrigerators and washing machines, among others. The Samsung Day sale will kick off in the dawn hours with early bird shoppers expected to take advantage of the limited quantities on offer.

    Fast delivery is not only revolutionising African e-commerce, but it is also turbo-charging economic growth, sparking innovation, and ensuring utmost consumer satisfaction. The world of online shopping in Africa is undergoing a remarkable transformation, with fast delivery at its core. In line with this transformative shift, Jumia has implemented a range of strategic initiatives to optimise its fast delivery service, exemplified by Jumia Express.

    Jumia has also forged partnerships with several local logistics companies, ensuring swift and efficient order deliveries even in secondary cities and rural areas. Moreover, it has a same-day delivery option in select cities, enabling customers to receive their orders on the very same day they are placed.

  • 5G: NCC mulls data protection regulations

    5G: NCC mulls data protection regulations

    As the Fifth Generation (5G) technology deployment takes firmer roots in the country, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) said it is aware of growing concern about how personal data is collected, stored, shared and exploited.

    Its Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, Prof Garba Danbatta, said though this is provided for in the Consumer Code of Practice Regulations 2007, the Commission is in the process of developing more elaborate Data Protection Regulations to ensure the protection and privacy of data in the communications sector.

    At the Nigeria Digitalsense Forum (NDSF) on Internet Governance for Development (IG4D) in Lagos, at the weekend, Danbatta, who was represented by NCC Head, New Media and Information Security, said in line with the mandate of the regulator under the Nigerian Communications Act 2003, the NCC has followed the evolution of mobile technology from 1G to 5G, adding that every successive generation has introduced notable advances in mobile data-carrying capacity and decreases in latency.

    Recall the commission had issued MTN Communications, Mafab Communications and Airtel Networks with 3.5GHz spectrum licences for the provision of 5G services in Nigeria and support the delivery of ubiquitous broadband services.

    “We know Nigeria is a highly technology-driven country, and the advent of 5G technology has opened up immense opportunities and challenges, especially regarding data governance, safety, and security.”

    While 5G technology has enhanced capabilities that will provide superior communications services for the socio-economic development of Nigeria and facilitate attainment of a National Digital Economy, we must consider the challenges that come with it, particularly in protecting user data privacy and safety. This calls for exercise of authority and control over mining and usage of data; the purpose being to increase value of data and minimize data related costs and risks.

    “Data is critical to the digital economy, and we must prioritize building robust legal frameworks for data governance. As we embrace the transformative potential of 5G, we must also prioritize safety concerns. The amount and speed of data generated using 5G technology is unprecedented. As such, we need to always prioritize consumer privacy, transparency and ethical data use. By cultivating trust and handling data responsibly, we can unlock the full potential of 5G technology and promote innovation in Nigeria.

    “To ensure the security and protection of networks and consumers, the Nigerian Communications Act mandates its licensees to prevent their network facilities or services from being used in, or in relation to, the commission of any offence under any law in operation in Nigeria. In this regard, licensees are required to assist the Commission and other Law Enforcement Agencies in preventing crime in Nigeria,” Prof Dambatta said.

    Read Also: NCC licenses 25 for mobile virtual operations

    He said the widespread connectivity and increased Internet of Things (IoT) devices will revolutionize all sectors of the economy, particularly healthcare, manufacturing, transportation, agriculture, education and financial sectors. “Thus, we must remain vigilant in addressing safety risks. The NCC put in place strict testing and compliance standards that ensure all networks and devices are safe. Further to this, the Commission type-approves telecommunications equipment, ensuring that they conform to global standards and ascertains that the equipment is interoperable with various relevant technologies. It is very important that stakeholders, including network operators, manufacturers, and government bodies, collaborate in applying frameworks that safeguards citizens’ wellbeing.

    “The security of our communication networks and infrastructure is of utmost importance. As 5G networks become the backbone of our digital ecosystem, they will play a pivotal role in supporting critical services like banking, energy, and emergency response systems. Therefore, we must strengthen our defenses against cyber threats and ensure that our networks are protected from malicious actors. Cybersecurity is also crucial to the success of Nigeria’s National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) 2020-2030 and with the advent of disruptive technologies; the issue of cybersecurity has become increasingly important. Untrusted components in a 5G network could expose communication infrastructure to malicious attacks, and poorly developed hardware and software can also increase the risk of compromise. To combat these risks, the National Nigeria Computer Emergency Response Team (ngCERT) was established by the Federal Government to provide a safe, secure, and resilient cyberspace and also established to prepare, protect, and secure Nigerian cyberspace in anticipation of attacks, problems, or events.

    “In furtherance of that, in 2021, the NCC launched its Computer Incident Response Team (CSIRT) to provide the communications industry and Nigerians with effective incident response and recovery while inhibiting computer security incidents. Its activities include incidence response; threat intelligence; awareness and education. The NCC-CSIRT collaborates with the National CSIRT (ngCERT) at the office of the National Security Adviser and works with various stakeholders, including government agencies, critical infrastructure providers, and private sector organizations,” he said.

    According to him, the NCC is committed to fostering a culture of safety and security while rolling out the 5G technology which was achieved through ethical data governance practices, robust security measures, and regulatory frameworks.

    “The successful implementation of 5G technology also depends on our collective commitment to data governance, safety, and security. In order for us to build a safer, secure, and more inclusive digital ecosystem, we must work collaboratively, including government, regulators, operators, service providers, and individual users to create a secure and sustainable environment for this technology to thrive,” Prof Dambatta added.

  • The girls who came home

    The girls who came home

    Sir: On the night of April 14-15 2014, armed Boko Haram operatives stormed the Government Girls Secondary School Chibok in Borno State, and abducted more than 276 girls. The scale and audacity of the abductions sent shockwaves across the country and finally jolted a slumbering international community awake to the immeasurable danger that was slithering out of the Giant of Africa.

    The abduction of the girls brought a wave of condemnation but also a wave of mobilization as the influential Bring Back Our Girls (BBOG) campaign group was formed to campaigns for the return of the girls. Their efforts have borne impressive results over the years, even though some girls remain in captivity.

    If the abduction of the Chibok girls jolted the in international community into action, it also gave Boko Haram the publicity it craved. The terrorist group was to move again abducting female students from Dapchi in neighbouring Yobe State, Jangebe in Zamfara State and Yauri in Kebbi State.

    On June 18, 2021 armed men stormed the Federal Government Girls College in Yauri where they abducted about a hundred girls and their teachers. While some girls escaped, Dogo Hide, the notorious kidnap kingpin who had planned and carried out the abduction, held on to 11 of the girls until ransom was paid.

    Read Also: From Frying Pan to Fire: Nigerians fleeing Boko Haram in Borno recall ordeal with terror gangs in Algeria, Mali

    Last month, the last two of the girls remaining in captivity were released but only after the sum of N45 million was paid in ransom.

    First, as much as the relieved families of the girls must no doubt be grateful that they returned alive, they must no doubt worry about what the future holds for their girls.

    Nigeria must continue to guarantee the future and safety of its girls. In a country where the percentage of girls enrolling into school at all is disastrously low, the last thing Nigeria needs is an added reason for girls to stay away from school.

    Nigeria is a signatory to the Safe schools Declaration, which guarantees that schools are safe and protected from armed conflict. However, Nigerian schools have been anything but safe with the bandits terrorizing the Northwest fine-tuning their specialty in abducting students and either collecting ransom or turning them into sex slaves.

    In captivity, Leah Sharibu, the lone remaining girl of the hundreds of girls kidnapped from Dapchi has become the face of resistance against a criminal gang that has been scything through the region with reckless abandon. Insecurity has got Nigeria firmly on the knife-edge with vulnerable groups including women, children and young girls especially feeling the lash.

    It Is clear that unless Nigeria becomes rid of criminal gangs, improving its security along the way, Nigerians can never really have a country they can be proud of.

    • Kene Obiezu, keneobiezu@gmail.com
  • Heavy security as 10th NASS inauguration kicks off

    Heavy security as 10th NASS inauguration kicks off

    There is heavy security around the National Assembly as Senators and members-elect are set to be inaugurated today.

    Security operatives drawn from the Police, Department of State Services, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Federal Road Safety Corps as well as National Assembly security are on ground to ensure security in and outside the Assembly complex.

    The Nation discovered that entrance to the National Assembly from the Federal Secretariat junctions was blocked by heavily armed security personnel.

    Read Also: 10th NASS: Step down for Akpabio, APC chieftain urges Yari, Kalu

    Staff and others accredited to the National Assembly could only gain access into the Assembly using the SGF gate.

    Many of the lawmakers were seen being ferried to National Assembly in coaster buses while others preferred to drive themselves to the venue, creating gridlock at the only entrance into the complex.

    Many of the Assembly staff and other support service are not allowed access into the premises, while ongoing construction work in the Complex has been put on hold.

  • More understanding

    More understanding

    • This is what is required on airlines’ trapped funds in Nigeria

    Nigeria was on the global aviation spotlight again last week, with the International Air Transport Association IATA disclosing that foreign airlines’ trapped funds in the country had risen to $812 million. Leading four others, the top five jointly account for 68 percent of the trapped funds. The other countries are Bangladesh ($214.1 million), Algeria ($196.3 million), Pakistan ($188.2 million) and Lebanon ($141.2 million). Bemoaning that the trapped funds have shot up from $1.55 billion in April 2022 to $2.27bn in April 2023, (a whopping 47 percent), IATA’s Director-General, Willie Walsh, urged governments to collaborate with industry players to address this unfolding crisis.

    His words: “Airlines cannot continue to offer services in markets where they are unable to repatriate the revenues arising from their commercial activities in those markets. Governments need to work with industry to resolve this situation so airlines can continue to provide the connectivity that is vital to driving economic activity and job creation.”

    We do agree that the situation poses great dangers to the global aviation business. Nigerians will recall how Emirates Airlines on October 29, 2022 pulled out of Nigeria after all efforts to repatriate its $85 million trapped in Nigeria failed.

    But the problem, as we see it, is not so much a lack of willingness to pay but its temporary inability to meet those obligations timeously. And the reason is not far-fetched: lack of foreign exchange. Given that the country has gone through this cycle before, with both parties eventually coming to a resolution of sorts, the issue then becomes one of what to do at this time.

    Read Also: Ogun Agro Cargo Airport excites IATA, others

    Of course, the airlines are right to demand their trapped funds if only to keep their operations steady.  The Nigerian government on its part, faced with dwindling accretions into its foreign reserves, has the prerogative to set its priorities even when this could cause some discomfort to the industry. The point is to ensure no party is needlessly put in jeopardy. This is where the parties have a duty to engage more as the current problems are not only temporary, but merely reflect the sometimes inevitable tides associated with business cycles.

    Boom or bust, Nigeria has certainly had such long-standing relationships with the airlines that such issues could have been better handled. This is where some have wondered whether Nigeria does not in fact deserve more understanding than being routinely called out as most are wont to do on this particular matter with every passing cycle. Nigeria, after all, is arguably the biggest market on the continent and most of the airlines involved have enjoyed a far more than disproportionate advantage over Nigeria and Nigerians either in Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) or equitable pricing of tickets. One of the more intriguing questions demanding answers is why fares are oftentimes, comparably far higher in Nigeria than other countries in the sub region.

    While the Bola Tinubu administration is urged to urgently look into the trapped funds issue with a view to finding a lasting solution to it, another legitimate issue that needs to be addressed is the current status of the BASA; whether or not this could be said to be in the nation’s best interest. Given the embarrassing fiasco that attended the so-called launch of Nigeria Air, we cannot but urge the new administration to revisit the whole concept of the national carrier both in terms of its overall philosophy and modus operandi.

    The era in which some unpatriotic officials would be allowed to draw up and implement agreements that are not only detrimental to the nation’s interests but leave the country with a fait accompli, should be consigned to the past.

  • TrustBanc gets A+ rating, redeems N4.9b CP

    TrustBanc gets A+ rating, redeems N4.9b CP

    TrustBanc Holdings Limited‘s rating has  been upgraded by DataPro from A to A+ with a stable outlook.

      According to the rating note, the Long-Term Rating of A+ indicates Low Risk. It reflects the Group’s strong financial strength, excellent operating performance and growing business profile.

    The Group’s shareholders’ fund grew from of N2.9 billion to N11 billion during the year under review. The rating note affirmed that the N11 billion is well above the aggregate regulatory required capital of N550million stipulated by the Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC) and Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for the Group’s subsidiary companies, namely TrustBanc Capital Management Limited, TrustBanc Asset Management Limited and TrustBanc J6 MFB Limited.

    In addition, shareholders have granted approval for an additional N1.5 billion capital injection into TrustBanc J6 Microfinance Bank Limited.  This approval aims to further reinforce the bank’s position as a leading lender in the public sector segment and facilitate its expansion into other retail lending segments.

    Based on DataPro’s analysis, TrustBanc’s assets were predominantly composed of liquid assets, accounting for 89 per cent of the total assets as of the end of last year. This indicates the Group’s ability to fulfill its ongoing obligations. On June 2nd, 2023, TrustBanc redeemed its series 11 Commercial Paper (CP) issue, totaling N4.9 billion.

    Read Also: TrustBanc Holdings launches N5b capital raising

    This marks the fourth successful redemption this year, following the earlier redemption of series 8, 9, and 10, amounting to N5.96 billion.

    “We are once again delighted to honour our commitment and redeem the series 11 issue upon its maturity. We extend our sincere gratitude to all the holders of this commercial paper. Their trust in us is a testament to our strong financial performance, robust business model, and growth strategy.

    As a Group, we take pride in contributing to the development of the Commercial Paper market through our association with the FMDQ. It is worth mentioning that TrustBanc was nominated, alongside MTNN and FCMB, for the award of the largest commercial paper lodgement on FMDQ last year,” stated Mr. Abu Jimoh, CFA, Group CEO.

    UCML Capital Limited, United Capital Plc and Emerging Africa Group, acted as dealers on the series. Speaking on behalf of the dealers, Director at UCML Capital Limited, Mr. Egie Akpata, said the company’s ability to pay at maturity further confirms to subscribers and the market at large that TrustBanc is a trustworthy counter party.

  • Subsidy: Niger Delta youths push for modular refineries

    Subsidy: Niger Delta youths push for modular refineries

    Niger Delta youths have hailed President Bola Tinubu for removing fuel subsidies.

    The youth who are members of the Niger Delta Amagbein Peace Movement (NDAPM), founded by a  former militant leader, Gen. Amagbein Adaka-Boro II, however, appealed to the president to look into the issue of modular refineries to encourage competition and force down the price of petroleum products.

    The youth said the country would no longer continue to act as Father Christmas to corrupt politicians and other nations.

    In a statement, Adaka-Boro II, who is the Commanding Officer, NDAPM, expressed confidence in the leadership style of Tinubu.

    Read Also: Niger Delta deserves senate presidency- Nabena

    Adaka-Boro II said: “The movement heartily felicitates with President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and expresses confidence in his leadership style.

    “We state unequivocally that the people of Niger Delta are optimistic that this administration will address the issues of underdevelopment, unemployment, roads and infrastructural deficit bedeviling the people of the region.

    “We utilise this medium to pledge our support on the subsidy removal. We wonder why Nigeria should be a Father Christmas to corrupt politicians and other nations, we therefore appeal to Mr. President as a way of creating incentives to look into the issues of modular refineries, as this will help to generate jobs, reduce price of petroleum products and increase revenue.”

  • Air Peace to Sirika: we didn’t incur $19m loss

    Air Peace to Sirika: we didn’t incur $19m loss

    Air Peace Airlines yesterday fired back at the immediate past Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika’s label of lack of capacity on the carrier as not only shocking, but also shows how keen he is in disparaging an airline that doing well.

    Sirika in a television interview at the weekend said the airline has no moral right to oppose the setting up of a national carrier in partnership with Ethiopian Airlines because it had its two Boeing 777 on the ground with its aircraft engines and landing gears due for replacement.

    Specifically, the airline said Sirika lied as Air Peace did not incurr a loss of over $19 million on the two wet leased Boeing 777 proposed for its intercontinental operations.

    In a statement signed by its Chief Operating Officer, Mrs Toyin Olajide, the carrier said it never entered any wet lease deal for Boeing 777 on a monthly lease fee of $250,000.

    Read Also: My Nigeria Air story, by Sirika

    The statement read: “This is a blatant lie as we have three and not two Boeing 777 aircraft which were never leased or rented, but were purchased outrightly by the airline.

    “Air Peace never incurred such a loss; we never paid rentals contrary to his lies. The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) can attest to the purchase and ownership of the Aircraft by Air peace.

    “Secondly, Sirika said the airline stopped flying to Dubai because ‘we lack capacity’. This is another stark lie.

    “Air Peace never stopped the Dubai operations because of lack of capacity. Air Peace commenced operations into the UAE in July 2019, but in October 2022, the UAE Government announced a total visa ban on Nigerians.

    “Neither Emirates nor Air Peace has operated the Nigerian/UAE route since the ban. The persisting non-issuance of visas and the accompanying inconveniences necessitated the suspension of our Dubai operations from November 22, 2022 till date.

    “For the former minister to ascribe the suspension to ‘lack of capacity’ is not only shocking, but also shows how keen he is to disparage an airline whose ascendancy has defied all the commercial odds and hostile environment placed on its path to continue to serve our nation proudly.

    “How could an airline that placed a firm order for 13 brand new E2-195 aircraft, a firm order of 15 Boeing 737 Max 8 & Max 10, with over 30 aircraft already in its fleet be accused of lacking in capacity?

    “How can an airline that stood up for the entire nation during the COVID-19 outbreak, and embarked on rescue operations worldwide, evacuating Nigerians from far away China, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, India, UK and South Africa during the COVID-19 lockdowns be accused of lacking capacity?

    “We implore the public to disregard these lies told by the former minister of Aviation against Air Peace.’’

    “We take serious exception to a situation where Air Peace is being misrepresented in the public sphere, causing wrong perceptions about our brand.”

  • AGS: solar solutions’ll bridge Nigeria’s energy gap

    AGS: solar solutions’ll bridge Nigeria’s energy gap

    In view of the unreliable power supply from the national grid, solar solutions will bridge the deficit by providing off-grid power supply, provider of solar energy solutions in Africa, Africa Go Solar (AGS), has said.

    Its Chief Executive Officer, Sola Fajuke, who spoke during the launch of its new pay-as-you-go solar street lighting solution that will provide affordable, reliable, and sustainable lighting to communities to solve Nigeria’s electricity challenges and meet its population’s demand in Lagos, said solar energy aligns with Nigeria’s goals for sustainable development and supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in affordable and clean energy, climate action, and poverty alleviation.

    “We are excited to launch our new pay-as-you-go solar street lighting solution in Nigeria. Solar energy aligns with Nigeria’s goals for sustainable development and supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in affordable and clean energy, climate action, and poverty alleviation. Solar energy adoption will prove valuable as Nigeria’s electricity grid faces significant challenges in meeting the electricity demand of the country’s population.

    “With projects like the solar-powered streetlights at Abraham Adesanya, we believe that solar energy solutions will improve Nigerians’ quality of life and provide more economic opportunities,” he said.

    The launch, which was held at Ajah Lagos, was attended by major stakeholders, including Chairperson, Abraham Adesanya Housing Estate, Bolanle Bodede; Vice Chairman and Head of Security, Olanrewaju Afolabi and other residents of the estate where AGS completed its solar powered street lights project.

     AGS collaborates with Fuji Electric, a renowned Japanese solar technology provider, to deliver durable solar solutions to European cities such as Germany, Italy, and London. This partnership has enabled AGS to establish an impeccable record, ensuring their solar installations meet the highest quality and performance standards.

    Read Also: ‘We’ll address emissions, revert to solar renewables’

    “This is an exciting moment for us at Abraham Adesanya Housing Estate. Since Africa Go Solar installed solar-powered and CCTV-integrated street lights. Before now, we did not have streetlights, so visibility was threatened at night. It is a timely intervention, and we are positive that it will improve security and aid movement in the estate, especially at nighttime,” Bodede said.

    Some of the comprehensive benefits AGS offers include free installation & maintenance and free repairs that relieve customers of additional burdens. The company’s financing solutions, such as lease payment options, enable clients to enjoy solar-powered lighting as a service without a substantial upfront investment.

    AGS street lights are equipped with CCTV cameras and a real-time monitoring system, providing enhanced security and a powerful deterrent against theft, vandalism, and break-ins. With infrared LED night vision, motion and sound detection, two-way communication, and wireless surveillance capabilities, the AGS solution provides access to compelling video evidence for prosecution purposes, considering the prevailing security challenges in the country.