The Nation Newspaper

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  • Air crash: expert urges government to fix air navigation facilities

    Air crash: expert urges government to fix air navigation facilities

     

    By Kelvin Osa Okunbor

    Worried over the spate of air crashes involving military airplanes, an aviation expert: Group Captain John Ojikutu (rtd) has called on the Federal Government to urgently fix air navigation facilities at airports nationwide.

    The call is coming on the heels of efforts by the Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) to unravel the cause of the military airplane that crashed shortly after landing at Kaduna Airport.

    Ojikutu said besides focussing on the skills of personnel, the investigators need to look at airport operating standards.

    He said though preliminary information from the Nigeria Air Force suggests the ill-fated aircraft flew into inclement weather while landing, but, there is a need to establish whether the weather-related landing facilities in Kaduna were functioning optimally.

    READ ALSO: How to reduce increasing rate of air crashes, by experts

    The expert called on aviation authorities to furnish the public with information on the state of landing facilities at airports nationwide, in particular, low-level wind shear alert systems.

    He said: ” Remember that was the reason for the crash of Sosoliso, ADC, Bellview Airlines between 2005, 2006 and 2007. How many airports have gotten their runways installed with it? Same with bird strikes that were reported twice in one day on two aircraft; we had bird strikes units in FAAN also in 2008 and 2009, what has happened to the units?

    “For 10 years now the MMA second runway has had no lighting; is anyone thinking what could happen if the 18Right runway goes bad any day at night ?.

    “Let us talk about us all and don’t look at what has happened to the NAF aircraft and NAF problems but look in-depth and be sure it is a collective industry and national problem.”

  • Everest H.M Foundation: A foundation that empowers and liberates women

    Everest H.M Foundation: A foundation that empowers and liberates women

    Women across all climes are considered an integral part of the human existence; they are traditional considered as nation builders because of their amiable qualities which sets them special.

    However the realities of the contemporary world has seen their roles and importance being undermined, several women has been relegated to the background within the party socio-economic cum political set-up of our realties.

    Against this backdrop, the political class has often taken leverage of this to cheaply engage them, using them as common political tools to serve their selfish interest, paying them tit bits in the process.

    Coming to the fore of liberating and empowering the women folk in our contemporary realities is Mrs. Emem Everest, founder of Everest H.M. Foundation, a non governmental organization which is primarily focused on liberating and empowering the women in the society, helping them to become a better version of themselves.

    According to Mrs. Emem Everest, she was inspired at a very young age to help the less privileged, in her words,” The only thing I want now is wealthy. I want to touch lives. I need money to sort out financial problems for people. With good money, kids would be off the streets and in school; families will have sustainable businesses…”

    Hailed from Akwa-Ibom State, she holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Arts from the University of Uyo while she also served as the Chief Executive Officer of Elrich Synergy Limited.

    Mrs. Emem Everest through the Everest H.M Foundation has shown over the years her pure commitment to ensuring that women are not ridiculed and undermined in the society, she aimed to achieve this by using her resources to meaningfully engage them, helping them to become wealth creators.

    Femi Salako,Punisher Triangle News Media

  • COVID-19 vaccines supply grinding to halt in Africa – WHO

    COVID-19 vaccines supply grinding to halt in Africa – WHO

    By Moses Emorinken, Abuja

     

    The World Health Organisation (WHO) has stated that the supply of COVID-19 vaccines to the African region have ground to a near halt, leaving many Africans, including those more vulnerable to severe illness and death, exposed to disease.

    It further stated that so far, between February and May this year, only about 18.2 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been delivered to African countries through the COVAX facility.

    Noting that COVID-19 vaccine shipments have slowed down in Africa because of reliance on India, which is currently battling the deadly pandemic, the WHO stressed that the push for COVID-19 vaccine manufacturing in Africa remains a lasting solution.

    The WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, who made these known during a virtual press briefing on “Financing COVID-19 vaccines in Africa,” urged richer countries who have vaccinated very significant proportion of their populations to share some of their COVID-19 vaccines with low and middle-income countries.

    She said: “Vaccine deliveries to Africa have ground to a near halt, leaving many Africans, including those more vulnerable to severe illness and death, exposed to COVID-19. Dose sharing from high-income countries is an urgent, crucial part of the solution to Africa’s vaccine supply crunch.

    Read Also: ‘Sinovac vaccine has 99.49 % efficacy’

     

    “When we look at access to the COVID-19 vaccines, we see great inequalities across countries – Seychelles is one of the most vaccinated countries in the world, with 67 percent of the population having received at least one dose.

    “In 14 African countries less than one percent of the population has received a single COVID-19 vaccine dose and in four countries vaccination has not started.

    “COVID-19 vaccine shipments to African countries have slowed down to a trickle this month because of the reliance on India as one of the key manufacturers globally, and the devastating surge of cases India is dealing with.

    “The continent was expecting 66 million COVID-19 vaccine doses through COVAX from February to May, but instead has so far received only 18.2 million doses,” she said.

    “There is a great interest and push for COVID-19 vaccine manufacturing on the African continent, and this is a promising medium- to long-term solution.”

    The Secretary-General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, via Twitter said: “Out of 1.4 billion COVID-19 vaccine doses administered around the world, less than two percent have reached Africa. Equitable and sustainable vaccine roll-out worldwide is the quickest path towards a fast, and fair recovery for all.”

     

  • Ekiti CP orders probe of five policemen for allegedly beating school principal

    Ekiti CP orders probe of five policemen for allegedly beating school principal

    By Rasaq Ibrahim, Ado-Ekiti

    The Ekiti State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Tunde Mobayo has ordered the probe of a police officer, Agenoise Elijah and his four colleagues for unleashing terror on the principal of his daughter’s school.

    The Police Public Relation Officer, ASP Sunday Abutu stated this on Saturday in Ado-Ekiti in a statement made available to journalists.

    Elijah, was alleged to have gone, along with his colleagues to Mary Immaculate Girls’ Grammar School, in Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital on Friday, to protest the audacity of the school authorities to discipline his daughter over a ‘barbaric’ hairdo.

    During the encounter, Elijah and his four colleagues allegedly molested the Principal, torn off the dress of a female tutor and seized the mobile phone of another teacher.

    It was learnt that the incident disrupted academic activities in the school and caused confusion which forced both the teachers and students to scamper for safety to avoid being trapped.

    However, the Police Commissioner had ordered thorough investigation into the matter, assuring that the police officers would not be spared if found guilty.

    The statement resds, “The Command is not unaware of the reported case of indiscipline at Mary Emaculate Girls’ School, Ado-Ekiti, where a Police Sergeant allegedly stormed the School alongside four of his colleagues

    “They were said to have harassed the teachers simply because his daughter who is one of the students was questioned about the style of her hair-cut which was not inline with the school directive.

    “The Command, wish to confirm that the Police Sergeant and his colleagues who went to the School to cause chaos have been identified and discreet investigation has commenced, as ordered by the Commissioner of Police and the officers shall not be spared if found guilty.

    “The Command is also working tenaciously with the State Ministry of Education to ensure that no stone is left unturned concerning the case.

    “The Commissioner of Police in the state is appealing to those who were victims of the officers’ misbehavior to be calm and patient as we shall ensure that the investigation process is not compromised,” the police spekesman said.

  • DJ Turbo D impressed with Turbo Tunes Vol. 4 Mixtape

    DJ Turbo D impressed with Turbo Tunes Vol. 4 Mixtape

    Agency Reporter

    DJ Turbo D continues to impress good music lovers as he dishes out another edition of Turbo Tunes Mixtape.

    One of the talented disc jockeys in Nigeria, DJ Turbo D dishes out an infused amapiano type of songs on Turbo Tunes Vol. 4 Mixtape.

    He housed 60 new and trending Nigerian songs on this new mixtape to remind us that good music still exists.

    Songs from some of the Nigerian singers, the likes of Davido, Joeboy, Peruzzi, Fireboy DML, Korede Bello alongside songs from some South African artistes, the likes of DJ Maphorisa, Jobe London, Mellow & Sleazy, Focalistic and more made it to the mixtape.

    READ ALSO: DJ Turbo D marks birthday with Turbo Tunes vol 2

    If you have sampled the third edition of the Turbo Tunes Series, you won’t give this fourth edition a doubt.

    Turbo D who has made the Mixtape a ritual says there’s no stopping as he promised to deliver top-quality DJ Mix continually.

    “The Turbo Tunes Mixtape is a continual thing, it won’t stop. I might be doing other mixes or other jobs but this particular title would continue as long as I am a dj. I want to know what would happen if I don’t stop.

    “My mixes have gone far and wide even outside the shores of Nigeria and things like that encourages me more. It gives me the strength to do more”, says Turbo D.

  • What Wizkid taught me about business – Social media influencer Swag

    What Wizkid taught me about business – Social media influencer Swag

    Our Reporter

    Astute entrepreneur and social media influencer, Ipadeola Abiodun Oriyomi better known as Swag Omoluabi has opened up on how Nigerian pop star, Wizkid inspires him.

    The graduate of Lagos State Polytechnic who also doubles as a philanthropist said Star Boy’s consistency and innovative spirit inspires him.
    “I love Wizkid.He inspires me a lot. He is calm, humble and business oriented. He has put Nigeria on the world map and has continued to up his game. He came from a humble background and has turned his lemons into lemonades. Wizzy is a great inspiration to me and countless other young Nigerians who have been impacted by not just his music, but by also his business sense. His consistency and innovative spirit are traits I have learnt from him from afar”.

    Swag Omoluabi also revealed that there is more to being a brand influencer than having many followers on social media.

    READ ALSO: Wild reactions as Wizkid, Burna Boy get 2021 Bet Awards nomination

    “These days’ people flaunt the world ‘Brand influencer’ on their social media bio. Being a brand influencer is about delivering on your promise. It goes beyond just posting, you need to be result-oriented. Make sure you are trustworthy and also influential. Influence is the keyword in brand influencing. You need to be able to make people make buying decisions. Your followers and clients also need to trust in your ability to deliver. Be regular, consistent and optimize your social media influence”.

    Shedding light on why he decided to become an entrepreneur, Swag Omoluabi stated: “I have always loved to add value to people and also derive pleasure in doing business. I have always had that knack for entrepreneurship even as a child. My mother advises me a lot. She once told me that self-reliance is the pathway to wealth creation no matter how educated one is. So this has always been my driving force”.

  • Oyo LG polls: low turnout as residents shun restriction order

    Oyo LG polls: low turnout as residents shun restriction order

    By Yinka Adeniran, Ibadan

    Some residents of Ibadan, the Oyo State capital among other parts of the state on Saturday defied the movement restriction order by the state government in view of the ongoing local government election on Saturday.

    Although many residents stayed away from the voting areas, human and vehicular movements were observed in major parts of the capital city.

    Some of the areas which were still busy despite the ongoing election include the Alakia-Isebo axis, Iyana-Church, Iwo Road, Monatan and Agodi-Gate.

    Others are Ring Road, Adeoyo, Oluyole, Dugbe, Challenge, Mokola, Ojo areas of Ibadan as at 11:00a.m.

    The government had issued a movement restriction order from 6 am to 3 pm while the election lasted.

    It was observed that commercial vehicles were still conveying passengers to different destinations even as security operatives were absent on the roads.

    It was also observed that security operatives were only stationed at the polling booths with many others visibly absent on the road.

    In some areas including Beere, Oje, Labiran, Oja’ba, Ojoo, Ajibode among others, many youths seized the opportunity to engage in street football while those that are moving around are charged higher fares.

    Commercial motorcycles were still seen in their good numbers plying the road, doing their businesses.

    Sources said that other parts of the states including Ogbomosho, Ibarapa, Oke-Ogun also saw normal activities going on unabated.

    The early morning rainfall in Ibadan was said to have contributed to the indifference by residents as well as delay in the early distribution of electoral materials to polling centres.

    READ ALSO: Oyo LG Election: OYSIEC extends voting to 5pm

    The delay in distribution of electoral materials were also delayed in Iseyin, Iseyin Local Government Area of Oyo State, as the distribution started at about 9 am, a source hinted.

    Commercial activities were also said to have been ongoing at the usual pace in Ogbomosho, Ibarapa, Oke-Ogun area with a low turnout of electorates.

    Pocket of violence also rocked some parts of the states and shooting and ballot snatching were reported in Oke-Ola, Eruwa.

    Also, in Ogbomosho, due to the level of violence and crisis that marred the election, the state chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) announced their pulling out of the election.

    Most parts of Ibadan, the Oyo capital city were relatively peaceful as at the time of filling this report.

  • Step into the world of the Visionary, George Aririguzo

    Step into the world of the Visionary, George Aririguzo

    Our Reporter

    It was just some minutes after 4:00 pm when George Aririguzo jumped on our scheduled Zoom call. Bristling with confidence which he expresses by laughing, George had just exited a studio session to attend our agreed meeting. Donning a green plain tee, George informs me it’s been a hectic day so far.

    His daily dealings are understandable; George is currently oscillating his new life phase as a record label owner after creating 11:59 records last year. Haven signed a quartet of artists to his imprint, he has spent most of the past 12 months aiding in the nurturing of his signed acts.

    11:59 Records marks a shift for George. Before the decision he took last year, he had been a profound music lover but at the same time he had been finding out ways to play a role other than being an active music listener. “I’m a great fan of Nigerian music,” says George. “I kind of found out that the state of music now, I can do more apart from loving music. I can invest in music.” There were more motivations though. One that hinged mainly on beaming attention on underrated talents. “I know a lot of upcoming talents that are actually good. I was like I can actually show them to the world so that people can see their talent.”

    A year into setting up the label, 11:59 Records boasts of a quartet of artists and are about to introduce the industry to one of its impressive talents: MicTick. George effuses about him, describing him as one of the best intriguing artists he’s ever seen. MicTick warmed his way into George’s heart after thrilling him with an enthralling freestyle the first day they met. Infatuated, he offered MicTick a recording deal on the spot. “I told him I was ready to invest in him,” George conjures up the scenes of that particular day. “He was like wow, that nobody has actually given him that chance before. I was like, I’ll be the first person to do that.”

    step-into-the-world-of-the-visionary-george-aririguzo

    Prior before harvesting his dreams of elevating talents, George himself had tried as a rapper while growing up. Being influenced by the music of 2Baba, Psquare and Banky W, he was fascinated by what he heard from these music legends. Their music aided his introspection. “I felt inspired listening to them.” It’s why years after his erstwhile music career, his songwriting side still thrives. “Sometimes I can give you some lines,” he explains. “I have some songs I’ve written down. If I see a good artist that can really do good with the song, I’ll give it to him.”

    The next five years represent an important phase for George’s new imprint. He’s emphatic about the success of 11:59 Records that he’s eliminated anything that might serve as a source of distraction to him. This means even shelving his other businesses aside, giving the reins to someone else to handle its operations. “In the next five years, I’m looking forward to winning a Grammy,” George boldly blurts out. MicTick’s first EP is on its way, with George describing it as a “dope project”. “There’s no collaboration, it’s just listeners getting to know and fully experience who MicTick is.”

  • Ibom Air, DANA Air sign codeshare agreement

    Ibom Air, DANA Air sign codeshare agreement

    By Kelvin Osa Okunbor

    After one year of intense planning and schedule coordination, two indigenous carriers: Ibom Air and DANA Air at weekend signed a codeshare agreement.

    The agreement which will allow passengers to use one ticket booking to travel to destinations operated by both carriers is the first of its kind in the Nigerian aviation industry.

    The deal is expected to boost both airlines’ profitability in a highly competitive domestic market
    The codeshare agreement tagged: DANA Air -Ibom Alliance was signed at the Victor Attah International Airport Uyo corporate Headquarters of Ibom Air.

    The pioneering agreement affords DANA Air and Ibom Air a business arrangement whereby both airlines jointly offer flights to common destinations, while operating services to destinations that are not within each airlines regular routes.

    By doing so, both airlines expand their market presence and competitive footprint in the interest of the flying public.

    Speaking at the event, Chief Executive Officer of Ibom Air, Captain Mfon Udom stated that a codeshare between two airlines is highlighted the benefits of the alliance including increased capacity and frequencies into a shared destination as well as providing options for the travelling public.

    “With the initiation of this business alliance, both airlines have embraced a key global best practice. At Ibom Air, our business model and unwavering commitment remain schedule reliability, on-time departures and excellent service. Hence we are constantly on the lookout for better and more effective ways to serve our customers.

    ” it took finding the right partner with the same mindset as yours. With the same philosophy committed to provide the basics to the customers, schedule realibility, on-time performance and excellent service essentially the philosophies that tie the two airlines. And I am happy to say DANA Air.

    READ ALSO: Bayelsa opens partnership negotiation with Ibom Air on flight kick-off

    “We are very hopeful that this the beginning of a new and better way of doing business in our country and we are looking at a very fruitful alliance that hopefully other airlines will join in with us or start something. We are very happy about this, Ureisi said in an introductory remark.

    Also speaking, Accountable Manager/ Chief Operating Officer of DANA Air,” This discussion started about a year ago and we are happy to be here today, formalising it. This is the first of its kind for domestic airlines in Nigeria and a huge step in the right direction for both Dana Air and Ibom Air.”

    ” Just as George said, these are two airlines that have the same philosophy, the same mindset the customer at the centre of everything. So that is one thing that aligns us, it is all for the benefit of the customers. We have work to do, we have to reeducate ourselves, even the airports that we use we also have to reeducate but I’m sure as time goes on, it would get better.

    A codeshare is an agreement where airlines operate flights on behalf of another airline, or coordinate passengers with an itinerary that uses multiple airlines, without having to check in again using one airline’s flight code.

    One of the biggest challenges to Codeshares and interlines among Nigerian airlines has always been integration between two carriers with similar business cultures so as to have a perfect blend of the workforce, which has to mix and both airlines have been able to factor and surmount that challenge.

  • Emmanuel inagurates 95 projects in Akwa Ibom

    Emmanuel inagurates 95 projects in Akwa Ibom

    Our Reporter

    Not less than 95 intervention projects were on Thursday, inaugurated at Etinan, Nsit Ibom and Nsit Ubium Local Government Areas of Akwa Ibom by Governor Udom Emmanuel.

    The ceremonies which took place at three separate contact places, including the Etinan Institute, for Etinan LGA, Government Primary School, Obo Ikot Ita for Nsit Ibom LGA and Commercial Secondary School, Ikot Ekpene Udo in Nsit Ubium LGA, featured the presentation of goodwill messages from the leaders of the benefitting communities as well as administrative heads of the affected institutions.

    Represented at Etinan by his Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General, Uko Udom (SAN), his Lands and Water Resources counterpart, Pastor Umoh Eno ( Nsit Ubium ), and his Hon. Special Adviser on Political and Legislative Affairs, Mr. Amanam Nkanga ( Nsit Ibom ), Governor Emmanuel harped on the importance of qualitative education to the overall development of the state.

    He urged parents to maximize the opportunities made available by the free and compulsory education policy of the state government to enroll their wards in schools.

    emmanuel-inagurates-95-projects-in-akwa-ibom

    While reiterating his administration’s commitment to continue to improve on the welfare of the citizenry, Emmanuel also sued for the peaceful coexistence of all the citizens as a panacea for sustainable infrastructural development.

    SSA to the Governor on Inter-ministerial Direct Labour Coordinating Committee ( IMDLCC ), Mr. Samson Idiong stated that the construction/renovation of school facilities across the state were undertaken by his Committee in line with the state-of-emergency earlier declared by Governor Emmanuel as part of his effort to reposition the sector.

    Idiong also assured that no part of the state would be left unattended to in the ongoing inauguration exercise, adding that all inter-ministerial projects initiated by the Udom Emmanuel-led administration would be completed and inaugurated on record time.

    The ceremonies, according to programme made available by IMDLCC indicated that fifty-four projects were inaugurated at Etinan LGA, and twenty-one each for Nsit Ibom and Nsit Ubium respectively.

    emmanuel-inagurates-95-projects-in-akwa-ibom