The Nation Newspaper

Tag: KELVIN OSA-OKUNBOR

Food security: USAID partners Chi Farms to empower farmers
- Project to contribute 4,000 metric tones of catfish in local markets yearly
As part of efforts to boost food security in Nigeria, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has signed an agreement with Chi Farms Limited to empower over 6,000 small holder fish , soya bean and maize farmers .

The project is expected to contribute to Nigeria’s food security drive by adding over 4,000 metric tonnes of catfish to local markets yearly.

According to the Executive Director, Chi Farms Limited, Martin Middernacht the agreement is part of the United States Government’s Feed the Future Initiative.

The partnership will enable the Chi Farms engage small holder farmers to become successful cat fish farmers as well as get the required training for industry quality standards .

He agreement he said is part of U.S. Government’s intervention in growing Nigerian aquaculture .

Part of the the terms of the deal, he said will see Chi Farms supply quality feed and quality cat fish juveniles to farmers to enhance the company’s feeding milling and hatching capacities .

He said : ” This development will add positively to the overall food security in Nigeria. We are delighted that USAID has decided to support the initiative of Chi Farms.

“At the same time, it is at the core of what we do at Chi Farms. We are convinced that working with out-growers is a step in the right direction towards sustainable economic development.”

His counterpart from USAID, Mr Roland Oroh said: “We are very happy to work towards food security in Nigeria with our trusted partner Chi Farms.

“USAID previously partnered with Chi Pharma, a sister company to Chi Farms, to roll out insecticide-treated nets in Nigeria.
November 15, 2016
Dana Air flies four million passengers in eight years

Dana Air said if flew four million passengers in the last eight years of its existence, its Accountable Manager, Obi Mbanuzuo has said .

He disclosed at an event to mark the eight anniversary of the airline’s commercial flight operations .

He said the carrier will continue to provide safe and customer- centric air transport services to its customers .

According to him, in spite of the visible operational challenges in the industry, the airline has remained strong. He attributed the airlines’ consistency to its shrewd managerial style, passion and commitment of its staff and the unending support of its amazing customers.’’

Commenting further, Obi said, ‘’ we are indeed proud to have flown over 4 million passengers in the last 8 years and we are very grateful for the support and patronage we have enjoyed since commencing operations. We would like to assure our loyal guests and the travelling public that we will not relent in our efforts to deliver world-class air transport services that all Nigerians can be proud of.”

On safety and security, Obi assured that the airline would continue to adhere strictly to the maintenance schedule of its aircraft, as prescribed by the manufacturers and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority. He reiterated that for the airline to have successfully undergone an operational audit conducted by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, and its foreign partners, the Flight Safety Group; the airline is on a sound footing.

November 11, 2016
Recession: ECOBPA proffers solutions for bouyant economy
- Unveils Plans to Assist Businesses Remain Afloat
As the economic recession bites harder on businesses across the country, the Enugu Coalition of Business and Professional Association (ECOBPA) has advanced measures that government must engage to create enduring wealth for Enugu and job opportunities for the teeming jobless Nigerian youths.

Speaking recently to journalists in Enugu, the coalition identified, among other issues, multiple taxations, epileptic power supply, high rent of business premises, the arbitrariness of officials of State waste management agency and security as challenges that are inhibiting the survival and growth of businesses in Enugu State.

According to the body, viable business activities are critical to economic growth and development of any State as this creates employment opportunities and wealth and contributes meaningfully to the growth of the Gross National Product (GDP) of any nation or State.

The group, therefore, called on the State Government to address, as a matter of urgency these issues if it is to engender the desired environment that will drive business growth and create wealth in the state.

Mr. Emeka Okereke, Secretary of ECOBPA and Director General, Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ECCIMA) said the coalition articulated eight key issues that have made it herculean for businesses to operate smoothly in the State, following a research that was carried out in Enugu, funded by Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE).

He noted that the association was determined to help reverse the growing trend of businesses closing down in the State because of poor orientation, multiple-taxation and illegal collection of levies and rates. “Many businesses can no longer sustain their workers, as workers are being retrenched at will of the employer due to lack of money to pay their salaries”, he said.

The body insisted that if these issues are not addressed that they have the potential of crippling the economy of the nation, promoting hunger and unemployment, which is a catalyst for crime, sickness and insecurity.

The coalition also called on the media to partner with it to educate and sensitise residents of Enugu State on the importance of engaging in entrepreneurship and seizing the opportunity that the association is presently promoting.

Okereke added, “in this period of recession in Nigeria, it is pertinent for people especially Enugu residents to embrace business opportunities and possible solutions to challenges confronting businesses provided by ECOBPA, so as to help promote the well-being of the State creating enduring wealth and job opportunities for our teaming jobless youths.

“The media, government and stakeholders in the business industry need to put the best strategy to find a lasting solution to this menace that is capable of crippling the economy of the nation”, he said.

The Enugu Coalition of Business and Professional Association is made up of 32 business and professional bodies which aim is to create the market-oriented business environment that will engender employment creation and sustainable development in Enugu State.
November 10, 2016
Professionals, Monarchs decry extinction of dialect

As part of efforts to avert the extinction of Esan language, a professional body; Association of Esan Professional Association (AEP) traditional rulers have called for the inclusion of Esan language in schools’ curriculum.

This is just as they advised parents to teach and speak Esan language to their children any point in time.

They made the call while speaking at the AEP 12th Esan Economic Empowerment Workshop with the theme, “Esan Language: Is it on the verge of Extinction? At Samuel Adegboyega University Hall, Ogwa, Edo State at the weekend.

Setting the ball rolling, the President of AEP and former Speaker of Edo State House of Assembly, Hon. Matthew Egbadon, said that the essence of the gathering is to brainstorm on the need to prevent Esan language from extinction, adding that the language was fast dying, as parents no longer speak Esan to their children and that even children whose parents are all Esan don’t speak the language to their wards.

He stated that AEP was trying to prevent a situation where as time goes on Esan language will no longer spoken by Esan children, adding that what the group is demanding is for Esan language to be taught in schools .

He added that as it is today Esan language is endangered and that if drastic steps were not taken to address the issue, the language may become extinct in the next 25 years.

The former Speaker of Edo State, House Assembly, stated that the gathering at Ogwa was to find a way to salvage the language.

According to him, “If you don’t understand Ishan language, there is no way you will understand the culture itself.”

The former law maker posited that during his primary school days, he was taught Esan language but that today the language is no longer taught in schools and that this further makes the language to extinct faster.

In his words, “We want Esan language re-introduced in schools’ curriculum. We intend to reach out to our people abroad on this matter. It is a very serious one. We have come to seek support and prayers of every Esan man and woman.”

The Chairman of the occasion and the Ojomon of Ekpoma , Chief Ezikiel Ainabe, stated that the fear of Esan language going into extinction was real, adding that presently children from Esan land no longer speak the language .

He said that the very aim of this gathering organised by AEP is to discuss and proffer solutions on how best to revive Esan speaking of Esan language.

According to him, “It is high time we address this issue of Esan language going into extinction once and for all. That is the reason why we are here to draw the attention of Esan people to the danger of allowing the language to die.

He stated that the AEP would put pressure on authority to ensure that the language is not only spoken but that it is also taught in schools, adding it would not be out of place if it is made a compulsory in schools

On the way forward, the Chairman stated that the association would ensure that Esan language is made compulsory in schools in Esan land.

To buttress his point, the Chairman stated that AEP organised a quiz competition for students from the local governments in the state to encourage them to speak Esan.

Also speaking, the traditional ruler of Ekpoma, His Royal Highness, the Onogie of Ekpoma, Ehizojie Abumere Anthony 11, who commended AEP for the bringing the issue to the fore added that when he heard that the group was coming to his palace ,he decided to wait because the issue the association was coming to talk on also gives him source of concern.

According to him, “I have been thinking of what you are doing about Esan language that is fast dying and no longer taught in schools. The issue should give any real Ishan man concern.”

He pointed out that two things that are giving him serious concerns include: firstly, that the voice of Esan people is no longer heard or vociferous and that secondly, that Esan history is no longer taught in schools.

He commended AEP for its efforts at reviving Esan language in Schools, adding that anybody that does what the association is doing; promoting Esan language needs support and prayers.

In his words, “Any man that does not speak his father’s language is a slave. It is a new pattern of slavery.”

On the way forward, the Onogie of Ekpoma advised AEP to first and foremost take the issue of bringing back Esan language into schools’ curriculum with the Ministry of Education, adding that that is where the problem started from.

He also advised the group to carry along the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) Esan Chapter, as according to him the chapter is made up of Esan speaking men and women.

On his part, the Onogie of Ogwa , His Royal Highness, Zaiki Victor Agbomere Ehizojie 11 re-echoed the words of the Onogie of Ekpoma but decried a situation where despite the fact that both parents are Esan, yet the children cannot speak Esan language.

He argued that a situation where children abandon Esan language and speak other language amounts to backward civilisation, adding that the issues raised by ARP are worth discussing.

The traditional ruler stated that if care was not taken, the language may die in the next 25 years, adding that culture is not all about language but that it also includes dance.

He said that of all the dances by Esan people only the Igbabonelimin that is still very popular till date, but that despite that it is very difficult to find Esan youths learning how to dance Igbabonelimin

He listed some of the Esan dances that are fast go into extinction to include Asolo and others.

According to him, “Even if we were brought up and stay in Lagos, we must learn to speak Esan language”

He thanked AEP for making efforts at reintroducing Esan language in schools curriculum, adding that by the grace of God efforts of the group will not be in vain.

We should support those promoting Esan culture .We thank those of you for the efforts at reviving the teaching of Esan language in schools”

October 31, 2016
Security personnel foils attempt to take firearms onboard

Security personnel belonging to DANA Air on Tuesday foiled an attempt by a passenger; who is a para – military personnel to take firearms on board a Lagos – Abuja flights without subjecting the ammunition to the standard operating procedures.

According to sources, the para – military personnel was supposed to have handed over and registered the firearms to aviation security personnel on hand; who in turn will check such firearm into the aircraft.

Sources hinted that the para – military personnel had unknowingly reached the boarding area with the guns before security personnel belonging to DANA Air requested that he submitted them for the required registration and check – in procedure.

Sequel to compliance with the prescribed aviation security procedures, the para- military personnel had to join the next flight to Abuja.

Confirming the incident, corporate communications manager, DANA Air, Kingsley OKWUDILI Ezenwa said the airline’s security only prevailed on the passenger to comply with the required safety rules.

He said the incident was a fallout of lack of knowledge of the required rule by the passenger.

“The para – military personnel ought to have handed over his gun, but he did not know what to do. So, our security personnel insisted that the guns be documented by aviation security personnel of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, who are expected to profile the passenger and assist with the check in.

“Flowing from the incident, we insisted that the passenger joins the next flight to Abuja.”

October 20, 2016
Medview Airlines gets IATA safety certification
To negotiate interline, codeshare agreements with foreign carriers

International Air Transport Association ( IATA) on Monday admitted Medview Airlines into its global safety platform, after passing the International Operations Safety Audit ( IOSA) certification.

The admission of Medview into the IOSA registry of the global airline regulator is confirmation that the carrier has notched up its safety operational procedures to worldwide standards.

Speaking at a presentation ceremony of the IOSA certificate, the Regional Director, West Africa, IATA, Mr Samson Fatokun said Medview met the required safety standards set by the global body.

He said the safety endorsement has catapulted Medview into the league of global players in terms of operational safety and procedures required for global carriers.

He said the airline has fulfilled all the conditions and met all the requirements for it to be given IOSA certificate.With the safety endorsement, Medview has joined the league of other domestic carriers to be enlisted in the IOSA registry. Others include Aero, Arik, Overland and Allied Air.

He said IATA will continue to monitor the operational activities of Medview Airlines to prepare it for the validation of the certification in the next two years, before pursuing the enhanced IOSA.

Fatokun said with the certification, Medview Airlines could negotiate code share and interline agreements with global carriers to enhance its operations.

Speaking on the certification, the Managing Director of the airline, Alhaji Muneer Bankole said it has been a team work and that he dedicate the certification to the entire staff.

IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) audit, indicates that the airline has complied with all safety regulations.

The IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) programme is an internationally recognised and accepted evaluation system designed to assess the operational management and control systems of an airline.

IOSA uses internationally recognised quality audit principles and is designed to conduct audits in a standardised and consistent manner.

It was created in 2003 by IATA. The program is designed to assess the operational management and control systems of airlines.

Awarding the certificate to the Managing Director of Medview, Alhaji Muneer Bankole and his team, the Regional Director of IATA, Dr. Samson Fatokun lauded the carrier for meeting the stringent conditions for IOSA, stressing that it is good for all carriers in Nigeria to be IOSA certified.

He explained that IOSA became imperative for carriers after African leaders met and agreed that all carriers operating on the continent must be IOSA compliant before 2017.

His words: “If you check IATA registry, you will find Medview Airlines there. They worked for it. It is good to be there and it is more difficult to maintain it. Very soon, you have to continue for renewal. We are moving to E-IOSA.

“E-IOSA is an expansion of the IOSA program and focuses in particular on the continuous quality assurance of operational procedures and processes, encompassing all IOSA disciplines.

“This is done through regular internal assessments and the preparation of a Conformance Report (CR). Qualified auditors and a standardized audit procedure are important prerequisites for this.

For this reason, Aviation Quality Services, a wholly owned subsidiary of Lufthansa Flight Training, is already qualifying prospective auditors according to the new standard using tailored IOSA training.

“We want to commend Medview. This commendable. We want to ask you to take full advantage of requirement of IOSA to be an IATA member. We plead you don’t come off the registry. It gives you opportunity to be IATA member.”

Muneer thanked IATA for establishing IOSA standards, as he recalled a meeting he had with Etihad recently on the need for partnership.

He disclosed that it took the airline two years to get the certification. He dedicated to the management and staff.
October 17, 2016
154 Nigerians deported from Libya

Nigerian Immigration Service on Monday disclosed that some 154 Nigerians have been deported from Libya, adding that the deportees arrived the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos about 4.00pm local time.

According to a source, the return of the deportees was facilitated by the assistance of the International Office for Migration (IOM), which has been instrumental for the voluntary return of many Nigerians trapped in the crisis that engulfed Libya a few years ago.

Apart from those trapped in the Libyan crisis, some of the deportees also include those trying to make their way to Europe.

The Nation gathered that the deportees arrived on board a Libyan Airline aircraft, an Airbus A330-200 with registration number 5A-LAT.

On hand to receive them were officials of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Nigeria Police, Air Force Command and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) who facilitated their return to Nigeria.

The returnees comprised of 96 females and 58 males. Among the 96 females were nine pregnant women, three minors and three others with serious medical issues.

An IOM Medical Doctor, Abusrewi Zakariya was also on board to provide first aid to the sick ones among the returnees.

Head of IOM in Lagos, Nahashon Maina Thuo disclosed that Monday’s exercise was the fourth time in 2016 that the organization would assist Nigerians who volunteered to return home after they were stranded in Libya. He said similar support was provided to Senegal and other African countries.

He said another set of Nigerian migrants would be assisted to return home before the end of the year as their profiles are being sorted.

NEMA’s Director of Search and Rescue, Air Commodore Salisu Mohammed (rtd) said the agency would assist the returnees to get to their destinations.

He warned those seeking greener pastures abroad to have a rethink, saying they can make it in Nigeria.

October 10, 2016
Rwand Air Airbus 330-200 lands in Lagos
- High Commissioner says intra – African connectivity will boost trade, tourism
In an effort to capture the African air transport market, Rwand Air newly acquired Airbus 330-200 on Monday landed at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.

The aircraft flew in passengers from the Kigali, the capital of the East African country ; its major hub into Lagos, its hub for West Africa.

The new aircraft is the latest addition in the fleet of nine airplanes by the ambitious carrier set to take over the African skies with new product offerings ranging from competitive fares to extra luggage allowance for its teeming passengers .

Speaking at an impressive welcome ceremony at the international wing of the Lagos Airport, Rwand Air , Country Manager, Ms Ibiyemi Odusi said the arrival of the Airbus 330 – 200 is one the steps taken by the airline to consolidate on the Nigerian route with attractive packages that would make the carrier the preferred choice by passengers .

She said the configuration of the Airbus with Flat Bed on the Business Class, luxurious space at the Premium Economy Cabin and other seats in the Economy Cabin makes the 244 passenger seat aircraft the best on the Nigerian – Kigali and other routes the best .

Odusi called on Nigerian passengers to continue to patronise Rwand Air to destinations within and outside Africa to enable the airline resolve the lingering challenge of flight connectivity within Africa .

She said Rwand Air will next month take delivery of another new aircraft to enable it actualise its plans to open new routes within Africa into the Middle East and Asia as well as open new routes into Europe in 2017.

Also speaking at the event, the Rwandan High Commissioner to Nigeria, Ambassador Stanislas Kamanzi described the arrival of the Airbus into Nigeria as a milestone by the East Africa carrier, saying the aircraft is part of efforts to improve the national carrier of the country in offering seamless connections into and out of Africa.

He said Rwand Air will take delivery of another aircraft next month to enable the airline contribute its quota in growing air transportation in Africa.

Ambassador Kamanzi said: “We have to thank Nigeria for accommodating Rwand Air, and for allowing our airline develop Lagos as a hub over West Africa. From Lagos, we have expanded our operations into Ghana, Conakry, Abidjan.

“There is the necessity for Africa to be inter connected by air. A situation in which African countries still have problems of intra-country flight connectivity is unacceptable. Such difficulties in intra-African connectivity remains a huge challenge, wasting valuable time, resources that could be used to develop Africa.

“With this aircraft, people and business could move across borders.”

In his comment, the General Sales Agent (GSA), and Chief Executive Officer of APG, Mr. Babatunde Adeniji said the arrival of Rwand Air Airbus 330 – 200 into Nigeria will add value to air travel in terms of quality of service .

Present at the event is the Director , APG Global Associates , Mr. Femi Adefope and a Director with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority ( NCAA), Captain Abdulahi Sidi.
October 10, 2016
Ex-Airways workers in Atlanta advocate for national carrier

Former members of XWT aircrew Atlanta chapter have called on the government to consider setting up a national carrier to ease the movement of passengers in and out of the country.

Speaking at the Xwt aircrew convention 2016, the President of the association, Wola Adegbonmire said having a national carrier will not only transport people from place to place but, will serve as ambassadorial anywhere across the world.

Adegbonmire explained that airlines do not only advertise their countries but create awareness.

According to her, the Xwt aircrew made up of former workers of the Nigeria Airways, crew among others has been duly registered with the aim of creating awareness to the defunct national airline and public charity works.

“This is a lawfully registered nonprofit organization that believe in bringing awareness to the defunct National Airline and public charity works. It is made up of former staff of the now defunct Nigeria Airways. Mostly predominant in this organization are ex-cabin crew, cockpit the crew and operations staff. We currently have several chapters in the United States of America, England and Nigeria.”

She explained that the organisation was deliberating on ideas including ways of developing Nigeria’s aviation sector.

While commending members of the organisation, the President recognized the former SAHCOL boss, Dr. Olu Owolabi for his various contributions in ensuring the growth of the organisation.

“I specially thank the Atlanta X-crew for a wonderful reception and making this convention a unique one. They assured us to just come and
“I thank the Patron of this association in place of Mr. Olu Owolabi. He is not only supporting the association financially but in all areas to make us progressive and be in unity.”

October 10, 2016
IATA re-certifies NAHCo, get ISAGO Certificate

The Nigeria Aviation Handling Company Plc (NAHCo) Aviance has been re-certified by the International Air Transport Association (IATA’’s) Safety Audit for Ground Operations (ISAGO).

The certification means that NAHCo has continued to demonstrate excellence in the aviation industry.

An online statement signed by the Manager, Communications & Corporate Services, NAHCo, Tayo Ajakaye, said that the re-certification which runs till June 12, 2018 replaces the one that expires June this year.

NAHCo had always had the certification, getting re-certified by IATA at the expiration of one certification.

IATA Safety Audit for Ground Operations Programme (ISAGO) is a highly sought for certification by ground handlers.

The current certification clears NAHCo in major operational disciplines including Organisation and Management (ORM), Load Control (LOD), Passenger and Baggage Handling (PAB), Aircraft Handling and Loading (HDL), Aircraft Ground Movement (AGM) and Cargo and Mail Handling (CGM).

The company got different certifications for its Lagos and Abuja operations.

Speaking on the development, the Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Yahaya Hassan said, “We are glad we‘ve achieved this again. Our excellent processes and procedures endear us to world leaders in Aviation.”

According to Yahaya, who led the process of re-certification, NAHCo’s Kano operation is next in line for ISAGO certification.

“NAHCo will always do the right thing, the right way and will get the right results. That is the bedrock of our success,” Yahaya said.

ISAGO is an audit programme for ground handling companies serving airlines at airports.

The audit is built around a set of harmonised, globally recognized standards.

ISAGO aims to improve operational safety within the airport ground operations environment by reducing damage to aircraft and equipment and improving efficiency by reducing the number of redundant audits done by airlines on Ground Service Providers (GSPs).

GSPs that model their operations on the ISAGO standards are making a commitment to operate according to globally accepted industry best practices.

The programme is available to all GSPs worldwide, irrespective of size, or independent status.

The benefits of ISAGO are many. For ground handlers, ISAGO creates an environment for safer operations, resulting in fewer accidents and less injuries to personnel. Also, it reduces the number of audits from the customer airlines, allowing GSPs to focus their resources on operations.

For the airlines, ISAGO establishes a worldwide ground operational safety benchmark and standard.

It will drive down the number of redundant audits by implementing a system of audit sharing and registration and airlines will also save costs through less ground damage.

For the regulators and airport authorities, ISAGO improves safety oversight for the regulatory and airport authorities regarding the activities conducted by GSPs.

Some international regulators and airport authorities are already considering ISAGO as a minimum standard of safe operations and have mandated the program in their respective areas/countries or airports.

September 29, 2016