The Nation Newspaper

Tag: KELVIN OSA-OKUNBOR

  • Kalu condoles with Shinkafi family

    The former Governor of Abia, Dr. Orji Kalu, has expressed shock over the demise of front-line politician and philanthropist, Alhaji Umaru Shinkafi.

    The late presidential candidate of the APP/AD Alliance in 1999 died in London on Wednesday.

    According to the former governor, the late Marafan Sokoto was a perfect gentleman and a patriotic statesman, who was committed to the cause of a just and fair society.

    In a statement signed by his Special Adviser, Kunle Oyewumi, Kalu said, “the demise of Alhaji Umaru Shinkafi is a huge loss to the nation considering his contributions to the social, economic and political development of Nigeria.

    “Having served in different capacities especially in the public sector, he died at a time his counsel on national issues is most needed.

    “Alhaji Shinkafi was a detribalized Nigerian and he built friendships and relationships beyond the boundaries of the North.

     “The demise of the Marafan Sokoto has created a big vacuum in the political circle.

    “The memories of the late police officer will linger forever in the minds of many in the society.

    “However, we take solace in the fact that he left behind good legacies.”

    Kalu, while admonishing the deceased’s family to be comforted in the purposeful life their patriarch lived, urged them to sustain the exemplary qualities of the late philanthropist.

    The former governor commiserated with the government and people of Zamfara State and the entire Shinkafi family.

    He prayed God to grant the late politician eternal rest and give the family the fortitude to bear the great loss.

  • Eid-el-fitri: Sustain Ramadan virtues – Kalu urges Nigerians

    Former Governor of Abia State, Dr. Orji Kalu has urged Nigerians to sustain the virtues associated with the Muslim fast at Ramadan,  charging them to live in peace and harmony, describing the  future of the country as  bright under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari.

    Kalu pointed out that the heterogeneous nature of Nigeria should be seen as an advantage, noting that peaceful co-existence among Nigerians regardless of religion, tribe, economic and social status is a panacea for sustainable development

    In a statement signed by his Special Adviser, Alhaji Kunle Oyewumi, Kalu said,”It is indeed another opportunity to join our Muslim brothers and sisters to celebrate this year’s Eid-el-Fitr in commemoration of the successful completion of the month-long spiritual exercise.

    “ Sallah period is a season of spiritual rebirth and fulfillment and as such, we should use the occasion to offer special prayers for the nation.

    “The tenets of the holy month of Ramadan must be sustained by the Muslim Ummah as a way of keeping to the teachings of the holy Qu’ran and exemplary qualities of Prophet Mohammed.

    “We must imbibe the acts of alms giving, togetherness, love and sacrifice in our daily lives.”

    Kalu, while wishing the Muslim community a hitch-free festivity, he reminded them to celebrate with people of other religious faith.

  • NAHCO signs ground handling deal with six airlines

    Despite the harsh operating environment, the ground handling firm: Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO) Aviance Plc. has signed agreement to provide services for six airlines.

    The new agreement accordingly to the spokesman of the firm, Mr Tayo Ajakaye is to cement its leadership position in the business.

    Ajakaye said the airline include international air operators,  including: Meridiana Fly (Italian Airline), Mid – African Airlines (new Gambia Flag Carrier) which are making entries into Nigeria for the first time.

    Others he said include  Rwanda Air,  which  has   concluded plans to fly the Abuja – Kigali route.

    Also concluded in the new business deal with the cargo handling firm are: MainstreamAviation; a major Cargo Air-Freight,  Logistics Airline operating both international and local flights.

    On the domestic front,  NAHCO has also signed deals to provide ground handling service for Air Peace in Akure,OndoState, and for fast rising local operator,AzmanAir in Maiduguri and Yola.

    Speaking on the development, the Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) of the Company, Mr. Seyi Adewale said the current economic environment has provided opportunity for the company to be creative.

    He said: “It’s during difficult business periods or cycles that the ‘wheat is separated from the chaff’. At this stage, it’s very clear that NAHCO is an excellent and efficient brand that has endured 36 years of Aviation (Ground) Handling Efficiency and Qualitative Standards. Our high-end Ground Support Equipment is well maintained and upgraded.

     “We have a strong and motivated workforce, and we are sticklers for continuous business development and innovation.

    ” Our professional and operating ethics sets us far above other Terminal operators and this is further proven by our growing local and international airline partners. We would continue with our driving force and slogan to deliver Service Beyond Expectation!“

    According to Adewale, the new businesses are a testimony of the excellent service delivery which NAHCO is known for globally, pointing out that more and more operators are realizing that they deserve value for money and are turning to a service provider that can ensure that

  • Arik Air denies suspending Lagos-Accra flights

    Arik Air denies suspending Lagos-Accra flights

    • As Aero, Dana Air withdraw from route

    Arik Air on Thursday said it has not suspended flight operations to Accra, Ghana.

    But, Aero and Dana Airlines have temporarily suspended operations on the route, for reasons industry hinted borders on limited access to foreign exchange, non-availability of aircraft to service the route and other factors.

    Arik Air’s Chief Commercial Officer, Suraj Sundaram said the airline is still operating between the Lagos-Accra and Abuja-Accra routes and is not contemplating suspension of flights as claimed by a section of the media.

    “We have been consistent since commencing the Accra route in January 2008 and we remain the largest airline on that route offering the largest capacity and choice of flights not only connecting Nigeria to Ghana but also onwards from Ghana to other West African nations,” Sundaram said.

    Arik Air started Accra operations with one daily fight and the airline has scaled this operation over the years into five flights out of Lagos and Abuja.

    Arik Air is the first African carrier to have truly established a ‘scissors hub’ at Accra airport, meaning that flights from Lagos and Abuja arrive in Accra within a few minutes of each other, and then depart onwards to other West African cities from Accra nonstop.

    “This enables both Northern and Southern Nigeria to be connected to destinations like Banjul and Dakar conveniently via Accra in both directions.

    “In addition, Arik Air is the largest international airline out of Ghana operating to six cities nonstop from Accra. These include Freetown, Banjul, Dakar, Monrovia, Lagos and Abuja.

    “We will continue to invest in and further expand the Ghanaian market based on the strong support and patronage, we have received from the people of Ghana over the past eight years,” Arik Air’s Chief Commercial Officer added.

    A source close to Aero said the decision to temporarily stop operating in Accra is part of restructuring by the airline.

    He said: “The decision to stop flights into Accra is not directly linked to foreign exchange difficultly.  
    “Aero is restructuring, the will have impact on many areas of flight operations.”

    Spokesman of DANA Air, Kingsley Ezenwa said the decision to stop Accra flight operations is temporal.

  • Aviation pensioners oppose planned concession of airports 

    Aviation pensioners oppose planned concession of airports 

    • Urges interested players to take up unviable airports

    Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) branch on Wednesday said that they are opposed to plans by the Federal Government to concede or privatise four viable airport terminals in Lagos, Abuja, Kano and Port Harcourt.

    The pensioners said it is against national interest to concession the four major airports as the persons or company to be contracted to handle these international airports could be hired or compromise to allow weapons into the country.

    Speaking at a briefing in Lagos, National Chairman of NUP, FAAN, branch Comrade Rasak Ope and the Administrative Secretary, Comrade Emeka Njoku said previous attempts by government to achieve any form of concession in the aviation sector has been fraught with controversies.
    They said rather than concession the airports, FAAN, should be allowed to run existing airports without interference.

    They said the last administration excluded FAAN from privatisation or concession based on security implications.

    They urged the Federal Government to give more priority to unviable airport rather than its planned privatalisation or concession of the viable airport terminals.

    They said since the minister of aviation, Capt Hadi Sirika  is determined to make the airports profitable, he should concentrate on unviable airports and make them viable.

    They explained that airports across the world represent a cardinal posture of any country’s sovereignty, hence handling them to individual or group of people pretended danger to the country.

    They said previous attempts to privatise some government entities, including PHCN, Ajaokuta Steel, NITEL and the Nigeria Airways did not yield the desired results.

    “How can we give out our national heritage to individuals to operate, thereby undermining Nigeria sovereignty, losing sight of security implications, which is supposed to be paramount in every sphere of any nation.

    “Therefore, airports should not be seen as buying and selling ventures, where profit should be the yardstick.

    “Airports represent public interest such as economic, social activities and international connections, from country to country and state to state,” they said.

    They further said: “Contracting airports to a person or company to handle the four major international airports could be dangerous as they interested parties could be  hired or compromise to  allow weapons into the country including people of in question unable characters in the world.

    “They can use this laxity to flock into the country and former trouble which can lead to barrage deaths of citizens or unrest.

    “Not at the time when Nigeria is still battling with Book Haram, agitation of state Biafra and militancy. Therefore, we should not open more ways for trouble in the name of ‘we want our airports to be more viable and put Nigerians into danger,” it said.

    “Who will be responsible for the assets and liabilities of FAAN?, Has the Act establishing FAAN been abrogated or amended by the National Assembly before such transformation take place?” It said.

    The union noted that FAAN had tried such concession in the past with Maevis on revenue collection and its experience was unpalatable.

    “We are strongly convinced that the same ventures are back with the same convincing proposals to the Ministers and at the end of the day, the concessionaires will disappoint and legal battle will commence.

    “The staff and pensioners will suffer while infrastructure will continue to dilapidate the more, passenger will groan,” they said.

    Meanwhile, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, (FAAN) has taken over Hometel Car Park close to the international wing of the Lagos Airport following what would seem like an unwillingness of the current concessionaires to remit funds collected on the authority’s behalf.

    This development came to light when the unions, last Thursday  took over the management of the car park from its concessionaire over allegations of non-remittance to FAAN for over two years.

    The unions also accused the management of the car park of lack of proper concessioning agreement with FAAN, saying that it signed and violated part of the Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, with the FAAN management, by unilaterally raising the car park fee from N200 to N500 per car without informing FAAN.

    It was learnt that Managing Director of FAAN, Engr. Saleh Dunoma on Monday backed the industry unions in its takeover of the Hometel Car Park due to the level of indebtedness and has ordered authority’s Legal Department to take a look at the Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, it signed with the owners of the company.

    The meeting to discuss the takeover of the car park held at the headquarters of FAAN in Lagos.

    On the side of the management were the Ag. Director of Commercial, Mr. Toyin Okpaise, General Manager, Rentals, FAAN, Deputy General Manager, Corporate Communications, FAAN, Mr. Onyekpere Nnaekpe and other directors in the agency.

    The unions were led by the President of Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), Comrade Benjamin Okewu, Secretary-General of National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE) Comrade Olayinka Abioye, Chairman and Vice-Chairman of NUATE, FAAN Branch among many others.

    At the meeting, which ran till evening on Monday, the unions specifically said that it would not allow the concessionaire to continue to render the service on behalf of the agency, describing it as a “chronic debtor.”

    Acting General Secretary of NUATE, Comrade Olayinka Abioye confirmed the development.

    Abioye revealed that the agency had ordered its legal department to look at the naughty areas in the MoU between the two parties, stressing that since its takeover, the staff had been generating enough revenues that would make the payment of salaries easier at the end of the month.

    He said, “We have resolved the matter and FAAN staff have taken over the control of the car park from Hometel. At the meeting, the Managing Director of FAAN, ordered the legal department to critically look at the MoU with the owners of the company.

    “The management supported the takeover of the car park. If you have a concessionaire that is not generating revenue as supposed to you, what will you do with such a company? It was a very reassuring meeting. We will generate enough revenues that will be enough for us to pay salaries at the end of the month.

  • CLO calls for resignation of Appeal court’s President

    Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO) has called for the resignation of the President, Court of Appeal, Hon. Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa for alleged open display of personal interest  in constituting a questionable three- man panel of the Appellate Court to hear an appeal by a former council chairman of Asari – Toru local government area of Rivers State, Ojukaye Flag – Amachree.
    The said Ojukaye Flag – Amachree,  who is currently remanded in prison custody and awaiting trial  is facing a three count charge of conspiracy and murder having been accused of shooting to death one Smart  Soberekon to death in Buguma, headquarters of the local government during April 11, 2015 general election.
    At a briefing in Lagos yesterday, CLO, President, Comrade Igho  Akeregha said, the call for the resignation of the President of the Court of Appeal, is predicated on alleged bias, an obvious act of potential abuse of judicial powers and perceived compromise as as clear demonstration of political partisanship in the trial of the said Amachree.
    The CLO boss said the way and manner the three man panel was set up by the President of Court of Appeal, smacks of bias and attempt to derail the course of justice.
    The CLO, he said became curious when the panel of appeal in the Port Harcourt Court of Appeal, which refused to grant bail on health grounds to Amachree is being substituted by another panel set up by the President of the Court of Appeal without any reason.
    Akeregha said: ” The CLO has chosen the option to raise this alarm and urge the Chief Justice of Nigeria to curb the excesses of Hon. Justice  Bulkachuwa  and relieve her of the sensitive position  of Court of Appeal President as it now appears obvious to any discerning mind that the singular reason for which she hurriedly constituted the said three man panel is to preferentially entertain an appeal which denied Amachree bail by the Rivers State High Court.
    “We also observe that there is neither a petition nor an issue of bias against any of the Appeal Court Justices by any of the parties to warrant any form of reassignment or setting up of this supposedly respected President of Court of Appeal.
    “The mission of the President of the Court of Appeal by constituting another panel where there is a substantive Panel of Appeal in Port Harcourt betrays the judicious and judicial exercise of powers and raises questions on both the impending/ potential abuse of judicial exercise of powers by judges as well as the issue of partiality and partisanship among judges with open cleavages and interest to ostensibly do the biding of certain politicians instead of bidding of conscience and law.”
    The CLO, has called on the National; Judicial Council to dissolve the so – called appeal panel to hear the bail application of Amachree.
    The CLO said: ” That Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa be immediately investigated, reprimanded and restrained for this show of naked partisanship in a murder trial and gross abuse of judicial powers  and criminal breach of trust. If found culpable, she should be made to immediately stand down.
    “That the Appeal Court judges that are originally assigned to preside over the Appeal Court in Port Harcourt Division should be allowed freely to sit and entertain this matter including several others before it.
    “That the NJC and the Chief Justice of Nigeria should not allow the interest of the likes of Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa to rubbish the judiciary again m but should rise to the occasion now and do the needful which is the credibility and integrity of the judiciary.
    “That the CLO believe that given the circumstances of this case, the organization and other right thinking members of the public totally reject this panel and will stop at nothing short to seeking to harvest filthy political gains and lucre and instigate another round of avoidable violent crisis in Rivers State where a rerun election is about to take place in a number of places.”

  • Turnaround strategy for Aero could save over N3.56b a year – investigations 

    Turnaround strategy for Aero could save over N3.56b a year – investigations 

    If Aero Airlines must keep afloat, its managers would need to put in place a turnaround strategy of reducing work force to 700 workers from the existing 1, 453, investigation has revealed.

    Apart from cutting down on the workforce by an estimated 51 per cent, sourced hinted that the airline needs serious surgical intervention, including  fleet enhancement to accommodate the lease of eight aircraft and route expansion in Wet and Central African routes alongside some domestic routes.

    The Nation investigations also  revealed that failure on the part of  managers of the airline to carry out financial restructuring to ensure the carrier is able to pay its suppliers as and when due, may sound the death knell for the hitherto solid carrier..

    A source hinted that should the airline carry out the restructuring plan, the benefits will begin to accrue within the next year.

    Investigations also revealed that Aero Airlines this year obtained a loan running into over N120 m from the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), to stop aircraft lessors from repossessing some aircraft from the carrier.

    Aero, investigation further revealed may not get additional loan from AMCON, without carrying out staff rationalisation of about 51 per cent.

    Currently, Aero operates two Boeing 737 and additional two Dash 8 aircraft with a staff strength of 1, 453.

    The overloaded staff strength according to industry analysts puts the ratio to the four aircraft at 363 workers per airplane, a figure experts  say is too high for an airline in desperate need of restructuring.

    Investigations also reveal that Aero may be struggling to keep afloat, raising posers in the industry over what happened to its many aircraft many years ago  as one the leading domestic carriers.

    A source queried: “Aero has a strong safety heritage which is a strong asset to the airline, with its strong customer base.”

    A few months ago, AMCON appointed former Director General of Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Captain Fola Akinkuotu to turn around the airline.

    Capt. Akinkuotu said he was pleased to be given the opportunity to turn around Aero Contractors, adding: “AMCON has given us a lifeline which is an opportunity for us to succeed. This option is a huge opportunity we must take as there’s no other option. I believe we can make Aero Contractors a success story.

    “Aero is a premium Nigerian legacy brand, and I am determined to ensure that this airline continues to serve the Nigerian market efficiently, reliably and with its safety record intact.”

    In April, 2016, the management of the airline took bold steps to commence the initial phase of restructuring by erasing some jobs, but aviation unions challenged the action.

    Investigations revealed that the personnel affected by the planned restructuring were workers whose services were no longer required.

    AMCON, earlier this year dissolved the board of Aero Contractors and appointed a manager to oversee the affairs of the airline.

    AMCON also engaged a reputable accounting firm to undertake a forensic audit of the airline’s accounts over the last five years.

    A statement issued by the public relations firm handling the airline: SY&T explained that the takeover of the airline by AMCON is in furtherance of the statutory responsibility of acquiring Eligible Bank Assets and putting them to economic use in a profitable manner.

    Currently, the Asset Management Company of Nigeria (AMCON) owns 60 percent of the company with the remaining 40 per cent held by the Ibru family.

    The statement reads: “AMCON has also engaged a reputable accounting firm to undertake a forensic audit of the airline’s accounts over the last five years.

    “AMCON is both the majority shareholder and creditor of Aero.

    “An Industry based management team will be put in place to provide the highest level of professional competence which would ensure a quick repositioning of the company.

    “The management of AMCON decided to make changes in the management of the airline to protect the brand heritage of the airline.

    “AMCON also maintains that its intervention is in the public interest to sustain and improve the robust and premium quality service which Aero is known for in the country.

    “AMCON would like to assure the regulatory authorities, the traveling public and key stakeholders that the airline will continue to operate on the solid foundation of safety and security with excellent customer service.”

  • World Drug Day: Dalung, Akiolu, others call for support for NDLEA

    World Drug Day: Dalung, Akiolu, others call for support for NDLEA

    The Minister of Youth and Sports, Solomon Dalung, Oba Rilwan Akiolu of Lagos and other stakeholders have called for intensified efforts in the fight against drug trafficking in the country.
    Dalung said that all over the world, governments are committing billions of dollars to fight the menace of drug abuse.
    According to the minister, “investing in social programmes that discourage young people from going into drugs will yield fruitful results in the long run. The Youth and Sports Ministry will collaborate with the NDLEA in minimising the abuse of drugs and other substances especially among the youth.”
    Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu also called for improved funding for the Agency and provision of logistics for enhanced performance.
    He urged members of the public to volunteer useful information on the activities of drug trafficking organisations in their neighbourhoods for the NDLEA to serve them better.
    “I want the government to improve the funding of the NDLEA. Drug control cannot be fought without logistic support. Members of the public also have a responsibility to report the illegal activities of drug traffickers in their neighbourhood to law enforcement agents,” the Oba stated.
    Chairman and  Chief Executive of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Col. Muhammad Mustapha Abdallah (retd.) said that Nigeria remains committed to the dislodgement of criminal drug syndicates targeting the country and West African sub-region as a hub for illicit drug production, trafficking and abuse.
    The 26th of June was set aside as International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking by resolution 42/112 of the United Nations General Assembly on the 7th of December 1987.
    Abdallah who was represented by the Director General of the Agency, Mrs Roli Bode-George stressed that the country had maintained a rising drug control profile through capacity building and unwavering sense of obligation.
    He promised to work with stakeholders in ensuring a healthy and drug-free society.
    “Nigeria will continue to dislodge criminal drug syndicates seeking to turn our country and West Africa sub-region to a hub for illicit drug production, trafficking and abuse. We have maintained a rising drug control profile through capacity building and unwavering sense of obligation.
    The Agency will continue to work with stakeholders in ensuring a healthy, drug-free society” Abdallah stated.
    The NDLEA boss gave the assurance at an event to mark the 2016 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Drug Trafficking held in Lagos. In his words, “As we mark this important day, stakeholders must review drug control strategies aimed at ensuring a safer environment. Moving forward, we must determine the effectiveness of existing measures.
    The adequacy of allocated resources to drug control, effectiveness of public enlightenment on the dangers of drugs and what areas should be given priority attention in terms of policy change and reinforcement.”
    Speaking on the global theme for this year’s campaign, which is Listen First; the NDLEA Chairman called on parents to strengthen the bond between them and their children. “This theme is a clarion call on parents to carry out a self appraisal on the relationship between them and their children and amend observed gaps. When parents fail to listen to their children, they are unwittingly creating room for negative confidants to mislead them.”
    He urged parents, guardians and leaders to continually reach out to young persons, interact and share in their concerns. This will help them to build positive attitudes and relevant skills needed to prevent drug abuse and other social vices inimical to societal peace, growth and development.
    Listening to children and youths is the first step in bonding with them to grow healthy and safe. As children advance through adolescence, they explore their environment and discover their unique potentials and capabilities. In the process, they are exposed to challenges of drug use, violence and radicalisation if not properly guided. Many youths have been negatively  influenced by peer pressure, poverty, exposure to violence, ignorance and absence of supporting parenting.
    Drug use often begins as a way to seek recreation, but the addictive properties of drugs soon make people dependent. This compulsion is uncontrollable and may interfere with the individual’s everyday life. Some of the effects of drug use include paranoia, psychosis, immune deficiencies, organ damage, dropping out of school, loss of job, unfulfilled dreams and premature death to mention a few.
    An estimated 246 million people across the globe, that is 1 out of 20 people between the ages of 15 and 64 years were reported to have used an illicit drug in 2013 by the World Drug Report 2015. It was equally reported that 1 out of 10 drug users about 27 million people, or almost the entire population of a country like Ghana or Mozambique are problem drug users suffering from drug use disorders.
     Almost half of this number about 12.19 million injects drugs while 1.6 million of those who inject drugs are HIV positive. Above all, about 187,000 drug related deaths also took place in 2013.
    Drug syndicates constantly seek ways of circumventing drug control laws. They introduce new psychotropic substances annually and change drug trafficking routes. In 2015, a total of 602 new psychoactive substances were reported by Member States to the International Narcotic Control Board (INCB).
    This represents 55 percent increase over the previous year when 388 new substances were reported globally. In Nigeria, we have observed a growing abuse of new drugs like cough syrups with codeine, tramadol, and Rohypnol. We shall continue to monitor demand and supply in determining the control of substances.
    Another threat of narcotic drugs that has capacity to undermine the sovereignty of nations is the nexus between drug trafficking and terrorism. Illicit proceeds derived from drug trafficking are so huge that such ill-gotten money can be used to finance terrorism and political ambitions of drug barons. We also know that most criminal acts are perpetrated under the influence of narcotics. Armed robbery, murder, rape and violent acts are most often induced by illicit drug use.
    Drug syndicates are targeting Africa as a trans-shipment point  for smuggling cocaine across the Atlantic into Europe as Eastern Europe is gradually becoming a transit and destination area. West Africa is equally becoming an established source of methamphetamine smuggled into East and South East Asia through Southern Africa or Europe. With the expansion of methamphetamine markets in East and South East Asia as well as growing use of methamphetamine in parts of North America and Europe, West Africa is now the focus of drug cartels.
    NDLEA will resist any move to use the sub-region as a hub for illicit drug production and trafficking. The arrests and drug seizures of the Agency reaffirm our commitment. Additionally, the timely arrest and prosecution of four Mexicans and three Bolivians underscores our resolve to stop the infiltration of foreign cartels into Nigeria. Apart from the huge seizures of narcotics at the airports, seaports and land borders; the Agency made a significant breakthrough by detecting eleven clandestine laboratories for the production of methamphetamine in the country since 2011.
    The war against narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances is a battle for peace and welfare of mankind. There is no better time to consolidate on gains recorded as we reappraise and streamline drug control strategies. Let us continue to extend the frontiers of drug abuse prevention programme through an integrated approach. A process driven by families, schools, communities and the media. The Drug Anonymous Support Group that will commence soon is expected to provide help to people with drug abuse problem. This shall be complemented with psychotherapy, which helps patients learn how to resist and redirect compulsions and individual counseling.
    The Agency will continue to undertake innovative approaches to drug control by strengthening international cooperation. Members of the public are encouraged to visit NDLEA website and patronize our social media anti-drug abuse counseling platforms. Through shared responsibility we can achieve far above our individual targets. We must continue to sustain the momentum until total victory is secured.
    The Agency honoured her fallen heroes who sacrificed their lives for a drug-free society adding that their sacrifices are not in vain. It promised to extend the scope of the campaign until total victory is achieved.

  • Singapore trains 13 Nigerian Aerodrome safety inspectors

    The Singapore Civil Aviation Academy has trained 13 Aerodrome safety inspectors working with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).

    The training hitherto carried out in Singapore took place at the NCAA conference facility in Lagos.
    According to the public relations head of NCAA,  Sam Adurogboye,  this will be the first time such a programme will hold in Nigeria.

    He described the programme as the pilot edition of  the Safety Oversight Inspectors Course (Aerodrome) in Lagos.

    The Aerodrome course hitherto offered in Singapore Civil Aviation Academy was taken to diaspora for the very first time in its existence.

    He said: “This is  cognizance of the importance of the course to global aviation safety, 40 participants from 15 African countries were in attendance for this maiden edition.

    “Nigeria provided the highest number of participants.”

    According to  Adurogboye, there were 13 persons from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and three from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).

    He said  14 other countries were similarly in attendance.

    They include: Burkina- Faso, Cameroon, Niger Republic, Congo, Mali, Cote De Voire, Togo, Senegal, Chad, Egypt, Kenya, Uganda, Gambia and Sierra Leone.

    The five-day Course was organized by the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC) in collaboration with the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS).

    The training had as its focus vital areas of Aerodrome Oversight functions.

    Some of  which include an overview of the states’ Safety Oversight Obligations, Critical Elements of Safety System, Safety Management System (SMS), Airport Emergency Planning, Operational Services  and Maintenance Practices, physical characteristics (runways, taxiways, clearways, stop ways and holding bays).

    Others are, visual aids for navigation, indicators and signaling devices, markings, lights, signs and markers, Aerodrome operational service, equipment and installations,  rescue and fire-fighting, training programme (review, records and documentation),  training of apron drivers, runway incursion prevention, wildlife and foreign object damage management inter alia.

    During the closing ceremony, the Director General, NCAA Capt.Muhtar Usman informed the Aviation Safety Inspectors (ASI) that the essence of the course was to enhance their Safety oversight management capacity of Aerodromes through a comprehensive system approach.

    The DG also posited that this opportunity given to the African Continent by delivering the course in Nigeria will enhance better understanding of roles and responsibilities of Aerodrome inspectors. It is expected that their knowledge of Aerodrome certification and surveillance will impact on safety and security of airline operations in Africa.

    In the areas of training and partnership, he said that NCAA has been a progressive partner with CAAS and AFCAC in different areas, specifically on Human Capital Development. Inspectors of the Authority have participated in several courses organized by these bodies; the most recent was the Dangerous Goods training in Niger Republic.

    Capt.Usman therefore commended the management of CAAS and AFCAC for granting NCAA the honor and privilege of hosting the course.

    He expressed optimism that the partnership will continue for the mutual benefit of all parties.

  • NDLEA arrests 8,778 suspects with 903,624Kgs of Drugs in 2015

    NDLEA arrests 8,778 suspects with 903,624Kgs of Drugs in 2015

    The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA),  said Tuesday that it has arrested 8,778 suspected drug traffickers comprising 8,143 males and 635 females in 2015.
    A total of 903,624.56kg of narcotic drugs was equally seized in the period under review.
    The seized drugs are as follows; cannabis 871,480.32kg, psychotropic substances 30,652.93kg, ephedrine is 785.10kg, methamphetamine 410.82kg, cocaine 260.47kg, heroin 30.09kg and amphetamine 4.83kg.
    The Agency also won 1,690 cases prosecuted in 2015.

    NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Col. Muhammad Mustapha (retd) made the disclosure at a meeting in Lagos to flag off activities marking the 2016 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
    According to the NDLEA boss who said that the World Drug Day is for self-appraisal on how the country has suppressed illicit production and trade in narcotic drugs gave the campaign theme as Listen First.

    This theme focuses on drug abuse prevention and places a responsibility on parents, guardians, opinion leaders and stakeholders to listen to the views of persons with drug abuse problem with a view to helping them overcome drug use.
    “Substance abuse is an equal opportunity ailment with medically certified preventive and treatment solutions. This theme is a timely caution for persons who may be provoked by the involvement of their loved ones in drug abuse into treating them harshly and unconventionally.
    “Lets listen to them and share in their pain as we take necessary steps in drug abuse counselling, treatment and rehabilitation” Muhammad stated.

    The Agency also introduced a drug support group called The Drug Anonymous Support Group.
    This is for people who are trying to remain in remission from drug dependency and use but need peer support assistance and encouragement to cope with the everyday pressures associated with illicit drug use.
    This affords them a platform, continuous help without fear of inhibition as this group provides a safe environment where their individual challenges and problems can be discussed and addressed. 

    The week long programme of event has been streamlined for greater impact to include a sensitization road walk, campaign in mosques on Friday and in churches on Sunday. The grand finale which is Sunday June 26 has been shifted to Monday June 27.

    Abdallah said notwithstanding the numerous challenges, Nigeria is championing the war against illicit drugs and will sustain the lead ahead of drug syndicates.
    “Let me reassure members of the public that the Agency shall continue to intensify its intelligence gathering and management machinery. We shall unmask more faces behind the obnoxious drug trade and prosecute them.
    ” Our advocacy and sensitization programmes shall also be expanded. We are doing everything to secure the future of our great country from the wicked clutches of drug trafficking and abuse” he assured.

    The Agency observed that most people have abandoned their enviable career due to substance abuse.
    The chairman said : ” Marriages have broken up and others are on the verge of breaking up because of drug use.
    “Worst still, many people have been maimed and even lost their lives either by taking drugs or due to carelessness of those under the influence of narcotics. “
      He added that these adverse consequences would have been averted if only there were listening ears to persons with drug abuse problem.