The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Nigerian

  • Nigerian woman sues US airline for ejecting her over body odour

    •Alleges racial discrimination

    A NIGERIAN woman is in court against the United Airlines, claiming the carrier racially discriminated against her in removing her from her flight at Houston’s Bush Intercontinental Airport following a complaint by a fellow passenger that she had a “pungent” odour.

    Hearing the federal discrimination suit filed by Queen Obioma is a court in Texas.

    The plaintiff said she and her children were wrongfully kicked off a flight headed to San Francisco on March 4, 2016, the second leg of a three-flight trip from Lagos to Ontario, Canada, where her kids attend school.

    According to the lawsuit, Obioma boarded the plane and found a white male passenger sitting in her assigned business class seat, from which he refused to move. When a flight attendant failed to resolve the conflict as the man continued to refuse to move to his own assigned seat, Obioma agreed to take his spot.

    Obioma went to the restroom before takeoff and returned to find the man blocking her from accessing the seat for several minutes.

    She said that a United staffer, identified as Russel H., instructed her to step off the plane, where she was informed by another United agent that the pilot requested that she exit as the man causing trouble complained that she was “pungent” and did not feel comfortable flying with her.

    Shaken, Obioma had her children removed from the flight as well, and the family made their connection five hours later. A frequent flyer member of United’s Star Alliance programme, Obioma said the airline discriminated against her because she is black, African and Nigerian.

    United responding to an inquiry on the issue by the Houston Chronicle said:

    “We have not yet been served with this suit and due to the pending litigation involved in this matter; we’re unable to provide further comment.”

    Obioma seeks punitive damages and legal fees.

  • Can every Nigerian be bad?

    Permit me, dear reader, to pose the above question. It is meant to prick the conscience of some of our people who are so fatalistic in thinking that nothing noble, brilliant, sensible, sane or patriotic can ever be a Nigerian.

    I’m enamoured of the social media for their wide range and immediacy of their information dissemination and some of us do intervene here and there, as not to allow the total pollution of our polity and the erosion of our values.

    Such intervention is provoked today by a post that’s almost gone viral about the gubernatorial aspirants from some states. To be specific, it is about Ogun State. And when I first stumbled on it and scanned through the first few lines, something welled up inside me to dismiss the post as the handiwork of the sitting governor’s detractors.

    But that feeling melted by the time I read a few lines down. It became crystal clear that the enemies of Ogun people from within or from without are at work. And I feel so sorry for this country and some of her citizens who are reeking in mischief.

    The post did not spare any party or any political leader, past and present; and it makes me wonder whether in this “desert of uselessness” there no oasis of good people at all. If that is so, what is God waiting for to wipe this land clear of its inhabitants?

    Of course, like I replied the sender of that post, if the state is, to the author or authors of that post, bereft of any good material to succeed Amosun, since all the touted names are presented in that condemnable post as unfit for the high office, such pessimists should go scouting for alternative gubernatorial materials from either Asero Motor Park in Abeokuta or Obalende “motor garage” in Ijebu Ode.

    In case anyone says that’s triviality taken far, I urge such thinkers to cast their minds back to the Second Republic when, either out of its inability to spread its dragnet wide for better stuff or for lack of quality materials in its ranks, the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) settled for a top urchin at the Oshodi motor park in Lagos, to fly its flag and contest the Federal House of Representatives seat for Oshodi Federal Constituency. And, as if you didn’t know, the man better known in his time as “Bayo Success”, was adjudged winner of that controversial election. He drove ”Shagari Mercedes Benz”, bedecked with the NPN and Nigerian flags on its sides, as status symbol for the Honourable Member, in that era.

    That was possible because the absence of good people would not deter any society that values democratic politics from thriving. A factly matter that made Edmund Burke postulate that what good people suffer by abstaining from politics is to allow fools and charlatans to rule them.

    However, before we lose the essence of this piece, it needs to be emphasised that people should not be so negative, pessimistic and/or extreme in their thinking, to believe that all citizens who aspire for elective political offices are crooks and criminals. Bad as the situation may be, I want to believe there are still credible men and women around who can run this race with impressive credentials.

    Like the jingle of the state urged, “omo Ogun ise ya”, meaning all who care for the continuing wellbeing of the Gateway State must get cracking and ensure we have good and credible people, to wear the gubernatorial tiara, come next year’s general elections.

  • Nigerian, U.S. Armies to host Land Forces Summit in Abuja

    THE Nigerian Army in conjunction with the United States (U.S.) Army African Command will host the 2018 “African Land Forces Summit (ALFS)” in Abuja from April 16 to April 19.

    Maj.-Gen. David Ahmadu, the Chief of Training and Operations, Nigerian Army, announced this yesterday in Abuja at a joint news conference with the U.S. Army.

    Ahmadu listed topical issues to be discussed at the event as `Command and Control in African Operational Environment, Collapse of the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria Caliphate and Implications on African Stability and Security’.

    He said the summit would afford African military leaders the opportunity to strengthen existing relationships and develop new ways of tackling security challenges on the continent.

    The chief of training also said the summit would provide the army with the forum to showcase its capabilities, project its image and military might to the largest gathering of senior military leaders on the continent.

    “It is pertinent to also state that the United States military through the auspices of the African Command (AFRICOM) holds annual conferences called the African Land Forces Summit (ALFS) with allied countries.

    “The forum affords countries the avenue to share experiences on global terrorism and forge common approach to combating transnational threats and crimes such as small arms proliferation and terrorism.

    “The summit is the single largest gathering of African senior military leaders on the continent.

    “It also affords them the opportunity to interact with the aim of strengthening existing relationships and developing new ones,” he said.

  • Imo monarch implores civil servants to fight corruption

    The Eze Imo, Eze Samuel Ohiri, on Thursday appealed to civil servants to show full commitment to the anti-corruption fight of the current administration to ensure sustained development.

    The monarch made the appeal in Owerri while receiving a delegation of the National Council on Establishment led by the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Winifred Oyo-Ita.

    Ohiri said that support and cooperation of all Nigerians were necessary for the success of the fight.

    “Pay close attention to the fight against corruption, discipline, loyalty and dedication to duty. If you put in your best, our country will be the best in the world.

    “In spite of the challenges you are facing in terms of low salary, do not relent in your efforts.

    “Rest assured that the traditional institution recognises your sacrifices and contributions for our nation,’’ the monarch said.

    Read Also:  ‘Don Waney’s men not in Imo’

    He described civil servants as the engine room of the country’s governance, and thanked them for efforts in moving Nigeria forward.

    Earlier, Oyo-Ita said that the council was deliberating on issues that would guide state governments on ways to enhance civil service.

    Oyo-Ita said that it was important for the council to meet regularly to ensure that the tenets of civil service were maintained.

    She said that the council was determined to move the country forward.

    “As a royal father, you play a very important role in the governance of your state, and as civil servants, we will ensure that work of governance must go on.

    “We need to work together as one council and speak with one voice with regard to what we need to improve the service,’’ she said.

    NAN

  • Nigerian, Ghanaian authorities investigating Arik Air serious incident, says AIB

    Nigerian, Ghanaian authorities investigating Arik Air serious incident, says AIB

    Nigeria’s Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) and the Ghanaian authorities have commenced investigation into a serious incident on Arik Air Flight W3304 which occurred on March 6, 2018.

    The disclosure was made yesterday by Commissioner, AIB, Akin Olateru, an aircraft engineer in a statement.

    He confirmed that the indeed occurred and classified it as ‘serious incident’ in accordance with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Annex 13.

    Olateru thanked the concerned passenger(s) that reported the occurrence on social media, for being socially conscious citizen(s), and assured him/them and the flying public alike, that the institutions lawfully charged with the responsibility of investigating accidents and serious incidents by both countries (Nigeria and Ghana) are already conducting investigation

    on this serious incident, in accordance with strict ICAO Annex 13 on accident and serious investigation.

    As a well-informed society, he said AIB appreciates the contribution of Nigerians working as responsible partners with AIB to ensure accidents are promptly reported and investigated.

    His words, “We would appeal that Nigerians adopt the direct approach of reporting air accidents and serious incidents by downloading the AIB APPhttp://www.aib.gov.ng/news-events/aib-nigeria-mobile-application-how-to-download-the-app/  to their phones and tablets so that accidents and serious incidents can be promptly notified to the appropriate quarters in good time rather than resorting to social media public space, which often times, leaves room for speculations, misrepresentation and misinformation that do not support the global objective of safety but creates an unreasonable apprehension of fear in the public space”.

  • Embrace data-driven reporting, UNICEF urges Nigerian media

    Embrace data-driven reporting, UNICEF urges Nigerian media

    The United Nations Children’s Fund ( UNICEF ) has urged media professionals in Nigeria to embrace  data gathering  in order to ensure accurate  and credible  reportage.

    Mrs Blessing Ejiofor, UNICEF Communication Officer, Lagos Field Office, made the call in Ibadan on Wednesday at a two-day workshop on  data-driven reporting   for journalists.

    Our reporters ,   reports that the workshop was organised in collaboration with the National Orientation Agency (NOA) in Lagos State.

    Ejiofor, who noted that data is  critical to policy-making in every organisation, said data processing in news writing would ensure that news and reports are  accurate and credible.

    “For our report to be credible and believable, we need accurate data from credible sources which make such reports to be credible and believable by people who read or watch,’’ she said.

    Ejiofor said that the workshop was aimed at training participants on how to effectively turn data into stories, adding that it would also create opportunities for data supported advocacy for children in the Nigerian media.

    Read Also: 12m girls become child brides yearly – UNICEF

    The workshop, she added, would also familiarize journalists with key finding of multiple indicator cluster survey as it relates to children and women in the South West  Zone and Edo.

    She further said  that the expected outcome of the training would  enable journalists to gain skills on interpreting data for stories and reports.

    Earlier, Mr Waheed Ishola, the NOA Director, said that the workshop was aimed at training journalists on gathering of  data and their interpretation for news reporting.

    Ishola said that data in news reporting was important for  accurate  and credible reports.

    Our reporters ,  reports that more than 50 journalists are participating in the workshop.

    NAN

  • Nigerian Baptist theological seminary clocks 120

    The inaugural lecture of foremost theological institution, Nigerian Baptist Theological Seminary, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, with the topic “Human being, being human: Theological Anthropology in the African Context” holds on March 8.

    It will be delivered by president of the seminary, Prof. Emilola Nihinlola.

    A statement by the seminary said the inaugural lecture is part of activities to commemorate its 120th anniversary.

    It will coincide with hosting of the 15th edition of International Theological Education Conference from March 6-8 with the theme “The development of theological education in Africa: History, challenges and prospects”.

    Participants are expected from Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroun and others.

    Nihinlola, who has emerged winner of 2018 scholar learner of the year, will be conferred with the award by Scholar Leaders from the United States of America (USA) in recognition of excellent performance of a leader in tertiary theological educational institutions in the world.

    The award is a unique annual presentation to selected individuals around the globe by the United States-based organisation.

    He is being recognised for his outstanding scholarship, exemplary faithfulness and leadership in theological education

    Other activities slated for the anniversary include dedication of the new academic complex, anniversary lecture, book presentation, fund raising, community hymn singing.

    It will be rounded off with an appreciation service holding on May 3-5.

  • Nigerian clergy hits top 40 on Global music charts

    A Nigerian Catholic Priest, Reverend Father Christian Achinivu, has emerged amongst world top 40 Best Singers and Songwriters in Reverbnation Charts Ranking.

    Reverbnation is home to over four million artists in the world and one of the top music ranking places especially for independent artists.

    Expressing joy and appreciation to God, the Priest popularly known as ‘Father Paiko’ on Saturday told newsmen that his first ranking was a day after his music was first introduced into reverbnation.

    According to him, “my first album placed me at number 3,900 out of millions of Singer/Songwriters on the Global Charts of Reverbnation.

    “I am grateful to God, fans and friends. The new ranking which placed me at 36th Globally was announced on February 8th, 2018, after I joined the charts in January this year.”

    He added that the ranking kept increasing on daily basis despite beginning with less than 200 fans until he entered the first 100 in ranking.

  • Yobe medical college hires Egyptian, Nigerian lecturers

    Yobe medical college hires Egyptian, Nigerian lecturers

    The Yobe State University of Medical Sciences has hired senior officials to facilitate the take-off of its programmes.

    Governor Ibrahim Gaidam, in a statement by his spokesman Abdullahi Bego, said the governor had “given approval for the recruitment of additional personnel into the newly-established College of Medical Sciences of the Yobe State University on permanent, pensionable and sabbatical basis.’’

    The statement reads: “The recruitments cover both academic and non-academic cadres. Those recruited include three professors and two PhD holders from Egypt and 30 Nigerians, including a Professor of Human Physiology, 18 Graduate Assistants, 11 Laboratory Technologists and Assistant Laboratory Technologists.”

    Governor Gaidam earlier approved the appointment of a provost for the college.

  • Libya blocks Nigerian migrants going to Europe

    Libya blocks Nigerian migrants going to Europe

    Despite accusations of slavery in Libya, Nigerian migrants are still flocking the North African country to reach Europe.

    Latest reports said the Libyan coastguard blocked 324 migrants, among them Nigerians, who were trying to reach Europe, using the Mediterranean Sea.

    They were picked up on Monday trying to leave on board two rubber boats.

    The migrants intercepted about seven miles off the western town of Zuwara on Monday included 35 women and 16 children, coastguard spokesman Ayoub Qassem said in a statement.

    They were mostly from four sub-Saharan countries: Chad, Nigeria, Mali, Ivory Coast.

    “There are some others from Tunisia, Pakistan and Morocco. There are also 32 persons including eight women and six children from Libya, and three families among them,” he said.

    The number of migrants crossing from Libya has dropped since July as Libyan factions and authorities – under pressure from Italy and the European Union – began to block departures, especially from the smuggling hub of Sabratha.

    But they have continued from the shoreline east of the capital, Tripoli, and dozens are thought to have died after a boat sank off Zuwara earlier this month.

    Zuwara was itself a major migrant smuggling hub until 2015, when there was a local backlash against smuggling after a boat thought to be carrying several hundred migrants sank.

    So far this year, just over 3,500 migrants have arrived in Italy from Libya, 62 percent fewer than during the same period last year, according to Italian interior ministry statistics.

    The top three nationalities declared by migrants arriving in Italy are Eritrean, Tunisian and Pakistani, followed by Nigerian and Libyan.

    The International Organisation for Migrants(IOM), along with the Nigerian government has been repatriating for several months now, thousands of Nigerians stranded in Libya.