The Nation Newspaper

Tag: take off’

  • National carrier to take off in December, says minister

    Minister of State for Aviation Senator Hadi Sirika has reassured that the December 2018 deadline for the take of the national career is sacrosanct.

    He, however, debunked the notion that the take-off of the national carrier would end the operations of other domestic airlines.

    Sirika spoke while receiving the Outline Business Case Certificate of Compliance from Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) Director General Chidi Izuwah, an engineer.

    The presentation of the Certificate of Compliance is an official approval of the process, which the project has gone through so far.

    According to a statement in Abuja by the ministry’s Deputy Director, Media and Public Affairs, Sirika said the importance of the national carrier was the reason the government decided to take the option of a Public Private Partnership (PPP).

    He added that it was the only way to deliver a national carrier that would stand the test of time.

    On the claims that the national carrier would sound the death knell for other airlines operating in the country, he said: “Nigeria, with a population of over 180 million people with so many un-serviced routes offers more than enough space for all serious airlines to operate profitably.”

    He hailed the efforts of the ICRC Director General and his team in ensuring that the national carrier project remained on track through the observation of legal aid regulatory frameworks.

    The minister expressed satisfaction with the way the transaction advisers have carried out their assignments with utmost diligence and timeliness, assuring that the national carrier that would be delivered would be world class in operation and management.

    Izuwah said the presentation of the certificate of compliance was an official green light to proceed with the procurement process.

    He said that his commission, in granting the certificate reviewed the Project Structuring Report, also known as the Outline Business Case, in line with the ICRC Act of 2005.

    According Izuwah, the certificate was granted on the condition that the Federal Government has committed to leveraging on private sector capital and expertise towards the establishment of the national carrier through the provision of a Viability Gap Funding for the project.

    He linked other conditions for granting the certificate as including an official commitment to zero-contribution to airline management decisions and zero government control.

    Izuwah warned that any attempt to impose government control would invalidate the certificate and the entire process.

    He also said PPP was the only viable option for Nigeria in view of dwindling national resources.

     

  • OGFZA to accelerate take-off of Brass Oil, Gas City, says Sylva

    The Oil and Gas Free Zone Authority (OGFZA), will accelerate the take-off of the Brass Oil and Gas City, the Chairman of the board, Chief Timipre Sylva, has said.

    The former Governor of Bayelsa State, who spoke during the inaugural meeting of the board of the agency at the Oil and Gas Free Zone, Onne, Rivers State, the BOG City was approved and licensed as a free zone a long time ago, saying “we have to make sure that Brass Oil and Gas City becomes operational as soon as possible.”

    Observing that the governing board had little time in the face of so much to do, Chief Sylva said the situation called for hard work and firm prioritisation in project execution. He said the task the board has set itself would be accomplished because of its high quality membership. “I am very proud to be part of the board of such eminent Nigerians,” he said, adding, “we are all very seasoned people, very skilled people and it is easy for us to understand ourselves.”

    The Chairman commended the executive management of the agency for its effective leadership, stating that OGFZA’s Managing Director, Umana Okon Umana, has demonstrated the right leadership in directing the affairs of the free zone regulator and in administering the oil and gas free zones under his control. “Umana is leading OGFZA in the right direction,” Chief Sylva said.

    In a media chat, Chief Sylva outlined the vision and agenda for the new board, saying the board would provide power in Onne. “We are engaging a group of investors that will build a turbine for the free zone; that would be one of the things we would like to achieve before the end of the year.”

    The OGFZA chairman said efforts to improve the revenue position of the agency through effective IGR strategy would receive equal priority attention, pointing out that the board would do all that is necessary to resolve issues of conflict between the Nigeria Export Processing Authority (NEPZA) and OGFZA.“That will take a lot of our attention because we are going to make sure that we resolve those issues of conflict,” Chief Sylva said.

    Present at the inaugural board meeting were, Chief Timipre Sylva, board chairman; Mr Umana Okon Umana, Managing Director; Kuyebi Temitope; Hon. Frank Owhor; Mrs. Ngozi Jipreze; Murtala Adhama; Dr Emi Membere-Otaji and Mrs Ifuoma Isaac, while Abdulwasiu Sule is Secretary to the Board.

  • Itsekiri students urge speedy take-off of varsity

    Students of Itsekiri extraction in Delta State have urged the Federal Government to address issues delaying take-off of Nigeria Maritime University at Okerenkoko in Warri Southwest Local Government.

    The students, under the auspices of National Association of Itsekiri Students (NAIS), described as unnecessary, the controversy generated by the naming of the university’s site.

    NAIS, in a statement by Esimaje Richard Ejueyitsi and Iwerebor Oritsegbami Jeffrey, president and public relations officer, enjoined the “Federal Government to do with utmost urgency, what is necessary for the institution to take-off.

    “We join forces with advocacy groups and stakeholders who have remained unrepentant in a bid to ensure that the correct name of the institution should be Nigeria Maritime University, Okerenghigho, and not Okerenkoko, that is unknown to law.

    “It will be erroneous, in a lawful nation, as the case of our dear country Nigeria, to name an institution after legal tenants of a locality, instead of its legal owners, the Itsekiri people of Omadino (Okerenghigho),” the statement added.

    The students hailed the Attorney-General of the Federation, Mr. Abubakar Malami (SAN), for his memo to the National Assembly, which drew attention to the misnomer and sought correction.

  • Kogi governor-elect urges panel to ensure smooth take-off

    Kogi governor-elect urges panel to ensure smooth take-off

    Kogi State Governor-elect Yahaya Adoza Bello has urged the transition committee to chart a course to engender a smooth take-off of his administration on January 27.

    Bello, who addressed the committee, led by Alhaji Isah Shaibu, said the committee should consider the experiences of the 24-year-old state.

    He said: “Kogi State is endowed with natural and human resources, which puts it at an advantage, in addition to being close to the Federal Capital Territory. With the presence of Obajana Cement Factory, Ajaokuta Steel Company as well as Itakpe Iron Ore, our state could not have been asking for more as far as industrial and economic aspirations are concerned.

    “These resources and industries should place our state among the top five in the federation. Sadly, due to the leadership gap we have experienced over the years, the reverse is the case, as our social and infrastructural development indices leave much to be desired, although we are ranked 18th in terms of monthly federal allocations. This, to say the least, is unacceptable.

    “Against this background, we must take advantage of the blessings bestowed on us by rededicating ourselves to surmounting the challenges ahead. In the next few weeks, I expect this committee to come up with a framework to enable our administration take off.

    “You will need to think outside the box by coming up with workable and realistic plans for the smooth take off of the new administration, bearing in mind today’s economic realities.”

    The governor-elect enjoined the committee to address key sectors, “including education, health, job creation and youth empowerment, agriculture and rural development, solid minerals and infrastructural growth as well as civil service reforms for efficiency, enhanced productivity and a reward for service.

    “These can only be achieved by looking inwards with the objective of improving our Internally-Generated Revenue (IGR) within the shortest time.”

    He assured that his administration “will be committed to the responsibilities that God has placed on our shoulders.

    “Given your antecedents, you will no doubt deliver on this assignment, as you can be rest assured of my commitment to the realisation of our collective vision.”

    Other members of the committee are: Edward Onoja (secretary); Hajia Zainab Abdulazeez; Prof. Olu Akerejola;  Hajia Khadijat Suleiman;  Alhaji Ohinoyi Shaban; Alhaji Suleiman Baba Ali;  Mr. Idris Sura;  Dr. Atte David; Idris Haruna; Hajia Halima Alfa; Dr. Yakubu Ugwalawo; Mumuni Okara; and Dr. Martin Makoju.

  • College appeals for take-off grant, 15 years after

    College appeals for take-off grant, 15 years after

    •Fed Govt spends N12b on micro labs

    As the Federal College of Education (Technical), Umunze in Anambra State graduated 2,855 students, its Provost, Prof Josephat Ogbuagu, has appealed to the Education Minister, Prof Ruqayyat Ahmed Rufa’i to facilitate the release of its take-off grant.

    Ogbuagu, who said the non-release of the grant is affecting the expansion of the 15-year old college, also urged the Federal Government to upgrade the institution to a university.

    “It may be pertinent to inform the Minister that the college was not provided with any take off grant and this hinders the provision of the necessary infrastructure needed for a conducive learning environment. The college is passionately appealing for a special grant to quicken the rate of development in the college.

    “I also use this forum to make an explicit request for you to upgrade the college to a university of education. It is quite gratifying to inform you that we have the men, the materials and the land mass to take off as a university,” he said

    In her speech at the convocation, which was the 15th for Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) and Professional Diploma in Education (PDE) students who graduated between 2006 and 2012, Prof Rufa’i said the Federal Government has approved the construction of macro teaching computer laboratories in 59 colleges of education across the country at the cost of about N12 billion.

    The minister, who inaugurated the college’s e-library and inspected other projects, said government is focusing attention on Technical and Vocational Education as well as teacher training to improve skilled manpower to operate, maintain and sustain the nation’s economic activities for rapid socio-economic development.

    “The aspiration of the Federal Government is to see better funded, equipped, motivated staff and students in our institutions. The Ministry has taken a bold step to confront the challenges of the education system headlong. Two major focal areas of the plan are Teacher Education and Development, Technical and Vocational Education and Training,” she said.

    She, however, regretted that despite of government’s effort to improve the sector, there is still a dearth of technical and vocational teachers in the nation’s educational institutions.

    She said: “Vocational and Technical Education in Nigeria has a sad experience under the colonialists as it merely fed the economy and political ego of the western world and ironically starved us of our technological needs for development.

    “It is, however, sad to note that whilst many technical teachers are produced from our various institutions yearly, there is still dearth of this caliber of teachers in our classrooms nationwide.

    “It has been painfully noted that many qualified teachers upon graduation opt to remain unemployed rather than practice their profession. With this development, government policy of popularising science and technical studies in schools has suffered set back.”

    Earlier, the Provost of the college, Prof Joseph Ogbuagu, charged the 2,855 graduands to be good ambassadors.

    Ogbuagu, who resumed office in February 2010, pledged to continue to re-engineer, re-position, restructure and transform the college, noting that many challenges still confront the institution including access roads, ecological, water, and electricity problems. He appealed to the Federal Government and spirited individuals to assist the college.

    In a remark, the state Governor, Mr Peter Obi, represented by his deputy, Mr Emeka Sibeudu, pledged the commitment of the state government towards the growth of the college.

    “Granted that it is a Federal Government institution, we assure you of total commitment of Anambra government in ensuring relative stability and welfare support to the college,” Obi said.

    Some of those who graced the occasion were former governor of Anambra, Dame Virgy Etiaba and member representing Orumba North and South Federal Constituency, Mr Ben Nwankwo, among others.

  • Kabiru Sokoto’s trial fails to take off

    Kabiru Sokoto’s trial fails to take off

    The State Security Service (SSS) yesterday failed to arraign an alleged Boko Haram member, Kabiru Sokoto, before the Federal High Court, Abuja.

    The prosecutor failed to serve the charge on him.

    The court was also amazed when the accused said he does not understand English very well and would need an interpreter.

    Clad in a brown long dress and a bathroom slippers, Sokoto was brought to the court under a heavy security in a Peugeot 406 with registration number Abuja, BR 867 RSH.

    Specifically, he is accused of withholding information of the plan to bomb St.Theresa’s Catholic church, Madalla, Niger state and failure to disclose it to law enforcement officers as soon as practicable, an offence contrary to Section 7(1) and punishable under Section 33(1) of Terrorism and Prevention Act 2011.

    He is also accused of supporting the act of terrorism by training 500 men and inciting them to commit a terrorist act, contrary to Section 4(1)(a) and punishable under Section 33(1)(b) of Terrorism and Prevention Act 2011.

    He also allegedly facilitated the commission of terrorist act to wit: by planting and encouraging some boys ( now at large) at Mabira Sokoto, in Sokoto State with the intention to bomb the police headquarters, Sokoto and some other government offices.

    The alleged offence is contrary to Section 15(2) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act 2004 and punishable under the same Act.

    At resumption, Justice Adeniyi Ademola observed that the charge had not been served on the accused person.

    Prosecution counsel, Chioma Onuegwu prayed the court to allow the accused take his plea adding that all the other applications would be served on him before the next adjourned date.

    Speaking through an interpreter, Sokoto told the court that he knew about the charge only when he got to the court and that he would need about two weeks to get his own lawyer who will represent him.

    He informed the court that the SSS had denied him access to lawyers and members of his family.

    Ruling on the development, Justice Adeniyi ordered the SSS to make the charge sheet, proof of evidence, a written case summary and and other applications available to the accused on or before April 12.

    The court ordered the SSS to grant the accused person access to his lawyer but however asked the Service to use its discretion to determine the number of lawyers the accused would have access to.

    It also directed the prosecution to specify if it would bring further evidence against the accused.

    Before adjourning till April 19, the Judge ordered that the accused be remanded in the SSS custody pending his arraignment.

    The three count charge reads: “That you Kabiru Umaru (Alias Kabiru Sokoto) member of an illegal terrorist organisation known as Boko Haram, between 2007 and 2012 at Mabira Somoto, Sokoto state did facilitate the commission of terrorist act to wit: by planting and encouraging your boys ( now at large) at Mabira Sokoto, in Sokoto state with the intention to bomb the police headquarters Sokoto and some other government organisations in the state and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 15(2) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act 2004 and punishable under the same Act.

    “That you Kabiru Umaru alias Kabiru Sokoto on or about the 25th December, 2011 at St Theresa’s Catholic church, Madalla, Niger State, had information about the bombing of Madalla Catholic Church and failed to disclose it to law enforcement officer as soon as practicable, and you thereby committed an offence contrary to section 7(1) of Terrorism and Prevention Act 2011, and punishable under Section 33(1) of the same Act.

    “That you Kabiru Umaru alias Kabiru Sokoto about July 2011 at Abaji, support the act of terrorism by training 500 men and inciting them to commit a terrorist act, and thereby committed an offence contrary to section 4(1)(a) of Terrorism and Prevention Act 2011, and punishable under section 33(1)(b) of the same Act”.

  • $180m content fund scheme set for take-off

    The planned pilot scheme on how to use the Nigerian Content Fund meant to aid Nigerian oil and gas companies secure loans from banks for projects and capacity development, will start this month, it was learnt.

    The fund was established in view of the constraints experienced by local firms in accessing loans from banks. By virtue of the Act establishing the fund, one per cent of contracts in the oil and gas industry go into the fund, which has netted about $180 million.

    The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Ernest Nwapa, said the board would start a pilot scheme with two or three member-companies of the Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN) on how the fund would be used.

    He also explained that the deployment of fund is structured in such a way that cash would not be given to a beneficiary company, but the board through the fund would guarantee and pay up to 50 percent of the interest accruals on a loan a beneficiary company is seeking from a bank.

    The Chairman of PETAN, Emeka Ene, said the pilot scheme, which would have started much earlier, would take off this month. He said the delay was due to time spent on educating the banks on the unique nature of oil and gas projects and how the fund would be used through the banking system.

    He said: “In case of the pilot scheme, the financing process is much slower than we anticipated simply because the board has been educating the banking system on the unique structure of oil and gas projects and the deployment of the fund.

    “The NCDMB has been partnering with PETAN to see how this can be rolled out. We expect that the pilot will be in place by March. From there, other companies can tap into the Nigerian Content Fund to grow their companies and be able to fund their contracts with lower cost finance.”

    On PETAN’s partnership with NCDMB on the building of industrial parks in the Niger Delta, Ene said: “On the initiative that was announced by the Executive Secretary, I think it is targeted at the grassroots entrepreneurship and manufacturing. The idea is to make some investments at the grassroots where it matters. For instance, simple nuts and bolts, most of them are imported and the technology for manufacturing nuts and bolts is not rocket science.

    “Therefore, by going to the grassroots and creating these industrial parks, the idea is to create the enabling environments where these equipment and services would readily available and affordable for the industry.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • ‘Why Lagos software institute is yet to take off’

    The Lagos State government is planning to float a Software Institute in the state to create jobs and harness the huge financial potentials of information communication technology.

    State Commissioner for Science and Technology, Mr. Adebiyi Mabadeje, who made this known this at the Abat Centre, said that the project has not taken off because of the need to do proper homework on it.

    He said the government is however, resolutely committed to using science and technology to drive the economic development of the state.

    According to him, software development is one aspect of the technological space that is capable of local value add to both the state and national economy.

    “We are still on the project. The concept is there. It has a physical component which is the building. What we want to do is do something differently. We want to be creative and build something that is futuristic. We want to use sustainable materials that are friendly to the environment, we are looking at alternative sources of power not only because power is problem but because it is environment-friendly. A lot has been done at the back end as to what we want to achieve (form the project),” he said.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • ‘Why Lagos software institute is yet to take off’

    ‘Why Lagos software institute is yet to take off’

    THE Lagos State Software Institute has not taken off because the governement is retooling the project, the state Commissioner for Science and Technology, Mr Adebiyi Mabadeje, has said.

    Noting that the government is committed to using science and technology to drive the economic development of the state, he said software development is one aspect of the technological space that is capable of local value add to the state and national economy.

    “We are still on the project. The concept is there. It has a physical component, which is the building. What we want to do is do something differently. We want to be creative and build something that is futuristic. We want to use sustainable materials that are friendly to the environment. We are looking at alternative sources of power not only because power is problem but because it is envrionment-friendly. A lot has been done at the back end as to what we want to achieve (form the project),” he said.

    According to him, to make the project a success, the state is in talks with international organisations that had run similar programme successfully so that the state will tap into their experience, adding that the concept has gone beyond what it was at inception to something broader that will encapsulate an ICT park.

    “We are taliking with some international bodies that have done this before. Essentially, the scope has evolved from just being a software institute but to technology. It is better to spend more time planning than to rush and not get the right value for the project. We, hopefully, will do it this year, if only to commission the physical structure itself. We are continuing work at the back end,” the commissioner said.