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  • IATA partners Emirates, Airbus on CBTA

    IATA partners Emirates, Airbus on CBTA

     

    Partnership

     

    By Itohan Abara-Laserian

     

    Lagos, June 4, 2024 (NAN) The International Air Transport Association (IATA), Emirates, and Airbus have joined forces to deliver a Competency-Based Training and Assessment (CBTA) programme for the Airbus A350 type rating.

     

    Mr Nick Careen, IATA’s SVP for Operations, Safety and Security, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday.

     

    Careen said that this was coming as Emirates prepares for the delivery of its fleet of 65 A350s from mid-2024.

     

    According to him, an initial cohort of 256 pilots will be trained as part of the new course at Emirates’ Training College in Dubai starting from July.

     

    “Combining the expertise of Emirates, Airbus and IATA to design and deliver A350 type rating training is a unique opportunity.

     

    “Our joint aim is to fully utilise the benefits of CBTA to qualify the pilots on the A350 in the most efficient and effective way possible.

     

    “By doing it together all three organisations will also gain valuable experience that can strengthen their other training activities,” Careen said.

     

    Capt. Bader Al Marzooqi, Emirates’ Senior Vice President, Flight Training, said: “Emirates uses cutting-edge training programmes. So, our pilots are among the most competent flight crew in the world.

     

    “The tailored CBTA programme for the A350 supports the integration of 65 new A350 aircraft, with 1,000 pilots set to complete the A350 Type Rating course.

     

    “This commitment enhances passenger safety and comfort, reflecting our unwavering dedication to the highest service standards.”

     

    Also, Capt. Stéphan Labrucherie, Airbus Head of Flight Training Worldwide, said that the A350 is a state-of-the-art aircraft, which required equally advanced training solutions.

     

    “Our partnership with IATA and Emirates ensures that Emirates pilots receive the most comprehensive and effective training, supporting the smooth entry into service of the A350 worldwide,” Labrucherie said.

     

    The joint work combines the respective expertise of the three organisations; IATA focuses on programme design using its published guidance for CBTA; Airbus will contribute knowledge of the aircraft along with its own CBTA experience and Emirates will use its CBTA training and operational experience.

     

    This collaboration will create and deliver the first A350 type rating training in full alignment with the latest International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards for CBTA training and with the best practices contained in the IATA CBTA Guide for Flight Crew Training. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    ITM/FAA

    =======

    Edited by Folasade Adeniran

     

  • Palestinians to join S/Africa’s genocide lawsuit against Israel

    Palestinians to join S/Africa’s genocide lawsuit against Israel

    Lawsuit

    Amsterdam, June 4, 2024 (dpa/NAN) The Palestinians plan to join South Africa’s genocide lawsuit against Israel currently before the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

    The Palestinian Foreign Ministry in Ramallah has applied to join the case, the court announced in The Hague on Monday evening.

    The ministry requested this on behalf of Palestine, which the United Nations has not recognised as a state, but has observer status at the UN.

    It is unclear when the court will rule on the Palestinian application.

    If it were approved, the Palestinian authorities would be allowed to participate in the proceedings.

    Other countries have also signalled their intention to join South Africa’s lawsuit.

    These include Colombia, Libya, and Nicaragua.

    South Africa filed a complaint against Israel with the highest court of the United Nations at the end of 2023, accusing the state of violating the Genocide Convention due to its attacks on the Gaza Strip.

    In three decisions to date, the court has obliged Israel to take immediate measures to protect civilians.

    However, the main proceedings on the accusation of genocide are not affected by this.

    It could drag on for years.

    Israel has strictly rejected the accusations and invoked its right to self-defense following the terrorist attack by the Palestinian militant group Hamas and other groups on Oct. 7.

    Around 1,200 people were murdered in the attack.

    According to the Palestinian authorities, more than 36,000 people have been killed by Israeli attacks since then. (dpa/NAN) (www.nan.ng)

    YEE

    ===

    (Edited by Emmanuel Yashim)

  • My music career incomplete without Don Jazzy, says D’banj 

    D’banj and Don Jazzy
    My music career incomplete without Don Jazzy, says D’banj
    Music
    By Taiye Olayemi
    Lagos, June 4, 2024 (NAN) Nigerian singer and rapper, Oladapo Oyebanjo, with the stage name “D’banj”, said his 20 years music journey would not have been complete without his business partner,  Michael Ajereh, popularly known as “Don Jazzy”.
    41-year-old D’banj took to his Instagram page on Tuesday with a display of a video to appreciate Don Jazzy and invite him to his 20th year anniversary dinner.
    He described the two decades as years characterised by brotherhood, entertainment and that of unwavering support.
    D’banj wrote: “My 20 year journey cannot be complete without It’s @donjazzy again! Giving him the invite to my anniversary dinner was a moment filled with nostalgia.
    “As we both celebrate 20 years in the industry, I’m reminded of the countless memories and milestones we’ve shared together.
    “Here’s to two decades of brotherhood, entertainment, and unwavering support. Love you always, Brother!.”
    Don Jazzy also took to the comment section, saying: “Still finding it hard to believe it’s been 20 years bro. Feels like yesterday. Thank you for everything. Love you brotherLee. More blessings 🩶🐘.”
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)  reports that Don Jazzy, a Nigerian record producer and Chief Executive Officer of Mavin Records, co-founded Mo’Hits Records with D’banj in 2004.
    D’banj had earlier hinted of his plan to celebrate his 20 years on stage at the New Afrika Shrine in Lagos, with the theme “D’banj live @New Afrika Shrine”.(NAN) (nannews.ng)
    PTB/FAA
    ========
    Edited by Folasade Adeniran

  • NSCDC nabs 8 for alleged vandalism, stealing in Benue

    Vandalism
    By Onyeje Abutu-Joel
    Makurdi, June 4, 2024 (NAN) Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Benue Command on Tuesday paraded eight persons over alleged vandalism of national assets, stealing and other crimes in the state.
    Parading the suspects in Makurdi, the command’s Public Relations Officer, Mr Michael Ejelikwu, said that other crimes committed by the suspects included: possession of vandalised items and cheating.
    Ejelikwu said that one of the suspects, a 38-year-old scraps/iron dealer, was arrested for allegedly being in possession of vandalised NNPC pipes.
    He said that the suspect was arrested on May 26 while driving his Ford Focus car, with registration number: ABUJA: AR 511 GWA, which contained the vandalised pipes.
    Ejelikwu said that the suspect attempted to bribe the NSCDC personnel with the sum of N500,000 which they, however, resisted.
    He said that the suspect had been a buyer of vandalised items from the other suspects arrested.
    “If there is no market to sell the vandalised items, those boys will not continue to destroy government property and stealing them to go and sell,” he said.
    The spokesman further said that four other suspects were arrested for alleged criminal conspiracy, willful destruction of high tension earth cables, vandalism and sabotage.
    He said that the suspects, who were indigenes of different local governments in the state, were arrested on May 30 in Makurdi while committing the crimes.
    Ejelikwu added that the other three suspects were arrested on same day at Vandeikya Local Government Area of the state for allegedly stealing a Honda C80 motorcycle.
    He said all the suspects would be prosecuted after the conclusion of investigation.
    The spokesman reiterated the command’s commitment to guarding against vandalism in the state. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    ONA/AH/WAS
    Edited by Abdul Hassan and ‘Wale Sadeeq

  • Embrace future with technology, self-discipline – Fashola tells youths

     

     

    Future

    By Oluwakemi Oladipo/Oluwatope  Lawanson

    Lagos, June 4 ,2024 (NAN) A former Minister of Works and Housing, Dr Babatunde Fashola, has charged fresh graduates  and other youths to  embrace the future with skills, technology and self-discipline.

    Fashola said on Tuesday that the youth would need to prepare for enormous possibilities of prosperity that  would elevate the human race.

    The former Governor of Lagos State gave the charge at the 27th Convocation Lecture of Lagos State University (LASU).

    The Convocation Lecture had the theme: “Embracing the Future: Navigating the Intersection of Technology and Humanity”.

    “After all the celebrations, you need to reflect and remember this part; self-discipline. It will show you the way away from drugs, crime, belief in wealth without work, and search for miracles of wealth.

    “Only hard work provides sustainable wealth; not rituals, not fake pastors or imams, and not trafficking in illicit drugs.

    “Self-discipline will be the element that completes all the work your parents and guardians have done and what your lecturers have done.

    “It will concretise your character and define your reputation. It will be the compass for your integrity and determine whether you are worthy of trust,” Fashola said.

     The former minister added that the students were graduating into a world of technology at a time when talent was been rewarded at an unprecedented level.

    “One generation ago, there was no internet as we know it today. Google Maps today was a story I read in the Newsweek or Time Magazine… in 1985 to 1986, of a plan to digitally map the surface of the earth.

    “Today, I use the platform to find locations and it is now helping to predict travel time because something new has been added to it – artificial intelligence – based on extensive supercomputing powers.

     

    “The world that awaits you is a world where human beings have developed enormous machine learning capacities,” Fashola said.

    He told the graduating students that education they received at LASU would take them somewhere in their journey of life but would not be enough.

    “You will require many more things, including continuing education in the formal and informal way. Life becomes meaningless the day we stop learning.

    “Some things, as you know it today, will not exist in a few years’ time. Some jobs that you aspire to, may be gone before you know it.

    “Whatever the losses, the gains will surpass them. Your world and the future it promises will be more exciting and more prosperous.

    “The early foretaste of the impact of artificial intelligence is that it is positive for mankind,” Fashola said.

    He added that determination and hard work, collective belief in new and innovative ideas would lead to  greater success and innovation.

    “Let this serve as a reminder that fostering and investing in the potential of the next generation can lead to extraordinary achievements,” Fashola said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    OKG/LAW/IGO 

    =============

    Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

  • Police neutralise robbery suspect in Delta

    Suspect

    By Edeki Igafe

    Warri (Delta), June 4, 2024 (NAN) The Police Command in Delta says it has neutralised a member of a three-man robbery syndicate in Ekpan, Uvwie Local Government Area of the state.

    The command’s spokesman, SP Bright Edafe, told newsmen in Warri on Tuesday that the suspect was shot on Friday while trying to escape.

    He said the undercover surveillance patrol team of the police of Ekpan Division was on a routine patrol on the Army Barracks Link Road when they met the suspected robbery gang.

    According to him, the suspects, riding in a tricycle, on May 13, double-crossed the vehicle conveying the police team in their usual style, not knowing they were policemen.

    “But on noticing that they were policemen, the hoodlums took to their heels.

    “The police team chased them, and in the process, one of the suspects was arrested with a black bag containing one cut-to-size double barrel gun with two live cartridges,” he said.

    Edafe said upon interrogation, the suspect confessed that the other two accomplices, who escaped from the tricycle, were his gang members.

    The police spokesman quoted the suspect to have said that they either rob their victims or sometimes kidnap them in the metropolis.

    Edafe said that following the confession of the suspect, the police ordered him to take them to their hideout at the NNPC Link Road, Ekpan.

    “On their way to the hideout, the suspect jumped into the bridge in an attempt to escape and was maimed by the police operatives.

    “The suspect was taken to the Ekpan General Hospital for medication but was there confirmed dead by the doctor on duty,” he said.

    Edafe says efforts are ongoing to arrest the fleeing members of the gang. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    EDI/GOM/MAS
    =============
    Edited by Gregg Mmaduakolam and Moses Solanke

  • Okunola, Ayodeji emerge winners of 2024 Ibadan Week competitions

    Competitions
    By Oluwaseyi Oduneye-Ogunwomoju
    Ibadan, June 4, 2024 (NAN) Omotola Okunola on Tuesday emerged the winner in the table tennis category in the competitions organised by Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII).
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Babajide Ayodeji also came first in the Ayo Olopon category in the competitions, as part of the activities marking the 2024 edition of Ibadan Week.
    Speaking at the competitions, held at Ibadan House, Oke Are, the CCII President-General, Niyi Ajewole, thanked all the participants for their sportsmanship and lauded the winners in both events.
    Ajewole said that the competitions were organised to engage the youth in table tennis and ayo olopon, a traditional game.
    “All the participants are winners; the competition is not about who wins or who loses, but about participation and encouraging the youth not to stop,” he said.
    The CCII president commended a table tennis legend, Waidi Ekun, for ruling the world in his hey-days, thanking God that Oyo State was blessed with someone like him.
    “I charge our participants to emulate what Waheed Ekun achieved in the game of sports and even aim to go beyond that and achieve more laurels in your different fields,” he said.
    NAN reports that while Okunola went home with N100,000, Moruf Ogboriefon, who came second got N60,000.
    Olufemi Opadere and Emmanuel Akintunde, who came third and fourth, went home with N40,000 and N20,000 respectively.
    Similarly, Ayodeji, who came first in ayo olopon, received N50,000, while Oladimeji Oyewole got N30,000 for coming second.
    Ismail Lebe and Adeoye Asimiyu came third and fourth, with awards of N25,000 and N15,000 respectively.
    Okunola, in his response, thanked the organisers of the competition and expressed happiness for emerging the winner.
    He promised to engage more in the game by sharing and impacting the knowledge in the younger ones.
    NAN recalls that Waheed Ekun, an Ibadan indigene, won the National Sports Festival Table Tennis Championship by defeating Sunday Eboh at the final at the age of 17. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    SEY/KOLE/WAS
    Edited by Remi Koleoso and ‘Wale Sadeeq

  • Nigeria, Indonesia to explore export driven strategies on oil palm

    Oil

    By Felicia Imohimi

    Abuja, June 4, 2024(NAN)The Federal Government says it will collaborate with the Indonesian Government in exploring export driven strategies to enhance economic growth and development in oil palm.

    Sen. Aliyu Abdullahi, Minister of State, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, gave the assurance in a meeting with the Pahala Mansury, Vice President, Foreign Affairs, Indonesia, on Tuesday in Abuja.

    Abubakar identified palm oil as having huge potentials of export.

    “The growth strategy of Nigeria recognises that as much as we will be talking about import substitution, the best solution is for us to have export driven strategies.

    “We can accommodate investors so that we can take the oil palm to the next level of economic growth and development.

    “l believe giving what you have done by lifting 16million farmers out of poverty and with the existing oil palm in Nigeria we can achieve that and we can do it.

    “Considering Nigeria ecosystem, we have more numbers to take out of poverty; we are developing a nucleus to make it possible; hence we are going to work to see how to turn it around, “he said.

    Earlier,  Mansury said the visit was for both countries to see how they could be able to develop a much better economic cooperation particularly in area of agriculture.

    Mansury identified Nigeria as Indonesia’s most significant economic partner in sub-Sahara Africa in terms of trade, investment and economic cooperation.

    He said that through palm oil production, Indonesia was able to lift over 16million of smallholder farmers out of poverty.

    “Right now, Indonesia is the largest producer of palm oil producing approximately 50million metric tons.

    “Domestically we are using about 10million metric tons to 12 million metric tons while we are exporting the remaining 38 million metric tons.’’

    He said that Indonesia was actually one of the largest exporter of edible palm to Nigeria, pharmaceutical among others while Nigeria was the biggest exporter of fertiliser and others to Indonesia.

    “We hope to discuss further on how we are going to develop a better cooperation in agriculture for food security for both Indonesia and Nigeria, provision of grant and capacity building.”

    He identified other areas both countries could further enhance their cooperation as energy security.

    According to him, both countries have started economic cooperation already within the health sector particularly in the area of livestock vaccines.

    Mansury said the meeting was also to seek the participation of Nigerians farmers in the second Indonesia and Africa forum scheduled for September and membership of Nigeria in Council of Palm Oil Producing Countries (CPOPC).

    “Through the forum will develop a much stronger economic cooperation between Indonesia and Africa, facilitate meetings of both countries, private sector and encourage private sector investment in Nigeria in research cooperation among others,” he said.

    Alhaji Ahmadu Aliyu,  Andoma of Doma, Nasarawa State, said the National Palm Produce Association of Nigeria (NPPAN) had been distributing palm produce seedlings to households in some states of the federation.

    According to him, the initiative has helped in improving their income and livelihood.

    Aliyu, who is also a NPPAN member, said the initiative would help to boost the economy of every family as Nigeria would join Indonesia and Malaysia being the leading palm oil producing countries in the world. (www.nannews.ng)

    FUA/CJ/

    =======

    Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

  • Group urges FG to intensify corruption fight

    Fight

    By Perpetua Onuegbu

    Abuja, June 4, 2024 (NAN) The Committed Advocates of Integrity Initiative (CADII), a Civil Society Organisations (CSO) has called on the Federal Government to intensify its fight against corruption, to enable Nigerian youths achieve their full potential.

    Mr Charles Agubor, Executive Director/Convener, CADII, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Tuesday.

    Agubor said that the fight against corruption was what the country needed now to get the economy working again.

    He said that the group would convene a National Integrity Summit (NIS) aimed at building integrity to prevent and combat corruption.

    “We are organising and hosting the National Integrity Summit to promote and advocate for integrity amongst people from all walks of life in a bid to make integrity a more viable, visible and dominant value in our society.

    “The summit will be organised in a way to awaken competition and honest dealings in all systems towards building a better and prosperous corrupt-free Nation in Nigeria.

    “The summit was earlier scheduled for June 5 and June 6 but we eventually moved it to Aug. 28 and Aug. 29.

    “We decided to postpone the summit to ensure more participation; and there is a need for a much more holistic, comprehensive and integrated approach to fight corruption.

    “The concept of the summit is to advance at both the Africa and Global forum, the fight against corruption, and this will be held annually.

    “At the summit, we will focus on strategies to develop policies and enhance partnerships and dialogue between the public and private sectors to improve productivity,” he said.

    Agubor said that clamping down, arresting and sanctioning corrupt officials and individuals were no longer fashionable and may be an inadequate and outdated method of suppressing corruption and promoting integrity.

    “A more strategic and sustainable response to the fight against corruption lies in the use of awards as an incentive to honor individuals and public officials who have proven to be exemplary in the display of integrity.

    “This can be done in a way to awaken competition and honest dealings in all systems, towards building a better and prosperous corrupt-free Nation, Nigeria.”

    According to Agubor, building a nation free from corruption can be made possible, by integrating an integrity compliance mindset in branding and in every facet of our life as citizens, through reinforcements of sustainable value reorientation and attitudinal change.

    “A nation free of corruption can be achieved through integrity advocacy, enhancing partnerships and dialogue between the public and private sectors to promote business integrity.

    “This is essential for sustainable long-term business growth, creating excellent opportunities and increased gross domestic product (GDP), which aims to help in diminishing the vicious cycle of corruption in Nigeria, that has exacerbated poverty, obstructed sustainable development and productivity.” (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    PUO/EMAF
    ========
    Edited by Emmanuel Afonne

  • Scorecard: Delta 8th assembly passes 9 bills within 1st session

    (R-L) Speaker of the Delta House of Assembly, Mr Dennis Guwor and other principal officers of the Assembly during press briefing on Tuesday in Asaba

    Scorecard

     

    By Mercy Neme

     

    Asaba, June 4, 2024 (NAN) The Speaker of the Delta House of Assembly, Mr Dennis Guwor, has presented the eighth assembly’s first-anniversary scorecard, saying it passed nine bills.

     

    The speaker disclosed this in Asaba on Tuesday while briefing newsmen on the activities of the assembly within the last year.

     

    Guwor said the house received 18 bills, made up of 15 executive bills and three private-members bills, within the year under review.

     

    ”And out of the 18 bills received, nine have been passed and three assented to.

     

    ”The bills assented are, The Supplementary Appropriation (Amendment) Bill, 2022; Additional Supplementary Appropriation Bill, 2022 and the Appropriation Bill, 2024,” he said.

     

    The speaker said that apart from the bills passed to positively impact the lives of the people of the state, the assembly also passed some resolutions.

     

    “One of such resolutions is the resolution calling on Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori to set out security measures to forestall the recurrence of the destruction of farmlands and produce by herdsmen in Abraka and its environs, which occurred on Aug. 17, 2023.

     

    ”The resolution also added that the peace, love and order that is presently prevailing in the communities be maintained.

     

    ”The assembly also passed a resolution condemning rising incidence of open sex trade and use of illicit drugs among youths in Asaba and environs among others,” he said.

     

    In fulfilment of its constitutional duties, Guwor said the assembly screened and confirmed nominees for appointment as members of the State Executive Council and into government agencies, boards and commissions.

     

    ”The action of the house in screening and confirming the nominees into agencies, boards and commissions, is to ensure efficient and effective administration of government in the state.

     

    ”We do not stop at the confirmation of these appointments, the house, through its committees, regularly performs oversight activities of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of the government,” he said.

     

    The speaker, however, reiterated the commitment of the assembly to the welfare of the staff of the Delta State House of Assembly Service Commission.

     

    He linked the ongoing strike by the state chapter of the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN) to the fallout of the adoption of the Consolidated Legislative Salary Structure (CONLESS).

     

    ”The state government has set up a committee to work out details of implementation and the committee is already wrapping up the assignment.

     

    ”So, it is not a peculiar issue to Delta House of Assembly. For the record, the state government is not owing any arrears of salary payment to the staff of the assembly,” he said.

     

    Guwor noted that the assembly had consistently built the capacity of its workforce through staff training and retraining.

     

    ”I must also put it on record that the eighth assembly is poised to deliver on its mandate of law-making, representation and oversight of government programmes, projects and policies.

     

    ”We will collaborate without compromising the independence of the legislature with the executive arm of government to ensure development gets to every part of the state,” he said.

     

    Guwor also reiterated the commitment of the assembly to supporting government policies that would help to ameliorate the economic pains of the people of the state.

     

    ”As we move on to the second session, we are more than ever before prepared and propelled to discharge our duties and responsibilities and ensure the policy trust of government, which is in consonance with our legislative agenda, is fully implemented for the benefit of our people,” he added.

     

    Guwor commended the media for their support in creating visibility and prominence for the assembly’s activities.

     

    He urged the media to continuously use its position to support and safeguard the development and growth of the legislature to deepen and sustain democracy and democratic institutions.

     

    According to him, the legislature is the hallmark of democracy without which there cannot be true democracy. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

     

    MOA/CHOM/MAS

    ==========

     

    Edited by Chioma Ugboma and Moses Solanke