Blog

Aircraft
By Doris Esa
Abuja, Dec 30, 2018 (NAN) The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says it has begun an in-house reactivation of its Mi-35P and EC-135 combat helicopters in Port Harcourt.
NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola, made the announcement in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.
The reactivation NAF said, was in furtherance of its commitment to ensure availability of more serviceable platforms for the prosecution of the ongoing war against insurgency and other forms of criminality in the country.
He said the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, during an operational visit to 115 Special Operations Group (115 SOG) Port Harcourt, inspected the ongoing in-house reactivation works on the Mi-35P and EC-135 helicopters.
“Upon completion in the first quarter of 2019, the reactivated aircraft will be available for deployment to enhance NAF operational efficiency in the discharge of its constitutional roles.’’
Daramola explained that the operational visit to 115 SOG was one of series of visits by Abubakar to NAF units across the country.
He further said the visit was to assess NAF’s operational readiness in tackling emerging security challenges as well as progress of work on the reactivation of various platforms.
He said the air chief during the inspection was conducted round the completed Base Defence Coordination Centre (BDCC), by the Commander 115 SOG, Air Commodore Elijah Ebiowe.
Daramola said the CAS also inaugurated a new block of 18 single-bedroom Corporals and Below Quarters.
He said the BDCC, was equipped with communications and surveillance equipment to boost the operational capacity of the Unit in the area of intelligence gathering and real time coordination of the Base Defence Plan.
He said the BDCC would also help in timely response to security exigencies within the Unit’s Area of Responsibility (AOR).
He quoted the CAS as saying that the current NAF administration places high premium on the welfare needs of personnel, as evidenced by the various projects embarked upon across NAF units to meet accommodation and other welfare needs.
Abubakar thanked President Muhammadu Buhari, for providing the enabling environment for the Service to function effectively and efficiently.
The CAS was represented by the Chief of Policy and Plans (COPP) NAF Headquarters, AVM Muhammodu Muhammed.

Earlier, AVM Oladayo Amao, The Air Officer Commanding (AOC) Tactical Air Command (TAC), thanked the CAS for providing the human and material resources to accomplish numerous projects in NAF Base Port Harcourt.
According to him, the CAS’ footprints were clearly visible throughout the entire TAC with the completion of several other projects, in addition to ongoing ones. (NAN)
ORD/LAB/MTM
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Edited by Lydia Beshel/Tukur Muntari.

Election
By Emmanuel Antswen
Tarka (Benue), Dec. 30, 2018 (NAN) The Vice Chairman North, All Progressive Congress (APC) Presidential Council, Sen. George Akume has advised Tiv people to vote President Mohammadu Buhari in the forthcoming presidential elections.
Akume, a former Senate Minority Leader and two time governor of Benue, gave the advised on Sunday at Wannune, Tarka Local Government during the celebration of his 65th birthday anniversary.
He said that the APC had presented the best candidates in all the elective positions in Benue and at the federal level.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Sen. Akume was born on Dec. 27, 1953.
He said at 65 he had no reason to lie to his people and urged the Tiv people to vote President Buhari as he represents the direction of the Nigerian polity.

“At 65, I am too old to deceive my people, we have seen the direction of the Nigerian politics, and President Buhari represent that direction, I advise you all to vote him in the forthcoming presidential election.”
He further warned all electorate in the country not to sell their votes to anybody, adding that they should keep same and vote their preferred candidates in the coming elections.
Akume further accused the Gov, Samuel Ortom led administration of borrowing billions of money with nothing to show for it and urged the people to vote him out in the coming governorship elections.
Akume, who was recently named vice chairman, North, President Mohammadu Buhari Presidential Council is also the Senatorial Candidate of the APC of Benue North West (Zone B).
In his remarks, Benue APC Governorship Candidate, Mr Emmanuel Jime, said Sen. Akume was the indisputable leader of the Tiv Nation.
Jime said that Akume has shown over the years that “he is someone, who saw tomorrow’’adding that he has demonstrated true leadership of qualities to his people.
NAN reports that dignitaries at the event include, former deputy governor and APC Senatorial candidate Benue South, Mr Steve Lawani, APC Benue North East Senatorial candidate, Chief Mrs Mimi Orubibi Adzape, Chief Titus Zam, Prof. Eugene Aliegba.
Others were: APC North Central Youth Leader, Mr Terver Aginde, Arch. Asema Achado, Mrs Dorathy Mato, Mr John Degh, Mr Benjamin Wayo, Mr Tehemen Tarzoor and Benjame Adanyi, among others. (NAN)
AEB/FAT/MTM
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Edited by Fatima Sule/Tukur Muntari.

Navy warship, Thunder, resumes patrol after 2 years grounding

Ship

By Desmond Ejibas

Onne (Rivers), Dec. 30, 2018 (NAN) The Nigerian Navy says it has completed repairs of one of its foremost warships,  NNS Thunder, after being grounded since 2016.

The warship, equipped with modern navigational technology and arsenal, was declared unfit to sail following failure of its critical components and machinery.

Capt. Shuaib Ahmed, Commanding Officer, NNS Thunder, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday that the vessel arrived at Onne seaport in Rivers on Friday.

He said it took the navy about two years to repair the warship mainly due to unavailability of spare parts.

“So, due to this factor, the vessel had remained parked at Onne seaport, because its system is a new addition in our inventory.”

“We sourced the spare parts abroad, and when they finally arrived, the defects in the machineries and auxiliaries were fixed.

“After the repairs, we took the warship to machinery trial to attest to repairs done, and thereafter, proceeded to sail for about a week at sea,” he said.

Ahmed said the warship sailed to Agbami oil field, Okore fields, Okono fields and Bonny channels before making its return to Onne seaport.

The commanding officer added that efforts are ongoing to improve the navy’s capacity to produce the vessel’s spare parts locally.

“Bringing back this ship to sea is a great achievement for the Nigerian Navy.

“There is nobody within the maritime domain that does not know proficiency and capability of the NNS Thunder at sea.

“So, NNS Thunder is a big asset that when deployed to sea, sends shivers down the spines of criminal elements. The ship has capabilities to track criminals anywhere at sea,” he said.

He said the vessel resumed its normal patrol of the nation’s territorial waters to checkmate activities of sea pirates, sea robbers and oil thieves, among others.(NAN)

DES/KTO/IA

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo/Idris Abdulrahman

Pilgrimage

By Uwumarogie Peter

Gombe, Dec. 30, 2018 (NAN) The Gombe State Pilgrims Welfare Board (CPWB) says 237 Christian Intending Pilgrims are ready to depart for Israel.
The Executive Secretary of the board, Mr Joseph Bega disclosed this to newsmen in Gombe on Sunday during the farewell programme for the 2018 Intending Christian Pilgrims to the Holy Land of Israel.

According to him, the list of 237 intending pilgrims was submitted for approval, but 25 had visa problems.
He added that the 25 Intending pilgrims would have to substitute their names with relatives or friends below age 40, stressing that they had between Dec. 31 and Jan 4, 2019 to do so.

He also stated that the board was working towards establishing Jerusalem Pilgrims Association (JPA), Gombe State chapter in 2019.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the board and Mai Tangale, Dr Abdu-Buba Maisheru II, thanked Gov. Ibrahim Dankwambo for providing the enabling environment for successful pilgrimage activities in the state.

Maisheru, represented by Rev. Isa Uba, said that Gov. Dankwambo had demonstrated inspirational leadership through the principle of equity, justice and fairness with divergent religious groups in the state.

Rev. Adamu Dauda, in his exhortation charged the intending pilgrims to pray for Gombe State and Nigeria, adding that the country needs prayers ahead of the 2019 general elections.

In his address, Gov. Ibrahim Dankwambo of Gombe, charged the intending pilgrims to steer clear of acts that could dent the image of the country, saying that the state enjoys good image outside the country.

Represented by his deputy, Mr Charles Iliya, the governor assured the intending pilgrims of their accommodation, feeding, medical care, security and Pilgrims Travelling Allowance (PTA).

Dankwambo commended eight intending pilgrims who sponsored themselves, adding that such should be sustained as a way of partnering to ensure more intending pilgrims for Gombe.

NAN reports that the theme of the 2018 Intending Christian Pilgrims is: ‘Pilgrimage As a Tool for Divine Encounter with God and State Development ‘s.

NAN also reports that the intending pilgrims will be air-lifted by 9:00 pm.(NAN)
UP/KTO/MTM

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Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo/Tukur Muntari.

Huge sales at maiden Lagos “Style by Zenith” Fair excite exhibitors

Fair
By Taiye Baiyerohi
Lagos, Dec. 30, 2018 (NAN) Some exhibitors at the maiden edition of the ongoing Lagos “Style by Zenith” Fair say they have recorded a high-powered sales pitch at the market which has attracted over 200 exhibitors.

Excited about the huge sales, the exhibitors commended the organisers of the fair — Zenith Bank and Fashion One for the well organised business environment.

The exhibitors told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in separate interviews on Sunday that they had been able to create enough awareness for their products.

To them the fair has created a veritable platform to showcase their products without financial commitments.

In addition, Point of Sales machines (PoS) are also given to each of the exhibitors to ensure seamless business transactions which will be returned at the end of the fair.

NAN reports that the “Style by Zenith” Fair is designed to showcase products of fashion, media, automobile, food, accessories, music and art industry.

An exhibitor, Miss Aisha Adoga, producer of “Hands Hair”, who came from Benin, lauded the bank’s initiative which she noted had created some business connections for her within Lagos and beyond.

“I am giving it to the organisers of this fair, it is the first one and I pray they are able to continue in subsequent years because this will revive most businesses in Nigeria,” she said.

Another exhibitor, Mrs Mosunmola Oladunni, Managing Director, Sweet Look World Concept, offered 20 per cent discount on her products — wigs, hair extensions and makeup products.

“We are grateful to Zenith Bank for this because we were not charged a dime for exhibiting our products here.

“They prepared the ground and tents ready for us to display our products and sell, it is a rare opportunity and we cannot thank them enough, ” she told NAN.

Oladunni, who noted that the fair was well organised, urged the organisers to focus more on advertising the fair in subsequent editions.

She said adequate publicity in both print and television media would attract more visitors to the fair.

“We really thank Zenith Bank and Fashion One for this but I feel they have not created enough publicity due to the turnout; the turnout would have been more than this.”

Also, Mrs Seyi Martins, the Activation supervisor with the Dangote Group of Companies, expressed excitement over huge sales made since the commencement of the fair.

She expressed optimism to make more sales before the end of the fair and appreciated the organiser for such a fantastic opportunity to sell her products.

“I am happy we are able to achieve good sales, we hope to be here again next year.”

Similarly Mrs Oyindamola Kuye said the organisers of the fair had gone extra mile to give back to the society and their customers by staging the fair.

For Mrs June Levi-Oguike, the Managing Director, A’ku Wellness and Beauty Ng, the fair had impacted her business positively as customers now have absolute confidence in associating with such reputable organisations.

“We are grateful for this because due to the exhibitors’ relationship with the organisers, our customers have built a huge confidence in us.

“Being an exhibitor in this fair has increased my Instagram followers tremendously; this is due to the credibility of the bank,” she said.

NAN reports that the Fair which commenced on Dec. 29, will end with a musical concert late on Dec. 30.

The musical concert will feature Mayorkun, Wande Coal and others.

The fair has so far attracted biggest players from the food, fashion, media, automobile, accessories, music and arts industries. (NAN)
PTB/CHOM/DA
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Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Dele Akinsola

Welfare

By Desmond Ejibas

Port Harcourt, Dec. 30, 2018 (NAN) Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshall Sadique Abubakar, has said that more accommodation quarters would be built for personnel across formations and units in the country.

Abubakar gave the assurance at the inauguration of one block of 18 one-bedroom flats for ‘Corporal and Below’ personnel at the 115 Special Operations Group (SOG) in Port Harcourt on Sunday.

Represented by Air Vice Marshall, Muhammadu Mohamed, Air Officer Commanding NAF’s Tactical Air Command Makurdi, Abubakar said that old accommodation blocks would also be rehabilitated in the coming year.

“We are still looking at accommodation gaps/ deficiencies to fill in order to make personnel of 115 SOG and other NAF bases more comfortable as they discharge their duties.

“The Nigerian Air Force is expanding rapidly at this time, and as such, it is important to place premium on the welfare needs of personnel.

“Recall that recently we commissioned the 30×1 Junior NCO’s Transit accommodation the 115 SOG. We are making efforts to ensure that personnel are comfortable within available resources,” he assured.

Abubakar said the air force recorded several successes in 2018 with reactivation of its Mi-35P attack helicopter as well as ongoing reactivation of EC-35 helicopter.

He said that works had commenced for Periodic Depot Maintenance of another set of helicopter gunships to be completed within first quarter of 2019.

“All these efforts are geared towards enhancing NAF’s operational efficiency in the discharge of our constitutional roles.

“We remain grateful to President Muhammadu Buhari for providing a conducive environment for us to function as an effective and efficient air force; reckoned with in West Africa,” he said.

DES/CHOM/WOJ
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Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Wale Ojetimi

Apology

By Sunday John

Nassarawa-Eggon (Nasarawa State), December 30, 2018 (NAN) Labaran Maku, Nasarawa state Governorship candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has apologised to his people of  the Eggon nation to forgive him, if he had wronged them in the cause of  pursuing his political ambition.

Maku, who was a former Minister of Information, gave the apology on Sunday in Nassarawa-Eggon while addressing people at the 2018 Eggon cultural carnival.

Makun said: “As  humans, we are not God, therefore, we are bound to offend each other sometimes unknowingly in the cause of carrying out our activities.

“So, some of the actions I took in the past might have offended some of my brothers and sisters, forgive and forget the past, to enable us forge ahead as a united family.

“I have also forgiven all those who might have wronged me, as I have come to realise, as a leader, that I should carry everybody along despite their shortcomings.”

He called on the Eggon people to use the carnival for self reevaluation, with a view to fashioning out ways of placing the Eggon nation on the path of prosperity.

Maku also cautioned his supporters against retaliating any attack him by his opponents.

He urged them to engage on issue- based campaign and reject any form of inducement in order to forestall rigging.

Maku, therefore, promised to be accessible, accountable and run an administration that would give priority to employment, poverty reduction among others, if elected. (NAN)

SDJ/DUA

Edited by Dada Ahmed

(more…)

ADC will revisit Adamawa Kiri Dam hydro electric project – Nyako
By Yakubu Uba
Dam
Shellenge (Adamawa), Dec. 30, 2018 (NAN) Former Gov. Murtala Nyako of Adamawa said the victory of African Democratic Congress (ADC) in 2019 governorship election in the state would ensure the revival of the 35 megawatts Kiri Dam hydro electric project in Shelleng Local Area of the state.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the ADC gubernatorial candidate of Adamawa is serving Sen. Abdul-Azeez Nyako, who is a son to Murtala Nyako.
Nyako made the promise Sunday in Shelleng while addressing a gathering of stakeholders in the area in the course of his ongoing consultation tour of the state to guarantee the candidature of Abdul-Azeez.
He recalled that the project was initiated when he was the governor of Adamawa in 2012 in collaboration with an American firm on the basis of Built Operate and Transfer (BOT) to facilitate the industrialisation of the state and create job opportunities.
Nyako said other programmes to be revived included Skills Acquisition Centres, Local Apprenticeship Scheme and Special Assistants appointment to party members.
“ADC administration in the state will also ensure free and compulsory primary education.
“The essence of a democratic government is to work towards attainment of public good,” he said.
Nyako lauded the support he enjoyed from the people of Shelleng and promised to work to retain their confidence.
The state ADC Chairman, Alhaji Yahaya Hammanjulde, said the candidate of the party had proven himself as worthy ambassador through quality representation at the Senate.
Hammanjulde said that other political party candidates in the state, particularly those of APC and PDP, had been tested but they failed the people.
“The candidates of APC and PDP have been tested as governors but they ended up as betrayers.
“Fintiri of PDP who got Baba Nyako support to rise politically and became Speaker of Adamawa House of Assembly ended up as failure and betrayer by impeaching Nyako and scrapping all the empowerment programmes of Nyako’s administration, leading to growing poverty in our state.
“Gov. Bindow of APC is another failure and betrayer that rode on the back of Baba Nyako to victory and later betrayed him by failing to continue where Baba stopped as promised.
“Today we have sustained poverty aggravated in the state by lack of visible state government empowerment programmes and non-payment of workers’ salaries.
“Baba Nyako is here today to guarantee that his son, Sen. Nyako, will not derail in returning us to the happy old days,” Hammanjulde said.
While in Shelleng, Nyako’s entourage also paid courtesy call on the Shelleng Emirate Council, during which the spokesman of the emirate, Alhaji Abubakar Dasong, lauded Nyako for his concern for the people of Shelleng.
Dasong cited the role played by Nyako in the creation of Shelleng local government area during military regime, adding that the people of area would continue to remain grateful to him. (NAN)
YMU/MST
Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Election

By Emmanuel Acha

Enugu, Dec. 30, 2018 (NAN) The Igbo Delegates Assembly (IDA) says it is working to build on its harmonious relationship with the peoples of Northern Nigeria as the 2019 general elections approach.

The group, therefore, cautioned against moves capable of igniting crisis in parts of the country, as the 2019 general elections draw near.

The President General and Secretary General of group, Chuief Chikezie Nwogu and Auston Ifedineze, said this in a statement in Enugu on Sunday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Igbo Delegates Assembly is the umbrella body of Ndigbo in the North and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The group which has been in existence for over three decades is the second largest Igbo socio-cultural body after Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Worldwide.

The group appealed to Ndigbo to stay wherever they were registered and cast their vote.

The group it had uncovered plots by politicians from the South-East to cause disaffection between the igbos and their host communities.

It said that any move that would dissuade Ndigbo living in the North from remaining where they registered to vote was capable of disenfranchising over 7 million registered voters.

The group said “Information reaching us reveals that some overzealous individuals are going around the North and FCT, claiming that they are the leaders of Ndigbo in the region.

“The Igbo Delegates Assembly, hereby, disowns such politicians. “For the past three decades, we have existed in the North and managed our people and their welfare strategically and perfectly well.

“This has resulted to the current peaceful and harmonious coexistence between us and our host communities in the North and FCT.

“We are fervently working out modalities to improve the tempo, most especially now that the 2019 general elections is at the corner.

“We, therefore, categorically state that we do not need overzealous politicians to come to the North to do anything with the capacity to incite the host communities against the lives of the over 13.3 million Ndigbo in the North.

“We have an acceptable means of communication with our people in all 420 local government areas in Northern Nigeria and do not want any distortion of that established system.”

The president-general and secretray-general wondered where such politicians were in the period of adversity.

They furtherappealed to Ndigbo living in the North and the FCT not to be deluded and drawn into actions capable of distorting the good relationship with their host communities.

According to them, the group will soon start the process of sensitising its members, on its plans for the forthcoming general elections. (NAN)

EOA/DUA

Edited by Dada Ahmed.