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Ibom Air expands fleet with new Airbus A220-300

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Ibom Air expands fleet with new Airbus A220-300

Ibom Air has announced the addition of a new Airbus A220-300 to its fleet, marking a strategic move to increase capacity and meet growing demand.

The General Manager for Marketing and Communication, Ibom Air, Aniekan Essienette, said this in a statement on Friday.

Ibom Air is a commercial airline owned by the Akwa Ibom State Government.

Essienette said, “The acquisition, sourced from Carlyle Aviation, underscores the airline’s commitment to expanding its services.

“In October 2021, Ibom Air placed a firm order for ten Airbus A220-300 aircraft, with the first delivery occurring in November 2023. However, the rising demand for the airline’s services has accelerated its expansion plans.

“The airline decided to purchase this A220 from Carlyle Aviation, a world-renowned aircraft lessor and global player in the industry.”

Recall that in February, Ibom Air announced the end of its wet lease operations, signifying a significant shift.

Essienette also said, “The imminent deployment of Ibom Air’s newly acquired A220-300 signifies the airline’s move away from temporary leasing arrangements.“

The event held at Maastricht Airport, in the Netherlands was graced by His Excellency Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Umo Eno.

He was joined by several dignitaries, including Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, and Chief Whip of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Effiong Johnson.

 

Ibom Air’s Executive team, including Chief Executive Officer, Mfon Udom and Chief Operating Officer, George Uriesi, were present, reflecting the airline’s strong leadership and vision.

 

Essienette said, “The addition of this aircraft will bring Ibom Air’s fleet of A220s to 11, after the delivery of the outstanding nine units. It is worth noting the continuing embrace of aircraft financing by Nigerian banks.

 

“This new purchase was financed by both Fidelity and Union Banks, with Fidelity as the majority partner. Ibom Air is delighted to have Nigerian financial institutions supporting its growth, the statement read in parts.”

Nembe women protest over oil spill, demand cleanup in Bayelsa

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Nembe women protest over oil spill, demand cleanup in Bayelsa

Women from Nembe, Nembe Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, on Friday, carried out a warning protest against the operator of Oil Mining Licence 29 – Aiteo Eastern and Production Company.

The protesters who displayed placards at the company’s loading point, demanded a clean-up following an oil spillage incident that occurred on Monday, June 17, 2024; provision of relief materials and payment of adequate compensation, among others.

Our correspondent gathered that the women, who started the protest at about 6.30 am, gave Aiteo a two-week ultimatum to meet their demands, failure of which they would fully occupy the company’s loading point at Nembe Creek.

Details later…

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Oyo receives over 52,000 applications for teachers’ recruitment

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Oyo receives over 52,000 applications for teachers’ recruitment

The Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board has announced the closure of its online portal for recruiting primary school teachers, with a total of 52,423 applications received during the application window.

The job application portal for recruiting 7,000 primary school teachers was opened on June 25, 2024.

A statement signed by Oyo SUBEB Chairman, Nureni Adeniran, on Thursday, said the job application portal was closed after the July 9 deadline.

He said, “We are impressed by this response which shows that people are truly keen and excited to work with the Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board. However, we are compelled to close the portal, as the deadline has passed.”

Adeniran added, “We received not less than 52,423 submitted applications within the number of days of opening the portal. That was impressive.

“After shutting the portal, our team has started sorting out the applications to pick the suitably qualified candidates who will be contacted by the Board.”

According to the chairman, the basic education sub-sector is dear to Governor Seyi Makinde.

He advised applicants to be wary of fake news on the ongoing recruitment process, advising them to regularly check their e-mails and phones for more information on the next steps.

Adeniran stressed that after the applications are sorted, “the next stage will be the CBT examination. The date, venue and time scheduled for each candidate, will be sent to them through their emails and phone numbers.”

In another development, the Board has called for synergy between it and the Oyo State Local Government Staff Pension Board.

This was revealed during a courtesy visit to Oyo SUBEB by the local government staff pension board Chairman, Akeem Ige.

Adeniran said the synergy would assist in ensuring a faster process in the documentation of retired primary school teachers.

Hundreds of Boko Haram terrorists reportedly escape in Niger mass prison break

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Hundreds of Boko Haram terrorists reportedly escape in Niger mass prison break

Hundreds of terrorists, criminals and drug traffickers have escaped from the Koutoukalé prison in Niger Republic.
The prison, located near the capital city of Niamey, was the scene of a violent mutiny on Thursday that overwhelmed guards and allowed inmates to escape with weapons and vehicles.
According to eyewitness accounts, gunshots and explosions were heard from inside the prison around midday, prompting a quick response from security forces.
However, it was reported that the inmates had already gained control of the prison, breaking through armored gates, barbed wire, and trenches.
It was gathered that two previous attempts by terrorists to attack the prison had been thwarted.
The country’s Interior Minister reportedly issued a radio message to all governors, confirming the escape and urging village chiefs and religious leaders to report any suspicious individuals.
A curfew has been declared in the Tillabéri region, and the entire River Niger region is on high alert.
Hundreds of Boko Haram terrorists reportedly escape in Niger mass prison break

Imo ex-LP gov candidate lauds S’Court ruling

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Imo ex-LP gov candidate lauds S’Court ruling

The governorship candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 Imo State governorship election, Senator Athan Achonu, has applauded the Supreme Court judgment granting financial autonomy to the local governments in the country.

In a landmark judgment on Thursday, the Supreme Court delivered a resounding victory for local government autonomy.

In a statement he personally signed and made available to The According, Achonu described the ruling as a victory for democracy, saying, “This ruling is a major triumph for democracy and the empowerment of local communities, which have long been stifled by the undue control of state governments over funds meant for local government areas.”

The former governorship candidate added, “As someone who has campaigned tirelessly for over two decades for full local government autonomy, I, Senator Athan Achonu, commend this ruling as a pivotal moment in our nation’s history. It reaffirms the fundamental principles of federalism and ensures that local governments are empowered to deliver essential services directly to the people.

“May I use this opportunity to commend Mr. President, Bola Tinubu, and the Attorney-General of the Federation for taking this patriotic step towards disentangling the local governments from the strange clutches of the state governors.

“I also commend the National Assembly for the constitutional amendment for INEC to conduct local government elections.”

He maintained that “this victory would not be complete without the scrapping of state electoral commissions.”

He, therefore, called on organised labour, student groups, and youth organisations “to engage and possibly pressure all the states Houses of Assembly until they ratify the amendment.”

He added, “This is crucial for the realisation of true local government autonomy and for ensuring that local elections are conducted fairly and transparently.

“The Supreme Court’s judgment underscores the importance of local governance and its critical role in national development. By ensuring that funds allocated to local councils are used for their intended purposes, this ruling will enhance transparency, accountability, and the efficient delivery of public services. It represents a clear mandate for state governments to respect the autonomy of local governments and adhere to the principles of good governance.

“I call on all stakeholders, including the federal and state governments, to embrace this decision and work collaboratively towards its implementation. This is not just a victory for local governments, but for all Nigerians who will benefit from the improved governance and development that this autonomy will bring.

“It is a time for celebration and renewed commitment to building a more equitable and prosperous Nigeria. As we move forward, let us remain steadfast in our dedication to strengthening our democratic institutions and ensuring that the voice of every Nigerian is heard and respected. The journey towards full local government autonomy has been long and challenging, but this ruling brings us closer to realizing the vision of a truly decentralized and responsive government.”

Kardashians, others to attend wedding of Asia’s richest man’s daughter

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Kardashians, others to attend wedding of Asia’s richest man’s daughter

Socialite sisters Kim and Khloe Kardashian were among the global celebrities spotted in India on Friday to attend a lavish three-day wedding ceremony staged by Asia’s richest man Mukesh Ambani.

Ambani’s youngest son Anant and fiancee Radhika Merchant, both 29, will tie the knot over the weekend in the financial capital Mumbai following months of pre-marriage parties that have set a new benchmark in matrimonial extravagance.

Earlier celebrations included a European cruise for 1,200 guests, a purpose-built Hindu temple at the Ambani family’s ancestral home, and private performances by R&B star Rihanna and Canada’s Justin Bieber.

The Kardashians are the latest in a long line of famous foreign VIPs to make an appearance.

Elder sister Kim shared an Instagram story showing her car mobbed by Indian photographers shortly after her arrival and both siblings receiving flower garlands from staff at their luxury hotel.

Former British prime ministers Boris Johnson and Tony Blair were also spotted by reporters arriving at Mumbai airport ahead of the party beginning later on Friday.

In June, the couple embarked on a four-day Mediterranean cruise, where singer Katy Perry performed at a masquerade ball at a French chateau in Cannes.

The Backstreet Boys, US rapper Pitbull, and Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli also provided entertainment.

Guests at earlier galas have included Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg and former US president Donald Trump’s daughter Ivanka, along with a who’s who of India’s sporting and entertainment worlds.

This week’s opulent celebrations are set to raise the bar, with even more celebrities, politicians, and global business elites jetting into the monsoon-hit megacity of Mumbai.

Former US presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, boxing star Mike Tyson and actor John Cena are among the other names rumoured to be attending.

Anant’s father Mukesh is chairman of Reliance Industries, a family-founded conglomerate that has grown into India’s biggest company by market cap.

The patriarch is the world’s 11th richest person with a fortune of more than $113 billion, according to Forbes, and is no stranger to making a statement when it comes to family marriages.

He held the most expensive wedding in India to date for his daughter in 2018, which reportedly cost $100 million and saw US singer Beyonce perform.

Ambani is also a key ally of India’s right-wing Hindu nationalist leader, Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

He inherited a thriving industrial enterprise spanning oil, gas, and petrochemicals and grew it into a commercial behemoth with lucrative interests in retail, telecommunications, and an Indian Premier League cricket team.

His 27-floor family home Antilia is one of Mumbai’s most prominent landmarks, reportedly costing more than $1 billion to build and with a permanent staff of 600 servants.

Merchant is the daughter of well-known pharmaceutical moguls.

AFP

Four migrants die, 63 rescued in English Channel crossing attempt

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Four migrants die, 63 rescued in English Channel crossing attempt

Four migrants drowned in the Channel overnight off Boulogne sur Mer on France’s northern coast while trying to cross to Britain, French maritime police said Friday.

A navy patrol boat went to the site after being alerted that several migrants had fallen into the sea while trying to cross the Channel, maritime police told AFP.

Four people winched out of the water by helicopter were dead but others were rescued alive, the police added.

This takes to 19 the number of people who have died this year trying to cross over to Britain from France on often overloaded boats.

Five migrants died on April 23 off the French coast while trying to make the perilous journey.

F‍our people found “unconscious” could not be saved, police added, while 63 were rescued.

 

 

AFP

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LG Autonomy: Supreme judgment win for fiscal accountability in Nigeria – BudgIT

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LG Autonomy: Supreme judgment win for fiscal accountability in Nigeria – BudgIT

BudgIT has said that Thursday’s Supreme Court judgment endorsing Local Government Autonomy is a fiscal governance and accountability win for Nigeria.
It disclosed this in a statement on Thursday by its Communications Officer, Nancy Odimegwu.
TVN reports that the Supreme Court on Thursday barred the 36 state governors from receiving funds for the 774 local government areas in Nigeria.
The judgment also stopped the governors from removing democratically elected Local government chairmen.
Reacting to the judgment, Gabriel Okeowo, BudgIT’s Country Director said that the development would bring transparency to local government allocations.
It called for restricted adherence and implementation by all stakeholders.
“This ruling is a victory and a significant step towards enhancing fiscal transparency, accountability, and local governance in Nigeria.
“In light of this, we call for strict adherence to this ruling and urge all stakeholders, including state governments, to respect the rule of law and uphold the principles of fiscal responsibility,” he said.
LG Autonomy: Supreme judgment win for fiscal accountability in Nigeria – BudgIT

73-year-old female weightlifter, boxer wows Nigerians with incredible fitness

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73-year-old female weightlifter, boxer wows Nigerians with incredible fitness

In a remarkable display of fitness and determination, 73-year-old Roseline Umar has captured the admiration of Nigerians with her impressive weightlifting and boxing routines, According Sports Extra reports.

A video of Mrs. Umar showcasing her workout regimen went viral, sparking widespread praises and amazement.

During an interview with the BBC, Umar explained how her commitment to the gym has transformed her life, making her feel youthful and energetic.

“I feel like I have a younger woman’s body,” she highlighted her love for bench pressing and jokingly warned people not to mess with her because of her knowledge of boxing.

Mrs. Umar’s fitness journey began when she sought to lose weight and alleviate joint pain that disrupted her sleep. After consulting with a doctor, she was advised to visit the gym and shed at least 10 kilos.

For the past 16 years, she has been waking up at 6am five days a week to work out and has no plans to stop. She emphasised the importance of regular exercises and encouraged others to adopt a similar lifestyle.

The video of her workout has garnered numerous reactions on social media, with many Nigerians expressing their admiration and disbelief at her age-defying fitness on X (formerly Twitter).

@UPrecious commented, “Wow, she’s looking younger too.”

@OZONE jokingly compared Umar to 72-year-old President Bola Tinubu saying, “Tinubu can’t relate.”

MR RALPH added, “I have watched many of her videos, truly it was difficult for me to believe her age if not for her face.”

A female user, @Rossie, said that she can’t do what the septuagenarian can despite being a lot younger.

“Wow, something I can’t do even though I’m young,” she wrote.

Jerry Doubles also stated, “This oldie is living my dream. The spirit is willing but the body is weak.”

@McPherson humorously compared her to a popular award-winning Nollywood actress.

“My guy said she looks more (sic) younger and sexy (sic) than that Toyin Abraham.”

Mrs. Umar’s dedication and discipline serve as an inspiration to many, proving that age is just a number when it comes to staying fit and healthy.

Police recruitment: Reps wade into face-off between PSC, IGP

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Police recruitment: Reps wade into face-off between PSC, IGP

The House of Representatives has waded into the face-off between the Police Services Commission, PSC, and the Inspector General of Police over recruitment into the force.
This followed the adoption of a motion on urgent public importance by a member of the House, Mitema Obordor (PDP -Bayelsa) during plenary in Abuja.
The motion is titled: “Resolving the Impasse: An Urgent Need to Investigate and Settle Lingering Police Recruitment Dispute Halting the 2023/2024 Police Recruitment”.
Obordor presented a motion that the Nigeria police is under the supervision of the PSC which has the power to appoint, promote and dismiss all officers of the Nigeria police force (NPF) except the I-GP.
This, he said, was to broker a relationship of trust and confidence between the public and the police.
He said that given the population of Nigeria and the security situation in the country, the ideal police-to-citizen ratio in Nigeria ought to be one police officer to 200 citizens.
He, however, said the country currently has a ratio of one police officer to 650 citizens, indicating a significant shortfall in the Nigerian police strength.
This, he said, was far below the United Nations recommendation of one police officer to 450 citizens.
He said the lingering dispute between the PSC and the IGP, resulted in an impasse and had regrettably halted the ongoing recruitment process for almost 10 months.
He said there was a critical need to strengthen the Nigerian police force by setting a ratio of one police officer to 200 citizens.
He said it was imperative to adopt the United Nations recommendation of a ratio of one police officer to 450 citizens to address the escalating security challenges facing our nation.
He added that the shortage of police personnel had reduced police presence in communities, thereby, leading to a surge in crime rates as criminals took advantage of the situation.
Adopting the motion, the house urged its Committees on police to investigate the root cause of the lingering dispute between the PSC and the IGP.
He said this was to resolve the dispute, and proceed with the recruitment process without further delay, and to report to it with recommendations within four weeks.
The House urged the Federal Government to provide adequate funding and resources necessary to support the recruitment and training of police officers.
It also urged the Federal Government to increase the number of police personnel to be recruited and in doing so, ensure federal character provisions as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution strictly adhered to.
Police recruitment: Reps wade into face-off between PSC, IGP

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