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Aviation Minister promises completion of outstanding projects before 2023
Aviation Minister promises completion of outstanding projects before 2023
The Minister of Aviation, Sen. Hadi Sirika has promised to complete outstanding projects in the industry before the present administration completes its tenure by 2023.
Sirika made gave the assurance during the 25th Annual Conference and Awards Ceremony organised by the League of Airport and Aviation Correspondents (LAAC) in Lagos on Wednesday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the conference was: “Nigeria’s Aviation Industry: Management, Policy and Regulations”.
The minister noted that the President Muhamadu Buhari administration had a vision of a sector that would provide utmost comfort, safety and security for majority of passenger before his tenure ran out.
Sirika, represented by the Commissioner for Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB), Mr Akin Olateru also pledged to urgently improve operating environment for airlines operating in the country.
The minister said that the ministry was in consultation with relevant Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies to bring succor to the airlines.
Sirika highlighted that the ministry had been able to achieve zero import duties on aircraft engine, spare parts and special foreign exchange window for the aviation sector.
He said: “We have improved availability of aviation fuel in the industry and it had restructured the aviation agencies.
“Others are the improvement in aviation safety and security, upgrade of NCAT into a Regional Centre of Excellence.
“And we have achieved the introduction of policies on Remotely Piloted Aircraft, Employment Policies on the Enforcement of Expatriate Quota.”
Sirika noted that Nigeria presently had Bilateral Air Services Agreements (BASAs) with 89 countries.
He added that 15 countries had already indicated their preparedness to sign BASAs with the country while 13 other countries were in the threshold of renegotiation.
The minister said in 2016, after it had conducted a diagnosis of the aviation industry, he convened a conference of all stakeholders where they emerged with a very clear road map.
Sirika said the roadmap was for the development of the aviation sector with the ultimate aim of making aviation highly relevant to the Nigerian economy.
He said: “However, as you are aware, COVID-19 has put the global economy to the test, with air transport being undoubtedly the hardest hit by the pandemic.
“The statistics from the International Airline Transport Association (IATA) on COVID-19’s economic impact on Nigeria has revealed a revenue loss of 994 million dollars in 2020.
“In terms of employment at risk in Nigeria, it is 125,370 and loss of contribution to the GDP is 885 million dollars.”
Sirika said that the Federal Government was able to cushion the effects of the pandemic by providing intervention of fund of N5 billion for domestic airlines.
The minister said they could not have achieved all these without the cooperation, constructive criticism and great understanding of everybody in the industry.
The Chairman of the occasion, Capt. Ibrahim Mshelia, commended the organisers for the choice of the theme, adding that there could not be a better time to discuss burning issues like this in an industry that was battling too many oppressive forces.
Mshelia, the Chairman of Westlink Airlines, said these forces were both manmade and natural.
“The natural is the COVID-19 pandemic, which has devastated, not only the Aviation sector nay Nigeria alone. It is a scourge that shook every sector with devastating effects globally beginning from early 2020.
“As we all know, Aviation standards, management, policy and regulations on the global stage is over – sighted and supervised by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).
“Every country that is signatory, sends a representative to the ICAO council. I believe, therefore, that the motive of this theme will be to review, dissect,” he said.
Mshelia said the theme would also fine tune some of our existing policies and practices, which were in conflict with global norms and also affected our collective growth. (NAN)
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has announced the demise of its Enugu State Sector Commander, Corps Commander Franklin O Agbakoba.
This is contained in a statement issued by FRSC Deputy Corps Commander in-charge of Enugu State Operations, DCC Kyrian C Okolo, on Friday in Enugu.
“FRSC Enugu State Sector Command received the sad news of the demise of CC Franklin Agbakoba on Thursday, July 30,2026.
“The late Sector Commander died at Niger Foundation Hospital, Enugu where he was receiving treatment.
“His corpse have been deposited at the Eastern Medical Center, Enugu,” he said.
Until his death,CC Franklin Agbakoba made inter-agency collaboration and partnership his legacy and promoted safer roads within Enugu State.
The family’s head, Imo Aguiyi-Ironsi, made the demand during an interview with Arise News on Thursday.
“I think the family needs apology. The family needs to be compensated. We need sincere apology. We need sincere reconciliation,” he said.
He described his uncle as a visionary leader who was wrongly punished for a coup he had no role in.
“He was a man of vision. He was a detribalized Nigerian. He was a good leader,” he said.
Imo Aguiyi-Ironsi noted that his uncle’s tenure as Head of State was brief and ended violently.
“He occupied the seat of head of state for only six months, and he was taken away from us.
“Not because of a sin he committed, because he wasn’t part of the January 1966 coup.”
According to him, Aguiyi-Ironsi’s death resulted from his position rather than any wrongdoing on his part.
“Only because of his position as the most senior military officer, he was told to take charge. And then that cost him his life,” he said.
He expressed hope that his appeal would reach those with the power to act on it.
“Well, I hope there are people who are in positions to make this happen that are listening to you tonight,” he said.
Aguiyi-Ironsi served as Nigeria’s Head of State from January 16 to July 29, 1966, taking charge in the aftermath of the January 15, 1966 coup that had claimed the lives of the country’s political leadership.
He survived that coup and helped crush the mutiny, but his later decision to centralise power under Decree 34, along with his failure to prosecute the plotters, fuelled resentment among northern officers.
He was killed on July 29, 1966, alongside his host, Lieutenant Colonel Adekunle Fajuyi, in a mutiny by northern soldiers that became known as the July counter-coup
The directive was contained in a memorandum dated July 13, 2026, and signed by the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, Kabir Akanbi.
Addressed to litigation staff, legal practitioners, court registrars and lawyers, the circular said the order took immediate effect and formed part of efforts to uphold professional standards within the apex court.
The memorandum read, “I am directed by the Honourable the Chief Justice of Nigeria to notify all Litigation Staff, Legal Practitioners, Court Registrars, and Lawyers that the use of the title ‘Barrister’ as a prefix to names is inappropriate and inconsistent with the standards of professionalism expected within the Supreme Court of Nigeria.”
It further directed all affected officers to immediately stop using the title in official correspondence and other official materials.
The memo stated, “Consequently, all officers concerned are hereby directed to discontinue the use of the title ‘Barrister’ before their names in all official correspondence, records, documents, identity materials, and any other official engagements with immediate effect.”
The memorandum added, “Heads of Departments and Unit Heads are requested to ensure strict compliance with this directive by all officers under their supervision. Please be guided accordingly.”
The directive comes weeks after the Council of Legal Education cautioned prospective lawyers against wearing wigs and gowns or presenting themselves as qualified legal practitioners before they are formally called to the Nigerian Bar.
The council said such conduct undermined the dignity of the legal profession and warned that violators could face disciplinary measures.
It also reminded candidates that the use of legal regalia is governed by the Rules of Professional Conduct and is reserved for duly qualified legal practitioners
The Enugu State Government says it has intensified fight against quackery across all health professions, particularly in the laboratory practice within the state.
The Commissioner for Health, Prof. George Ugwu, revealed this on Friday while receiving the National President of Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria (AMLSN), Dr. Casimir Ifeanyi, on a courtesy visit to his office in Enugu.
Ugwu decried the growing trend of unprofessional practices and establishments where laboratory services are combined with pharmacies, patient treatment areas, provision stores, and other unauthorised activities.
According to him, such practices are unacceptable and dangerous to public health.
He reaffirmed the government’s resolve to eliminate quackery especially in laboratory practices and operations through sustained monitoring, regulation and enforcement.
The commissioner also commended the association for its dedication to promoting excellence in medical laboratory science and public health advocacy.
He assured the team of the ministry’s willingness to collaborate with professional bodies whose activities align with the government’s vision of delivering accessible, quality, and people-centred healthcare services across the state.
Ugwu stressed the remarkable strides recorded under the administration of Gov. Peter Mbah in transforming the health sector, including investments in healthcare infrastructure, workforce development, primary healthcare revitalisation and improved service delivery.
He urged the association to remain steadfast in upholding professionalism and ethical standards, emphasising that stronger partnerships between government and healthcare professionals remained essential in building a healthier Enugu State.
Earlier, Ifeanyi, who made the visit with some members of his national executive and Enugu State Chapter of AMLSN, briefed the commissioner on the association’s forthcoming AMLSN Annual Public Health Lecture.
He solicited the state government’s goodwill, support and participation in the event, which would be held in Enugu.
“The annual lecture is aimed at advancing quality healthcare delivery, promoting public health awareness, and fostering stronger collaboration among healthcare professionals and government institutions,” he said.
He noted that the association remained committed to improving professional standards and supporting initiatives that would enhance healthcare outcomes for residents of Enugu State and Nigeria at large.
…Inaugurates Amufie Town Union executives
By Chinedu Sabastine
The Enugu State Government has urged Town Union President Generals (PGs) across the state to adopt inclusive leadership that promotes peace, unity and sustainable development in their communities.
The Commissioner for Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, Chief Charles Egumgbe, gave the charge on Wednesday while inaugurating the newly elected 14-member executives of the Amufie Town Union in Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area.
The executive committee, led by the President-General, Engr. Kenneth Okechukwu Ogili, was presented with certificates of return at the ministry’s headquarters in Enugu.
Egumgbe urged the new leadership to ensure transparency, accountability and regular engagement with members, stressing that women and youths must be carried along in decision-making.
He advised the executives against operating exclusive caucuses, noting that town union affairs should be conducted openly through regular meetings where decisions are collectively taken.
“You must carry everybody along. Let your policies be all-inclusive and ensure that members are well informed about your activities. Matters should be tabled before the executive and decisions reached collectively,” he said.
The commissioner warned against abuse of office, particularly in matters relating to community land, stressing that anyone found working against the interest of the community could be removed under the state’s Town Union law.
“I don’t know whether you will receive remuneration because this is service to humanity. But whatever you do, don’t sell community land illegally. Land has a way of fighting for itself,” he cautioned.
Responding, the new inaugurated President-General, Ogili, pledged to lead with transparency and work closely with his executive to promote peace, unity and development in Amufie.
He said the administration would prioritise security by strengthening the neighbourhood watch and collaborating with security agencies to flush out criminals from identified flashpoints.
Ogili also promised to maintain a cordial working relationship with the traditional ruler of the community.
“The Igwe is our father. We have different constitutional roles, and there will be no conflict between us. We shall work harmoniously for the peace and progress of Amufie,” he said.
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