News Agency of Nigeria
NGO urges FG to review NCDs policies, empowers 400 sickle cell patients
Health

NGO urges FG to review NCDs policies, empowers 400 sickle cell patients

9 total views today

By Adeyemi Adeleye

A Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), CrimsonBow Sickle Cell Initiative, has urged the Federal Government to increase budgetary allocation to the health sector and review polices on Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in Nigeria.

 

The Founder and Chief Executive Officer of CrimsonBow, Miss Timi Edwin, made the call at a routine end of the month free Sickle Cell Disorder Clinic for 400 patients.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the clinic, supported by Lafarge Africa, affords patients routine and genotype tests, medical consultations, free medication, vaccination and other empowerments.

 

Edwin noted that efforts should be made to prevent sickle cell disorders rather than spending huge money for its treatment.

 

She said: “We feel there is a need to come from the preventative point of view rather than the treatment.

 

“I would like President Bola Tinubu to please increase the budgetary allocation to health because that will cascade to people like us who need to receive healthcare on routine basis.

 

“We want the government to ensure policies are implemented; let’s even reevaluate policies that affect people living with NCDs and from there, things will get better.

 

“People living with sickle cell need to see doctors regularly, they need to get their medications and test done.

 

“This is what we are facilitating and ensuring it is done free of charge for them to live healthier lives.”

 

Describing funding as a challenge, Edwin expressed gratitude to Lafarge Africa for sponsoring the clinic.

 

Urging Nigerians to stop stigmatising people living with sickle cell, the founder advocated creation of a comfortable environments where patients’ mental health would be nurtured.

 

“We (patients) are already going through a lot, we will like people and government to show us kindness, love and support to better our lives,” she said.

 

Earlier in her opening speech, the CEO of CrimsonBow Sickle Cell Initiative, said that the mission was to improve the lives of sickle cell warriors.

 

“For years, CrimsonBow has worked to ensure that warriors have access to the care, support, and information they need to live healthier, fuller lives.

 

“We have seen the struggles — from delayed diagnoses, high treatment costs, and limited access to specialised care — and we have committed ourselves to be part of the solution.

 

“This clinic is not just about medical check-ups; it is about dignity, hope, and empowerment.

 

“It is a safe space where warriors are reminded that they are not alone, and where parents and caregivers can find guidance and community,” Edwin said.

 

Commending Lafarge Africa for choosing to invest in the health and future of sickle cell warriors, she described the partnership as a shining example of how the private sector can play a life-changing role in public health.

 

Edwin said: “Together, we are proving that corporate social responsibility is not just a phrase, but a force that can transform lives.

 

“To our volunteer medical team — your dedication is the heartbeat of this clinic. To our guests and community members — your presence here today reminds us that advocacy is strongest when we stand together.

 

“Let us remember, every consultation, every test, every smile shared today is a step toward a future where sickle cell disorder no longer steals potential, dreams, or lives.”

 

Speaking, Mrs Ginikanwa Frank-Durugbor, Head, Corporate Communications, Brand and Events, Lafarge Africa, said that the company was very proud to be in partnership with CrimsonBow Sickle Cell Initiative to improve health condition of patients.

 

Frank-Durugbor said: “Health and safety is a social imperative for us and one of our CSR pillars.

 

“So, whenever we see such opportunities to contribute to the wellbeing of residents in our host communities, we take it up.

 

“Our commitment to making lasting impact goes beyond health and safety, and also extends to education, infrastructure and youth empowerment.

 

“This partnership with CrimsonBow is a meaningful one and supports our purpose of building impactful progress for people.

 

“We are very happy to see the extent to which they (CrimsonBow) have gone to improve the lives of the people that have the disease”.

 

Counselling the warriors, a medical expert, Dr Dina Nwanali, urged the parents of the sickle cell warriors to be resilient and mentally strong for their children, especially during their crisis.

 

Nwanali called for more attention for sickle cell warriors, saying a lot of them could not afford medications necessary to keep them in good health.

 

Speaking on the impact of the cold weather on patients, the medical expert urged parents to always give warriors warm food, cold-preventing clothes, and ensure regular hydration for their safety.

 

A beneficiary, Mr Joshua Iyeke, who described as challenging, living with sickle cell anaemia, called on well meaning Nigerians and governments to come together to ease the burdens on warriors.

 

“It is really expensive living with sickle cell, but with gestures like this, we get our routine drugs free.

 

“To single people out there, love is not enough, know your genotype and avoid bringing any child to this world who will go through this pain,” Iyeke said.

 

Also, Mr Badru Wasiu, who brought a sister to benefit from the free clinic, commended the CrimsonBow Initiative and its partners for remembering millions of people living with sickle cell.

 

Advocating policy to remove all stigmas from sickle cell warriors, Wasiu urged Nigerians to support patients.

 

A 39-year-old sickle cell warrior, Miss Ifeoluwa Oladeji, said: “It has not been easy but I have been managing it using my drugs; and I know my limit.

 

“I want to advise policy makers to ensure new born genotype screening policy and support the carriers with medication,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Vivian Ihechu

Weak IP laws enforcement, piracy stifling Nigeria’s software sector – Expert
Science & Tech

Weak IP laws enforcement, piracy stifling Nigeria’s software sector – Expert

87 total views today

 

 

 

By Funmilola Gboteku

 

Mr Adeoye Oludamilola, the Managing Director, Zequence Digital, a digital agency, says weak enforcement of Intellectual Property (IP) laws and piracy are stifling Nigeria’s software industry, and discouraging innovation and investment.

 

Adeoye told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Tuesday that software piracy and the unauthorised use of proprietary technology are widespread in the country.

 

NAN reports that Intellectual Property (IP) laws in software refers to the legal rights that protect the creations of the mind used in software development.

 

These rights, which include copyrights, patents, trade secrets, and trademarks, grant developers exclusive control over their software and related assets, preventing unauthorised use or reproduction.

 

Adeoye said that many startups do not patent or protect their innovations, due to a lack of knowledge and the cumbersome legal processes involved.

 

“IP registration and litigation are expensive and time-consuming, which further discourages developers from protecting their work,” Adeoye said.

 

He added that the lack of awareness among developers about their IP rights contributed to the problem.

 

To address these challenges, Adeoye stressed the need for the formation of an IP Protection Consortium, comprising tech firms, legal experts, and regulators, to advocate for stronger IP enforcement.

 

He also suggested collaborating with legal tech startups to create simplified platforms for fast-tracked IP registration.

 

The managing director further called for joint initiatives between legal bodies and tech communities to launch IP rights education campaigns.

 

This, he said, would equip developers with the knowledge they needed to protect their innovations and grow their businesses.

 

Adeoye emphasised the need for the government and stakeholders to create an ecosystem for development and inclusivity by proactively engaging with regulators.

 

According to him, this will help ensure that policies are created with the input of concerned agencies and industry experts. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

 

 

Edited by Christiana Fadare

Innovations, partnerships vital for advancing manufacturing sector – Minister
Economy/Business

Innovations, partnerships vital for advancing manufacturing sector – Minister

107 total views today

 

 

By Rukayat Moisemhe

The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Mr Uche Nnaji, and industry stakeholders have stressed the need for innovations and partnerships in advancing a sustainable manufacturing sector and creating real opportunities for Nigerians.

They stated this at the ninth Nigeria Raw Materials Expo and eighth Nigeria Manufacturing and Equipment Expo on Tuesday in Lagos.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event’s theme was: “Accelerating Sustainable Manufacturing through Cutting-edge Equipment and Technology Solutions”.

It was organised by the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) and the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC).

Nnaji noted that the event supported many of President Bola Tinubu’s top priorities, like economic growth, innovation, infrastructure, education and good governance.

He stated that government would ensure that every policy, investment and innovation create real opportunities for young Nigerians and give them hope for the future.

“Countries that invest in advanced technologies are growing quickly and creating good jobs and we must do the same.

“That is why our ministry is supporting research, promoting local technology and encouraging industries to add value to Nigerian raw materials before exports.

“We know that there are challenges, such as high costs, limited access to finance, and infrastructure gaps.

“Solving these problems requires teamwork across government, business and the wider community,” he said.

The Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, said it had become pertinent to embrace manufacturing as a way of surmounting economic challenges.

Sanwo-Olu was represented at the event by Mrs Folashade Ambrose, the Lagos State Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment.

He said harnessing technology would ensure that Nigeria played an important role in the global manufacturing arena.

He said the future of the country rested on the brilliance of ideas forged through collaborations of manufacturers, investors, policy makers and technology experts.

The governor said they would create solutions that were not only economically viable but were environmentally responsible.

“Lagos state as the economic, financial and commercial nerve centre of Nigeria and Africa’s emerging tech hub is determined to champion the cause of sustainable industrial growth powered by innovation, technology and local content development,” he said.

President, MAN, Mr Francis Meshioye, said manufacturers were accelerating innovation, resilience, and long-term value for stakeholders by embracing cutting-edge technology solutions

Meshioye noted that the expo would spark conversations around deployment of energy-efficiency in production processes through partnerships with green tech innovators to co-develop scalable and sustainable solutions.

He added that it aligned with the Federal Government’s “Nigeria First Policy” and spoke loudly to the promotion of local content, patronage of locally produced goods and support for domestic industries.

“The renewed commitment comes at a time when consumer expectations and regulatory pressures is increasing, urging companies to rethink their production strategies as part of their sustainability roadmap.

“Your active participation at this expo exemplifies your resolve to showcase innovative products and solutions developed by local manufacturers and their foreign counterparts; connect with potential customers, partners, and investors,” he said.

The Director General, RMRDC, Prof. Nnanyelugo Ike-Muonso, noted that raw material imports surged by 119 per cent to N4.53 trillion in the first nine months of 2024 alone, exposing a structural weakness.

Ike-Muonso, noted that Nigeria possessed over 120 commercially viable solid minerals, vast agricultural resources, and a demographic dividend in its young population.

This, he stated, meant that what the country lacked was not potential, but strategic coordination, bold implementation, and technology-backed commitment.

“As the world transitions into smart, circular, and efficient production systems, we must not lag.

“It is clear that to reposition Nigeria as an industrial powerhouse, we must reduce foreign raw material imports by at least 60 per cent in the next five years and significantly increase local resource utilisation.

“Our duty is clear: integrate advanced technologies, foster resource efficiency, promote inclusive local content development, and institutionalise sustainability as a national industrial ethos,” he said.

The Chief Executive Officer, Open Access Data Centres, Dr Ayotunde Coker, said key considerations must be made for more sustainable and integrated supply chains.

He stressed that the circular economy model which supports reuse, recycle and repurpose must be adopted in manufacturing against the extraction of raw materials, usage and disposal. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

National industrial policy priorities tech adoption for manufacturing growth – Minister
Economy/Business

National industrial policy priorities tech adoption for manufacturing growth – Minister

131 total views today

By Rukayat Moisemhe

Minister of State for Industry, Sen. John Enoh, says the National Industrial Policy prioritises technology adoption, equipment financing, and power integration to support manufacturing sector innovation.

The minister said this at the 2025 edition of the Nigeria Manufacturing and Equipment (NME) and Nigerian Raw Materials (NIRAM) expo on Wednesday in Lagos.

The event had the theme: “Accelerating Sustainable Manufacturing through Cutting-edge Equipment and Technology Solutions.”
It was organised by the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) and the Raw Materials Research and Development Council.

Enoh said the policy, currently going through some processing for validation, aimed to enhance the advancement of the country’s industrial sector.

He noted that globally, manufacturing was undergoing some profound revolution.

He said the convergence of matters like automation, artificial intelligence, energy efficiency and smart infrastructure were redrawing the map and boundaries of possibilities.

The minister stated that Nigeria could not afford to be left behind given its huge population, geography and large raw materials base.

Enoh stressed that Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises that drove about 97 per cent of the manufacturing sector must have access to affordable, smart machinery, not antiquated tools of the past.

He said for textile and other industries to being to scale up and leverage efficient systems, the country must move from importing used industrial scrap to deploying world-class solutions built for resilience, for sustainability.

“What we may lack may be a kind of coordinated acceleration to get all of this to happen.

“We must begin to treat technology as something that we need for the survival of industry and manufacturing,” he said.

Enoh stated that through policy-driven partnerships with Development Finance Institutions and innovation hubs, the ministry was working to increase acquisition of manufacturing technologies for small-scale producers.

He said they were harmonising efforts between the ministry, Bank of Industry and others to align around the single industrial acceleration agenda.

“My call to manufacturers, innovators and exhibitors is that this expo should not just be a marketplace, but a mandate.

“The mandate is to forge strategic technology transfer partnerships and explore modular, mobile, decentralised equipment models from underserved regions.

“The mandate is to collaborate with universities and polytechnics to co-design Nigeria-specific machines and to define sustainability, not just as a matter to comply environmentally, but as economic inclusiveness and industrial sovereignty,” he said.

President, MAN, Mr Francis Meshioye, said the event’s theme resonated with the need for adaptation and ingenuity in industry to drive a more robust manufacturing ecosystem.

Meshioye stressed the need to harness the innovations and strategies presented to equip manufacturers to better respond to local demands while also positioning strategically in the global marketplace.

He said the expo would not just showcase industrial capabilities but also explore opportunities for collaboration, innovation, and sustainable practices to propel Nigeria’s industry into a future of resilience and prosperity.

“NME-NIRAM EXPO presents us with a unique platform to learn from one another, to challenge the status quo, and to pave the way for advancements that will shape the manufacturing landscape in Nigeria and beyond,” he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

Atiku Foundation offers scholarship to Nafisa Abdullahi, two others
Education

Atiku Foundation offers scholarship to Nafisa Abdullahi, two others

146 total views today

 

 

 

By Angela Atabo

 

Atiku Abubakar Foundation (AAF) has offered Nafisa Abdullahi, Rukaiya Fema, and Khadija Kalli, all global winners at the recent TeenEagle Global finals, a fully-funded scholarship.

 

Prof. Ahmadu Shehu, Acting Secretary of the foundation, made this known in a statement on Thursday in Abuja.

 

Shehu said that AAF, the philanthropic arm of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has long been a champion of education in Nigeria.

 

According to him, the offer is a promise to cover their education till they graduate from the university.

 

He said that a letter has been sent to the girls in that regard.

 

“The scholarship will fund the remainder of their secondary education and their entire university journey at any institution of their choosing.

 

“For these girls, their achievement at the TeenEagle competition was a testament to their hard work. Now, the scholarship from the AAF is a powerful affirmation of their potential.

 

“It is also a beacon of hope, showing that with dedication and support, dreams can become a reality regardless of a child’s background or social class.”

 

Shehu said that the gesture aligned with the foundation’s commitment to supporting quality education, especially for girls and other vulnerable groups.

 

He said this was in recognition that empowering young women is a powerful investment in the future of the nation.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Yakubu Uba

NIA hails Tinubu, says NIIRA 2025 will transform insurance, finance
Economy/Business , General News

NIA hails Tinubu, says NIIRA 2025 will transform insurance, finance

121 total views today

 

 

 

 

By Taiye Olayemi

 

 

 

The Nigerian Insurers Association (NIA) has commended President Bola Tinubu for assenting to the Nigerian Insurance Industry Reform Act (NIIRA) 2025.

 

 

 

Its Chairman, Mr Kunle Ahmed, in a statement on Wednesday, described (NIIRA) 2025, as a pivotal legislation that would set the stage for transformative progress across the insurance ecosystem and the broader financial services landscape.

 

 

 

Ahmed noted that the Act, signalled a bold step toward strengthening insurance industry’s regulatory framework, enhancing public trust, improving market penetration, and modernising operations.

 

 

 

“It reflects the commitment of the Federal Government to deepening financial inclusion. It also ensures that insurance becomes a robust pillar in Nigeria’s economic architecture and in line with the president’s vision for achieving a $1 trillion economy by 2030.

 

 

 

“The association extends heartfelt gratitude to all stakeholders whose tireless efforts shaped the development and successful passage of the Act.

 

 

 

“The National Assembly, for their deliberations and legislative stewardship, the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), for regulatory guidance and technical expertise, and other key government agencies.

 

 

 

“Our esteemed member companies, whose feedback and vision have been invaluable and the civil society advocates, academia, and policy experts who contributed insight and integrity throughout the reform process.

 

 

 

“Your collaborative spirit and unwavering commitment to the future of insurance in Nigeria have made this achievement possible,” he added.

 

 

 

Going forward, Ahmed pledged NIA’s full support toward the successful implementation of the NIRRA Act.

 

 

 

He said that the association was dedicated to facilitating sector-wide understanding and adoption of the Act’s provisions.

 

 

 

According to him, this will be by engaging member companies and stakeholders through capacity-building, advocacy, and technical support.

 

 

 

He said that NIA would continue to partner with regulators to ensure seamless execution and compliance, while also promoting innovation and inclusion in line with the goals of the legislation.

 

 

 

“This is not just a legislative victory; it is a shared mission. NIA stands ready to champion a more resilient and customer-centric insurance sector that contributes meaningfully to national development,” he said.

 

 

 

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that President Bola Ahmed signed the Nigerian Insurance Industry Reform Bill on Tuesday, Aug. 5. (NAN)

 

 

Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa

Expert urges insurance industry to embrace new reform act
Economy/Business

Expert urges insurance industry to embrace new reform act

126 total views today

 

 

 

By Taiye Olayemi

 

Ms Prisca Soares, Chairman of the Almond Insurance Industry Awards Panel of Judges, has urged stakeholders in the insurance industry to embrace the reforms outlined in the Nigerian Insurance Industry Reform Act (NIIRA) 2025.

Soares spoke at a news conference unveiling nominees for the 2025 Almond Insurance Industry Awards on Wednesday in Lagos.

She said that the reforms were necessary for the survival and long-term growth of the sector.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that President Bola Tinubu signed the NIIRA into law on Tuesday.

 

Soares described the current period as critical for the industry, and added that while the changes introduced by the new law might be difficult, they were necessary for repositioning the sector.

 

“We have a very challenging situation right now, and a lot needs to be done to ensure the survival of the insurance industry.

 

Some of the changes that need to be made may be painful, but they are necessary,” she said.

 

Soares urged insurance operators to streamline their business models, identify their core areas of focus, and align capital investment accordingly, rather than spreading resources thin.

 

“Every company must determine its core line of business. That clarity helps in deciding the capital requirements and allows for greater focus. Running into everything at once is no longer optional.

 

“Even from the sidelines, it was clear this was coming. I believe operators have been bracing themselves for it, and I do not foresee widespread casualties.

 

“The future of the industry looks bright if we all work together and take the bull by the horns.”

 

Regarding the 2025 Almond Awards, Soares announced that the voting process had begun and would close on Sept. 5 to allow the panel time for final processing.

 

She said this year’s edition recorded an increase in participation, with 914 nominations received, compared to 392 in 2024, representing a 79.94 per cent increase.

 

“This sharp increase is a testament to the growing recognition and prestige of the Almond Awards within and outside the insurance industry,” she said.

 

To further strengthen transparency and reduce duplicate voting, Soares revealed that a One-Time Password (OTP) system would be implemented for this year’s voting process.

 

She said some nominations were not considered due to non-compliance with the laid-down criteria.

 

She encouraged nominees to mobilise their clients and the general public to vote via the official website.

 

According to her, both companies and individuals are entitled to only one vote per category.

 

Soares explained that the winners in each category would be determined through a combination of 10 per cent public votes, 10 per cent judges’ decisions, and 80 per cent data provided by the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM).

 

Also, speaking at the event, Prof. Olajide Fadun, Consultant and Manager of the awards website, unveiled the nominees across the various categories and outlined the voting procedure for eligible participants.

 

In her remarks, Chief Jean Chiazor-Anishere, a member of the awards panel of judges, described the Almond Awards as a platform that had contributed to raising insurance awareness and deepening penetration in Nigeria.

 

She added that the awards had helped many insurance firms improve the quality of their services.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa

Ministry urges women to prioritise safety
Gender

Ministry urges women to prioritise safety

74 total views today

 

 

By Kemi Akintokun

 

The Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA) on Tuesday urged women to imbibe safety as a culture in their home and public place.

 

Mrs Bolaji Dada, the Lagos State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, who spoke at a workshop held in Agege said safety consciousness was essential in preventing Harvard.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the workshop with the theme “Homes and Public Places Safety: An Essential Way of Life” is organised by WAPA to sensitise women focused NGO on safety

 

Dada noted that a safe home is not only about who lives in it, but also how well ia home is managed and protected, while public places safety involves more than just police presence.

 

“This theme is timely in our fast-paced and urbanizing society like Lagos, where movement, interaction, and daily living take place across diverse spaces,.

 

“Safety is not just important, it is essential. Both the young and old deserved safety whether within the walls of their home, on the road to work, at school, in parks, on public transport, or in any communal area.

 

“Safety is also a culture that is built over time through awareness, civic responsibility, thoughtful infrastructure planning, and respect for public order.

 

“This meeting is important not only because of the ideas we will share, but also because of the partnerships it representsr,” she said.

 

Mrs Oluwatosin Sogbola, the Director in charge of Safety Training and Sensitisation at the Lagos State Safety Commission , the resource person at the workshop highlighted the need to create awareness on safety for all women.

 

“Safety is an all around thing and it’s something we must learn and re-learn until the end of life.

 

“The biggest safety concern for women and children is that we all know the safety situation in the country, women must be conscious of safety of their, and public places

 

” We must enlighten our children on safety measures that could shield them from harm at home, schools and public places,” she said.

 

NAN reports that a fire drill was demonstrated at the end of the workshop to educate participants on how to prevent fire outbreak out home and what to do during fire incident. To safeguard lives. (NAN)

Edited by Kamal Tayo-Oropo

K1 denies unruly conduct in Abuja airport incident
Entertainment

K1 denies unruly conduct in Abuja airport incident

193 total views today

 

 

 

By Joan Odafe

Nigerian Fuji artiste, King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as K1 De Ultimate, has denied claims of inappropriate behaviour during a boarding incident on Tuesday at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

 

A statement issued on Thursday by K1’s media aide, Kunle Rasheed, said the reports were exaggerated and misleading.

 

According to Rasheed, the incident occurred from a misunderstanding when a bottle of drinking water was handed to the artiste while waiting in the airport lounge to board a ValueJet flight.

 

He said the situation escalated in spite of K1’s efforts to clarify the contents of the bottle.

 

“At no point did K1 act in a manner that endangered lives or breached safety regulations.

 

“The substance in question, which was wrongly sensationalised, was nothing more than plain drinking water, given to him at the airport lounge while he waited to board the aircraft.

 

“Claims that K1 blocked the aircraft or attempted to disrupt operations are completely unfounded.

 

“The veteran artiste, who is globally respected and frequently travels both locally and internationally, understands and strictly adheres to aviation protocols,” he said.

 

Rasheed said that airport officials, including the Head of Airport Security and executives from the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) intervened to de-escalate the issue.

 

“The Chairman and Managing Director of the airline, would not have reached out personally to appeal, tender apologies and even go as far as arranging a private jet to fly him to Lagos, at no cost.

 

“Despite persistent persuasion from the airline’s top executives, K1 graciously declined the offer,” he said.

 

He urged the media and public to avoid sensationalism and allow the truth guide their judgment.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that on Wednesday, FAAN’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mrs Obiageli Orah, confirmed that K1 was due to board morning flight VK 201 to Lagos on Tuesday, Aug. 5.

 

Orah said preliminary findings confirmed that the musician attempted carrying an unidentified liquid onboard, in spite of repeated warnings from Aviation Security (AVSEC) and the Flight Captain.

 

She noted that under international standards, including Nigeria’s Civil Aviation Security Programme and ICAO Annex 17, liquids above 100ml must be declared and medically justified.

 

According to Orah, the musician was reportedly informed but declined to comply with the regulation.

 

“As boarding continued, an airline security officer asked the passenger to step aside for clarification,” she said.

 

Orah stated that the passenger allegedly refused and poured the liquid – later confirmed as alcohol – on the officer.

 

She said the musician was eventually escorted away by AVSEC’s crime unit for investigation and later released.

 

Also,a statement signed by NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, said the authority received the reports concerning a breach of aviation safety protocols by a ValueJet pilot at the airport.

 

Achimugu said the preliminary information indicated that the pilot commenced departure procedures without adhering to mandatory pre-departure clearance protocols.

 

“This reckless action endangered the safety of ground personnel and other airport users, contravening established civil aviation regulations and international safety standards,” he said.

 

He said that the pilot and co-pilot had both been suspended pending the conclusion of a full investigation into the incident.

 

Similarly, the management of ValueJet, in a statement, acknowledged the incident.

 

The airline said it was giving the NCAA its full cooperation in the authority’s investigation.

 

“The crew involved were removed immediately from active duty, pending the outcome of a thorough internal review and investigation that has commenced to understand the root cause and prevent any recurrence,” it said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Folasade Adeniran

Royal father visits orphanage, rehabilitation centre to celebrate coronation anniversary 
General News

Royal father visits orphanage, rehabilitation centre to celebrate coronation anniversary 

95 total views today

 

 

 

By Adepote Arowojobe

 

The Traditional Ruler of Ikorodu in Lagos, Oba Kabir ShotobiOba Kabir Shotobi, on Monday visited an orphanage home and a rehabilitation centre, both in the area, in celebration of his 10th coronation anniversary.

 

Shotobi visited the Lagos State Rehabilitation and Training Centre and the Divine Heritage Child Centre.

 

Lagos State Rehabilitation and Training Centre cares for drug addicts as well as autistic children.

 

The royal father paid the visit along with the Chairman of Danbaba Foundation, Alhaji Sanni Danbaba, and donated bags of rice, beans and cassava flakes (garri), and money.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the anniversary celebration started on Saturday and will end on Aug. 10 at the royal father’s palace.

 

According to Shotobi, the donation is to ameliorate the plight of the less privileged.

 

“This is not the first time, and I will continue to do the same because they are all my children,” he promised.

 

At the Lagos State Rehabilitation and Training Centre, the royal father urged the youth to be law-abiding and focused and avoid crime.

 

“I want you to become good citizens so that you can contribute to building the society,” the traditional ruler said.

 

He charged the management and teachers to prioritise character development.

 

In his remarks, Mr Jubril Abisogun, the Principal of the rehabilitation and training centre, expressed gratitude to Shotobi for the donation, and promised to ensure that all the items would be used judiciously.

 

A former Lagos State Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr Kaoli Olusanya, also praised the royal father for the gesture.

 

Olusanya appealed to Lagos State Government to improve the welfare of those in the rehabilitation centre.

 

The Chairman of Danbaba Foundation, Alhaji Sanni Danbaba, said that the organisation was committed to impacting lives and reducing the number of out-of-school children.

 

Danbaba appealed to philanthropists to do more to assist the less privileged and empower the youth as a strategy to discourage crime.

 

“If we empower people, especially youths, banditry and other crimes in our society will reduce drastically,” he said. (NAN)

 

Edited by Esenvosa Izah/Ijeoma Popoola

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