Month: February 2025

Transfer of technology: Ogun state govt to partner Santos Aviation

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CHUKS OKOH The Ogun state government is ready to train Indigenous youths in aviation carriers to realize their dreams. Chief of Staff to the Ogun State governor,  Dr. Oluwatoyin Taiwo, disclosed this during a courtesy visit by the Managing Director of Santos Aviation Ltd, Mr. Segun Adesanya, in the government house in Abeokuta, to intimate the government of his intention to contribute to the development of the aviation sector of the state through investment. While welcoming Mr. Adesanya, Dr. Taiwo assured him of the state government’s support in actualizing his project in the state. The COS stated that the new Ogun Airport at Iperu, Remo was full of potential and urged the visiting aviator to take advantage of the project and invest. Also speaking, the Commissioner for Transport for Ogun state, Engr Gbenga Dairo, informed Engr Adesanya that the airport project has been ongoing for the past three years, with its runway built to accommodate wide-bodied aircraft. Engr Dairo disclosed that the airport was given the nod to operate as Sunset Airport but revealed that effort was being put into getting the cargo airport to operate 24 hours as the equipment for that was being awaited. The Commissioner also disclosed that light aircraft were already using the airport but assured them of speedy approval from the NCAA for commercial operations in the next few months. Engr Dairo, who was full of praises for the chief executive officer of Santos Aviation, whom he described as the son of the soil, said the state was considering a curriculum on aviation courses in some technical institutions to enable students interested in aviation to participate. Earlier, while briefing the government representatives on his mission, Engr Adesanya said he intended to give back to society through technology transfer in youth development in the aviation carriers. According to Engr Adesanya, there is a need to involve the state due to the capability of local use in aviation by having potential training for an apprenticeship, which Santos Aviation will sign off the students, and will be eligible to obtain Airframe License from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) of the United States after taking the FAA examination. He said it would be done in partnership with local schools, such as technical and polytechnics, with 18 months of training under the FAA certificates in airframe mechanics, amongst others. According to Engr Adesanya, the lack of maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facilities in the country has led to more trained engineers not having the facilities to practice. He, however, noted that when an MRO is sited in Ogun airport, it will ease the already saturated Lagos airport and boost the economy of Ogun state. The Santos boss said there was no room for expansion in Lagos, and Ogun remained a better alternative. Engr Adesanya has been in the aviation industry for over four decades, has worked with Delta Airlines as an aircraft engineer, and has established Santos Aviation Ltd in the United States, providing aircraft management, interior refurbishing, and cargo operation worldwide, among others.

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Nigerians Must Be Ready To Fight For Their Democratic Rights _ NOWINTA

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Says “Former Transportation Minister, Rotimi Amaechi Was Right About Elitist Manipulations Of Democracy In Nigeria” A prominent  human rights activist and pro-democracy advocate, Comrade Igbotako Nowinta, has urged Nigerians to be ready to fight for their democratic rights at all times. Comrade Nowinta, an international conflict resolution expert, who doubles as Executive  – Director, Nigeria Good Governance Research Centre (NGGRC), disclosed this in an interview with PEOPLE’S STANDARD. The former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, spoke last week in Abuja, at a national conference on strengthening democracy in Nigeria, where he emphasized that politicians will do anything to remain in power, including stealing, maiming, and killing. Addressing the audience at the event, organised by the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy and Development, Amaechi stressed the need for political vigilance, warning that power must be fought for rather than expected to be handed over. Comrade Nowinta said Rotimi Amaechi, former Minister of Transportation under ex- president Muhammadu Buhari was absolutely correct, when he declared: “You are talking and abusing everybody. Nobody has power and will give it to you—not even me. If you want a pastor as president, go and get one.The politician is there in Nigeria to steal, maim, and kill to remain in power. If you think Tinubu will give it to you, you are wasting your time”. Nowinta posited :”Nigerians must never allow themselves to be intimidated, brow – beaten or cowed into submission, about the facts of the matter concerning democracy in Nigeria. What we have on our hands is a most terrible situation where the votes of majority of Nigerians do not count during election process” According to the full text of the press release: “We at the Nigerian Good Governance Research Centre (NGGC), are of the opinion that democracy is a game of multitudes not a draconian system to be solely and perpetually manipulated by a few individuals for their parochial egocentric desires. And sadly in Nigeria what we see is a barbaric situation where the votes of multitudes are consistently manipulated to serve the wishes and aspirations of a desperate political cabal at the highest quarters” “That is why we are using this medium to state unequivocally that Rotimi Amaechi, ex- Minister for Transportation spoke the naked truth when he declared last week amongst other claims that :”The politician is there in Nigeria to steal, maim, and kill to remain in power. If you think Tinubu will give it to you, you are wasting your time”. “Former Transportation Minister, Rotimi Amaechi was right about elitist manipulations of democracy in Nigeria; he actually made a clarion call to patriotic Nigerians to continue to be alert about placing their political destiny solely in their hands, than expecting any decent democratic behaviors from the elites who are currently grabbing political power after resorting to extreme thuggery, sophisticated electoral manipulations within the system and complete violence”. “No great and prosperous people anywhere in the world got to where they are without furiously and uncompromisingly fighting for their democratic rights, such as we see glaringly in the United States, United Kingdom, and other progressive European countries. Therefore, Nigerians must never allow themselves to be intimidated, brow – beaten or cowed into submission, about the facts of the matter concerning democracy in Nigeria. What we have on our hands is a most terrible situation where the votes of majority of Nigerians do not count during election process”. “It is only the hypocritical beneficiaries of the current suffocating rotten system that will not see anything wrong with what has befallen our country: the consequences of elitist manipulations of the resources of our country is the imposition of one of the most horrific economic system in known history; as the masses are panting for survival”. “We have become captive audience in the hands of a tribe of politicians who are conjuring stories of good governance and economic recovery on total fiction, and a whole bunch of lies and half truths; indeed since May 29th, 2023, our self imposed rulers have perfected a story of heartbreaks, betrayal and dictatorship”. “Because :”The politician is there in Nigeria to steal, maim, and kill to remain in power”, we must no longer allow them to ply their heinous trade recklessly, no artificial climate of fear should deter us, the ephemerality and transience of political power must vigorously ginger us to doggedly and persistently fight for our democratic rights, come 2027, which will enable Nigerian people to take power, that would  ultimately propel our country to the league of progressive nations of the world”.

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THE JOURNEY: AUTHORED BY PASTOR OVIS ENAHORO

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Book Review By  Igbotako  Nowinta. (THE JOURNEY: AUTHORED BY PASTOR OVIS ENAHORO). The JOURNEY… is a unique book, painstakingly put together by the author to show case the stupendous philanthropic cum medical interventions of a determined, visionary and brilliant medical practitioner. There is no doubt that the author has been able to put together the personality of a marvel, a pragmatic innovative workaholic; a young man grateful to his maker, with a big heart meant to serve the needy. Dr. Nosa Aigbe Lebarty, going by what is written in this book is definitely entrusted by destiny to embark on a great missionary cum medical journey, imbued with ability to build his own empire for service to humanity. Perhaps an extract from Chief Sam Igbe’s foreword would open a door to the subject matter in this documentation when he wrote:” Anyone who has taken the time to follow the journey of this remarkable young man can attest to his extraordinary character. Dr. Lebarty has risen from a humble background to become a distinguished medical doctor with a successful practice in the United States of America. His story is a testament to what can be achieved with hard work, determination, an an unwavering commitment to making a difference in the lives of others”. Readers are going to see a book carefully packaged to put Dr. Nosa Aigbe Lebarty, in his enviable lane of selflessness, as the titles of the chapters speaks volumes about the extraordinary personality and wonderous activities of the subject matter: Chapter One: The Man Chapter Two: Humble Beginnings Chapter Three: Close Shave Chapter Four: Encomiums In this book the author dwells essentially on what she enunciated on the preface of the book thus:”The Journey is an attempt to show case Dr. Nosa Aigbe Lebarty’s growing up challenges, his good heart, victories and successes. Interestingly, Dr. Nosa has become widely recognized abroad and in Nigeria, Edo State in particular, because of his humanitarian gestures through his foundation, Lebarty Community Health Foundation and his contribution to the health sector…Dr. Nosa has become a beacon of hope to humanity with his philanthropic lifestyle, bringing joy to the homes of many through numerous programmes embarked upon by his foundation’. In chapter one: “The Man”, the author delivered the heart of the matter. According to her:” Dr. Lebarty received his undergraduate education from Medgar Evers College  (Brooklyn) and graduated Cum Laude, at Medgar Evers, he was an engaging student. He participated in both educational and non – educational activities…He is certified through the American Board of Family Medicine. Additionally, Dr. Lebarty has diverse medical background, and he has been working in Hospital Medicine since 2012…Dr. Lebarty is the owner of Telemedicine Platform (Lebarty Medical Telehealth), where he is able to assess patients remotely in Nursing homes. He is the founder and President of Project Health Africa with goal of providing affordable and dependable healthcare to the poorer communities in Africa”. The theme in chapter two: “Humble Beginnings” was graphically rendered as follows:”Growing up in the ancient city of Benin, in the then Bendel State, South – South of Nigeria, Nosa was a lively and interesting young man who began a journey that has been characterized by several achievements, the results of his dogged determination to succeed and fulfill his ambition of offering selfless service to the society”. Chapter  three: “Close Shave” was aptly captured by the author in this way:” The Lebarty Community Health Foundation through the presentation of awards annually to appreciate deserving individuals for their contribution to societal development has been in the forefront of promoting excellence in service. The vision of the foundation is also to help those who cannot help themselves and to honour those who are encouraging others to strive for excellence in their chosen profession as well as those who have paved the path in trying to help other folks” In chapter four: “Encomiums”, the author posited:”Emeritus Prof. Augustine Orhue, a former consultant to the World Health Organization (WHO), believes that Dr. Nosa Aigbe Lebarty deserves commendation for assisting the health care sector in Nigeria, with the Lebarty Community Health Foundation, and the hospital he is building in Edo State. If wealthy Nigerians can emulate this kind gesture of coming to invest in their country, the escalating mortality rate through deadly diseases would drastically reduce”. The book ends with arrays of distinguished personalities from varied background, pouring profusely heart warming encomiums on Dr. Nosa Aigbe Lebarty, for his deep seated commitments to alleviate the terrible sufferings the underprivileged folks are going through in Nigeria, most especially via provision of adequate medical care. Written with readable language that drips with the passion and eloquence of an experienced journalist, this Journey is simply captivating. From the content analysis of this book, it is clear that Dr. Nosa Aigbe Lebarty is an embodiment of steadfastness and doggedness in his chosen career; a medical doctor per excellence; a lover of human dignity and merchant of virtuous humanity. The man in his fruitful journey so far remained absolutely committed to the satisfaction of communal needs and aspirations using his medical outreach: The Lebarty Community Health Foundation, a pride to the Edo nation. In Dr Nosa Aigbe Lebarty’s journey, the readers will encounter a benevolent, helpful and kind-hearted personality, possessed with undiluted magnanimity, understanding and empathy with the downtrodden and lowly citizenry of our society. This must-read book was written by Pastor Ovis Avwerosuoghene Enahoro, a journalist who is equally naturally attracted to the less privileged in the society. She met Dr. Nosa Aigbe Lebarty in 2022, and has left no stone unturned in assiduously working with him to accomplish his desires of rendering humanitarian services to the widows, orphans and the elderly in our society. Mrs Enahoro, an administrator, a Minister in the vinegar of God, mother and the author of the book:”How To Be A Champion”, read Theatre Arts and obtained a Post Graduate Diploma in Journalism from the University of Benin ( UNIBEN). Her anxious spirit and indefatigable energy has

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Max Air suspends operations, NCAA to conduct safety, economic audit

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CHUKS OKOH Max Air has announced a three-month suspension of its domestic flight operations following the tyre burst incident involving its B734 aircraft, registration 5N-MBD, at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport on January 28, 2025. The airline’s management made the decision to allow for an internal appraisal of its operations, effective midnight, January 31, 2025. The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) confirmed the incident and stated that the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has initiated an investigation to determine the cause. The NCAA will support the NSIB in this process and will conduct a thorough safety and economic audit of Max Air during the suspension period. The suspension follows an incident involving one of the airline’s Boeing 734 aircraft, registration mark 5N-MBD, which landed at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano on January 28, 2025. The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has initiated an investigation into the occurrence, and the NCAA will provide necessary support to ensure a thorough probe. The specific cause(s) of the incident can only be established after the investigation is completed. In a statement, the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the NCAA, Mr. Michael Achimugu, said that the suspension is aimed at allowing Max Air’s management to conduct an internal appraisal of its operations. During this period, the NCAA will conduct a thorough safety and economic audit on the airline. The safety audit will involve a re-inspection of Max Air’s organization, procedures, personnel, and aircraft, while the economic audit will examine the airline’s financial health to ensure its capability to sustain safe flight operations. The resumption of Max Air’s domestic flight operations will be predicated on the satisfactory completion of the audit. The NCAA has appealed to intending passengers of Max Air for patience and understanding, assuring them that the safety and well-being of passengers is paramount. As the authority is committed to ensuring the protection of passenger rights and will continue to monitor the situation closely. Passengers are advised to make alternative travel arrangements until further notice.

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NAMA clarifies inited airlines incident

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CHUKS OKOH The  Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), has offered clarifications on the circumstances surrounding last Thursday’s air return involving a  United Airlines aircraft saying the air plane experienced sudden loss of altitude while over Côte d’Ivoire’s airspace. The agency categorically reaffirmed that the incident , which forced the aircraft to return to the Lagos Airport approximately  two  hours and 32 minutes after departure, did not occur within the Nigerian airspace The airspace agency, according to a statement  by its Director in charge of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Abdullahi Musa  said despite having the option to land in Bamako or Abidjan, the pilot, based on his prerogative and assessment of the situation, decided to return to Nigeria. The choice of Nigeria, he said was decided by the pilot  being the origin of the flight and where he probably  considered safer for him to make  a landing rather than Bamako or Cote D’ Ivorie where he encountered the problem. The statement reads : ” This clarification has become necessary owing to some unsubstantiated reports and analyses by certain “aviation experts” whose commentary is borne out of either inadequate information or misinformation. For the avoidance of doubt, the reported incident involving an air return in the Nigerian airspace did not occur within Nigeria’s airspace. Flight UAL 613, a scheduled service from Lagos to Washington fulfilled all departure protocols in accordance with international aviation standards. “Approximately 2 hours and 32 minutes after departure, the aircraft experienced a sudden loss of altitude while over Côte D’Ivoire’s airspace. Despite having the option to land in Bamako or Abidjan, the pilot, based on his prerogative and assessment of the situation, decided to return to Nigeria, being the origin of the flight and where he probably  considered safer for him to make  a landing rather than Bamako or Cote D’ Ivoire where he experienced the loss of altitude.” The NAMA spokesman said upon contact with the flight, ATC activated medical emergency services as requested by the pilot as required by laid down industry procedures. He said all hands were on deck to receive the aircraft on landing. He clarified : ” Lagos Area Control Centre picked the flight 180 nautical miles from Lagos.  It activated a medical emergency stand-by and guided the flight to a safe landing at Murtala Muhammed International Airport. “Upon arrival, emergency protocols were immediately activated by NAMA’s Air Traffic Control (ATC) and ground medical teams, ensuring the safety of all passengers and crew onboard. ” Another aircraft belonging to the airline flew to Lagos from Accra to rescue the passengers having received treatment by the Nigerian medical personnel. Contrary to insinuations this aircraft from Ghana was strictly on a rescue mission and nothing more. “We emphasize that the airline has not violated any airspace regulations and commend the pilot’s professionalism and judgment in prioritizing the safety of everyone onboard. NAMA remains committed to upholding the highest standards of airspace safety and ensuring that all operations adhere to international best practices. “While hoping that this clarification would disabuse the minds of unsuspecting air travelers and reassure them of the safety of the Nigerian airspace, we also implore analysts to obtain authentic information from appropriate quarters before commenting on critical national issues.”

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SAHCO wins British Airways platinum awards

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The Skyway Aviation Handling Company PLC (SAHCO) has won the British Airways Platinum award for punctuality and Safety performance in the Lagos station. For the year 2024, SAHCO  won it at every quarter, having won the bronze, silver and gold awards. According to Helen O’Connor, the Regional General Manager, Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific, ‘The award is based on meeting or exceeding the adjusted door closure (aDC) target of 96% every month for four consecutive quarters, with no major safety events or repeat audit findings. According to Helen, achieving this across an entire year is a remarkable testament to the excellence and reliability of SAHCO’s operation and extended  warm congratulations for the well-deserved recognition It would be recalled that the SAHCO Abuja station won the bronze award last quarter. It is the first time the British Airways team in Nigeria will be winning this The award is for Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific

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