Arik Air reconnect Enugu route

Arik Air is resuming services from Murtala Muhammed Airport, Ikeja Lagos to Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu effective October 6, 2020. Flights between Lagos and Enugu will operate thrice weekly on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday in the first instance.

Arik Air suspended flights to Enugu last year when the federal government closed the airport for reconstruction.  Passengers have been yearning for the return of the airline to Enugu following the reopening of the airport for commercial flights earlier in September.

The airline’s Chief Executive Officer, Captain Roy Ilegbodu said the carrier is happy to be back in Enugu. “We are delighted to return services to Enugu having missed our esteemed customers in and around the Coal City.

“We are pleased to be back to offer exceptional travel experience to our highly esteemed customers who will be elated with our on time departures.”

The airline advised customers to take advantage of its online booking platform (www.arikair.com) for their ticket purchase and ensure that they observe all COVID-19 protocols at the airport as well as on board.

 

At Last,FG Reaches Agreement With Labour; NLC,TUC SUSPEND PLANNED NATIONWIDE STRIKE ACTION

JOINT COMMUNIQUE ON THE RESOLUTION OF TRADE DISPUTE BETWEEN THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT OF NIGERIA (FGN) AND THE ORGANIZED LABOUR REPRESENTED BY THE NIGERIA LABOUR CONGRESS (NLC) AND THE TRADE UNION CONGRESS (TUC) HELD AT THE STATE HOUSE BANQUET HALL ON SUNDAY, 27TH SEPTEMBER 2020 

A Bipartite Meeting between the FGN and the two Labour Centres – Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), Having been convened at the Banquet Hall, State House, Abuja to discuss emerging labour issues arising from recent cost - reflective Electricity Tariff adjustments and deregulation of the downstream sector of the Petroleum Industry, Recognizing the public outcry and protest over the recent Federal Government twin policies on Electricity Tariff Reform and full implementation of deregulation of the downstream sector of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry resulting in the planned nation-wide industrial action by Organised Labour, Bearing in mind the spiral and negative impact of COVID-19 pandemic on world economy, Further bearing in mind that due to impact of COVID-19 pandemic the world is undergoing socio-economic transition which has affected price stability, sustainability of enterprises, employment, and other socio-economic indices, Acknowledging that the spiral and negative impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the global economy has given rise to the need for a new socio-economic order, Recognising the need to sustain enterprises for retention and creation of jobs as well as sustainable growth and development, Acknowledging the need for social concertation between the Federal Government and workers’ representatives, namely the two Labour Centres – 

The NLC and TUC, To aid in the dialogue and communication, the Federal Government side made presentations to show the state of economy and the drive behind the recent cost - reflective Electricity Tariff adjustments and deregulation of the downstream sector of the Petroleum Industry, Bipartite meeting to address and resolve the issues in dispute between the FG and Labour Centres were held on September 15, 24, and 27, 2020, 

After exhaustive deliberations on the issues raised by Labour Centres, the FGN stated that it has fashioned out palliatives that would ameliorate the sufferings that Nigerian workers may experience as a result of the cost - reflective Electricity Tariff adjustments and deregulation of the downstream sector of the Petroleum Industry. 

The palliatives will be in the areas of transport, power, housing, agriculture and humanitarian support. 

After thorough debates and negotiations on various issues raised by all parties, the following resolutions were reached and mutually adopted: ELECTRICITY TARIFF REFORMS The parties agreed to set up a Technical Committee comprising Ministries, Departments, Agencies, NLC and TUC, which will work for a duration of two (2) weeks effective Monday 28th September 2020, to examine: 

The justifications for the new policy in view of the need for the validation of the basis for the new cost reflective tariff as a result of the conflicting information from the fields which appeared different from the data presented to justify the new policy by NERC; metering deployment, challenges, timeline for massive roll – out.

 The Technical Committee membership is as follows: Mr Festus Keyamo, SAN – Hon. Minister of State Labour & Employment - Chairman Mr Godwin Jedy-Agba – Hon. Minister of State Power – Member Prof. James Momoh - Chairman National Electricity Regulatory Commission – Member Engr. Ahmad Rufai Zakari - SA to Mr. President on Infrastructure – Member/Secretary Dr. Onoho’Omhen Ebhohimhen – Member (NLC) Comrade Joe Ajaero – Member (NLC) Comrade Chris Okonkwo – Member (TUC) 1no. Representative of DISCOS - Member 

The Terms of Reference (ToR) are as follows: To examine the justification for the new policy on cost - reflective Electricity Tariff adjustments. 

To look at the different Electricity Distribution Company (DISCOs) and their different electricity tariff vis-à-vis NERC order and mandate. 

Examine and advise Government on the issues that have hindered the deployment of the six million meters

. To look into the NERC Act under review with a view to expanding its representation to include organized labour. 

The Technical sub - committee is to submit its report within two (2) weeks. During the two weeks, the DISCOs shall suspend the application of the cost - reflective Electricity Tariff adjustments.

 The meeting also resolved that the following issues of concern to Labour should be treated as “stand – alone” items:

 The 40% stake of Government in the DISCO and the stake of workers to be reflected in the composition of the DISCO’s Boards. 

 An all-inclusive and independent review of the power sector operations as provided in the privatization MOU to be undertaken before the end of the year 2020, with Labour represented. 

 That going forward, the moribund National Labour Advisory Council (NLAC) be inaugurated before the end of the year 2020 to institutionalize the process of tripartism and socio dialogue on socio – economic and major labour matters to forestall crisis DOWNSTREAM SECTOR DEREGULATION Consequent upon the critical review of the various challenges of the downstream sector of the Nigeria oil and gas industry vis a vis the incalculable losses associated with a subsidy regime the Country has been incurring in terms of, stifled growth in the downstream sector, diminished human capital development and massive financial leakages and flight. 

This is in addition to the dire financial circumstances of the Federation that precludes any ability to sustain any subsidy on PMS and making deregulation of PMS inevitable. Consequently, the Parties agreed to the following: All parties agreed on the urgency for increasing the local refining capacity of the nation to reduce the overdependency on importation of petroleum products to ensure energy security, reduce cost of finished products, increase employment and business opportunities for Nigerians. 

 To address (1) above, NNPC to expedite the rehabilitation of the nation’s four refineries located in Port Harcourt, Warri and Kaduna and to achieve 50% completion for Port Harcourt by December 2021, while timelines and delivery for Warri and Kaduna will be established by the inclusive Steering Committee. 

 To ensure Commitment and transparency to the processes and timelines of the rehabilitation exercise, the management of NNPC has offered to integrate the national leadership of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association (PENGASSAN) into the Steering Committee already established by the Corporation. 

 A Validation team comprising the representatives of the NNPC, Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), NUPENG and PENGASSAN will be established to monitor progress of the rehabilitation of the refineries and the pipelines/strategic depots network and advice the Steering Committee periodically. 

 Post rehabilitation, NNPC shall involve the PENGASSAN and NUPENG in the process of establishing the operational model of the Nation’s refineries. 

 The Federal Government will facilitate the delivery of licensed modular and regular refineries, involvement of upstream companies in petroleum refining and establishing framework for financing in the downstream sector. NNPC to expedite work on the Build Operate and Transfer framework for the nation’s pipelines and strategic depots network for efficient transportation and distribution of Petroleum products to match the delivery timelines of the refineries as agreed. 

 The Federal Government and its agencies to ensure delivery of 1 million CNG/LPG AutoGas conversion kits, storage skids and dispensing units under the Nigeria Gas Expansion Programme by December 2021 to enable delivery of cheaper transportation and power fuel. 

A Governance Structure that will include representatives of organized Labour shall be established for timely delivery.

 GENERAL INTERVENTION To cushion the impacts of the downstream sector deregulation and tariffs adjustment in the power sector, the Federal Government will implement the following: A specific amount to be unveiled by the FGN in two weeks’ time will be isolated from the Economic Sustainability Programme Intervention Fund and be accessed by Nigerian Workers with subsequent provision for 240,000 under the auspices of NLC and TUC for participation in agricultural ventures through the CBN and the Ministry of Agriculture. 

The timeline will be fixed at the next meeting. Federal Government will facilitate the removal of tax on minimum wage as a way of cushioning the impacts of the policy on the lowest vulnerable.

 Federal Government will make available to organized labour 133 CNG/LPG driven mass transit buses immediately and provide to the major cities across the Country on a scale up basis thereafter to all States and Local Governments before December 2021.

 Housing: 10% be allocated to Nigerian workers under the ongoing Ministry of Housing and Finance initiative through the NLC and TUC. 

 Consequently, the NLC and TUC agreed to suspend the planned industrial action. ORGANISED LABOUR; ___________________ __________________ Ayuba Wabba, mni Quadri Olalaye NLC PRESIDENT TUC PRESIDENT _________________ __________________ Emmanuel Ugboaja Musa Lawal Ozigi, mni Secretary General NLC Secretary General TUC _________________ __________________ Williams E. Akporeha Festus Osifo NUPENG President PENGASSAN President ___________________ __________________ Martin Uzoegwu Chris N. Okonkwo President NUEE President, SSAEAC FOR GOVERNMENT: __________________ _______________________ Timipre Sylva Festus Keyamo, SAN Hon. Min. of State Petroleum Hon. Min. of State Labour & Employment __________________ _____________________ Alh Lai Mohammed Godwin Jedy-Agba Hon. Min. of Information & Culture Hon. Min. of State Power _________________________ Sen. (Dr.) Chris Nwabueze Ngige, OON, MD. Honourable Minister of Labour & Employment _______________________________ Boss Mustapha Secretary to the Government of the Federation

President Aviation Lions Club urges govt. to address falling educational standards donates textbooks to schools

The Federal Government has been advised to look into the falling standard of education in public schools in the country with a view to raising the bar in the interest of the future generations. 

President of the Ikeja Aviation Lions Club, Engr. AbdulRamah Musa made this call while donating textbooks including English, Mathematic, Agriculture, Biology, Physics, story books among others for Primary, Junior and Senior Secondary Schools of Murtala Mohammad Airport. 

According Musa, the falling standard of education in public schools was alarming which needed urgent attention of government calling, on them to face the challenge squarely. 

He commended the government for opening schools in the country for the new acedemic session saying, it was the best decision to be taken.

On the donation of the books to the school, Musa who is also the HOD electrical MMIA said, it was their widow’s mite to boosting the academic performance of the students

He said they were increasing the library of Mohammed Airport Schools with 70 textbooks richer with donations by the Ikeja Aviation Lions Club. 

He added that this was also to equip the students in their studies and the teachers to give their best to the students.

According to him, whatever is within the aviation industry is part of their responsibility and to impact their environment through donations and other activities that will put smiles on the faces of all.

“And we are very happy in donating some books to them so that at the end of the day they will be able to impact their society.”

“We donated general books that are useful to everybody, story books, English, Mathematics and various other books that are very, very useful to them in their academic career.”

Engr. Musa promised that the club was ready to do more, adding that the students are the future of tomorrow and they must be fully equipped with knowledge for that tomorrow.

Guiding Lion of the Club, Engr. Teris Ihenacho called on parents to ensure they give their time to their children, monitor them to ensure they do not get involved in activities that will hamper their educational progression.

She urged parents to inculcate in their children good morals and to watch their association, adding that the issue of cultism was becoming rampant in schools.

“We have to start from the family, the government aso has a role to play but we as parents should teach our children how to behave very well in school, monitor them, make sure they are not involved in any cultism.”

On the role government should play, Engr. Ihenacho said, “the government should also engage the students meaningfully, put measures in place to curb cultism that has rear its ugly head in some schools now, government should not handle it with kids glove, they should punish severely those involved in cultism to serve as a deterrent to others.”.

Also speaking, the first President of the club, Alhaji Yahaya Gusau said, the donation was aimed at preparing the future of tomorrow today, adding that if this was not done, the future will be blink.

“Am very happy today, it is a very good one and as far as am concerned, we are at par with any Lions club in Nigeria”.

The Head Teacher of the MMA Secondary Schools, Mrs. Felicia Fatuade while receiving the donated textbooks said they were not surprised at the donations because the Lions Club have been involved in several activities in the schools.

She listed these activities to include tree planting, eye test for the teachers and giving of glasses and referrals to hospitals for further optical services.

Mrs. Fatuade applauded the club for boosting the academic status of the students.

“On behalf of Murtala Mohammed Airport Schools, the Board Chairman, the entire Management, we are saying thank you so much, we appreciate you, we pray that God will bless your efforts.”

The Club’s next activity in the month of October is eye screening for staff of the industry.

On a monthly basis, the Ikeja Aviation Lions Club engages in various activities as part of their contribution to the well being of the aviation family as well as the environment.

In the month of August, the Club embarked on the beautification of the environment with the planting of trees at the Hajj and Cargo terminal of the MMIA, Lagos.

Hausa man writes on why Yorubaland will never be conquered by Fulani Jihadists

If you carefully study the Yoruba people, they have a very strong ethnic bond which is very hard for external perpetrators to break.

I read their history especially about wars, I also lived among them some years ago. To my own knowledge, the only reason why Yorubaland wont be conquered is because of their traditional power, nothing again!

When fulani invaded hausa territory in 18th century, I couldn't comprehend till now why a foreigner will just come to your own land and conquers you. My historical research reveals that hausa people also practices traditions and there are Traditionalist in hausa land before Fulani Jihadists attacked them and conquers the territory. As an hausa man, I write with regret that we are confused in my land. The fulanis has mixedup with us. You cant identify an hausa man from a fulani, kanuri etc. We have lost the power to fight back.

Come to think of Yoruba people, the history recorded that the same fulani that conquered the hausa kingdom never succeeded in Yorubaland. Why?

I need to be sincere by putting aside religion, the traditional fighters in Yorubaland saved the yoruba Territory. The fulani attacked the yoruba kingdom suddenly and unprepared, but these men fought back to retain their Territory. They fought not with islam or christianity, they fought with both guns and Traditional power.

Write this down today for record purpose, yoruba will never be relevant again in life any day they do away with their culture or traditional practices. I have been to some countries where I saw yoruba cultures and Traditionalist, they are special especially in the western world.

Pastor Adeboye is not special because Christianity is a western religion, how can he be special when he's practicing a foreign religion. Christianity is like Islam that is well known. So you can't be special in that field. The same thing goes to the various sheikh, imams etc in Yorubaland. They are not special because islam is a popular religion brought to them. Just like almost all Africans.

If the fulani had met on Christianity or islam in Yorubaland when they invaded them in 18th century, then Yorubaland would have been like hausaland. But these Traditionalist fought with their powers by defeating the fulanis in various wars. I have read that fulani and yoruba are enemies historically.

Let me expose a secret, the fulani fears the yoruba people because of yorub Traditional power. Those practicing Islam in Yorubaland will be very easy for fulani to penetrate exactly the way they penetrated hausa people and Kanuri in the North.

Hausa was unable to fight back the fulani because of religion. Both fulani and hausa practices islam, so there is no a secret power in Quran that hausa will use against fulani because both of them knew about it. Look at the yorubas, they have something different which is known to them. And this is why they were able to use it against any foreign invaders.

Do not get me wrong, am not saying fulani, hausa or igbos etc in Nigeria doesn't have culture or Traditional powers. My point is that they didnt take those powers important, unlike the yorubas who made it important as their religion. Most of their kings are spiritual. How many of my Emirs have that type of power? Were there not hausa leaders in hausa kingdom before fulani conquers them? Why didn't they succeeded in Yorubaland?

The Amotekun, OPC and other yoruba security groups in Nigeria, do you think they just carry all guns and went to the forest?

When yoruba said they will mercilesly deals with Bokoharam if they (Bokoharam) ever tried to attacked their Territory, do you think this statements came from a pastor or Imam? It actually came from yoruba Traditionalist.

The fulani and other yoruba enemies have been looking for a way to penetrate Yorubaland, but this traditional power is their fear. Quote me anywhere. I know what I am saying! I am not a fool!

You dont compare black people with whites, we are different. We need to look back at history, I am an educated hausa man who knows much about history.

The day all yoruba becomes Christian's, Muslims or atheists will be the day Yorubaland will become ordinary and not culturally relevant like others. Then their closest enemies will come back and conquers them eventhough they fail to conquers their fathers in history.

Southern Kaduna is suffering death today because they have no special power for self defense. You can see how they keep killing them. Do you think if Southern Kaduna had been a yoruba Territory, OPC, agbakoya etc wont have confronted those killers?

Hausa is not the one killing them In kaduna, our people dont have that time. The miyetti allah and fulani should be questioned.

_Dr. Muhammad Al-Mustapha Zamfara, Nigeria._

Candlelight Foundation wages "war" against hunger and food insecurity

Standing on the right is Mr. habeeb  Ajide  Ajibola , Tech Personnel – The Candlelight Foundation, Closely followed by the Programmes Director of The Candlelight Foundation, Mr. Christian Agadibe, next the President of the Lagos Food Bank, Mr. Michael A. Sunbola and lastly, Miss David Deborah, Business Development Associate – The Candlelight Foundation, during the handover of food items from the Lagos Food Bank to The Candlelight Foundation. 

As part of efforts to mitigate hunger and fight food insecurity, NGO known as Lagos Food Bank has joined the likes of Indomie, Coca-Cola and Woodhall Capital in partnership with The Candlelight Foundation to feed the less advantaged.

The Candlelight, which has provided over 55,000 meals at their centre located at 39, Oyekan Street, Off Ogunlana Drive, Surulere, has been selected by Lagos Food Bank after their due diligence was carried out.

They praised The Candlelight Foundation for their neatness, coordination, manner of approach to patrons.

Reports have suggested that because of Covid-19 Pandemic another 96 Million Nigerians will thrust into poverty and hunger after the period of isolation and lockdown.

According to The Candlelight Foundation, this is evident from the increase in the number of patrons they attend to every food service day.

Commenting during the handover of foods items, The Lagos Food Bank President, Mr. Michael A. Sunbola expressed satisfaction at The Candlelight Foundation service. In his words: "We have adopted The Candlelight Foundation as one of our partners agencies that we want to be supplying food to and also to reach people in Surulere, so it's something that we need to invest in."

When asked why he chose The Candlelight Foundation, He further made mention of the outstanding credibility, stressing that was what motivated and engineered this partnership.

“We did our findings and when we got the information, we began to carry out our research and the feedback we got about The Candlelight Foundation was good, it’s just something that looks really genuine. I saw some of your pictures as well and there are lot of evident reasons to see that you people are very genuine. We are really happy when we find credible organizations. And we are happy because we know that the work is being done and people are being reached. This is the most important thing. There are a lot of pseudo organizations out there who are really not doing this work. We also know that this work is not easy. So when we find those doing it, we are always happy to be partners with such people,”Sunbola said.

The Candlelight Foundation has been feeding people before the covid19 pandemic but as the effect of hunger continues to rise, The Candlelight Foundation is taking their place increasing the number of meals provided in an attempt to meet up with the increasing number of patrons visiting their centre.

An enthusiastic Executive Director of The Candlelight Foundation, Uzoamaka Okeke was quoted saying, “I am excited that the Lagos Food Bank which is an NGO that The Candlelight Foundation greatly admires, has decided to partner with us. We recognize that Charity is not a competitor’s spot and so we look forward to a greater and deeper relationship with them as well as other NGOs, Charity Organizations, Food Brands and other Sectors of the society.”

ULC fuses into NLC in a surprise reconciliation

The lingering division in the labour brotherhood in the past five years has just come to an end with the leaderships of NLC and ULC coming to amicable resolution to fuse into one strong labour front.Below is their joint statement on their new found brotherhood.  

"*OUR BOND OF BROTHERHOOD SHALL NEVER BE BROKEN!*

The leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress and the United Labour Congress wish to announce to the world that the strain within the ranks of Organized Labour in Nigeria has been resolve

The Nigeria Labour Congress led by Comrade Ayuba Wabba, mni has FULLY RECONCILED with the United Labour Congress (ULC) led by Comrade Joe Ajaero.

Nigerians would recall that after the conduct of leadership election in the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) at the 10th National Delegates Conference in 2015, some misunderstanding arose between some affiliates of Congress. Efforts by Labour veterans such as the pioneer President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Hassan Sunmonu and a former President of the NLC, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole to resolve the issue were inconclusive.

Committed to the bond of brotherhood and solidarity which the labour movement all over the world is known for, the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress and the leadership of the ULC kept aglow the light of peaceful relations towards resolving their misunderstanding as the two leadership resorted to direct discussions aimed at ending the rift.

The outcome of this quiet but sustained effort at making the peace is the fruit of the reconciliation that we are celebrating today. It is to the credit of the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress and the United Labour Congress that the bond of solidarity was never broken even at the height of misunderstanding. 

The NLC and ULC always cooperated and collaborated in defending Nigerian workers. This was the experience during negotiations for the new national minimum wage.

It is remarkable that in the dark furnace that severely tested our commitment and selfless disposition to our movement’s age long tradition of “Nigerian workers first”, we have managed to come out as gold, better and brighter. This is the story that overshadows the fleeting pains of the mosquito bites of our misunderstanding in the night.

With this reconciliation, the leadership and structures of the United Labour Congress have been reintegrated into the Nigeria Labour Congress. In the reconciliation Memorandum of Understanding signed between the two leadership, the modus operandi for this re-integration and ancillary issues are spelt out to the satisfaction of both parties.

We commend the leadership of our affiliate unions, state councils and our statutory organs up to the National Delegates Conference whose mandate and support provided the ladder to this milestone reconciliation. We thank our rank and file and the social partners for their counsel, altruism and support during the dark hour.

Fellow workers, the Nigeria Labour Congress has emerged out of this crisis stronger. We have gained more affiliate unions to our movement, we have gained more experience, and we have built more bridges. Going forward from this platform of unity, we are ready now more than ever before to confront and overcome the myriad of challenges facing Nigerian workers - economic, social, and political.

United We Stand in Solidarity!

Comrade Ayuba Wabba, mni Comrade Joe Ajaero

Compiled by:

Comrade Onyeke Christopher Chukwudi

Americans rate Trump a Racist and Below Average or FAILURE as President

A stunning new poll finds that significant majorities believe President as racist, and rate him as “below average” or a “failure” as President.

Trump has gotten a lot of bad polling news recently, as his approval ratings have cratered and his general election opponent Joe Biden has widened his lead over the incumbent. A new Yahoo! News/YouGov poll is arguably worse news for Trump, as the results cut at his character and place in American history.

When directly asked “Do you think that President Trump is a racist?”, 52 percent said yes, while only 34 percent said no — an 18 point spread. Even a hefty plurality of white voters agreed Trump is a racist, 46-39, while only 14 percent of Republicans said yes to the question. Crucially, among independent voters, the spread was even wider than the overall number, with 53 percent saying Trump is a racist and only 31 percent saying he is not.

Respondents were also asked “How would you rate the following Presidents?”, and given choices ranging from “Great” to “failure” in assessing Trump and former Presidents Barack Obama, Abraham Lincoln, George Washington, George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, Ronald Reagan, Jimmy Carter, John F. Kennedy, Dwight Eisenhower, and Franklin Roosevelt.

It did not go well for Trump. A whopping 54 percent rated Trump either a “failure” or “below average,” with the results overwhelmingly tilted to “failure” at 43 percent. That’s more than double the number who said the same of President Obama, whose polarizing presidency scored 21 percent in that metric. That’s versus 45 percent who said Obama was “great” or “near great.”

In fact, Trump was seen as a failure by more than triple the number of people who said the same of President Bush (13%) and President Carter (12%). As for President Lincoln, to whom Trump has frequently compared himself, only 2 percent of Americans rated him a failure.

Overall, Biden led Trump by nine points in the poll, 49 percent to 40 percent.

Significant pluralities in the poll also said that former Vice President Joe Biden would do a better job handling a raft of issues: Protests, Coronavirus pandemic, Race relations, Immigration, and Foreign policy.

Trump did retain a 3-point advantage over Biden on the economy, 37 percent to 34 percent, but with 29 percent saying they didn’t know or that Biden and Trump would handle it “about the same.”

On the bright side of things, at least Trump doesn’t have to worry about running against Abe Lincoln.

@Mediaite

FAAN PREPARES FOR GRADUAL REOPENING OF AIRPORTS

COMPARES NOTES WITH MUNICH AIRPORT INTERNATIONAL.

In an effort to begin the reopening of some of the airports in the nation, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria held a skype meeting with Munich Airport International to share experiences and compare notes on the effects of the COVID19 lockdown on the airports

According to the General Manager, Corporate Affairs of the Authority, Henrietta Yakubu, the meeting which was at the instance of the Managing Director of FAAN Captain Rabiu Hamisu Yadudu had in attendance the Munich Airport Expert Team, Herbert Keffel, Georgios Elkolids and Julian Duerdoth and was coordinated by Mr Fortune Idu, Managing Director of FCI International Ltd with Mrs Nike Aboderin, the Director of Finance as the team lead on the Nigerian side of 30 FAAN participants.

The aim was to assess the readiness of FAAN to gradually begin operations, following the Federal Government’s directive for reopening of the four regional airports.

In initiating the meeting, Captain Yadudu had commented that ‘while FAAN is responding to the guidelines set by NCAA for gradual airport reopening and POST COVID 19 operations, it is important also to compare notes with other airports in the world to make sure we are on the right track and join the global industry in building back travel confidence.

Munich airport has successfully reopened its airport and has recommenced domestic and international flights, so it is worth sharing their experience with them according to the MD of FAAN. Furthermore, FAAN intends to begin involving itself in route development and therefore, collaborative efforts between Munich and FAAN can help in that direction.

The presentation via skype simulated from Germany and England was tagged Rapid Aviation Plan by Mr Georgios Elkolids. Herbert Keffel highlighted the steps and considerations which Munich Airport International adopted towards the successful reopening of the airport.

Though there are guidelines issued by ICAO and ACI for the purpose of the reopening, the guidelines become more successful if they are adapted based on the peculiarities of the airport environment which Munich has successfully done.  

In response  to a question  raised by Mrs Aboderin, FAAN Director of Finance on the issue of orderly management of human traffic in a relatively small airport space, the Munich airport team not only compared notes on how they have carried out flow management and social distancing orders with the FAAN team but also showed a willingness to continue the backend co-operation and information sharing to help build traffic, passenger confidence and also   improve  operational efficiency, non-aeronautical services and route development.

 

In concluding the meeting, Mr Fortune Idu the coordinator of the meeting between Munich Airport and FAAN said he wants to see the formation of a development partnership between the two organisations for the betterment of the industry and to enable FAAN's airports learn and aspire to operate high standards of airport services like Munich Airport. This will put some of Nigeria’s airports at the top of the region.

 

 

Dukia Gold Precious Metal Refining Conglomerate berths in Nigeria

Posted by Lateef Lawal

Nigeria’s first Gold and Precious Metals Refining conglomerate has opened for business its Managing Director, Mrs Bosede Owolabi has said.

Plans have been concluded for the launch of its raw materials purchasing programme in response to Nigeria’s enormous deposits of gold and precious metals.

Disclosing this in a statement on yesterday, Mrs Owolabi said Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo ; Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Arc. Olamilekan Adegbite ; Chairman of Nigerian Governors Forum and Ekiti Governor - Dr Kayode Fayemi join players in the solid minerals and financial sectors and multi lateral organizations (today) Tuesday, June 9, 2020 to officially launch the commencement of the Dukia Gold & Precious Metals Raw Materials Buying Programme of Nigeria’s first gold and precious metals refining company.

The launch ceremony scheduled online via the 'Zoom - Meet and Chat ' Platform will coincide with the launch of Precious Metals Buying Centre and the proprietary Dukia Gold & Precious Metals Trading Platform

Dukia Gold , Mrs Owolabi said is financed by a blend of equity and loans from financial institutions led by Heritage Bank Plc with support by PAC Capital as Financial Advisers and Fund Arrangers with assistance in view from Afrexim Bank.

The virtual launch Mrs Owolabi said will take place after state governors , ministers , heads of parastatals, private sector participants , mining stakeholders local and international partners will meet in a seminar session to examine the theme : " The Future of Gold and Precious Metals in Africa ".Listing Director & Global Head, Advisory and Capital Markets , Afreixim Bank, Ibrahim Sagna ; Managing Director, Heritage Bank , Mr Ifie Sekibo ; Managing Director, Lagos Commodities & Future Exchange (LCFE) ,Mr Akin Akeredolu - Ale ; Managing Director, PAC Capital , Humphrey Oriakhi and Managing Director , NewWaves Ecosystems Limited , Mr Femi Williams as speakers, Mrs Owolabi said opportunities in the mining sector remains largely untapped because of scale of capital investment required to activate required infrastructure, in attention to required policy framework , distractions of fossil fuels’ dependencies and other reasons.

Towards this end, the conglomerate, Mrs Owolabi said has entered into agreement with Heritage Bank to power the Dukia–Heritage Bank Buying Centres pre~installed with the multi~integrated Dukia Trading Platform.

The partnership with Heritage Bank Plc , she said will cover sourcing and aggregation of Gold and other precious metals in line with OECD guidelines.

She said : " We set out to be foremost indigenous gold and other precious metals refining and trading company

"As we commence operations nationwide we are focussing on adding value to the gold and precious metals industry in Nigeria and West Africa in delivering a major source of alternative foreign exchange revenues.

"When our refinery becomes fully operational it will be the first of its kind in West Africa, and it will open opportunities for artisanal miners, gold and precious metals owners and allied enterprise to obtain appropriate financial value for their products amongst other benefits.

"The company will also work with miners who register on its platform to ensure that they get access to appropriate plant , machinery , equipment , tools, kits and support required by them so as to improve their productivity and ensure better health , safety and environmental conditions."

Dukia Gold & Precious Metals Refining Company Limited , she continued sets out to be Nigeria’s first London Bullion Market Association (LBMA) accredited gold bullion bar refiner , goods delivery list precious bar bar and precious metals clearing house, smelters and assayers of goods delivery golds bar and ISO 9001 certified gold and precious metals refinery

Besides deepening participation in the mining sector, the company's mission is to fulfill government's objective of ensuring that a gold refinery is established in the country as part of the solid minerals road map and beyond oil diversification Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) Policy.

She went on :" Dukia Gold will therefore market off-taker opportunities for gold mined in Africa and minted in Nigeria to the Central Bank, the Lagos Commodities & Futures Exchange (“LCFE”), thus-providing private individuals and corporate entities with access to bullion gold bars, coins and medallions and other products as a stabilized safe harbour investment asset class.

Confirming the commencement of the good buying programme, Mrs Owolabi said accredited centre will be open to the public on August 1,2020 affirming that the phased refinery has begun with essential equipment on order from pre- qualified world leading manufacturers set to achieve full implementation within 24 months.

She said :" Deploying a unique Integrated information communication technology driven solutions provided by international and local partners, the statutorily~regulated Buying Centres will operate as outlets operated by Dukia Gold out of designated Heritage Bank Plc branches in Nigeria .

" At these outlets intending purveyors and sellers of recyclable gold and precious metals including jewelry and gold extracts , native gold and gold dores , gold bars and other precious metals can walk in and have their products assessed, assayed, valued, sold and paid for instantly on a transparent basis, subject to know your customer procedure

Owolabi said the conglomerate is a timely response to the search by theFederal Ministry of Mines & Steel Development over the years to make the sector attractive to Investors.

The conglomerate- Dukia Gold & Precious Metals Refining Company Limited , she said is at the heart of delivery of the Dukia Gold Project primed to fulfill a substantial gap in infrastructure required to achieve the full value chain of operations from mines and recyclable gold to mint as well as from mint to market.

Describing Dukia Gold as conceptually wholly Nigerian initiative, Mrs Owolabi said it was driven by informed commitment and competence, leveraging on sterling local and global partnering across the spectrum of expertise required to bring it to life sustainably and successfully.

She said :" It comprises solutions geared towards facilitating and stimulating necessary developments in the Gold & Precious Metals’ subsector of the Solid Minerals sector of the Nigerian economy

"The Dukia Gold Project addresses and delivers critical solutions by which to ensure full Beneficiation of Precious Metals, including the refining of Precious Metals in Nigeria to the highest international standards in such a way that Nigerians and Nigeria can begin to trade and receive fair pricing and value for Precious Metals originating and produced in Nigeria.

"Through a process of Juridification, the Dukia Gold Project will help to curtail exploitation of local miners by illegal traders who smuggle precious metals out of Nigeria with negligible gain to these local miners and with no returns to the national economy."

Nollywood Actor stabs co-tenant to death over electricity bill.

A young man, identified as Temitayo Phillips is now assisting men of the Nigeria Police station Ikotun in the Alimosho area of Lagos state to unravel the circumstances surrounding his alleged murder of Mr Oludotun Opeyemi his co-tenant.

According to report, the said Dotun met his death at no 4, Sebili Kazeem street, Agodo Egbe when he was allegedly stabbed by Temitayo after a rift over the payment of electricity bill.

It was gathered that trouble started when Temitayo went to the late Oladotun's apartment to knock at his door in order to collect his money as part of the electricity bill of the house that the late Oladotun became angry that it was embarrassing to him to knock at his door as he has not been owing any bill but for the lockdown following the outbreak of the Coronavirus pandemic.

It was learnt that Dotun and Banjo, both tenants were the people who went to knock at Tayo Phillips' door for his electricity money he was owing, this led to Tayo Phillips' anger and threatened to kill.

He was forcibly taken to Ikotun police, quarrel ensued immediately they came back from Ikotun Police station, in the fight that ensued, Tayo Phillips was alleged to have stabbed Dotun to death and stabbed some other persons too.

Following the trouble that ensued our reporter gathered, that the said Temitayo ran into the house brought out a kitchen knife and stabbed Oladotun.

The late Oladotun was said to be working in a bank.

The suspect who is said to be a Nollywood actor, it was gathered was however rescued from being killed by the mob who attacked him immediately he stabbed the deceased.

The suspect is said to be receiving treatment at an unnamed police facility as a of result injuries he received from the mob attack.

The image-maker in charge of the state police command, Bala Elkana, while speaking on the death over electricity bill, said that the suspect would be charged to court as soon as he was discharged from the hospital.

Speaking to our correspondent, late Oladotun's landlord, Otunba Ojo Adedeji Afolabi, who said he does not reside at the said address where the crime was committed, described his late tenant as cool headed and responsible.

Otunba Afolabi said the late Oladotun has lived in his house for about two years and had never owed any rent "To my knowledge, he has not been violent, I don't live in the house but I do visit the tenants at intervals. The murder case of Mr Dotun by a co-tenant Mr Phillip Tayo is shocking, disturbing, unbelievable and has spiritual undertone"

"Tayo Phillips have lived in the house for about 5years, while Dotun the decease has stayed for about 2 years.

The suspect, Tayo Phillips has lived in the house for about 5 years without violence or trace of mental disorder, the man killed is a banker and he is about 2 years old in the house, he is an easy going Man, and very quiet"

How do Buddhists handle coronavirus? The answer is not just meditation

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Buddhist monks in Thailand pray at Phleng temple amid the COVID-19 crisis, May 11, Images/Getty

 Pierce Salguero, Pennsylvania State University

Millions of Buddhists seeking protection and healing from the novel coronavirus are turning to traditional religious rituals.

Since the emergence of COVID-19, the Dalai Lama, other senior monks and Buddhist organizations in Asia and worldwide have emphasized that this pandemic calls for meditation, compassion, generosity and gratitude. Such messages reinforce a common view in the West of Buddhism as more philosophy than religion – a spiritual, perhaps, but secular practice associated with mindfulness, happiness and stress reduction.

But for many people around the world Buddhism is a religion – a belief system that includes strong faith in supernatural powers. As such, Buddhism has a large repertoire of healing rituals that go well beyond meditation.

Having studied the interplay between Buddhism and medicine as a historian and ethnographer for the past 25 years, I have been documenting the role these ritual practices play in the coronavirus pandemic.

Talismans, prayer and ritual

Buddhism originated in India about two and a half millennia ago. Today, with well over a half-billion adherents across the world, it is a highly diverse tradition that has adapted to many cultural and social contexts.

There are three main schools of traditional Buddhism: Theravāda, practiced in most of Southeast Asia; Mahāyāna, the form most prevalent in East Asia; and Vajrayāna, commonly associated with Tibet and the Himalayan region.

In Buddhist-majority places, the official COVID-19 pandemic response includes conventional emergency health and sanitation measures like recommending face masks, hand-washing and stay-at-home orders. But within religious communities, Buddhist leaders also are using a range of ritual apotropaics – magical protection rites – to protect against disease.

A Nepalese Buddhist monk offering ritual prayer, May 7, 2020. Narayan Maharjan/NurPhoto via Getty Images

In Thailand, for example, Theravāda temples are handing out “yant,” talismans bearing images of spirits, sacred syllables and Buddhist symbols. These blessed orange papers are a common ritual object among Buddhists in Southeast Asia who see crises such as epidemic illnesses as a sign that demonic forces are on the rise.

Theravāda amulets and charms trace their magical powers to repel evil spirits not only to the Buddha but also to beneficial nature spirits, demigods, charismatic monks and wizards.

Now, these blessed objects are being specifically formulated with the intention of protecting people from contracting the coronavirus.

Mahāyāna Buddhists use similar sacred objects, but they also pray to a whole pantheon of buddhas and bodhisattvas – another class of enlightened beings – for protection. In Japan, for example, Buddhist organizations have been conducting expulsion rites that call on Buddhist deities to help rid the land of the coronavirus.

Mahāyāna practitioners have faith that the blessings bestowed by these deities can be transmitted through statues or images. In a modern twist on this ancient belief, a priest affiliated with the Tōdaiji temple in Nara, Japan, in April tweeted a photo of the great Vairocana Buddha. He said the image would protect all who lay eyes upon it.

The Dalai Lama, the Buddhist spiritual leader of the Tibetan people. Pixabay

The third major form of Buddhism, Vajrayāna, which developed in the medieval period and is widely influential in Tibet, incorporates many rituals of earlier traditions. For example, the Dalai Lama has urged practitioners in Tibet and China to chant mantras to the bodhisattva Tārā, a female goddess associated with compassion and well-being, to gain her protection.

Vajrayāna practitioners also advocate a unique form of visualization where the practitioner generates a vivid mental image of a deity and then interacts with them on the level of subtle energy. Responses to COVID-19 suggested by leading figures in traditional Tibetan medicine frequently involve this kind of visualization practice.

Buddhist modernism

Since the height of the colonial period in the 19th century, “Buddhist modernists” have carefully constructed an international image of Buddhism as a philosophy or a psychology. In emphasizing its compatibility with empiricism and scientific objectivity they have ensured Buddhism’s place in the modern world and paved the way for its popularity outside of Asia.

Many of these secular-minded Buddhists have dismissed rituals and other aspects of traditional Buddhism as “hocus pocus” lurking on the fringes of the tradition.

A former Buddhist monk practices visualization meditation during the coronavirus crisis, April 24, 2020. Danny Lawson/PA Images via Getty Images

Having documented the richness of the history and contemporary practice of Buddhist healing and protective rituals, however, I argue that these practices cannot be written off quite so easily.

In most living traditions of Buddhism, protective and healing rituals are taken seriously. They have sophisticated doctrinal justifications that often focus on the healing power of belief.

Increasingly, researchers are agreeing that faith in itself plays a role in promoting health. The anthropologist Daniel Moerman, for example, has identified what he calls the “meaning response.” This model accounts for how cultural and social beliefs and practices lead to “real improvements in human well-being.” Likewise, Harvard Medical School researcher Ted Kaptchuk has studied the neurobiological mechanisms for how rituals work to alleviate illnesses.

To date, there is no known way to prevent COVID-19 other than staying home to avoid contagion, and no miracle cure. But for millions worldwide, Buddhist talismans, prayers and protective rituals offer a meaningful way to confront the anxieties of the global coronavirus pandemic, providing comfort and relief.

And in a difficult time when both are in short supply, that’s nothing to discredit.

source: the conversation.com