06062019 - NSECURITY: Danjuma, Lekwot, others take Nigeria's case to UK

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38—Vanguard, THURSDAY, JUNE 6 , 2019 A scorecard of fundamental progress in Nigeria’s aviation sector By Olu Ayela THE altitude to which the aviation sector flew in the last four years under the guidance and piloting of the Nigerian aviation is like a period gone wrong. This is evidently in stark contrast to what those who fly through airspace in Nigeria were used to before the emergence of the minister and an equally resourceful team, chief of whom is Engr.Saleh Dunoma. It may be said that Dunoma was of the time in comparison, Dunoma seamlessly flowed with Sirika in implementing a phenomenal dream for the aviation sector. Perhaps the most fundamental of the progress achieved in the aviation sector under theMinister of State, Aviation, Capt. Hadi Sirika were not only transformational they were by all measures transcendental. They were inspirational works that was radically different from the jumbled mess of the reconstruction and the psychological imperative that success is non-negotiable in order to firmly place Nigeria aviation in the top echelon of the world’s aviation configuration. That philosophy to ride the storm and rough weather to a landing point changed the whole equation of the aviation sector. Once the flight of building an aviation sector that would reposition Nigeria was on and on auto cruise, it was all smooth ride waiting for a landing of huge gains. Supportive value of professionalism A supportive value of professionalism that became the hallmark of engagement was introduced. In the place of management by emotions was the advent of management through implanted strategy. Where there was confusion, a sense of clarity became the order of the day. All these were supplemented by the re-invigoration of structures, systems and processes that were hitherto abandoned. Also relevant to the sustenance of the procedures is the investment in the people that coordinated the various sub sectors and strata that made up the aviation hub. It all culminated in a very functional sector that witnessed the scorecard of progress and bounteous harvest in the form of facilities that were spread in the aviation sector across the country. This monumental progress that happened internally also reechoed across the aviation sector in international circles with huge rippling effects and an attendant infusion of a high degree of confidence in the aviation in Nigeria. What transpired in the past four years has proved not only to be safety-critical, securitycritical, passenger-centric but human capital development focussed. The beauty of the programme is that it touched all areas of the country where an airport is cited; whether South West, South East, South South, North West, North Central, North East is immaterial. It is imperative and significant to take a statistical excursion into the not too distant past of the aviation sector as it will put into bold relief the tremendous improvement and achievement of Alhaji Sirika's emergence in 2015. From that auspicious moment of taking over, the government embarked on a massive and an ambitious work of One Hundred and Fifty-Seven projects in the industry and in the four year of organized and smart work One Hundred and Thirty-Four of them were fully completed and in use. This represents more than Eighty- Five percent completion rate. For the remaining Twenty-Three projects, Fourteen percent are already above Fifty percent completion with just Thirteen percent only below Fifty percent completion point. This is a scorecard that should inspire testimonies of stride measuredly taken to advance the aviation sector as the work cuts across all components of the sector without discrimination and a feeling of favouritism. With the knowledge that the airport system is only as strong as the weakest part, there was a all-inclusive development of aviation agencies across board. As projects are being provided in the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria ( FAAN), so also is the enhancement going on at Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), while the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) is being enriched as well and the Nigerian Meteorological Agency( NiMET) becoming a beneficiary of the upgrades conceived by a broad minded administration that is after the satisfaction of all airport users and the common good of all Nigerians. International and continental acceptance was just around the corner as Nigeria was investing in both human and infrastructures development. The certification of NIMET for conformity with the requirements of ISO 9001 2015 in the provision of meteorological services to the aviation industry and other user- sectors has positioned the agency as the core service provider in the continent not just for the aviation sector but to all industries whose businesses are weather dependent. The agency competency and capabilities have opened doors of collaboration with national and international organisations to improve weather and climate services delivery. Training meteorological personnel Some of the countries depending on NIMET services include Liberia and Sierra Leone while the Agency is currently training meteorological personnel from the Republic of Gambia in Banjul. International recognition has emerged in form of the partnerships with Met Agencies of Korea, Finland and India. This relationship could not have come at a better time as it will improve the capacity of the agency to ensure that local content becomes central to its work in the future with a view to developing Hadi A Sirika, former Minister of State, Aviation our capacity to design and fabricate automatic weather equipment and meteorological satellite system. At the policy level, this administration was also in compliance, ensuring that a new Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulation of 2016 was enacted to give legal strength to the activities of the aviation sector. An outstanding outcome of this wholesome of this administration’s intervention is the sustenance of safety, which has been remarkable and extraordinary. It is on record that since this administration came onboard, there has not been a commercial airlines accident. However, the only accident to have been recorded which is the one that involved Vice-President Yemi Osibanjo turned out to be a feather in the cap of the A n o t h e r remarkable stride for this administration is the record certification of airports that was finally put in the aviation kitty administration. In a few hours after the dust have settled over the air mishap, the Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) vowed that it would publish the preliminary report in few days. In honour of their pledge standing true to their word, in less than two weeks, AIB issued the preliminary report on the accident and this singular action received applauds from all stakeholders including Aviation Round Table (ART). It was a commendable achievement that had not gone unnoticed in the aviation sector worldwide. Never has this level of promptness and sensitivity been demonstrated in working to determine the cause of air accidents in Nigeria. That level of tardiness has gone with the wind of yester years. The bureau is adequately funded to investigate any major incident or accident and to indicate the level of confidence in its operation, it currently has Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Sao Tome and Principle. Another remarkable stride for this administration is the record certification of airports that was finally put in the aviation kitty. The aviation sector in Nigeria has never been so applauded as the world did with the certification of two airports with three others on the verge of being certified. This is the first time in the history of the country to attain certification and become International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) compliant standards in terms of security and safety. It was a process which began more than a decade ago and has finally put Nigeria ahead of all other countries in Africa being the only country with two certified airports in the continent. Effective implementation level In this context of certification, Nigeria achieved an effective implementation level of 67.36 per cent during the recent International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme carried out in March, 2016. Nigeria showed a rating that is above the global average of 63.54 per cent. The icing on the cake is the 96.5 percent that Nigeria also recorded in ICAO Universal Security Audit. Eminently aware that accidents could happen even if everything has been done to perfection, he paid a huge premium on the Accident Rescue and Resuscitation Centre which is another record breaker, being the first of its kind in the airport. A comprehensive overhaul was achieved in the aviation sector with Nigeria now on a pedestal that can rightly be adjudged as the highest in the continent. Attaining Level 3 out of 4 levels, guarantees Nigeria a place among the elite of aviation savvy countries in the world. It has changed the colour of Nigeria from the indicator of red to green on the ICAO dashboard. In line with ICAO and WMO standards, in July 2017, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency acquired ISO9001 2015 certificate, which qualifies it to offer aeronautical meteorological services. The agency also became the first in Africa to be so certified in that category. The story could not be completely told without the other forms of intervention that relates to human capital development and others that are ancillary to the aviation industry. First is the compassionate move by the administration to offset a colossal part of severance and retirement benefits to 5,966 staff of the former national carrier, Nigeria Airways. It was an event that brought relief to many who had suffered untold hardship and even to the point of death since the liquidation of the airline sixteen years ago. That act of abandonment of those who had labored for the country by successive ministers and governments was not a very good advertisement for the aviation sector. Mercifully, redemption came from this administration. There is a promise that all outstanding relating to the severance pay shall be settled once and for all. What can not also be forgotten is the strategic negotiation that this administration sought in shoring up the finances of not just ailing airlines but those in operation. The re-introduction of zero import duties on aircraft, engine and introduction of the same scheme for aircraft spare parts is phenomenal. Unknown to many, airlines like Arik Air and Aero Contractors were given a lifeline and a new lease of life and back in the air because this administration cared. There are numerous workers of these airlines that has been removed from the unemployment market and who knows how many dependents were saved from depression and whose sense of confidence were restored because of that single move? Beyond financial aids, the administration also provided the enabling environment for domestic airlines in the country to attain certification in the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA). Currently five Nigerian domestic airlines have Certification and others have been designated some of them for international operations. Within the period under review, the framework for a safe and competitive aviation industry provided by this administration resulted in the unprecedented growth of the sector which translated an average growth of 33 per cent on domestic operations and 13.5 per cent on international operations between January 2017 and June, 2018. Like many other records achieved by this administration, it has never happened in Nigeria. In under scoring the crucial role of energy in the Aviation sector and the risk and destruction to lives and properties in an airport that has irregular power supply Capt. Sirika ensured that a 10 Megawatts (MW) Independent Power Plant for the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, was built in Abuja to complement the power needs of the airport as well as other vital ventures that are in operation in the airport. According to him there were a lot of planning deficiencies identified with the new terminal because which did not take into consideration the status of power in the aviation value chain. deficiency. The 19 MW plant became the response of a forward-looking administrator who must correct errors that were passed over to him by a regime that is concerned about the holistic development of the aviation sector. This independent power plant is part of the process of correcting among others the deficiencies inherent in the construction of the airport. Rather than just an energy plant, it is peace of mind for pilots, passengers, ground crews, their relatives and the entire aviation industry worldwide. Intensity of the work and the extensive nature The intensity of the work and the extensive nature it took by Sirika to reposition the nation’s aviation sector is worthy of commendation as he may be taking a bow out of the sector. The aphorism that it is fitting to exit the stage when the ovation is louder may not be part of the operational principles in this side of the world, we hope that if peradventure Sirika wants to leave the scene, he should be recognised by the government as one of the few high performing administrator of this regime. He deserves our appreciation and continued support even if he could be around serving in a consultative capacity in the aviation sector. Like wine Sirika can only get better in the years ahead. Olu Ayela, is a veteran Journalist based in Lagos.
Vanguard, THURSDAY, JUNE 6, 2019 — 39 :Vanguard News :@vanguardnews :@vanguardnews NEWS HOTLINES: 08052867023, 08052867058 OLOWO STOOL: Don’t allow repeat of 1999 bloodbath, community leader pleads From left, Oyo State Governor, Mr. Seyi Makinde; Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji and Are Musulumi of Yorubaland, Alhaji Dawud Akinola when the Governor hosted Muslim community at Oyo the State Government House as part of activities marking the eid-el-fitri. Photo: Dare Fasube. WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY: UN urges govts to take action on air pollution to save lives, planet By Chioma Obinna & Daud Olatunji A BEOKUTA— UNITED Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres has urged governments around the world to tackle air pollution to save lives and the planet. This came as an environmental protection expert, Mr. Egbemuyiwa Olatunji, yesterday, disclosed that air pollution has led to death of seven million people yearly globally. Guterres, who noted that no fewer than seven million lives are lost every year and children’s development damaged, described the many air pollutants that cause global warming, as “an existential threat.” In his message to mark the World Environment Day, the UN Secretary- General recalled his recent experience in the South Pacific Island states, Guterres said he had seen first-hand the severe and worsening impacts of the global climate emergency. He said the action to fight climate change is “the battle of our lives,” that we must win, by taxing pollution, ending fossil fuel subsidies, and halting construction of new coal •As expert says air pollution responsible for 7m deaths yearly plants. “We need a green economy not a grey economy.” he stated. Air pollution goes to the heart of social justice and global inequality. According to the World Health Organization, 97 per cent of cities in low- and middleincome countries with more than 100,000 inhabitants do not meet air quality guidelines. That percentage falls to 49 in high-income countries. Air pollution responsible for 7 million deaths yearly — Expert Meanwhile, Olatunji said 72 percent of Nigerians were exposed to air pollution daily due to cooking with solid fuels. The environmental expert disclosed this at a media chat in Abeokuta, Ogun State organised by the State Ministry of Environment to commemorate the World Environment day. Olatunji said statistics obtained from State Global Air Report 2018 has shown that there were 150 deaths per standardised deaths per 100,000 people attributable to air pollution in Nigeria DIBAN campaigns against underage drinking By Lamidi Bamidele L Distillers AGOS—THE and Blenders Association of Nigeria, DIBAN, under the auspices of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, MAN, said it has stepped up its advocacy campaigns to promote responsible consumption of alcoholic beverages while discouraging its sale to users below the age of 18. In a statement by Chairman of DIBAN, Mr. Patrick Anegbe, the association said the body I FOUNDER B A D A of N the — One Love Family, Sat Guru Maharaj ji, yesterday, called on President Muhammed Buhari to appoint him as his ‘spiritual adviser.’ He said this has become necessary because other religious groups and their leaders have failed. Maharaj ji made the request during a press conference to mark the 26 years ‘Anniversary Celebrations of Nigeria had taken up the advocacy as a corporate social responsibility through outdoors messaging on Billboards, Mass Transit Buses and radio campaigns to sensitize consumers about the dangers of excessive alcohol consumption and advocating moderation. Some of the campaign themes include: Drink moderately, Health is Wealth, Enjoy life to the fullest and Don’t mix. Anegbe said: “As part of DIBAN’s Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives, Declaration as the new Holy Land of the Universe.’ The event was held at Maharaj ji village, along Lagos/Ibadan Expressway. He said among his expectations was for the president to appoint him to oversee the ministries of water resources, agriculture, and oil and gas in Mr Buhari’s second term. Apart from his request for appointment, the controversial cleric also we will also embark on various advocacy campaigns, which will include massive training of our distributors and retailers on the need to avoid sale of alcoholic beverages to underage. ''This will require the development of appropriate training manual, which will be in major Nigerian languages. To restrict access of the underage to Alcohol Beverages, the industry will strengthen the supervision of distributors and retailers.'' in 2016. Speaking on the theme Beat Air Pollution, he said Nigeria was the 4th worst country managing air pollution globally. His words: “The State of Global Air Report (2018) notes that there were 150 deaths per aged standardised deaths per 100,000 people attributable to air pollution in Nigeria in 2016 (the latest available data), making Nigeria fourth worst country behind Afghanistan with 406, Pakistan, 207, and India 195 deaths per country.'' Appoint me special adviser to oversee petroleum, other ministries, Guru Maharaji tells Buhari spoke on other issues. He said the federal government needs to increase the wages and improve on the welfare of judges in the country to stop the temptation of receiving bribes directly or through agents. He also called for the creation of state police, saying it would help improve the security situation in the country. The cleric advised the federal government to reveal the names of those involved in the mismanagement of funds of some privatised Nigerian companies, including Nigerian Airways, Ajaokuta Steel, Delta Steel, and Nigeria Electric Power Authority among others. He called for the creation of the Ministry of Culture and Tradition, and the establishment of a ‘social security system to give all unemployed High School graduates the sum of N6,000, National Diploma holders the sum of N8,000, Higher National Diploma and Degree the sum of N15,000 monthly.’ He said such will take them away from criminal activities. By Dayo Johnson AKURE—AHEAD of the selection of a new Olowo of Owo in Ondo State, a community leader in the town, Agboola Ogunmolawa has pleaded that the 1999 bloodbath over the stool should not be allowed to repeat itself. Some prominent personalities were killed over the crisis that engulfed the town during the obaship tussle between 1999 and 2003. Already 14 Princes have signified their interest in the stool with the Ogunoye royal lineage denouncing the alleged consensus candidature of Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye by some pockets of leaders in the family. Addressing newsmen, the community leader, equally appealed passionately to the Omolowos and kingmakers saddled with the responsibility of selecting the new Olowo to be firm and transparent. Ogunmolawa said: “I want to appeal to the entire Owo people to be peaceful as the selection process commences. We don’t want a repeat of the 1999 bloodbath to repeat itself in the community. “I also appeal to the Omoolowos and kingmakers to be firm and transparent while carrying out their duty of picking a new Olowo for the community.” In addition, Ogunmolawa, the Asiwaju of Methodist Church Cathedral in Akure urged the Omolowos “to be meticulous and transparent in their responsibility to produce the next Olowo’s selection is not option A4, you should do the will of the people. “Traditionally, they should consult Ifa oracle to choose for them, but anybody in that position should not be partial, I know Ifa will not give us incompetent person.” ACCDA congratulates Dapo Abiodun AREPO—THE Arepo Central Community Development Association, ACCDA, yesterday, congratulated Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State and his deputy Engr. Mrs. Noimot Salako- Oyedele as they assumed the mantle of leadership of the Gateway State praying that their administration and tenure in office will surely usher Ogun state into its greater greatness. In a statement by its President, Prince Kehinde Adeyemo, the association stated that the election of the duo, as the new helmsmen of the state, was a positive development and a big relief to the communities and citizens in the state who have in the last eight years suffered lack of inclusive governance and poor infrastructural development. Specifically, the ACCDA commended Governor Abiodun on his victory despite huge opposition but reminded him not to forget his electoral promises which centre on transparency, development, inclusiveness and good governance stating that all of these are much desired to fast-pace growth and development of the entire state rather than an “arrogant concentration of infrastructure in one region” of the state. Adeyemo disclosed that although residents in Arepo community have made several efforts, levying themselves and making monetary contributions to fix the road, yet not much has been achieved as the road requires government attention with wholistic reconstruction. The road was built by former Governor Gbenga Daniel 15 years ago and has since gone into disrepair. He lamented that Arepo Community which boasts of Journalists Estate, the first of its kind in Africa and the whole of the world has rather than attract the attention and care of the state government been carelessly and recklessly abandoned by an unlistening governor. However, the ACCDA has appealed to Gov. Dapo Abiodun and his new team to write their names in gold by urgently directing immediate reconstruction of the road as awarded while giving the community a fresh breather by providing other social amenities and infrastructure befitting of a fast growing border community which holds high potentials for the state in curbing rural-urban migration and other economic benefits.
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06062019 - NSECURITY: Danjuma, Lekwot, others take Nigeria's case to UK

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