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Flights Prices To Further Crash –Aviation Minister

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By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, SAN, has vowed to further crash the prices of international flights.

The minister also explained measures he has embarked upon to ensure local operators take full control of Nigeria’s international routes in no distant future.

He said that his ministry, through the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu administration, is on course to break those barriers and make the environment conducive for both local and international airlines to strive.

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The Minister said this while presenting his scorecard at the Ministerial Sectoral Press Briefings organised by the Federal Government to mark the First Anniversary of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Administration

Recall that the briefing kickstarted last week, with the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, inaugurating the series.

Speaking on the ill-treatment meted out to Nigerians by some foreign airlines, Keyamo said that his ministry was focused on empowering local operators so that they could be more in control in terms of aircrafts.

“Our focal area is to ensure that our local operators get access to lease aircrafts on good conditions. It is the key to unlocking this… it is the key.

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“Empower them, make sure that they get aircrafts the same way Emirates gets, the same way British Airways gets; none of these people own those aircrafts.

“No banks finance aircrafts 100 percent all over the world. It’s not possible. It’s the manufacturers and leasing companies that do that.

“So Our people should have access, but why are they not having access? It’s because we’re in the black books of the international leasing companies simply.

“They put Nigeria on black book and tell everybody, ‘don’t give them aircrafts on dry list’. The only thing you get is a wet list. Wet list, means they don’t put the aircrafts in your total control.

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“It means the leasing company will be partly in control. That’s why whites serve as pilots and hostesses at your local aircrafts. And it’s three times more expensive than a dry list. How do we escape from that?

“We’re almost there. It’s my focal area. Last week, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, the Attorney-General of the Federation and myself, we held an early morning meeting.

“I said to everybody, look at this, let’s amend our practice directions. No court order to give injunctions to keep an aircraft here and they agreed with me. This is to give the investors full confidence.

“That’s what they asked of me. That once you assure us, give us this practice direction and we see backed by your judiciary, we’ll give you aircrafts.

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“Once we get to that level, you’ll see competitions on international routes. We’ll crash the prices and crash it again and we’ll get very good aircrafts for Nigerians.

“We’re also begging the Nigeria Insurance Company. All the international leasing companies said they cannot face the risks in the local market here.

“If you give them the insurance, they’re going to reinsure again outside and that makes it double. So they’re telling me that they would rather face the risk in the international market,” he stated

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President Tinubu Speaks On Ajuri Ngelale’s Indefinite Leave Request

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By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration has endorsed Ajuri Ngelale, the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, indefinite leave request.

Recall Ngelale, in a statement on Saturday, announced an indefinite leave of absence.

He proceeded on the leave to attend to pressing medical matters affecting his immediate family.

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In a statement he posted on his general communication WhatsApp platform on Saturday, Ngelale revealed that he submitted a memo to the Chief of Staff on Friday.

He noted that the memo was a means of notifying him of the decision to pause his functions, including his roles as Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action and Chairman of the Presidential Steering Committee on Project Evergreen.

Ngelale explained that the decision was after consultations with his family due to a worsening medical situation at home.

He expressed hope to return to full-time national service when circumstances permit.

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In a statement posted on X by Tinubu’s Special Assistant on New Media, Olusegun Dada and signed by the Presidency, Tinubu approved Ngelale’s request.

Tinubu stated that he fully understands his Chief spokesperson’s reason and sympathizes with the circumstances that have led to this seemingly difficult decision.

The statement read: “The President has received the memo from Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President on Media & Publicity and Official Spokesperson of the President as well as Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action, informing of his decision to proceed on an indefinite leave of absence for personal and health reasons.

“The President accepts his reasons for the leave, fully understands them and sympathizes with the circumstances that have led to this seemingly difficult decision.

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“While extending his heartfelt prayers and best wishes to Chief Ngelale and his family during this challenging moment, the President hopes for a speedy recovery and full restoration to health.

“The President notes his tireless efforts and dedication in serving the nation, and thanks him for the remarkable contributions he made in his various capacities, especially in advancing national discourse and leading efforts on climate action and other key initiatives.

“The President wishes him well in all his future endeavors.

“During this period, we kindly ask that the wish for privacy of Chief Ngelale and his family be respected.”

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Confusion As FG Denies Ownership Of Yacht Spotted In France With Nigerian Flag

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…says it belongs to an undisvcosed private individual

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The presidency, on Saturday, denied ownership of a yacht spotted hoisting Nigerian flag in St-Tropez, a coastal town in France.

There had been reports of a “presidential yacht belonging to the Nigerian government being used for vacation at St Tropez” on social media.

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Senior Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on digital and new media, Otega Ogra, in a post on X, said the yacht belongs to a private individual.

The presidential aide said flags used by the president or armed forces do not contain the coat of arms like the one on the yacht.

Ogra said on Saturday, “There have been false claims circulating that a private individual’s yacht was spotted in St. Tropez is a Nigerian government yacht. Here are some points to consider in order to discern the truth.

“The 42m Bennetti yacht currently being shared online has been privately owned for around 5 years since it was constructed.

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It is important to note that this specific yacht has no connection or ownership ties to the Nigerian government, president or armed forces. Any claims or assertions suggesting otherwise are simply not true and inaccurate.

“It is not uncommon for luxury yachts to fly the flag of the owner’s country as well as the flag of the country in which they are registered.

“The official Nigerian flag is Green-White-Green without a coat of arms in the middle. Flags representing the Nigerian President or the Armed Forces do not contain a coat of arms in the center. Placing anything in the center of the flag is a clear deviation

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Constituency Devt: Senator Manu fulfils promise, installs solar energy as alternative source of power for constituents(Photos)

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By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

In a bid to enhance better life for his constituents, Senator Manu Haruna has facilatated installation of solar energy in Takalafiya community in Bali Local Government Area of Taraba State.

Senator Manu who represents Taraba Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly fulfilled his promise of ensuring the energy needs of his constituents are adequately taken care of.

This initiative reflects his unwavering commitment to addressing the energy needs of his constituents by providing a reliable and sustainable power source.

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The solar energy project is expected to improve the quality of life in the community, enabling access to electricity for homes, schools, and local businesses, while also promoting environmental sustainability.

This project is part of Senator Haruna’s broader efforts to enhance infrastructure and development in Taraba Central.

Manu is also working tirelessly to make sure areas not connected to the national grid are connected within the shortest period possible.

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