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Nigeria hits 75.5% on aviation compliance, secures exit from Global Aviation Watchlist watchlist 

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The minister made this known on Thursday during the commissioning of the Juhi-2 aviation fuel depot at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.

Nigeria has officially been removed from the global watchlist as its aviation rating rose to 75.5%, according to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo.

The minister made this known on Thursday during the commissioning of the Juhi-2 aviation fuel depot at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.

Keyamo explained that the improvement follows the recent signing of the Cape Town Convention Practice Direction by the Federal Government, which had initially raised Nigeria’s aviation rating from 49% to 70.5%.

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“This new status means that Nigeria is no longer on the watchlist, and airlines operating in the country can now access dry lease aircraft without any restrictions,” Keyamo said.

The minister also hinted at a surge in the number of aircraft entering Nigeria’s airspace, which may require Juhi-2 to expand its fuel depot capacity to accommodate the increased demand.

Patience Dappa, Chairman of Juhi 2 Limited, stated during the ceremony that the launch of the Juhi-2 depot is more than the completion of an infrastructure project.

According to him, it reflects the company’s commitment to excellence and innovation in aviation fuel management.

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“As the largest airside jet fuel depot in Nigeria, this facility covers 46,000 square meters and holds a significant storage capacity of 15 million litres of Jet A1 fuel,” she noted.

Dappa emphasized that Juhi-2 is not just about its size but represents operational excellence, safety, and reliability. It features advanced filtration systems, a jet fuel discharge system that can load four bowsers at once, a modern laboratory, and top-tier fire prevention systems.

“This strategic asset is designed to ensure a consistent and reliable supply of jet fuel to Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), MMA1, MMA2, and nearby airbases,” she said.

In a related development, in September, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) shed light on the reasons behind Nigeria’s reclassification to Category 2 status, which led to the suspension of Nigerian airlines’ operations to the United States.

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Captain Chris Najomo, Acting Director General of Civil Aviation, in a statement, clarified that Nigeria’s airlines can only operate flights to the US upon successfully passing the International Aviation Safety Assessment (IASA) Programme and achieving Category 1 status, a prerequisite also applicable to other countries.

Najomo said, “The attention of the NCAA has again been drawn to a publication about the purported ban on Nigerian airlines by the United States. Due to the wrong impression such news could create, it has become expedient that we put this report in its proper perspective.

“Upon attaining Category 1, Nigerian airlines would be permitted to operate Nigerian registered aircraft and dry-leased foreign registered aircraft into the United States, in line with the existing Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA).”

Najomo provided historical context by revealing that Nigeria initially achieved the coveted Category 1 status in August 2010.

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Subsequently, the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) conducted a follow-up safety evaluation in 2014 to assess Nigeria’s continued adherence to international aviation safety standards.

Furthermore, Najomo noted that an additional safety assessment was undertaken in 2017, resulting in Nigeria’s successful retention of its Category 1 status.

However, he clarified that the US FAA introduced a significant policy change in September 2022, whereby countries previously classified as Category 1 would be de-listed if, after a two-year period, they lacked an indigenous airline operating direct services to the US or partnering with a US-based carrier.

He said, “Also removed from the Category 1 list were countries where the FAA was not providing technical assistance, based on identified areas of non-compliance to international standards for safety oversight.

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“No Nigerian operator has provided service into the United States using a Nigerian registered aircraft within the two years preceding September 2022.”

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“Be dedicated to Nigerians as God is watching you”-Onaiyekan cautions Tinubu

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The Emeritus Archbishop of Abuja, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, says though more Nigerians voted against President Bola Tinubu in the 2023 election, he has a duty to serve all Nigerians.

According to him, Tinubu, the then-candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), should switch from campaign mode to governance mode and serve every part of the country equally.

The respected cleric was a guest on the Sunday edition of Inside Sources with Laolu Akande, a socio-political programme on Channels Television.

Cardinal Onaiyekan warned Tinubu against running a polarised government where his political cronies are rewarded with appointments and the parts of the country where he got hefty votes are also rewarded with projects.

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He said, “There are Nigerians who did not vote for APC. Granted that APC got the highest number of votes and that is why they have the right to rule us. But they also forget that there are millions of Nigerians who did not (vote for the APC).

“Whatever the rules say, the reality is that more people vote against Mr President than those who voted for him.

“Even if you are a minority government, which is what I call what we have now, you still have a duty to serve the people and to do all you can to give everybody what is their right, and to rule well.”

‘God Is Watching’
Cardinal Onaiyekan urged the President to do his best to move the nation forward as he would give account of his stewardship to God.

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“Mr President, it’s about time you switched from campaign mode to governance mode. Elections are over. Campaigns are over. You now have to govern and govern the whole of Nigeria and every Nigerian.

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“And therefore, the whole system whereby high political offices are given as a reward for those who were political activists, I don’t believe that that is the best way to move the nation forward.

“I would say, now that you (Tinubu) have been declared the President of Nigeria, sit down comfortably on that chair. As a religious leader, I would say God has allowed you on that chair. If God puts you there, you must then know that he is watching you and that He will be asking you what you did on that chair,” he said

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Wema Bank Appoints New Deputy Managing Director and Executive Director

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Wema Bank, Nigeria’s innovative leader in banking and pioneer of Africa’s first fully digital bank, ALAT, is pleased to announce the appointment of a new Deputy Managing Director and an Executive Director. These strategic appointments, approved by the Board, come as part of the bank’s commitment to ensuring strong leadership succession. The new roles will take effect on December 1, 2024, following the retirement of Mr. Oluwole Akinleye, the current Deputy Managing Director.

Mr. Akinleye, whose retirement will be effective November 30, 2024, has been a vital pillar of Wema Bank’s growth and transformation. Over the past decade, he has demonstrated exemplary leadership across various capacities, including overseeing the Southwest Business, Corporate Banking Division, Customer Experience Management, and Corporate Sustainability. His tenure has been marked by significant contributions to the bank’s strategic objectives and market positioning.

In expressing gratitude for his service, the Board of Directors and management of the Bank disclosed that Mr. Akinleye’s dedication and strategic foresight have been instrumental to Wema Bank’s transformation journey. He is deeply appreciated for his invaluable contributions and they wish him the very best in his future endeavors.

As part of its robust succession planning, Wema Bank has appointed Mr. Oluwole Ajimisinmi as Deputy Managing Director. Mr. Ajimisinmi, who joined Wema Bank in 2009 as Company Secretary/Legal Adviser, was appointed as an Executive Director in 2020. With years of experience in corporate governance, strategic leadership, and banking, he is well-positioned to steer the bank towards its next phase of growth and innovation.

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The bank has also named Mr. Olukayode Bakare as Executive Director, effective the same date. A seasoned finance and treasury expert with years of industry experience, Mr. Bakare has been a key driver of Wema Bank’s Treasury, Wholesale Funding, and Global Trade Business. His extensive expertise and leadership will further bolster the bank’s commitment to delivering innovative financial solutions.

Commenting on these appointments, the Board of Directors and management of the Bank said these appointments underscore Wema Bank’s commitment to building a future-ready leadership team. According to the Bank, Mr. Ajimisinmi and Mr. Bakare bring a wealth of expertise, passion, and a clear vision to their new roles. The Bank is confident that their leadership will propel Wema Bank to new heights, ensuring sustained innovation and value creation for its stakeholders.

Wema Bank remains committed to its mission of delivering cutting-edge banking solutions through technology and innovation. With these leadership changes, the Bank is poised to maintain its position as a trailblazer in Nigeria’s financial services sector.

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“How I almost died – Mike Tyson narrates a near-death experience before Jake Paul fight

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Former World Heavyweight Champion, Mike Tyson, has opened up about how he nearly lost his life prior to his bout with Jake Paul on November 15, 2024.

In his narration, he stated that his condition was critical to the extent that he had to be given eight blood transfusions after losing half of his blood while receiving treatment at the hospital.

The legendary boxer indicated that he does not regret fighting Jake Paul, who is in his youthful age, and losing the bout in the eighth round is a feat to be proud of.

Tyson expressed his appreciation to his family and loved ones who supported him during the bout and even sent him words of encouragement after the defeat.

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“This is one of those situations when you lost but still won. I’m grateful for last night. No regrets to get in the ring one last time. I almost died in June. Had 8 blood transfusions. Lost half my blood and 25 lbs in hospital and had to fight to get healthy to fight so I won.

“To have my children see me stand toe to toe and finish 8 rounds with a talented fighter half my age in front of a packed Dallas Cowboy stadium is an experience that no man has the right to ask for,” Tyson wrote on X after losing to Jake Paul.

Social media influencer-turned-boxer, Jake Paul, defeated Mike Tyson via unanimous decision in their highly anticipated professional bout in Arlington, Texas.

Fighting in front of 72,300 fans at AT&T Stadium, the home of the Dallas Cowboys, Paul controlled most of the fight against Tyson, winning via unanimous decision to become the sixth fighter to defeat the former heavyweight champion in his career.

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With the victory, Paul improves to 11-1 in his professional career, including seven knockouts, further cementing himself as a valid competitor in the sport.

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