News
Helicopter Crash: Recovery Team Locates Wreckage
The Search and Recovery Team involved in the rescue operation of the victims of the helicopter that crashed in Port Harcourt, Rivers State has finally located the wreckage of the ill-fated helicopter.
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) stated this in a release by its Director, Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Mrs Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji, late Thursday night.
Recall that the helicopter, operated by East Winds Aviation, carrying eight individuals onboard, unfortunately crashed into the Atlantic Ocean, near Bonny Finima on 24 October, 2024.
NSIB, in an update on the rescue and investigation efforts, disclosed that the Search and Recovery Team located the wreckage of the ill-fated Sikorsky SK76 Helicopter during the recovery drives on Wednesday night.
The Bureau also stated that efforts were currently underway for the recovery of the helicopter’s wreckage.
NSIB announced in the release that the allied team and partners leading the charge for the search and recovery efforts of the ditched Sikorsky SK76 Helicopter, registration 5N BQG, have located its wreckage.
As stated in the release, the wreckage was identified during the recovery dives, Thursday night, approximately 0.775 nautical miles from the FPSO Adoon.
“It was located at a depth of 42 meters, with coordinates registered at Latitude 04° 13.634′ N and Longitude 008° 19.442′ E. Efforts are currently underway for the recovery of the helicopter’s wreckage.
“The tail boom of the helicopter has already been successfully retrieved and lifted from the water today,” it was added in the release.
Director General of NSIB, Captain Alex Badeh Jr., commended the allied team and partners leading the search and recovery efforts.
“Locating the wreckage is a critical milestone in our efforts to understand the circumstances surrounding this tragic accident.
“The dedication and cooperation shown by all involved parties have been exceptional, and we are determined to conduct a thorough investigation to provide clarity and closure to the families of those affected,” he stated.
It was disclosed that further recovery efforts for the wreckage are underway, even as the Bureau assured of provision of additional updates on the sad occurrence as they become available.
NSIB also reassured of its commitment to working closely with national and international partners to carry out the recovery and investigative process in line with its mandate to enhance transportation safety in Nigeria.
News
Our president , Tinubu Sleeps By 5 am, Deserves Credit For Subsidy Removal, Says Dare
Sunday Dare has called for patience regarding President Bola Tinubu’s reforms, urging Nigerians to recognize the leader’s efforts.
“You know, the subsidy was draining this country, with only a few hundred making billions from it. Every president said they would stop the subsidy, but none did. Let’s give this man some credit, even if we don’t like it,” said Dare, the Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Public Communication and Orientation, during Thursday’s Politics Today on Channels Television.
He described Tinubu as deeply dedicated, saying, “This is a man who works tirelessly, burning the midnight oil when others are out carousing. I worked with him for seven years, and we would often sleep at 4, 5, or 6 in the morning.”
News
Finally ,Acting Chief of Army Staff Oluyede assumes duty today
The acting Chief of Army Staff, Maj. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede will assume duties on Friday, November 1.
Oluyede was appointed by President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday pending the return of the indisposed substantive Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Taoreed Lagbaja.
His appointment came a few days after the Defence Headquarters stated that the appointment of an Acting Chief of Army Staff was not recognized under the Harmonised Armed Forces Act.
In a statement issued by the Director of Defence Information, Brig Gen Tukur Gusau, on October 21, the DHQ clarified that no such appointment exists within the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
The rebuttal followed reports by Jackson Ude, an aide to former President Goodluck Jonathan, claiming that Lagbaja had died of cancer.
Reacting to the post on X, the Nigerian Army marked it as fake news.
However, in a notice on Thursday signed by Group Captain Chris Erondu on behalf of the Director of Defence Information, Brig Gen Tukur Gusau, it was stated that the handover ceremony would be held at the Defence Headquarters conference room at 10 am.
It read, “The formal taking over ceremony of the newly appointed acting Chief of Army Staff, Major General Olufemi Oluyede is scheduled for tomorrow as follows: Date: 1 November 2024; Time: 10000hrs; Venue: DHQ Conference Room, Abuja.” (The PUNCH)
News
Just in: FG Begins Contactless Passport Renewal For Nigerians
“Individuals will be able to apply to renew their international passports from the comfort of their homes without having to visit having to visit any NIS office.”
FG is set to commence a contactless passport renewal for Nigerians from November 1st.
NewsOnline Nigeria reports that the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) is set to roll out a phased contactless passport renewal system, launching first in Canada on November 1, 2024.
This online renewal process aims to streamline passport services for Nigerians, reducing the need for physical visits to NIS offices.
Following Canada’s launch, the system will expand to the United Kingdom, United States, and Italy on November 15, with full global access, including Nigeria, by December 1.
This announcement was shared by the NIS via a video on their X account on October 30, 2024, explaining how the new system works.
In the video, a spokesperson stated, “In its continued effort to serve the Nigerian public more efficiently and create a functional system that meets global standards, the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has launched a new contactless and issuance process starting from November 1st, 2024.
“Individuals will be able to apply to renew their international passports from the comfort of their homes without having to visit having to visit any NIS office.”
To use this service, Nigerians need to download the NIS mobile app from Google Play, the App Store, or Windows Store, or visit the online portal at www.passport.immigration.gov.ng.
Step-by-Step Guide for Contactless Passport Renewal
1. Download the App or Access the Portal: From November 1, Nigerians in Canada can download the NIS mobile app or visit the official portal.
2. Register a Profile: Use a valid email address to create a profile and begin the application.
3. Check Eligibility: Complete a quick eligibility check for passport renewal.
4. Enter Identity Information: Input your National Identification Number (NIN) and current passport number.
5. Submit Personal Details: Fill in your bio-data and upload required documents, such as your NIN slip, birth certificate, and local government certificate.
6. Biometric Capture: Use your device to capture fingerprint biometrics.
7. Review and Confirm: Double-check all entered information for accuracy.
8. Make Payment: Complete the online payment to proceed.
9. Submit Application: Submit the application for processing.
The renewed passport will be delivered to the applicant’s specified address. Starting with Canadians on November 1, this system promises a streamlined and accessible approach for Nigerians worldwide.
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