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Abuja Reports

Air Peace, Azman Airlines ‘Lose $3m To Fraudulent Foreign Lessors’

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The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has clarified that its two members – Air Peace and Azman Air – have fallen victims of fraud by foreign lessors to the tune of over $3million.

In a statement released by the spokesman of AON, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, against the backdrop of a recent media report that 13 local airlines have been blacklisted by their lessors over breach of contracts, the group said despite domestic airlines operating under challenging environment, they have remained committed to fulfilling their contractual obligations with lessors and serving the Nigerian public, including contributing to national economic development.

AON, however, did not provide the specifics of how the two local airlines lost $3million in their business dealings with the foreign lessors.

“The attention of AON has been drawn to a report published on the cover page of Business Day on Wednesday, July 17, 2024, titled: ’13 Nigerian Airlines Blacklisted for Contract Breaches’ and a follow-up story on its website also on July 17, titled: “Air Peace, Ibom Air, United Nigeria, Max Air, others say not blacklisted by lessors. The first report claimed that 13 airlines, including Aero Contractors, Air Peace, Arik, Azman, Dana, Green Africa, Ibom Air, Max Air, United Nigeria Airline, and Valuejet, were blacklisted for refusing to pay lessor fees.

“The second report claimed that airline operators denied owing lessors even when the newspaper did not officially speak with the managements of the airlines it listed in its earlier report. For the avoidance of doubt, we categorically state that the first report is entirely false, malicious and defamatory. The second report is even worse as the newspaper, instead of doing the honourable thing required of it for publishing falsehood – that is retraction – it started concocting information to justify a fake news.

 “We want to state that Nigerian airlines have consistently worked very hard to meet their contractual obligations with lessors despite operating within a challenging business environment. It is also a well-known fact that the Minister for Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, since assuming office, acknowledged the challenges domestic operators face and has made concerted efforts to create an enabling environment for us to operate.

“For the public’s information, two of the airlines mentioned – Air Peace and Azman – have themselves been victims of fraud by lessors, incurring losses exceeding $3 million. Despite these setbacks, domestic airlines have remained committed to serving the Nigerian public and contributing to National Economic development.”

The umbrella body of indigenous airline operators, however, demanded an apology from the media house, saying the group may be forced to seek legal redress over the report.

“We find the publication of such inaccuracies very disheartening. We see it as a calculated attempt to erode confidence and to destroy the aviation industry. We demand an immediate retraction of the report and apology with the same prominence given to the inaccurate cover stories.In the absence of a satisfactory response, we may be forced to file a complaint with relevant media oversight bodies, take legal action or both to protect our reputation,” the statement stated.

 

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Abuja Reports

Tinubu Reshuffles Leadership at Federal Universities, Renames UNIABUJA

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By Patrick Idowu

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced leadership changes at several federal universities, including renaming the University of Abuja to Yakubu Gowon University.

The president dissolved the governing council of the newly named university and removed Vice-Chancellor Prof. Aisha Sani Maikudi, appointing Prof. Lar Patricia Manko as acting VC for six months, though she is ineligible for the permanent position.

Senator Lanre Tejuoso takes over as Pro-Chancellor.

At the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), Tinubu sacked Acting VC Prof. Polycarp Chigbu, replacing him with Prof. Oguejiofu T. Ujam. Gen. Ike Nwachukwu was moved from UNN to the University of Uyo, while Engineer Olubunmi Kayode Ojo is now UNN’s Pro-Chancellor.

Other key changes include Senator Joy Emordi moving from Alvan Ikoku University of Education to the University of Agriculture, Makurdi, while Senator Sani Stores takes her previous role.

Barrister Olugbenga Kukoyi is now Pro-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University.

President Tinubu said the overhaul reflects his commitment to revitalizing higher education and ensuring stronger governance and accountability in Nigerian universities.

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Abuja Reports

Residents Demand Relocation of Karu Dump Site

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By Patrick Idowu & Gbenga Adeniyi

Residents of Jikwoyi and Karu communities on the outskirts of Abuja are calling for the urgent relocation of the Karu dump site, citing severe environmental and health risks.

Appealing to the Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB), the residents warned of a potential epidemic if the site remains in its current location.

They highlighted the growing waste accumulation, which frequently obstructs the Karu-Orozo road, causing persistent traffic congestion.

Gabriel Idoko, a resident, expressed frustration over the situation.

“It’s shameful that such a hazardous site exists in Abuja. This is an eyesore that poses serious health risks,” he lamented.

A local community chief, who spoke anonymously, condemned the site’s proximity to a cemetery.

“How can refuse be dumped on graves? It’s unacceptable. The FCT administration must act swiftly,” he stated.

Residents are urging authorities to address the issue urgently by relocating the dump site to a more suitable location.

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Abuja Reports

AEPB Engages 40 Contractors to Enhance Cleanliness in Abuja

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By Abaire Olanlesi

The Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) has engaged 40 contractors to manage waste and maintain sanitation across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

AEPB Director, Mr. Osilama Braimah, confirmed the development in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), stating that all contractors have been fully paid with no outstanding debts. He emphasized the Board’s role in waste management, sewage maintenance, and environmental sanitation across key districts, including Maitama, Asokoro, Garki, and Wuse.

Braimah noted that while contractors are responsible for waste evacuation, the AEPB intervenes when necessary, deducting costs from contractors’ payments. He also addressed noise pollution, stating that the Board takes action against noise from nightclubs and public buildings but has no jurisdiction over vehicle or motorcycle noise.

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