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Tuesday 25 March 2014

Airport Terminals to be completed soon - FAAN MD




In his first official tour, the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Engr. Saleh Dunoma expressed optimism that the airports terminals going through remodeling across the country will be completed soon due to adequate budget made available .
“Adequate budgetary provision has been made for the completion of remodelled terminals across the country”-The FAAN MD said. According to a statement signed by the General Manager Corporate Communications of FAAN, Mr. Yakubu Dati, this expression was made during an inspection tour at the Yakubu Gowon Airport, Jos and Kaduna International Airport, Kaduna.

Engr. Dunoma charged the contractors to ensure the completion of work in good time, to enable residence and air transporters enjoy the benefit of transformation as obtainable in other States where airports have been remodelled across the country.

The Managing Director who was accompanied by Mr Jim Opotu, the Airport Manager to the Yakubu Gowon Airport , Jos and Mr Garba Ringim the manager of the Kaduna International Airport,  Kaduna respectively, urged the contractors to work with the expected specification and standards. He further  expressed his unreserved appreciation over the level of commitment and significant improvement in the ongoing construction towards ensuring the completion of the terminals.

Malaysia PM: Missing MH370 Ended in Southern Indian Ocean

Report from

Oliver McGee on the Malaysia missing plane

 


 


Today, we received the extremely sad news that we have all dreaded. After weeks of an unprecedented international search in hopes of a rescue, Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak solemnly announced at 10:24 am ET (10:24 pm Malaysian local time) that Malaysia Flight 370 ended its journey on March 8, 2014 in the southern Indian Ocean. Somehow we knew this heartbreaking ending to this most compelling mystery in aviation safety and security history could be inevitable.
This human tragedy and story captivated the attention and hearts of people from all walks of life around the world, all anxiously hoping and praying for the survival of the 239 passengers and crew on board Malaysia Flight 370. With the sad news recently announced by Malaysian Prime Minister Razak, we can now focus our attention on the families and friends of the 239 loved ones lost, who must now come to terms with the sad reality of their loved ones' passing. May the flight MH370 families and friends be comforted in the knowledge that so many people around the world are praying for them at this extremely difficult and sad time. Our blessings and sympathies collectively around the world go out to all who are touched by the tragedy of Malaysia Flight 370.
Below is Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak’s press announcement today:
March 24, 2014, 10:24 am ET (10:24 pm Malaysian local time)
AJAM Live @ajamlive
“This evening I was briefed by representatives from the UK Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB). They informed me that Inmarsat, the UK company that provided the satellite data which indicated the northern and southern corridors, has been performing further calculations on the data. Using a type of analysis never before used in an investigation of this sort, they have been able to shed more light on MH370′s path.
“Based on their new analysis, Inmarsat and the AAIB have concluded that MH370 flew along the southern corridor, and that its last position was in the middle of the Indian Ocean, west of Perth.
“This is a remote location, far from any possible landing sites. It is therefore with deep sadness and regret that I must inform you that, according to this new data, flight MH370 ended in the southern Indian Ocean.
“We [will] be holding a press conference tomorrow with further details. In the meantime, we wanted to inform you of this new development at the earliest opportunity. We share this information out of a commitment to openness and respect for the families, two principles which have guided this investigation.
“Malaysia Airlines have already spoken to the families of the passengers and crew to inform them of this development. For them, the past few weeks have been heartbreaking; I know this news must be harder still. I urge the media to respect their privacy, and to allow them the space they need at this difficult time.”
###

Wednesday 19 March 2014

Turkish Airlines reactions on allegations of arms shipments to unknown groups in Nigeria



Turkey's national carrier has today, March 19, 2014, reacted to allegations of arms shipments to unknown groups in Nigeria, which some social media said has been ravaged by violence between the army and Islamist militants. 
An official statement sent to General Manager, Turkish Airlines, Kano, Mr Ahment Can Akbuga and made available to our reporter, stated that the news from social media and press relating the carriage of arms by Turkish Airlines have caused false valuation on the public opinion.
The statement reads:



"The carriage of arms and military supplies by Turkish Airlines are being made on cargo in the framework of the relevant international law and IATA transportation rules, in strict conformity with the official procedures.
" On the carriage of arms, the forwarders and addressees can send their cargo with Turkish Airlines Cargo through the representative they have designated, after accomplishing the necessary official approval procedure from the relevant state authorities. Turkish Airlines Cargo effectuates such shipment again in strict conformity with the law and rules of the forwarders’ and addressees’ countries and by taking necessary security measures as are doing the other air carriers.
 "According to its corporate policy, Turkish Airlines is not effectuating the carriage of arms to/from the countries that United Nations Security Council has imposed an arms ban, lacking authority and/or under conflict."
 However, it was earlier reported on social media that "A leaked telephone conversation between an assistant executive of Turkish Airlines and an advisor to the Prime Minister of Turkey has revealed that the Turkish carrier has allegedly been shipping weapons to groups in Nigeria, which is currently battling terrorism and repeated deadly attacks orchestrated by the Boko Haram and other groups in northern Nigeria.

"Thousands have been killed in various attacks in northern Nigeria by the Boko Haram and other groups.

"The new incriminating phone call which emerged on Tuesday, according to a report by the AFP, is the latest blow to Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who has been hit by a corruption probe ensnaring his key allies and a widening phone-tapping scandal.

"In a tape posted on YouTube, Mehmet Karatas, an assistant executive of the airline, allegedly tells Mustafa Varank, an advisor to Erdogan, that he feels guilty over national flag carrier’s arms shipment to Nigeria.

“I do not know whether these (weapons) will kill Muslims or Christians. I feel sinful,” Karatas is allegedly heard saying.

"The leaked call has the potential to harm the airline’s image — which is 49 percent state-owned and is in an aggressive push to become a global player.

"It is the latest in a series of recordings implicating Erdogan and his aides in corruption and other abuses of power ahead of crucial local polls on March 30. The Turkish strongman has dismissed most of the tapes as “vile” fakes put together by rivals."

Turkish airlines insisted that the carriage of arms and military supplies by the carrier are being made on cargo in the framework of the relevant international law and International Air Transport Association transportation rules, in strict conformity with the official procedures.



Monday 17 March 2014

2014 Securex to focus on Nigeria’s security challenges


BY ZAINAB JUNAID

Companies such as Leading commercials, homeland and cyber security, fire protection, safety suppliers among others will be discussing their latest security initiatives, trends, challenges and emerging technologies at the 2014 Securex West Africa trade show.

Over 42 security outfits have confirmed their participation.

Managing Director, Montgomery West Africa, Tori Abiola disclosed this while addressing journalists in Lagos on Wednesday, March 12, 2014.

The trade exhibition which is in its fourth edition, Tori said will provide room for participants to discuss hands-on measures as security threat loom within African region.

To her, it would be difficult for the country to attract the quality of investments it seeks if security concerns are not addressed.

She further thanked the Nigerian government for the support it has given the fair so far and affirmed that the security exhibition was in partnership with various security companies both in the country and abroad.

Also speaking, a security expert and consultant to Halogen Security, Col. Raphael Ojo Kadiri gave an insight to reasons activities of the terrorists insurgent is on the increase despite all attempts to curb their criminal act in some part of the country.

Ojo Kadiri identified lack of effective intelligence gathering and execution on the part of government as one of the major problem of the system.

In his words, “There are more industrial security personnel in Nigeria than we have in the state security, and violence is at the door step of every Nigerian but to curb the illicit attitude, every Nigerian need security education and orientation,” he said.

He later urged for a closer coordination and synergy among industrial security outfits and the state security as the country battles terrorism

The best form of security is preventive measure. Beside weapons, the country as a whole needs security orientation and education which will be provided at the Securex trade exhibition,” he added.

The Securex West Africa show is the region’s premiere event for ascertaining information about the latest trends in homeland security and the most advanced technologies for integrating capability across multiple agencies and directorates.
The fair will also feature six in-depth seminars focusing on oil and gas, maritime and naval security, corporate security, transport infrastructure security, counter terrorism and cyber security. Attendees will have the opportunity to examine future trends, identify immediate long and short term needs and uncover up and coming technologies for use in critical areas of commercial and homeland security.

Friday 14 March 2014

Dr. Felix Abali officially takes over AIB as commissioner on Friday, March 14, 2014



BY JUNAID ZAINAB
The newly appointed Commissioner of Accident Investigation Bureau, AIB, Dr. Felix Abali has officially taken over the control of affairs of the bureau in a brief ceremony that took place at AIB headquarters, Lagos on Friday, March 14, 2014
Speaking at the event, former commissioner of the bureau, Muktar Usman enjoined the management and entire staffs of AIB to extend same support given to him which led to the success of his tenure to the new Chief.
According to him, “I will really appreciate it if the management and entire staffs of AIB could extend same support given to me to my successor, and I’m using this medium to charge and tell all staffs to fully support the new commissioner of this bureau. Though I’ve been moved to NCAA, I’m still part of AIB.”
The former commissioner Usman, who congratulated his successor on his appointment, also enjoined him to be strong and courageous by ensuring unity, equity, love and progress in the Bureau.
In his own remarks, Dr. Felix Abali promises to keep the flag going to ensure continuous success of the Bureau.”
Dr. felix was a seasoned engineer and highly experienced aviator, former staff of Federal Aviation Administartion, America before coming back to Nigeria.

Thursday 13 March 2014

New NAMA chief officially assumes duty today-March 13, 2014



By ZAINAB JUNAID
 

Eight days after president Goodluck Jonathan approved re-organisation of some Chief Executive Officers in the aviation sector, the newly appointed MD of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, NAMA, Engr. Ibrahim Abdulsalam has officially took over the control of affairs of the agency from the outgoing Managing Director, Engr. Mazi Nnamdi Udoh, on Thursday, March 13, 2014.that took place at the agency headquarters, Lagos.

This was revealed to aviation journalists today in a communiqué signed by the spokesperson for the agency, Mr. Supo Atobatele.
According to the statement, the outgoing MD, Engr. Nnamdi Udoh charged management and
staff of NAMA to extend the same hand of fellowship and cooperation which saw to the numerous accomplishments of his tenure to his successor.

In the statement, Engr. Nnamdi recalled that within two years, he achieved several safety critical
feats including migration to area radar control, which could not have been possible without the support and cooperation of the entire staff.

Supo reported Udoh as saying that, ''I personally implore the staff to support the new managing director who is one of us and professionally sound to handle the affairs of the agency and take it to a greater height in the provision of quality air navigation services”

Engr. Udoh, further enjoined his successor to be strong and courageous by ensuring unity, equity, love and progress in NAMA as a torchbearer of the organization.  The former managing director, stressed that having worked with him over time, he has implicit confidence in Engr. Abdulsalam, to be able to
consolidate and even improve on the present gains of NAMA in the provision of a safe and seamless airspace in Nigeria.

In his remarks according to the release, the new Managing Director, Engr. Ibrahim Abdulsalam, thanked his predecessor for ''the giant footprints'' he left in the agency and for being a father to all during his tenure.
While maintaining that ''the success of NAMA remains non-negotiable'', he implored all staff to ensure continuity of the current gains of the agency by being dedicated and professional in their duties, saying that staff welfare shall continue to be the focal point of his administration.


Wednesday 12 March 2014

Ark Air rewards loyal customers with trip to Brazil


By ZAINAB JUNAID

Ark Air has recently commenced a promotional campaign aimed at rewarding loyal customers with an all-expenses paid trip to Brazil this summer.

The campaign according to a release will runs from March 1 to April 30, 2014 and is targeted at Business class passengers who travel on any of Arik Air’s international destinations, London, New York or Johannesburg within the promotional period.
The monthly draws will produce four lucky winners who will all get to enjoy an all-expense paid trip to Brazil this summer.

The Managing Director of Ark Air, Mr. Chris Ndulue commented on the promotion:
‘’Sending four lucky winners to Brazil, free of charge, offers us an opportunity to appreciate guests whose continued patronage keeps our business going forward”.

The lucky winners may also use this opportunity to see the best of football this season as Brazil is billed to host the World Cup in the summer.