*U.S. Customs Threaten Nigeria’s Arik Air Maiden Flight

…..We have put the matter behind us, flight operation to commence as planned -Jason Holt, Arik MD.

By Lateef Lawal

The much awaited launch of the Lagos-New York flight by Arik Air has run into a temporary hitch with United States Customs and Border Protection Department, over inaccurate documentation. The airline had earlier schedule the take-off of its maiden Lagos-New York flight for today, Sunday, 29 November, 2009.

However, in a sudden twist, there was an advertorial in the Nigerian placed Daily Trust issue of Wednesday, 25 November, 2009 supposedly placed by the management of Arik Air. The advert titled “Arik Air Suspends Lagos-New York Flight” purpotedly by Arik management partly read: “Arik Airline regrets to announce the suspension of its advertised inaugural flight from Lagos to New York on Sunday, November 29, 2009. The suspension of this service after nearly seven months of painstaking preparations-including the recruitment of top US attorneys, staff and Know Your Customer procedure-is coming to the airline as a rude shock.”

The advert further read: “At about 10.30pm(local time) on the night of Monday, November 23, our legal department in the US received a call from the US Customs and Border Protection Department-which is also in charge of immigration, advising the airline to suspend its scheduled launch because of a ‘wrong address’ in the documentation of its cash-backed bond issued by J.P Morgan. Arik Air had been in correspondence with various US aviation authorities over the months consistently using the same contact addresses. Not once, until Monday night, did the question of “wrong address” arise. Now the US Customs is telling the airline that it has suspended its services until it receives an official letter about the purported ‘wrong address’.”

Many officials of the airline however denied knowledge of the advertorial which already sent wrong signals to would-be customers and those already invited for the inaugural flight. Another source close to the airline however confirmed the development and said the airline would “still go ahead with the ceremonial launch and defer the main flight operations till January, 2010″.

The Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority(NCAA), Dr Harold Demuren confirmed there was a little problem between Arik and the US Customs which they were trying to resolve. Arik Air later released a statement that the Lagos-New York route would be launched as as scheduled and flights to commence once all issues were resolved.

According to Mr Adebanji Ola, a spokesman for Arik, speaking to reporters said: “An issue previously raised by the US Customs and Border Protection department late Monday night almost compromised the commencement of this service.” He quoted Arik Managing Director, Mr Jason Holt as giving the assurance services would go ahead as planned once all issues were resolved.

Arik new Lagos-New York route will operate three times a week, with outbound flights departing Lagos on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday, while the inbound flights will depart New York on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

Lateef Lawal ( NigerianAviationNews )

Photo Above: An Arik Plane

*Tags: Lagos, Nigeria, Nigerian, New York, United, States, African News

*Nigeria: NCAA Issues Advisory Warning To Pilots

By Lateef Lawal

Pilots flying within and into the Nigerian airspace have been warned to be aware of the dangers posed by harmattan haze in the country between the months of November and March. The warning/alert was issued by the Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority(NCAA), Dr Harold Demuren in an advisory circular number AC/NCAA-Aeromet-08 sent to all pilots and airline operators.

The advisory alert included the following likely harmattan hazards and operational problems:

*Heavy fog resulting in reduced air-to-ground visibility.

*Aerodrome visibility may fall below the prescribed minimal and in severe conditions, dust haze may blot out runways and markers, over wide areas, making visual navigation impossible.

*And lastly - where terminal visibility falls below the prescribed weather minimal, flights are bound to be delayed, diverted or canceled.

Photo Above: An Airborne Overland Airways Plane

It therefore advised pilots to recognize harmattan as hazardous to aviation and exercise maximum restraint when the condition is observed or forecast.

To further enhance safety during this period, pilots have been mandated to obtain adequate departure, en-route and destination weather information and briefing from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency(NIMET) prior to any flight operations.

Lateef Lawal ( NigerianAviationNews )

*Nigeria Aviation Industry Reposition for Future Growth

By Lateef Lawal

The Minister of Aviation, Mr. Babatunde Omotoba said Nigeria has fine-tuned its strategy towards claiming its rightful place among the top 20 nations before the year 2020 by preparing the aviation industry as a launching pad. Omotoba who made the position known to aviation stake holders and investors at the Global Airport Development Conference in Berlin, Germany said Nigeria as a policy, had embarked on the utilization of air transport as a driver of economic growth for the nation. He noted, such policy would help to reposition the country as a regional hub in West Africa.

Omotoba, who was represented by the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mr. Richard Aisuebeogun pointed out that in modern economics, air transport would play a major role in transforming Africa. He said this could be actualized by the various governments mapping out strategies to tap into the emerging economic driver. According to Omotoba, “Nigeria is a future-based aviation market with foreign investors in the airline, airport, air navigation services and other allied sectors focusing on how they can become major players.”

On this note he said aviation authorities in Nigeria were preparing the industry to become one of the leading aviation markets through the improvement of infrastructure and manpower, as well as partnerships with the international community. He pointed out that the government was working assiduously towards improving facilities at the airports, adding that the country would in due course accomplish its United States International Aviation Safety Audit (IASA) Category 1 certification which would enable more of its airlines to fly directly to the US airspace.

This, according to the minister would help to ensure not only better standards among Nigerian operators, but would correct the imbalance between foreign airlines and their local counterpart. The conference was also informed that Nigeria was embarking on re-certification of all Nigerian Air Operator Certificate holders to ensure improved standards in the aviation industry. The conference was also informed of the on-going inspection of all the 22 airports managed by FAAN, inspection and certification of all air navigation facilities towards meeting and exceeding industry standards.

Omotoba’s presentation also made it known, Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the aviation regulatory body, was canvassing for greater commitment to e-ticketing as a way of moving the aviation industry to higher efficiency. According to him, a number of airlines were already using e-tickets to the delight of the general public. He noted that the development of a Technical Safety Library was a good development for the industry and assured the gathering that Nigeria was effectively managing the Nigerian content of the Aviation Global Safety road-map.

The minister to the applause of conference participants said that the operation of a fully deregulated airline business in Nigeria, has led to the emergence of more airport operators. He noted that the recapitalization by airlines had led to increased liquidity and better business, enabling local airlines acquire more aircraft.

Omotoba called on investors in aviation to make use of opportunities in both the aeronautical and non-aeronautical sectors of the industry. He quoted the increase in the number of foreign carriers interested in operating in Nigeria as evidence of improved standards in the country’s aviation. He said over 20 foreign airlines fly into Nigeria, with more showing interest, while those already plying the route seeking more frequencies and multiple entry points.

Lateef Lawal ( NigerianAviationNews )

Photo Above: Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport, Abuja, Nigeria.

*I Have No Hand In Looting Of Nigeria’s Afrijet ——Says Mohammed Tukur, Ex Director, Corporate Affairs

By Lateef Lawal

The former executive director of Afrijet, Alhaji Mohammed Tukur has washed his hands off an allegation of financial impropriety while he held forth at the airline as the director of corporate affairs and protocol. He said those linking his name to the predicament of the airline should shift their focus to somewhere else and stop blackmailing him.

Alhaji Tukur denied ever collecting $1.3 million from Idah Cargo, Abuja for the airline, nor receiving N15 million proceeds of military charters at any time. He added that all monies due were always pursued by the Station Manager of the airline and all payment due were electronically paid into the company’s account. More so, he was in charge of passengers and not in charge of cargo while he was in the service of the airline, he concluded.

He explained further that the military charter was arranged for Afrijet by one Captain Donald Omale and he was aware that payment was made by the captain electronically to the account of the airline. All the accounts of the airline were always clarified by the former Managing Director who is currently the Chairman of the airline’s Board. He said that he resigned from the airline when things were not going quite right. Such things he explained included non-payment of staff salaries by management led by former Managing Director, Captain Berry Noelle with workers owed close to one year salary and allowances. He said some died waiting, while others could not feed their families nor pay school fees for the children.

Alhaji Tukur noted that some people were trying to link him with what he knew nothing about, adding that there was no excuse whatsoever for misappropriation of the airline’s money. He said the head of an organization should be held responsible for any financial misappropriation and the case of Afrijet should not be an exception. He said his lawyers were currently studying letters flying about with his name dubiously mentioned, for appropriate legal action.

Lateef Lawal ( NigerianAviationNews )

Photo Above: An Afrijet Plane

*Communique/Minute Of S. Africa-Nigeria Binational Relations

By Ekwealor Chinedu

DATE: October 27, 2009. VENUE: Malherbe Dining Hall- University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg Campus, South Africa. TIME: 11:00 am. MASTER OF CEREMONY: Prof. Francis Nwonwu Africa Institute of South Africa Head: Sustainable Development Research. PANELISTS: Mr Edward Lebeko, SA High Commission Abuja, Nigeria. Prof. Timothy Fasheun Dept of Environment, South Africa. Mr Chris Ifeacho President Association of Nigerians in South Africa Pietermaritzburg Branch. STUDENT DELEGATES/ DISCUSSANTS: Comrade Ekwealor Chinedu Thomas President: National Association of Nigerian Students in South Africa (NANSSA) University of South Africa. Thabilsile Gwamanda Deputy President- local SRC Pietermaritzburg. University of Kwazulu Natal. Masika Mndebele, Secretary General- central SRC University of Kwazulu Natal. SOUTH AFRICAN GOVERNMENT- MISSION AND VISION — Edward Lebeko; — Ms Sibongile Mabasa Department of international Relations & Cooperation Nigeria & Ghana desk.

That South African government through its commission in Nigeria seeks to understand Nigeria by establishing relationship between the two states. That South African government observed that the bi-national relations between Nigeria and South Africa have not been effective and efficient at all levels/ tiers of government. That there are problems and weaknesses that the bi-national relations do experience, some of which are: relations between the two states have been operatives at the Federal levels. That, civil societies have not been incorporated into the relations as such the expectant awareness is never disseminated. That there are many Universities in Nigeria, that there are many graduates in Nigeria, that there are many experts in Nigeria but there few visible contributions the above named have made towards Nigeria’s development. That there is a need for Nigerians in South Africa to strengthen themselves by forming collective units through which their contributions in South Africa could be visible so as to mitigate stereotype. That South African government in Nigeria uses the platform of governors’ forum to make necessary contribution, and relaying of complaints or appreciating good gesture through the same.

That the launching of the said Nigeria-South Africa Friendship Association is aimed at helping to harnessing the relationship between the two states. That South Africa government recognises the importance of Nigeria and its contributions to, during the apartheid regime. Mr Edward praises the financial and moral support the Nigerian government rendered especially the scholarships that were granted to South African citizens during that period, citing former president Thabo Mbeki as one of the beneficiaries. That Nigeria’s status as non- permanent member of the United Nation’s Security Council is of huge benefit for the continent. That South Africa will collaborate with Nigeria to produce positive results for the continent through Nigeria’s non-permanent status in the United Nations.

That the bi-national relation will improve trade relations and lessen the xenophobic tendencies. That South Africa government need assistance of countries with longer years of experience from independence to deal with her shortcomings in inter-state relations. That ‘Ghana Must Go’ a common sack use in Nigeria derived its name from Nigeria’s intolerance towards Ghana at a given time in the past. That Nigeria has overcome that, and accommodates Ghanaians today. That South Africa can overcome xenophobia through interactions and engagements. That the then Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) was to empower all blacks in South Africa but failed, that the present Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) will improve on the deficiencies of the BEE. ( Continues below….. )

Photo Above: Map of South Africa

That exchange programme among students to be introduce, to avail students the opportunity of working in their field of study, allowing Nigerian students who study agricultural science to come to South Africa to do internship in large scale commercial farm in South Africa. That through the bi-national relations, South Africa and Nigeria should improve on their VISA regime to allow each other citizenship and active participation in government within the frame works that would be mapped out for the VISA regime. NIGERIA GOVERNMENT MISSION AND VISSION- — Prof Timothy Fasheun That technical know-how between the two countries must be advanced in order to tap from the human resources the two states are endowed with, adding that, if lion is feed in the cage from birth, it would never know how to hunt when grown. That Nigeria must learn to care for its citizens because that is what democracy supports. Speaking to Nigerian representative, Fasheun maintains that Nigeria can learn from South Africa how to care for own citizens. That the educational system must be improved to give the best, that going to the United State of America and United Kingdom and other countries make travelling African children lose African cultural values on transit.

That Nigerians have made positive contributions to South Africa, including the Durban National Stadium which Nigerian architect Prof A. Adebayo was part of the realisation. That National Youth Service Corp (NYSC) becomes an internationally oriented programme to run between Nigeria and South Africa, to allow Nigerian Students to do their service year in South Africa and South Africa in Nigeria. That South Africa must learn to be more accommodating and frustrate xenophobic ideas, that Nigerian government fought apartheid regime with all it has. That Nigerian students pay levies to sustain the struggle against apartheid and did modules on South African Zulu warriors to acquaint Nigerian citizens with the ongoing of the evil of apartheid. EXPERIENCE OF NIGERIAN COMMUNITY IN PIETERMARITZBURG- — Chris Ifeacho That, there is no enough information, interaction and relationship at the grassroots level, and that lack of information at grass root, hinders progress at top levels. That Nigerians in Pietermaritzburg, engage in outreach programme which enables the host commons to interact with the Nigerian nationals in the city, as a way of strengthening relationship between the two states. That, Nigerians in Pietermaritzburg make financial contribution and make donations to the fatherless and motherless children in France, a commitment since 2007 as a means of grassroots bi-national relations.

That Nigerians in Pietermaritzburg, have been in contact with the immigration department of the South Africa Home affairs to appraise the performance of Nigerians in the city of Pietermaritzburg. That, Nigeria still faces stereotype, and that stereotype especially of lack of information can cripple potential relationship between two states. That, Nigerian-South Africa citizens with ID books are still denied job opportunities because they were first Nigerians. That for bi-national relations to work, passing across necessary information that can enhance relationship is vital, that every Nigeria is not a drug dealer or illegal immigrant. That many Nigerians are well meaning. STUDENTS DELEGATES NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIAN STUDENTS IN SOUTH AFRICA (NANSSA) — Comrade Ekwealor Chinedu Thomas That education is central to the training of mind and character of people, and trained mind and characters do well in relationship than those who were deprived the opportunity to be refined in a formal education setting like the present day Universities.

That academic advancement and progress can bring about political development and economic growth and cordial interstate relations for the states of South Africa and Nigeria, as such educational development between the two states must be motivated by both political and economic considerations. That the fees undergraduate Nigerian students are paying grouped and categorised Nigeria as an outsider in South Africa. That, Nigerian students do not pay the same amount with some African brothers and sisters from SADC countries like: Zimbabwe, Namibia, etc. Although, NANSSA recognises that Nigeria is not a member of SADC but it is also aware that Nigeria is neither a European Union (EU) member nor one of the Organisation of American States (OAS). It is NANSSA’s considered view that the dichotomy in school fees be addressed as one of NANSSA’s specific felt needs. That, Nigerian students pay about Six Thousand Six Hundred Dollars ($6.600.00) with Americans and Europeans as tuition fee for a session, a prize which is three times more than the payment our Zambian counterparts from Africa make.

That we would like to pay like Africans and not like Americans and Europeans as the present categorisation which in our opinion is encouraged by capitalist implications upholds. That exorbitant school fees is capable and can discourage formal education and cripple future leadership and relationship and ultimately produce incompetent African leaders who cannot defend their states around UN table of governance. NANSSA is for bi-national relations that encourage academic pursuit for a better Africa and world. STUDENTS REPRESENTATIVE COUNCIL (SRC) SOUTH AFRICA Thabisile Gwamanda Masika Mndebele That scholars have been at the centre of moving the economic growth of most countries forward. That SRC has an exchange programme that is billed to help international students move beyond the walls of the universities to learn about the host state. That xenophobic attack is as a result of feelings that south Africans have towards foreign nationals, that the available jobs in south Africa is getting into the hands of foreign nationals, and the fear of staying without job in south Africa informed the actions, however, SRC believes that it will not happen again. That with this bi-national relation, that a platform for better understanding is created and that SRC is committed to using the platform to grow relationship among peoples of the two states. QUESTION AND ANSWER TIME Question from: Dr Cyprian Alokwu, what is the idea behind reparation fee that Nigerians pay to South African government? Answer from South African representative: the idea behind repatriation fee is for South African government to fly back the Nigerian to his/her country if need be. This is because Nigeria government unlike South African government does not take responsibility for its citizens.

South African government flies its citizens home from any country of the world if need be but the Nigerian government has not undersigned to take such responsibility for its people. That the repatriation fee is a refundable fee, and every Nigerian who paid has the right to claim, but they never come to claim because they are still in South Africa as against their statement before departure.

*Arik Air Begins Abuja(Nigeria)-London(UK) Route

By Lateef Lawal

Arik Air, Nigeria’s largest commercial airline, today announced the launch of non-stop flights between Abuja and London Heathrow beginning on Thursday, 26 November, 2009. The new Abuja - London Heathrow services will operate five times per week, on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday. Outbound flights will depart Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, at 10.30am local time, arriving at London Heathrow (Terminal 4) at 4.05pm local time. Return flights will depart London Heathrow (Terminal 4) at 9.50pm local time, arriving Abuja at 5.20am local time, the following morning.

Arik Air’s Managing Director, Mr Jason Holt said: “Arik Air is extremely proud to connect Nigeria’s Federal Capital directly with London. The introduction of direct flights between Abuja and Nigerian State capitals has been at the forefront of Arik Air’s domestic expansion strategy, London has always been of great importance for Nigerians and the airline first launched non-stop flights between Lagos and London Heathrow on 15 December 2008. Therefore, it is strategically important and also appropriate that Arik Air’s first international service from Abuja should be London.”

Arik Air’s Chief Commercial Officer, Mr Suraj Sundaram said that from Abuja, Arik Air already serves 18 other destinations across Nigeria with an especially strong network of feeder services from northern states. Mr Sundaram explained: “Arik Air’s extensive domestic network from Abuja means Arik Air can offer guests travelling to and from cities in the northern regions a convenient London connection that no other airline can match. The airline’s new Abjua-London Heathrow service will also enable Nigerian government officials to choose a Nigerian airline to London for the first time.”

Mr Sundaram went on to explain that one of Arik Air’s brand new Boeing 737-800 aircraft “Sultan of Sokoto” would serve the Abuja-London Heathrow route. He continued: “Our brand new Boeing 737-800 aircraft is ideally suited for flying medium haul routes and making short turnarounds at airports thereby helping Arik Air to continue providing our guests with a convenient and punctual service. The aircraft is also one of the quietest and most environmentally friendly aircraft operating in the world today. It complies fully with airport noise restrictions and with current and future international emissions standards. The Boeing 737-800 aircraft offers 20 Business Class seats and 126 Economy Class seats offering personal audio and video entertainment including a choice of short programs and a selection of Hollywood and Nollywood movie favourites".

Arik Air is Nigeria’s leading commercial airline. It operates a fleet of 31 state-of-the art regional, medium haul and long haul aircraft. The airline currently serves 21 airports across Nigeria as well as Accra (Ghana), Banjul (Gambia), Cotonou (Benin), Dakar (Senegal), Freetown (Sierra Leone), Niamey (Niger), London Heathrow (UK) and Johannesburg (South Africa). The airline will commence non-stop flights between Lagos and New York (JFK) on 29 November 2009. The airline currently operates 124 daily flights from its hubs in Lagos and Abuja. It employs a workforce of more than 1,800.

Lateef Lawal ( NigerianAviationNews )

Photo Above: An Arik Plane

*Tags: Abuja, Nigeria, Nigerian, London, British, African News

*Air Midwest Nigeria Debuts With B737-500

By Lateef Lawal

A new schedule airliner - Air Midwest Nigeria is to debut shortly with the delivery of its Boeing737-500, expected in the country in a fortnight. According to industry sources, the airline in addition to the expected aircraft already painted upon delivery at the British Airways hangar in London would add more planes in due course. Other planes on future delivery list include, one other Boeing737-500 and a Boeing737-300.

The Boeing737-500 purchased through an American company-GECAS, is the first of its model to be acquired by a Nigerian carrier. The Air Mid-West B737-500 which currently carries British registeration number-G-GFFH, is to be given Nigerian registeration number 5N-PVA upon delivery.

Photo Above: An Airborne Plane

Air Midwest Nigeria management has almost concluded arrangements for the ferrying of the aircraft to Nigeria, from the BA hangar paint shop where its unique logo was embossed on the tail of the aircraft. The airline which chose “Safety, Our Pride” as its slogan with a capital base of N500 million, is expected to recapitalize to the tune of N1 billion upon entry into the domestic market with the aim of operating regional routes later.

The Imo State Government of Nigeria, it was learn’t has substantial sharehold in the airline. When contacted on the latest development, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the airline, Captain Victor Aigbokhan declined comment. He later said that as soon as the airline took delivery of the plane for its operation, the management would adequately inform the public on its mission in the air transport sector and the package it has for its customers.

The Boeing737-500 has a seating capacity of 110-all business class with 7 hours flight endurance, meaning that it can fly direct from London-Lagos without stopover.

Lateef Lawal ( NigerianAviationNews )

*Nigeria: Corruption Is Our Bane

By Benjamin Aliu Snr.

When the Yar’ Adua Administration took over Aso Rock, a lot of Nigerians breathed a sigh of relief with the thought that they have seen the last of Looting of public funds and Scandals but unfortunately, the Yar’ Adua Government is CLOAKED in Scandals. There is hardly any Ministry or Government Agency that is not involved in one scandal or another. Even the President’s wife is involved in scandals and in the history of our country, only IBB’s wife has been involved in scandals before now.

The rate at which Government Officials at all levels including the National Assembly are embezzling public Funds and taking bribes left right and center and in the process running the Country to the ground is alarming. While the Economy is gridding to a halt the profligacy and plundering continues. It is nothing but organized Thievery from the Top to the bottom.

In the Saturday Tribune of November 7, 2009 it was reported that the Speaker of the Federal House of Rep. Mr. Dimeji Bankole and his deputy bought 18 Bulletproof Vehicles each costing #85 Million. Can anybody in their right mind tell the Nigerian People what these two men need 18 official Vehicles for at the tax payers’ expense? No wonder the President and members of the National Assembly do not care about Kidnappings that have run amuck all over the Country. After all they and members of their families ride around in bulletproof vehicles and Police escorts. What happened to the bulletproof vehicles that the Speaker and his deputy bought in 2007? This calls for a full scale investigation and a day of outrage by the Nigerian People. This is our money that is being wasted and these people will continue to get away with the looting because we let them. We all can see why the National Assembly is afraid to pass the freedom of Information Bill – they all have Skeletons in their cupboards.

Photo Above: Sacked Corrupt Nigerian police chief, Balogun in hospital after scuffle with EFCC. He was later jailed 6 months. [ *Read Balogun EFCC Scuffle Story at:- http://www.africamasterweb.com/AdSense/NigeriaNationsAngerAtLooters.html ]

Every where one goes in our Country Nigeria one thing is glaring – CORRUPTION facilitated by Governments at all Levels. Recently, the Minister of State for Petroleum Mr. Odein Ajumogobia stated that in 2008 the GOVERNMENT SPENT OVER #650 Billion as subsidy on importation of Petroleum. This is at a time when our four Refineries are not working. In fact they have not worked since the era of IBB. If our Refineries were working, that could have been money saved. What exactly is the Government doing about the Turn Around Maintenance (TAM) of our Refineries? Mr. Yar’ Adua does not think that he owes the Nigerian People any explanation because he was not elected by the People.

The reason why our Refineries are not working is organized Corruption. It is alleged that the Petroleum importing Cartel pay NNPC staff and thugs to sabotage the Refineries and the do nothing Government look the other way. Why with all the resources at its disposal has n’t the Government been able to do something to arrest the situation? How much does it cost to build a new Refinery and why is the Government sabotaging the efforts of Private individuals and Companies that are willing to use their money to build Refineries?

In 1979, a liter of petrol cost 15 kobo, during the diabolical administration of Sani Abacha, a liter sold for N20. The know it all Olusegun Obasanjo who was both President and Minister of petroleum in his eight years in office raised it to N22 per liter in 2000 and by 2006 he has raised it to N65.00 per liter. Why is it that for over twenty years, we have not been able to fix our Refineries to work at full capacity but we continue to spend humongous amount of money in the importation of finished petroleum products ? The reason is organized corruption. It is a shame and those in the corridor of power need to bury their heads in shame for they have abandoned their responsibilities to our dear Nation due to greed.

At 49, the World is passing us by due to greed, corruption and bad leadership. Everywhere you look, corruption stairs you right in the face and no one in the corridor of power is interested in fighting corruption. The so-called war on corruption by the Yar; Adua administration is just a slogan. In Nigeria, corruption is made complicated by the recycling of the same group of people and the only reason they are recycled is their ability to continue to perpetrate the culture of corruption.

Looting has become the motivation for people to go into politics. Public officials now embezzle Billions and arrogantly display their wealth. The Looting culture has led to the breeding of the “Me Generation”. All that people think about these days is how to steal public funds. All that the young generation see around them is Government Officials stealing and displaying their wealth and as they grow all they think about is making money by any means necessary. Looting of public funds and corruption has become a way of life and none of those in the corridor of power seem to care about the damage that their action is doing to the Country.

The same people that loot public funds enthrone themselves as Political godfathers and kingmakers. With these criminals in control of the Nation’s politics and Economy where do we as a nation go from here? None of those in the corridor of power today – Yar’ Adua, David Mark and Dimeji Bankole can say with all honesty that they won the election to their respective office. They all got to where they are by way of political godfathers or kingmakers and that has tainted and limited their ability to lead our nation out of the present situation. “Things have fallen apart and the center can no longer hold, Anarchy is loosed upon our Nation” (Armed robbers and Kidnappers). The Nigerian people deserve better Leadership. Something is got to give for the Nation to move forward. God Bless Nigeria.

Benjamin Aliu Snr. writes from Brooklyn, New York, U.S.A.

*UK Community Rally To Halt Deportation of Nigerian Family

By Masterweb News Desk

The cause by all standards is both genuine and humanitarian - saving a Nigerian mother and her four children from deportation. A lot of cloud surrounds the purported consequences to the family in the event of deportation to Nigeria - ritual sacrifice of one of the children.

According to the Nigerian mother, Mrs. Maryam Oderinde - upon the death of her father-in-law, Mulikai Oderinde in 2002, a frightening traditional demand was made on the family. Her husband, Taofik was told that one of his sons would be ritually sacrificed for the burial of his father, who was king of their village Aduge at the time of his death. The couple had four children( all boys ), namely: Abidun, Owolabe, Aseez and Fawaz, the youngest.

Mrs. Maryam Oderinde claims her family fled Aduge for fear of the ritual killing of one of their sons and her husband later killed by irate husband’s relatives who tracked them down. She fled to Britain in November 2002 with her youngest child Fawaz, shortly after the murder of her husband according to her story. The rest of the children were brought over to her in UK in 2004 by a family friend. The children Abidun, Owolabe, Aseez and Fawaz are now aged 17, 15, 13 and 7 respectively. ( Continues below….. )

Photo Above: Left: Maryam Oderinde, Nigerian mom facing deportation with children - Right: 7-year-old Fawaz Oderinde & Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School friends, who joined the campaign to save him from deportation.

The family is resident in Wigan, a town in Greater Manchester, England. Oderinde never sought to legalize her stay in UK until she was arrested for deportation. She told reporters: “When I came here I did not apply for asylum because I did not know how to or that I even should.” Upon her arrest, the Home office sent her and the children to a detention center for three months before she was granted bail. Her request for asylum was denied by UK Home Office. They were told they do not have just grounds for asylum in the U.K. and are subject to deportation to Nigeria.

Wigan community has mobilized to fight their deportation which they see as inhumane and unjust. A Facebook page titled “Campaign For Maryam", has been set up in support of the family. Another Facebook page “Stop Fawaz Being Deported and Killed in a Tribal Ritual Belief” is set up by parents and children at Sacred Heart Primary School, where Fawaz, Maryam’s youngest son is a pupil. The Sacred Heart Primary School Facebook at the time of this report has over 700 members, while that of the community over 300.

Abidun, the oldest child, is a student at Wigan and Leigh College and both Owolabe and Aseez students at Hindley High School. All are bright in school and are key members of the neighbourhood football and rugby teams and the local church.

The campaign group has written the Assistant Regional Director of UK Border Agency to repeal their decision. Mark Touhey, spokesman of the group, said they have collected over 3000 signatures for a petition against the deportation. The group through its effort, has got the support of Andy Burnham, a U.K. Member of Parliament, who promised to make representations to the Immigration Minister, Phil Woolas and UK Border Agency against the deportation order.

The Oderindes Campaign/Support groups’ common contact email is campaignformaryam@live.co.uk They encourage the public to write: The Minister for Immigration, 3 Floor Peel Building, 2, Marsham Street, London SWIP 4DF, in support of Maryam Oderinde’s application (HQ ref 01113796).

*Nigerian Port Harcourt TRACON Site Ready

By Lateef Lawal

The Port Harcourt site of the Toital Radar Coverage of Nigeria{TRACON} has been completed. The completion of the site, brings to four of major airports already completed by Thales ATM of France, with Lagos and Abuja already deployed for operation earlier this year after passing the mandatory calibration test.

The head of the Thales engineering team in Port Harcourt, Henry Kahoun confirmed the completion of the Radar at the weeekend during site inspection by top officials of Nigerian Airspace Management Agency[NAMA] led by the Managing Director, Alhaji Ibrahim Auyo. The Radar head in Port Harcourt started oscillating last Friday shortly after the engineers completed its installation.

The next phase of the Port Harcourt radar site, according to Kahoun would be the fixing of the Air Traffic Management [ATM] system and synchronization with the raw - radar within the next two weeks for effective service operation. ( Continues below….. )

Photo Above: Port Harcourt International Airport, Nigeria

Richard Fichot, the head of the engineering team at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport [MAKIA], Kano told the visiting NAMA management team that the radar head co-fixed with the primary and secondary surveillance system has also been mounted by the weekend, promising to deliver the site on time.

The Managing Director of the Agency, Alhaji Ibrahim Usman Auyo declared during the inspection of the sites in Port Harcourt and Kano that he was impressed by the quality of job done so far by the engineers, saying that “if this tempo is maintained, we will meet up with the deadline for both sites”.

The Director of Operations, Mr. Adebisi Adedara and the Director of Safety Electronics and Engineering Services, Mazi Nnamdi Udoh who were at both sites, also expressed optimism that the project would be delivered as scheduled. Engineer Udoh disclosed that installations are currently at the relay stations.

It was reported that the relay station in Maiduguri has been completed and only waiting for optimization of the radar system. Stations in Ilorin, Obubra, and Nunma have recorded significant progress while equipments for Talata Marafa are already at the site for installation. Meanwhile, the radar head for Kano Airport is being mounted by the engineers while the avionic components are being fixed to equally meet up with the end of the year deadline set by the contractor.

The Federal Government’s, sponsored [TRACON] project is costing about 66.5 million Euros with the contract signed in Abuja on April 7, 2003 with Thales ATM of France. The completion of the project will enhance effective surveillance of the nation’s airspace and equally boost air traffic management in the AFI-Region[Africa-Indian Ocean].

Lateef Lawal ( NigerianAviationNews )

*Zimbabwe Catholic Priest Rapes Maid

By Masterweb News Desk

Zimbabwe police arrested a 33-year-old Roman Catholic priest for allegedly raping a 17-year-old girl who worked for him. He raped her a second time and asked her to marry him to cover up the crime, the girl( name withheld ) alleges.

The incident occurred in a Catholic Church in Mwenezi where the priest lived in separate rooms with the maid. Inspector Tinaye Matake, police spokesman for Masvingo Province confirmed the incident to Zimbabwe Sunday News. He said the priest had since been arrested and was in police custody. Inspector Matake speaking to the press, said the name of the priest would be made public once the case against him is investigated and charges filed in court.

According to the police spokesman, the priest sometime in August this year advertised for a maid to help with Church errands. The priest settled for the 17-year-old victim who is also Catholic, after screening of several candidates. The alleged victim moved from her Gokomere area residence into the Church in Mwenezi. ( Continues below….. )

In September no sooner than the girl moved into the Church than the priest took her to his room and had sex. The girl alleges that sometime in September, she was required to prepare and serve food at a scheduled event in the Church and when she went to the priest’s room to inform him she was leaving for the event, he invited her to the bed and raped her. He threatened to terminate her job if she reported the sexual encounter and promised not to do it again, the girl told the police.

The priest breached his promise on October 18. In the evening of that day according to the girl, the priest woke her up for her to prepare food for visitors and caressed her as she prepared the food. His kitchen romance of the girl ended up in a bedroom sex romp as the priest took her to his bedroom.

After the second rape encounter according to the victim, the priest asked her to marry him saying he was in love with her. She believed she was being used and reported the incidents to Masvingo Provincial Police Victim Friendly Unit, while the priest was away in Mutare for a church meeting.

Catholic priests are sworn to celibacy vow, which bars them from marrying and fornication. The priest’s parish nor the Vatican at the time of this report had not made any statement on the case.

*Tags: Africa, African, Clergy, Crime, Nigeria, Nigerian News.

*Nigeria, Cameroon & New Zealand Qualify For World Cup

By Masterweb News Desk

Nigeria Super Eagles qualified for the world cup after beating Kenya’s Harambee Stars 3-2 in Nairobi on Saturday. Nigeria qualified with a late rally offensive against the Kenyans. Cameroon and New Zealand also qualified Saturday. New Zealand defeated Bahrain 1-0 and Cameroon sent Morocco packing with a 2-0 Group A win in Morocco.

The match started with Nigeria against the wall 15 minutes into the game, when Kenyan skipper Dennis Oliech scored the first goal of the game. Kenyan fans turned the stadium into a market square with loud cheers of their national team. The Eagles seemed not to lose confidence as they rallied and mounted pressure on the Kenyans who held their lead into the second half. ( Continues below….. )

As the game progress past mid point in the second half, desperate moves by Nigeria at scoring were made, one of which 62 minutes into the game paid off. Nigerian striker Obafemi Martins connecting a rebound of Osazee Odemwingie’s header shot what was the second goal of the game into the net. Thereafter the scores were 1-1.

Three minutes later the Eagles turned the table, taking the lead when Everton striker, Aiyegbeni in a crowded Kenya penalty box tussle fired a shot pass the goalkeeper. In the 78th minute, the Kenyans dribbled the ball beating Nigerian defense and Allan Wefende connecting, shot pass the goalie into the net to make it a 2-2 tally. Five minutes later, Martins shot Nigeria back into the lead to secure her a berth in next year’s World Cup in South Africa.

Nigeria’s qualification for the World Cup was made possible with the defeat of Tunisia in Maputo-Mozambique. Nigeria’s win in Nairobi and Tunisia’s Maputo loss put Nigeria on top of the group’s table with twelve points and Tunisia second with eleven points.

*10 Years After Yammoussoukro Accord - Still A Paper Tiger Policy

By Lateef Lawal

Ten years ago, precisely 14th November, 1999, air transportation Ministers in the West and Central Africa sub-region endorsed the Yammossoukro accord on behalf of their various governments. The agreement was meant to liberalize air transport within the region without bureaucratic bottlenecks. For clarity of purpose, I quote some vital aspects of the agreement:

” Article 2 Scope of Application: This Decision establishes the arrangement among State Parties for the gradual liberalization of scheduled and non-scheduled intra-Africa air transport services. This Decision has precedence over any multilateral or bilateral agreements on air services between State Parties which are incompatible with this Decision. The provisions which are included in these agreements and which are not incompatible with this Decision remain valid and are supplementary to the Decision.

Article 3 Granting of Rights: (3.1) - State Parties grant to each other the free exercise of the rights of the first, second, third, fourth and fifth freedoms of the air on scheduled and non-scheduled passenger, cargo and/or mail flights performed by an Eligible Airline to/from their respective territories. (3.2) - Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph 3.1 of this Article, a State Party may in accordance with the provision of paragraph 10.1 of Article 10 below, limit its commitment in respect to fifth freedom rights for a period no longer than two (2) years to the following:-

(a) Grant and receive unrestricted fifth freedom on sectors where, for economic reasons, there are no third and fourth freedom operators; and

(b)Grant and receive a minimum of 20 percent of the capacity offered on the route concerned during any given period of time in respect to any sector where third and fourth freedom operators exist.”

Going with the above, one would think that by now every government in the region would have given teeth to the decision jointly endorsed by them. Contrary is the case today, after ten years of the accord. What has been brought to play year-in-year-out had been deliberate dilly-dallying and lack of political will by the leadership of governments in the sub-region. While they do nothing, foreign airlines have free ride in and out of the region’s airspace and even enjoying in most of the West African States, multiple to triple entry and exit points.

This development is totally against the tenets of the Yammoussoukro Decision, which states categorically in article 2 that: “This Decision has precedence over any multilateral or bilateral agreements on air services between State Parties which are incompatible with this Decision.”

If a decision such as this is being violated with impunity, leaving individual countries wthin the sub-region to violate the agreement, what them becomes of airlines of member nations in another five to ten years when American and European carriers keep increasing their hold on African airspace to the detriment of airlines in the continent?

At a recent conference organized by Aviation and Allied Business Leadership in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, the outgoing Secretary-General of African Airlines Association(AFRAA), Mr Christian Folly-Kossy expressing his concern over the foot-dragging of African leaders in the execution of the Yammoussoukro Decision, warned that the current wave of global liberalization was too important for Africa to ignore. He said this is the right time for African countries and their leaders to forge internal unity if they are to ward-off threats by foreign carriers’ dominance of air traffic across the continent. There is therefore the need for African leaders to rise up and defend Africa’s common position on air traffic without barriers and other related issues.

The Director General of Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority(NCAA), Dr Harold Demuren expressed the same concern by saying that he was surprised that 10 years after the endorsement of the Yammoussoukro A ccord, aimed at opening up the skies of Africa to African airlines, many leaders of the continent do not have the political will to execute it. If immigration barriers could be broken across West African land borders, courtesy of the Economic Community of West Afican States, there was no reason why African airlines could not fly in and out of any African country without hinderance, Demuren noted.

Before now and barely a year after the endorsement of the decision, one would think that with the adoption of the agreement by ECOWAS Council things would have moved at a very fast rate to actualize the liberalisation policy with the subsequent Council approval in February 2003 for the creation of:

(1). An Air Transport Economic Regulation Harmonization Committee to steer the process of developing common air transport economic regulations for the two regions of West and Central Africa and periodically monitor implementation by States; and

(2). Three sub regional state groupings for the implementation of aviation safety projects (COSCAP) based on the Lome action plan. In addition the World Bank, in support of the Yamoussoukro MOU, provided two grants of US$300,000.00 and US$500,000.00 for the implementation of the Decision through the project Secretariat Units at ECOWAS.

Despite all of these and the year on year jaw-jaw about the Yamoussoukro Accord, the air transport policy for West and Central African region remain largely a paper tiger despite its laudable objectives.

Posted by Lateef Lawal (NigerianAviationNews)

*Tags: Nigeria, Nigerian, Africa, African, Airline News

*Agent Dupes Nigerian Pilgrims N20m

BY Lateef Lawal

Forty intending pilgrims to this year’s Hajj exercise in Mecca, Saudi Arabia have been allegedly duped over N20 million and abandoned by their agent at the Hajj Camp of the Murtala Mohammed Airport (MMA), Lagos. The agent simply identified as F.O. Kazeem took the pilgrims from Saki West Local Government Area of Oyo State on Wednesday morning only for him to abandon them to their fate while he took the next available flight to Mecca with Medview Air.

The spokesman for the abandoned intending pilgrims, Alhaji Musa Jubril said they had been at the camp since Wednesday morning and were unsure of when they would eventually make the trip to the holy land of Mecca en-route Jeddah. According to Jubril, the intending pilgrims met the agent in Oyo State and paid different fees for the exercise through his bank account, his agent and staff members. He said the fees ranged from N420, 000 to N650, 000 per person. ( Continues below….. )

Photo Above: Nigerian Naira Notes

Alhaji Jubril however said the agent had assured them that some of them would be airlifted Friday night as one of his staff, Mr. Jimoh Akinola had been sent to Ghana to process their visas. He added that most of them had already lost hope in the whole arrangement. “We don’t want to believe that the agent abandoned us because he promised to ensure that we are all airlifted to the holy land today (Friday) but the fact is that we have been here since Wednesday morning only for us to be told that we could not travel with the other pilgrims and there is no concrete explanation from any quarter. Meanwhile, he has traveled to Saudi Arabia since Wednesday and he told us that one of his staff will go to Ghana to process our visas. I don’t know how our passport could be taken to Ghana. But the only thing we want is to be airlifted to Mecca before the airspace is shut. What do we tell our people at home? Some of them even thought we have departed, only for us to be abandoned here in Lagos.”

One of the pilgrims who did not want his name disclosed, said that some of them actually paid the agent through another agent in the name of Harakat Nigeria Limited that is equally at large. However, information gathered revealed that some of the pilgrims who registered with the agent last year and hoped to be airlifted by the designated career, Medview were abandoned at the airport. Some of them were still among the 40 pilgrims abandoned for this year’s exercise.

It was gathered that the agent as part of his alternative arrangement, is for the pilgrims’ passports to be taken to Togo if they were denied visas in Ghana. Sources claim the agent made side arrangements with some officials of Medview (names withheld), who were unable to ensure the pilgrims were airlifted on Wednesday night because of inadequate travel documents. A source close to Hajj Camp said the issue had been reported to the State Security Services (SSS) who are investigating it. According to the source, SSS has compiled the names of the abandoned pilgrims and the agent(s) who may be nabbed anytime from now.

*Nigerian American ‘Terrorist’ Uses Rap Argument

By Masterweb News Desk

Olutosin Oduwole, a naturalized Nigerian American and student at Southern Illinois University charged with threatening a shooting rampage pled not guilty in court on Thursday. Phillip Dennis, one of Oduwole’s lawyers argued acquittal for his client on grounds of freedom of speech. Oduwole in addition to schooling was a rap artist, and this second career he attributes to the lyrics that landed him in hot soup. He argued that violent lyrics are not themselves weapons that result to injury or death. The naturalized rapper evoked reggae singer Bob Marley’s “I Shot The Sheriff” as example of harmless violent lyrics.

Oduwole was arrested on Tuesday, July 24, 2007 after authorities say he threatened a “murderous rampage” similar to the Virginia Tech shootings that left 32 students and the gunman dead. On April 16, 2007 Virginia Tech student Cho Seung-Hui in a rampage killed 32 students, injuring 25 others before killing himself.

Oduwole’s attorneys insist his writing was harmless music lyrics, urging the judge to throw out the threat charge on grounds of free-speech. The lawyers claim their client’s legal troubles were traceable to his foreign last name and the “terror shock” of the September 11( 9/11 ), 2001 U.S. terrorist attack. “You cannot criminalize free speech", Jeffrey Urdangen, one of Oduwole’s attorneys told the judge during the trial. ( Continues below….. )

Photo Above: Olutosin Oduwole

In a brief, Urdangen argued that “homicidal, first-person narratives are found in rock music and reggae, as well as other genres. The commonality of such statements across music genres suggests that no reasonable member of our society would interpret the lyrics written by Mr. Oduwole as an expression of intent to inflict death or serious bodily harm. It is beyond unjust to use written rap lyrics composed in private, shared with no one and found discarded in a car as the basis for prosecuting Mr. Oduwole and potentially subjecting him to many years in prison.”

Prosecutors argued Oduwole’s writing was comparable to the note found four months after a Virginia Tech student killed 32 people, injuring 25 on campus before killing himself. In their legal brief, they countered: “In an era where school shootings have become prominent tragedies, writing about a plan to commit such a shooting can’t be overlooked, regardless of whether there is intent to carry it out.” They noted that several deadly rampages were carried out by killers who had written notes with violent themes.

Prosecutors also noted in their brief that unlike Cash and Marley, Oduwole was unknown beyond his social network. This they argued meant that people coming across his claimed ‘lyrics’ demanding money and threatening mayhem may rightly and reasonably be alarmed and concerned. Another distinction prosecutors made was that “Bob Marley did not sing, ‘I shot the sheriff, and in seven days I’m going to shoot the deputy.’”

Presiding judge deferred a ruling in the case. The felony threat count is punishable by up to 15 years in jail. Trouble started for Oduwole in 2007 when he bought three .38-caliber semiautomatic guns and a .45-caliber semiautomatic gun similar to an Uzi online and was in a hurry for the shipment. The gun dealer alerted U.S. Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives of Oduwole’s impatience for the delivery.

U.S. firearms authorities on a search of Oduwole’s on-campus apartment found a loaded handgun, U.S. and Nigerian passports. A threatening note was found in his disabled car demanding payment to a PayPal account, threatening: “if this account doesn’t reach $50,000 in the next 7 days then a murderous rampage similar to the VT shooting will occur at another highly populated university. THIS IS NOT A JOKE!” He was subsequently arrested. School records as at the time of his arrest listed his home address as in Maplewood, New Jersey and enrolled in summer classes. He was on academic probation a year earlier according to the records.

RELATED LINK: US accuses Nigerian of terrorist threat:- http://www.africamasterweb.com/AdSense/NigerianUSaccusesTerroristThreat.html

*Type Of President Nigerians Want & Type Deserved

By Oyeols Akin

For so many years now, Nigerians have been clamoring for a certain type of leader. A leader that will submit himself to the yearnings of the Nigerian people and devote himself to taking us from our current precarious situation, where an entire country is on the brink, to a land flowing with milk and honey; a land where its many resources will be used to grow the economy and benefit its people.

A quick look at our past however indicates that Nigeria has had these types of leaders before!! Although I was too young to fully appreciate it, but my history lessons point to certain leaders of yesteryears such as Nnamdi Azikiwe, Obafemi Awolowo and a few others. The legacies of these men as leaders of the Western and Eastern regions still exist for all to see. Most of the roads, schools, universities and some industries that we are proud of in the West came about during the tenure of the late sage. The same goes for the Eastern region during the time of Zik. And all of these giant strides in development came about at a time when Nigeria had no crude oil, making the feats achieved all the more impressive.

These are the types of leaders that Nigerian’s want, but the question should be also be asked as to whether we deserve these kinds of leaders? I ask this question because I read somewhere once “a country gets the kind of leaders its people deserve”. This statement got me thinking! ( Continues below….. )

Arguably, the greatest problem of the country today is corruption. This cankerworm has cost our nation an estimated $600bln over the last 40 years, if newspaper reports are anything to go by. I wonder if this figure is simply hard cash or has been calculated to also include the amount of economic value that the money could have generated. As some of us may know, N1 can generate as much as N5 of economic value, depending on the national bank reserve rate. Therefore, if the $600bln is simply in hard cash, then Nigeria may have lost as much as $3trillion in economic value over the last 40 years.

However, while Nigerians cry out daily for an all out war on corruption, deep down, are we really ready and willing to kick the habit? The soul of the Nigerian has been consumed by corruption so much so that it is no longer a “big man” thing. It has eaten into our very fabric and has now become a part of us.

We all say that we want an end to corrupt practices, yet how many of us, working in a position with access to the necessary documents evidencing corruption in our civil service, banks, school, universities etc have ever made these known to the EFCC? How can we hate corruption as a people and yet process the documents that make so much of it possible on a daily basis?

An interesting scene played out during the trial and conviction of the Bode George. I watched a couple of the proceedings on television and I observed that at every court appearance, there were always a band of men and women, gaily dressed in Aso-ebi, a new one for every court appearance, singing his praise! A time was in this country, that just the charging of someone to court would have made one’s supporters to fade away, lest they themselves be seen as supporting corruption. I agree that a man is innocent until proven guilty, but now that he has been proven guilty, we still hear reports of daily visits to his prison by PDP stalwarts and his ever-loyal supporters. The same PDP that claims to be fighting corruption!! And what of his supporters? Can they be said to be interested in a corrupt free Nigeria?

Away from Bode George, I see and hear on a daily basis; things that make me believe that Nigerians are only paying lip service to the issues that confront us as a nation. It seems we openly criticize, but in our respective closets, we pray and wait for the time it will be our turn to occupy the exalted position.

Even down to mundane issues, we curse as to why there is so much traffic, when so many of us are guilty of driving against traffic, refusing to obey traffic lights cum wardens and clogging up street junctions; how won’t there be traffic? We blame the government for the filth on the streets, but yet everyone eats gala and pure water and throws the wrappers out of their cars as they drive; for whom to come and pick up? Some even come out of their houses to place their rubbish on street medians in the middle of the night; for whom to get rid off? I have equally seen shop owners sweeping the frontage of their shops, readying themselves for another day’s business, only to drop the waste into the gutter lining the front of their shop, but we wonder how come flooding seems to occur so frequently?

It seems Nigeria is one huge paradox. We want certain things as a people, but funny enough, we live our lives in the exact opposite way. And if this is the case as a people, can we expect the government to do any better? Especially if one considers that the government is meant to be a representation of the people?

Nigerians it would seem want a certain type of leader, but it would seem that we also deserve the kind of leaders that we have!!

*United Airlines To Fly Washington-Lagos-Accra

By Lateef Lawal

United Airlines announced that it will launch its first-ever service to Africa in 2010, with one daily, same-plane service from Washington D.C. to Accra, Ghana to Lagos, Nigeria. The airline also will extend its existing daily Washington-Kuwait flight to include Bahrain, and will offer a new non-stop flight between Chicago and Brussels, Belgium. Commencement of the new routes is subject to local government approval. ( Continues below….. )

Kevin Knight, Senior Vice President(Planning), United Airline in his remarks said: “Our first-ever non-stop service to Africa will offer customers convenient and comfortable travel opportunities to visit two of the fastest-growing cities in the continent.In addition, our new services to Bahrain and Brussels will open more international routes to our customers throughout Europe and the Middle East.”

The new routes are consistent with the 2010 capacity outlook United provided on its third quarter earnings conference call, and reflect the continuing optimization of the arline’s international network.

Lateef Lawal (NigerianAviationNews)

*Nigeria Invests Over N7b In Air Navigation, Safety, Search & Rescue

By Lateef Lawal

The Federal Government is injecting more than N7.705 billion into the provision of modern facilities for effective delivery of air navigation services, safety, search and rescue in the country. Some of the projects already approved by the Federal Executive Council [FEC] include, the Total VHF Radio coverage of the entire airspace, World Geodetic Survey[WGS-84], automation of Aeronautical Information Services [AIS], and maintenance of the new radar system with the Thales of France.

Reviewing the activities of Nigerian Airspace Management Agency [NAMA] in the last ten months, Alhaji Ibrahim Usman Auyo, the Managing Director, said that the contract for the Total VHF coverage project, costing N 445 Million had been awarded while the International Air Transport Association[ IATA], is handling the WGS-84 project at a cost of N360 million. ( Continues below….. )

Alhaji Auyo disclosed that IATA had been paid N54 million as mobilization fee to commence work on the WGS-84 project. He added that IATA Surveyors had completed survey of the four major airports in Lagos, Port Harcourt, Kano and Abuja and are already preparing the WGS-84 data required to conclude the airspace procedures design for the airports.

The NAMA boss explained further that the automation of the Agency’s AIS complete with Redundant MF-TDMA VSAT Network for 26 airports and NEMA Search and Rescue Centre Abuja, would also gulp about N2.6 billion, just as he puts the cost of TRACON maintenance for five years at N4.3 billion. He hinted that the Total VHF Radio coverage of the country airspace would be completed within the next six months.

“All these projects when they are completed next year, they will add value to our air navigation services to the airlines in the sub –region, just as we are striving to sustain high quality service in the industry with our present navaids", the managing director said. He lauded the efforts of President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and the Aviation Minister, Mr. Babatunde Omotoba in restoring public confidence in air travel through massive capital investments in air safety.

Lateef Lawal (NigerianAviationNews)

*Compelling Need For A “Fly Nigeria Act”

By Olu Ohunayo

Having considered the inability of our carriers to command presence on the international routes, withdrawal of designated flag carriers on some viable but highly competitive international routes and stranglehold on some of these markets by foreign carriers with the accompanying capital flight vis a vis quality of service to the Nigerian route when compared to other routes, I strongly feel the time for a “Fly Nigeria Act” has come.

The act will protect and give market share to Nigerian airlines and most importantly public funds will not be filtered and ferried away by foreign airlines but ploughed back into the country by Nigerian airlines. This will generate more employment and revenue in the industry, access to capital, foreign investment, career projection for core professionals and most importantly ignite a dash for code share and alliance with Nigerian carriers.

Presently the USA has such an act – LAW 49 US code 4118 while some other countries have it as executive directive. The US act basically states that US carriers shall be used for all commercial foreign air travel of employees/property, dependants, consultants, contractors and grantees when air travel is being funded by the government.

General provisions of the Act require that US flag carriers be used regardless of added cost or travel time implications to the traveler. Interestingly, it should also be noted that, according to the US State Department (DOT) the Fly America Act applies equally to non-US nationals and non-US companies or their representatives both within the USA and ex-territorially, regardless of enforcement difficulties or possible infringements of international law and personal liberty that this could represent.

The Act provides balance against some of the existing, largely obsolescent and, in many cases, inequitable bilateral US/non-US Air Transport Agreements. The Act also accepts Code Sharing (Airline Alliances) of flights by US and non-US flag carriers utilizing the equipment of the non-US flag carrier. If a US flag air carrier has an arrangement to provide passenger service in international air transportation on the aircraft of a non-US air carrier under a “code-share” arrangement with a non-US air carrier, Federal regulations have been revised to indicate that the ticket (or document) must identify the US Flag air carrier’s two letter designator code and flight number. In a nutshell that ticket must be purchased from the US member airline in that alliance.

This act was introduced in the 70s and has regularly been updated in line with present Civil Aviation realities with some permissible exceptions being introduced recently. Some exceptions to the Act include if total travel time is 10 hours or more than would travel by non-US carrier; if the airport abroad is an interchange point, and use of a US Carrier would require the traveler to wait six (6) hours or more to make connection or would extend the total travel time six (6) hours or more than would travel by non-US carrier; if travel by non-US carrier would eliminate two (2) or more aircraft changes en route. Also, for all short distance travel, regardless of origin and destination, use of a non-US carrier is permissible if the elapsed travel time on a scheduled flight from origin to destination airport by non-US carrier is three (3) hours or less and service by US carrier would double the travel time. Other exceptions are emergencies, budget constraint e.t.c.

In Nigeria there is nothing in place to protect our flag carriers either in policy or agreement, be it bilateral or multilateral. Rather we are eager to give away more frequencies and capacities and collect royalties otherwise known as “BASA funds”. It is no secret that our economy is heavily dependent on the government which is the biggest spender at all levels. The Private Sector is still being tied by our socio-political structures that have given so much power primarily, to the government at center and secondarily to other tiers of government. The strength of the public sector and financial benefits can be X-rayed by looking at legislative arm of government which is composed of Nigerians who have lived or benefitted from the best of education outside the country, but have hopped into the lucrative political business. Also, the executive arm is resplendent with core professionals in education, science and technology who have literally abandoned such developmental sectors for the juicy political lifeline. Listening to the Senate President and the former Minister of State, Air Transport lately and their sympathy, hopefully not apathy, the industry needs a change in attitude and altitude for our carriers to fly. Quoting the Senate President at the unveiling of Embraer 190 aircraft, “On our part as legislators, I want to assure you that we will make sure that we put in place legislation that will ensure competition within the airline industry, very healthy competition and we will bring in as many legislation, as we can to make sure that whatever investment you make is also guaranteed; that you don’t go down in areas of making the profit that you deserve to make. It is all designed to make sure that we provide safety inclined conditions for Nigerians”, also the Honorable Minister of State (Air Transport) in his presentation to Senate Ad-hoc committee “that government was making efforts to empower local airlines to reduce the virtual monopoly of foreign airlines”, he reiterated further on his visit to Kano Airport “that three (3) UAE airlines will operating into Kano and the ministry was working towards creating an enabling environment for local airlines to compete and operate profitably”.

Good Talk!! The industry is used to it and needs action, which should include but not be limited to the review of, all commercial and some Bilateral Air Services Agreements (BASA) that grant extra frequencies, multiple entries in addition to a “Fly Nigeria Act” or an executive directive in the interim. The airlines have shown the zeal to compete, having moved from the era of old aircrafts to new aircrafts and are now providing personalized in-flight entertainment (IFE) on board which will definitely influence and change the way we fly. The operators need to be encouraged and supported policy wise. Government policy tilts towards multiple entries for foreign airlines. one of the Middle Eastern airlines that benefited recently from the government largess and operates to Johannesburg in South Africa had to interline with five South African based airlines, a statement on the airline’s website says “the interline is offering passengers easy access to other South African destinations following arrival in Johannesburg. Would those SA carriers have benefited from that revenue stream if that airline had multiple entries into South Africa?

I was an IATA scholarship candidate for an Airline Management programme in Singapore some years ago and coincidentally NCAA sponsored two principal staff that is in the Department responsible for these agreements to that programme. In our case study, we managed a new airline (Air Mercury) situated off the coast of Africa with Bilateral Air Service Agreements with some countries. To our surprise, it was only Nigeria, I repeat only Nigeria in that case study, granted extra flights provided the airline pays $200 per passenger for the extra frequency which is sometimes called commercial agreements. We were teased by our colleagues from other countries who quickly prayed for Nigeria to grant them such facilities. This is no joke; the NCAA officials are living witnesses.

Let me state it categorically here, that the money realized from BASA over the years which was recently transferred to the custody of NCAA and is exciting some cash strapped agencies is nothing when compared to the monetary benefits and accompanying multiplier effects of empowering our airlines by giving them that prized “Government travel Market”. The foreign airlines will hurry to invest, discuss and partner our flag, local and struggling airlines.

The present agreements encourage foreign airlines’ hub-and-spoke policy, while a review will encourage a head to head competition. The difference you may ask. Nonstop flights increase head to head competition, whereas hub-and-spoke systems increase market power and the ability to price discriminate.

To our operators, who presently lack a fiery O’Leary of Ryan Air or a bold Branson in their midst, should endeavor to work together through consolidation. It is time to speak up as individuals and inform the government and the public of policy pains in the industry. The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) is not giving the desired aggression. Also, the airlines have to put in place some facilities that will encourage partnership such as e-ticketing, BSP Portal, IATA membership, navigable & friendly websites and an IOSA certification is an added advantage.

Finally, in the absence of a liquidated national carrier, the country has four flag carriers and the foreign carriers are willing to partner with them when we think “NIGERIA” first before others. The government should consider the amount ferried to foreign airlines when traveling with government funds considering the travels are in upper classes with stops sometimes associated to personal retreat, by officials in the three tiers of government for conferences, seminars, capacity/pocket building programmes.

Also the country’s participation in different sporting cultural programmes that have more officials and supporters than participants is another area we can keep with us, therefore the country should sincerely ruminate and support the industry with a “FLY NIGERIA ACT”. The government owned service providers crave for bailout while the airlines crave for market. If these are provided, our industry will be unparalleled in Sub –Saharan Africa.

Article by Olu Ohunayo *Posted by Lateef Lawal, NigerianAviationNews

*Nigeria’s Nahcoaviance Profit Hits N1b Mark

From Lateef Lawal

For the first time in the history of its existence, and in line with its consistent impressive performance since its privatization, the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company PLC (Nahcoaviance) has announced a Profit after Tax figure of N1.077b for the third quarter ended 30 September, 2009. This figure represents a 34% increase over the N805m declared for the corresponding period in 2008.

According to the Head of Corporate Communication and Business Development of the company, Demola Akinbola, Board of Directors’ statement to the Nigerian Stock Exchange and the shareholders, indicated that Profit before Tax rose from N1.184 billion in 2008 to N1.584 billion in the review period, showing an increase of 34%. Turnover also moved upwards from N3.2 billion in the corresponding period for 2008 to N4.4 billion, showing a positive variance of 37%. ( Continues below….. )

Audit analysis shows that while Nahcoaviance recorded a turnover of N4.430b for its full operating year in 2008, it had already hit N4.401b as at 30 September, 2009, nine months into its operating year. Similarly, the Profit after Tax figure of N1.077b as at 30 September, 2009 is 34% higher than the N802.9m declared for the full 12 months of 2008.

NAHCo(Nahcoaviance) has consistently recorded positive results since its privatization in 2005 and its stock exchange listing in 2006. For instance, after tax profit moved from N317.7m in 2005 to N1.077b as at September 2009. Following this, the Company has also developed a tradition of paying dividends to shareholders, paying 30k plus bonus in 2006 and 2007; 55k in 2008, and 25k interim dividend in June 2009, thereby ensuring that shareholders benefit from the growth of the company’s business. The advent of a new Board and Management regime has turned the company around positively.

Commenting on the results, Mr. Bates Sule, Managing Director/CEO of Nahcoaviance said that the Company has been able to sustain improvement in its performance as a result of the commitment of the Board and Management to providing necessary tools and resources for enhancement of service delivery coupled with the willingness of staff to imbibe the attitude of professionalism.

He gave the assurance that the Company will not relent in its efforts to provide value for clients and expand the business in order to offer good returns for investors.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company PLC has been adjudged the Ground Handling Operator of the year 2009 at the Nigerian Aviation Awards (NIGAV) held in Abuja last week. Organizers of the aviation conference and awards said that speed and efficiency in service delivery were qualities that highlight Nahcoaviance’s operations.

*Yar’Adua Directs Nigerian Aviation Ministry To Handle Staff Matters

By Lateef Lawal

The bickering by workers unions over the welfare of staffers of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria(FAAN) who are likely to be affected in the eventual concessioning of the General Aviation Terminal(GAT) to Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Ltd is to be handled by the Ministry of Aviation, President Umaru Yar’Adua has directed. ( Continues below….. )

The directive followed the final rejection of the Captain Shehu Iyal’s earlier report on the workers agitation over the handover of GAT to Bi-Courtney and threats to shut down the airspace if their demands were rejected. However, at a meeting conveyed with the presidency where Iyal’s report titled: “Interim Report on Threat of the Aviation Unions to shut down the Nation’s Airspace and Airports due to handover of GAT, Lagos to M/S Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Ltd” was discussed, all the recommendations of Captain Iyal were dropped by the president. Instead, President Yar’Adua directed that:

*The handover of GAT to Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Ltd was sequel to a presidential directive in compliance with the ruling of a court of competent ;jurisdiction. The workers and Arik airlines need to understand that commitment to rule of law is key in improving Nigerian Business competitiveness environment to attract desired private sector invsetments.The Ministry of Aviation should assume resposibility for resolving all associated labour issues where it remained the employer of the staff.

*It need to be maed clear to the Unions that this government is committed to the rule of law at all times. Otherwise,the entire reform programme of the government would be derailed by incessant labour bickering.

The latest development was conveyed to the Aviation Minister, Babatunde Omotoba in a letter with reference number SH/PSP/17/833 of October 7, 2009 and signed by the Principal Secretary to the President, David Edevbie following the president’s endorsement of the directives on October 6, 2009. The letter was copied to the Natioal Security Adviser and the Senior Special Adviser on Aviation to the President. The SSA on Aviation to the President had earlier recommended after a meeting with all parties to the issue early October 2009 as follows:

(a)That the officials in FAAN and the Federal Ministry of Aviation that mishandled the GAT transfer would need to be cautioned against such future assignments.

(b)The continuing refusal by both Bi-Courtney and Arik Airline to fashion out a working relationship endangers national security, both firms should be given a definite ultimatum to sit down and agree on how they can work together at the Lagos Airport without endangering the national interest.I make this recommendation conscious of the fact that both firms are huge employers of labour and have both made colossal investments in the nation’s aviation sector.

©The Federal Ministry of Aviation and FAAN should speedily convince not just the aviation workers, but Nigerians as a whole that the handover of GAT to Bi-Courtney Aviation followed due process.In particular, all necessary documents to this effect should be given to the union leaders and possibly the press.

(d)The future ot the protesting workers must be addressed by both FAANand the Federal Ministry of Aviation and assurances given about the severance entitlements.Their apprehension actually stemmed from the shoddy manners disengaged members of staff of the defunct Nigeria Airways were treated.

It would be recalled that the House of Representatives Committee on Aviation two weeks ago invited all parties to round table discussions at the end of which all parties were to maintain the status quo; withdraw all litigations from the courts and report back in another two weeks. It is however unclear whether the lawmakers who waded into the imbroglio were availed of the October 6, 2009 directive by the president.

Lateef Lawal writes from Lagos, Nigeria

*Nigeria: Power To The People

By Benjamin Aliu Snr.

The mass rally and protest by the stakeholders in Abuja on Thursday October 30, 2009 was a monumental success and the pressure must continue and be sustained. It is high time we the people make our voice heard and if it means taking matters into our hands so be it.

President Musa Yar’ Adua, the President of the Senate - Mr. David Mark and the Speaker of the House - Mr. Demiji Bankole are deaf to the cries of the Nigerian people. The time has come for us to take our destiny in our hands and rescue the Country from those who have hijacked it. ( Continues below….. )

The thieves in power look the other way while armed robbers and kidnappers run amuck. They choose to do nothing because they are birds of the same feathers. The only difference is that some are robbing with pens while the others are robbing with guns. There is no Security in the country, no part of the Country is left out, no Electricity, Federal Roads have become Death traps, no Jobs, Hospitals have turned prescription centers, We have four Refineries yet non is working and we continue to import petroleum even though we are the sixth largest producer of Oil in the World. The list can go on for ever. It is time for a Revolution to flush out the “Vagabonds in Power”.

There is injustice perpetrated by the Government every where you look yet President Yar’ Adua continue to talk of “the Rule of Law”. What is the rule of law when people are locked up indefinitely without being charged with a crime, what is the rule of law when there is no freedom of speech- you can be locked up for voicing your opinion about what is going on in the Country and what is the rule of law when the President and his AGF are protecting criminals who are well connected? These criminals steal our money to build edifices, buy expensive and fancy automobiles and private Jets with which they go to lunch with their girl friends every Friday in Dubai.

It is time for us all - Nigerians to rise up for our Rights, it is time to say no more to looting, no more to corruption, it is time to say enough is enough to godfather politics. Can any body in their right mind tell me why Chris Uba or Tony Anenih should determine who the Governor of Anambra State should be? In a true Democracy, the people of Anambra State, not an individual choose who the Governor is.

For a very long time, the Nigerian people have allowed themselves to be ENSLAVED and EXPLOITED by the so-called elites. One of the big problems is that the average Nigerian worship money, nobody cares how you made your money but so long as you have money people respect you, people bow down for you and worship the ground you walk on. The situation has led to desperation on the part of the have not and has resulted in the “DO or DIE” politics that we find our selves in today. In Nigeria today, every body knows that the easiest way to be a millionaire is to be in politics and run for any office and all you need is a “political godfather”. This situation has led to people without any reasonable means of livelihood going into politics and becoming overnight Billionaires as soon as they enter Government. The enslaved and exploited common man bow before these people because in the mind set of the common man, such people have made it, they have arrived and they become the CREAM de LA CREAM of the society. To the common man I say think again, it is your money, my money, our money and our future that these people have stolen. Must we the people continue to allow them to get away with it? How long are we going to continue to allow the depredation to go on, how long are we the people going to allow politicians with depraved indifference lord it over us? When are we going to stand up for our Rights? I say the time is now, Nigeria is due for a revolution.

The time has come for us to stand up for our Rights, our Freedom and true Democracy. It is time for a revolution for a only a revolution can bring about the desired changes. We must all join hands to bring change to Nigeria, our Nigeria. President Yar’ Adua’s ability to be a true and effective agent of change has been significantly and irreparably damaged by his association with crooks, convicted felons, thieves and his lack of the Will to do what needs to be done to bring about the desired changes. The problem with Nigeria is that of Leadership - true Dynamic and Patriotic Leadership. The situation in Nigeria today is not beyond change but we need Men and Women with Character, with Conviction, with Ability, with Vision and with the Will to Lead and do what need to be done.

It is time for all Nigerians to tell President Yar’Adua with his degenerate administration to stop Hallucinating and stop being Delusional with his Vision 2020. How can he continue to talk of Vision 2020 when Nigerians are dehumanized every day, there is no Security in the Country - armed robbers and kidnappers run amuck all over the Country, no electricity, no portable drinking water and Federal Roads have turned Death traps. How can Yar’ Adua appoint Tony Anenih to another lucrative position after what Anenih did at the Federal Ministry of Roads and Transport? We must all join hands to resist any attempt at Rigging in the next election. How can Yar’ Adua continue to talk of Vision 2020 when the average Nigerian lives in abject poverty, in squalid conditions and can not afford three square meals a day, in spite of the money we are making from Oil?

A true Democracy rests on the Will of the electorate, the freedom of the people to choose their leaders and representatives. In a true Democracy, what is going on in Anambra State right now will not happen. In a true Democracy, the interest of the people is represented at all levels. The rights of the Nigerian people to choose their leaders and representatives remain elusive and until we get it right, the Country will continue to slide backwards. The absence of true Democracy has resulted in thugs lording it over the people and running the Country to the ground. They are what late Fela Kuti called “Vagabonds in Power”.

“Arise oh compatriots, Nigeria Call Obey” it is time for We The People to tell the Vagabonds in power that enough is enough. It is time for us to take our Country back. Today, Nigeria is the ONLY major Oil (sixth in the World) producing Country in the World that does not have FUNCTIONING REFINERY. It is inexcusable, it is tantamount to criminality to continue to import petroleum products just so that a few well connected thieves can make a killing to the detriment of the Nation. Since the IBB administration started the dubious practice, the amount of money Nigeria has spent on importing petroleum products is more than enough to build Twelve Ultra Modern Refineries yet we are unable or should I say we refused to keep our four Refineries running. It is more than a shame that Singapore which has no (not a single oil well) oil, buy our Crude Oil take it home to their Modern Refineries refine it to more than Seventy different products and then bring it back to sell at a high price to us. This is at the same time that the thieves that have stolen our money, took it out of the Country to other African Countries to build Refineries in those Countries.

It is criminal on the part of President Yar” Adua and Rilwanu Lukman to be contemplating Deregulation without first ensuring that our Refineries are working at full capacity and in addition, we need at least two new ultra Modern Refineries - one for Lagos and the other for Abuja. Deregulation as presently contemplated is import driven and it will reek untold hardship on the common man and our Economy. It will only benefit the few well connected thieves that are already making a killing from the importation of petroleum products. Can Yar” Adua and Rilwanu Lukman explain to Nigerians why Singapore that has no Oil is buying our Oil, refine it and sell it back to us when we are supposed to be having four refineries?

PDP and cohorts are holding Nigeria and Nigerians hostage. The system is grossly abused by the inept and visionless leaders. The old gaggle Rilwanu Lukman is there making money left and right. He has interest in a company that does business directly with his Ministry and that is conflict of interest. That conflict of interest has harmed the integrity of his office. Rilwanu Lukman is a Director in a Company called MESSRS FARADAY EDUCATION LIMITED which has just be awarded a contract by his Ministry and the company is based in London. Nigerians MUST SPEAK WITH ONE VOICE AND SAY NO TO DEREGULATION.

Right now, we need a Jerry Rawlings to clean up the mess that Nigeria has become. A revolution is Due.

Benjamin Aliu Snr. writes from Brooklyn, New York, U.S.A.

*Nigeria Overland Airways Launches Katsina Station

By Lateef Lawal

Overland Airways Business Flyer expanded its scheduled flight operations to Katsina State effective today, November 2, 2009. The premium flight service will operate Monday through Friday between Katsina Airport and Abuja Airport, providing 2 flights daily and a total of 10 flights each week. Morning flights will depart Katsina at 07:00 and arrive Abuja at 08:00 while evening flights will depart Abuja at 15:30 and arrive Katsina at 16:30.

This unprecedented service will give passengers the opportunity to travel out of Katsina first thing in the morning arrive Abuja, complete their business and then return to Katsina State the same day. Overland Airways is the first airline to have an aircraft based in Katsina State, in order to serve the travel needs of its esteemed clientele. This is in furtherance of its route development and expansion.

According to the Chief Operating Officer, Mrs. Aanu Benson, “Overland Airways plans to have a national coverage and offer wider connections for people in the hinterland and trade centers across the country. This informed our decision to create this service for the people of Katsina. Our promise to our esteemed customers is that we will continue to offer and deliver innovative and unique services. She added that “Overland Airways is flying for you”.

Overland Airways Business Flyer will offer same day return flights, on-time departure and arrival and value-added customer service to passengers on the Katsina – Abuja route. It will operate the flight services with the airline’s state-of-the-art B1900D, specially adapted to operate effectively in the typical weather conditions associated with northern Nigeria.

The B1900D provides ample legroom and comfortable interior that ensure stress-free passenger experience for the duration of the flight. Its single aisle and spacious cabin offer relaxed ambience to passengers while in the air.

Overland Airways’ expansion to Katsina will facilitate the opening up of the State to investors and leisure travelers who are in search of new opportunities and destinations. It will further promote trade, tourism and create opportunities for social and economic development within the State and between Katsina and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Overland Airways’ overriding business philosophy is to deliver an exceptional standard of service to meet the needs of her esteemed customers at all times with high degree of professionalism. Its vision is to connect more routes to its existing network, (Lagos, Ilorin, Ibadan, Abuja, Jos, Minna, Kano and Katsina), as she continues to offer excellent service from the heart of Nigeria to the hearts of Nigerians.

*Many Nigerians Feared Drowned

By Masterweb News Desk

Unofficial sources put the number of Nigerians that may have drowned over the weekend at 50. These sources include survivors reeling from the trauma of the sea accident. Two boats carrying traders and pupils from Yarawodo, a village in Republic of Benin to Bukoro, a village in Kwara State, Nigeria on Sunday capsized in Nano River, a border river between Nigeria and Benin Republic. Most of the passengers were residents of Bukoro who had gone to Benin for either business or school. Pupils among them attend school across the border in Yarawodo - Benin, because Bukoro only has one primary school with three teachers. Bukoro is in Gwanara district of Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State, and has an estimated population of 20,000. ( Continues below….. )

The number of passengers on board the two boats ranges from 90 to 100 depending on the source of the estimate. Masterweb estimate puts it at 100 to 120 as the boats may have been over loaded contributing to the mishap. 30 corpses and 35 survivors had been recovered at the time of this report. More bodies are expected to come up afloat in the next couple of days.

Mallam Umaru Zango, Education Secretary of Baruten Council Area, speaking to reporters said about 55 pupils were on board the ill-fated boats. Zango appealed to Kwara State Government to provide more teachers for Bukuro Primary School, arguing it would drastically reduce the number of Kwara indigenes crossing the border to foreign lands for primary knowledge. Alhaji Sabi Idris, Emir of Gwanara described the incident as the worst in the history of the district. He appealed to the Federal Government to urgently pay attention to the development of border towns, especially those in Baruten Local Government as they were among the most neglected in the country.

*Re: Indians Taking Over Nigerian Jobs?

By Abiodun Lateju

( A rejoinder to Masterweb discussion “Indians Taking Over Nigerian Jobs?” Here is link to the discussion page:- http://www.nigeriamasterweb.com/NigerianJobsIndiansTakingOver.html )

My name is Abiodun Lateju, and I am a Nigerian American. It is really amazing to me to read some of the Nigerian view points on Indians. For example Abnkole writes from Doha, Qatar: “To me , Indians are nothing, absolutely nothing". Abnkole believes that Nigerians are better than Indians. If so , it is obvious to me that Abnkole does not have a clue about this issue. Let me educate Abnkole and other Nigerians that have the same ignorant opinion about Indians.

First and foremost, when it comes to IT, India has the top 3 or 4 Universities in the world. They are the best at it. Even in the U.S, they dominate. They are the hardware and Software engineers, Programmers, Analysts. In some of the biggest companies in the world, such as Toyota, Nissan, Microsoft, Nintendo, Sony, Dell, HP, IBM etc..these positions are held Indians. ( Continues below….. )

Also, in the field of Medicine, Indians dominate. They have some of the best specialists such as Brain Surgeons, Heart Surgeons, Endocrinologist etc.. in the field of medicine, which they also dominate in the U.S. and some of these Doctors are world renown.

Furthermore, Indians have some of the best nuclear scientists and engineers in the world. Militarily, India is one of strongest nations in the world. Approximately 2 years ago, there was a competition between the U. S. Air Force and the Indian Air Force, the Indians won against the U.S. in every category during this war games.

India produces its own weapons without help from any country unlike Iran, that gets all its missile Technology from North Korea, India built its Nuclear weapons without help from anyone.

Finally, India is fast becoming an economic power. It’s manufacturing sector has grown tremendously in the last two decades. The reason why India is so successful is that the emphasis in that country is placed on Educating the Indian youth, so that they can compete globally and education is free up to the University level unlike Nigeria where all emphasis is placed on theory. I have a Nigerian friend who received a B.Sc from UNIBEN in Computer Science and she doesn’t even know anything about Microsoft Office Products.

Can somebody tell me how or why they think that Nigerians are better than Indians. As much as I love my country, Nigeria, we still have a long way to go. As of now, India is better than Nigeria but I am confident and optimistic that eventually, we will reach that level too. I am challenging every Nigerian that reads this, that it is time for us to wake up, whether we like it or not, Nigeria is our country. We need to Change from Selfishness to Selflessness. Make a difference in your community. Whether its volunteering Or Organizing in our communities or Churches, let’s make a difference in our communities. We need to start doing for ourselves instead of waiting on the government to do everything. I encourage everyone to participate in the democratic process. Organize a lobbying group, know who your local Govt. officials, senators and congress men are, go to their offices to talk to them about issues concerning you and your communities.

Abiodun Lateju ( Email: elateju@gmail.com )