The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has officially launched the Joint User Hydrant Installation 2 (JUHI-2), which boasts a remarkable storage capacity of 15 million liters of Jet A1 fuel. This facility is not only significant in size but also stands as the largest airside jet fuel depot in Nigeria, with a total capacity of 150 million liters of Aviation Turbine Kerosene (ATK).

At the commissioning ceremony held in Ikeja, Lagos, Keyamo highlighted the facility’s capability to deliver 150 million liters of ATK supplies monthly to airlines, which represents 20% of the nation’s annual sales volume. The JUHI-2 project is a joint venture involving prominent companies such as Eterna Plc, Masters Energy Oil & Gas, Techno Oil & Gas, Rahamaniyya Oil & Gas, Ibafon Oil, Quest Oil Group, and First Deep Water Limited.

Keyamo commended the JUHI-2 project for its potential to enhance Nigeria’s aviation industry significantly. He noted that the facility would help mitigate flight delays and cancellations often caused by Jet A1 fuel shortages. “This facility is strategic and supportive to the aviation ecosystem in Nigeria,” he remarked, emphasizing that the country has often faced challenges with flight cancellations linked to fuel availability.

He further added, “It is also an international requirement. You have just made us globally relevant because it requires that this kind of facility should not be far away from all major airports in the world.” The minister also mentioned that the establishment of such facilities is crucial for hajj operations, as airports must meet specific criteria before being approved for such activities.

In addition to the launch of JUHI-2, Keyamo announced that Nigeria has been removed from the watchlist of non-compliant countries after achieving a 75.5% score in aircraft financing, an improvement from 70.5%. This achievement will enable Nigerian airlines to access aircraft on dry leases globally, marking a significant step forward for the country’s aviation sector.

Aare Afe Babalola, the founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), has urged the Federal Government to include private universities in the newly established Students Loan Scheme. He made this call during the opening ceremony of the International Hydrogen Summit 2024, themed “Catalysing Green Hydrogen Development in Nigeria – The Capacity and Partnership Imperatives.”

Held at ABUAD, Babalola emphasized that all Nigerian students, regardless of whether they are enrolled in public or private universities, should be entitled to benefits from the loan scheme. He expressed concern over the exclusion of private universities, stating, “Recently, the Federal Government established the Students Loan Scheme. Yet, students from private universities are excluded. Are they not Nigerians? What steps have been taken to address this?”

Babalola further criticized the government for not providing private universities with funding for research projects that could contribute to national development. He pointed out the inconsistency in funding, stating, “TETFund was also established by the Federal Government and funding sourced from private organizations. However, private universities are excluded from accessing these funds. Why? What action has been taken on this issue?”

He highlighted that despite Afe Babalola University’s notable achievements in research, it has not received government support comparable to that of public institutions. “The government allocates research funds to public universities, yet I am not aware of any university, public or private, that has achieved more in research than ABUAD,” he noted.

Babalola stressed the importance of the summit in promoting green hydrogen development, urging participants to implement the resolutions generated from the event. He stated, “Ideas rule the world, but only those who implement their ideas are deemed successful.”

In his keynote address, the Minister of State for Environment, Iziaq Salako, acknowledged the Federal Government’s recognition of green hydrogen’s potential in line with Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan (ETP). He highlighted the importance of utilizing renewable energy sources such as solar and wind, noting that green hydrogen presents a significant opportunity for Nigeria to diversify its energy supply and lead global decarbonization efforts.

Professor Ralph Akinfeleye, a prominent scholar in Communications, has called on all levels of government in Nigeria to recognize and value the media industry as a critical partner in achieving sustainable national development. His remarks were made during the third annual milestone recognition event for media icons in Nigeria, themed “Media Legends: Inspiring Generations.”

The event, held in Ikeja, Lagos, featured notable figures, including Chris Isiguzo, the National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), who encouraged media practitioners to act as builders rather than wreckers in addressing the country’s current economic, political, and social challenges. Aremo Olusegun Osoba was represented by Segun Aderinye as the Father of the Day, and other media dignitaries, including Eze Anaba, President of the Nigeria Guild of Editors (NGE), attended the ceremony.

In his capacity as the chairman of the occasion, Akinfeleye emphasized the constitutional role of journalists in holding the government accountable. He stated, “Under Chapter Two of the Nigeria Constitution and Section 22, you have the journalistic obligation which empowers you to monitor my government and make them accountable to the people.”

He urged journalists to transcend traditional reporting methods, suggesting they should act as agenda setters and gatekeepers while also advocating for peace, development, and integrity in their work. Akinfeleye highlighted pressing contemporary issues such as kidnapping, banditry, and cybercrime, calling on journalists to assume the role of mediators and to challenge the government to create an enabling environment that addresses these national security concerns.

He further advocated for the establishment of state police in conjunction with the national police, citing that effective governance in other democracies functions with both systems working collaboratively. Akinfeleye remarked, “The other name for democracy is a free press. President, please don’t take the press for granted. It is very difficult to take the press for granted. We are partners in progress.”

His message underscores the vital importance of a robust media sector in fostering accountability and transparency within the Nigerian political landscape, ultimately contributing to the country’s development.

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has renewed its Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the University of Lagos (UNILAG) to deploy a metallurgical science laboratory at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA) in Abuja. The initial MoU was signed in July 2018 and was renewed by NSIB Director-General, Capt. Alex Badeh Jr., and UNILAG Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola.

During the signing ceremony at the UNILAG Senate Building, Capt. Badeh emphasized the importance of collaboration between NSIB and academic institutions to optimize the use of available resources. He noted, “The initial MoU was signed in 2018, but there has been a lack of movement on it. We need the expertise from the University of Lagos and other Nigerian universities to work with us.”

Badeh revealed plans to relocate some equipment from the NSIB to UNILAG, stating that this collaboration aims to improve scientific capabilities and research. He mentioned upcoming consultations with professors from UNILAG to reassess past diagnostics and identify new equipment needs.

Prof. Ogunsola highlighted the significance of the equipment for teaching and research at the university, stating, “We want to move Nigeria forward as a university and challenge us to come up with solutions.” She emphasized the importance of demand-driven research and collaboration to enhance Nigeria’s manpower.

Prof. Samson Adeosun, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering at UNILAG, urged NSIB leadership to expedite the movement of the equipment to facilitate this important partnership.

The renewed MoU is expected to foster greater collaboration between NSIB and UNILAG, contributing to advancements in metallurgical science and improving safety standards in Nigeria’s aviation sector.

The Kogi Government has announced a restriction on vehicular movement on Saturday, from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. This decision was communicated by Mr. Kingsley Fanwo, the Commissioner for Information, in a statement issued in Lokoja on Friday. The restriction aims to ensure a smooth and hitch-free Council Poll throughout the state.

“The decision is also to guarantee the security of voters and citizens across the 21 Local Government Areas of the state,” Fanwo stated.

He confirmed that the state government has directed security agencies to enforce the order and ensure that offenders are penalized. The commissioner urged citizens to participate actively in the local government election to elect their representatives.

Fanwo reassured prospective voters of adequate security as they exercise their franchise on Saturday. He expressed confidence in the capacity of the Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission (KOSIEC) to organize a free, fair, and credible Council Poll across the state.

“We hereby urge citizens to be peaceful and to make their choices known through the ballot,” he added. He emphasized the importance of making democracy a true reflection of the people’s will and the power of the ballot over violence.

The commissioner assured that the state government would take all necessary measures within the law to maintain order for the growth and development of Kogi State.

President Bola Tinubu has lauded the late Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu as a multifaceted colossus.

In a tribute written by the President on Friday, he acknowledged Iwuanyanwu as a trailblazer in sports, a resourceful and ingenious businessman, a shrewd politician, and an unwavering philanthropist.

Tinubu highlighted that the late President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo served the nation in numerous official roles, including as the founding chairman of the Raw Materials and Research Development Council (RMRDC) and as chairman of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC).

He also held positions as chairman of the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) board, founding chairman of the Nigerian National Lottery, and chairman of the National Orthopaedic Hospital in Igbobi.

“I mourn the loss of this distinguished son of Nigeria.

“Chief Iwuanyanwu was courageous, a champion against injustice, and resolute. He possessed the heart of a gladiator—indomitable and unwavering.

“I fondly remember his contributions to sports through the Iwuanyanwu Nationale Football Club, now known as Heartland F.C., which he founded in 1985.

“His commitment to excellence led the club to secure numerous national and international titles, marking him as a pivotal figure in the development of sports in Nigeria,” remarked the President.

Tinubu noted that Iwuanyanwu was an enterprising individual who had faith in Nigeria’s human and material wealth, as demonstrated by his investments across various sectors throughout the country.

The late elder statesman dedicated his life to service, using his resources to uplift his community and the nation. He provided scholarships for underprivileged students, built schools and hospitals, and supported numerous charitable initiatives.

“The passing of Chief Iwuanyanwu on July 25 is a tremendous loss to the nation. Although he lived to the impressive age of 81, his wisdom and stabilizing presence will be deeply missed.”

The Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has expressed deep concern over the rising cost of living in Nigeria, linking it to increasing voter apathy during elections. At a recent meeting with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), IPAC’s National Chairman, Yusuf Dantalle, highlighted that after 25 years of uninterrupted democracy, the current state of the nation has left many citizens disillusioned and disengaged from the electoral process.

Dantalle emphasized the importance of creating an environment conducive to successful elections and urged government officials to prioritize the welfare of the people, in line with the constitutional mandate that states the security and welfare of citizens should be the government’s primary purpose. He called for immediate actions to alleviate the hardships faced by many Nigerians, which could lead to greater political participation and enhance the credibility of elections.

Additionally, IPAC stressed the need for INEC to ensure improvements in the upcoming Ondo State Governorship Election. The council urged all stakeholders to engage in voter education and mobilization efforts to ensure free, fair, and transparent elections that meet international standards. Dantalle also pointed out the necessity for INEC to adequately prepare by testing its electoral technology to avoid technical issues that could undermine the election’s integrity.

Israel’s continued operations in Gaza are part of its mission to dismantle Hamas following the October 7, 2023 attack, which marked one of the deadliest assaults in Israeli history, with over 1,200 civilian deaths and hundreds taken hostage. The recent killing of Yahya Sinwar, Hamas’s leader and key figure behind the attack, is seen by Israel as a significant milestone in this campaign. Despite Sinwar’s death, Israel has maintained airstrikes, especially in key areas like Jabalia, and vows to continue its mission until all responsible militants are captured and hostages are returned. The war has led to over 42,000 deaths in Gaza, mostly civilians, drawing international criticism, even from close allies like the U.S.

The situation remains tense, with humanitarian concerns rising, particularly regarding the growing hunger crisis in Gaza. However, both Israeli and international efforts are focused on trying to bring an end to Hamas’s governance and restore stability to the region.

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has reported a significant increase in cooking gas prices for September 2024, with the average cost of a 5kg cylinder rising from N6,430.02 in August to N6,699.63. This marks a 4.19% increase month-on-month and a 59.90% rise compared to N4,189.96 in September 2023.

State Profile Analysis

• Highest Prices:
  • Rivers: N7,285.71
  • Gombe: N7,271.88
  • Borno: N7,089.72
• Lowest Prices:
  • Kebbi: N5,950.00
  • Kano: N6,133.33
  • Benue: N6,143.52

Regional Breakdown

• North-East: Highest average price at N6,929.02
• South-East: Second highest at N6,893.47
• North-West: Lowest average at N6,382.30

12.5kg Cooking Gas Prices

The average price for refilling a 12.5kg cooking gas cylinder also saw a significant rise, increasing by 4.89% from N15,552.56 in August to N16,313.43 in September. Year-on-year, this represents a 76.41% increase from N9,247.40 in September 2023.

• Highest Prices:
  • Rivers: N17,992.86
  • Gombe: N17,942.86
  • Zamfara: N17,475.00
• Lowest Prices:
  • Adamawa: N13,983.33
  • Nasarawa: N14,938.50
  • Bauchi: N15,000.00

Regional Breakdown for 12.5kg

• South-East: Highest average price at N16,957.29
• South-West: Second highest at N16,665.45
• North-East: Lowest at N15,770.75

Kerosene Prices

The report also highlighted a rise in kerosene prices, with the average retail price per litre increasing to N1,957.44, up 5.97% from N1,847.59 in August 2024.

These price increases reflect ongoing inflationary pressures in Nigeria, as households continue to grapple with the rising cost of essential commodities

The Kwara State Police Command announced on Friday that three officers dismissed for their misconduct in the death of Qoyum Abdulyekeen Ishola, a 21-year-old student at Kwara State Polytechnic, have been charged with criminal conspiracy and culpable homicide. The officers—Inspector Abiodun Kayode, Inspector James Samuel, and Sergeant Oni Philip—have been remanded in prison custody pending further court proceedings.

The charges stem from an incident during a student protest against fuel hikes in Ilorin, where Ishola was allegedly killed by police action. Following public outcry and widespread condemnation, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, ordered the case to be transferred to the police headquarters in Abuja for a thorough investigation.

The investigation found the officers guilty of leaving their assigned posts, engaging in corrupt practices, and exercising their authority unlawfully. After a detailed internal disciplinary trial, the officers were officially dismissed from the Nigeria Police Force on October 4, 2024.

The police statement emphasized that this decisive action underscores IGP Egbetokun’s commitment to justice, professionalism, and accountability within the force. It reiterated that under Egbetokun’s leadership, there would be a zero-tolerance approach to misconduct, particularly in cases resulting in loss of life, ensuring that officers are held to high ethical standards.

Kenyan President William Ruto has nominated Interior Minister Kithuri Kindiki as his new deputy, following the historic impeachment of Rigathi Gachagua. Kindiki, a 52-year-old academic-turned-politician, emerged as a front-runner for the position after the Senate voted to remove Gachagua on Thursday in a dramatic and unprecedented move.

The impeachment of Gachagua, Ruto’s running mate in the 2022 elections, has captured the attention of the nation, marking a significant moment in Kenyan politics. Known for its stable democracy within the turbulent East African region, Kenya is witnessing the first impeachment of a deputy president since the 2010 constitution reform.

Despite Gachagua’s absence from the proceedings, the Senate found him guilty of five out of eleven charges, pressing forward with the decision. Gachagua’s legal team walked out in protest after their appeal to delay the hearings was rejected. Gachagua was reportedly rushed to a hospital in Nairobi and unable to testify in his defense, adding to the political turmoil.

The impeachment has sparked widespread interest, and on Friday, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula announced Ruto’s nomination of Kindiki to fill the vacant post. Parliament is now set to vote on the nomination.

Kindiki, who has served as Interior Minister in Ruto’s administration for over two years, has faced criticism for alleged police brutality during the anti-government protests earlier in the year. However, his nomination is expected to move forward quickly as the government seeks to stabilize the political situation.

Kenyan newspapers widely reported on the impeachment, with headlines like “Fired” in The Standard marking the significance of the event in the nation’s political history.

The Lagos State Government has disclosed that over 5.46 million tonnes of waste are generated annually in the state, unveiling plans for strategic waste management.

Meanwhile, the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) is set to acquire 100 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) trucks for the operations of Private Sector Participants (PSP).

LAWMA Managing Director, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, made the disclosure at a one-day stakeholders’ interactive forum on sustainable waste management, organized by the agency at Victoria Island, Lagos.

In a detailed presentation, Gbadegesin highlighted the progress recorded and future plans for waste management in the state, noting that the 5.46 million tonnes of waste were generated annually by 23 million residents. He emphasized that LAWMA aims to manage this waste through a range of initiatives anchored on effective collection, treatment, and disposal.

“We are committed to providing efficient waste management services to all Lagosians. With our team of dedicated staff, we manage domestic, commercial, and medical waste across the state. We also sweep 963 routes and collect solid waste from the lagoons and waterways,” he stated.

Gbadegesin revealed that a significant portion of the waste generated in the state comes from households, with LAWMA overseeing its transportation and treatment through partnerships with 420 PSPs. He added that these efforts are supplemented by sweeping services across major streets, managed by 16,361 street sweepers.

He further highlighted the authority’s waste recovery initiatives, stressing the growing focus on recycling and circular economy principles. LAWMA has introduced a two-bin system for households, where one bin is designated for general waste and the other for recyclables.

“This system will help households segregate waste at the source, boosting recycling efforts and reducing the volume of waste that ends up in landfills. We have already established community recycling centers and are partnering with retail points to promote extended producer responsibility,” he stressed.

An airport technician who had his leg amputated after being run over by a 77-tonne plane has spoken publicly for the first time.

Rail Khasanov, a Ural Airlines employee, was preparing the plane for take-off when the pilot unexpectedly started taxiing, crushing the 22-year-old’s legs at Koltsovo Airport in Yekaterinburg, Russia.

Footage from the incident shows Mr. Khasanov collapsing on the runway as the jet slowly advances toward him. The plane then halts, with Khasanov trying, but failing, to free himself.

Speaking out for the first time since the incident, which occurred in May, Rail recounted that he “felt his bones burst” as the Airbus A320 rolled over him.

“I remember the incident perfectly,” he said. “A huge wheel drove along my leg and stopped. In the first few seconds, I thought it was a nightmare, but I couldn’t wake up. I didn’t feel any pain at first because of the shock, but then I felt my bones burst.”

Khasanov explained that he was trapped under the plane for seven minutes before being taken to the hospital.

“I was fully conscious while I was lying under the plane, and I managed to write to my mother, ‘Mum, I was hit by a plane,’” he recalled. “Then I wanted to sleep. I was so thirsty because of the blood loss. In the ambulance, I managed to say what happened and then I passed out.”

Placed in an induced coma, Khasanov regained consciousness five days later. Upon waking, he discovered that his leg had been amputated at the hip.

“I woke up and looked around, and it didn’t look like heaven. I could see I was in intensive care with my mother next to my bed. I had no panic,” he said. “I had known even while I was under the plane that my leg didn’t have hope. But I was alive, chatting, talking.”

Investigators held the aircraft commander responsible for Khasanov’s injury and ordered him to pay compensation, reportedly around £16,000.

Reflecting on this, Khasanov said, “What else could I do? He has a family, children, a mortgage, a loan, a friend. Who needs a man to be sentenced for a crime and then not be able to fly and work? All their lives would be ruined.