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Enugu Air Gets Operator Certificate in Record Time

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From Sylvia Udegbunam, Enugu

Enugu Air on Tuesday received the Air Operator Certificate (AOC), from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), a development it described as a significant step in the realisation of Governor Peter Mbah’s vision  to position Enugu as a regional hub for commerce, logistics, and aviation in West and Central Africa.

Presenting the AOC to Enugu Air’s Accountable Manager/ CEO, Captain Tolu Ita, at the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, headquarters in Abuja, the agency’s Director General, Captain Chris Najomo, described the development as historic in the Nigerian aviation industry, noting that Enugu Air successfully completed the rigorous certification process in just five months and three weeks, significantly faster than the typical industry timeline of 15 to 24 months.

According to Captain Njomo, the fully state-owned airline also distinguished itself by commencing operations with a complete fleet of six aircraft, which he said was a rare feat for a newly certified airline in the country.

The DG emphasised that the certification process involved extensive evaluation across multiple NCAA departments and confirmed that Enugu Air had met all regulatory requirements, demonstrating full compliance with Nigeria’s aviation safety and operational standards.

He commended the vision and leadership of Governor Mbah, describing the speed and discipline with which the airline project was executed as evidence of purposeful governance.

The DG also acknowledged the dedication of the Enugu State team and urged the airline’s management to continue maintaining the highest standards of safety, regulatory compliance, and operational excellence.

In her remarks, the Accountable Manager/CEO of Enugu Air, Captain Tolu, expressed appreciation to Governor Mbah for the vision of Enugu Air and also commended him for creating the enabling environment and providing the leadership support that made the record-breaking certification possible.

While thanking the NCAA for the professionalism and support shown throughout the certification process, she reaffirmed the airline’s commitment to building a reliable, efficient, and globally competitive carrier that would serve passengers with the highest standards of safety and service.

The Commissioner for Transportation, Enugu State, Dr. Obi Ozor, stressed that Enugu Air remained a strategic component of Governor Mbah’s broader transport and logistics transformation agenda aimed at unlocking economic opportunities across Enugu State, the wider South-East region, and Africa.

He noted that the airline would grow its fleet to 20 aircraft and also commence regional operations before the end of 2026, playing a critical role in connecting Enugu to key domestic and international markets and facilitating trade, tourism, investment, and mobility.

He commended Enugu Air’s operating partner, XEJet Limited, for its role in guiding the airline through the rigorous regulatory certification process required for the issuance of the Air Operator Certificate.

The Group Chief Executive Officer of XEJet Limited, Emmanuel Iza, who congratulated the airline for the feat, expressed pride in the Enugu Air/XEJET Limited partnership that produced the result.

“This milestone demonstrates what can be achieved through strong partnerships between government and the commercial aviation sector in advancing air transport development,” Iza stated.

On his part, the Board Chairman of Enugu Air, Barrister Ricky Agu, assured the NCAA that the state government would continue to provide the support required to ensure that Enugu Air operates at world-class standards.

The AOC presentation was witnessed by senior aviation regulators and other members of the Enugu State delegation, including the Special Assistant to the Governor on Transport, Iphie Ugonabo, and members of the airline’s management team.

NEWS

Justin Bieber Headlines Coachella with Nostalgia-fuelled Set

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Justin Bieber made a nostalgia-fuelled return to the major stage as Coachella’s much-anticipated headline act.

The 32-year-old spent much of Saturday night’s gig sitting in front of a laptop and singing to YouTube music videos of his older hits, such as Baby and Never say Never – delighting the crowd in an apparent tribute to the platform on which he was discovered.

He also played some of the home videos that had brought him to the industry’s attention aged 12, pulling them up on the big screen, and appeared to interact with the live comments on the YouTube stream of his set.

It marked the star’s biggest live show in four years, having cancelled his Justice World tour following health issues.

He opened the gig alone on an otherwise empty stage, performing tracks from his 2025 albums Swag and Swag II – before telling the crowd he wanted to take them “on a journey” and reaching back into his archive.

He repeatedly asked the audience: “How far back do you go?”

Bieber also played the clip for which he most recently went viral – and which prompted speculation about his mental state – in which he confronted a photographer and said: “It’s not clocking to you, I’m standing on business.”

Dressed in a hoodie and shorts on a stripped-back stage, Bieber was joined by musical guests including The Kid Laroi, Wizkid, Tems and Dijon.

The star’s wife Hailey Bieber was spotted in the crowd, alongside celebrity couple Timothée Chalamet and Kylie Jenner.

Bieber cancelled his world tour after revealing he was suffering from facial paralysis, after being diagnosed with Ramsay Hunt syndrome – a complication from contracting shingles – in 2022.

He released his surprise album Swag in July 2025, and in February performed live at the Grammy Awards.

His Coachella set marked a starker departure from the previous night’s headline act, Sabrina Carpenter, whose Hollywood-themed gig included costume changes, choreography and elaborate stage design.

Colombian pop star Karol G will be Sunday’s headliner at the festival, which takes place over two weekends in the California desert.

It draws more than 100,000 people daily, according to police from the city of Indio, and has been running at Indio’s Empire Polo Club since 2002.

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Education

Sule Rewards First-Class Graduates, Honours Tanzania’s President at NSUK 8th Convocation

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By Tambaya Julius, Abuja

The Nasarawa State University, Keffi over the weekend celebrated its 25th silver jubilee anniversary and combined 8th convocation ceremony, where over 25,000 students were awarded with various academic degrees.

The grand event, held over the weekend at the school main Campus Keffi, was confirmed and honoured with Doctor of Philosophy (PhDs), Master’s degrees, First Degrees, and Postgraduate Diplomas on graduating students across different faculties.

The ceremony also confirmed honorary doctorate degrees on prominent personalities for their contributions to global leadership, business, and development.

Among the prominent personalities honoured were the President of Tanzania, Samia Suluhu Hassan; Abdul Samad Rabiu, Chairman of BUA Group; and Mahmood Ahmad.

The awards recognised their outstanding contributions to global leadership, development, and their roles in advancing socio-economic development both within Africa and globally.

During the ceremony, the Governor of Nasarawa State, Abdullahi Sule, awarded a cash prize of five hundred thousand Naira (N500,000) each to 82 first-class graduates, while the overall best graduating student was awarded N1 million.

The governor explained that the initiative was designed to promote excellence among students and aligns with the state government’s broader agenda of investing in education and human capital development. According to him, recognising academic achievement is essential in inspiring younger generations to pursue excellence.

Sule emphasised that rewarding hard work and dedication would encourage students across the state to strive for distinction in their academic pursuits. He noted that such incentives serve as a catalyst for improved performance and a stronger educational system.

As part of activities marking the institution’s 8th convocation and 25th anniversary celebrations, the governor commissioned several infrastructure projects at the University.

The newly inaugurated projects include the Alumni Secretariat, the Department of Accounting Postgraduate E-Library, as well as the university’s second gate and access road. He commended the university management for its commitment to infrastructural development and academic excellence.

The two-day celebration attracted a wide array of dignitaries from across Nigeria, including Governors, Ambassadors, Vice-chancellors, professors, traditional rulers, Business Men, and key stakeholders in the education sector.

In her address, the Vice-Chancellor of Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Prof. Sa’adatu Hassan Liman, warmly welcomed guests and expressed appreciation to the university’s leadership for their continued support.

She specifically acknowledged the Chancellor, HRH. Shehu Chindo Yamusa the Emir of Keffi, as well as the Pro-Chancellor, Prof. Atahiru Jiga, and members of the governing council for their impactful leadership.

Liman credited the institution’s progress to strong governance and visionary leadership, noting that both staff and students have benefitted from an enabling academic environment.

“I have acquired knowledge and experience in this institution due to impactful and good leadership,” she said.

She further urged students to prioritise their education and draw inspiration from the leadership and values upheld by the university. According to her, such commitment is essential for contributing meaningfully to Nigeria’s academic advancement and global competitiveness.

“Apply your knowledge positively, contributing to the advancement and educational success of Nigeria and the global community,” she appealed.

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NEWS

OPay Named Nigeria’s Most Trusted Digital Financial Company at 2026 ISO Awards

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OPay, a leading financial institution in Nigeria, has been awarded The Most Trusted Quality Mobile Money and Digital Financial Services Company of the Year at the 2026 ISO World Corporate Brand of the Year Award. This recognition reaffirms OPay’s strong reputation and the trust tens of millions of Nigerians have in its services.

The award ceremony, held on Thursday, April 9, 2026, at the Providence Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, brought together leading companies making a positive impact across different industries.

The organisers, ISO World Consult, noted that the selection was based on an outstanding 4.6 from online referrer rating and also highlighted OPay’s strong track record and its role in improving financial services across Nigeria.

This recognition further shows that OPay continues to make financial services simple, secure and reliable for everyday

Nigerians. From sending money to paying bills and supporting businesses, OPay has become a trusted part of daily life.

Chukwudinma Okafor, Chief Compliance Officer, OPay, said: “This award is a strong validation of the trust our customers and partners place in us. We are committed to maintaining high standards in compliance, risk management, and service delivery. Our goal is to keep building a platform that supports growth, protects users, and contributes positively to the financial system.”

OPay remains focused on expanding access to financial services and helping more Nigerians take part in the digital economy.

About OPay

OPay was established in 2018 as a leading financial institution in Nigeria with the mission to make financial services more inclusive through technology. The company offers a wide range of payment services, including money transfer, bill payment, card service, airtime and data purchase, and merchant payments, among others. Renowned for its fast and reliable network and strong security features that protect customer’s funds, OPay is licensed by the CBN and insured by the NDIC with the same insurance coverage as commercial banks.

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