NEWS
Insecurity: Two inducts Into Nigeria Air Force’s Inventory
From Attah Ede, Makurdi
The Federal Government on Tuesday, commissioned T129 ATAK helicopter and Beechcraft King Air 360 fighter jet into the inventory of the Nigerian Air Force for counterterrorism and counterinsurgency.
Performing the ceremony at the Air Force Base, Makurdi, President Bola Tinubu, represented by his Deputy, Kashim Shettima, directed all heads of security agencies in the country to unite in order to combat insecurity in the country.
He commended the Turkish Ambassador to Nigeria for facilitating the procurement of the two fighter platforms, President Tinubu assured of his administration’s commitment to continue to support the Nigerian Air Force and other security agencies to train and retrain its personnel to protect Nigerians.
In his remarks, Minister of Defense, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, said the induction of another set of aircraft was a fulfillment of president Tinubu’s promise to equip security agencies for maximum performance, assuring judicious use of the platforms to achieve intended objectives.
Earlier in a welcome address, Chief of Air Staff (COAS), Air Marshal Hassan Baba Abubakar, said the commissioning of the platforms was a resolve of the federal government to equip and energize the Nigeria Air Force and indeed the entire armed forces of the country towards combating terrorism, armed banditry, oil theft and other threats to Nigeria’s territorial integrity and security of the people.
“Barely six months since the assumption of office by Mr president, the Nigerian Air Force has taken delivery of seven brand new aircrafts into its inventory comprising Diamond 62 surveillance aircraft, two T129 ATAK helicopters as well as the King Air light transport aircraft. The ATAK helicopters are part of the six earlier ordered for the Nigerian Air Force with the remaining four expected to be delivered by June this year while the King Air 360 is one of the two procured for the service with the second expected to be delivered by the end of this month”, the COAS said.
He added that pilots have been trained and more were undergoing various training within and outside the country in order to specialize in how best to use the new equipment.
Speaking on the sideline, Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr Hyacinth Alia, expressed optimism that the unveiling and induction of the additional aircrafts into the inventory of the Nigerian Air Force would help to fight insecurity bedevilling Nigeria and Benue State in particular.
NEWS
LITFCMB Condemns Illegal Use of Facility, Commends NAFDAC on Enforcement
By David Torough, Abuja
The Management of the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex Management Board (LITFCMB) has strongly condemned the use of its facility for the production of fake products and any form of unwholesome activities, describing such developments as contrary to its long-standing commitment to promoting genuine trade and ethical business practices.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Board, Veronica Safiya Ndanusa, while speaking on the recent arrest of two persons connected to illegal revalidation of expired drinks and production of counterfeit consumables within the facility, said that relevant authorities have commenced investigations to uncover certain facts that will help in preventing future occurrence.
She warned that any individual or business found culpable of engaging in activities capable of jeopardising public health and undermining the integrity of local manufacturing would face the full weight of the law.
“As a body rooted in the principles of ethical business practices, transparency and genuine trade, we strongly condemn any activity that threatens public safety or brings the reputation of the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex Management Board into disrepute. Our facility exists to provide a conducive environment for legitimate businesses to thrive, not to serve as a breeding ground for the production or distribution of counterfeit and substandard products,” Ndanusa stated.
The LITFCMB boss while commending National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) for the enforcement operation; assured members of the public that the management was determined to work with all relevant regulatory and law enforcement agencies to ensure that the facility is free of illegal activities.
Ndanusa further urged traders and business operators within the complex to uphold established standards, warning that the pursuit of profit must never come at the expense of consumers’ health and safety.
The Board reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the integrity of the nation’s Trade Fair Complex as a leading commercial hub, stressing that it would continue to support legitimate enterprises while maintaining zero tolerance for activities that undermine public confidence in locally manufactured products.
Education
Makurdi Old Boys Association Inaugurates BOT October 17, Launches N1bn Secretariat Project Fund
Government College Makurdi Old Boys Association (MOBA) has completed arrangements to inaugurate its Board of Trustees (BOT) October 17, at the school premises.
The high profile event will also witness the launch of N1billion Appeal Fund for the construction of its National Secretariat Project.
A statement by the Association’s National President, Dr Cletus Akwaya and the Central Planning Committee Chairman Cmrd.
Stephen Tadawus, reminded all members of the National Executive Committee (NEC), Board of Trustees Members-designate, invited Guests, and the entire MOBA family to attend the event punctually at Government College Assembly Hall, Makurdi beginning by 10:00AMThe statement said the Governors of Benue state, Rev.
Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia; Plateau state, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutwang; Nasarawa, Engr. A. A. Sule and Bauchi, Sen. Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed are expected to grace the occasion as distinguished guests of Honour.Similarly, the Commissioner for Education and Knowledge Management, Benue State, Dr. Adamu Margaret Ijaguwa and Executive Secretary, Teaching Service Board, Benue State, Dr. Bem Tseen have been invited as Special Guests, the statement said.
It named members of the Board of Trustees (BOT) to include Prince Yandev Amaabai, Senator Joshua Chibi Dariye, Senator Gabriel Torwua Suswam, Hon Hassan El Yakub SAN- Hon, Alhaji Abubakar Giza, Prof. Terna Yawe, Chief Rebo Usman, Dr. Dader Mazadu Bako, Engr. Ali Rabiu, Prof. John Wade, Arc. Terseer Dankaro and Titus Ihunduas Secretary of the Board.
This event marks a new chapter in the life of the Association. We request all Old Boys to massively turn out and support the cause of giving back to their Almamater,” the statement further said adding, All concerned are therefore, requested to come together to make this historic event a success and to contribute generously towards the completion of Makurdi Old Boy’s Associations’ National Secretariat Project.”
NEWS
Sanwo-Olu Celebrates Prince Olusi at 90
Lagos State Govornor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of has described Prince Tajudeen Olusi, Chairman of the Governance Advisory Council of the Lagos Chapter of All Progressives Congress (APC), as an epitome of loyalty, trust, integrity and wisdom.
Sanwo-Olu said this in a congratulatory message to Olusi, the Baba Adini of Yorubaland and Atobatele of Ekiti, on his 90th birthday anniversary.
The governor described the nonagenarian as a father, whose counsel helped his administration to navigate challenges.
“Baba has taken me as a son; in fact, I am his political son.
He has guided me and offered advice on several occasions on matters of politics and governance while maintaining respect for the office I occupy.“He is a rare human being, whose wisdom, patience and peacemaking abilities remain invaluable,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu said Olusi remained a repository of knowledge on the political and historical development of Lagos and the old Western Region of Nigeria.
According to him, the elder statesman has an exceptional understanding of Nigeria’s political evolution.
“He can effortlessly recount events that shaped political decisions, from the days of the late sage Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s Action Group to the current republic,” he said.
The governor also commended Olusi for his loyalty to the APC.
“Baba Olusi firmly believes that the party is supreme.
“He often emphasises that no political group or association can stand the test of time if members fail to respect and abide by the party’s decisions,” Sanwo-Olu said.
He prayed for a longer life and continued good health for the elder statesman.
“On behalf of my family and the good people of Lagos State, I pray that Baba enjoys good health for the rest of his life.
“I wish Prince Oluyole Olusi a happy 90th birthday anniversary,” the governor said. (NAN)


