Simon Ekpa’ll be extradited to face charges in Nigeria – DHQ
The Nigerian Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has announced plans to extradite Simon Ekpa, the self-proclaimed Prime Minister of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), to Nigeria to face charges. In a statement released to journalists on Thursday, the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, revealed that Chief of Defence Staff General Chris Musa expressed satisfaction with Ekpa’s recent arrest in Finland. Gusau stated, “The CDS is happy with his arrest in Finland, with the hope this will be a step towards his extradition to Nigeria so that he will face justice.” Ekpa is accused of promoting separatist propaganda linked to IPOB through social media, inciting violence, and supporting activities that have reportedly led to civilian and security personnel casualties in southeastern Nigeria. His offences allegedly date back to August 23, 2021. The Finland district court in Lahti recently ordered Ekpa’s remand on probable cause for public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent. Finnish authorities are also investigating him for financial crimes, including raising funds through questionable means. Crime Commissioner, Otto Hiltunen of Finland’s Central Criminal Police stated that Ekpa’s activities had led to crimes and unrest in Nigeria, primarily orchestrated from his residence in Lahti via social media. Ekpa, a local politician in Finland, previously served as a deputy councillor with the National Coalition Party and represented Lahti’s public transport board. Despite his political affiliations in Finland, he has used his platform to advocate for Biafra’s independence and call for election boycotts in Nigeria. Finnish police arrested Ekpa in February 2023 for similar allegations but released him after questioning. Authorities have confirmed ongoing investigations into his activities and those of four other suspects arrested on allegations of financing terrorism. The DHQ’s assurance of extradition highlights the Nigerian government’s determination to address what it deems a critical threat to national unity and stability.
Rodri settles Ronaldo-Messi debate: “He has no natural talent”
Manchester City and Spain midfielder, Rodri, has ignited debate amongst football fans with his remarks about Cristiano Ronaldo, asserting that the Portuguese star lacks innate talent compared to Argentine’s Lionel Messi. The Ballon d’Or winner made the statement during an interview with the Spanish TV program El Hormiguero on Wednesday. He said, “Lionel Messi is the greatest player of all time, without any doubt. “Cristiano has managed to match Messi without innate talent. But those of us who have played against them can see the difference.” The 28-year-old shared his experience of facing the two football icons, emphasizing that Messi posed a far more pervasive threat on the pitch. He said, “With Cristiano, we didn’t want him to step into the box because he was lethal there. “But with Messi, the danger was everywhere on the pitch.” The Spaniard’s comments have sparked widespread debate among fans, with many interpreting his remarks as a dismissal of Ronaldo’s natural abilities. Rodri also used the platform to reflect on winning the prestigious Ballon d’Or last month, beating Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior to the coveted title. Recounting, Rodri said, “There was a rumour three weeks prior that Vinicius was going to win, so I had no optimism going to the gala. “But just before arriving in Paris, many people started congratulating me. I didn’t even have a speech prepared, but my father insisted I prepare something just in case.”
Makinde flags off Eruwa farm settlement redevelopment
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has performed the ground-breaking ceremony for the upgrade of the moribund 3,250 hectares Eruwa Farm Settlement to an agribusiness industrial hub. The governor said that the project, once completed, would put Ibarapaland on the global agricultural map and create thousands of jobs for youths in the zone and across the state. Governor Makinde, who stated this on Thursday at the Old Farm Settlement, Eruwa, Oyo State, added that his administration would also complete the Ido-Eruwa Road within the next one year, charging residents of Ibarapa zone to make investors feel welcome when the new agribusiness hub is completed. He noted that the government recently approved the release of a tranche of N2 billion to the contractor handling the road project to fast-track its progress. According to the governor, the administration established the Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency (OYSADA) as a special-purpose vehicle to drive agribusiness in the state and so far, the state has achieved great successes and gone ahead to become a model for other states, and even some African countries, in the area of agribusiness. He equally expressed confidence that the new Agribusiness Hub in Eruwa would also be a success story like the Fasola Agribusiness Hub, as, according to him, development partners and investors, who have already committed to bringing in their money to the facility, were present at the ground-breaking ceremony. He said: “About five years ago, we started what I will call the journey to make agribusiness the driver of Oyo State’s economy. Immediately we came into office, we got access to a N7.6 billion loan facility taken by the previous administration and our plan was to use this loan to ensure that two of our moribund farm settlements are converted to agribusiness hubs. “So, we started a pilot project at the moribund Fasola Farm Settlement, which we picked to serve as a prototype. It was an ambitious project, because no state in Nigeria had ever done that. “At first, we thought it would take like a year to complete the pilot project at Fasola, which is about 1,000 hectares. By calculation, it is bigger than Victoria Island in Lagos. Eruwa Farm Settlement is three times bigger than Fasola and what you see in the new Fasola Agribusiness Hub today is what we are putting up here. “Fasola has taught us a very big lesson and we know that we have the capacity to take on this project and to see it to completion. “As of today, it is not only that all states in Nigeria have come to inspect Fasola; we have had officials from Ogun, Ekiti, Cross River, Borno, Plateau, Delta, Bayelsa and Gombe states. We have also had visitors from outside Nigeria, including Ghana, Democratic Republic of Congo, Cote d’Ivoire, Mozambique and Kenya. “So, I want to say to the people of Ibarapaland that you should be ready, because Ibarapaland is now on the agriculture map. “We are quite happy and, as for me, I feel fulfilled that this journey to develop this farm estate is getting done. “I am happy to be joined on this journey by development partners and the private sector. Some of the people seated here today have committed to bring their money to invest in this environment. “My people in Ibarapa; what you can do for me is to make the investors feel welcome. Support them and they will create jobs for our youths.” Speaking earlier, the Director-General of OYSADA, Dr Debo Akande, said that the Eruwa Agribusiness Hub is expected to be a 40-million-dollar public-private development investment that will change the agricultural landscape of Eruwa, Ibarapa, and Oyo State. “This facility will include a crop and livestock production centre, 15-20 processing centres, a state-of-the-art agribusiness training centre, a mechanisation and equipment leasing centre, an early-generation seed production centre, and, the icing on the cake will be an eco-resort centre that will put Eruwa on the world map. “I thank His Excellency for his visionary leadership, the citizens of Oyo State, the good people of Ibarapa, and particularly Eruwa, the private investors, and AfDB for believing in this.” Explaining how Fasola Hub has become a success story, Akande maintained that the Hub has seen an influx of 12 medium to large national and international private companies occupying the 1,150 hectares of land for crop production, livestock rearing, and processing for domestic consumption and export. He added that these companies have been contributing to supporting smallholder farmers in the state through training, taking their crops for processing and development of early generation seeds that will help yields across the state. In his special remarks, Director-General, Nigeria, African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr Abdul Kamara, lauded Governor Makinde for resuscitating moribund farm settlements and putting the state on the path of agribusiness, which he described as consistent with AfDB’s approach to rural and economic transformation and aligns with its focus to feed Africa, guarantee food security, nutrition, agro-processing, agricultural transformations, industrialisation and improving the quality of lives for Africans. He assured that the AfDB would give its maximum support to the speedy execution of the project. In their separate goodwill messages, the Senior Special Adviser on Industrialisation to the President of AfDB, Prof. Banji Oyeleran-Oyeyinka; the Olu of Igbooro, Oba Olajide Titiloye; and the chairman, Eruwa Council of Elders, Chief Joseph Peluola, severally appreciated Governor Makinde for seeing the future of agriculture sector and making the project a reality. They urged the governor to ensure the speedy completion of the Ido-Eruwa road and equally enhance microfinance banks to give financial support to more farmers. Delivering a vote of thanks, the Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, equally lauded Governor Makinde, noting that the Eruwa Agribusiness Industrial Hub would be a legacy project for him after his tenure. He also charged residents of the area to cooperate with the contractors for the success of the project. The event had in attendance former deputy governors of Oyo State, Engr. Hamid Gbadamosi
Reps reject 6-year single tenure for elected oifficials
A bill seeking to amend the 1999 constitution to provide for a single term of six years for the offices of the president, governors and local government chairmen was rejected by the House of Representatives on Wednesday. The bill, sponsored by the member representing Ideato North, South federal constituency of Imo State, Ikenga Ugochinyere and 33 other lawmakers, also seeks zonal rotation of presidential and governorship seats, as well as holding of elections into the offices in one day. The proposed legislation seeks to alter Sections 76, 116, 132, 136, and some others of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). According to the general principles of the bill, “these amendments are to ensure inclusive governance and curb wastages, occasioned by four-year periodic elections. “The bill, among others, seeks amendment of Section 132 of the Principal Act by inserting a new subsection (2), deleting the extant subsection (4) and renumbering the entire section accordingly to provide that an election to the office of President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria shall be rotated between the north and the south regions of the country every six years. “Other amendments include, Section 76 of the Principal Act is altered by inserting a new subsection (3) as follows; (3) For the Purposes of Section (1) of this section, all elections into the offices of President, Governors, National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly shall hold simultaneously on the same date to be determined by the Independent National Electoral Commission in consultation with the National Assembly and in accordance with the Electoral Act. “Section 116 of the Principal Act is amended by inserting a new a subsection (3) as follows: For the purposes of subsection (1) of this section, all elections into the offices of President, Governors, National Assembly, State Houses of Assembly and Local Government Councils shall be held simultaneously on the same date to be determined by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, in consultation with the National Assembly and in accordance with the Electoral Act. “Section 132 of the Principal Act is amended by inserting a new subsection (2), deleting the extant subsection (4) and renumbering the entire section accordingly: An election to the office of President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria shall be rotated between the north and the south regions of the country every six years, provided that where it is the turn of the north or south to present a candidate for election into the office of President, it shall be rotated among the three geo-political zones that constitutes the regions. “The extant subsection (2) becomes subsection (3) The extant subsection (3) becomes subsection (4) The extant subsection (4) is hereby deleted. The extant subsection (5) remains subsection (5). “Section 136 of the Principal Act is amended by deleting the extant subsections 1 & 2 and replacing them with new subsections I, 2 and 3 as follows: If a person duly elected as President dies before taking and subscribing to the oath of allegiance and oath of office. or is for any reason whatsoever, unable to be sworn in, the person elected with him as First Vice President shall be sworn in as President and he shall appoint a new First Vice President with the approval by a simple majority of the National Assembly at a joint sitting.“A person who was sworn in as governor to complete the term for which another person was elected as governor shall not be elected to such office for another term. The Principal Act is altered by inserting a new Section 188 immediately after the extant 187 and immediately before the extant 188 and renumbering accordingly as follows; 188(1) ”Notwithstanding any other provision, the governor shall present a mid-term account of stewardship performance report to the State House of Assembly at the end of the third year of the six-year term. ”The State House of Assembly shall determine by a resolution supported by not less than two-third majority of members, whether the governor has, by the account of stewardship report, justified his continuous stay in office. ”Where, upon the consideration of the mid-term report under subsection (1) of this section, the state House of Assembly is not satisfied with the performance of the governor for the period he has been in office, the State House of Assembly shall pass a vote of no confidence on the governor. ”The State House of Assembly shall immediately commence the process for the impeachment of the governor from office.” Thereafter, the bill was put to a voice vote by the speaker who presided over the plenary and the nays had it.
Kwara workers told to register with KWASRRA
The Kwara State Government has directed all staff under its local government payroll to register with the Kwara State Residents Registration Agency (KWASRRA) at designated centrer across the 16 local government Council secretariats. The statement was shared on Thursday via the Facebook page of the state government. In a statement signed by Alhaji Umar Danladi Shero, the Executive Chairman of the Kwara State Local Government Service Commission and the Local Government Pension Board, he clarified that the exercise is not aimed at targeting or punishing any staff member. Instead, it is intended to accurately document staff numbers and gather necessary information to support effective policy-making. Alhaji Shero assured that all arrangements have been made to ensure a smooth registration process, with prior notifications sent to all 16 local government councils. He, however, cautioned that any staff member who fails to participate in the exercise will be deemed illegitimate and will face consequences. The Chairman reiterated the state government’s new policy of “No Registration, No Salary or Bonus,” emphasizing that it will be strictly enforced. “Alhaji Umar however said any staff who decides to make his or herself unavailable for the exercise will be considered as an illegitimate officer of the council. Reiterating this, he noted that the new policy by the state government of ‘No Registration No Salary and Bonus’ will not be hesitated to be applied,” the statement noted.
Russia threatens to attack US base in Poland with ‘advanced weapons’
Russia has threatened to attack a new US defence base in Poland with “advanced weapons” — just hours after reportedly launching an intercontinental ballistic missile at Ukraine on Thursday. Moscow leveled the warning after saying the opening of the ballistic missile defence base, located in the town of Redzikowo near the Baltic coast, would lead to an increase in overall nuclear danger. “Given the nature and level of threats posed by such Western military facilities, the missile defense base in Poland has long been added to the list of priority targets for potential destruction, which, if necessary, can be executed with a wide range of advanced weapons,” Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Maria Zakharova said. The US base at Redzikowo, which opened November 13, is part of a broader NATO missile shield — known as “Aegis Ashore” — that can intercept short- to intermediate-range ballistic missiles, according to the alliance. “This is another frankly provocative step in a series of deeply destabilizing actions by the Americans and their allies in the North Atlantic Alliance in the strategic sphere,” Zakharova said of the base’s opening. “This leads to undermining strategic stability, increasing strategic risks and, as a result, to an increase in the overall level of nuclear danger.” Poland stressed that the base does not pose a threat and does not hold nuclear missiles. “It is a base that serves the purpose of defence, not attack,” said Pawel Wronski, Poland’s foreign ministry spokesperson. “Such threats will certainly serve as an argument to strengthen Poland’s and NATO’s air defenses, and should also be considered by the United States.” The Kremlin’s warning came after Kyiv’s air force said Russian forces launched an intercontinental ballistic missile during an attack on the Ukrainian city of Dnipro earlier Thursday. The Ukrainian air force said the missile was fired from the Russian region of Astrakhan — some 435 miles from Dnipro in east-central Ukraine. “Today there was a new Russian missile. All the characteristics — speed, altitude — are (of an) intercontinental ballistic (missile). An expert (investigation) is currently underway,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in a video statement. Moscow said the ballistic missile defense base would lead to an increase in overall nuclear danger. Asked about the Ukrainian statement, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters to contact the Russian military for comment. The launch, if confirmed, adds to the rapidly rising tensions after Ukraine fired US missiles at targets inside Russia this week — despite Moscow warning it would see such action as a major escalation and Russian officials saying it could lead to World War III.
My husband ruined my career- Olajumoke Bread seller-turned-model
Popular model and former bread seller, Olajumoke Orisaguna, famously known as Olajumoke Onibread, has come forward with serious allegations against her ex-husband, Sunday Orisaguna, accusing him of physical abuse during their marriage. This announcement marks a critical moment in her life as she recounts her harrowing experiences of domestic violence, shedding light on the often-hidden struggles faced by many. During a candid interview with City FM, Olajumoke opened up about the toll that her marriage took not only on her well-being but also on her burgeoning career. She recalled the trials and tribulations she endured while residing in her husband’s family home located in Iree, Osun State. This environment, she explained, was far from conducive to a peaceful domestic life, and the tension within the household was palpable. Living in a household dominated by her mother-in-law’s hostility, Olajumoke found herself in a situation that felt increasingly suffocating. “There is no way you stay in such a place that you would not encounter problems,” she expressed, highlighting the fraught dynamics that pervaded her life at the time. She often found herself closing her hairdressing shop early each day, hurriedly preparing dinner in a bid to appease her mother-in-law, who wielded significant influence over her husband’s actions and decisions. As Olajumoke described, “It was whatever she told her son that he listened to. He would not hear my own side of the story before beating me.” This troubling pattern of violence revealed itself in moments of conflict, particularly when misunderstandings arose between her and her mother-in-law. Regrettably, Sunday would resort to severe physical violence, leaving Olajumoke with battered faces and bruised bodies, and in some instances, resorting to beating her with a belt. With her dignity at stake, Olajumoke kept her suffering largely concealed, terrified of burdening her mother, who lived nearby. “I didn’t want my mother to hear,” she shared, noting, “Whenever I reported incidents to her, she would say she didn’t give me out in marriage to anyone.” Olajumoke further revealed that even her aunt had been sceptical about her marriage to Sunday, cautioning her against the arrangement based on her own experiences living in Iree. Unfortunately, when the pregnancy issue arose, it left her with little choice, as societal pressures and familial expectations began to loom over her. Feeling trapped in an oppressive environment, she noted, “Only those who lived with us knew about the beating. I didn’t tell anyone.” The gravity of her situation escalated in January 2016, when an argument erupted while frying akara in remembrance of her father-in-law. An altercation with Sunday’s elder sister spiralled into yet another episode of violence, prompting Olajumoke to make a life-altering decision she would leave her husband and relocate to Lagos to reclaim her life. As she packed her belongings with her two children in tow, Olajumoke felt a glimmer of hope. “I decided that I was going to leave, move to Lagos, and start working at the bakery because I had been there before,” she recounted, reflecting on her past experiences and the strength she had built over the years. Upon arriving in Lagos, she felt a weight lifted from her shoulders as she confided in a close friend who celebrated her newfound freedom, recognizing the oppressive toll that her marriage had taken on her spirit. “I was enduring all of it,” Olajumoke recalled, detailing her relentless hustle to provide for her family while Sunday remained unemployed. Unfortunately, after their separation, things took a turn for the worse. The aftermath of their split witnessed Sunday tarnishing her reputation, further complicating her journey as she attempted to navigate her career in the aftermath of personal upheaval. “Everything started going down the drain after separation because he started spoiling my name,” she lamented. New Daily Prime takes a reflective glance back at Olajumoke’s rise to fame, which catapulted her into the public eye in 2016 when she inadvertently walked into a photoshoot with British rapper Tinie Tempah, her image captured by renowned photographer TY Bello. This serendipitous moment helped transform her life, turning her into a sought-after model and symbol of resilience. Today, Olajumoke Orisaguna stands as a beacon of hope for many, as she fearlessly recounts her story in the hope of inspiring others to break free from the shackles of abuse. Her journey amplifies the message that truth has the power to liberate, with each revelation reshaping the narrative, not just for herself, but for countless others finding their voice in the struggle against domestic violence. Her willingness to share such intimate and painful details of her past serves as a reminder of the myriad challenges that many individuals face in silence, often feeling trapped by societal norms or personal fears. Olajumoke’s story does not just highlight her turmoil; it reflects a broader societal issue one that demands attention and action. The stigma surrounding domestic violence often pushes victims into isolation, where they feel compelled to suffer in silence rather than seek help. By coming forward, Olajumoke is breaking that cycle, encouraging others to find their strength and speak out against abuse. In recent years, discussions surrounding domestic violence have gained prominence, with increasing numbers of awareness campaigns and support systems being established to help victims. Olajumoke’s experience underscores the importance of these initiatives. She has called upon society to create more accessible resources for individuals facing similar predicaments, emphasizing the need for education and open dialogue about domestic abuse. “People need to understand that it’s okay to speak up; there are people who care and are willing to help,” she asserted during her interview, radiating a sense of urgency. Moreover, the model’s narrative challenges the stereotypes often associated with domestic abuse victims. Many people assume that victims come from particular backgrounds or socioeconomic statuses. However, Olajumoke’s situation illustrates that anyone can find themselves entangled in such dire circumstances. This reality stresses the importance of empathy and understanding when addressing the complexities surrounding domestic violence. As she bravely recounted her journey, Olajumoke made it clear that her path
Ayra Starr, Asake, Rema return for Coke Studio 2024 ‘Beat the Drop’
Coke Studio2024 has launched its much-anticipated ‘Beat the Drop’ campaign, featuring a star-studded lineup of acclaimed Nigerian music icons Ayra Starr, Rema, and Asake. This groundbreaking initiative aims to celebrate music fandom across the nation, offering fans unique experiences and exciting rewards that resonate with their passion for music. With a focus on uplifting music enthusiasts throughout Nigeria, the campaign promises thrilling prizes that are set to mesmerize participants. Among the attractive offerings is an exclusive all-expenses-paid trip to South Africa for a unique musical experience. Additionally, participants stand the chance to win a staggering ₦75 million in cash prizes, although terms and conditions apply. This initiative not only enhances the engagement of fans but also emphasizes the integral role of music in forging connections among individuals. Yusuf Murtala, the Senior Director of Frontline Marketing at Coca-Cola Nigeria Limited, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration with the beloved music trio. “We’re proud to continue our partnership with fan-favourite artists Ayra Starr, Rema, and Asake for our Coke Studio2024 ‘Beat the Drop’ campaign. This initiative celebrates the compelling power of music and fandom across our vibrant country. We aim to offer fans in Nigeria unparalleled access to these iconic artists and live acts, promising exhilarating digital and real-world moments like never before,” he noted. Murtala emphasized that fans can expect a variety of thrilling experiences as part of the campaign. Following the artists closely, the anticipation builds for exclusive track drops and heart-pounding live performances, with more details to be divulged in the upcoming weeks. To further enhance fan engagement, the campaign will also include custom-designed Coca-Cola packs, adorned with the imagery of Ayra Starr, Rema, and Asake. These specially designed packs are intended to immerse fans in a unique experience with their favourite artists, enabling them to feel connected to the music in their daily lives. Murtala highlighted that Coke Studio is committed to transforming how fans connect with their musical idols. “We are excited to bring fans incredible opportunities through our ‘Drink, Find, Scan, and Win’ promotion. Participants stand a chance to win exclusive tickets to the highly anticipated Coke Studio Live event scheduled for December. Also up for grabs are Boomplay subscription vouchers and, of course, the coveted trip to South Africa,” he stated. The rewards don’t end there. Murtala revealed that fans could also unlock various goodies, including Bolt ride vouchers for hassle-free transportation, recharge cards to ensure uninterrupted connectivity, and Showmax vouchers for cinema lovers, all designed to elevate the music experience. Participating in this campaign is straightforward. Consumers must purchase a Coca-Cola drink with a distinctive white cap or crown and scan the QR code found on the packaging or promotional materials. By entering the unique 10-character code revealed under the cap, fans unlock an exciting world of possibilities. The instant announcement of winners adds an extra layer of thrill to the campaign, creating an ongoing buzz around the initiative. Beyond immediate rewards, the campaign also features compelling weekly draws, where five fortunate fans will have the opportunity to win ₦1 million each week. Moreover, one grand prize winner will be awarded an exclusive ticket to a remarkable musical experience in South Africa, further incentivizing participation. Murtala reassured fans that the campaign is approved and overseen by the relevant regulatory authorities, emphasizing Coca-Cola’s commitment to rewarding loyal customers while creating thrilling engagement opportunities for music lovers across the nation. “We’re excited to celebrate the synergy between Coca-Cola and the dynamic world of music, enhancing the connection we share as a community,” he concluded. As the ‘Beat the Drop’ campaign unfolds, music enthusiasts in Nigeria can look forward to an electrifying experience that not only recognizes their love for music but also provides fantastic opportunities for unforgettable memories. This initiative solidifies Coke Studio’s reputation as a platform that champions music culture and deepens connections through the universal language of sound.
Simon Ekpa’ll be extradited to face charges in Nigeria – DHQ
The Nigerian Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has announced plans to extradite Simon Ekpa, the self-proclaimed Prime Minister of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), to Nigeria to face charges. In a statement released to News360 Nigeria, the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, revealed that Chief of Defence Staff General Chris Musa expressed satisfaction with Ekpa’s recent arrest in Finland. Gusau stated, “The CDS is happy with his arrest in Finland, with the hope this will be a step towards his extradition to Nigeria so that he will face justice.” Ekpa is accused of promoting separatist propaganda linked to IPOB through social media, inciting violence, and supporting activities that have reportedly led to civilian and security personnel casualties in southeastern Nigeria. His offences allegedly date back to August 23, 2021. The Finland district court in Lahti recently ordered Ekpa’s remand on probable cause for public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent. Finnish authorities are also investigating him for financial crimes, including raising funds through questionable means. Crime Commissioner, Otto Hiltunen of Finland’s Central Criminal Police stated that Ekpa’s activities had led to crimes and unrest in Nigeria, primarily orchestrated from his residence in Lahti via social media. Ekpa, a local politician in Finland, previously served as a deputy councillor with the National Coalition Party and represented Lahti’s public transport board. Despite his political affiliations in Finland, he has used his platform to advocate for Biafra’s independence and call for election boycotts in Nigeria. Finnish police arrested Ekpa in February 2023 for similar allegations but released him after questioning. Authorities have confirmed ongoing investigations into his activities and those of four other suspects arrested on allegations of financing terrorism. The DHQ’s assurance of extradition highlights the Nigerian government’s determination to address what it deems a critical threat to national unity and stability.
Mitigating Bird Strike: Strategy for Nigeria airport wildlife management
Bird strike is a collision between an aircraft and a bird or other wildlife, such as bats or small animals. It can pose a significant threat to aviation safety. Causes of bird strikes include birds attracted to airport surroundings by things such as food, waste and water; and habitat encroachment whereby airports built near wetlands. Others are weather conditions which includes like storms, turbulence and aircraft flight path. The effects of bird strikes are huge and can be catastrophic. They include engine failure or damage, windshield damage, air frame damage, loss of control and emergency landings or crashes. The consequences of bird strike consist of safety risks to passengers and crew, aircraft damage or loss, flight delays or cancellations. There are also economic costs in terms of repairs, lost revenue; and environmental concerns like bird habitat disruption. Aviation experts say Nigerian airports recorded over 93 bird strike incidents in the first half of 2022. According to them, the Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA) in Lagos is as a high-risk area for bird strikes with 54 incidents out of 93 bird strike incidents recorded. According to a report from the Federal Airports Authority (FAAN), 134 bird strike incidents occurred in the country between 2015 and 2020. Recently, Nigeria`s Air Peace airline confirmed that its early morning flight from Abuja to Lagos was forcefully aborted due to a bird strike incident. A statement issued by the airline’s Head of Corporate Communications, Dr Ejike Ndiulo, informed that Abuja-Lagos flight experienced a bird strike before take-off, prompting a ramp return as a safety measure. “All passengers disembarked normally. We have deployed a replacement aircraft for the affected flight to minimize disruptions and ensure that passengers continue their journeys promptly. “We appeal for the understanding of our valued passengers impacted by this development, as well as those on other flights that may experience delays. “At Air Peace, we are committed to providing safe, comfortable, and reliable air travel for all our passengers, “ he said. Worried by the huge losses incurred by airlines as a result of bird strikes, FAAN said it would acquire “Phonic Bird Wailers“ which would help in combating wildlife and bird strikes in the country. Capt. Muktar Muye, former FAAN Director, Airport Operation, said the equipment was already being shipped into the country. Furthermore, FAAN took delivery of bird strike fighting equipment from Canada on October 4, 2024 to support airline operators. FAAN Managing Director, Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, is confident that the equipment would drastically to promote safety at nation`s airports. Kuku said that the achievement would ultimately increase Nigeria’s rating in the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). According to her, FAAN also received wildlife hazard control equipment from ICAO to enhance safety and mitigate wildlife hazards at various airports in the nation for effective utilization. The managing director said this demonstrated FAAN’s commitment toward confronting bird strike incidents and ensuring airport safety. Kuku, however, said that she regretted the menace of bird strike incidents on the operations of the airline operators in the country. The delivery of bird strike fighting equipment from Canada was well lauded by the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) as a proactive measure to address infrastructure challenges at the nation`s airports. Nevertheless, retired Group Capt. John Ojikutu, an Aviation Security Consultant, told the newsmen recently that the nation would not make much progress in air safety unless the nation purged itself of issues that trigger air mishaps. According to him, FAAN bought the appropriate equipment and recruited specialists from the universities with offices in the FAAN headquarters and at Abuja Airport. “The sooner the ICAO Audits and the US FAA Audits were completed and Category One was bestowed on us, every ladder that took us up was destroyed including the human capital skills. “ The results are not only FAAN, so it is for the Airlines without skilled manpower such as pilot, engineers, in sufficient numbers. “So it is with NAMA without sufficient Air Traffic Controllers and also in FAAN without sufficient skilled manpower in its various operations and support services. “The general problems have to do with the oversight and enforcement Authority, NCAA which also lacks skilled manpower for the periodic inspections, checks, audits, survey, among others on all the Aviation Operators, “ he said. According to him, a lot is wrong with the sector and those who performed wonders in 2006 to 2010 for the valued Category One are still very much around to tap from. “Going out and signing various purchasing contract agreements is not the way to progress but begin with the training of skilled manpower in sufficient numbers. “Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), ZARIA has been brought down and we do not have sufficient funds for training abroad. There is work for us all to do, “ he said. He listed aviation operators to include airlines, airports, ground handling services, regulated cargo agents, fuel marketers among others. Also speaking with newsmen, Mr Nuhrudeen Aliyu, the Assistant General Manager, Azman Airline Limited, said that acquiring equipment was different from putting them to use. “The equipment may be active while the personnel that will work with it may be loose, that’s my take,” he said. Aliyu said regulatory framework for airport wildlife management in Nigeria would reduce yearly loss airlines incur due to bird strike. Stakeholders say that observing international best practices in bird strike prevention is also important.
