Cloned Nigerian Anchor

Author: Doris Israel Ijeoma

  • Tinubu Congratulates Shirley Botchwey, Incoming Commonwealth Sec-Gen

    Tinubu Congratulates Shirley Botchwey, Incoming Commonwealth Sec-Gen

    President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Honourable Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, on her election as the incoming Secretary-General of the Commonwealth.

    On Friday, leaders of the 56 Commonwealth nations meeting in Apia, Samoa, elected Botchwey, a 61-year-old former lawmaker who has served as Ghana’s foreign minister for the last seven years, as the 7th Secretary-General.

    She is expected to assume office on April 1, 2025.Botchwey is the second African to be elected secretary-general of the Commonwealth in its 75-year history, after Chief Emeka Anyaoku of Nigeria, who served in that position from July 1, 1990, to March 31, 2000.

    She had the backing of Nigeria for the top commonwealth job.

    The Nigerian leader believes that Botchey’s extensive career in public administration, foreign affairs and regional development makes her a perfect fit for the job.

    He trusts that Botchey’s leadership experience will bring renewed energy to the Commonwealth’s efforts to advance meaningful economic and political partnerships that drive development and amplify the bloc’s voice in global affairs.

    President Tinubu said he looks forward to working with the incoming Secretary-General to advance the Commonwealth’s vision of fostering peace, equity and prosperity for all member nations.

    The President reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to championing a Commonwealth that prioritises strengthening intra-commonwealth trade, African exports, and a unified presence at the United Nations that supports an African bid for a permanent representation at the Security Council.

    The President thanked the outgoing Commonwealth Secretary-General, Baroness Patricia Scotland, for her years of leadership and wishes her the best in her future endeavours.

  • NNPCL Releases Names Of Six Victims Of Crashed Helicopter

    NNPCL Releases Names Of Six Victims Of Crashed Helicopter

    The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has released the identities of six employees who tragically lost their lives in a helicopter crash on Thursday.

    According to the flight’s electronic manifest, the deceased NNPC staff members are: “Tamunoemi Suku, Alu Lawrence, Etim Emmanuel, Kenneth Chikwem, Frank Oriamre, and Borris Ndorbo.” 

    The pilot, Captain Yakubu Dukas, was also among the victims, while one additional passenger remains yet to identified.  

    Recall that on Thursday, the helicopter, operated by East Winds Aviation, was en route to the FPSO-NUIMS ANTAN facility when it crashed into the Atlantic Ocean.

    The Nigerian Air Management Agency (NAMA) had enlisted neighbouring countries such as Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea in the search for the missing crashed helicopter and four other passengers.

    As of the time of the crash on Thursday, eight persons were onboard but three lifeless bodies were retrieved from the Atlantic Ocean where the chopper ditched. Two others were later recovered on Friday, putting the tally of recovered bodies at five.

  • Niger gov approves N80,000 minimum wage

    Niger gov approves N80,000 minimum wage

    The Niger State Governor, Mohammed Bago, has announced a new minimum wage of N80,000 to commence in November 2024.

    The governor revealed this after an extensive meeting between the state government and the leadership of the state labour union, assuring that he would continue to review the minimum wage for the state workforce.

    Speaking with journalists on Friday, Bago affirmed that the new minimum wage would be sustainable, given the government’s strides in agriculture.

    “This is very sustainable. ₦80,000 is sustainable. With our advances in agriculture, I am confident we can afford it. We are creating a civil service farm so that civil servants can be productive. With that, I am certain we could eventually pay as much as ₦1 million as minimum wage,” Bago said.

    The governor stated that the new minimum wage would apply to both state and local government civil servants, adding, “We have already paid this month’s salary, so it will take effect in November.”

    The Niger State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Idrees Lafene, who also spoke with journalists after the announcement, expressed his satisfaction with the development, stating that the governor had exceeded their expectations.

    “I feel delighted, and at least Niger State is now among the top-ranking states to implement a higher minimum wage,” Lafene said.

    The chairman acknowledged that while the new minimum wage does not match the current cost of living, it represents progress.

    “It is not enough to buy a bag of rice, but at least it is a step forward,” he added.

  • Shettima’s plane attack by ‘foreign object’: Shehu Sani calls for probe

    Shettima’s plane attack by ‘foreign object’: Shehu Sani calls for probe

    Senator Shehu Sani has called on the Nigerian government to demand a full investigation from the U.S. authorities following an incident involving Vice President Kashim Shettima’s aircraft at John F. Kennedy (JFK) Airport in New York.

    According to a statement from presidential media aide Bayo Onanuga, the vice president’s plane was struck by a “foreign object” that damaged the cockpit window, forcing the cancellation of Shettima’s planned trip to the 2024 Commonwealth Heads of Government Summit in Samoa.

    Writing on social media, Sani stressed the need for transparency and accountability from the U.S., given JFK Airport’s status as a high-security aviation hub.

    He noted that such an event was unprecedented and highlighted the importance of investigating the circumstances thoroughly.

    Senator Sani also expressed gratitude for the safety of Shettima and all those on board.

    His words: “The incident at JFK Airport in New York, where a “foreign object” was reported to have hit and damaged the cockpit window of the VP Shettima’s plane, must be treated seriously.

    “Nigeria must demand a thorough investigation and explanation from the US. Such an incident in one of the most tightly secured aviation spots in the world is unprecedented.

    “We thank the Almighty for the life of the VP and other crew and staff.”

  • Minister Clarifies NDDC’s Status Amid Ministry Changes

    Minister Clarifies NDDC’s Status Amid Ministry Changes

    Minister of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, has confirmed that the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) continues to operate, despite rumours suggesting its dissolution. 

    These rumors surfaced following President Bola Tinubu’s decision to create the Ministry of Regional Development, a move that involved the restructuring of several government departments.

    Recent changes led to the closure of the Ministry of Sports Development and the Ministry of Niger Delta. Abubakar Momoh, previously the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, now leads the new Ministry of Regional Development. 

    This expanded ministry is responsible for overseeing the NDDC, the North East Development Commission (NEDC), and the South East Development Commission (SEDC).

    The NDDC remains fully functional within the Ministry of Regional Development, which aims to coordinate the efforts of various regional development agencies.

     This reorganization is intended to provide a unified structure without altering the NDDC’s ongoing role in the Niger Delta. 

    Momoh assured the region’s residents that the changes are administrative and do not impact the NDDC’s core objectives.

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  • Police Provide Update on Port Harcourt Helicopter Crash

    Police Provide Update on Port Harcourt Helicopter Crash

    The Rivers State Police Command has confirmed the tragic loss of eight lives following the crash of an Eastwind Aviation helicopter into the Bonny River in Rivers State.

    According to AFRIPOST, the helicopter was transporting two crew members and six passengers from the Port Harcourt Military Base to the FPSO Nuim Antan offshore platform in Calabar when the incident occurred. The police believe that all onboard perished in the crash.

    Grace Iringe-Koko, Police Public Relations Officer, stated that Ifeanyi Udogwu, an employee with Antan Producing Limited, initially reported the accident to the police.

    The helicopter, identified by its registration number 5N-BQG (S76C+), took off from Port Harcourt’s NAF Base around 11 a.m. and went down near Antan Producing Limited’s FPSO and Mimbo platform. Rivers State Police Marine Division, alongside other authorities, is actively working on recovering debris and locating all individuals involved.

    The police extended their deepest condolences to the families of the victims.

    Meanwhile, Ministry of Aviation spokesperson Odutayo Oluseyi confirmed the incident, noting that three bodies have been recovered so far. Search and rescue operations continue for the remaining passengers. Preliminary information indicates the oil personnel on board were under contract with Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL).

    The government reported that the Sikorsky SK76 helicopter, registered as 5N-BQG, was en route to the Nuimantan Oil Rig when it crashed into the Atlantic Ocean near Bonny Finima. With no signal from the Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT), the tracking efforts relied on manual searching.

    Agencies like the Nigerian Search and Rescue Unit and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) have mobilized resources, including low-flying aircraft and military support, to aid the operation.

    The National Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) is leading the investigation into the cause of the crash. Mrs. Bimbo Oladeji, Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance for the NSIB, explained that the helicopter was flying under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) without an ELT signal, necessitating manual location efforts.

    Director General Captain Alex Badeh Jr. offered condolences to the affected families and emphasized the NSIB’s commitment to determining the cause of the accident. He also urged the public to avoid speculation as the investigation proceeds

  • Helicopter Crash In Port Harcourt Claims Three Lives

    Helicopter Crash In Port Harcourt Claims Three Lives

    A tragic incident occurred in Port Harcourt, the capital of Rivers State, where three individuals lost their lives in a helicopter crash.

    Odutayo Oluseyi, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, confirmed the unfortunate event in a statement released on Thursday.

    According to the Ministry, eight persons were on board when the helicopter “ditched into the waters near Bonny Finima in the Atlantic Ocean.”

    The statement reads, “received the distressing report of a helicopter accident that occurred today, 24th October 2024, at about 11:22 a.m., along the waterways in Port Harcourt.“

    The helicopter, a Sikorsky SK76 with registration 5NBQG and operated by East Wind Aviation, was en-route from Port Harcourt Military Base (DNPM) to the NUIMANTAN oil rig.

    “The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau has been notified and emergency response teams were immediately activated, and search and rescue operations are ongoing with the support of the Nigerian Search and Rescue Unit, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the National Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), and other relevant agencies.“

    Neighbouring aerodromes have also been notified for support.

    “While no Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) signal was received, manual efforts to plot the location of the accident are underway, and all available resources, including the military and low-flying aircraft, have been deployed to assist in locating and rescuing any survivor(s).“So far, three bodies have been recovered.”

    The Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, is actively working with all relevant agencies to ensure a coordinated response and to minimize casualties from this unfortunate incident.

    “Further information will be provided as details emerge.

    “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of those on board, and we are committed to providing the necessary support during this difficult time.”

    Meanwhile, sources that spoke with TheNation said that all the victims onboard were feared killed.

    “There were six personnel and two crew members onboard the helicopter.

    Three bodies have been recovered so far. Search and rescue is ongoing.“

    The helicopter belongs to Eastwind Aviation,” the source stated.

  • EFCC Seeks Adjournment In Case Against Ex-Governor, Yahaya Bello

    EFCC Seeks Adjournment In Case Against Ex-Governor, Yahaya Bello

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has requested an adjournment of the hearing against the immediate-past Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, and two others until November 14, 2024.

    The request was made during a session at the FCT High Court, where complexities arose regarding the arraignment process.

    Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, representing the EFCC, explained that the adjournment was necessary to ensure the presence of Yahaya Bello, who had been previously summoned through public notice.

    Oyedepo clarified the situation around the summons and the pasting of charges, following Justice Maryann E. Anenih’s interjection that only the summons were ordered to be publicized.

    The legal proceedings became contentious as JB Daudu, SAN, who represented the second defendant, objected to the EFCC’s request for adjournment.

    Daudu argued that all defendants should be treated independently and criticized the EFCC’s approach, equating it to using one defendant as a “human shield.”

    He expressed readiness for arraignment and opposed the unnecessary delays affecting his client.

    A.M. Aliyu, SAN, representing the third defendant, aligned with Daudu’s stance and sought to move an application for bail.

    However, Oyedepo countered that since the charges involved allegations of conspiracy, a joint arraignment was necessary, making individual bail applications premature.

    Despite the heated exchanges and legal arguments, Justice Anenih decided against the immediate consideration of bail, directing that formal applications should be submitted in writing.

    The judge then set the dates of November 14th and 20th for the response to the summons and potential arraignment of the defendants.

  • Minimum Wage: Gov Mbah approves N80k

    Minimum Wage: Gov Mbah approves N80k

    The governor of Enugu state, Peter Mbah has approved a new minimum wage of N80,000 for Workers in the state.

    The governor made the disclosure in a statement posted on his social media handle.

    He said, “I have just approved a minimum wage of N80,000 for Enugu workers, effective October 2024.

    “We appreciate the hard work and sacrifices of the state’s workforce and will continue to prioritise their welfare in line with our campaign promises.

    “Tomorrow is here.”

    It can be recalled that Governor Mbah in August inaugurated the committee for the implementation of the new national minimum wage for civil and public servants in the state.

    This followed the approval of N70,000 as the new national minimum wage by the Bola Tinubu-led Federal government.

  • Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye thanks Tinubu for opportunity to serve

    Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye thanks Tinubu for opportunity to serve

    Former Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, says she remains committed to serving Nigeria and will do her best to contribute to the nation’s progress and prosperity.

    Ohanenye was among five ministers relieved of duty following the 19th Federal Executive Council meeting held at the State House in Abuja on Wednesday.

    In her place, President Bola Tinubu reappointed the former Minister of State for Police Affairs, Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim, as the new Minister for Women Affairs, thanking the outgoing ministers for their service to the nation while wishing them the best in their future endeavours.

    In a letter of appreciation made available to journalists on Thursday, the former Minister thanked President Bola Tinubu for the privilege to serve as Minister, describing it as an honour and privilege to have contributed to the nation’s development.

    She also thanked the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for her guidance and support during her tenure as Minister, which she noted was instrumental to her success.

    Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye also thanked Nigerians for their unwavering support, adding that the confidence and trust in her were a source of inspiration.

    She said, “I write to express my sincere gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the extraordinary opportunity to serve as a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    It has been an honour and a privilege to contribute to the development of our nation.

    ”I would also like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, for her invaluable guidance and support during my tenure as Minister of Women Affairs.

    Her kindness and encouragement have been instrumental to my success.”

    “To the people of Nigeria, I am deeply grateful for your unwavering support.

    Your trust and confidence in me have been a constant source of inspiration.

    I remain committed to serving my country and will continue to do my utmost to contribute to its progress and prosperity