June 2025 | Page 17 of 37

Air Peace Chairman Decries Pull-Him-Down Syndrome Announces Heathrow Slot Approval

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago03 mins

Chairman of Nigeria’s leading airline, Air Peace, Allen Onyema, on Wednesday condemned what he described as an orchestrated campaign to tarnish the image of the airline, urging Nigerians to abandon the “pull-him-down syndrome” that stifles indigenous businesses. Speaking during a press briefing at Air Peace’s Lagos headquarters, Onyema—without directly naming Senator Adams Oshiomhole—addressed the recent controversy involving a missed flight and subsequent accusations leveled by the former Edo State governor. “We demand to be applauded. We demand to be appreciated by our country,” Onyema said, citing Air Peace’s contributions to national crises, including evacuation missions done free of charge. He lamented what he sees as ethnic bias and internal sabotage, stressing the need for Nigerians to rally behind local businesses that create employment and national value. “Do not look at a business and say: ‘this is owned by an Igbo man… let us bring it down.’ If you destroy any indigenous business… you do not know where the next suicide bomber, armed robber or kidnapper will come from,” he warned. Heathrow Slot Secured, Abuja-London Flights to Begin October 26 Onyema also announced that Air Peace has secured flight slots at London Heathrow Airport, with new Abuja–London operations slated to begin on October 26, 2025. He credited the milestone to growing international confidence in the airline and extended appreciation to the British aviation authorities, President Bola Tinubu, and Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo for their support. “They rewarded us with Heathrow. We will also do some Gatwick because they granted us seven days to Gatwick,” Onyema stated. The airline’s expansion comes amid its current daily London service from Lagos and represents a major gain for Nigeria’s aviation industry. Background: Clash with Oshiomhole The statement follows public friction between Air Peace and Senator Oshiomhole, who accused the airline of mismanaging its check-in procedures and missing passengers. In response, Air Peace management clarified that the senator failed to check in online and arrived after the cut-off time, insisting its staff acted professionally.

Wase: Over 80 Bandits 4 Vigilantes Killed in Fierce Plateau Clash

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago03 mins

A deadly clash between bandits and a combined team of vigilantes and soldiers around Dutsen Zaki forest in Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State has reportedly left over 80 bandits and four vigilantes dead, with 16 others injured. The operation, which began Saturday morning and lasted until Wednesday, was confirmed by Abdullahi Hussaini, a local vigilante leader, who stated that over 300 vigilantes participated in the offensive targeting known hideouts in the dense forest. “We are forced to face these armed men… The activities of the armed men have become a daily occurrence,” Hussaini said, adding that the forest is now under vigilante control. The bandits—who had been using the forest around Zurak, Aduwa, Kinashe, and Odare villages—reportedly fled following heavy casualties. Among the dead were also wives of the bandits, according to vigilante accounts. Shapi’i Sambo, a youth leader, confirmed the death of four vigilantes, including a commander, with a new leader already appointed to continue the operation. The Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Wase and a hospital in Bauchi State are currently treating the injured vigilantes. Abdullahi Bin Umar, a resident, reported that many villagers had fled their homes amid fears of retaliation, noting the magnitude of the killings has created deep anxiety across the region. Efforts to obtain comments from the military’s Operation Safe Haven were unsuccessful as Major Samson Zhakom had not responded at press time. This incident follows an earlier clash two weeks ago in Kadil Masudu village, also in Wase LGA, where five bandits were killed.

FIFA MA Course: Gusau, FIFA Instructors Harp on Hard Work, Integrity and Fraternity

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago05 mins

The two-week FIFA Member Associations Course for physical and technical instructors, and Young Talents came to a close in Abuja on Thursday with FIFA Technical Instructor Ali Mohamed Ahmed publicly declaring his confidence in the ability of Nigeria’s budding arbiters to reach unprecedented heights in the vocation globally. The physical and technical instructors’ course was activated between 9th – 13th June, while the Young Talents programme lasted between Sunday, 15th – Thursday, 19th June 2025. President of NFF, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau (MON), who also doubles as President of WAFU B, told the young talents to endeavour to put all they have learnt during the course into practice, as the Federation is in the process of elevating more of the young talents to take on higher responsibilities, such as handling matches of the Nigeria Premier Football League. “I am happy that now, we have a total of 86 young talents in our refereeing pool. This deeply gladdens my heart. Last year, we had 40 people undertake this course, and this year, we have 46. Let me reveal to you that 10 of those young talents from last year have been elevated to the NPFL, and none of them was found wanting throughout the season. “Their record of performance gives great hope to yourselves, and also shows that the NFF is right in our commitment to the young talents. However, in order to keep improving, I charge you to always find ways to fraternize, collaborate in all aspects, and bond together to jointly and severally enhance your capacities.” Mohamed, who is from Somalia, said: “I am very satisfied with the group that we worked with over the past one week – the young talents. Their level of assimilation is very high and I see them going places in the work of refereeing. Please always have integrity at the back of your mind in whatever you do. “We know Nigeria is everywhere, qualifying for all major tournaments and winning trophies and putting up podium performances here and there. But it will also be good to have Nigerian referees not only in the AFCON but also at the FIFA World Cup. Having worked with these young ones for the past one week, I can tell you with assurance that the future of Nigerian refereeing is in very good hands.” President of NRA, Hon. Sani Zubairu thanked FIFA and the NFF for the success of the programme, and asserted that the growing confidence in Nigerian referees at home and abroad can be traced to the support that the referees continue to get from the NFF for their capacity-enhancing programmes, and the intentionality of the NFF President. FIFA Fitness Instructor Boubaker Hanachi from Tunisia was also present at the closing ceremony, as well as Nigerian instructors Felicia Okwugba, Peter Edibe, Cecilia Ugbuji, Emmanuel Imiere, Stella Emoji and Promise Uwaeme. There were also President of the NRA, Hon. Sani Zubairu; Chairman of the NFF Referees Committee, Madam Faith Irabor; deputy chairman Rafiu Umar Gusau; members of the committee, Kabiyesi James Odeniran, Calistus Chukwudi Chukwujekwu, Dr Bello Mohammed, Abraham Zakowi, Waziri Abba Gawe and secretary, Mohammed Ameenu; NFF’s Director of Communications, Dr Ademola Olajire and; Chairman of the Nigeria Football Coaches Association, Isah Ladan Bosso.

Delay in Terminal Benefits: Court Awards N2m Cost Against BUA International

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago03 mins

Hon. Justice Sanda Yelwa of the Lagos Judicial Division of the National Industrial Court has ordered BUA International Limited to pay Mr Chinedu the sum of Two Million Naira costs of action following the payment of Chinedu’s terminal benefits by the firm after litigation had commenced. The Court held that the main aim of cost is to indemnify the successful party for her out-of-pocket expenses and be compensated for the true and fair expenses of the litigation taking the facts of each case into consideration. From facts, the claimant- Mr. Chinedu had submitted that upon his resignation, BUA International Limited refused to compute his terminal benefits despite several demands. Mr. Chinedu averred further after the suit had commenced, BUA International Limited paid his retirement benefits and refused to pay the interest accruing on the principal sum, as well as the sum of Two Million Naira paid to his attorney in pursuit of the case. However, the Defendant- BUA International Limited did not enter any appearance and likewise never defended the case despite being served. In addition, Mr Chinedu’s counsel, Samson Okeh Esq argued that BUA International Limited’s act of undue delay in the computation and payment of his client terminal benefits for a period of 2years after tendering his resignation which has necessitated an accruing interest of 21% from January, 2023 till judgment sum is fully liquidated is justifiable and urged the Court to grant the reliefs sought. In a well-considered judgment, the Presiding Judge, Justice Sanda Yelwa reiterated that costs are not meant to be a bonus to the successful party or serve as punishment against the losing party, and the main aim of cost is to indemnify the successful party for her out of pocket expenses and be compensated for the true and fair expenses of the litigation taking the facts of each case into consideration. The Court held satisfactorily that costs claimed by Mr. Chinedu specifically pleaded and strictly proved by credible evidence in the sum of N2,000,000.00 are grantable. However, the court refused the claim for a 21% judgment sum for the dearth of proof.

Media Rights Agenda Launches Practical Guide for Journalists

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago06 mins

Media Rights Agenda (MRA) on Thursday announced the publication and official launch of a comprehensive new guide titled “Leveraging Digital Tools for Journalism Practice,” aimed at equipping journalists and other media professionals with essential knowledge and tools for modern-day reporting, investigation, and storytelling. According to Ms Ayomide Eweje, MRA’s Programme Officer and author of the 164-page guide, the publication identifies and explains how to use dozens of digital tools and technologies that can enhance the work of journalists across the entire gamut of the journalistic process, from news and information gathering, to news processing as well as news and information dissemination while also giving them cutting-edge tools to protect themselves, their sources of information, their devices and other journalistic materials. She said in a statement issued in Lagos that “The publication is a necessary response to the realities of journalism in a rapidly evolving digital age. It offers practical, hands-on information for journalists about various digital tools to enable them effectively navigate today’s fast-paced digital environment, covering tools for news gathering, fact-checking, cybersecurity, multimedia storytelling, audience engagement, countering misinformation and disinformation, online harassment, and surveillance.” Ms Eweje explained that the publication is also intended to equip journalists with the tools they need not just to survive, but to lead and innovate in their profession while safeguarding their rights, protecting their sources of information, and ensuring the integrity of their work.” She noted that over the past two decades, the tools, devices and platforms used in journalism have evolved at an extraordinary pace with the traditional reporting methods, across the entire spectrum of information gathering, processing and dissemination now being augmented by an ever-increasing array of digital tools for real-time communication and collaboration, multimedia storytelling, investigative research, verification and fact-checking, among others. These tools, Ms Eweje said, have boosted the capacity of journalists to report from remote locations, tell more compelling stories, and engage directly with audiences in ways that were previously unimaginable, although at the same time, they have introduced new layers of complexity and threats, forcing journalists to pay more attention to data privacy, online harassment, platform algorithms, and digital literacy as integral parts of their work. She argued that as journalism continues to evolve, so too must the knowledge, skills, mindsets and equipment of those who practice it, and urged journalists to use the guide and other resources to build their digital capacity and leverage all available digital tools and technological devices in all aspects of their professional practice. She also called on media organisations to invest in digital literacy programmes for their journalists and, where necessary, provide them with financial resources to acquire the required facilities, since not all the tools and devices are available free of charge. In the Preface to the publication, MRA’s Executive Director, Mr. Edetaen Ojo, said: “For journalists, the digital era presents both unprecedented opportunities and significant challenges – from the ability to report stories in real time and reach global audiences or even previously marginalised communities, to navigating constantly evolving online threats, including surveillance, online harassment and trolling, hacking and account takeovers, misinformation, disinformation, deepfakes, and censorship, among others. Ms Eweje said MRA would make the guide available to media organisations and newsrooms, journalism training institutions, and media development organisations across Nigeria and the continent and also make it accessible on its website.

Aruna, Goda Join Star-Studded Cast at WTT Star Contender in Slovenia

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago03 mins

Nigeria’s Quadri Aruna and Egypt’s Hana Goda are among the elite players set to compete at the WTT Star Contender Ljubljana 2025, taking place in Slovenia. The WTT Star Contender Ljubljana 2025 boasts a prize pool of $300,000 and offers valuable ITTF Table Tennis World Ranking points. The singles champions will receive $17,000 and 600 points, while the doubles champions will take home $5,500 and 600 points. This highly anticipated event, hosted at Hala Tivoli in Ljubljana, has attracted a star-studded lineup of table tennis greats. Aruna, currently ranked 24th in the world and the highest-ranked African player, is seeded No. 14 in the men’s singles and has received a bye into the second round (last 32). He is expected to face the winner between Japan’s Shunsuke Togami and China’s Xu Haidong on Friday, June 20. Similarly, Goda, seeded No. 15 in the women’s singles, also received a bye into the second round. She is set to face the winner between Japan’s Sakura Yokoi and South Korea’s Joo Cheonhui. Some of the world’s best players will battle it out over five events in what promises to be a week-long table tennis spectacle. Leading the charge in the men’s singles is Brazilian star and 2025 World Championships runner-up, Hugo Calderano. Known as the “Thrill from Brazil,” Calderano returns to Slovenia with bold ambition, looking to defend his title from last year’s triumph. Joining him are global heavyweights including Japan’s Tomokazu Harimoto, winner of the Men’s Singles title at WTT Star Contender Doha 2025; Felix Lebrun, champion at WTT Champions Montpellier 2024; and Slovenian home favourite Darko Jorgic. In the women’s singles, Japan’s Miwa Harimoto headlines the field after claiming the title at WTT Star Contender Chennai 2025. Her compatriot Hina Hayata is also back to defend her title from last year’s Ljubljana tournament. Other strong contenders include South Korea’s Shin Yubin, seeking her first WTT Star Contender title, as well as Romania’s Bernadette Szocs and China’s Qian Tianyi, both of whom are expected to make deep runs in the competition.

Tinubu to Embark on Vacation to Saint Lucia Amid Rising Insecurity at Home Starting June 28

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago02 mins

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will depart Nigeria on June 28, 2025, for a combination of official engagements and a private vacation in Saint Lucia, according to Saint Lucian Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre. Speaking during a pre-cabinet briefing on Monday, Pierre confirmed that June 30 and July 1 will be reserved for formal meetings with Caribbean leaders, while the rest of Tinubu’s stay will be a personal holiday. The visit is described as historic, with efforts to deepen ties between Africa and the Caribbean, especially given the shared ancestral heritage between Nigeria and many Caribbean nations. To commemorate the occasion, leaders of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS)—which includes Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Saint Lucia—have been invited to participate in high-level talks. Topics expected to be discussed include economic development, education, infrastructure, and diplomatic cooperation. Tinubu’s upcoming trip comes amid widespread national mourning over the recent massacre of over 200 Nigerians in Benue State, raising public concern over the timing of his vacation. It also follows his two-week working visit to Paris in April, drawing renewed scrutiny over the president’s frequent foreign travels amid deepening domestic crises

Troops Kill Eight Terrorists in Katsina Recover Weapons

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago01 mins

Troops of the 17 Brigade under Operation Fasan Yamma have killed eight terrorists in a fierce gun battle along the Kurfi–Batsari Road in Katsina State, the Defence Headquarters confirmed on Thursday. The confrontation occurred on Wednesday near the Forward Operating Base in Kurfi, according to a statement issued by Major General Markus Kangye, Director of Defence Media Operations. Soldiers thwarted the terrorists’ planned attack, recovering five AK-47 rifles, six magazines, and 13 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition during the operation. One soldier sustained injuries and is receiving treatment at the 17 Brigade Medical Centre, Kangye said, adding that troops’ morale remains high and the area is currently calm. The Defence Headquarters commended the troops for their bravery and assured Nigerians of the military’s continued commitment to national security.