Month: July 2025

Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah of Enugu State says the newly launched Enugu Air will soon begin international operations, with future routes extending to China, Europe, the UK, the US, and other African nations. Speaking on Monday at the airline’s inauguration in Enugu, Governor Mbah revealed that Enugu Air would start with three Embraer aircraft, operating initial routes between Enugu, Abuja, and Lagos, before expanding to other Nigerian cities including Port Harcourt, Owerri, Benin, and Kano. “In the next phase, we will fly beyond Nigeria, into other African countries, China, Europe, UK, US, and other global business hubs,” Mbah announced, calling the airline a strategic tool for economic transformation in Enugu and the South-East region. He described the initiative as more than an infrastructural project, branding it an economic enabler and job creator, poised to position Enugu as a regional transportation and logistics hub. The governor emphasized that the project would support the state’s aviation strategy, stimulate tourism, and attract over three million visitors annually. Mbah said the transportation sector would generate over 20,000 jobs across various services, including BRT systems, airport operations, ride-hailing, logistics, and support roles. Enugu Air will operate under a technical partnership with XEJet Airlines for 24 months while working to obtain its own Air Operator Certificate (AOC). Mbah credited Fidelity Bank Plc for supporting the state’s aviation vision financially. XEJet CEO Emmanuel Ayuba Iza described the launch as “a bold dream” powered by the people of Enugu. He revealed that Kelechi Ossai, a native pilot from Enugu, has been recruited, and that the cabin crew includes trained locals prepared to deliver world-class service. Transport Commissioner Obi Ozor said the state aims to replicate Dubai’s success by creating a transportation system that will grow the state’s economy from $4 billion to $30 billion, powered by innovation and infrastructure. Minister of Aviation Festus Keyamo, present at the launch, praised Mbah as “one of Nigeria’s top-performing governors”, joking that even political opponents are worried about his rising profile. He, however, urged the government to keep Enugu Air free from politics and bureaucratic inefficiency. “Do not let Enugu Air go the way of Nigerian Airways. Run it professionally, and ensure it delivers on schedule,” Keyamo advised.

Gaza City – July 7, 2025 — The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has deepened drastically as Israel’s unrelenting bombardment continues, with at least nine people killed in strikes on a UN-run school and a residential building in Gaza City, while others were gunned down near an aid distribution site in Rafah. According to Al Jazeera, the al-Shafi school, where hundreds of displaced Palestinians were sheltering, was hit at around 2:15am. “We heard the sound of something devastating explode in the hall,” said survivor Zahwa Salmi.“People were shouting: ‘There is no god but Allah! Help us, someone!’ But then we no longer heard any sound from them.” In southern Rafah, nine Palestinians, including three children, were reportedly shot dead near a Global Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) aid distribution point. Al Jazeera correspondent Hani Mahmoud, reporting from Gaza City, said witnesses described the horrific scene where people were too afraid to retrieve the bodies, fearing they might be shot too. “The number of Palestinians killed while trying to get food has now crossed 700,” Mahmoud reported. “This is happening in a place where enforced dehydration and starvation is widespread.” He criticized the GHF operations as “performative” and lacking genuine humanitarian structure or safety protocols. Global Aid Official: ‘Hardest Situation I’ve Ever Seen’ The World Food Programme’s Deputy Executive Director, Charles Skau, who just completed his fourth visit to Gaza since the war began, called the level of human suffering “indescribable.” “It’s hard to find words to describe the level of desperation I have witnessed,” Skau said. “People are dying just trying to get food.” He urged an immediate ceasefire, citing the success of past humanitarian operations during earlier truces: “During the previous ceasefire, we delivered over 8,000 trucks of food in just 42 days. We can do it again—if the violence stops and all entry points are opened.” Mounting Death Toll and Humanitarian Collapse The continued blockade and bombardment have pushed Gaza deeper into catastrophe, with widespread hunger, lack of medical care, and the destruction of critical infrastructure. International outcry has been growing, with human rights groups and aid agencies warning of a full-scale famine if urgent action isn’t taken. Despite global appeals, no new ceasefire agreement has been reached, and military operations continue in densely populated areas. As conditions deteriorate, humanitarian officials warn that Gaza is on the brink of collapse, and time is running out to save millions of lives.