Pilot dies on Turkish Airlines flight

A plane was forced to make an emergency landing after its pilot died on board. The Turkish Airlines flight from Seattle to Istanbul was diverted to New York after the man lost consciousness shortly after take-off. The crew gave the 59-year-old emergency treatment on board and tried to revive him, but he died before the aircraft landed. It is believed the co-pilot safely landed the plane. Flight tracking data showed the Airbus A350 took off from Seattle on Tuesday night before flying north over Canada. However, it then abruptly diverted south and landed at John F Kennedy International Airport just before 6am local time on Wednesday. The airline named the captain as Ilcehin Pehlivan. Spokesperson Yahya Ustun said he had worked at the airline since 2007 and had no known health problems. He also passed a medical earlier this year. Mr Üstün added: “We wish God’s mercy to our captain and patience to all his colleagues and loved ones, especially his grieving family.” Arrangements are being made for the passengers to continue their journey from New York, the airline confirmed.

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NLC condemns increase in petroleum pump price 

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has condemned the increase in the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd).  NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajero stated this in a statement issued on Wednesday.  The statement reads; “We are dismayed by the latest increase in the pump price of petrol.  “It looks like the only thing this government is known for is increase in the pump price of petrol without commensurate capacity of Nigerians or mitigatory measures. “Even following the logic of market forces , we find it an aberration that a private company (NNPCL) is the one fixing prices and projecting itself as a hegemonic monopoly. “We challenge the government to go to the drawing board and present us with a blueprint for an inclusive economic growth and national development instead of this spasmodic ad hocism and palliative policy. “It needs no stating the fact that the latest wave of increase has grossly altered the calculations of Nigerians once again at a time they were reluctantly coming to terms with their new realities. “It will further deepen poverty as production capacities dip, more jobs lost with multidimensional negative effects. “In light of this, we urge the government to immediately reverse this rate hike as previous increases did not produce any good result. People only got poorer. “But more fundamentally, the government should be bold enough to tell Nigerians in advance the destination it wants to take the country.” The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) on Wednesday increased the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), otherwise known as Petrol of fuel from N855 to N998 per litre. It was gathered that the increment has been initiated across all NNPC Ltd filling stations. The new development is a 12.7% or N113 increase from the initial price.

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FG launches portal for youth access 2000 CNG tricycles

Federal Government has launched the Portal to enable youth access the 2,000 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) tricycles to improve transportation infrastructure and foster economic growth. The Minister of State, Federal Ministry of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande unveiled  the Porter   in collaboration with the Presidential CNG Initiative (PI-CNG) and National Commercial Tricycle and Motorcycle Owners & Riders Association (NATOMORAS) at his office in Abuja. While launching the Portal, Comrade Olawande explained that  it is dedicated to fostering transparency in the enrollment of youth into the Presidential CNG Initiative within the transportation sector.  He explained that the portal empowers youth from all regions of Nigeria to register and be connected with aggregators or owners who are directly involved in the programme.  The Minister said; “this aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision for all government programmes and initiatives to provide equal opportunities to people of all backgrounds, regardless of wealth or social status.” He stressed that young individuals in the country will not require any influential connections to benefit from the Ministry of Youth Development’s programmes, adding that the launching of the Youth portal  reaffirms the commitment to ensuring that all the initiatives and programmes are equally accessible to everyone.  The Minister encouraged all young people working in the commercial transportation sector or those interested in joining the sector to take advantage of the benefits provided through the Presidential Initiative on CNG, noting that the initiative is a significant component of the President’s palliative programme. The Minister further explained that there are two ways to accessing the CNG Portal for tricycles; youthcng.ng, pci.gov.ng/tricycle. The Representative of the Presidential CNG Initiatives, Mr. Tosin Coker, in his remarks disclosed that partnering with the Ministry and NATOMORAS will create opportunities for many youths. He stated that the youth have the chance to gain employment by becoming partners with aggregators through the launched scheme. He added that they will have the option to own these tricycles if they desire.  He expressed his appreciation to the Ministry for taking the lead and to the aggregators for supporting the initiative. Earlier, the Chairman of NATOMORAS, Alhaji Sani Hassan, noted that the launch of the portal is historic for their association and its members across the country. He expressed gratitude to God for the opportunity to witness and participate in the launch of the important portal, which he said will provide opportunities for all members.  He assured the Minister of the Association ‘s full commitment to mobilize and educate their members to be actively involved in the programme and to ensure that they make the most of the opportunity.

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Bobrisky: Minister vows to sanction erring Correctional Service Officers 

The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has assured Nigerians of the Federal Government’s commitment to holistic reform the Correctional Service.  He made this assurance at the official launch of the report on the  National Assessment of the situation of Children and Young Adults Deprived of Liberty on Tuesday in Abuja. He stated that the Nigeria Correctional Service Act of 2019 mandates that issues on juvenile deliquesce be addressed through reforms, rehabilitation, reintegration of offenders into the society.   “I’m passionate about giving inmates, especially children and young adults, a second chance, as I strongly believe that a minor action of a minor should not be a major setback for his future,” he said.  He decried the high number of correctional centres across the country as against the ratio of inmates to the population saying,  “there are certain questions we need to ask ourselves; like do we need 256 Correctional centres in Nigeria? When you do the ratio of inmates to the population, Nigeria is one of the least. We have 84,000 inmates in a country of about 200 million people, so why should we have 256 correctional centres? How many armed correctional guards do we have to secure the 256 centres? We need to ask ourselves these questions “.  The Minister said that in the Bobrisky case,  it is not going to be business as usual. “We are resolute. By next week the committee will be ready with the report. My concern is not about Bobrisky, but about my officers. If any officer is found wanting, he must face the penalty.” He reiterated that beyond a name change from prisons to corrections, the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to taking all necessary measures to reform the Correctional Service into a hub for rehabilitation, reformation, and redemption.  “The correctional service cannot continue to be a point of disgrace to the Nigerian Government.We will not allow the actions of a few to destroy the integrity of the generality of the institution,” Tunji-Ojo said. Adding that, the committee will be expanded to address such issues when they arise in future. “We will expand the committee because when the crisis calls it is an opportunity for reform.” While appreciating the efforts of all contributors to the report, Tunji-Ojo assured the public that the government will carefully pay attention to all issues raised, and ensure that sustainable solutions be sought.  He further assured UNICEF of his ministry’s support in addressing issues relating to juvenile justice.  In attendance were key stakeholders and partners including officials of the Ministry of Justice, National Assembly, Prisoner’s Rehabilitation and Welfare Action (PRAWA), UNICEF, Nigerian Bar Association, British High Commission, US Embassy, European Union, NBS_Nigeria, Nigerian Police Force and National Human Rights Commission, amongst others.

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Tinubu decries violence in Rivers, orders Police to provide security to local government offices 

President Bola Tinubu has called on Governor Siminalayi Fubara, political leaders and their supporters in Rivers State to exercise restraint and uphold the rule of law. In response to recent tensions following last Saturday’s local government council election, the President expressed deep concern over reports of arson and explosions in the state. He urged all political actors to de-escalate the situation and discourage their supporters from engaging in violence or destructive actions. President Tinubu directed the police to restore and maintain peace, law, and order immediately. While instructing law enforcement agencies to bring the situation under control, he emphasised the need to ensure the security of public institutions. President Tinubu said government facilities built with public funds must be safeguarded from vandalism. He stressed that self-help has no place in a democratic system, especially after 25 years of continuous democracy. According to President Tinubu, the judiciary can settle all political disputes, and the outcome of this election should be no exception.

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FG approves airstrip for Canaanland- Bishop Oyedepo

The Federal Government has reportedly approved the contruction of an airstrip for Faith Tabernacle, Canaanland, Bishop David Oyedepo of the Living Faith Ministries has said. Oyedepo made this disclosure to members of his congregation at his church’s Tehillah Night Special Edition in Canaanland, Otta, Ogun State. Announcing the new development, the clergy said he can now move to anywhere from his church premises without having to get to the airport first. He also reminded members of the congrefation that they working in purpose with the plan of God for them following the development. The Bishop said, “I am sure you will be glad to know that Federal Government has approved an airstrip for Canaanland. “You are working in the center of God’s plan, so that I don’t need to fly an helicopter to the airport. I can leave from here to where ever I am going,” Oyedepo said.

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N110.4bn Fraud: Court orders Yahaya Bello to appear for arraignment

Justice Maryanne Anenih of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT in Maitama, Abuja on October 3, 2024, has issued a public summon against former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Adoza Bello following his absence in a fresh arraignment on 16-count charges preferred against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC. Bello, Shuabu Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu are facing prosecution bordering on criminal breach of trust, and conspiracy to commit an offence to the tune of N110.4 Billion. Justice Anenih issued the summon in a ruling following an ex parte application by EFCC counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN praying the court to grant leave that the defendant be served the charges via substituted means,  following his absence in court to answer charges filed against him on  September 24, 2024. The court ordered that the charges be served on the defendant at his known residence, No 4, Benghazi Street, Maitama, Abuja, through a public summons to be published in widely circulated national newspapers and also pasted within the premises of the court. The judge granted two separate adjournments: October 24, 2024, and November 14, 2024. The former was for arraignment on the grounds that the defendant will be arrested and brought to court by EFCC and the latter when the 30 days of service elapsed. Bello is also being awaited for arraignment before Justice Emeka Nwite of the  Federal High Court, Abuja on an 18-count charge bordering on money laundering to the tune of N80.2billion.

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