News
Hajj 2022: Pilgrims reject Azman Air over operational antecedents
Barely 48 hours to the commencement of airlifting of intending pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for 2022 Hajj pilgrimage, some states are already rejecting the selection of Azman Air aircraft for the operation.
This development is already causing anxiety among pilgrims, as they questioned airline’s selection by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON.
But the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, in a swift reaction, assured pilgrims that all aircraft must be certified before operation.
It was reported that Azman Airline was one of the three airlines engaged by NAHCON for this year’s Hajj pilgrimage. NAHCON also noted that Azman Air was entrusted with conveyance of pilgrims from 16 states and the Armed Forces.
The states are Kano, Abia, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Ekiti, Enugu, Imo, Kaduna, Ogun, Ondo, Rivers, and Yobe states.
Max Air and Flynas had been airlifting pilgrims from their assigned states, but Azman is yet to commence. Their first flight might likely move on Monday night.
A pilgrim, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said: “We have already complained to NAHCON over the imposition of Azman as official Hajj carrier of my state pilgrim.
“Our rejection of Azman is based on operational antecedents of the airline and their capacity to airlift such number of pilgrims assigned to them within the little time before the closure of King AbdulAziz International Airport in Jeddah.
“Look, I am not contending the technical criteria used by NAHCON to screen the airlines, but how can NAHCON allocate the two states with the largest number of pilgrims to a new entrant into the industry with questionable capacity and experience in Hajj airlift?
“Airlift of pilgrims is not like domestic flights because it is strictly time-based.
Reacting, to the development, the Hajj and Umrah Manager, Azman Air, Alhaji Nura noted that there was no such issue as rejection of Azman by states pilgrims boards.
“Though, there are some states that are used to being airlifted by other airlines in previous Hajj operations and might not be comfortable with us, owing to some reasons. But you know it was NAHCON that assigned states to us.
“We are supposed to begin with Kaduna but we are hampered with the issue of NCAA listing of Kaduna among airports that cannot operate international flights for now due to insecurity. The state government on the other hand, wants their pilgrims to be airlifted from Kaduna State.
“From all indications, Kaduna State pilgrims may be airlifted through Kano; that is the conclusion for now. We are currently in Lagos getting ready to airlift the pilgrims by tomorrow (today) God willing. It is not true that any state has rejected Azman airline.”
News
Cross-River workers embark on warning strike over non-implementation of minimum wage
Civil servants in Cross River state have commenced a strike over the non-implementation of the new minimum wage.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) had slated November 25 and 26 for the warning strike.
They warned that the industrial action would be followed by a total strike should the government fail to do the needful before December 1.
Bassey Otu, governor of Cross River, appealed to the unions to shelve the plan and “support the government in its quest to improve the lot of our people”.
The governor made the appeal at the 5th edition of the state solemn assembly at U.J. Esuene Stadium in Calabar.
Otu said his administration is committed to the welfare of workers.
“I appeal to the leadership of organised labour and all affiliates of the NLC and TUC to suspend their planned strike,” he had said.
“I enjoin them to support the government in the quest to improve the lot of our people.”
On July 29, 2024, President Bola Tinubu signed the minimum wage bill into law. The legislation increased the country’s minimum wage from N30,000 to N70,000.
On November 11, NLC announced November 30 as the deadline for all state governments to implement the new minimum wage.
The union ordered its members to embark on an indefinite strike in states where the new minimum wage is yet to be implemented.
However, several states have begun implementation of the new wage.
News
Driver escapes death as 40ft container falls on car in Lagos
A yet-to-be-identified driver luckily escaped death on Monday morning when a 40-foot-laden container fell onto a Toyota Camry, with registration number LSR 293 HJ, at Mile 2, en route to Apapa Ports, Lagos.
The accident, according to an eyewitness, happened at about 8 a.m.
Fortunately, the driver of the car was rescued by the prompt intervention and coordinated response of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) and other emergency services, including the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA).
The victim received immediate medical attention after being rushed to the hospital by the joint rescue team.
Security during the operation was effectively maintained by officers from the Kirikiri Police Division, who ensured a secure and orderly environment for the emergency responders.
Following the rescue, the Toyota Camry was successfully removed from beneath the container.
As of 9.30 am, efforts to evacuate the fallen container were in full swing, while LASTMA officers managed the scene to ease traffic congestion and restore normalcy.
The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki, reiterated the critical importance of proper container securing by truck drivers and owners.
He stressed that negligence in this regard endangers lives and property, urging strict compliance with road safety protocols to avert such catastrophic occurrences.
“LASTMA remains unwavering in its commitment to ensuring the safety and efficiency of Lagos roadways and continues to work collaboratively with relevant stakeholders to uphold traffic laws and enhance public safety,” Bakare-Oki stated.
News
Lagos state government removes illegal shop extensions blocking drainage channels in Lagos Island
The Lagos State government has cleared illegal shop extensions obstructing drainage systems and a government-provided water tap in Lagos Island.
The exercise was conducted by the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), led by its General Manager, Arc. Gbolahan Oki.
This was disclosed in a statement issued by Adu Ademuyiwa, Director of Public Affairs at LASBCA, via the agency’s official X (formerly Twitter) account on Sunday.
The enforcement operation focused on Idi-Oluwo Street, where shop extensions had blocked critical drainage channels and access to potable water, leaving the community without essential resources.
Arc. Gbolahan Oki highlighted the adverse impacts of these illegal structures on residents, noting that several shop owners had constructed extensions over public drains and a government-provided water tap, causing significant disruptions to the area.
“In a proactive effort to ensure public safety, orderliness, and the smooth flow of traffic, the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) has taken decisive action by removing illegal shop extensions obstructing drainage systems and community water supplies along Idi-Oluwo Street, Lagos Island.
“Leading the LASBCA Enforcement Team, the General Manager, Arc. Gbolahan Oki, highlighted the adverse impacts of these illegal structures on residents. He noted that several shop owners had built extensions over public drains and water tap, causing significant disruptions,” the statement read in part.
The statement revealed that one of the removed extensions had blocked access to a government-provided water tap, cutting off the entire community’s supply of potable water. The swift removal of these illegal structures restored water access to the affected area.
Arc. Gbolahan Oki emphasized the need for residents to respect public infrastructure and take collective responsibility for preserving community resources.
Furthermore, the statement noted that Arc. Gbolahan Oki issued a one-week ultimatum to traders at Idi-Oluwo, directing them to address the identified violations or face stringent legal consequences.
At Mankanra Market, the LASBCA team uncovered several environmental infractions, including shanties obstructing walkways, which compromised the market’s functionality and safety.
Additionally, the statement highlighted that Hon. Princess Lara Oyekan-Olumegbon, representing Lagos Island Constituency 1 in the Lagos State House of Assembly, praised LASBCA’s proactive efforts.
She urged market leaders to ensure their members adhere to state regulations on sanitation and structural integrity, warning that defaulters would face penalties as prescribed by law.
The LASBCA team also visited Bombata Market, where Arc. Oki advised market leaders to prioritize cleanliness and foster an orderly trading environment.
He assured them of a follow-up inspection within three months to confirm compliance with required standards and maintain the improvements.
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