Airport Reporters

  Air Peace gets Marketing Edge awards  Nigeria’s flag carrier airline, Air Peace and its founder, Dr. Allen Onyema have been honoured for their outstanding achievement in the aviation industry. Onyema and his airline were honoured for their remarkable achievement at the 21st Anniversary of Marketing Edge during its Edge Awards 2024. The airline received the prestigious ‘Outstanding Brand of the Year’ award, while Onyema was named ‘Brand Personality of the Year’ for his transformative leadership, nationalistic efforts, and corporate philanthropy. The award ceremony, held on Sunday at the renowned Balmoral Event Hall of Sheraton Hotels, Ikeja, celebrated Air Peace for its exceptional contributions to the Nigerian aviation industry, its innovative spirit, and its relentless pursuit of excellence across Africa and beyond. In addition to the company’s success,  Onyema was honoured with the coveted ‘Brand Personality of the Year’ award. This accolade recognizes not only his st...

  Africa must resist ‘slavery mentality’ to ignite growth in mining – Engr. Adeyemi President, Women in Mining, Nigeria (WIMIN) Engr. Janet Adeyemi  has called on African nations to reject the “slavery mentality” that continues to undermine the continent's growth, particularly in the mining sector.  Speaking at the 3rd Annual Gold and Gem Conference Exhibition (GGCE) and the 2nd Africa Gold Jewellery Exhibition Conference (AGJEC) in Lagos, Adeyemi emphasized the urgent need for Africa to break free from colonial-era mindsets that still hamper progress. Addressing industry leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders, Adeyemi stated, “For centuries, we were made to believe that our resources, cultures, and ideas were inferior, only valuable when extracted, shaped, and defined by others. That mindset—what I call the ‘slavery mentality’—has held us back for too long.” She argued that this mentality not only limits Africa’s economic potential but also erodes the confidence needed ...

  FAAN, Kuku Win Big at ACI Africa Assembly in Johannesburg … Aviation Expert Praise Performance  The Managing Director/Chief Executive of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, has been appointed Regional Advisor to the World Governing Board of the Airports Council International (ACI). Also, the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport and the Port Harcourt International Airport were recognised for their safety performance from February to September 2024. All these happened on days four and five of the 33rd ACI Africa Regional Conference, which took place at the O.R. Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg, South Africa. ACI Africa recognised the two international airports' "engagement towards the practice of excellence in airport emergency management and resilience." The airports were awarded plaques during the conference's Gala Night. Mrs Kuku was on hand to lead the Nigerian delegation in accepting the awards presented by the ACI Africa...

  NSE Commends Appointment of Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as New Chief Justice of Nigeria The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) has reacted to the appointment of Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as the new Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), celebrating it as a significant milestone for gender inclusion in the judiciary and national leadership. In her statement, the NSE President, Engr Margaret Aina Oguntala, FNSE expressed her deep pride in seeing another woman rise to the nation’s highest judicial office, following in the footsteps of Justice Aloma Mariam Mukhtar, who became Nigeria's first female CJN in 2021. She applauded Justice Kekere-Ekun's commitment to upholding the rule of law and her exemplary judicial career, noting that her appointment reflects the growing recognition of women's contributions to leadership in all sectors. The NSE President further emphasized the importance of breaking gender barriers in Nigeria, adding that Justice Kekere-Ekun’s elevation symbolizes progress ...

 World Cleanup Day: Bi-Courtney Joins Global Efforts for a Cleaner World Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited, managers of the Murtalla Muhammed Airport Terminal 2, is proud to participate in World Cleanup Day. As part of its commitment to environmental sustainability, the company will join communities worldwide in the collective effort to clean up litter and promote a cleaner, healthier planet. This year's World Cleanup Day took place on Friday 20 September. The aim is to activate five per cent of the world's population to catalyze lasting societal behavior change around mismanaged waste. BASL’s Head of Safety, Nafisat Adeniran, said, “In our own little way of joining the activated five per cent of the world’s population MMA2 organized awareness events to engage all MMA2 drivers. This is to educate them on how to manage waste within and outside the terminal. We also educated them on how to dispose of it correctly and to ensure that all their vehicles are equipped with baskets...

 A Visionary Leader's Moment on Global Stage: FAAN MD's Standout Contribution In South Africa At the recently concluded Airport Council International (ACI) Africa General Assembly, held in Johannesburg, South Africa, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, Managing Director and Chief Executive of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), emerged as one of the event's most prominent voices. Positioned as a key jurist on the prestigious Airport CEOs panel, Mrs. Kuku delivered a compelling speech that showcased her deep understanding of airport development in Africa, her dynamic leadership at FAAN, and her keen insights into Nigeria’s aviation industry. Her participation in the panel was part of the wider agenda of the global conference and international airshow, a gathering of key stakeholders in the aviation industry. The event brought together professionals from across the globe, all focused on advancing the future of airport management, development, and sustainability in Africa and be...

  World’s Only FNPP Cuts 390,000 Tons of Emissions               .....Nearly One-Third of an Average Oil Refinery’s Annual Output Akademik Lomonosov, the world’s first and only floating nuclear power plant (FNPP) has recorded a major milestone in the 390,000-ton reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, The new move is part of the move by nations across the globe to continuous efforts to address environmental challenges due to greenhouse gas emissions, and strive for a balanced energy mix. Experts say numerous associated issues – for instance, lack of proper infrastructure in remote areas  could emerge along the way. These challenges, experts say, apply to the African continent in a similar manner,  where advanced nuclear technologies come into play.  The Akademik Lomonosov FNPP, experts say, has proven  that innovations in nuclear energy are the key to success in providing local communities with a clean and stable power supply. F...

  NSIB , Nigerian Navy sign MoU on accident investigation  ..... Collaboration to deepen personnel training, rescue operations  The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) and the Nigerian Navy have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at improving collaboration in accident prevention, investigation, and mitigation within Nigeria’s maritime environment.  This strategic agreement, formalized at the Naval headquarters in Abuja, was attended by key officials, including NSIB Director General Captain Alex Badeh Jr. and Rear Admiral Ibrahim Dewu, Chief of Naval Safety and Standards. The MoU establishes a framework for cooperation between the two institutions in various areas, including accident prevention, research, capacity building, and search and rescue operations.  With a strong emphasis on maritime safety, the agreement will enable the Nigerian Navy to support NSIB through its operational expertise in diving, search and rescue, and site security d...

  Olubunmi Kuku Nominated as Regional Advisor for Africa on Airport Council International World Governing Board In a groundbreaking achievement for Nigeria and the African aviation sector, Olubunmi Kuku, the current Managing Director of the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), has been nominated to serve as a Regional Advisor representing Africa on the Airport Council International (ACI) World Governing Board. The nomination  was ratified on September 20, 2024, during the ACI Africa General Assembly held in South Africa, marking a significant milestone not only for Ms. Kuku, but for the entire African aviation community. As a Regional Advisor, Olubunmi Kuku will play a pivotal role in shaping policies and strategies that impact airports across the continent. Representing Africa on the ACI World Governing Board, which oversees 2, 100 airports and 814 members across 169 countries, Ms. Kuku will advocate for the unique challenges and opportunities faced by African airport...

  How to unlock Africa's  $20b  gemstone, jewelry value chain   By Peace Fawale  Players in the precious and semi- stone industry have canvassed the need for African governments to remove the obstacles clogging the growth of the value chain, which could generate over $20 billion revenue for the continent. The players said Africa's rich deposits of precious and semi - precious stones, which are highly sought after in the international market for the gemstone and jewelry industry, is not giving enough benefits to the people involved in its mining.  The players identified the obstacles hindering the sector to include: lack of market knowledge , lack of expertise in  technically identifying the type of gemstones they are producing and their value in the market.  They listed other challenges to include : lack of skills in grading, cutting, and polishing these gemstones as part of the lingering obstacles. The players said most of the arti...

  NAHCO, Suzhou Chamber of International Commerce, Sign Landmark Cooperation Agreement to establish Logistics Park By Peace Fawale  The Nigeria Aviation Handling Company Plc (nahco aviance) has recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Suzhou Chamber of International Commerce to advance economic collaboration and enhance bilateral trade and investment between Nigeria and China.  This strategic initiative aims to establish the China-Nigeria (Suzhou) Logistics Park, which will facilitate seamless trade, improve logistics infrastructure, and increase investment opportunities ¹. The collaboration is a direct response to the landmark joint statement signed by Nigerian President, Ahmed Bola Tinubu, and Chinese President Xi Jinping during the recent China-Africa Forum for Cooperation (CAFCO).  The two leaders agreed to elevate the China-Nigeria relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, working toward the creation of a High-level China-Nigeria...

  NAHCO Chairman Loses Mum ·           Chief Mrs. Alice Fadeni Died at 95 years Old The Chairman of the Board of Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc. (nahco aviance), Dr. Seinde Oladapo Fadeni, has announced the passing of his mother, Chief Mrs. Alice Adekunbi Fadeni. She was aged 95 years. In a statement Saturday night, Dr Fadeni disclosed that his mum transited unto glory on Friday, September 20, 2024. A woman loved by all for her compassion and charity works, Chief Mrs. Fadeni lived a life of fulfilment and died at a ripe old age in the presence of her children, grandchildren and family members. The family said concerning its matriarch, “She will be remembered for her warmth and kindness which touched the lives of many.” In a statement mourning the loss, the GMD/CEO of NAHCO Plc, Mr. Indranil Gupta, described the passing of Chief Mrs. Alice as an irreplaceable loss. “Our thoughts are with our Chairman and his entire family at this ...

  Keyamo issues  NCAA deadline for DANA Air passengers' ticket refund  ….Insists industry must push for consumer protection  Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo yesterday ordered the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), to make a public declaration on when and how it will resolve refunds of tickets purchased by passengers on one of the domestic flights recently suspended from  flying. Keyamo, who insisted NCAA should bring closure to the matter as soon as possible, said the action had become compelling because of the litany of complaints he continues to receive from affected passengers on the vexed issue. Such a move by the NCAA, Keyamo said, would project the regulator in the public eye as an agency committed to driving the protection of consumer rights in the fast evolving air transport eco - system. Speaking in an interview after unveiling the Consumer Protection Portal of the NCAA, at its Annex Headquarters in Lago...

 Borno floods :   Professional  engineering bodies donate N10m …Visit State, donate relief materials  In a display of solidarity and compassion, the President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Engr. Margaret Aina Oguntala, accompanied by the President of the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), Engr. Prof. S.Z. Abubakar,   and the President of the Association for Consulting Engineering in Nigeria (ACEN) led a high-level delegation to Maiduguri on a condolence visit to the Governor of Borno State,  Babagana Umara Zulum. The visit followed the devastating floods caused by the Alau Dam disaster, which has led to mass displacement, destruction of property, and extensive infrastructural damage in Maiduguri and surrounding areas.  Thousands of residents have been impacted, with homes, businesses, and essential infrastructure severely damaged. During the visit, the joint delegation, which including  Vice Presi...

  Airbus names Gabriel Semelas to lead Airbus in Africa , Middle East   Airbus has named Gabriel Semelas as President of Airbus in Africa and the Middle East, effective from 1st January 2025. Gabriel Semelas brings more than 24 years of experience in the aeronautical industry, having held key senior executive roles. He returns to Airbus from his current position as Chief Commercial and Financial Officer at Eurofighter Jagdflugzeug GmbH in Germany. Prior to that, he led the contracts team for Airbus’ Commercial Aircraft business in Africa and the Middle East. In his new role, Gabriel Semelas will be responsible for overseeing Airbus' operations across all the company’s divisions in the Africa and Middle East region, a key area for Airbus strategic development. Wouter Van Wersch, Executive Vice President International at Airbus, said: "Gabriel's extensive background in the aeronautical industry, coupled with his proven leadership skills, makes him the ideal candidate to lead...

 Akwaaba Organisers Commend Nigerian Immigration ;  Ministers of Tourism , Interior for  improved Visa access for Delegates The Organisers of Akwaaba African Travel Market has commended the Nigerian Government for the Support and prompt resolution of the Visa Issues for its Foreign delegates.   In a WhatsApp message to tourism Stakeholders the Organiser Ambassador Ikechi Uko  shared his relief that the Knotty Issue of Nigerian Visa was solved quickly. " I had made a post about my Frustrations with Visa for my Delegates coming from all over Africa. I had Complained that Online Visa on Arrival was very Expensive and the Nigerian Embassies in East Africa were not giving Visas forcing everyone to go online.Some people shared my post with the Minister of Tourism and She Called me to find out the details. After explaining the situation to her She promised to engage her Colleague the Minister of Interior.  I am happy to say that between the Ministers of Interior O...

  Red Star Express revenue jumps to N16.1b  .....Targets opportunities in  domestic, regional markets From Left : Group Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer , Red Star Express PLC, Auwalu Babura;  Chairman Board of Directors,Suleiman Barau; Company Secretary,  Frances Akpomuka ; Group Executive Director , Charles Ejekam  and  Non - Executive Director, Sulaiman Koguna  during  the 31st Annual General Meeting of the company in Lagos on Thursday. Indigenous courier and logistics company : Red Star Express Plc has concluded plans to explore business opportunities within the domestic and regional markets as its revenue jumps to over N16.1 billion with the  declaration of profit running into 10 per cent in the just concluded financial year. This is as the company said it is fine tuning strategies to diversify its revenue streams and mitigate risks associated with the current economic volatility. Its Group Managing Director / Chief E...