Nwosu-Igbo and Eromosele Promoted to General Managers at FAAN

Mrs. Ijeoma Nwosu-Igbo and Mrs. Christabel Eromosele have been promoted to General Managers at the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN). Nwosu-Igbo will oversee the Public Affairs Department, while Eromosele will manage Protocol and Passages.

The appointments, effective June 2024, follow their successful completion of management promotion exams. Nwosu-Igbo, who has been with FAAN since 2002, previously served as acting General Manager since December 2023. She holds an MBA from the University of Calabar.

Eromosele, a graduate of Ambrose Alli University and the University of Lagos, had been acting in her role since January 2024. She has been with FAAN since 1993 and has attended various international training programs.

Both women have been instrumental in enhancing FAAN’s reputation and will continue to lead their respective departments.

Charly Boy Slams APC: “You Can’t Give What You Don’t Have”

Nigerian artist Charly Boy has criticized the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC), claiming they have no real intention of addressing the country’s issues. On August 7, 2024, he shared a video on Instagram featuring Nollywood star Kenneth Okonkwo’s recent interview on Channels Television, where Okonkwo criticized the government’s handling of fuel prices and economic hardship.

In the video, Okonkwo lamented the government’s failure to address fuel price increases and widespread economic difficulties. Charly Boy echoed these sentiments, praising Okonkwo’s remarks and expressing frustration with the APC’s approach.

Charly Boy captioned his post, “Well said, my brother Kenneth. Nobody can give what they don’t have. APC never came to solve people’s problems; they forced themselves on us to build their private empires. Leaders with toxic behaviors only thrive on controlling people, not inspiring them. Nigerian youths, this mafia must be dismantled or there will never be peace in our land.”

Four Key Players to Watch in Olympic Men’s Football Final

The biggest stars might be absent from the Olympic men’s football tournament, but several players have shone over the past two weeks. AFP Sport highlights four standout players in the upcoming final between France and Spain:

Jean-Philippe Mateta

The powerful 27-year-old Crystal Palace striker netted 16 goals in the Premier League last season, with 14 in his last 16 games. Although he wasn’t selected for France’s Euro 2024 squad, coach Thierry Henry chose him for the Olympics, where he has scored four goals, including crucial strikes in the knockout stages.

Fermin Lopez

Barcelona’s 21-year-old attacking midfielder has risen to prominence, scoring 11 goals in 42 appearances last season and making Spain’s Euro 2024 squad. At the Olympics, Lopez has scored four goals and played a pivotal role in Spain’s run to the final, showcasing his talent with key goals and assists.

Michael Olise

Olise, 22, has been a standout on the right wing for France, scoring two goals and providing vital assists. Fresh from a transfer to Bayern Munich for €60 million after a stellar season with Crystal Palace, Olise’s pace and creativity have been instrumental in France’s journey to the final.

Pau Cubarsi

The 17-year-old centre-back from Barcelona, just missing Spain’s Euro 2024 squad, has been a defensive revelation at the Olympics. Cubarsi’s maturity and skill in central defense will be crucial in countering France’s attacking threats in the final.

Nigerian Immigration Officer Suspended for Soliciting Bribe from Traveller

The Nigeria Immigration Service has suspended Assistant Superintendent of Immigration II, Okpravero Ufuoma, for allegedly seeking a bribe from a traveller.

NIS Comptroller General, Kemi Nandap, announced the suspension in a statement by Service Public Relations Officer Kenneth Udo on Thursday in Abuja.

Nandap condemned the officer’s actions, which were captured in a viral video, stating they contradict NIS values and ongoing service reforms.

The officer has been indefinitely suspended pending disciplinary procedures, in line with Public Service Rules.

Nandap emphasized NIS’s zero-tolerance for corruption and commitment to excellence, noting the installation of electronic gates at international airports to improve service and prevent similar incidents.

She urged the public to report any misconduct by immigration officers.

Israel Revokes Diplomatic Status of Norwegian Envoys Amid Gaza Conflict

Israel has revoked the diplomatic status of Norwegian envoys to the Palestinian Authority, according to a statement from Foreign Minister Israel Katz on Thursday. Katz cited Oslo’s “anti-Israel behaviour” since the Gaza war began in October as the reason for this move.

Katz stated, “I ordered the termination of any representation on behalf of the Norwegian Embassy in Israel vis-a-vis the Palestinian Authority,” emphasizing that there is a consequence for what he described as anti-Israel actions by Norway.

NLC Demands Policy Reversal, Condemns Government’s Response to Protests

The National Executive Council (NEC) of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has condemned the Federal Government’s handling of the #EndBadGovernance protests and called for an immediate reversal of policies causing economic hardship.

During an emergency meeting on Wednesday, the NEC criticized the government’s violent response to the peaceful protests, which began on August 1, 2024, resulting in deaths and injuries. The NEC’s communiqué, signed by NLC President Joe Ajaero and General Secretary Emmanuel Ugboaja, expressed deep concern over the government’s approach.

The NLC rebuked the government’s adherence to World Bank and IMF policies, labeling them “anti-poor.” The union also condemned the misuse of treasonable felony charges against peaceful protesters.

The NEC demanded policy reversals and immediate relief measures, a National Day of Mourning for those killed, and an independent investigation into the violence. They urged the government to engage in meaningful dialogue with protesters and stakeholders to resolve the crisis, warning of potential directives for workers to stay home for safety.

The communiqué also denounced government interference in NLC affairs, particularly actions by the Minister of Labour and the Registrar of Trade Unions, and called for the withdrawal of a politically motivated letter sent to the NLC.

Army Arrests Soldier for Killing Protester in Kaduna

The Nigerian Army has arrested a soldier for the fatal shooting of a protester in Zaria, Kaduna State. According to Army Spokesman Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, the incident occurred as the soldier attempted to disperse a crowd during a protest.

The soldier, whose name has not been disclosed, fired a warning shot that led to the death of 16-year-old Ismail Mohammed. Nwachukwu explained that troops responded to a distress call about hoodlums gathering, burning tires, and throwing stones at security personnel in Samaru.

The soldier is currently undergoing interrogation. The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, has sent a delegation to offer condolences to the deceased’s family. Mohammed has been buried according to Islamic rites, with senior military officers in attendance.

Presidency Clarifies Viral Video of President Tinubu as Old Footage

The presidency has confirmed that a video of President Bola Tinubu addressing Nigerians, which went viral on Wednesday, is an old recording. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Information and Strategy, clarified on his X account that the video in question is from a broadcast made last year. Onanuga noted that President Tinubu has not made any new public statements since his last address on Sunday.

In related news, Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed criticized President Tinubu’s recent nationwide address concerning the #EndBadGovernance protests as an “empty speech.” During the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) campaign launch for the local government election in Bauchi, Mohammed urged the Federal Government to stop making excuses to Nigerians. In his Sunday address, Tinubu called for an end to the protests and reiterated that the removal of the fuel subsidy is non-negotiable.

Egypt Orders Airlines to Steer Clear of Iranian Airspace Amid Tensions

Egypt has directed its airlines to avoid Iranian airspace for a three-hour period early Thursday due to heightened tensions following recent escalations with Israel. The notice, effective from 01:00 to 04:00 GMT, prohibits flights over Tehran and reflects concerns over potential Iranian military actions.

The heightened alert follows the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, which Hamas and Iran have attributed to Israel, though Tel Aviv has neither confirmed nor denied involvement. Additionally, Hezbollah has threatened retaliation against Israel in response to the killing of its commander, Fouad Shukr, in an airstrike.

The situation is further complicated by Israel’s ongoing offensive in Gaza, which has resulted in substantial casualties and destruction, leading to accusations of genocide by the International Court of Justice.

NCAA to Launch Consumer Protection Portal to Enhance Complaints Resolution

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) is set to introduce a consumer protection portal by the end of the year to streamline the resolution of air travellers’ complaints. Capt. Chris Najomo, Acting Director of Civil Aviation, announced this initiative during the start of a two-day training for Consumer Protection Officers (CPOs) and airline staff at the NCAA headquarters in Abuja.

Najomo, represented by Mr. Michael Achimugu, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, assured that the new portal will address real-time passenger complaints and improve airline performance tracking. This will be the NCAA’s first consumer protection portal since its inception in 2000.

The portal is expected to enhance transparency by allowing stakeholders to track the number of complaints and their resolutions. It also aims to simplify data collection and reporting, improving overall efficiency in handling consumer issues.

Mrs. Ifueko Abdulmalik, Assistant General Manager for Consumer Protection, highlighted that the portal aligns with NCAA’s modernization efforts and international standards. She emphasized that both NCAA officers and airline staff will receive training to ensure effective use of the new system. The portal will also be accessible to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development and the Director-General of Civil Aviation for continuous oversight.