Business
Again, Boat Mishap claims seven lives in Kebbi
Seven people were feared dead in a boat mishap involving a family returning from a farmland across the River Niger in Yauri Local Government of Kebbi State, Sunday night.
Abdullahi Takwa, Chairman of Yauri Boat Builders and Wakilin Sarkin Ruwa (representative of Chief of the River), who spoke with PREMIUM TIMES on Monday, said the family were returning from their onion farm in Rokubalo, a village about four kilometres across the river.
He said a strong wave accompanied by violent wind forced the boat to capsize.
“I just spoke with one of the survivors, who told me that, they were nine in the boat that was struck by ‘strong water wave with strong wind’ while on their way back from the farm, around 6:30pm yesterday (Sunday), he said.
Musa Mohammed, Chairman of Yauri Local Government Council, when contacted on phone also said the boat was ferrying nine members of the same family.
“The boat was ferrying nine family members, two women and seven men, who were returning from their farmland where they went to plant onions.”
He said two survivors have been found while seven are still missing. “But, so far, we cannot say they are dead or not. What we will do is to declare them missing,” the chairman said.
He said water surge released from Kainji and Jaba dam which increased the water level in the river was part of the cause of the tragedy, which also alters navigation and covers stumps under water.
A recent report by PREMIUM TIMES revealed that at least 33 Nigerians have died since April this year in three boat accidents on the River Niger in Yauri Emirate of Kebbi State, with two of the mishaps occurring on Wednesday and Thursday last week.
Many passengers are still not unaccounted for.
The last two accidents occurred in the area over five months after the Nigerian Senate passed a resolution urging the federal government to urgently implement some measures that could have prevented the accidents.
The first accident occurred in April when a boat ferrying traders to Warra in Ngaski Local Government Area of Kebbi State from Malale market in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State capsized and killed nine persons. Officials had also declared 25 of the passengers missing after 26 of them were rescued.
Initial reports had stated that about 150 passengers were crammed into the boat for the ill-fated trip.
Following the accident of April, the Nigerian Senate called on the Federal Government to provide Warra community with a modern 50-seater boat to check the disasters.
The Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, who presided over Senate plenary on May 5, while reading the resolution of the Senate, also called on the federal government to assist the communities in blasting the big stones and cutting the big stumps in the river that hinder safe navigation around the area.
“Senate also resolved to urge the Ministry of Transport through the National Inland Waterways Authority to immediately conduct a survey into the stretch of River Niger in the area with a view to putting safe navigational aid in place. The Senate also urge the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA to assist the communities with relief materials in order to cushion the effect of the disaster,” Mr. Ekweremadu said.
Earlier, the sponsor of the motion that led to the resolution, Mr. Na’Allah, who represents Kebbi South Senatorial zone, said despite the sacrifice by the some communities which were resettled by the then Northern regional government in order to build the current Kainji Dam to provide electricity for Nigeria, “the communities are without drinking water and electricity. Only plank canoe is used to transport people through the river.”
He also said the incessant boat mishaps and loss of lives in the Yauri end of River Niger called for the urgent intervention of the federal government. Mr. Na’Allah said that despite the disturbing development which had become an annual occurrence; nothing had been done to prevent future recurrence.
He also expressed concern that many of the victims were not accounted for due to lack of passenger manifest.
Adamu Aliero, a former governor of Kebbi who is now a senator representing Kebbi Central, while contributing to the motion, said the communities had for long been suffering from serious environmental degradation as a result of their resettlement for the building of Kainji Dam.
He described the motion as very timely and apt in order to save lives and facilitate the provision of water and electricity as well as relief materials to the victims of mishap in the area.
A former governor of the state, Abubakar Musa, said in Warra that the government needs to provide life jackets and modern passenger boats for trips on the river.
“Most importantly, the chopping off of those stumps under the water. If that problem is not solved we will continue to have this problem of accidents,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mr. Na’Allah, when contacted on Sunday, said he had contacted Vice President Yemi Osinbajo to know his effort to address the incessant boat mishaps in the riverine areas of Kebbi South, the senatorial zone he represents.
“I met Vice President Yemi Osinbajo to follow up on federal government’s intervention, few days before these recent unfortunate accidents. I am quite optimistic that assistance will come from the federal government very soon,” he said.
He condoled with the governor of Kebbi State and the Emir of Yauri and all those who had lost their loved ones.
He commended several efforts made by the Yauri Emirate and the state government to ensure the safety of lives and properties in the riverine areas.
Business
UBA GMD Calls for Public-Private Collaboration, Joins Aviation Minister to Commission New MMIA Departure Section
UBA GMD Calls for Public-Private Collaboration, Joins Aviation Minister to Commission New MMIA Departure Section
The newly renovated departure section of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, refurbished by United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, was officially commissioned on Friday, December 20th, 2024.
The laudable project, which marks a transformative moment in Nigeria’s aviation sector, underscores UBA’s unwavering commitment to national development and highlights the immense value of strategic public-private partnerships (PPPs).
The ceremony was graced by distinguished stakeholders, including the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN; the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku; other Directors, and Heads of Agencies operating at the Airport.
Speaking at the event, UBA’s Group Managing Director/CEO, Oliver Alawuba,lauded the collaboration that brought the project to fruition as he emphasised the need for public and private institutions to come together to build and revamp the nation’s assets.
“This renovation is a testament of UBA’s belief in the transformative power of investing in national assets. By modernising our airports, we not only enhance infrastructure but also position Nigeria as a global hub for tourism, trade, and investment,” he stated.
Alawuba took time to highlight the broader economic impact of such initiatives, urging increased private-sector participation in national development. “Public-private partnerships like this demonstrate what can be achieved when we unite for a shared vision of progress and investing in infrastructure catalyses economic growth, improves travel experiences, and creates opportunities across various sectors of the economy,” he added.
Alawuba reflected on the power of unity and collaboration, quoting Helen Keller: “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” The commissioning of the renovated departure section serves as a reminder of what strategic partnerships can achieve in driving national development and elevating Nigeria’s global standing.”
While commissioning the project, Keyamo commended UBA for executing the project, a feat he termed a landmark achievement in Nigeria’s aviation sector. “This renovated departure section exemplifies the bank’s commitment to elevating aviation infrastructure, improving passenger experiences, and fostering international partnerships. It is a proud moment for the ministry and all stakeholders involved, and I thank the management of UBA for pioneering this initiative,” he remarked.
The minister highlighted other key achievements of his ministry, including compliance with the Cape Town Convention, the launch of a consumer protection portal, and advancements in major infrastructure projects such as the second runway at Abuja Airport and solar energy integration in airport operations.
The Managing Director/Chief Executive of FAAN, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, commended UBA and other stakeholders for their contributions, adding, “This project reflects FAAN’s dedication to delivering world-class aviation infrastructure. The enhanced departure section not only elevates passenger experiences but also strengthens Nigeria’s competitive position in global aviation,” she said.
She called for more private-sector participation, emphasising that “partnerships like these are essential to transforming the aviation sector into a beacon of excellence.”
The newly renovated departure section boasts cutting-edge facilities designed to enhance efficiency and passenger comfort. This upgrade reaffirms the Murtala Muhammed International Airport’s status as a critical gateway to Nigeria and a major hub for international travel in Africa.
United Bank for Africa is Africa’s Global Bank. Operating across twenty African countries and the United Kingdom, the United States of America, France and the United Arab Emirates, UBA provides retail, commercial and institutional banking services, leading financial inclusion and implementing cutting edge technology. UBA is one of the largest employers in the financial sector on the African continent, with 25,000 employees group wide and serving over 45 million customers globally.
Dangote Hails Tinubu on Impact of Crude for Naira Swap Deal
…As Dangote Refinery partners MRS to sell PMS at N935 per litre nationwide at its retail outlets
Sahara Weekly Unveils That The Foremost entrepreneur and President of the Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the positive impact of the naira for crude swap deal on the Nigerian economy, which has led to reduction in prices of petroleum products in the country.
To provide succour to Nigerians, Dangote recently reduced the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) from N970 to N899.50 at its Refinery loading gantry and provided generous credit terms to marketers.
“To ensure that this price reduction gets to the end consumer, we have signed a partnership with MRS to sell petrol from its retail outlets nationwide at N935 per litre” he added. This price has already commenced in Lagos, and it will be offered nationwide from Monday.
In his statement, he called on other oil marketers such as the NNPC Retail and all other marketers, “to work with us to ensure that Nigerians enjoy high-quality petrol at discounted prices.”
According to him, “The Dangote Refinery is for the benefit of Nigeria and Nigerians. We will therefore continue to work with various value chain players to deliver high quality petrol at cheaper prices. Our aim is for all Nigerians to have ready access to high quality petroleum products that are good for their vehicles, good for their health, and good for their pockets.
Recall that in September, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) under the leadership of Mr. President approved the sale of crude to local refineries in Naira and corresponding purchase of petroleum products in Naira. The move, which commenced on October 1, led to reduced pressure on the dollar and ensured the stability of the local currency.
Dangote thanked Nigerians for their unwavering support and the government for creating an enabling environment for the domestic refining industry.
- World Food Programme (WFP) and the Republic of Madagascar sign a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen food security and transform agricultural systems December 23, 2024
- Advancing Gender Equality and Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) Response in Malawi December 23, 2024
- An mpox survivor’s tale of hope December 23, 2024
- United Nations (UN) Emergency Fund allocates $6 million to support refugees fleeing Sudan in Egypt December 23, 2024
- Africa’s critical mineral resources, a boon for intra-African trade and regional integration December 23, 2024
- African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) honours Ugandan troops for contributions to Somalia’s stability December 23, 2024
- Agreement in principle reached on Agreement between Japan and the Republic of Zambia for the Promotion and Protection of Investment December 23, 2024
- Siraj Finance PJSC signs an agreement with Azentio for iMAL core and digital financial services solution subscription optimization December 23, 2024
- European Commission provides €1 billion in macro-financial assistance to Egypt December 23, 2024
- Visit of Foreign Secretary Shri Vikram Misri to Mauritius (December 20-22, 2024) December 23, 2024
- World Food Programme (WFP) and the Republic of Madagascar sign a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen food security and transform agricultural systems December 23, 2024
- Advancing Gender Equality and Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) Response in Malawi December 23, 2024
- An mpox survivor’s tale of hope December 23, 2024
- United Nations (UN) Emergency Fund allocates $6 million to support refugees fleeing Sudan in Egypt December 23, 2024
- Africa’s critical mineral resources, a boon for intra-African trade and regional integration December 23, 2024
- African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) honours Ugandan troops for contributions to Somalia’s stability December 23, 2024
- Agreement in principle reached on Agreement between Japan and the Republic of Zambia for the Promotion and Protection of Investment December 23, 2024
-
Entertainment6 months agoAkanke Amororo: The New Yoruba Movie Everyone Is Talking About + Why People Are Rushing To YouTube To See It
-
Politics7 months agoGov Fubara And One Year of His Signature in Rivers By Nath Odili
-
Business7 months agoFIRSTBANK WINS 2024 BEST SME BANK IN NIGERIA AND BEST SME BANK IN AFRICA BY ASIAN BANKER AWARDS
-
Business5 months agoPROFILE: JESSICA AMARACHI OKU BY CHINEDU NSOFOR
You must be logged in to post a comment Login