Business
Dana Airline: How Long Should We Pamper Death? …Why FG should completely ban Dana Airline from flights operations ~By Oluwaseun Fabiyi
Dana Airline: How Long Should We Pamper Death?
…Why FG should completely ban Dana Airline from flights operations
~By Oluwaseun Fabiyi
Every means of transportation poses its own risk and hazards, however, some pose graver risk, especially when the right steps are not taken in the right direction. The fear and the attendant disaster that comes with air crashes are graver than one could imagine. This is why all must be adequately put in place, to avoid unnecessary distrust.
It is no longer news that Dana Airlines experienced yet another flight mishap recently, when one of its aircrafts; with registration number 5N BKI skidded off the runway, at the Murtala Muhammed International airport in Lagos, on Tuesday 23rd of April, 2024, after reportedly returning from Abuja that fateful morning. To say that, the incident was a serious safety concern and threat; that requires swift response, is to say the least.
One must commend the Honourable Minister Of Aviation and Aerospace Development, for his promptness in grounding all Dana Air’s operations within the country. Such should be the alacrity of nations, who have zest and intelligence for the safety of her citizens.
Without much ado, Many Nigerians must have come to a point where they doubt the integrity and technological reliability of Dana Airlines. This is not farfetched from the lackadaisical attitude of the air operator, and certain antecedents that say no otherwise.
Let me take you just a little down the memory lane! Bethnews Media can still recall very vividly, how Dana Airlines wrecked a gruesome havoc on my neighbourhood some 13 years ago,when one of its aircrafts crashed, around Toyin/Balogun Iju-Road claiming the lives of One Hundred And Fifty-nine (159) persons and destroying several persons homes and means of livelihood.
On that fateful Sunday afternoon of June 3, 2012, at about 2:00pm. Publiser of BethNews Media, Oluwaseun Fabiyi had just returned from church, and because of the hot weather, I sat at the balcony after my meal, only to see an aircraft that swung across my rooftop, as if to perch on it. Gripped with fear, since we had never seen a plane flown so low in our area, we decided to follow up.
Myself and others understood that, all was not well the the aircraft that just past, especially seeing it with that very black fume, and preceded by a very scary screeching and deadly roar. Before we could say Jack Robinson, it happened, a Dana Airlines aircraft had just crashed! Everywhere around Toyin Balogun street, off Iju Ishaga road, was already in disarray. Everyone scampered for safety in the unfortunate community.
When an occurrence of this magnitude occurs, sometimes it is excusable to attribute it unforeseen hitch(es), however, such excuses are hardly tenable in airspace operations, since most of the flight activities are strictly monitored via utmost sophistication and near-perfect technical accuracy.
Few months after the Lagos state government had organised a mass burial for the victims of the unfortunate controversial Dana air mishap,the operator was suspended, and directed to show kind gestures to families and businesses affected.
Guess what! Dana Airlines is alleged to have refused, to show concerns, nor put any mechanism in place, to alleviate the sufferings of those who lost lives, properties and millions to the crash. Rather, they clamoured to resume operations.
Surprisingly but not strangely, Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) heeded Dana Airlines’ plea,to resume operations. Nigerians must understand and also remember that, the Dana air crash of 3rd June, 2012 remains the deadliest; after that of 1973,where 193 died in Kano.
Imagine what would have happened again, if the last incident resulted in a crash aground or mid air. God forbids, like we always say in Nigeria’s parlance! However, the reality is that, God wouldn’t forbid, if we leave what God has given us abilities to avert back to God. It doesn’t work that way!
As a matter of urgency, Dana Airline needs to be completely ban from flights operations, since crashes and air mishaps are becoming regular and normal occurrence in their services to Nigerians. We can’t continue to handle the safety of the populace with laxity and levity.
As far as I and many Nigerians are concerned,if the authorities involved continue to play politics, Dana Airline would continue to underestimate Nigerians for long, and the outside world wouldn’t take us seriously.
Alpha Morgan to Host 19th Economic Review Webinar
In an economy shaped by constant shifts, the edge often belongs to those with the right information.
On Wednesday, February 25, 2026, Alpha Morgan Bank will host the 19th edition of its Economic Review Webinar, a high-level thought leadership session designed to equip businesses, investors, and individuals with timely financial and economic insight.
The session, which will hold live on Zoom at 10:00am WAT and will feature economist Bismarck Rewane, who will examine the key signals influencing Nigeria’s economic direction in 2026, including policy trends, market movements, and global developments shaping the local landscape.
With a consistent track record of delivering clarity in uncertain times, the Alpha Morgan Economic Review continues to provide practical context for decision-making in a dynamic environment.
Registration for the 19th Alpha Morgan Economic Review is free and can be completed via https://bit.ly/registeramerseries19
It is a bi-monthly platform that is open to the public and is held virtually.
Visit www.alphamorganbank to know more.
GTBank Launches Quick Airtime Loan at 2.95%
Guaranty Trust Bank Ltd (GTBank), the flagship banking franchise of GTCO Plc, Africa’s leading financial services group, today announced the launch of Quick Airtime Loan, an innovative digital solution that gives customers instant access to airtime when they run out of call credit and have limited funds in their bank accounts, ensuring customers can stay connected when it matters most.
In today’s always-on world, running out of airtime is more than a minor inconvenience. It can mean missed opportunities, disrupted plans, and lost connections, often at the very moment when funds are tight, and options are limited. Quick Airtime Loan was created to solve this problem, offering customers instant access to airtime on credit, directly from their bank. With Quick Airtime Loan, eligible GTBank customers can access from ₦100 and up to ₦10,000 by dialing *737*90#. Available across all major mobile networks in Nigeria, the service will soon expand to include data loans, further strengthening its proposition as a reliable on-demand platform.
For years, the airtime credit market has been dominated by Telcos, where charges for this service are at 15%. GTBank is now changing the narrative by offering a customer-centric, bank-led digital alternative priced at 2.95%. Built on transparency, convenience and affordability, Quick Airtime Loan has the potential to broaden access to airtime, deliver meaningful cost savings for millions of Nigerians, and redefine how financial services show up in everyday life, not just in banking moments.
Commenting on the product launch, Miriam Olusanya, Managing Director of Guaranty Trust Bank Ltd, said: “Quick Airtime Loan reflects GTBank’s continued focus on delivering digital solutions that are relevant, accessible, and built around real customer needs. The solution underscores the power of a connected financial ecosystem, combining GTBank’s digital reach and lending expertise with the capabilities of HabariPay to deliver a smooth, end-to-end experience. By leveraging unique strengths across the Group, we are able to accelerate innovation, strengthen execution, and deliver a more integrated customer experience across all our service channels.”
Importantly, Quick Airtime Loan highlights GTCO’s evolution as a fully diversified financial services group. Leveraging HabariPay’s Squad, the solution reinforces the Group’s ecosystem proposition by bringing together banking, payment technology, and digital channels to deliver intuitive, one-stop experiences for customers.
With this new product launch, Guaranty Trust Bank is extending its legacy of pioneering digital-first solutions that have redefined customer access to financial services across the industry, building on the proven strength of its widely adopted QuickCredit offering and the convenience of the Bank’s iconic *737# USSD Banking platform.
About Guaranty Trust Bank
Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) is the flagship banking franchise of GTCO Plc, a leading financial services group with a strong presence across Africa and the United Kingdom. The Bank is widely recognized for its leadership in digital banking, customer experience, and innovative financial solutions that deliver value to individuals, businesses, and communities.
About HabariPay
HabariPay is the payments fintech subsidiary of GTCO Plc, focused on enabling fast, secure, and accessible digital payments for individuals and businesses. By integrating payments and digital technology, HabariPay supports innovative services that make everyday financial interactions simpler and more seamless.
Enquiries:
GTCO
Group Corporate Communication
[email protected]
+234-1-2715227
www.gtcoplc.com
Business
BUA Group, AD Ports Group and MAIR Group Launch Strategic Plan for World-Class Sugar and Agro-Logistics Hub at Khalifa Port
BUA Group, AD Ports Group and MAIR Group Sign MoU to Explore Collaboration in Sugar Refining, Agro-Industrial Development, and Integrated Global Logistics Solutions
Abu Dhabi, UAE – Monday, 16th February 2026
BUA Group, AD Ports Group, and MAIR Group of Abu Dhabi today signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore collaboration in sugar refining, agro-industrial development, and integrated global logistics solutions. The partnership aims to create a world-class platform that strengthens regional food security, supports industrial diversification, and reinforces Abu Dhabi’s position as a hub for trade and manufacturing.
The proposed collaboration will leverage BUA Group’s industrial and logistics expertise, Khalifa Port’s world-class infrastructure, and AD Ports Group’s operational experience. The initiative aligns with the objectives of the UAE Food Security Strategy 2051, which seeks to position the UAE as a global leader in sustainable food production and resilient supply chains. It also aligns with Nigeria’s food production- and export-oriented agricultural transformation agenda, focused on scaling domestic capacity, strengthening value addition, improving post-harvest logistics, and unlocking new markets for Nigerian produce across the Middle East, Asia, and beyond.
Photo Caption: L-R: Kabiru Rabiu, Group Executive Director, BUA Group; Cpt. Mohammed J. Al Shamisi, MD/Group CEO, AD Ports Group; Saif Al Mazrouei, CEO (Ports Cluster) AD Ports Group; Abdul Samad Rabiu, Founder/Executive Chairman, BUA Group; and Steve Green, Group CFO, MAIR Group
Through structured aggregation, processing, storage, and maritime export channels, the partnership is designed to reduce supply chain inefficiencies, enhance traceability and quality standards, and also create a predictable trade corridor between West Africa and the Gulf.
BUA Group—recognised as one of Africa’s largest and most diversified conglomerates, with major investments across sugar refining, food production, flour milling, cement manufacturing, and infrastructure- brings extensive industrial expertise and large-scale operational capability to the venture. MAIR Group will provide strategic support in developing integrated logistics and agro-industrial solutions, creating a seamless platform for production, storage, and distribution.
Abdul Samad Rabiu, Founder and Chairman of BUA Group, said:
“This MoU marks an important milestone in BUA’s international expansion and reflects our long-term vision of building globally competitive industrial platforms. Together with AD Ports Group and MAIR Group, we aim to develop sustainable food production and logistics solutions that strengthen regional supply chains and support the UAE’s Food Security Strategy 2051.”
He further added that, “This partnership represents not just a commercial arrangement but a strategic food corridor anchored on shared economic ambition, resilient infrastructure, and disciplined execution, reinforcing long-term food security objectives for both nations.”
A representative of MAIR Group added:
“This collaboration underscores our commitment to advancing strategic industries in Abu Dhabi and building integrated solutions that reinforce the UAE’s position as a global hub for trade, food security, and industrial excellence.”
A spokesperson from AD Ports Group commented:
“Our partnership with BUA Group and MAIR Group highlights Khalifa Port’s role as a catalyst for high-impact industrial investments. This initiative will enhance regional food security, strengthen global trade connectivity, and support Abu Dhabi’s economic diversification goals.”
This MoU marks a historic collaboration that combines world-class infrastructure, industrial expertise, and strategic vision, setting the stage for a sustainable and resilient food and logistics ecosystem that will benefit the UAE, the region, and global markets alike.
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