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Govs slammed for wasting N160bn on unviable airports

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Govs slammed for wasting N160bn on unviable airports

 Govs slammed for wasting N160bn on unviable airports

 

Six state governments including Ekiti, Ebonyi, Jigawa, Yobe, Nasarawa, and Bayelsa have spent about N160bn on airport projects that opposition politicians and aviation professionals classified as unviable.

Stakeholders say the huge public funds expended on the facilities have amounted to waste. They condemned the state governors and asked Nigerians to hold them responsible for the waste.

However, some industry players advised that the facilities be converted into skill acquisition centres for the benefit of the citizens.

Some called on relevant authorities to probe the money spent on the unviable projects

 

 

Checks by the PUNCH showed that the six states spent over N160bn on their various airport projects, but the facilities have not attracted a considerable number of aircraft for charter or commercial purposes.

Apart from the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos; Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, and Port Harcourt International Airport, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, that generate about 80 per cent of revenues for the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, other airports constitute a financial burden to FAAN.

But, despite the challenges facing most of the aerodromes in the country, more state governments have continued to pump scarce resources into the construction of more airports with most designating them as “cargo airports.”

 

 

In the last decade, no fewer than 10 state governments have mooted or commenced such projects.

Some of the states include Osun, Ebonyi, Ogun, Benue, Zamfara, Nasarawa, Abia, Ekiti, and Bayelsa. Sadly, most of these projects were never completed, while others were abandoned by their successors in office.

They include Asaba Airport, Ebonyi Airport, Bayelsa Airport, Ogun Cargo Airport, MKO Abiola International Airport, Osun, which is uncompleted, Ekiti Cargo Airport, Anambra Cargo Airport, Abia Airport, Wachakal Airport in Damaturu, and Dutse International Airport in Jigawa.

Others are Lafia Airport in Nasarawa which is uncompleted, Kebbi Airport, Auchi Airport in Edo which is uncompleted, Zamfara Airport, and Gombe Airport.

In 2017, Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State commenced his move to build an airport in the state. Six years later, the governor renewed his zeal for the project, A cargo airport in Umueri, in the Anambra East Local Government Area.

 

Anambra State is surrounded by airports in Delta, Imo, and Enugu states but the governor embarked on the project.

Though many believed the project was new in the plans of the government and needless, the governor in April 2017 flagged off the airport project.

 

 

 

At the flagging-off ceremony in April 2017, Obiano said that the government wanted to create an airport city in the state with a model that would accommodate two runways, an aviation fuel dump, an airport hotel, an industrial business park, an international convention centre, as well as a facility for aircraft maintenance.

He had initially boasted that the airport with a cost implication of $2b as at when it was conceived would join some of the most advanced airports in the world with a capacity to land any of the most sophisticated vessels known to man.

In 2021, the state government said N6b was spent and not $2b as alleged in some quarters.

Also, the immediate past aviation minister, Hadi Sirika, conveyed the approval for the construction of the Ebonyi airport through correspondence to then Governor David Umahi, now Minister of Works. The letter was signed by the Director of Safety and Technical Policy, Capt Talba Alkali, on behalf of the ministry in 2019.

At the commissioning of the airport, Umahi revealed that he spent over N36bn to build the airport, located in Onueke, Ezza South Local Government Area. But as at the time of filing this report, the airport situation is best described as comatose.

The immediate past Ekiti State Governor, Kayode Fayemi, expended N16bn public funds on the Akure airport, but the airport has also refused to attract aircraft over its non-viability.

When the governor conceived the idea, it was greeted by criticisms from stakeholders both in the state and beyond but the governor vetoed the cargo airport which is currently not in use.

 

 

 

As of January 2023, the Special Adviser to Governor Biodun Oyebanji on Budget, Economic Planning, and Performance Management, Niyi Adebayo, revealed that N16.6bn had been spent on the yet-to-be-completed facility in Ekiti State.

He explained that the fund was used for perimeter fencing, completion of the runway and taxiway, terminal building, and payment of compensation for the farmers whose farmlands were acquired for the project.

In Jigawa State, ex-governor Sule Lamido, also pumped N4bn to build an airport for the state, one that was commissioned in 2014 by former President Goodluck Jonathan.

The airport facility is located less than 100km from Aminu Kano International Airport, making experts describe it as wasteful spending.

Also, in Bayelsa, former Governor Seriake Dickson spent N70bn on the construction of an airport which began in 2012 and was completed in February 2019.

The amount spent on the airport by the governor has been disputed by some stakeholders, among which was the former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Adams Oshiomole.

Oshiomhole had stated that the project gulped over N100bn but Dickson insisted that it was done at the rate of N70bn.

 

 

 

Same for Yobe State where the transport commissioner, Abdullahi Kukuwa, had recently told newsmen that the state spent more than N18bn on the unused airport project initiated in 2017.

Like its counterpart, the Nasarawa cargo airport project was initiated in December 2015 during the second tenure of a former Governor Umaru Al-Makura, who said he had the vision to open the state for investment opportunities.

 

 

The project was estimated at N10bn and was to ease cargo traffic at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, because Nasarawa is the closest state bordering the FCT.

 

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GTCO’s Guaranty Trust Bank Named Best Bank for Corporate Social Responsibility in Nigeria by Euromoney

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GTCO Notice Of Proposed Offering

GTCO’s Guaranty Trust Bank Named Best Bank for Corporate Social Responsibility in Nigeria by Euromoney

 

 

 

 

Sahara Weekly Reports That Guaranty Trust Bank Ltd (“GTBank,” or “the Bank”), the flagship subsidiary of Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO), one of the largest financial services institutions in Africa, has been named Best Bank in Corporate Social Responsibility in Nigeria at the prestigious Euromoney Awards for Excellence 2024.

 

 

GTCO’s Guaranty Trust Bank Named Best Bank for Corporate Social Responsibility in Nigeria by Euromoney

 

This recognition underscores GTCO’s unwavering commitment to excellence, going beyond offering innovative financial services and creating more value for its stakeholders to enriching lives and constantly exploring new opportunities to drive positive change in society.

 

Announcing the Award, Euromoney highlighted the range and impact of GTCO’s CSR initiatives spanning education, health, community development, and financial inclusion. Over the years, Guaranty Trust has not only led with innovation and service excellence but also consistently demonstrated steadfast dedication to making a positive impact and creating shared value through CSR. Central to these efforts are its consumer-focused events—the GTCO Food and Drink Festival and the GTCO Fashion Weekend—both of which offer free business platforms for budding as well as established entrepreneurs to showcase their talents, share their unique stories, and connect with a broader audience. The Annual GTCO Autism Programme, an offshoot of the Orange Ribbon Initiative, aims to provide ongoing support for persons with developmental disabilities, focusing on those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

 

Commenting on the Award, Segun Agbaje, Group CEO of Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc, stated: “As a Proudly African institution, we recognize that our success is inextricably linked to the well-being of the society in which we operate. Our commitment to corporate social responsibility is deeply rooted in our belief that businesses must act as a force for good, driving sustainable progress, and fostering inclusive growth. Over the years, we have successfully developed several free-business platforms and continue to sponsor impactful social causes that have benefited millions of people and businesses across Africa. This recognition from Euromoney is a testament to the far-reaching impact of our initiatives, and it reinforces our resolve to create enduring value and ensure better outcomes for all.”

 

 

About GTCO

 

Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc is the ultimate holding company of the GTCO Plc Group, one of the largest financial services institutions in Africa. Headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria, Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc maintains direct and indirect investments in a network of operating entities located in 10 countries across Africa and the United Kingdom. Within these regions, the operating entities provide a comprehensive range of commercial banking and related financial services to millions of retail, institutional, private banking, and wealth management customers, in addition to asset management, pension fund administration, and payment technology businesses.

 

GTCO’s leadership in the banking industry and efforts at empowering people and communities have earned it many prestigious awards over the years. Guaranty Trust Bank is a Twelve-time winner of Euromoney’s Best Bank in Nigeria award and was recently named Nigeria’s Strongest Brand and Best Banking Brand in Nigeria by Brand Finance and Global Brands Magazine, respectively.GTCO’s Guaranty Trust Bank Named Best Bank for Corporate Social Responsibility in Nigeria by Euromoney

 

[Lagos, Nigeria – September 19, 2024] – Guaranty Trust Bank Ltd (“GTBank,” or “the Bank”), the flagship subsidiary of Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO), one of the largest financial services institutions in Africa, has been named Best Bank in Corporate Social Responsibility in Nigeria at the prestigious Euromoney Awards for Excellence 2024.

 

This recognition underscores GTCO’s unwavering commitment to excellence, going beyond offering innovative financial services and creating more value for its stakeholders to enriching lives and constantly exploring new opportunities to drive positive change in society.

 

Announcing the Award, Euromoney highlighted the range and impact of GTCO’s CSR initiatives spanning education, health, community development, and financial inclusion. Over the years, Guaranty Trust has not only led with innovation and service excellence but also consistently demonstrated steadfast dedication to making a positive impact and creating shared value through CSR. Central to these efforts are its consumer-focused events—the GTCO Food and Drink Festival and the GTCO Fashion Weekend—both of which offer free business platforms for budding as well as established entrepreneurs to showcase their talents, share their unique stories, and connect with a broader audience. The Annual GTCO Autism Programme, an offshoot of the Orange Ribbon Initiative, aims to provide ongoing support for persons with developmental disabilities, focusing on those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

 

Commenting on the Award, Segun Agbaje, Group CEO of Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc, stated: “As a Proudly African institution, we recognize that our success is inextricably linked to the well-being of the society in which we operate. Our commitment to corporate social responsibility is deeply rooted in our belief that businesses must act as a force for good, driving sustainable progress, and fostering inclusive growth. Over the years, we have successfully developed several free-business platforms and continue to sponsor impactful social causes that have benefited millions of people and businesses across Africa. This recognition from Euromoney is a testament to the far-reaching impact of our initiatives, and it reinforces our resolve to create enduring value and ensure better outcomes for all.”

 

 

About GTCO

 

Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc is the ultimate holding company of the GTCO Plc Group, one of the largest financial services institutions in Africa. Headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria, Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc maintains direct and indirect investments in a network of operating entities located in 10 countries across Africa and the United Kingdom. Within these regions, the operating entities provide a comprehensive range of commercial banking and related financial services to millions of retail, institutional, private banking, and wealth management customers, in addition to asset management, pension fund administration, and payment technology businesses.

 

GTCO’s leadership in the banking industry and efforts at empowering people and communities have earned it many prestigious awards over the years. Guaranty Trust Bank is a Twelve-time winner of Euromoney’s Best Bank in Nigeria award and was recently named Nigeria’s Strongest Brand and Best Banking Brand in Nigeria by Brand Finance and Global Brands Magazine, respectively.

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NLC Pinponts Causes of NNPC, Dangote disagreements

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NLC Pinponts Causes of NNPC, Dangote disagreements

NLC Pinponts Causes of NNPC, Dangote disagreements

 

The President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Joe Ajearo, has attributed the current uproar between the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited and the Dangote Petroleum Refinery to alleged government policy somersault and fraudulent moves by some forces.

Ajearo, who said this to journalists at the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal ll, in Lagos on Wednesday, further described what has been going on between the Dangote and the NNPC as uncalled for, stressing that in a deregulated economy there should be choices and competition.

He quarried the basis for regulating what Dangote is to sell, insisting that deciding for the private sector on how or what should be sold is an act of fraud.

“For a product produced here, he didn’t import with dollars, there was no landing cost and they wanted him to sell it at the same cost as the one they are bringing from abroad. That is fraudulent and unacceptable.”

 

 

“What you are seeing is fraudulent and policy somersault. Nigerians were made to believe that the sector has been deregulated and in a deregulated arrangement there should be choices and competition. So why are you now attempting to regulate how much Dangote should sell his product? Why?

“When Port Harcourt refinery comes up, let NNPC sell, let Dangote also sell but when you now begin to regulate how much Dangote should sell, that is fraudulent.

“This is the time for Nigerians to speak up. They told us that when they deregulate the economy, the private sector will direct the economy and the government will have no business in business. Now, they are trying to regulate how or what to sell by the private sector.

 

 

“They want him to sell the product at the same price as when it was imported.  For a product he produced here without landing cost and you want him to sell it at the same rate as the one imported, that is fraudulent,” he stated.

 

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Adron Games 2024 Unveiled: ‘Fit to Be the Biggest’ with Sports Icons Daniel Amokachi and Mutiu Adepoju Leading the Charge

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Adron Games 2024 Unveiled: ‘Fit to Be the Biggest’ with Sports Icons Daniel Amokachi and Mutiu Adepoju Leading the Charge

 

Adron Homes & Properties is excited to announce the official unveiling of the 7th edition of the Adron Games, tagged “Fit to Be the Biggest”. The 2024 edition is set to take place at the renowned Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, Ibadan, from November 29th-30th, 2024, marking the second time the city of Ibadan will host the prestigious sporting event.

The Adron Games is a national platform designed to promote physical fitness, wellness, and community engagement through sports. Having previously held successful editions in Ogun and Lagos states, the 2024 edition is expected to attract over 10,000 athletes and fitness enthusiasts from across Nigeria.

The theme of this year’s Adron Games, “Fit to be the Biggest”, perfectly captures the spirit and ambition of the event. It signifies both the physical and metaphorical journey to greatness, where athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and even spectators are encouraged to embrace the challenge of becoming their best selves—physically, mentally, and competitively.

The theme also promotes the idea that fitness is essential to achieving greatness, whether through competitive sports or in everyday life. It motivates participants to push their boundaries and excel, whether on the field, court, or track, and ultimately reminds them that the journey toward fitness and excellence never stops.

This year’s games will feature a wide array of sporting disciplines, including Football, Basketball, Volleyball, Athletics, Table Tennis, Snooker, Shot Put, Long Jump, E-sports, and the fan-favorite Tug of War.

In a special highlight, Nigerian football legends Daniel Amokachi and Mutiu Adepoju have been announced as the official ambassadors of the event. Both are renowned for their contributions to Nigerian football and are expected to inspire athletes and spectators alike with their presence.
Key Event Highlights:
• Event Dates: November 29th-30th, 2024
• Venue: Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, Ibadan
• Ambassadors: Daniel Amokachi, Mutiu Adepoju, Vanessa Jones and MC Relax
• Sporting Events: Football, Basketball, Volleyball, Athletics, Table Tennis, Snooker, Shot Put, Long Jump, E-sports, and Tug of War
• Special Guests: Sports icons, fitness personalities, and celebrity appearances
• Participants: Over 10,000 athletes and fitness enthusiasts
• Prizes: Cash prizes, trophies, and awards for winners in various categories
Speaking at the unveiling, Daniel Amokachi emphasized the importance of corporate sponsorship in fostering young Nigerian talents, praising Adron Homes for their commitment to promoting sports.

He said “Sports in Nigeria need more support from businesses and brands to help discover and nurture talents among our youth. Organizations like Adron Homes, through their consistent support of sports, are boosting Nigeria’s global sports performance,” Amokachi said.

Meanwhile, Mutiu Adepoju lauded the unifying and transformative power of sports and commended Aare Adetola Emmanuelking, Group Managing Director of Adron Homes, for his unwavering commitment to organizing this event annually. “Sports is a powerful tool for unity and fitness, both physically and mentally. I commend Aare Adetola Emmanuelking for his continuous support of sports by organizing this prestigious event. His dedication is vital to the development of sports and the empowerment of youth in Nigeria,” Adepoju remarked.

it will be recalled that, Adron Games is an annual sporting event organized by Adron Homes & Properties to promote physical fitness, wellness, and community engagement through sports. Since its inception, the event has grown into a major national platform, bringing together thousands of athletes, corporate teams, and fitness enthusiasts in the spirit of competition and fun.

Adron Homes, through this sporting event, encourages everyone to view fitness and sports as key to unlocking personal and communal growth, building healthier lifestyles, and fostering unity across different regions, backgrounds, and demographics. “Fit to be the Biggest” represents not only the size and scope of the event but also the opportunity for everyone involved to elevate themselves and inspire others through the power of sport.

For more information, sponsorship, vendor registration and inquiries, please contact: Abiodun 08138432335

Adron Games 2024 Unveiled: ‘Fit to Be the Biggest’ with Sports Icons Daniel Amokachi and Mutiu Adepoju Leading the Charge

Adeboye Abiodun
Mnipr, Acicrm
Digital Operations and Media Relations Officer
Adron Homes and Properties Limited.
08138432335

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