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NCAA Clashes With Senate Committee Over Alleged N2Billion Wasinmi Cargo Airport

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PRESIDENT TINUBU CONDOLES EX-SENATE PRESIDENT LAWAN OVER MOTHER'S DEATH

NCAA Clashes With Senate Committee Over Alleged N2Billion Wasinmi Cargo Airport

 

 

Abuja- The Director of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Captain Musa Shuaibu Nuhu on Tuesday, told the Senate that the NCAA was not aware of the existence of a cargo airport in Wasinmi for which President Muhammadu Buhari earlier ordered the release of a N 2billion for its construction.

 

 

Captain Nuhu said that the agency was only aware of the existence of an airport in Sagamu, maintaining his stance even when Senator Bala Ibn Na’Allah read a memo from the Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika on the federal government approval for a grant of N2billion for the Wasinmi airport.

 

 

Nuhu’s persistent denial of the memo led to sharp arguments among Senators in the ongoing investigation by the Senate Committee on Aviation into the N2 billion Presidential grant for a cargo airport at Wasimi in Ogun State.

 

The Senator representing Ogun West, Tolu Odebiyi, who incidentally was Chief of Staff to the immediate past governor of Ogun State, Ibikunle Amosun however offered clarification as he said the proposed airport in Wasinmi was a passenger’s airport, not cargo airport.

 

 

“The NCAA was part and parcel of the project and necessary approval was sought and given for Wasinmi. It was not possible to put the agency in the dark about the project.”

 

 

But the Senator representing Lagos West and Chairman Senate Committee on Finance, Olamilekan Adeola, faulted the explanation offered by Senator Odebiyi, citing the documents presented to the Committee by the Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika.

 

 

 

“Yes, the Minister of Aviation is in the picture but the Senate Committee and NCAA aren’t aware, we don’t have the documents. We have listened to you (NCAA) and you have established that you have a record for Sagamu airport, not Passenger airport at Wasinmi,” Senator Adeola noted.

 

 

 

Senator Adeyemi in his remarks however said the Ogun state government has the financial capacity to run two airports.

 

 

 

In a related development, the NCAA has explained reasons it suspended the operations of Azman Airlines, insisting that it is over safety concerns arising from the airline’s repeated disregard for industry standards and regulations.

 

 

 

Nuhu who maintained that the NCAA was doing its best to safeguard lives through surveillance and reprimand of erring airline operators further revealed that one of the local airlines, Azman was suspended because of a glaring breach of safety regulations.

 

 

 

He said:” We are doing all the best we can to comply with our mandates, and we do whatever is necessary to ensure safety.

 

 

 

“We have successfully managed the industry. Anytime we see any issue that is of concern to us, last night we suspended the operations of Azman, until we conclude the security and financial audit and compliance with civil aviation regulations. Until we are satisfied, they can’t resume operation.”

 

 

 

Vice-Chairman of the Senate Committee on Aviation and Senator representing Kebbi South, Ibn Na’ Allah however expressed reservation over the action of the NCAA.

 

 

 

He said the step taken by the aviation regulatory agency could cause panic in the industry. He specifically demanded what he called compelling issues that instigated the pronouncements of the NCAA.

 

 

 

He said: “It was wrong to ground operations without a very compelling reason. If there are incidents, it must be directly related to discrepancies in their operations. Are they related to breach of safety regulations, breach of Civil Aviation Regulations?

 

 

 

“We are interested in knowing what are the compelling issues. We need to be careful in exercising those powers. I am not faulting your operations. Grounding operations without compelling factors could create panic in the industry.

 

 

 

“You also know that the industry is heavily regulated. You can’t ground an airline, except they breach aviation rules. It could be non-compliance with equipment and facilities. You know the implication because tomorrow somebody will say people shouldn’t fly Azman because of your pronouncements. Of course, you have the power to ensure that they operate safely.”

 

 

 

The DG, NCAA in his defence gave detailed accounts of several incidents of breach of professional procedures and guidelines in the last six weeks by the management of Azman.

 

 

 

He said:” They have had incidents of tyre bursts within six weeks. They are issues of professional procedures, guidelines weren’t being followed. “

 

 

 

He recalled several attempts to make the operator of Azman airline sit up.

 

 

 

” We encouraged them to continue operations but resolved to do surveillance around their operations.

 

 

 

“But it is of concern to me, if you continue to have a similar problem. It will be irresponsible and criminal for us not to take action. Our action isn’t to kill the airline but to identify the problem and take necessary measures.”

Senator representing Lagos East, Tokunbo Abiru, sympathised with the operators as he noted that they are operating under severe financial pressures.

“We know what has affected the industry, the impact of COVID-19. If you look at that and the kind of safety and maintenance measures, which are all dollar-dominated, the operators must be under severe financial pressures.

“But we need to know how they are coping. How do we get assurance that all the participants are getting the necessary support and if need be what could be done?”

Senator representing Ekiti South, Abiodun Olujinmi, said Nigerians were justified in their apprehension however appealed to the DG, NCAA not to relent in pushing for adherence to safety regulations.

“Nigerians are losing confidence. You have established the fact that there is maintenance issue. You need to be on top of the game and the rule is money. If there is something we can do as a Committee, let us know.”

Chairman of the Committee, Senator Adeyemi, Smart Adeyemi however commended the NCAA for seizing the initiative to axe Azman.

“The step you took was right but we were worried because the particular airline belongs to the President of the operators.”

He further restated his appeal to the present administration to continue to give incentive to the operators. “We may have to have an interaction with the Central Bank of Nigeria, ” he said.

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Mayor of Brampton Honours IBD Foundation

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Mayor of Brampton Honours IBD Foundation

 

The City of Brampton has recognised Alhaji Ibrahim Dende Egungbohun for his remarkable contributions to a transformative initiative designed to empower women through essential skill-building for independence and self-reliance. This formal acknowledgment took place on August 15, 2025, in Mayor Patrick Brown’s office during a visit from the Africa Made Economic Growth Initiative (AMEGI) team. Represented by his wife, Mrs. Omolara Egungbohun, Alhaji Dende received the certification amidst an atmosphere of gratitude and celebration. Mayor Brown presented the certificate personally and extended his commendations to the IBD Foundation for their relentless pursuit of women’s empowerment, development, and their philanthropic efforts.

The Certificate of Recognition underscored Egungbohun’s unwavering dedication and tireless efforts to create diverse opportunities for women to enhance their skills, develop their potential, and ultimately prosper in their personal and professional lives. As a philanthropist, esteemed businessman, and influential social figure, his impact in Nigeria and beyond is both profound and far-reaching.

Egungbohun’s generosity and steadfast commitment have significantly bolstered the confidence of program participants, facilitating their ability to envision and construct brighter futures while strengthening community ties. In his acknowledgment, Mayor Brown stated, “Your dedication uplifts those working to inspire others,” highlighting the deep and lasting influence of Egungbohun’s work in empowering women.

Mayor of Brampton Honours IBD Foundation

This initiative is not just a standalone effort; it harmonizes perfectly with Brampton’s broader mission to advocate for and uplift marginalized groups within the community. Egungbohun’s contributions serve as a vital catalyst for transformative change, offering practical skills that enhance employability while reshaping the economic and social framework for women. Through an assortment of workshops, mentorship programs, and robust support networks, he has fostered an encouraging environment where women can fully explore and realize their potential.

As Brampton steadfastly commits itself to promoting inclusivity and equity, leaders like Egungbohun exemplify how collaboration, vision, and genuine enthusiastic engagement can effectively turn hopes and aspirations into tangible realities. The public acknowledgment from the city not only honors individual efforts but also sends a resounding message, inspiring other community leaders and stakeholders to step up and invest in grassroots empowerment initiatives that uplift and serve those in need. This recognition is a clarion call for collective action toward a more equitable and inclusive society.

 

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Tayo Folorunsho Nominated as Celebrity Special Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps

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Tayo Folorunsho Nominated as Celebrity Special Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps

Tayo Folorunsho Nominated as Celebrity Special Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps

 

 

Tayo Folorunsho, renowned youth ambassador and edutainment advocate, has been officially nominated to be decorated as a Celebrity Special Marshal (CSM) of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).

 

Tayo Folorunsho Nominated as Celebrity Special Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps

 

The unveiling took place at the recently concluded FRSC Youth Hangout, held in celebration of the United Nations International Youth Day at the National Judicial Institute, Abuja.

 

 

Over the years, Tayo Folorunsho has distinguished himself as a passionate youth leader, consistently driving initiatives that inspire and empower young people. His recognition as a Celebrity Special Marshal is not only a mark of honor but also a call to responsibility—championing road safety, responsibility, and positive change within society.

 

Tayo Folorunsho Nominated as Celebrity Special Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps

 

Speaking on the recognition, Tayo Folorunsho emphasized:

“This is more than an honor; it is a responsibility to use my voice and influence to promote safety, responsibility, and positive change on our roads.”

 

This milestone reinforces his commitment to youth empowerment, social responsibility, and nation-building through edutainment and advocacy.

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FRSC Partners with Edutainment First International to Drive Road Safety Awareness in Nigeria

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FRSC Partners with Edutainment First International to Drive Road Safety Awareness in Nigeria

FRSC Partners with Edutainment First International to Drive Road Safety Awareness in Nigeria

 

In a country where road accidents claim thousands of lives each year—most of them young people—the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and Edutainment First International have launched a bold new initiative to change the narrative. On Thursday, August 14, both organizations hosted the maiden Road Safety Youth Hangout at the National Judicial Institute, Abuja.

 

FRSC Partners with Edutainment First International to Drive Road Safety Awareness in Nigeria

 

The event, held to mark United Nations International Youth Day 2025, brought together more than 300 participants, including members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), students, youth leaders, and community representatives. Unlike traditional road safety campaigns, the hangout was designed as an interactive forum blending education and entertainment, where young Nigerians could learn, innovate, and commit to safer road practices.

 

 

According to FRSC data, young people remain the most vulnerable demographic in road traffic crashes across Nigeria—an urgent concern this initiative aims to tackle. Through storytelling, innovation, and collaborative problem-solving, the Road Safety Youth Hangout sought to transform young Nigerians into advocates for safety within their communities.

 

 

“This is not just about rules and regulations,” said one of the organizers. “It’s about equipping young people with the tools and the voice to change Nigeria’s road culture.”

 

Aligned with the UN’s 2025 theme, “Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond,” the program underscored the critical role of young Nigerians in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those connected to health, safety, and responsible citizenship.

 

 

By focusing on empowerment rather than enforcement, FRSC and Edutainment First International signaled a fresh approach to road safety: investing in the next generation as the real drivers of change. The belief is simple yet powerful—an informed and empowered youth population is key to reducing accidents and saving lives.

 

 

For many participants, the hangout was more than just an event; it was a wake-up call. With interactive sessions infused with music, drama, and dialogue, young Nigerians were challenged to reflect on their daily habits as road users and to embrace leadership as advocates for safer communities.

 

 

As one youth participant reflected:

“Road safety isn’t just the job of the FRSC. It’s our responsibility too—because we are the ones most at risk.”

 

The maiden edition of the Road Safety Youth Hangout may have ended, but the movement it launched has only just begun. Its message was unmistakable: Nigeria’s fight for safer roads must be youth-led, collaborative, and relentless.

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