society
Private Jet Operators Eye Bumper Profits As 2019 Campaigns Begins
Indications emerged on Friday that private jet operators (charter airlines) were bracing for harvests of bumper profits as political parties and politicians begin their campaigns for the 2019 general elections on Sunday.
According to the Independent National Electoral Commission election schedule, political parties will begin their campaigns on Sunday, November 18, 2018, which is approximately three months before the general elections scheduled for February next year.
The Peoples Democratic Party has reportedly said it would begin its campaign on Monday.
Some of the major charter jet firms in the country are: Skyjet Aviation, Skypower Express, Izy Air, Max Air, Dana Aviation, Jed Air, Anap Jets, Execujet, West Link Aviation, Dana Air, Arik Air, Overland Airways, Airstream Aviation and Air First Aviation.
Saturday PUNCH findings revealed that aside from some prominent politicians who leased private jets from overseas for the campaigns, charter jet operators numbering over 15 currently parade at least 40 private aircraft in their fleets.
For example, Skyjet Aviation, which has its base in Kaduna and Abuja, has about five private jets in its fleet. These are: Hawker 900XP, Hawker 800XP, Embraer Legacy 650 and two Learjet
Kaduna-based Dana Aviation has three Dornier 328 aircraft, while Lagos-based Dana Air has about two Learjer45 for charter. Lagos-based Execujet is said to have about eight private jets in partnership with some smaller operators in its fleet. Some of the brands of jets in its fleet are Embraer Legacy 650, Hawker Siddley 125 and Canadian-made Bombardier Challenger 604.
Abuja-based Izy Air also has the Challenger 604 jet and another aircraft, while West Link Aviation also parade a Challenger 604 and other airplanes in its fleet.
Lagos-based Airstream has two aircraft in its fleet, while Max Air is said to have three private jets in its fleet, namely two Learjet and one Embraer Legacy 600.
Some of the private jet operators, who spoke to our correspondent under condition of anonymity for fear of losing patronage because politicians prefer to keep their use of hired private jets secret, said business was picking up already.
They confirmed that orders were already coming in ahead of the three-month period.
A former General Secretary of Airline Operators of Nigeria, the umbrella body for charter airline operators and scheduled carriers, Capt Muhammed Joji, said politicians and parties were going to depend on charter jet firms over the next three months to reach various parts of the country for political gatherings and campaigns.
Joji, who is also the managing director of Skypower Express, a charter airline, advised other players in the segment to ensure their jets “are able to fly for about 200 hours without going for any major maintenance overseas within the next three months.”
He said, “Political parties and politicians have their programmes scheduled already during this period; they won’t entertain any disappointment at the last minute this period. My advice to every operator is to make sure every jet in their fleet is free from any major maintenance over the next three months.”
The Chief Operating Officer, Airstream Aviation, Captain Ken Wemambu, while confirming slight upsurge in orders for private jet flights, said flight activities were already picking up in the charter jet segment.
He said, “Business is picking up, especially for operators who are based in Abuja. We expect better revenue over the next three months of the campaign.”
“Aside the charter jet firms, aviation fuel vendors and ancillary service providers in the charter segment of the aviation industry will benefit from the surge in traffic.
The Managing Director, Air First Aviation, a firm that provides charter, cargo and consultancy services, Mr. Gbolahan Abatan, said the season charter operators were looking forward to had finally come and hopes were high that private jet firms would make better revenue during the period.
Abatan added, “In the previous elections especially in 2011 and 2015, political parties and politicians hired private jets freely because there was boom in the economy. Economic activities are slow now even though this may not affect some politicians.”
According to findings by our correspondent, charter firms who use to record at least one or two flights a week with each flight lasting between three and four hours may now record about four to five flights in a week with each one lasting between four and eight hours depending on the nature of the political gathering, meeting on campaigns.
Some operators told our correspondent that as soon as the campaigns get to the peak, operators may have some of their jets engaged for days and sometimes weeks.
Private jet firms charge $6,000 per hour
Findings revealed that private jets flights charged their clients in dollars and payments were also made in dollars.
Operators told our correspondent under condition of anonymity for fear of backlash that they often charge between $4,500 and $6,500 per hour for their services.
They said charges used to be between $6,000 and $10,000 per hour but the economic downturn in the economy and the present government’s anti-corruption war stance and witch-hunt of political opponents had led to sharp drop in business in the past three years.
The downturn in business, it was learnt, had made some foreign players in the charter business especially the United Kingdom-based Hangar8 and the Switzerland-based Vistajets to leave the country.
VistaJets was the company a former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, paid millions of dollars to fly its jets during the Goodluck Jonathan administration.
Currently, smaller jets like Hawker Siddley 125-800 goes for between $4,500 and $5,000 per hour, while upscale jets like United States-made Gulfstream 450 series and Canadian-made Bombardier Challenger 605 series go for between $5,500 and $6,500 per hour. Brazilian-made Embraer Legacy 650, according to findings, go for about $5,000 per hour.
The Managing Director of Anap Jets, Capt. Akin George, said its firm was positioned to serve all manner of clients regardless of their affiliation.
Giving further details, the Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Anap Jets, Gbemi Abudu, said, “Anap Jets is a private jet operator that focuses on fractional ownership, ad hoc charter and aircraft management. We are dedicated to providing efficient and reliable solutions to meet the business aviation needs of our clients. Therefore, we are always available to cater to the needs of our clientele.”
Elections: FG orders security agencies to begin search of private jets, passengers
Meanwhile, the Federal Government may have ordered security agencies to begin search of private jets and their passengers as the 2019 campaigns and other electioneering activities begin.
It was learnt that security agencies including the operatives of the Department of State Services, Immigration, Customs and the Special Task Force on Currency at the nation’s airports and private terminals would soon begin to search every private jet and their occupants before departures and after arrivals.
Multiple security sources at the Lagos and Abuja airports confirmed the development.
They were told that as the 2019 elections were drawing near, intelligence reports had shown that politicians might be trying to move funds both in local and foreign currencies via their private jets or hired planes to prosecute the campaigns and elections.
They said the development informed the decision to search the private jet of the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar, at the Abuja airport last Sunday shortly after his arrival from Dubai where he had gone for vacation.
It was, however, learnt that the decision to search Atiku’s jet was a specific order from the Federal Government, even though the Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, claimed it was a routine search usually conducted on all arriving passengers.
“Even though it is within our laws that security agencies can search private jets and their occupants, security agencies have not been doing this. It may be because there were no threats in the past. What I can say is that the search of Atiku’s jet is political because it is not the usual practice; the chief executive officer of an Abuja-based charter flight operator told our correspondent under condition of anonymity.
NCAA beef up security at private jet terminals, hangars
Meanwhile, the Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, the aviation industry regulator, Capt Muktar Usman, has said the Federal Government will beam its searchlight on all private jet terminals and private jet flights as campaigns towards the 2019 elections begin.
He said every election season was usually characterised with increased level of activities in the private and charter jet segment of the aviation sector and the agency would ensure no infraction is committed by any politician, party or charter operator.
Usman said, “We are all aware that as we are approaching the election season, there would be more movements in the private and charter flights segment. We are aware there are more movements, so the monitoring should be more. We are taking all those things into consideration. It’s part of our own oversight responsibility and we are taking things very seriously. So, we are monitoring to ensure that standards are met and adhered to.
Punch.
*Oyo Teachers Hold Solemn Assembly, Pray for Peace, Security*
Teachers in Oyo State have been urged to be steadfast in prayers for the State Wing Executive Council of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) and Oyo State.
The Chairman, NUT, Oyo State wing, Comrade Raji Oladimeji made the call on Thursday during a Solemn Assembly held at the Union’s headquarters in Ibadan.
The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) holds an annual Solemn Assembly in Ibadan to commit the union’s activities, teachers’ welfare, and Oyo State into God’s hands through prayers led by Christian and Muslim clerics.
Comrade Oladimeji said the programme was designed to draw the leadership of the Union and the entire members closer to God, stressing that nothing was impossible with God.
Comrade Oladimeji said: “We pray to God to lead us, and to teach us what we need to know and what we need to do. We are here today to surrender our petitions to the Lord God. We believe He will hear us and our demands will come to pass”.
The NUT Chairman revealed that a lot was being done to improve the welfare of Oyo teachers, expressing confidence that Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration in improving on the welfare of teachers in the state.
He applauded relevant government agencies, such as Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board, OYOSUBEB, Oyo State Post-Primary Teaching Service Commission, TESCOM, and the Ministry of Education for prioritising the welfare of teachers.
Oladimeji equally appreciated the National President, NUT, Com. Audu Titus Amba for his relentless advocacy for improved teacher welfare, and his efforts in ensuring better working conditions across the country.
He therefore charged the teachers to be role models to their pupils and students.
Oladimeji also emphasized the need for teachers to seek the face of God in their lives to be able to discharge their duties aright.
In their separate sermons, Pastor (Mrs) Margaret ‘Dayo Akinrinde, from the Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG Oyo Province 2, Ibadan and Comrade Alh. Haroon Lawal, a retired Permanent Secretary likened teachers to a Shephard who dedicated much of His time to caring for His flock, further describing the teachers as the “shepherds of our generation”.
Consequently, the Union also donated welfare materials to teachers in the 33 local government areas of the State.
The items which include customized clothing materials and other items were distributed to NUT leaders for onward distribution to the teachers.
While distributing the items, the Chairman, Com. Raji Oladimeji informed members that the materials were given to appreciate the efforts that teachers have been putting into the education of students.
The event, which was attended by relevant authorities, and teachers from across the state, featured Quran and Bible readings, prayer session for the leadership of the NUT at all levels, for teachers across the country, for Union staff and for the entire workforce of Nigeria, amongst other prayer points.
PRESIDENT BOLA TINUBU AND GENERAL CHRISTOPHER MUSA: A NEW ERA OF SECURITY AND PROGRESS
By Prince Sunday Joshua Bako
President Bola Tinubu has made significant strides in addressing Nigeria’s security challenges since taking office, with notable important appointments and initiatives aimed at stabilizing the nation. One of his key important appointments is General Christopher Musa as the Minister of Defence, who has brought a wealth of experience and strategic thinking to the role.
General Musa, a seasoned military leader, hit the ground running, launching a series of bold operations to tackle the Boko Haram insurgency and other security threats. His approach has been characterized by speed, agility, and a deep understanding of the complexities of modern warfare.
In his first few months in office, General Musa has achieved significant milestones, including the liberation of over 1,500 hostages and the reclamation of strategic territories in Borra, as well as the introduction of mobile strike teams equipped with night-vision capabilities and armored vehicles.
The General established a dedicated Cyber Warfare Command to fortify Nigeria’s defenses against emerging threats, and introduced comprehensive health insurance for soldiers, covering combat-related injuries. Additionally, he has increased allowances for frontline troops by 20% in 2024, a move aimed at boosting morale and improving the welfare of security personnel.
President Tinubu has made historic and significant strides in addressing Nigeria’s security and economic challenges, implementing policies aimed at boosting growth and stability. His administration has launched initiatives to address banditry, kidnapping, and terrorism, and has invested in infrastructure projects to improve connectivity and economic development.
The headlines speak for themselves what it was during the last tenure of President Muhammadu Buhari’s tenure and the giant strides we have made now under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and General Christopher Musa as Defence Minister.
1. Boko Haram Insurgency: 55 people killed in two raids near Maiduguri (2015)
2. Takum Taraba State Attack: 21 people killed (2015)
3. Agatu Massacre: Thousands displaced in Benue State (February 29, 2016)
4. Akure Cult Attack: 103 people killed (2017)
5. Ogbagi Akoko Bank Robbery: 20 people killed (2017)
6. Boko Haram Attack on Military Base: 66 personnel killed in Geidam (2018)
7. Kpanche Attack: 40 people killed in Kogi State (2018)
8. Izi Communal Clash: 85 people killed in Ebonyi State (April 2019)
9. Anguwan Aku Attack: 78 people killed in Kaduna State (April 2019)
10. Kankara Attack: 96 people killed in Katsina State (April 2019)
11. Safana, Dutsinma and Danmusa Attack: 67 people killed in Katsina State (2020)
12. Baga Convoy Attack: 30 people killed (2020)
13. Effium Attack: 14 people killed in Ebonyi State (2021)
14. Kurebe Ward Attack: 77 people killed in Niger State (February 2021)
15. Ebenebe Burial Attack: 20 people killed in Anambra State (February 26, 2022)
16. Owo Church Attack: 40 worshipers killed in Ondo State (June 5, 2022)
17. Aba Military Patrol Attack: unspecified number of Soldiers killed in Abia State (2022)
18. Niger State Terrorist Attack: Over 380 people killed (2022)
19. Ogun State Cult Violence: 8 people killed (2022)
20. Katsina Bandit Attack: 87 bandits killed (2022)
21. Northeast Nigeria Islamist Militant Attack: 340 people killed (2022)
22. Boko Haram-Related Violence: Over 5,000 fatalities (2016)
23. Herder-Farmer Clashes: 794 died in violence in middle belt region
24. Kidnapping: Growing industry flourished with high-profile cases
25. Niger Delta Militancy: Attacks on oil installations
26. Pro-Biafra Movement: Tensions and violence in southeast region
27. Islamist Insurgency: Thousands killed and displaced throughout northern Nigeria
28. Banditry: Increased attacks in northern Nigeria
29. Armed Robbery: historic threat to citizens
30. Cult Violence: Frequent attacks and killings during 8 years.
31. Terrorist Threats: US warns citizens in Nigeria to flee (2022)
32. Security Personnel Attacks: 238 police officers killed (2022)
33. Impeachment Attempts: Lawmakers try to remove Buhari (July 2022)
34. Boko Haram Amnesty Program: Controversy over government’s handling
35. Deradicalization Programs: Initiatives to reintegrate former militants who later rejoin insurgency
36. Operation Safe Corridor: Program to rehabilitate Boko Haram members end in controversy
37. National Counter Terrorism Strategy: Updated in 2016 failed
38. Military Campaigns: Operations against Boko Haram and other groups collapsed
39. International Cooperation: Support from US, UK, and other countries
40. Humanitarian Crisis: Displacement and economic impact
41. Economic Consequences: $100 billion disappeared or lost due to insecurity
42. Agricultural Impact: Farming disrupted in northeast and North West region
43. IDP Crisis: Over 4 million displaced
44. Security Budget: Increased spending with mixed results
45. Corruption Allegations: Questions over security fund management
46. Leadership Criticism: Analysts question Buhari’s approach
47. Ethnic and Religious Tensions: Ongoing conflicts
48. Porous Borders: Security challenges due to border control issues
49. Armed Groups: Rise of non-state actors
50. Civilian Casualties: High numbers reported throughout Buhari’s tenure
– Prince Sunday Joshua Bako Danborno is an All Progressive Congress Stalwart and Real Estate Merchant
society
King Of Knossos, His Imperial Royal Eminence Archbishop King Benny Terry Danson Received Allocades from UKA.
King Of Knossos, His Imperial Royal Eminence Archbishop King Benny Terry Danson Received Allocades from UKA.
His Imperial Royal Eminence Archbishop King Benny Terry Danson, President Of International Council of Archbishops And Bishops for Charismatic And Pentecostal Churches. A citizen of United Kingdom of Atlantis (UKA), King Of Knossos in Greece.
While he was installed as King of Knossos promised sustained development and a lasting legacy for the island kingdom, assuring citizens that his reign will bring “a lot of things” for the benefit of the people.
Pledges Development and Lasting legacy.
Adding that his administration would focus on building the island to his taste, driving growth and progress, stressed that his reign would harness the full potential of the Knossos Kingdom, promising to introduce new infrastructure, attract investment, and strengthen the kingdom’s socio-economic standing. “We stand to gain a lot of things because the king is going to build that island to his taste, bringing development, bringing a lot of things,” he said.
The monarch expressed confidence that his leadership would open opportunities for growth while upholding the traditions of the kingdom.
A visionary leader, King Benny Terry Danson brings decades of transformative leadership to the role. As King of Knossos, Greece, he spearheaded initiatives that:
– *Revolutionized infrastructure*, driving economic growth,
– *Attracted global investment*, boosting the kingdom’s profile,
– *Strengthened socio-economic standing*, uplifting citizens.
_“We stand to gain a lot of things because the king is going to build that island to his taste,”_ he declared, emphasizing growth with tradition. His leadership in Knossos serves as a model for the UKA’s aspirations.
As President of the International Council of Archbishops and Bishops for Charismatic and Pentecostal Churches, King Danson wields global spiritual influence, aligning faith with progress. He has:
– *Fostered interfaith dialogue*, promoting unity,
– *Championed humanitarian causes*, aiding vulnerable communities,
– *Guided spiritual growth*, inspiring millions worldwide.
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In a landmark royal decree, the Office of the Minister of Information & Culture of the United Kingdom of Atlantis (UKA) has announced the appointment of *His Imperial Royal Eminence, King Sir Benny Terry Danson*, as the _Acting Admin King_ of the UKA Throne. The nomination was issued through an official directive from the UKA Throne and is intended to pave the way for King Sir Benny Terry Danson’s eventual ascension to the title of *Official Emperor Admin* of the Throne, subject to the completion of necessary formal and constitutional processes.
The UKA Throne emphasized that the appointment underscores its unwavering commitment to *competence, dedication, and integrity* as the guiding principles for all administrative functions within the government structure. Officials stated that the decision is a strategic move to reinforce national leadership and accelerate the kingdom’s vision of becoming a more efficient, progressive, and unified nation.
The new Acting Admin King will oversee initiatives aimed at fostering sustainable growth, improving public service delivery, and promoting collective national development among citizens and followers of the UKA. The government expressed deep appreciation for the continuous love, loyalty, and support shown by the populace, noting that public engagement is essential for the kingdom’s shared prosperity and advancement.
Further details regarding the formalization of the appointment, including ceremonial schedules and administrative timelines, will be released to the public in due course through official communication channels.
*Report Highlights:*
– *Nominee:* King Sir Benny Terry Danson, Acting Admin King.
– *Objective:* Transition toward becoming Official Emperor Admin of the UKA Throne.
– *Focus:* Strengthening governance through competence, dedication, and integrity.
– *Impact:* Expected to drive national efficiency, progress, and unity.
– *Next Steps:* Official ceremonies and constitutional procedures to follow.
The United Kingdom of Atlantis (UKA) is a sovereign entity dedicated to fostering global unity, humanitarian progress, and financial innovation. It operates under a regal framework that blends imperial tradition with futuristic economic strategies, including asset-backed digital currencies and sustainable development programs.
Emperor Nobiliis Solomon Winning is a transformative leader of the United Kingdom of Atlantis, driving innovative projects in finance, humanitarian efforts, and global development. His reign focuses on merging traditional monarchical values with modern technological advancements, exemplified by initiatives like the ATC digital currency.
The United Kingdom of Atlantis looks forward to achieving new milestones in governance and global impact under the stewardship of Emperor Solomon Winning to His Imperial Royal Eminence Archbishop King Benny Terry Danson.
His Imperial Royal Eminence Archbishop King Benny Terry Danson has advised politicians contesting in the upcoming elections to maintain peace and ensure stability in the country.
In a statement, Archbishop Danson also appealed to the President of Nigeria to consider the plagi situation of citizens and ease the burden of fuel price hikes, which have led to soaring transportation costs and inflation ¹ ² ³.
“With the current fuel price hikes, Nigerians are facing unprecedented economic hardship. It’s imperative that the government takes immediate action to cushion the impact on citizens,” Archbishop Danson said.
The Archbishop’s call comes as petrol prices hit around ₦1,300 per litre, with diesel prices exceeding ₦1,500 per litre, sparking concerns of inflationary pressures and economic instability.
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