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Private Jet Operators Eye Bumper Profits As 2019 Campaigns Begins

Published

5 years ago

November 17, 2018

Sahara Weekly

Oyetunji Abioye

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.

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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.

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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.

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NANS Cautions Members On Blackmail, Dirty Politics

Published

3 hours ago

May 1, 2024

Sahara Weekly

SUSPEND, PROSECUTE, AND KICK OUT MINISTERS, AIDES WITH PENDING CORRUPTION CHARGES AND VALIDATED ALLEGATIONS NANS URGES PRESIDENT TINUBU,

NANS Cautions Members On Blackmail, Dirty Politics

– Says Minister Is On Top Of The Situation

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The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has cautioned its members nationwide on the blackmail and calls by some section of the national body on the sack of the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu.

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In a statement made available to journalists in Abuja, Dist. Senator Ekundina Segun Elvis,
President of the Senate (NANS), also called for the arrest of a self acclaimed NANS Leader, Akinteye Babatunde Afeez, whom he described as an impostor.

Ekundina described the statement credited to Akinteye as subtle blackmail and a propaganda to discredit the Minister, who is working assiduously on the mandate of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to sanitise, make the power sector more efficient and guarantee regular electricity supply to Nigerians.

He said the calls for the removal of both Adelabu and the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, is misguided at this crucial time when both are consistently providing solutions and keeping Nigerians updated about their vision for sustainable growth in both sectors critical to the development of the country.

The NANS Senate President said, “The press release in question targets two crucial aspects of our nation’s development: the hike in petrol price and electricity instability. It is interesting to note that the attack is directed solely at the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) regarding the petrol price hike, while the Ministers of State for Petroleum Resources, who oversees both oil and gas, is conspicuously ignored. This biased approach clearly suggests a hidden agenda and raises questions about the true motives behind this press release.

“Turning to the issue of electricity, it is disheartening to see the Honorable Minister of Power being attacked unjustly. Chief Bayo Adelabu has taken the time to address the nation on multiple occasions, explaining in great detail the complexities surrounding the instability of electricity in our country. He has outlined the steps being taken to resolve these issues, including the stages of implementation, debt repayment, and addressing the existing gaps.

“His explanations have been comprehensive, offering hope that the electricity situation will improve in due course.

“It is evident that this press release is sponsored by the opposition and individuals seeking to tarnish the image of Chief Bayo Adelabu. The history of the self-acclaimed NANS leader, Akinteye Babatunde Afeez, known for attacking personalities for financial gains, raises serious concerns about the credibility and authenticity of this press release.

“A typical example was his self demeaning and blackmail press he released to attack the DG of the National Orientation Agency (NOA). It is clear that the intention here is not to address the issues at hand but to damage the reputation of the Honorable Minister and his contributions to the development of our nation and the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR.

“We issue a stern warning to the writer of this attacking press release and their co-sponsors. While the self-acclaimed NANS leader’s studentship is subject to investigation, we call upon the public to stand against misinformation and propaganda. We urge the security agencies to be vigilant and prevent any illegal gatherings disguised as protests, as they are undoubtedly sponsored by the opposition to disrupt the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR.

“We also call upon President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to be aware of these miscreants who falsely claim to be student leaders. Their sole objective is to attack and destroy the Renewed Hope Agenda of his administration. However, we want to assure the public, the student community, and the youth that we are closely monitoring these developments.

“We firmly believe that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR will succeed in his endeavors, and no amount of propaganda will derail the progress we are making as a nation.

“This press release is nothing more than a funded propaganda campaign aimed at defaming Chief Bayo Adelabu, the Honorable Minister of Power. We have exposed the hidden motives and called for action against those responsible for disseminating such misleading information. We remain committed to ensuring the truth prevails and that the Nigerian people are not swayed by baseless attacks,” Ekundina stated.

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Folasade Omotoyinbo Marks Birthday In Style, Empowers 200 Youths, Gifts 500 People Food Items In Lagos

Published

7 hours ago

May 1, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Folasade Omotoyinbo Marks Birthday In Style, Empowers 200 Youths, Gifts 500 People Food Items In Lagos

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Folasade Omotoyinbo, the esteemed CEO of Poshglow Skincare and a renowned figure in the beauty industry, marked her birthday in a remarkable and philanthropic manner, demonstrating her commitment to empowering youths and combating hunger in Nigeria.

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As the driving force behind Poshglow Skincare, Folasade Omotoyinbo has established herself as a leading aesthetician and beautician, offering top-notch skincare solutions to clients. Additionally, she is the visionary behind the Folasade Omotoyinbo Foundation, a non-governmental organization dedicated to addressing the issue of hunger in Nigeria.

On her birthday, Folasade Omotoyinbo chose to celebrate by giving back to her community in a meaningful way. She organized a special empowerment program, where over 200 youths were trained in various skills including makeup artistry, photography, event decoration, gele tying, and spa treatment. Through these training sessions, she provided valuable opportunities for young individuals to develop essential skills and pursue career paths in the beauty and wellness industry.

In addition to empowering youths, Folasade Omotoyinbo demonstrated her commitment to addressing food insecurity by organizing a food bank initiative. Through the Folasade Omotoyinbo Foundation, she distributed food items to over 500 people in various communities, including Shomolu Local Government, Mushin, Oshodi, and Ikeja in Lagos State. This initiative provided much-needed relief to vulnerable individuals and families facing food scarcity, especially in the midst of challenging economic circumstances.

Photos of Folasade Omotoyinbo’s birthday celebrations and philanthropic endeavors were shared on her social media platforms, garnering an outpouring of prayers, congratulatory messages, and admiration from followers and well-wishers. Her selfless acts of kindness and dedication to making a positive impact in the lives of others have earned her widespread praise and admiration.

As Folasade Omotoyinbo reflects on another year of life, she continues to embody the values of compassion, generosity, and empowerment. Her birthday celebration serves as an evidence to her unwavering commitment to uplifting her community and creating a brighter future for all. Through her leadership and philanthropy, she inspires others to join in the fight against hunger and to make a difference in the lives of those in need.

As she embarks on the next chapter of her journey, Folasade Omotoyinbo remains a beacon of hope and inspiration, demonstrating that even in the midst of celebration, there is always an opportunity to give back and make a meaningful impact in the world.

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Primate Ayodele’s Prophecies On Dana Airline, Gas Explosion Come To Pass

Published

8 hours ago

May 1, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Why Primate Ayodele’s Prophecies Are Trending In Senegal* By Paul Diouf, Dakar

*Primate Ayodele’s Prophecies On Dana Airline, Gas Explosion Come To Pass

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Many calamities could easily be avoided if people commit themselves to listening to helpful advice and warnings especially when they come from respected men of God with good track records.

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People have died, companies have collapsed, governments have been ousted, and monarchs have been dethroned because they failed to listen to divine warnings and counsels from proven God’s servants.

Among the respected men of God that often send out warnings to governments, institutions, companies and others is Primate Elijah Ayodele of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church and since 1994 when his ministry started, Primate Ayodele has remained consistent with his prophecies and at the moment, more than 15,000 of his prophecies have been fulfilled.

The recent incident that involved Dana Airline leading to the suspension of the airline’s activities by the Aviation ministry was foretold by Primate Ayodele in March 2023.

When Primate Ayodele released this prophecy, it wasn’t to just speak about the unfortunate incident that will happen but to warn the management of Dana Airline and others to be careful of an imminent crisis.

These were his words:

‘’Let’s pray against any plane crash or a plane that will skid-off its runway. Medview, Airpeace, Dana, Aero Contractor; they must be careful not to have issues and technical problems.’’

@primateayodele

#aviation #dana #danaairline #nigeriantiktok🇳🇬 #danaair #fulfillment #prophecyfulfilled #fulfillment #aviationlovers #iescworldwide #primateayodele #CapCut

♬ original sound – Primate Ayodele

In fulfillment of this prophecy, A Dana Air aircraft with registration number, 5N BKI, flying from Abuja to Lagos veered off the runway while landing at the Murtala Mohammed airport in Lagos.

A statement signed by Mr Kingsley Ezenwa, Head of Corporate Communications of the airline, said all the 83 passengers and crew members onboard were unharmed.

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) also suspended Dana Air’s operator certificate following this incident.

Likewise, multiple gas explosions that claimed the lives of several people in Rivers, Ogun, and Lagos state occurred within last week and this week.

In Rivers, The Police Command in Rivers says four people and over 70 vehicles were burnt in Friday’s fuel tanker explosion in the state. The explosion occurred along the Eleme section of the East-West Road in the state at about 7:30 p.m.

In Ogun state, One person was confirmed dead while two others sustained varying degrees of injuries as a gas tanker exploded in Ita-Osin, Abeokuta, Ogun State on Saturday. The accident also left five vehicles burnt.

In Lagos state, Nine persons including a pregnant woman were injured in a gas explosion around the Ajegunle-Apapa area of Lagos State.

Primate Ayodele in his prophecy regarding the gas incident warned Nigerians to pray against tanker explosion, fire outbreak, gas leakage and gas explosion.

These were his words:

‘’Let us pray against a terrible incident that will claim lives. Let’s pray against tanker explosion, fire outbreak, Gas leakage, and Gas explosion. We need to be very careful.’’

@primateayodele

#primateayodele #iescworldwide #fulfillment #explosion #gasexplosion #prophecyfulfilled #nigeriantiktok🇳🇬 #nigeria #nigeriantiktok #CapCut

♬ original sound – Primate Ayodele