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Why Osinbajo Chartered Private Chopper For Kabba Trip

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By our correspondents

Details emerged on Monday on why Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo chartered a private helicopter for a trip to Kogi State last Saturday, which ended up crash-landing in Kabba.

The VP, the Minister of State for Labour, Prof. Stephen Ocheni, and 10 senior presidential officials had escaped unhurt when the AgustaWestland 139 helicopter marked 5N-CML and serial number: 31389, owned and operated by Caverton Helicopters hit the ground awkwardly and fell on its side at the Kabba Stadium in Kogi State on February 2.

Findings indicated that Osinbajo opted for the charter service because the helicopters in the Presidential Fleet were reportedly occupied that day with other functions.

Two choppers in the official fleet, said to be the “only functional ones” for now, had already been engaged to fly to presidential campaign venues in the North-East on the fateful day.

One State House official, who spoke with The Premier, explained that in the circumstances, the VP had to opt for the charter service to be able to carry on with the Next Level campaign activities of the Buhari administration.

“Actually, there are two functional helicopters in the Presidential Fleet. That is the information available right now. Those two choppers were already engaged on Saturday.

“For example, Mr President was away to Bauchi that same day and the two PAF choppers were engaged for that and other functions.

“It is not unusual that when the choppers are engaged and there is another equally important function to be executed, an alternative can be sought.

“This is not just about the VP, whenever there is the need for an alternative when the functional choppers are busy, this is done,” the source informed The Premier.

Investigations showed that the VP’s office ruled out any sabotage in the near-death experience.

“There is no use pre-empting the outcome of an investigation. However, there is no fear about any sabotage,” a presidential source told our correspondent

The Accident Investigation Bureau on Sunday, confirmed that it had begun investigation into the accident to ascertain what really caused it.

The AIB said investigators had been dispatched to the site of the crash in Kabba.

Caverton Helicopters, in its reaction to the development, expressed support for the investigation, saying that it would give necessary cooperation to the government agency.

Presidency backs probe of crash by AIB

When The Premier  sought the reaction of the VP’s office to the move of the AIB, it responded that what the agency had started followed the normal protocol when a crash occurred.

Speaking with our correspondent, the Senior Special Assistant to the VP on Media and Publicity, Mr Laolu Akande, said Osinbajo believed the investigation was the “standard procedure.”

He added, “After such an incident, the aviation authorities will do their due diligence, carry out a thorough investigation and come out with a report on what has happened.

“That is the proper thing to do and yes, they are on the right course of action.”

Findings showed that as of 2015, PAF had 10 aircraft, including four Agusta helicopters.

They were Boeing Business Jet (Boeing 737-800 or Air Force One); one Gulfstream 550; one Gulfstream V (Gulfstream 500); two Falcons 7X; one Hawker Sidley 4000; two AgustaWestland AW 139 helicopters; and two AgustaWestland AW 101 helicopters.

However, about two of the aircraft were reportedly handed over to the Nigerian Air Force.

In 2018, the State House budgeted N1.4bn on maintenance of the presidential aircraft.

In the 2019 budget awaiting passage by the National Assembly, the maintenance of aircraft in the PAF and provision of associated services will cost over N3.6bn.

The total budget made for PAF in 2019 is N7bn.

The breakdown of the expenditure is contained in the Executive Summary of the 2019 budget, which The PUNCH obtained in Abuja.

The biggest allocation of N1.492bn is allocated for the procurement of “Navigational Equipment” for the operations of PAF.

Similarly, the Live Television and Internet services for one of the carriers, BBJ (5N-FGT), will gulp N792m.

The provision, which is tagged “ongoing,” covers the “mandatory upgrade” of the Internet and live television services. In 2018, this same sub-head cost the Presidency N200m.

For the overhaul of the engines of the PAF aircraft, there is a provision of N200.99m.

The budget does not list the number of engines to be overhauled, but a Presidential source informed The premier  that “the details of the budget will give the number of aircraft and the nature of the overhauling.”

However, a higher provision of N650m is made for another “upgrade of Presidential Air Fleet aircraft.”

The sub-head is also tagged as “ongoing,” an indication of a phase-by-phase spending on the upgrade to spread it across budgets.

In addition, fuelling of the aircraft will consume N450m, while N120m is provided for the construction of site for keeping of safety and security equipment.

The budget also has a separate allocation of N175.2m for the renovation of the PAF complex and hangar for the aircraft.

Meanwhile, the Arewa Consultative Forum said it was grateful to God for sparing Osinbajo’s life in the helicopter accident in Kabba, Kogi State, on Saturday.

The ACF’s Secretary-General, Anthony Sani, who spoke with one of our correspondents on the telephone, urged the maintenance department to ensure regular service of aircraft in the presidential fleet to ensure the safety of the President and his deputy.

He said, “We thank God. We are really grateful to God for sparing the life of our Vice-President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo.

“We, however, appealed to the maintenance department to ensure that our planes are serviced regularly to avoid the recurrence of such accident that may result in the death of our leaders including the President and the Vice-President.”

Meanwhile, the AIB has asked the public to assist it by providing any video clips, relevant evidence or information as the agency investigates what led to the helicopter’s crash.

The Commissioner/Chief Executive Officer, AIB, Akin Olateru, also stated that the agency would release factual information concerning the accident in a matter of days.

Olateru was quoted in a statement by the Ministry of Transportation (Aviation) in Abuja on Monday as saying, “As the investigating agency, AlB needs and hereby solicits for your (public) help.

“We want the public to know that we would be amenable to receiving any video clip(s), relevant evidence or information any member of the public may have of the accident that can assist us with this investigation.”

He urged persons with useful information to kindly contact the agency via its official communication channels as stated on its website.

“I would like to enjoin the press and the public to please respect the privacy of the people involved and not to preempt the cause of the accident. AlB will release the preliminary report which will include factual information about the accident in a matter of days,” Olateru added.

The AIB boss said, “Accident Investigation Bureau, the agency of government created under the Civil Aviation Act 2006 with a clear mandate to investigate air accidents and serious incidents, has commenced investigation into this accident.

“I am assuring the entire public that this investigation will be detailed, thorough and timely. Accident investigation is not to apportion blame; it is about fact-finding and making safety recommendations with a view to preventing future occurrences.”

 

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ASR AFRICA HOLDS GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY FOR A N250 MILLION ABDUL SAMAD RABIU MEDICAL SCIENCE LABOURATORY FOR CRESCENT UNIVERSITY

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AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM

SPONSORED BY: H&H

ASR Africa has commenced the construction of a N250 Million medical science laboratory for Crescent University, Abeokuta in Ogun State.

From Right: Mr. G. T. Ogunmefun (University Acting Bursar); Barr. A. M. Ajiobla, SAN (Proprietor); Prof. Ibraheem Gbajabiamila (Vice- Chancellor); Dr. Ubon Udoh (MD/CEO, ASR Africa); Barr. Z. A. Ajibola (Registrar) and Prof. M. K.  Momodu (Dean, College of Law) at the ground breaking ceremony of the Medical Science Laboratory for Crescent University, Abeokuta.

August24news.com gathered that the laboratory will enhance the capacity of the institution in meeting the National Development Plans and Transformational Agenda (NDTA) of the Federal Government of Nigeria, whilst filling the gap created by laboratory scientists who have left the country recently.


Speaking at the ceremony, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Ibraheem Gbajabiamila, expressed gratitude for the institution’s nomination by ASR Africa under its Tertiary Education Grant Scheme (TEGs).

He applauded ASR Africa for the award of the grant and noted that the project is the university’s topmost priority, considering its drive to expand its College of Health Sciences programs.


In his response, the MD CEO of ASR Africa, Dr Ubon Udoh, commended the management of the university for their academic achievements and systematic growth which is evident by the addition of three new colleges recently.

These colleges include the College of Environmental Sciences (COES), Bola Ajibola College of Law (BACOLAW) and the College of Health Sciences (COHES). Dr Udoh reiterated the commitment of ASR Africa in ensuring a timely completion of the project.


The N250 Million grant will provide fixtures and fittings for the medical science laboratory which features a 300 sitting capacity auditorium, offices for Head of Departments and lecturers, lecture /seminar rooms.

It will also cater as laboratories facility for Medical Laboratory Science, Medical Biology, Hematology, Pharmacology/Therapeutics and Chemical Pathology.


The ASR Africa Tertiary Education Grant Scheme is targeted at supporting quality education within the tertiary education system in Nigeria and so far over 30 tertiary institutions in Nigeria have benefitted from this grant which ranges from N250 million to N 2 billion.


ABOUT ASR AFRICA
The brainchild of African Industrialist, Philanthropist and Chairman of BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu, the Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative (ASR Africa) was established in 2021 to provide sustainable, impact-based, homegrown solutions to developmental issues affecting Health, Education and Social Development within Africa. 

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Seplat Energy Clinches ‘Deal of the Year’ at New Telegraph Award

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Seplat Energy Clinches ‘Deal of the Year’ at New Telegraph Award

AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM

SPONSORED BY: H&H

Seplat Energy Plc, a leading Nigerian energy company listed on both the Nigerian Exchange Limited and the London Stock Exchange, has clinched the ‘Deal of the Year’ Award at the recently held New Telegraph Newspaper Awards.

L-R: Stanley Opara, Manager Corporate Communications, Seplat Energy; Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, Lagos State Commissioner for Information & Strategy; and Adebowale Eboda, Associate General Counsel Corporate & Compliance, Seplat Energy at the New Telegraph Newspapers Awards where Seplat Energy clinched the ‘Deal of the Year Award’ in Lagos … on Friday.

Seplat Energy completed the deal on the acquisition of Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited – renamed Seplat Energy Producing Nigeria Unlimited (SEPNU) from ExxonMobil in December 2024. 

The Award ceremony was not just a ceremony but a heartfelt tribute to outstanding organisations and individuals that have made significant contributions across various sectors, including governance, business, education, and technology. The event honoured those who have excelled in their fields and inspired others through their work.

In his remarks, the Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief of the New Telegraph Newspaper, Mr Ayodele Aminu, said: “Tonight, we celebrate not just achievements but the transformative power of love, dedication to work, those who have transcended expectations, those who have defied barriers and inspired digital growth and made extraordinary waves and impact in their various fields.”

“The true essence of these awards lies not in accolades or trophies, but in the enduring impact of each orgnanisation and individual’s contributions,” Aminu  said, urging awardees to continue to push boundaries and inspire others for greater heights.

L-R: Stanley Opara, Manager Corporate Communications, Seplat Energy; Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, Lagos State Commissioner for Information & Strategy; and Adebowale Eboda, Associate General Counsel Corporate & Compliance, Seplat Energy at the New Telegraph Newspapers Awards where Seplat Energy clinched the ‘Deal of the Year Award’ in Lagos … on Friday.

The MPNU deal was transformative for Seplat Energy, with the capacity of more than doubling production and positioning the Company to drive growth and profitability, whilst contributing significantly to Nigeria’s future prosperity.

The completion of the acquisition has created Nigeria’s leading independent energy company, with the enlarged company having equity in 11 blocks (onshore and shallow water Nigeria); 48 producing oil and gas fields; 5 gas processing facilities; and 3 export terminals.

The acquisition of the entire issued share capital of MPNU adds the following assets to the Seplat Group: 40% operated interest in OML 67, 68, 70 and 104; 40% operated interest in the Qua Iboe export terminal and the Yoho FSO; 51% operated interest in the Bonny River Terminal (‘BRT’) NGL recovery plant; 9.6% participating interest in the Aneman-Kpono field; and approximately 1,000 staff and 500 contractors have transitioned to the Seplat Group.

This strongly connects to Seplat Energy’s mission of delivering value to all its stakeholders, and building a sustainable business that can deliver affordable, accessible and reliable energy for Nigeria.

Responding, Seplat Energy thanked the New Telegraphy Newspapers for its recognition whilst lauding the Newspaper’s commitment to excellence and professionalism. “At Seplat Energy we are proud of the contributions we can make to improving affordable energy access for Nigerians through the safe, responsible development of Nigeria’s oil and gas reserves,” it added.

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Olusunle, Now Fellow Nigerian Mining & Geosciences Society (FNMGS)

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…As Society Celebrates 64 Years of Existence

AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM

SPONSORED BY: H&H

A research Director of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Engr. Dr. Samuel Olugbenga O. Olusunle has been conferred with the prestigious Fellow of Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society (FNMGS), one of the oldest professional bodies in the history of Nigeria.

NASENI Research Director, Engr. Dr Samuel Olugbenga O. Olusunle, FNMGS, (right) receiving the Conferment Award plaque and Certificate from Prof. Akinade Sadrach Olatunji, the President of the Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society(NMGS)(left) during the Awards Night which took place at the Chida International Hotels Abuja on Wednesday 19 February 2025.

The Nigeria’s late sage, Pan Africanist and President during the First Nigerian Republic Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe was the first patron of the Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society.     

The Society yesterday in Abuja concluded its 60th Annual International Conference and Exhibition (AICE), and it was time for the body to honour and recognize its members who had contributed tremendously not only to the growth and development of the Mining and Geosciences profession in the country, but the accomplishments of the honourees having direct bearing on the general socio-economic development of the country.

The event which was held between 16th to 19th February 2025 at the Chida International Hotel Abuja, came to a climax with Awards Night and recognition. Dr. Olusunle and 42 other members were honoured with the prestigious fellow category, which is the highest election attainable in society.

This conferment has added new appellation to Engr.Dr. Olusunle’s name as FNMGS.  In 1977, the Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society (NMGS) succeeded the Nigerian Mining Geological and Metallurgical Society (NMGMS) which was founded on 15th January 1961 and officially inaugurated on 17th December, 1962.

The society is an international professional organization. Its Objectives include: Advancement and practice of Mining, Earth sciences and Metallurgy, Acquisition, preservation and dissemination of mining geoscientific and metallurgical knowledge, publication of an interdisciplinary learned journal of Mining and Geology (JMG), the CRUST, periodicals and specialized books including annual books of abstracts and programmes of the society’s conferences and activities and upholding the ethics and safeguarding the interests of the professionals covered by the society.

The society also has statutory representation in the council of the Nigerian Mining Engineers and Geoscientists (COMEG) established by the Federal republic of Nigeria Decree No. 40 of 1990. The categories of membership are Fellow, Corporate, Graduate, Students, Affiliate, Institutional and Honorary fellow, the highest of all is the Fellow category.

When asked to speak on the significance of the society’s recognition to him and NASENI where he serves as Director Research, a highly elated Olusunle had this to say: “I give God the glory and I am really humbled to be elected FELLOW of NMGS. It should be noted that the mandate of NASENI and the core concerns of NMGS are knittingly related. NASENI has one of its institutes operating within the purview of solid minerals exploitation (SOMMEDI).

NASENI also under wonderful leadership of the EVC/CEO, Khalil S. Halilu, is actively involved in the CNG project of the Federal Government. These and other notable activities/intervention of NASENI are collaborative windows between the agency and NMGS”.

Before he became research director, Dr. Olusunle was former Managing Director, Engineering Materials Development Institute (EMDI) Akure, one of NASENI Development Institutes. Also, he is a FELLOW of the Nigeria Institute of Mechanical Engineers (NIMechE), the Materials Science and Technology Society of Nigeria (MSN), the Nigeria Society of Engineers (NSE), The Nigeria Institute of Management (NIM), The Nigerian Metallurgical Society (NMS)and many others.

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