News
Ekiti Airport Gets Regulatory Approval for non-scheduled flights operation
Most new airports are usually given non-scheduled flight approval to allow them clear audit gaps in their compliance before final approval for flight operational permit.
▪︎File photo: Enthusiastic citizens throng the Ekiti State Agro Allied International Cargo Airport during the commissioning of the new airport in Ado-Ekiti…October 16, 2022.
Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport (EAICA) Ado-Ekiti has received the approval of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to commence non-scheduled flight operation effective December 15th, 2024.
The NCAA, in a letter dated December 11, 2024 and addressed to Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, said the approval of the non-scheduled operations under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) at the airport is for a period of six months- December 15, 2024 to June 15, 2025.
The letter, which was signed by NCAA Acting Director General Civil Aviation, Capt Chris Najomo, was in response to the state government’s application for flight operational permit for the airport.
According to NCAA, the approval for a six months non-schedule operation at the airport is to enable the NCAA validate the implementation of the pending findings and to allow Ekiti State Government time to rectify a few outstanding Corrective Action items indicated in the agency’s last inspection report.
As part of compliance steps towards the commencement of the non-scheduled flight operations at the airport, operations are to be in agreement with relevant agencies for provision of essential services, including Air Traffic Services, Aerodrome Rescue and Fire Fighting Services, Aviation Security and Meteorological services.
It will be recalled that the State government had earlier signed MoUs and Service Level Agreements with these federal aviation agencies.
The Government of Ekiti State welcomes NCAA’s approval for the non-scheduled flight operation, which allows private jets and other chartered flights to land and take off from the airport between 6.00am to 6.00pm (or sunrise to sunset), preparatory to the final approval for commercial flight operations.
Most new airports are usually given non-scheduled flight approval to allow them clear audit gaps in their compliance before final approval for flight operational permit.
Governor Biodun Oyebanji describes the NCAA’s approval as a welcome development and a justification for the state’s investment in the airport project, which was designed to boost Ekiti State’s socioeconomic development by making the state more readily accessible.
Governor Oyebanji had earlier in the year assured stakeholders that the Ekiti airport would become operational before the end of the year.
News
Nigeria must never experience another civil war, Obasanjo warns
Obasanjo noted that many of the factors that led to the 1967–1970 conflict still exist within the country’s institutions and among its people.
•Former President Olusegun Obasanjo
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Wednesday warned that Nigeria must never experience another civil war.
Obasanjo spoke at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) in Abeokuta, Ogun State, while receiving a historical documentation on the Asaba Massacre from the Isama Ajie of Asaba, Chief Chuck Nduka-Eze.
Obasanjo noted that many of the factors that led to the 1967–1970 conflict still exist within the country’s institutions and among its people.
The work, titled Asaba Massacre, comprises a published transcript and an audiovisual documentary based on eyewitness accounts, recorded interviews, archival materials, audiovisual documentation and historical research.
Speaking during the presentation, Obasanjo, who served as a military commander during the Nigerian Civil War, said that he had always refrained from commenting extensively on the Asaba Massacre because the area was under the command of the late General Murtala Muhammed.
He commended Nduka-Eze for documenting the events, saying the work would contribute to preserving Nigeria’s history and preventing a recurrence of such tragedies.
“We pride ourselves that we preserve the past, we capture the present and we inspire the future. We capture the past, and this is the past; we want to capture it, we want to know about it,” Obasanjo said.
Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have arrested former Minister of Science and Technology, Geoffrey Uchechukwu Nnaji, at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu.
The arrest occurred on Wednesday morning as the former minister attempted to board a private jet to Abuja.
Security sources confirmed that Nnaji was taken into custody by DSS officers at the request of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) over allegations of certificate forgery. He was subsequently handed over to the anti-graft agency.
The ICPC had reportedly extended several invitations to the former minister following petitions regarding his management of the ministry. When he failed to honour the invitations, the commission sought the assistance of the DSS to effect his arrest.
Nnaji resigned from his position as Minister last October under controversial circumstances.
Further details on the case are still emerging.
Former Minister of Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, was on Wednesday arrested at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, shortly after arriving from Enugu aboard a chartered flight.
Authoritative airport sources confirmed the arrest, stating that Nnaji is expected to be handed over to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for interrogation.
The arrest follows an ongoing ICPC investigation into allegations that the former minister forged his academic certificates.
In mid-June, a Federal High Court in Abuja granted the anti-corruption agency leave to arrest Nnaji as part of its investigation into the alleged certificate forgery.
The court also authorised the commission to declare him wanted through national newspapers, social media platforms and other media channels.
(Vanguard News)
Nigeria must never experience another civil war, Obasanjo warns
BREAKING: DSS Arrests Former Minister Uche Nnaji Over Certificate Forgery Allegations
ADC, NDC upload presidential tickets to INEC portal for 2027 polls
Tech Expert, Zuckerberg trains with UFC champions, Adesanya, Alexander
Organ Trafficking: Ekweremadu bags 10 years in UK prison
SAINT OBI: Between his marriage and his death
-
Business2 days agoNaira Exchange Rates Monday, 29 June 2026
-
News2 days agoJUST IN: Two Trucks, Car Collide on Lagos Expressway, Several Injured
-
Politics2 days ago2027: Atiku Alleged Plot To Keep ADC Off Ballot
-
Health2 days agoWHO Confirms 1,300 deaths in Europe heatwaves
-
Business1 day agoBUA Group Denies Reports of Bid to Acquire Stake in Kano Pillars Football Club
-
News2 days agoJAMB and Rite Foods Initiate Rewarding Top Performing Candidates
-
News2 days agoFG bans motorcycles, tricycles on Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway
-
Politics2 days agoJUST IN: Adeboye says he Admires Trump, declaring “He is the best politician I’ve met’