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FG hopes on new satellite, NigComSat-2 to revive economy

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The Nigerian government is preparing to launch a new satellite, NigComSat-2, which is expected to significantly impact various sectors of the economy. The announcement was made by Aisha Bantam, Assistant General Manager of Communications at Nigerian Communications Satellite Ltd (NIGCOMSAT), during a capacity training session for journalists. According to Mrs. Jane Nkechi Egerton-Idehen, the Managing Director and CEO of NIGCOMSAT, the government is fully committed to this project due to its potential to advance Nigeria’s space capabilities and drive economic growth.

Although the timeline for the satellite’s launch was not disclosed, Bantam assured that it would occur as soon as possible. NigComSat-2 is anticipated to enhance NIGCOMSAT’s ability to provide high-speed communication services both within Nigeria and internationally. The satellite will support a range of applications including broadband internet, telemedicine, e-learning, and will also serve critical sectors like agriculture, security, health, and education.

Nigeria’s history with satellite technology has been challenging. The country initially invested $340 million in NigComSat-1, which was launched on May 13, 2007. Unfortunately, the satellite experienced technical failures and was de-orbited in November 2008. A replacement, NigComSat-1R, was launched on December 19, 2011, following a contract with China Great Wall Industry Corporation. This satellite is expected to continue its service until 2026.

Despite the launch of NigComSat-1R, there has been a lack of political will to follow up with additional satellites, and many government agencies and businesses have preferred foreign satellite services. This has led to underutilization of NigComSat-1R. For instance, the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) opted for a foreign Eutelsat service rather than using the indigenous satellite.

However, Egerton-Idehen expressed optimism about the government’s renewed commitment to satellite technology, highlighting the importance of having backup satellites and the role they play in various critical areas. She also acknowledged the media’s crucial role in promoting the satellite communication industry and educating the public on its benefits.

Overall, the upcoming NigComSat-2 represents a significant step for Nigeria’s space and communication capabilities, aiming to address past issues and support the country’s socio-economic development.

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IBADAN: Early Morning Fire Destroys Shops, Millions Lost in Property

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An early morning fire on Friday, September 12, 2025, gutted four shops at Saki Garage, opposite Trans Amusement Park in the Bodija area of Ibadan, Oyo State.

The fire, which started around 2:07 a.m., affected four out of eleven shops in the complex. No casualties were reported, but properties worth millions of naira were lost.

Chairman of the Oyo State Fire Service, Hon. Maroof Akinwande, confirmed the incident and said firefighters were able to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading to nearby buildings.

The fire was traced to embers left unattended after business hours, which ignited nearby flammable materials.

Akinwande advised the public to be vigilant, keep fire extinguishers at home and in shops, and store emergency fire service numbers. He also commended Amotekun officers from the Bodija Division for providing security during the firefighting operation.

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Air Peace Differs with NSIB reports on crews involvement in drugs, alcohol

Air Peace conducts frequent alcohol and drug tests on our crew. We have a very strict alcohol use policy that is stricter than the 8 hours before the flight as provided in the regulations. Drug use is a NO-NO!

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Air Peace has responded to the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) regarding the incident involving one of its aircraft at Port Harcourt on July 13, 2025.

The airline said to date, no official communication was received on crew toxicology results by NSI, B, and the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) had cleared the co-pilot on duty.

In a statement by Air Peace, it stated that it is yet to receive any official communications from the NSIB on such findings over a month after the incident and after the testing of the crew for alcohol, which took place in less than an hour of the incident!

“As a responsible airline, we place utmost priority on safety, transparency, and compliance, and it is important to set the record straight.

“Air Peace conducts frequent alcohol and drug tests on our crew. We have a very strict alcohol use policy that is stricter than the 8 hours before the flight as provided in the regulations. Drug use is a NO-NO!

The NSIB had on Thursday released the preliminary report on its ongoing investigation into the serious incident involving a Boeing 737-524 aircraft, operated by Air Peace, saying initial toxicological tests conducted on the flight crew revealed positive results for certain substances, including indicators of alcohol consumption.

The report said that a cabin crew member also tested positive for Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive component in cannabis.

“These results are being reviewed under the human performance and safety management components of the investigation.”, a statement on the report signed by Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji, Director, Public Affairs and Family Assistance, NSIB, said.

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Hilda Baci Cooking World’s Largest Pot of Jollof Rice Today at Eko Hotel

Baci also disclosed she would be using 250 bags of rice to create what she hopes will become the world’s biggest pot of Nigerian jollof rice.

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Celebrity chef and Guinness World Record holder Hilda Baci is cooking what she describes as the world’s largest pot of Nigerian jollof rice at Eko Hotel and Suites today (Friday) in Lagos.

A video shared on her Instagram page on Thursday showed the moment the massive pot arrived at the venue of the record-breaking attempt in Lagos.

Another clip shared on her Snapchat story captured Hilda and her mother praying at the venue ahead of the event.

Baci announced on Wednesday that more than 20,000 people had registered to attend the event dubbed “Gino World Jollof Festival with Hilda Baci”

She emphasised that the event which kicks off at 9 a.m. on Friday, September 12, is free to attend, and that guests will “certainly not be paying for the amazing meal that I’m going to make for you.”

According to Baci, the historic attempt will feature a giant pot measuring six metres wide and six metres tall, in collaboration with seasoning and culinary brand Gino.

Baci also disclosed she would be using 250 bags of rice to create what she hopes will become the world’s biggest pot of Nigerian jollof rice

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