Music executive Ubi Franklin has revealed that he’s still in love with his estranged wife, actress Lilian Esoro.
The former artiste manager disclosed this during a recent interactive session with fans on Instagram.
A curious fan asked, “Are you still in love with ur son[‘s] mom, the most beautiful Lilian?”
Franklin replied, “Oh yes! We have a son together and love will always live there.”
He also revealed that he has plans of remarrying while responding to another curious fan.
The fan asked, “Do you have plans of remarrying?” to which Franklin replied, “100 per cent.”
Franklin and Esoro got married in 2015 and separated a year after welcoming their son.
Esoro first filed for divorce in a Lagos High Court, and it was denied. Franklin then filed in Abuja, and after years of back and forth in court, their marriage was officially dissolved on 28 January, 2021.
Don’t pay for transformers, cables, other electricity distribution infrastructures - NERC tells Nigerians
AFOLABI
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission has warned Nigerians against paying for electricity distribution infrastructures such as transformers, cables or poles.
In a statement shared alongside a video on X on Tuesday, NERC emphasised that consumers should not be coerced into purchasing transformers, cables, or poles, as this responsibility lies squarely with the distribution companies.
The statement reads, “Is your distribution company expecting you to buy transformers, cables, or poles? Don’t! It is the DisCo’s obligation, not yours!” NERC stated emphatically.
The regulatory body urged consumers to report any coercion or delays in providing necessary materials by the distribution companies.
The statement added, “Report any coercion to purchase, or delays in providing these materials to NERC for prompt action.”
NERC assured the public of prompt action upon receiving such complaints.
To facilitate this, NERC said it has established a dedicated email and phone number for reporting issues related to network investments.
“A dedicated email and phone number have been set up to address issues relating to investments in the network as follows: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 07074865354.”
Super Eagles player, Olanrewaju Kayode has dragged his wife, Ezinne Dora before an Abuja High Court to seek dissolution of their union, citing irretrievable breakdown of the marriage.
Additionally, Kayode is demanding N1 billion in damages from the founder of Salvation Proclaimers Anointed Church (SPAC Nation), Tobi Adegboyega, for emotional trauma, financial loss, and loss of goodwill due to an alleged adulterous affair with Ezinne.
The plea, detailed in a cross-petition dated July 1, follows months of public accusations between Kayode and Ezinne who got married since 2013 but have accused each other of infidelity, fraud, and domestic violence.
Ezinne initially filed a petition on March 20, alleging that Kayode had made baseless accusations of infidelity and witchcraft against her and her mother, and attempted to evict her from their matrimonial home.
She sought the dissolution of their marriage and custody of their three children.
In his cross-petition, Kayode asserted that Ezinne had multiple affairs throughout their marriage, naming her and Adegboyega as respondent and co-respondent, respectively.
He alleged that Ezinne conspired with an ex-lover, Ugochukwu Igboanugo of Zloc Constructions Limited, to seize control of property documents from his business ventures.
“The Cross Petitioner personally paid for several choice properties and instructed the realtor to prepare the transfer documents in the name of the Company DE-J-S Concept Limited,” the court document states.
“Unknown to the Cross Petitioner, the Respondent has connived with the said Ugochukwu Igboanugo and collected all the property documents and has been solely and personally collecting rent proceeds from the properties, expending same on her amorous relationship with the Co-Respondent to the Cross Petition.”
Kayode further claimed that Ezinne spent the rental income from these properties on her relationship with Adegboyega and has neglected the educational and mental well-being of their children, engaging in romantic and sexual discussions in their presence.
The Super Eagles player has also requested the custody of their children, asserting that Ezinne is unfit due to her alleged actions.
The court has adjourned the case to September 24, 2024, for further hearing.
The Registrar of the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Professor Ishaq Oloyede, has warned tertiary institutions in the country, particularly universities, against giving admission to underage students.
Speaking on Tuesday in Lagos at the opening of the seventh biennial conference of the Committee of Pro-Chancellors of State-Owned Universities in Nigeria, Oloyede warned that such an act is illegal.
He also cautioned that apart from underage admission, all other forms of illegal admission must also be stopped.
Speaking on the theme of the conference, “Effective University Governance: Role of Stakeholders,” the JAMB Registrar said that for the sake of accountability, data protection and integrity of the nation, this act needed to stop because anything that was irregular was illegal.
He also recounted an experience involving a 15-year-old pupil who applied for a postgraduate course outside the country.
“About two months ago, I received a letter from an European country to confirm if a student actually graduated from a particular university because she is 15 years old and applied for postgraduate course.
“They question they asked me is “Is this possible in Nigeria.
“I had to call the Vice Chancellor of the institution and he confirmed the student graduated from the university but was not admitted by JAMB.
“He had to include that he was not the VC at the time the student was admitted,” Oloyede said.
Oloyede also warned against the illegal admission of diploma students.
“Also illegal admission of diploma students needs to stop because last year, we admitted 9,000 diploma students; I was alarmed that about 3,000 students came from a particular university.
“Everyone of us should be accountable because all these acts can damage our education system,” Oloyede said.
The Ministry of National Defense of Niger and the U.S. Department of Defense announced on Monday the end of the first phase of the withdrawal of U.S. forces and equipment from Nigerien territory.
The announcement was made at the signing ceremony of documents transferring American rights to the Nigerien army at Air Base 101 in Niger’s capital of Niamey.
Transferring American rights to the Nigerien army at Air Base 101 in Niger’s capital of Niamey was in the presence of American ambassador Kathleen FitzGibbon and other civil and military personalities of the two countries.
According to Colonel Mamane Sani Kiaou, the chief of staff of the Niger Army, the agreement calls for the removal of all American military assets in Niger.
The agreement calls for the removal of all American military assets in Niger “including those in Niamey, Agadez, Ouallam and Diffa by Sept. 15.”
After removing forces and equipment from Air Base 101, the United States will focus on withdrawing from Air Base 201 in Agadez City.
“Nigerien and U.S. officials will work to ensure a safe, orderly and responsible withdrawal,” he added.
American troops had announced their official departure from the African nation by Sept. 15.
Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, has said that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has done well in Nigeria, and that the current economic challenges in the country is what is being experienced globally.
Naija News reports that the Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF) stated this when he led governors elected on the platform of the APC on a visit to the Abdullahi Ganduje’s led National Working Committee (NWC) of the ruling party in Abuja.
“The truth of the matter is that the APC has done very well in Nigeria. What is happening currently, is a global economic problem. We in Nigeria, under our own leadership, President Bola Tinubu is also bringing out policies to ensure, given the kind of economy he met, given the kind of situation he saw when he came, he has started the treatment and by the grace of God, I am very confident that very soon Nigerians will be jubilant about how he has managed to navigate the waters”, said Uzodinma in Abuja.
Speaking on other matters, Uzodinma, who said he has at the party’s National Secretariat to touch base with its leadership, boasted that APC will win the forthcoming Governorship election in Edo state as well as retain Ondo state.
Addressing the Ganduje-led NWC, he said: “We are here, you know, of course, we are governors of APC. APC produced us, and we are in Abuja for a meeting; of course, in obedience to the concept of party loyalty, we have to visit the Secretariat to touch with the leadership of the party, chairman and members of the National Working Committee and above all, commiserate with the chairman who also lost his mother-in-law; and also show solidarity with the chairman and managers of our party.
“Those who are serving us, the national leadership of our party, providing service, they are managing our party day to day, they are looking after the policies of the party, they are in charge of the administration of the party, and of course, we members of the party and also critical stakeholders are committed to following and encouraging them as a way of showing support, and that is solidarity.
“Of course you know, I am the chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum PGF and when I speak, I speak on behalf of my colleagues, 20 governors. A party like APC, which is in control of 20 states out of 36 and also has produced a President and members of the Federal Executive Council, is the majority party, and if an election is a game of numbers, it means the majority will win.
“On the 20th of this month, the National Campaign Council will be inaugurated in Edo State, and it is expected that most of us, members of the Progressives Governors Forum, will be in attendance. Which other party can provide or boast of such an asset, politically speaking? So, we don’t need to overflog the horse.”
Naija News reports that Uzodinma was in company of the Cross River Governor, Bassey Otu; Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa and their Ekiti State counterpart, Abiodun Oyebanji.
On his part, Ganduje, on behalf of the NWC, passed a vote of confidence on the APC governors, assuring that their interests are well protected by the national leadership.
The former Governor of Kano State urged the party chieftains to continue to make APC proud.
Ganduje stressed that the party leadership will continue to maintain a cordial relationship with the governors.
He said: “There is no doubt, we were highly when I got the information that they were coming. So, I think it is a blessing, a big blessing to us. We are so happy about it and we have confidence in them.
“We will do all it takes to ensure that we maintain good relationship with our governors all over the country and we will help to protect their interests and there is no doubt that they are also assisting the party, they are making the party to be proud as an institution.”
‘Your Economic Policies Look Like They Will Take A Hundred Years To Bear Fruit’ – Bode George Blasts Tinubu
AFOLABI
A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Bode George, has called out President Bola Tinubu over the worsening economic conditions in Nigeria.
According to George, despite all the promises and theoretical declarations from the government about cushioning the effect of the harsh economic conditions on Nigerians, the people are not feeling any respite.
He added that from the richest to the poorest, no one is left out in the challenges being encountered as a result of the policies of the Tinubu government, which include fuel subsidy removal and floating of the naira.
The PDP chieftain, who spoke on Monday about the economy during an appearance on Channels Television, submitted that the people need to see results and not just talks and promises, but the economic policies of the Tinubu government look like they will take centuries to bear fruit.
The former military Governor of Ondo State charged President Tinubu to invite the leaders of the top banks in Nigeria, whom he accused of mismanaging the economy, to account for their actions instead of appointing them to manage the same economy or give advice on the same economy they destroyed.
George emphasized that the one-year grace given to President Tinubu to understudy the situation of things in the country is over, and what is expected from him going forward is only results.
See the video.
Media
BudgIT said its open-source service delivery monitoring platform, Tracka, has discovered an allocation of N732.5 billion for empowerment projects in the 2024 budget by the federal government.
According to a statement released by the organization on Monday, the amount allocated for the empowerment projects, which it described as vague, is higher than the N646.5 billion allocated to health projects.
It added that despite the 2023 record of Nigeria having the second-highest child mortality rate in the world, the government has shown no signs of tackling these critical emergencies head-on, as the allocations in the 2024 budget do not reflect priority in the health sector.
“Tracka maintains that empowerment projects are vague and challenging to track due to their nature. They are also used as a funnel to transfer public resources to party loyalists, resulting in the misuse of public funds,” the organization stated.
4,440 empowerment projects
BudgIT said its Tracka discovered a total of 4,440 empowerment projects in the 2024 budget. While noting that empowerment projects were previously limited to constituency projects, it said over the years, they have gradually seeped into capital projects through insertions by the National Assembly.
“For instance, the National Assembly inserted 7,447 projects valued at N2.24 trillion in the 2024 budget. Tracka identifies this as a problematic trend, considering the nation’s huge infrastructure gap and budget deficits,” it said.
Wrong allocations
The organization said further analysis of the budget also showed that over 2,558 projects worth N624 billion were allocated to agencies outside their mandate.
“An example is the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN)-ERGP20241489-allocated N5 billion for the Procurement and Distribution of Official Vehicles to Selected Traditional Rulers in the Six Geopolitical Zones in Nigeria (Multiple Lots).
“Another is the Nigeria Institute of Oceanography and Marine Research (NiOMR)-ERGP20245718–allocated N2.32 billion to construct a 3.5km Road from Methodist Church lbu to the Eri River,” it added.
Commenting on the findings, BudglT’s Country Director, Gabriel Okeowo, expressed concern over this development. According to him, the implications of assigning projects to agencies outside of their mandate are that it undermines the monitoring, evaluation, and sustainability of these projects.
“These agencies lack the expertise and personnel to ensure quality service delivery for these projects, leading to under-delivery another colossal waste of taxpayers’ money and Scarce resources,” he added.
BudgIT called on anti-graft agencies to probe the anomalies in the 2024 budget to forestall diversion, misappropriation, and embezzlement. It also called on elected representatives and Ministries, Department and Agencies to provide timely updates to the public and ensure the quality implementation of these projects to ensure Nigerians derive maximum benefit from public funds.
[Nairametrics]
The Nigerian Bar Association has clarified that Nigeria does not recognise same-sex marriage, addressing the recent controversy surrounding the Samoa agreement.
In a statement signed by NBA President Yakubu Maikyau on Monday, July 8, he emphasised that contrary to widespread belief, there is no provision in the agreement requiring Nigeria to accept LGBTQ or gay rights as a pre-condition for a $150bn loan.
It said, “Instead, the agreement was expressly made subject to the local laws and the sovereignty of the contracting Nations.
“That is to say, the SAMOA agreement recognises, for instance, Nigeria’s Same Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act, 2023 and of course, the Supremacy of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).”
The NBA asserted that if the agreement had mandated Nigeria to endorse LGBTQ rights, the association would have advised the Federal Government against entering any partnership that could undermine national sovereignty.
It said, “To avoid any doubt, the SAMOA agreement does not, in any way, seek to compromise our existing legislations nor undermine the sovereignty of Nigeria.
“Before the signing of the SAMOA agreement, the Hon. Minister of Budget and Economic Planning requested the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), as a major stakeholder in the polity, to look at the agreement. Consequently, I constituted a committee chaired by Mr. Olawale Fapohunda, SAN, former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Ekiti State and Chairman of the NBA Law Reform Committee, to vet, evaluate and advise on the agreement accordingly.”
The SAMOA Agreement, named after the country of Samoa where it was signed, is a broad legal framework between the European Union member states and over half of the 79 members of the Organisation of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States (OACPS). It serves as a basis for negotiating specific agreements between the EU, the Federal Government of Nigeria, its sub-nationals, and the private sector.
The agreement, according to the Channels TV report on Tuesday, covers six main areas: democracy and human rights, sustainable economic growth and development, climate change, human and social development, peace and security, and migration and mobility.
Maikyau called on the government to continue public enlightenment efforts and urged other stakeholders to join in countering the negative perception being promoted about the agreement.
[Punch]
Former Liverpool striker Roberto Firmino has embraced a new calling, announcing his ordination as an evangelical pastor at the age of 32.
The Brazilian footballer shared the news on his social media accounts, revealing a significant transition in his life.
Firmino, alongside his wife, was ordained as a pastor at the church they founded three years ago. The dedication ceremony took place last Sunday in his hometown of Maceio.
Neighbor recounts how woman abused 12 years old niece, burnt her with hot knife and forced.....
In a heartfelt message, Firmino expressed that becoming a pastor was not an initial goal, but a mission that emerged from his encounter with Christ.
“Since our encounter with Christ, a longing burns in our hearts… that people may know this love that has reached us. Now we have another responsibility… To be pastors according to the heart of God and to cooperate with the Kingdom,” Firmino stated.
He also extended his gratitude to pastors Jairo and Keila for their belief and encouragement in his spiritual journey.
Firmino enjoyed a prolific career at Liverpool from 2015 to 2023, during which he secured seven major titles, including the 2019/20 Premier League and the 2018/19 UEFA Champions League.
One of his standout moments was scoring the decisive goal in the 2019 Club World Cup final, securing the title for the Reds.
Last season, Firmino played 34 games for Al-Ahli, scoring nine goals. He also represented the Brazilian national team, participating in the 2018 World Cup.
Currently, Roberto Firmino continues his football career with the Saudi Arabian club Al-Ahli, where he played 34 matches in all competitions last season, scoring nine goals and providing seven assists.
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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has opposed the request of Godwin Emefiele, former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), for the release of his international passport.
In an affidavit filed at the federal capital territory (FCT) high court, Abdulakeem Labi-Lawal, Emefiele’s counsel, sought the release of his client’s passport to enable him to travel to the United Kingdom (UK) for medical treatment.
In a counter-affidavit, Muhammad Abbas Omeiza, the prosecution counsel, told the court on Monday that there is no medical report before the court showing Emefiele’s ailment profile.
Omeiza said there is no evidence to support the claim that Emefiele’s ailment could not be treated in Nigeria.
The prosecution counsel said the former CBN governor deposited his passport with the court as part of the fulfilment of his bail conditions.
He added that Emefiele might be tempted to jump bail if granted.
“The defendant has co-conspirators all over the world. One Anita and Tony are all aides of the defendant who are currently in the UK,” the counsel was quoted in a statement by the EFCC.
“The defendant might be tempted to jump bail because he is standing trial in three different courts.”
After listening to all the arguments, Hamza Mua’zu, the presiding judge, adjourned the ruling on the application to July 16.
Emefiele is facing multiple counts of alleged fraud and abuse of office.
[TheCable]
The Kwara State Police Command has arrested a 46-year-old ritualist while attempting to slaughter a 10-year-old boy hawking pepper in Ilorin, Kwara State capital.
The suspect identified as Isiaka Adeniyi was arrested on Tuesday, July 2nd, 2024, at the Oke-Foma area in Ilorin West Local Government Area of the state.
The incident which was confirmed by the state Police Public Relations Officer, Ejire-Adeyemi Toun, in a statement on Sunday said the suspect allegedly lured the hawker (name withheld) into a room under the pretext of attempting to buy pepper from him.
“According to information received from the police at the C Division, on July 2, 2024, at about 1800 hrs, a report was received from Onidoko Police Post indicating that at about 1730 hrs, an incident occurred in the Abab Oke-Foma area of Ilorin.
“It was reported that a 10-year-old boy (name withheld) resident of Abab area Abayawo, Ilorin, was hawking pepper when he was lured into a room by a suspect identified as Isiaka Adeniyi, aged 46, from Ifedapo Community, Oke-Foma area, Ilorin.
“The suspect allegedly lured the victim under the pretext of purchasing pepper but instead covered the victim’s face with a cloth and attempted to slaughter him with a knife.
“Thanks to the swift action of vigilant community members, the suspect was apprehended and brought to the station. Preliminary investigation is underway, and the case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for thorough and discreet investigation”, the PPRO said.
The Kwara State Commissioner of Police, CP Victor Olaiya, commended the proactive efforts of the community members in apprehending the suspect and ensuring that justice was served in the grievous matter.
“We urge the public to remain calm as we continue our investigation and assure them that the police will leave no stone unturned in ensuring the safety and security of all residents of Kwara State.”
Meanwhile, the Kwara State Police Command said that it had deployed tactical teams for public security in the state with effect from Sunday, July 7, and beyond.
The state Police Command in another statement said that it took this action in light of past incidents observed on July 7, where cult-related activities resulted in harm and violence within the area.
The command while assuring the citizens of their safety in the state said that “it has implemented comprehensive strategies to prevent any recurrence of such activities.
“To ensure the security of our community, we have intensified our surveillance measures and increased the presence of visible policing across all key areas in the state. Our officers will be conducting thorough patrols and security checks today, July 7, tomorrow (Monday), and thereafter to detect and deter any suspicious activity.
“We have deployed additional resources, including tactical teams and intelligence units to ensure a swift and effective response to security threats. These efforts are aimed at safeguarding the lives and property of all residents and maintaining public order.”
He urged all citizens to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities or persons to the nearest police station or through their emergency contact lines: 0812 527 5046 or 0703 206 9456, noting that their cooperation was vital in the collective effort to maintain peace and security within the community.
Airfares are soaring daily in the country as touts have taken over ticketing and flight booking in some airports.
LEADERSHIP reports that despite passengers paying a princely N250,000 for a one-hour flight, for instance, from Lagos to Abuja, fare hikes, flight delays, and cancellations continue unabated at the nation’s airports, especially Lagos and Abuja.
Stakeholders in the aviation sector have blamed the nuisance of racketeering on the reduction in the fleet of local airlines operating, which may have led to an increase in ticket prices and racketeering among airline staff and touts at the airports.
LEADERSHIP gathered that the reduction in local airlines’ fleets was due to an increase in the number of grounded aircraft of different operators due to volatility in the foreign exchange, as well as Dana Airline’s suspension by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
According to experts, the number of airline passengers has remained the same in the last year, and airline seats have shrunk due to the challenges bedeviling the sector.
This development has further reduced the number of serviceable aircraft in the country, which has led to ticket racketeering as fewer seats are available for thousands of airline passengers across the country.
For instance, the Lagos-Abuja route has seen more passenger glut than others as airlines now charge as high as N250,000 or more for a 45-minute one-way economy ticket.
In the last year, 13 domestic airlines operated about 91 aircraft in the country, but now a half of the aircraft have been suspended due to maintenance checks and suspension by the civil aviation authorities, thereby putting pressure on the few available aircraft.
The airlines still in operation are Aero Contractor, Air Peace, Arik, Azman, Dana, Green Africa, Ibom Air, Max Air, NG Eagle, Overland, Rano Air, United Nigeria Airline and ValueJet.
But Dana Air, a low carrier airline, has six of its aircraft grounded by the NCAA after the minister of aviation, Festus Keyamo, recommended its suspension over a runway excursion it had recently.
Also, exchange rate volatility has trapped several aircraft on maintenance checks abroad.
Speaking to LEADERSHIP, travel expert and aviation commentator, Olumide Ohunayo, said only a few aircraft had been deployed to serve domestic route passengers as Nigerian airlines struggle with fleet reduction due to high maintenance cost.
According to Ohunayo, the reduction in fleet has been responsible for ticket racketeering among airlines’ ticketing staff, touts, and desperate passengers.
He also disclosed that airlines cash in on the rush of passengers by selling business class seats as economy seats.
“We have fewer seats chasing the same number of old passengers. Passengers haven’t increased, but the seats have been lowered by Dana Air, which was shut down by the NCAA, and other airlines have not been able to go for lease arrangements due to the foreign exchange crisis in the country. Also, airlines that have gone for maintenance haven’t returned, so lower aircraft seats are pursuing the same high numbers of passengers.
“Also, passengers won’t grow when fares are high, and when fares are high in Nigeria, official and unofficial racketeering comes into play. We will see touts conniving with airlines’ staff to block seats ahead only to sell at exorbitant prices for those who go to the counter to pick up their tickets. Anyone who goes to the counter to pick a ticket will pay higher,” Ohunayo stated.
He posited that to stop racketeering, more airlines should enter the sector with the approval of Airline Operating Certificates (AOC) and encourage the establishment of more Maintenance Repair and Operations (MROs) outfits in the country.
“Official racketeering is when airlines will sell first class or premium economy seats to you but, basically, it is economy you are purchasing. However, because the passengers are eager to travel, they board the flight. So, supply has dwindled, but demand has not increased. To have more seats, we should encourage those applying for new AOCs to come in and see how we can expedite the process of clearing aircraft parts brought in by operators and expedite support for those in the process of starting MROs and those presently operating.
“Also, we need to see how to support the operation of local airline operators with clean accounting books to get more facilities for their operations,” he said.
Ohunayo, who is also the director of research at Zenith Travels, said racketeering and high capacity were problems that currently occurred on routes where Dana operated.
“The withdrawal of Dana’s licence and the grounding of aircraft that can’t go on maintenance due to lack of foreign exchange have reduced fleet size.
“The grounding of Dana is a major problem. We need to find a way around this capacity problem and seat availability. The number of passengers has not increased, but aircraft have dwindled. The passengers are really suffering during this period,” he said.
On his part, the former Commandant of Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA), Lagos, Capt. John Ojikutu (retd), said to stop touts from cashing in on passenger surge and engaging in racketeering at the airports, all local airline operators should process their passengers through Computer Assisted Pre-Passenger Screening (CAPPS).
Ojikutu, the chief executive officer of Centurion Aviation Security and Safety Consult, further stated that airlines should not sell tickets inside the passenger terminal where checking-in takes place, but outside.
“Who are those touting, and for which airlines? Were the tickets bought online or from whose tables or pockets and with which names?” he asked.
“It is not difficult to find out if each airline has CAPPS, which must be approved by the NCAA. Passengers not processed through CAPPS should not be allowed into the airport terminal buildings through the Access Control.
“Airlines should not sell tickets inside the passenger terminal where the checking-in occurs but outside. It is not new, and it was practised in the 80s when passengers would travel with tickets that bore other people’s names. The daughter of a former governor who died in the Nigeria Airways plane crash in Enugu was a victim of ticket racketeering,” Ojikutu, former general secretary of Aviation Round Table Initiative (ART), stated.
When contacted about alleged racketeering in their terminal, Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL), the operator of Terminal 2, Murtala Muhammed Airport, dismissed reports that ticket racketeering and touting were occurring within the terminal.
A statement by Bi-Courtney’s head of corporate communications, Ajoke Yinka-Olawuyi, described the assertions as unfounded and lacking in credible evidence.
She added that their terminal security is strict and designed to combat any illegalities of such a pattern.
“MMA2 operates under stringent security and operational protocols designed to prevent such activities. Our internal monitoring systems have found no indications of intentional hoarding of air tickets or collusion between airline staff and touts to inflate ticket prices.
“The rumours further allege that touts within the terminal use private PoS machines to facilitate fraudulent payments. At MMA2, all ticket transactions are conducted at the airlines’ sales booth using their official means of payment provided by the airlines.”
Quoting the company’s airlines manager, Bisola Ademola-Davies, Yinka-Olawuyi said, “MMA2 is in continuous discussion with airlines to ensure that their processes and practices do not leave room for anything that could undermine a seamless passenger experience, which is what we pride ourselves on. Our collective efforts have significantly curtailed illegal activities, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to maintaining this progress.”
Bi-Courtney, however, vowed that anyone found engaging in illegal activities within the terminal would be blacklisted.
[Leadership]
Nigerian-born French football star, Michael Olise completed his move from Crystal Palace to Bayern Munich on Sunday, July 7, 2024.
Bayern Munich paid Crystal Palace the sum of €60 million to complete the signing of Michael Olise.
Olise spent the last three seasons of his career at Crystal Palace. He joined the club from Championship side, Reading, for a transfer fee worth £8 million in July 2021.
The 22-year-old forward, who is eligible to play for France, England, and Nigeria, played 90 times for the Premier League club before he made the switch to the German Bundesliga.
Michael Olise snubbed other suitors like Newcastle United, and Chelsea to sign a five-year deal with coach Vincent Kompany’s side, which means he is expected to remain at the club until June 30, 2029.
After completing his move to the German Bundesliga giants, Michael Olise said: “I’m very happy to now be playing for such a big club – it’s a great challenge and that’s exactly what I was looking for.
“I want to prove myself at this level and play my part in ensuring we win as many titles as possible in the coming years.”
In reaction to his exit from Crystal Palace, the club’s chairman, Steve Parish said: “We are hugely proud of what Michael has achieved at Crystal Palace, a club where he has developed greatly as a player.
“We respect his desire to further test himself at the highest level of world football.”