No additional bodies from the wreckage of the helicopter that crashed on October 24, 2024, has been found, the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has stated.

In a statement Sunday, Olufemi Soneye, the Chief Corporate Communications Officer, stated that search was still ongoing.

Soneye said: “The NNPC Ltd wishes to announce that beyond the three bodies found in the ill-fated helicopter operated by East Winds Aviation that crashed on Thursday in Port Harcourt, no other bodies have been recovered.”

He said the company further noted that intensified search and rescue operations for the remaining bodies along with relevant authorities were still ongoing. “Once again, our hearts and prayers are with family members of this unfortunate incident.”

It will be recalled that at about 11:22am on the fateful day, the NNPCL announced it lost contact with the Helicopter – Registration Number: 5NBQG, engaged by NNPC Limited, that took off from Port Harcourt NAF Base en-route the FPSO – NUIMS ANTAN. The helicopter was operated by East Winds Aviation.

The NNPL said that there were eight persons on board (six passengers and two crew members), saying the appropriate authorities had been contacted, including the Ministry of Aviation. It was at that point that the three bodies were announced as found.

[BusinessDay]

The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Yemi Cardoso, has announced a reduction in market volatility, attributing it to the foreign exchange reforms undertaken by the apex bank.

Cardoso disclosed this during a press briefing in Washington, USA, following meetings with stakeholders from the World Bank.

He explained that the bank’s bold and unconventional reforms have boosted foreign exchange supply and increased remittance inflows into the country.

Additionally, he highlighted that the bank has curtailed arbitrage and speculative activities, while also eliminating the front-loading of foreign exchange demand.

“Since assumption of office a year ago, we’ve been focused on how to address inflationary concerns,   restore investors confidence in financial markets and stabilizing the exchange rate. Enhancing the financial system, fostering financial inclusion and enhancing transparency in our monetary policy decisions and communication.  

“We embarked upon bold and necessary reforms to return to the path of monetary policy orthodoxy as well as removed observed distortion in the foreign exchange market. Our efforts have yielded significant progress as volatility in the foreign exchange market has abated immeasurably and remittances have also increased significantly.  

“We’ve achieved increased transparency and improved overall supply in the foreign exchange market, leading to reduced arbitrage, speculative activities and eliminated front loading of foreign exchange demand,” Cardoso stated.  

Bank Recapitalization Policy  

Cardoso also commented on the CBN’s recapitalization policy for deposit money banks.

According to the apex bank governor, the initiative aims to support a N1 trillion economy by 2030.

However, he acknowledged that much work remains to be done, stressing the importance of maintaining and consolidating current progress through an efficient market system and the deepening of financial inclusion.

“The CBN recapitalization policy has prompted deposit money banks to strengthen their financial position, a process expected to result in a more robust and resilient banking sector by March 2026. The exercise is meant to support the realization of the N1 trillion economy by 2030.  

“We recognize that much is still needed to be done to fully achieve our goals. Our paths forward include consolidating and sailing current progress through an efficient market system and deepening financial and economic inclusion, particularly for small businesses, households, women and young people in Nigeria.  

“By leveraging smarter technology and remote banking solutions, we aim to reduce transaction cost and expand financial access, ensuring that every Nigerian, regardless of location or demographics, can meaningfully participate in our involving financial system,” Cardoso said. 

What you should know 

Since last year, Nigeria has faced currency fluctuations in the foreign exchange market, triggering widespread instability across all sectors of the economy.

• At the height of the crisis, the naira depreciated to as low as N1,900/$ against the dollar earlier this year.
• However, the currency rebounded to approximately N1,600/$ in September, maintaining a range of around N1,650 with signs of stability.
• In response, the CBN introduced several measures and directives to manage the currency, including crackdowns on the informal FX market, such as BDC operators, and the crypto market.
• This month, the naira has shown relative stability against the dollar, accompanied by a significant rise in foreign exchange inflows into the reserves.

[Nairametrics]

The search for the wreckage of a private helicopter that crashed in Nigeria on Thursday will continue this morning, an official has said. The authorities also announced the deployment of an underwater drone to aid in the search.

PREMIUM TIMES reported that the Sikorsky SK76 helicopter crashed on Thursday after leaving Port Harcourt, Rivers State, with officials saying three bodies of the eight passengers were recovered.

“The incident, which occurred on Thursday, October 24, 2024, involved eight persons onboard and took place off the coast of Bonny Finima in the Atlantic Ocean,” Bimbo Oladeji, the spokesperson of the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) said in a statement shared by aviation minister Festus Keyamo on Sunday morning.

“As of 11:55 AM today (Saturday), divers began setting up and checking equipment to conduct an underwater search and recovery, followed by preliminary sweeping operations at 2:15 PM. However, by 4:30 PM, diving activities were suspended due to the loss of daylight. Recovery operations are set to resume tomorrow at 9:00 AM local time,” she wrote.

The spokesperson said no item from the crashed helicopter has been recovered.

“Despite extensive search efforts, no wreckage or critical components – such as the black box, Flight Data Recorder (FDR), or Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) – have yet been located due to the challenging conditions of the operating environment, limited visibility at depth and human divers’ operational constraints,” she said.

Mrs Oladeji said her agency would deploy an underwater drone in its search for the wreckage.

“To enhance recovery efforts, the NSIB is working to deploy a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) equipped to operate at depths of up to 1,000 meters. With its advanced cameras, sensors, and Tether Management System (TMS), the ROV will enable the NSIB team to conduct detailed surveys, collect environmental data, and capture critical evidence essential to understanding the cause of the incident,” she said.

Read the NSIB’s full statement below.

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) continued its recovery operation and investigation into the ditching of a Sikorsky SK76 helicopter, registration 5N BQG, operated by Eastwind Aviation. The incident, which occurred on Thursday, October 24, 2024, involved eight persons onboard and took place off the coast of Bonny Finima in the Atlantic Ocean.
As of 11:55 AM today, divers began setting up and checking equipment to conduct an underwater search and recovery, followed by preliminary sweeping operations at 2:15 PM. However, by 4:30 PM, diving activities were suspended due to the loss of daylight. Recovery operations are set to resume tomorrow at 9:00 AM local time. Despite extensive search efforts, no wreckage or critical components – such as the black box, Flight Data Recorder (FDR), or Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) – have yet been located due to the challenging conditions of the operating environment, limited visibility at depth and human divers’ operational constraints.
To enhance recovery efforts, the NSIB is working to deploy a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) equipped to operate at depths of up to 1,000 meters. With its advanced cameras, sensors, and Tether Management System (TMS), the ROV will enable the NSIB team to conduct detailed surveys, collect environmental data, and capture critical evidence essential to understanding the cause of the incident. The ROV’s capacity for close inspections and light manipulation tasks will be invaluable in such deep-water environments, where it will aid in assessing wreckage conditions, gathering vital data, and developing insights into potential causes.
Captain Alex Badeh Jr., Director General of the NSIB, further expressed his sympathies to the loved ones of those affected, stating, “Our heartfelt condolences go out to the families and friends of the crew and passengers involved in this tragic event. We recognize the depth of this loss, and I assure you that all efforts are fully underway. Our priority is to recover and analyze all necessary data to bring clarity to the families and the nation.”

The NSIB is collaborating closely with an amalgamated team of search, rescue, and recovery units comprising various government agencies and private entities. The Bureau urges the public to avoid speculation, emphasizing the importance of respecting the integrity of the recovery and investigation as they progress.
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau remains steadfast in its commitment to transparency and accountability, continually working to enhance transportation safety across Nigeria.

Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji
Director, Public Affairs and Family Assistance,
Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau

Former Big Brother Naija housemate cum actor, Adeolu Okusaga, better known as Saga, has described his colleague, Liquorose, as his very good friend.

Naija News reports that there have been speculations online that Saga and Liquorose are dating due to their recent film reenactments.

However, in an interview with Punch, the reality TV star attributed his chemistry with Liquorose to their off-screen friendship.

He said, “Liquorose is my very good friend. We are both super talented and that is what I want to put out there. A lot of people don’t like to brag about themselves but I am going to brag about myself. I am a very talented actor and Liquorose is a great actress as well. Coming together, we create chemistry at the snap of a finger.

“Working with her is so easy and seamless. Most of those shoots take shorter time than people might imagine. The fact that Liquor is my friend in real life makes it easier for us to have an onscreen connection that works for the camera. Liquorose and I are working on a miniseries that we will be giving information on soon.”

Speaking on his recent delve into the Nollywood industry, Saga stated that he is eager to explore a wider range of characters.

He added, “I want to play action roles; be a father, scientist, pastor, or even delve into science fiction. I have so much more to give. If I am cast for romantic roles right now, I’ll make the most of it. But, when the opportunity comes to show a different side of me, I’m also ready.”

[NaijaNews]

The operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on Friday October 25, raided the Igbo-Igunuko shrine, located at the Alfa Beach, Ajah, where jumbo bags of Ghanaian Loud, a strain of cannabis, weighing 2,760kg were recovered and two suspects: Gbenga Abiodun and Sunday Abiodun wre arrested.

The Agency’s Spokesperson, Mr Femi Babafemi in a statement on Sunday said another suspect, Ademola Oyelakin was also arrested same day with 770kg of the same psychoactive substance along Lagos-Ibadan expressway.

A total of 11,786 pills of tramadol, molly, rohypnol and diazepam as well as 64 bottles of codeine syrup were recovered from the underground storage a suspect, Muhammad Warnos Abdullahi dug in his bedroom at Marwa Coastal road, Lekki Phase 1 Lagos when NDLEA officers raided his home on Friday October 25,

The suspect dug the illicit drug storage deep in his room, covered it with padlocked iron slate, a rug and then put his mattress on top to avoid detection.

While in Plateau, a suspect Fadan Bindom, 39, was arrested at Pilgani village in possession of 65.85kg cannabis and 18 grams of tramadol, while another suspect Sunday Agbata, 42, was nabbed at Pavwei – Rayfield Jos South LGA with 5,830 tablets and ampoules of bromazepam, diazepam and pentazocine injection on Wednesday 23rd October.

A major distributor of illicit drugs in FCT Abuja, Umar Muhammed, 40, was on Monday October 21, nabbed following the earlier seizure of a consignment of 198.5kg cannabis linked to him at Wuse market park.

In Edo state, NDLEA operatives recovered 640kg cannabis concealed in 80 jumbo bags of fresh vegetables at Ewu junction, Irrua, Esan Central LGA and arrested a suspect, Austin Oruamen, 27, while another suspect Adereti Kazeem, 35, was nabbed with 200 blocks of cannabis weighing 133kg at Obalayan, Ile-Ife, Osun state on Thursday 24th October.

With the same vigour, Commands and formations of the Agency across the country continued their War Against Drug Abuse, WADA, sensitization activities to schools, worship centres, work places and communities among others in the past week.

These include: WADA sensitisation lecture to students and staff of Government Girls Secondary School, Tambuwal, Sokoto; St. Mary College, Awka, Anambra state; Prime Rose Model Private College, Saki, Oyo state; Community Model Arabic College, Malumfashi, Katsina state; Community Junior Secondary School, Rumuomasi, Rivers state; and WADA advocacy lecture to Rugar Alhaji Manu Unguwan Sullubawa, Gombi, Adamawa state, among others.

[newtelegraphng]

The Sokoto State Ministry of Health has cautioned residents that cases of Acute Hemorrhagic Conjunctivitis, commonly known as Apollo is on the rise in recent weeks in the state.

Commissioner for Health in the state, Hajiya Asabe Balarabe, who announced this said the symptoms of the disease include sudden onset of red eyes, swelling pain and watery discharge which spread rapidly through contact with infected individuals and contaminated surfaces.

Hajiya Balarabe said as part of effort to contain the spread of the disease, the ministry has been sensitizing the people on the need to strictly adhere to preventive measures.

She noted that such measures include ensuring good hygiene, avoiding sharing personal items, disinfecting common surfaces, keeping social distancing and avoiding touching the eyes.

The Commissioner added that the ministry was actively monitoring the situation and enjoined people to always report to outbreak of any disease to the ministry for prompt action.

Speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abdulkarim Lawan, has said the life of Vice-President Kashim Shettima is at risk as a result of the “faulty” presidential aircraft he uses to represent President Bola Tinubu in official engagements across the globe.

He said this after Nigeria’s number two citizen cancelled his trip to the Commonwealth Summit in Samoa over an incident at an airport in New York, United States.

According to the presidency, Shettima could not proceed to Samoa because a foreign object hit his plane during a stopover at JFK Airport in New York.

Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the president on Information and Startegy, had said some parts of the aircraft, including the windscreen of the cockpit, was damaged during the incident.

Commenting on the situation in a statement issued in Maiduguri, Borno State capital, on Sunday, Lawan called on the Federal Government to get Shettima a new aircraft to avoid any tragedy.

He said the aircraft designated to the Vice President has had several incidents in recent times.

“I want to sympathize with the Nigerian Government, especially the office of the Vice President, his crew and staff over the unfortunate incident at JFK Airport in New York, U.S.A.”

“I also express my gratitude to Allah (God) for saving the precious life of our dear Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima and those on board the ill- fated VP’s plane, even as I urge the Nigerian government to demand a thorough and timely investigation from the United States government over the incident that affected Vice President Kashim Shettima’s plane at one of the most secure spots in the World.

“The life of the Vice President, and that of his crew/officials stand at risk while using the old and faulty presidential aircraft. Therefore, there is the urgent need to acquire a new aircraft to Senator Kashim Shettima so as to avoid these recurrence of air mishaps,” he said.

Early this year, the House of Representatives Committee on National Security and Intelligence mandated the Federal Government to acquire new aircraft for Tinubu and Shettima, but the presidency came under intense public scrutiny and in the end, only that of Tinubu was acquired.

[DailyTrust]

An Anglican priest identified as Ven David Arinze Ajaefobi, who is said to be the Archdeacon of Oyi Central Archdeaconry and Vicar of St James’ Parish, Awkuzu, has been reportedly kidnapped.

A source told DAILY POST that the cleric was allegedly kidnapped by unidentified individuals on Saturday night.

The source said, “The abduction occurred around 9:00 PM on Saturday, October 26, 2024, at the entrance gate of St James’ Parish, Awkuzu, in Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State.”

As of the time of filing this report, no contact has been made by the abductors to the priest’s relatives for ransom or reason for his abduction.

The source said the church has announced prayer sessions for his safe release.

When reached for confirmation, the Police Public Relations Officer of Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the police had not received any report of such an incident.

[DailyPost]