Front Pix
16 Perish In Lagos Air Crash; As Agagu’s Remains Leave For Akure …Mark, NGF, Others Mourn Victims
The Associated Airlines Plane conveying the corpse of late former governor of Ondo State, Dr Olusegun Agagu, which crashed during take-off yesterday morning at about 9.20 am at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, en-route Akure, claimed 16 lives out of the total of 20 persons on board.
The management of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) yesterday officially confirmed that 20 passengers and crew members were on board the Associated Airlines plane.
However, the Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) has assured that the two black boxes of the Associated Airlines plane, which crashed in Lagos yesterday, have been recovered.
The Director of Engineering, AIB, Mr. Emmanuel Dialla, said the two black boxes had been retrieved from the accident scene.
Dialla said, “AIB has succeeded in picking the two black boxes, which will give us an insight into what really happened.”
Meanwhile, the management of Associated Airlines has released the names of passengers and crew members of its flight 5N-BJY which crashed yesterday morning in Lagos shortly after take-off from the domestic terminal at Lagos’ Murtala Mohammed International Airport.
This is even as the management of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) has released the names of four survivors.
While Feyi, the only son of late former Ondo State Governor, Dr. Olusegun Agagu, is among the survivors, Deji, the son of former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Chief Olu Falae, could not make it. Deji was a Commissioner in the Ondo State Government.
Contrary to earlier reports, Gbenga, son of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, was not on board the flight; nor was Dr. Agagu’s widow.
The chartered plane was heading for Akure, the Ondo State capital, with the remains of Dr. Agagu, a former governor of Ondo State, who died on September 13, and were scheduled to be buried this weekend.
Meanwhile, Aviation Minister Stella Oduah yesterday said the ministry has commenced investigations into the plane crash at the domestic wing of the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos.
Oduah, who made this known in Abuja at a news conference, said the ‘Black Box’ of the aircraft had been found.
Oduah said the Black Box had been handed over to the Accident Investigation and Prevention Bureau to determine the cause of the accident.
“The Federal Ministry of Aviation deeply commiserates with the families of the victims. Our thoughts and prayers are with them at this difficult time,’’ Oduah said.
She urged members of the public to be patient while the investigation progresses, and assured them that it would be thorough.
The minister assured Nigerians that the country’s airspace “remains safe and secure’’.
Meanwhile, Rescue Coordination and Trauma Centres had been set up at the Annex of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to provide necessary information and support.
Reacting to the incident, the Senate President, Senator David Mark, said the death of some passengers of the Associated Airlines aircraft, which crashed in Lagos yeserday, is more than a double tragedy.
A statement issued by the Special Adviser (Media) to the Senate President, Mr Kola Ologbondiyan, said that Mark described the deaths as “sad, disheartening and cruel.
“This is one tragedy which tempts one to question the essence of human existence. But as ordinary mortals, we lack the locus standi to question our creator.
Mark said that the Senate shared in the pain, stressing that it was, indeed, grieved over the unfortunate incident.
He prayed God to give the nation, especially the immediate families of the deceased, the fortitude to bear the painful loss.
He also prayed that the souls of the departed would rest in peace.
Similarly, the Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, described the crash as a double tragedy and called on all well-meaning Nigerians to pray for the nation.
“It is, indeed, a double tragedy; not only for the late Chief Olusegun Agagu’s family, the government and good people of Ondo State, but for the nation as a whole.
“I feel most saddened over this unfortunate incident; I send my heartfelt condolences to all the affected families and pray for the peaceful repose of the souls of all those who lost their lives,” he said.
Ekweremadu called on all Nigerians to pray for the nation, adding that Nigeria needed the divine intervention of God, in addition to the government’s efforts to mitigate such occurrences.
Speaker Aminu Tambuwal of the House of Representatives yesterday called for a thorough investigation into the remote and immediate causes of the Associated Airline plane crash in Lagos.
Tambuwal said in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Malam Imam Imam, in Abuja, that the crash was “tragic and sorrowful”.
The speaker particularly expressed sympathy to the Agagu family, saying they needed all the support and encouragement of all Nigerians “in this dark period”.
In the same token, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) under the leadership of Alhaji Abubakar Kawu Baraje has expressed shock over yesterday’s plane crash in Lagos, describing it as an unspeakable tragedy.
The party, in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, condoled with the bereaved families as well as the Ondo State and federal governments.
“As confirmed by the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), the Associated Airlines chartered flight heading for Akure, the Ondo State capital, took off at roughly 9:30 am (0830 GMT) from the domestic terminal at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, but the engine failed on takeoff and it crash-landed and burst into flames,” Eze said in the statement.
“We urge Nigerians to remember the victims and their families in their prayers and to intensify prayers for our dear nation in these difficult times,” the party said.
However, the Government of Ondo State yesterday confirmed that one of its commissioners was among the passengers of the Associated Ailrines flight heading for the state capital, Akure, but which crashed shortly after take-off from the domestic terminal at Lagos’ Murtala Mohammed International Airport.
A statement issued by Chief Press Secretary to Governor Olusegun Mimiko, Eni Akinsola, also confirmed that “family members, associates and other top government officials were also involved in the crash.”
In like manner, Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara State also commiserated with the government and people of Ondo State over the death of some government officials in a plane crash in Lagos.
The governor’s condolence is contained in a statement issued in Ilorin by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Malam Abdulwahab Oba.
Ahmed, described the incident as very shocking, saying that the state had lost some of its vibrant officials at the time their services were needed most.
Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State described yesterday’s plane crash as a national tragedy.
In a statement issued in Abeokuta by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Mrs Funmi Wakama, said the incident was regrettable.
The governor condoled with Nigerians and the families of the deceased.
“I join the entire nation, especially the government and people of Ondo State, in lamenting this monumental disaster,’’ Amosun said.
Acting Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Peter Agumagu (left) exchanging pleasantries with the state Education Commissioner, Dame Alice Lawrence -Nemi at the Nigeria’s 53rd Independence Anniversary celebration in Port Harcourt, last Tuesday
Front Pix
DEPLOY YOUR CAPACITY, TECHNICAL KNOWHOW TO REVITALISE SONGHAI FARMS, FUBARA TELLS TASK FORCE
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has said that diversifying the economy of the State has become inevitable because of the need to solve the problem of food shortages while also providing jobs for the teeming unemployed youths.
These, he said, are the reasons why great care has been taken to critically look at the prospects of revitalising the Songhai Integrated Farms, which is located in Bunu Tai, in Tai Local Government Area of the State.
Governor Fubara insisted that if the problem associated with food shortages is tackled with good intent and purpose, about 40 to 50 percent of current problems of economic hardship plaguing the country and its people would have been solved.
Governor Fubara made the assertion while inaugurating the Chairman, Mr Biedima Oliver, and members of the task force saddled with the responsibility of supervising the revitalization of Songhai Integrated Farms by its partners: Vitalcrop Ventures Limited and Imagine Adama Limited, at Government House in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
Other members of the task force included, the Rivers State Commissioner for Agriculture, Engr Victor Kii; Commissioner for Finance, Barrister Emmanuel Frank-Fubara; Dr Ayebaesin Beredugo; and Mr Maurice Ogolo.
The Governor explained that it took him time to approve the constitution of the task force being inaugurated because of the ugly experience with the previous group that shown such interest.
Governor Fubara stated that a process was initiated and driven halfway into the handing over of Songhai Farms on concession to an interested partner who latter showed a total lack of the needed capacity to undertake such task.
He said, “As a matter of fact, if few of you could remember, we even conceded the place to an investor who came in after he had made his presentation, and we, believing that he has the capacity, we said okay to him, and we had already signed up.
“But something happened. He came back to tell us that he wanted us to give him a N5billion bank guarantee. We then asked him, why? If we have the N5billion, why do we need you to come and even revitalize Songhai Farms? We would have put that N5billion there ourselves. For that reason, we cancelled that arrangement.”
Governor Fubara said now that two separate companies have come together to indicate interest and given the assurance of having the needed capacity to drive the process, he is delighted to see them meeting that expectation.
Governor Fubara pointed to the expectation of the people who want to see the Songhai Farms back on stream on a sustainable basis.
That expectation, he insisted, is also what his administration wants to see actualised within its lifespan.
He noted, “We want to see food sufficiency, because we know when Songhai Farms comes on board, there will be food, which is one of the problems we are having in this country. If we are able to tackle the issue of food, 40 to 50 percent of our problem will be solved.”
Governor Fubara also stated that although he believes in the presentation made by the group and has taken their assurance to heart, but warned that he would not tolerate a repeat of what happened before.
The Governor said, “I hope your story will not be (end) halfway too. I hope you have the capacity and all the technical knowhow to handle it. It is not when we start now, after we had finished inaugurating the task force, you will come back to tell us that you need $2million. If we have $2million, we won’t need you. We will invest it by ourselves.”
Governor Fubara, however, praised the capacity of the Chairman of the task force, Biedima Oliver, saying that incidentally, he was one of the personnel that convinced the then administration to develop the Songhai Farms, and had worked with the Rivers State Sustainable Development Agency (RSSDA) to manage the project.
He said, “He knows and understands the workings of Songhai, and now that we are making you the chairman of the task force, we want to believe that you will make that place come back to life.
“I don’t have any doubt in your capacity. A few things you’ve touched, you turned them to gold. Please, bring it back to what we used to see in Songhai. Bring it back with the help of your committee.”
Governor Fubara assured that his administration will remain committed to providing all the necessary support that they may require to make their assignment a success.
He added, “So, I hereby inaugurate you. Your task is very simple: Do everything within your powers and with our support to make sure that Songhai becomes operational to the benefit, not just the people of Tai, but to the entire Rivers State and Nigeria as a whole”.
In his acceptance speech, the Chairman of the Task Force to Supervise the Revitalization of Songhai Farms with Vitalcrop Ventures Limited and Imagine Adama Limited, Mr. Biedima Oliver, expressed appreciation to Governor Fubara for the opportunity and confidence reposed in them to revive Songhai Farms.
Mr. Oliver assured that they will deliver the expected goal on Songhai Farms, and doing so on time and on target so that the good people of Rivers State can eventually be happy and also benefit from the huge investment.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that all the policies and programmes of his administration are tailored towards the protection of interest of Rivers people, especially the youths.
This, he said, is borne out of the importance his administration attaches to youths’ development and empowerment as leaders of tomorrow.
Fubara, according to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, disclosed this when he received the youths of Emohua Local Government Area under the auspices of “Emohua Youths For SIM” on solidarity visit to Government House, Port Harcourt, last Friday.
He said that his administration has put in place modalities that will boost the livelihoods and well-being of Rivers citizens, which youths of Emohua will also benefit when they materialise.
The governor, who spoke through the Rivers State Head of Service, Dr. George Nwaeke, pointed out that the recently awarded Elele-Omudiaga-Egbeda-Ubimini-Ikiri-Omoku Road, the ongoing Emohua-Kalabari Road, reinstatement of illegally sacked workers of Emohua Local Government Area and the approval for electrification of the area, are part of deliberate measures to open up the area to make life conducive and more meaningful for the people.
According to him, “Everything about the governor is putting the interest of Rivers State first. He is looking at and taking action on those things that we need to do to restart the wheels of progress in Rivers State.
“There are many things the governor has planned and is already doing that will boost the life and welfare of every citizen of Rivers State, but most importantly the youths.
“Growing up, I learnt that Egbeda is one of the biggest communities in the whole of Ikwerre, and it’s predominantly an agrarian community. They have food in Egbeda, they have food in Ubimini, they have food in Omudiaga and other natural resources. The whole world is tilting to agriculture, and this is the way to go.
“The Elele-Umudioga-Egbeda-Ubimini-Omoku road, when completed, will open up the area for real development. Your food and everything you produce there will now have value, they will no longer be thrown away. In all these, you the youths are going to be the utmost beneficiaries.”
He added, “Same will be applicable to the Emohua-Kalabari Road which will also, trigger development in the area, and you will be the greatest beneficiaries. When the LGA is also electrified, you will be having 24 or 20 hours of electricity, and those things the youths can do with electricity, you can stay at home and create wealth for yourself and children.
“All the totality of what the governor is doing, when they are completed, or even as some are completed now, the youths are going to be utmost beneficiaries.”
While acknowledging that youths are the true leaders of tomorrow and any government that fails to carry them along in the scheme of things is doomed to fail, the governor assured them of his administration’s commitment to always address issues concerning youths and ensure that they are part of his government.
He commended the youths for toeing the path of truth by identifying with his administration, urging them to sustain the tempo and shun evil, as his government will ensure that the trend whereby politicians turn youths to beggars are over.
He said, “Youths are, indeed, the leaders of tomorrow. The time of youth is a very important time. It a time that your parents or whoever is your leader at that time have to make the greatest investment in you. And any Government that decides to only carry the elderly, chiefs aling and abandon the youths is bound to fail,” he asserted.
“But I am happy that Governor Fubara has concentrated his energy on everything that will benefit the society, especially the youths.
“And based on these, I want to thank you for recognising what is good and calling it good, for shunning what is evil, for saying the Governor is standing for you.
“Let me tell you, you are on the right direction. Let me tell you again, Rivers State is the bride of Nigeria. The whole Nigeria is looking at what will happen here. As they look here and see you standing on the path of truth, this is a very important step that you have taken to right all the wrongs of the past, to make Rivers State stand on the tripod of justice, peace and security. That is what we are going to gain through the governor, taking all the wise actions that he has already initiated.
“The projects the governor is embarking on are meant to prepare nets for the youths to fish and put food on their table, hence you should continue to follow him.
“The SIMplified Movement brought upon by the governor will ensure that Rivers youths stop the habit of going to bow down before politicians, pledging loyalty before they can eat.”
Earlier, spokesman for the Emohua Youths for SIM, Comrade Ovamale O. Ovamale, had said that the visit by youths from the 14 political wards in Emohua Local Government Area was to thank the governor for the award of the Elele-Omudiaga-Egbeda-Ubimini-Ikiri-Omoku road, the approval for electrification of the area and reinstatement of sacked workers of Emohua Local Government Council, of which the youths were mostly affected.
According to him, “Siminalayi Fubara of recent has given Emohua Local Government road that links Elele to Omoku, which comprises over four communities in the local government.”
“Emohua Local Government has also been in darkness for eight years. No community in the local government that has light. But, of recent, because of the passion and love the governor has for the people of Emohua, he has approved the electrification of the local government.
“Also, the illegal sack of Emohua Local Government workers, for which the youths were mostly affected and without the approval of the Local Government Service Commission, the governor, in his compassionate nature, has reinstated them, and that is why we said we must come and thank His Excellency”, he said.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has assured that his administration will collaborate and continue to consult widely in delivering a liberated State experiencing enduring peace.
Fubara said, in doing so, he would not operate as a dictator but as a member of a team that has the best interest of the State at heart and determined to leave a lasting legacy that can be celebrated.
The governor spoke during the formal presentation of Certificate of Recognition and Staff of Office to the Amanyanabo of Okochiri Kingdom, King Ateke Michael Tom, as first class tradition ruler, at Government House in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
Fubara stated that, during the Sixth State Executive Council meeting, N80.8billion was approved with 50 percent contract value paid already as the Government awarded the construction of the Elele-Egbeda-Omoku Road.
He said the project will be funded from the savings from Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) to underscore his administration’s prudence without also borrowing to complete the project.
“We are at a crossroad in our State where we all need to stand for what is right. It happens once in a life time. So, for now, be one of those people that will be in the course to liberate and free our dear State.
“And I know strongly that having the support of a peace-loving Amanyanabo of Okochiri Kingdom, having the support of the wonderful Council of Chiefs, having the support of the great people of Rivers State, we will bring peace in our State. We will do those things that are right to develop our State.
“We will continue to consult. We will not act as dictators. We will act as people who know that one day, we will leave, and when we leave, the way we have acted will speak for us. We will not force people to talk good about us. Our legacy will be a signature for how we led”, the governor said.
Fubara explained that he acted within the ambit of the law to upgrade the traditional stool upon which King Ateke Tom sits in recognition of his efforts in promoting peace in Okrika, and indeed, the State, and urged him to continue to do justice to everyone.
In his speech, Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Hon Charles Amadi, congratulated King Ateke Tom for being formally presented with the Certificate of Recognition and Staff of Office as first class traditional ruler.
Also speaking, former Transport Minister, Chief Abiye Sekibo, thanked the governor for fulfilling his promise of upgrading the traditional stool of Okochiri Kingdom, and pledged the support of Kirike Se people to his administration.