Category: cover

NCAA urges youths to explore careers in aviation beyond cabin crew

 

 

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority has urged young Nigerians to explore broader career opportunities in the aviation sector beyond the popular choice of becoming cabin crew members.

 

The NCAA, through a post on X on Monday by its spokesman, Michael Achimugu, said this while speaking on the growing interest among Nigerian youths in cabin crew training with a vision of being a flight attendant.

 

The cabin crew encompasses all flight attendants, while the air hostess specifically refers to female attendants. Both genders are vital to the smooth operation of flights, safety and comfort of passengers.

 

Achimugu acknowledged the appeal and glamour associated with the role, adding that, “It’s a beautiful line of work. You wear smart uniforms, travel the world, and interact with people from all walks of life. It builds patience and character.”

He, however, emphasised that other critical areas within aviation are in high demand and offer even greater opportunities for growth and employment, both locally and internationally.

 

“Many young Nigerians are investing in cabin crew training. They love the glamour of that career. It is a beautiful line of work. You get to serve people from all walks of life. Your patience gets tested as much as your character. You learn to smile whether you are happy or not. You wear cute uniforms and travel freely, ” he advised.

 

Achimugu also urged aspiring aviation professionals to conduct thorough research into the areas with greater demand and potential for career advancement.

“There is more to aviation than the visible front-line roles. Find the gaps, where there is scarcity and fill that space. That’s how you truly add value,” he added.

 

With a global aviation workforce shortage looming, the NCAA believes that redirecting attention toward technical and operational roles could help Nigeria’s youth tap into a wider range of job opportunities and contribute meaningfully to the aviation industry.

 

Listing other focuses which are in high demand, Achimugu said, “ There are other careers in aviation that add value and probably have more work openings. I would strongly recommend/encourage more young people to train to become any of the following: Aircraft maintenance technician, Aerospace engineer, Flight instructor, Flight dispatcher, Marshaller, Air traffic controller, among others.”

 

He further appealed to Nigerians to engage in proper research before choosing a career in aviation.

 

He stressed, “If you want to go into aviation, research, beyond just your passion, the areas where there are more needs for operators and other service providers. Where is the scarcity? Fill that space and add value.

 

“All of the above-mentioned also get job opportunities outside Nigeria. Give it a thought. Aviation is a satisfying industry where all of the parts working together make an excellent whole. Start that training today.”

Nigerian driver Jaybash wins big at East Africa drift championship

 

 

 

Nigeria’s motorsport industry recorded a major milestone as Jamus Bashar Muhammad, popularly known as Jaybash, emerged victorious at the East Africa Drift Championship held in Kenya.

 

Representing Nigeria at the continental event, Jaybash delivered a remarkable performance that earned him First Position in the Pro Masters category, First Position overall in the East Africa Drift Championship, and recognition as the Nigerian Drift King.

 

According to a Monday statement from the National Sports Commission, his triumph marks “a giant leap forward” for motorsport in Nigeria and reflects the growing influence of Nigerian athletes in diverse sporting disciplines.

“The National Sports Commission congratulates Jaybash and celebrates this milestone that inspires the next generation of Nigerian drivers.

 

“This achievement strengthens our commitment to support diverse sports disciplines under the Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigeria’s Sports Economy,” the statement read.

 

Jaybash’s success has been hailed by sports enthusiasts and industry stakeholders as a defining moment for Nigeria’s growing motorsport community, signalling new opportunities for recognition and investment in the sector.

UEFA approves La Liga, Serie A matches to be played in US, Australia

 

 

UEFA has approved the staging of a La Liga and a Serie A match in the United States and Australia, respectively, despite sustained protests from fans.

 

The decision means Barcelona and Villarreal will meet in Miami in December, and for Milan and Como to play in Perth, Australia, in February.

 

Supporters’ organisations and fan groups had voiced strong opposition to proposals to move the matches overseas, arguing that staging domestic league games outside their home countries undermines local fans and the integrity of national competitions.

 

But in a statement on Monday, UEFA acknowledged the controversy around taking domestic league fixtures abroad but said the approvals were an “exceptional” measure and must not be interpreted as setting a precedent.

 

The statement signed by UEFA’s president, Aleksander Ceferin, read, “League matches should be played on home soil; anything else would disenfranchise loyal match-going fans and potentially introduce distortive elements in competitions. Our consultation confirmed the breadth of these concerns.

“I would like to thank the 55 national associations for their constructive and responsible engagement on such a sensitive issue.

 

“While it is regrettable to have to let these two games go ahead, this decision is exceptional and shall not be seen as setting a precedent. Our commitment is clear: to protect the integrity of national leagues and ensure that football remains anchored in its home environment.”

 

The move comes after the Italian and Spanish football federations applied for those matches to be played abroad.

 

Uefa said its national associations had agreed to engage with it before submitting any future requests.

 

Uefa’s executive committee delayed a decision on the matter last month and says its consultation on the issue has found a lack of support for the concept.

Kano, North will repay Tinubu’s goodwill in 2027 – Barau

 

 

The Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, on Monday, stated that the All Progressives Congress, the people of Kano and the northern region will reciprocate the good gestures of President Bola Tinubu, come 2027.

 

Barau spoke during his annual undergraduate scholarship programme at the newly renamed Yusuf Maitama Sule Federal University of Education, Kano.

 

The Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Yusuf Ata, the state APC Chairman, Prince Abdullahi Abbas, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Abdullahi Kadage and the Chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, Ado Abdullahi, all showered encomium on Tinubu.

 

Senator Barau said, “I would like to thank Mr President, the president of our country, the president that we are all proud of, the president who loves Kano, who loves Northern Nigeria, and who loves Nigeria.

“He graciously approved our long-standing request to upgrade this institution to a university, and for that, we remain deeply grateful.”

 

He noted that the struggle to actualise the upgrade had lasted nearly ten years, adding that President Tinubu’s swift approval demonstrated his administration’s commitment to human capital development.

 

“The rain that beats you is the real rain,” Barau said metaphorically. “We have never asked or canvassed for anything from Mr President, and he said no. Why shouldn’t we love Mr President? We have to reciprocate, and we are waiting for the time to do that, come 2027.”

 

He continued, “Whatever we ask him to do, he says, ‘I’ll do it for you.’ When he approved the upgrade of this university, we expressed our sincere gratitude. Human capital, not natural resources, is the number one factor of production in the world today. If you get it right in education, you have succeeded. That’s why we place great value on the educational development of our people.”

 

Senator Barau also commended President Tinubu for approving the renaming of the institution after the late Alhaji Yusuf Maitama Sule, a former minister, diplomat, and one of Kano’s most revered elder statesmen.

 

Barau, who described the President as the grandfather of the institution and himself the “father of the university,” pledged continued support for the institution’s growth and development.

“It was painful when the present administration in Kano annulled the decision by the former administration of Dr Ganduje to name a state-owned institution after Alhaji Maitama Sule.

 

“When I presented a request to President Tinubu to name this institution after our elder statesman, he immediately approved it. This is how he continues to demonstrate love and respect for Kano and our heroes,” he said.

 

He further reaffirmed his commitment to educational advancement by announcing scholarships for 1,000 students from Kano North Senatorial District, with a promise to extend the gesture to other parts of the state.

 

“I urge all students to remain focused on their studies. Education is the bedrock of every society. If I, as a grandfather and a PhD student, can continue to pursue learning, then there is no reason for any young person to relent,” he said.

He stressed that investing in education remained the most sustainable path to community empowerment and long-term progress.

 

The Chairman of the APC in Kano State, Prince Abdullahi Abbas, commended President Tinubu for the conversion and renaming of the institution.

 

On his part, Ata hailed the President for his numerous interventions in Kano and the North.

 

Speaking, Professor Abdullahi Tukur Kadage, the Vice Chancellor of Yusuf Maitama Sule Federal University of Education, praised Senator Barau for his “visionary leadership and unwavering support” for the institution.

 

He recalled that the university’s establishment stemmed from a bill sponsored by Senator Barau at the National Assembly.

C’River teachers demand better welfare to boost productivity

 

The Nigeria Union of Teachers in Cross River State has urged the state government to increase funding for the education sector from 15% to 26% of the annual budget to boost productivity.

 

The union’s chairman, Comrade Gregory Olayi, appealed for the 2025 World Teachers’ Day celebration at the U.J. Esuene Sports Stadium on Sunday in Calabar.

 

Olayi also demanded the promotion of teachers to Grade Level 17 and appointment as permanent secretaries, citing similar practices in neighbouring states of Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, and Rivers.

 

He said meeting teachers’ demands would boost productivity.

He said, “Meeting teachers’ demands would boost productivity, including promotion of teachers to Grade Level 17 and appointment as permanent secretaries as seen in neighbouring states of Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, and Rivers.”

 

He equally highlighted key issues, including the release of the education budget, employment of more teachers in primary and secondary schools and prompt payment of salaries for primary school teachers.

The NUT chief lamented that the current teacher shortage has created vacancies, particularly after 200 teachers moved from secondary schools and 100 from primary schools to the mainstream sector.

 

He urged the state government to address these concerns to revitalise the education sector.

 

In his response, Governor Bassey Otu, represented at the event by the state’s Commissioner for Education, Stephen Odey, assured the teachers of the state government’s willingness to make the teaching profession attractive.

 

He said the state government has concluded arrangements for the establishment of an education trust fund to provide succour for teachers in the state.

 

“We are doing a radical transformation at the Secondary Education Board that would favour those in the teaching profession,” Odey said.

185 students bag first class at Redeemer’s University

 

 

 

Redeemer’s University, Ede in Osun, says it will be graduating no fewer than 1,341 undergraduates during its 17th convocation ceremony, with 185 bagging first-class honours.

 

The Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Shadrach Akindele, disclosed this while addressing a news conference to mark the 17th ceremony and the 20th anniversary of the institution on Monday in Ede.

 

Akindele also said that 662 graduating students would be awarded second-class upper degrees, 410 with second-class lower degrees, 79 with third-class degrees, and 5 with pass degrees.

 

The VC said that a total of 1,341 students would be graduating during the convocation ceremony slated for Oct. 9.

He said that the best graduating student, Joel Durigbo, Department of Mechanical Engineering, achieved a Cumulative Grade Point Average of 5.0.

 

Akindele also said 338 students would be awarded higher degrees and diplomas at the postgraduate level on Oct.10.

 

According to him, 109 students will be awarded postgraduate diplomas, 65 with Master of Arts degrees, 120 with Master of Science degrees, 25 with Master of Business Administration degrees, and 19 with Doctor of Philosophy degrees.

 

“This year’s convocation is particularly special. We are not only graduating another distinguished class, ‘The Indomitable Set,’ but we are also celebrating 29 years of Redeemer’s University.

“Indeed, this is a season of double honour, and we return all glory to God,” he said.

 

Akindele listed people to be awarded honorary degrees during the convocation ceremony, including the wife of a former governor of Kwara, Omolewa Ahmed, and the president of Mount Zion Faith Ministries, Mike Bamiloye.

 

He also said the Group Managing Director of Sahara Group, Kola Adeshina, would be awarded honorary degree.

 

“On academic achievements, the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has selected the university as one of the eight private universities in the country for the training of TETFund-sponsored candidates for postgraduate degrees.

 

“This is a very remarkable feat, especially considering that there are 168 private universities in Nigeria at the moment,” the VC said.

 

Akindele also said the university had entered the Times Higher Education Impact Ranking and emerged number two in the country and number one in several Sustainable Development Goals, among others.

Farmer loses five children in Benue boat accident

 

 

A middle-aged man has lost five children in a boat mishap that happened in Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State, on Sunday evening.

 

According to sources in the local government, the man and his six children were reported to be returning from the farm when the canoe conveying them capsized.

 

It was gathered that the family of seven had gone to the farm to harvest cassava, and on their way back, the canoe sank, but one of the children was said to have survived.

 

A source who simply identified himself as Ameh told journalists in a telephone chat on Monday that rescue efforts were immediately launched by local divers and community members.

He added that the incident has thrown the Obagaji community into mourning.

 

The Chairman of the local government, Melvin James, who confirmed the incident, said that the seven people were on board the canoe when it capsized, and five children died in the boat mishap.

 

He said, “The man and six of his children had gone to the farm to harvest crops, but on their way back home, the canoe conveying them capsized and they drowned.

“Though the canoe was overloaded, which might have caused the mishap, the father and one of the children survived.

 

The council chairman said that the wife was not in the canoe when the incident happened.

 

While describing the incident as unfortunate, James extended his condolences to the family.

 

Boat mishaps have been a recurring incident in Benue State, especially in coastal communities in Logo, Buruku, and Agatu LGAs.

 

For instance, in 2024, some mourners returning from a burial in Logo Local Government Area capsized in River Buruku, resulting in 14 deaths, while 26 passengers were rescued approximately two years ago.

 

Also in December 2024, another boat mishap was recorded in Agatu, with 20 traders, mostly women and children, losing their lives when a wooden boat capsized in the Benue River.

 

Meanwhile, the State Command Police Public Relations Officer, Udeme Edet, could not be reached for comment as her phone rang out.

Anambra declares Tuesday school-free day to honour teachers

 

 

Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra has declared Tuesday, October 7, a school-free day to celebrate and honour teachers across the state.

 

The state’s Commissioner for Education, Prof Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, disclosed this in a statement on Monday in Awka.

 

“In view of the fact that the 2025 World Teachers’ Day fell on a Sunday, Mr Governor has approved Tuesday as a school-free day to celebrate and honour teachers in the state.

 

“Furthermore, the Solution Parents League will have their mega endorsement march in appreciation of Soludo’s revolution in the education sector.

“The Association of Private School Owners will join the Solution Parents League for the endorsement march.

 

“Accordingly, all teachers, parents, and proprietors/proprietresses are expected to assemble at the Alex Ekwueme Square, Awka, by 8:00 a.m. prompt, to give honour to whom honour is due.”

 

PUNCH Online reports that teachers across Nigeria on Sunday renewed calls for improved welfare, better working conditions, and the full implementation of the 65-year retirement age policy.

 

At various events held nationwide, teachers’ unions and education stakeholders decried the slow pace of policy implementation, poor remuneration, and inadequate teaching facilities, which they said continued to undermine the quality of education.

 

They urged federal and state governments to prioritise teachers’ welfare and ensure that promises made to the education sector are fulfilled.

 

(NAN)

NIWA appoints 20 safety ambassadors, distributes life jackets in C’River

 

 

 

The Calabar Area Office of the National Inland Waterways Authority has donated 200 life jackets to beach operators, boat owners, and other stakeholders operating within the Calabar Section of Calabar-Oron Waterways to enhance safety.

 

The Calabar Area Manager of NIWA, Stanley Onuoha, while presenting the items on Monday in Calabar, named over 20 ambassadors to help enhance waterway safety in Cross River State.

 

Onuoha said, “The ambassadors comprise the chairman of the maritime workers union, councilors of Calabar LGA, traditional rulers, and House of Assembly members.”

 

He also noted that the donation of life-saving items is in line with the quarterly sensitisation engagement programme with maritime stakeholders at the Safe Journey Beach in Calabar South, Cross River State, aimed at educating commuters on the need to use a life jacket, urging all stakeholders to carry out sensitization to the grassroots.

“They are to help us carry this message to the grassroots and make sure that every passenger wears a life jacket while on board”, he said.

 

He further disclosed that the sensitisation is the third quarterly engagement within the year and is in line with the mandate of the CEO/Managing Director of the authority, as well as the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.

He expressed optimism that the gospel of safety is on track and they will continue to do this until everybody completely complies with safety standards.

 

He added that NIWA is happy that the stakeholders are embracing the message, saying “we have had little or no boat mishap within the area.”

 

The life jackets were gratefully received by beach operators and boat owners, who acknowledged the critical role they would play in preventing water accidents.

 

One of the ambassadors, Effiong Ekarika, member representing Calabar South in the State Assembly, welcomed the appointment, saying, “They will help take the message to the grassroots.”

 

Beaches within the area that received the life jackets include Safe Journey Beach, Henshaw Town Beach, Nsidung Beach, Abitto Ferry and Sea Express, Afikpo Beach, Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria, including other dedicated operators.

PDP, Atiku celebrate Bauchi gov at 67

 

 

 

The Peoples Democratic Party and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar have congratulated the Governor of Bauchi State and Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, Senator Bala Mohammed, on his 67th birthday.

 

In a statement issued on Sunday via its X handle, the PDP described Mohammed as a visionary leader who embodies the party’s core values of integrity, service, and dedication to the welfare of Nigerians.

 

The party said the Bauchi governor’s administration has recorded “remarkable strides in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and economic empowerment,” in line with its manifesto.

 

The statement read, “Born on October 5, 1958, in Duguri Town, Alkaleri Local Government Area of Bauchi State, Senator Bala Mohammed exemplifies the PDP’s core values of integrity, service, and unwavering commitment to the welfare of the Nigerian people.

“On this auspicious day, we celebrate Governor Mohammed’s enduring contributions to our great party and the nation. We pray for continued good health, divine wisdom, and renewed vigour as he leads Bauchi State towards greater heights,” it prayed.

 

PDP reaffirmed its solidarity with the governor and the people of Bauchi.

 

Also in a personal message on X, Atiku lauded Mohammed’s “visionary leadership” for transforming Bauchi’s development trajectory.

 

He cited the governor’s achievements in the road sector, which he said had boosted commerce and connectivity, and the completion of the state’s International Conference Centre, which will host the upcoming Bauchi Investment Summit 1.0.

“On your 67th birthday. Your visionary leadership has redefined Bauchi’s trajectory, most notably through the revolution of the road sector, which has opened up communities and enhanced commerce, and the completion of the iconic International Conference Centre, now set to host the maiden Bauchi Investment Summit 1.0.

 

“These landmark achievements, alongside your broader infrastructural strides, have transformed the landscape of the state and improved countless lives. On behalf of my family, I wish you continued success and a very happy birthday,” said Atiku, who has defected from PDP to the African Democratic Congress.

 

Born in Duguri Town, Alkaleri Local Government Area of Bauchi, Mohammed began his career as a journalist as News Editor for The Mirage Newspaper in Jos from 1982 to 1983.

 

He later worked with the News Agency of Nigeria.

 

He transitioned into public service in 1984 when he was appointed as an administrative officer in the Federal Ministry of Internal Affairs, Abuja.

 

Over the years, the governor has held several political roles, including Principal Administrative Officer in the Cabinet Secretariat of the Presidency (1994), Chief Supplies Officer at the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals (1995–1997), and Assistant Director at the Federal Ministry of Power and Steel (1997–1999).

He has pivoted from Deputy Director and Special Assistant to the Minister of Transport to Senator representing Bauchi South Senatorial District, and later to Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.

 

As a PDP member, he became Bauchi governor in 2019 and was re-elected in 2023 for a second term.

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