SEVEN FOUNDERS OF LOCAL AIRLINES IN NIGERIA’S $1.78B AVIATION INDUSTRY
l SEVEN FOUNDERS OF LOCAL AIRLINES IN NIGERIA’S $1.7B AVIATION INDUSTRY The Nigerian aviation sector, despite being a critical element in the country’s transportation system and economy, has not reached its full potential compared to other African nations. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) estimates that aviation supports $63 billion in economic activity across Africa. However, Nigeria’s aviation industry contributes a modest $1.7 billion to GDP, representing 0.4% of the national economy—far behind South Africa’s aviation sector, which contributes $12 billion, or 3.5% of GDP. With 20 airports, 23 active domestic airlines, and operations by 22 foreign carriers, Nigeria’s aviation sector holds immense potential. It has created over 241,000 jobs and facilitated international trade and tourism, connecting Nigeria directly to major global business hubs such as London, New York, Johannesburg, Dubai, and Paris. Additionally, Nigeria’s attainment of the FAA International Aviation Safety Assessment (IASA) Category One Certification allows its carriers to fly directly into the United States, a significant milestone for the sector. Passenger and aircraft traffic has consistently risen by an average of 10% annually, with Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos handling over 60% of the country’s total air traffic. Within this sector are owners of domestic airlines of Nigerian descent. These individuals have invested private capital and helped to a certain extent provide job opportunities and new pathways for growth in the industry. Take a look at some of these personalities as spotlighted by Nairametrics. Allen Ifechukwu Onyema, a Nigerian lawyer and entrepreneur, founded Air Peace in 2013 to create economic opportunities for Nigerian youth. His vision was to build a thriving airline that would serve both domestic and international markets, and over the years, Air Peace has grown into one of the country’s most prominent carriers. The airline’s fleet has expanded significantly, now including Boeing 737s, Boeing 777s, Dornier 328s, Embraer 145s, Embraer 195-E2s, and Airbus 320s. This diverse range of aircraft has supported Air Peace’s growing network, which now includes routes to international destinations such as Accra, Ghana, Sharjah, and Johannesburg, South Africa. Onyema’s commitment to expanding the airline’s reach has positioned Air Peace as a key player in West African aviation, offering affordable air travel options while creating jobs and boosting the local economy. Jacky Hathiramani, the pioneer Managing Director/CEO of Dana Airlines and now the Group Managing Director/CEO of Dana Group of Companies, is a Nigerian born in Jos, Plateau state. He holds a degree in Business Administration from the European Business School of London and sits on the board of several blue-chip companies and PLCs. Jacky started his career in the manufacturing industry, where he was appointed as an Executive Director of Ashmina Limited in 1998. He led major business transformation in the company, which led to his appointment as Group Managing Director. He has been responsible for the strategic development and expansion of the Group, which has evolved into a multi-billion dollar conglomerate with interests in key sectors of the Nigerian economy, including transportation, steel, and aviation. Jacky’s drive and passion for quality service led to the establishment of Dana Air in 2006. The introduction of the airline and its redefining role in the aviation industry, offering world-class customer and in-flight service, with an on-time performance that is still unrivaled, earned Jacky multiple CEO of the Year awards. Jacky’s superior business performance and innovations have enabled the company to achieve commendable market share and recognition as one of Nigeria’s Most Respected Companies. Kunle Soname is a Nigerian entrepreneur, sports enthusiast, and the chairman of Bet9ja, a leading betting platform he founded in 2013. He made history in 2015 as the first Nigerian to acquire a European football club, C.D. Feirense. Soname studied Estate Management at Obafemi Awolowo University, graduating in 1988, and later…
Dons Eze
- Foreign Affairs
- December 2, 2024
- 40 views
TRUMP APPOINTS NIGERIA-LEBANESE BUSINESSMAN ADVISOR ON ARAB MIDDLE EASTERN AFFAIRS
TRUMP APPOINTS NIGERIA-LEBANESE BUSINESSMAN ADVISOR ON ARAB, MIDDLE EASTERN AFFAIRS President-elect Donald Trump has announced that Nigerian-Lebanese businessman Massad Boulos will serve as his senior advisor on Arab and Middle Eastern affairs. The decision, made public on Trump’s Truth Social platform, highlights Boulos’ influential ties to the Middle East and his extensive business dealings in Nigeria, a key African economy. Boulos, who is married to Tiffany Trump, Trump’s youngest daughter, has spent years fostering relationships across the political and economic landscapes of Nigeria and Lebanon. Known for his ability to navigate complex political environments, Boulos has reportedly met with Arab and Muslim leaders, as well as Lebanese stakeholders, during Trump’s campaign, strengthening support for Trump’s re-election bid. Business and Political Influence in Nigeria Born in Lebanon, Boulos moved to Nigeria as a young man, where his family established a thriving business empire. The Boulos Enterprises Group, a name synonymous with Nigeria’s industrial growth, has contributed significantly to the country’s economic development through manufacturing, importation, and distribution of goods. His long-standing ties to Nigeria’s business community have earned him respect as a bridge between African and Middle Eastern markets. Boulos’ Nigerian connection also helped foster an African narrative in Trump’s re-election campaign, with outreach to Nigerian-American communities in key swing states like Michigan and Pennsylvania. This strategy resonated with conservative voters concerned about U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East and African economic partnerships under the Biden administration. Bridging Divides in Lebanon In Lebanon, Boulos is known for maintaining relationships with factions across the country’s deeply divided political spectrum. While he has ties to Hezbollah-linked Christian allies such as Suleiman Frangieh, he also engages with groups like the anti-Hezbollah Lebanese Forces Party. Such rare versatility has made him an influential figure in Lebanese politics. However, his Lebanese political ambitions have been limited by the sectarian structure of the country’s government. As a Greek Orthodox Christian, his path to higher office has been capped at positions like deputy speaker of parliament. Nevertheless, his new advisory role in Trump’s administration could give him the political leverage that eluded him in Lebanon. Impact on Trump’s Campaign Boulos played a critical role in mobilizing Arab and Muslim voters during Trump’s campaign, particularly in Michigan, where Arab-American and Muslim populations are significant. Campaign officials credited Boulos with flipping voter blocs that had previously leaned Democratic by addressing concerns over U.S. policies in Lebanon and Gaza. Boulos also spearheaded efforts to connect with African and Middle Eastern immigrant communities, organizing meetings and private events to build trust in Trump’s vision for international diplomacy. His Nigerian connections helped engage voters of African descent, emphasizing economic growth and anti-war policies. A New Opportunity Boulos’ appointment has sparked optimism among some in Lebanon and Nigeria who see his role as a potential bridge to influence U.S. policies favorably toward their regions. His deep business roots in Nigeria and connections to Lebanon’s political elite position him as a unique player in Trump’s team, blending African, Middle Eastern, and American perspectives. For now, the appointment reflects Trump’s strategy of leaning on family ties and trusted allies as he prepares for a potential return to the White House. Whether Massad Boulos’ Nigerian and Lebanese ties will bring tangible benefits to these regions remains to be seen, but his diverse background offers an intriguing element to Trump’s advisory circle.
2027: ATIKU, OBI’S PARLEY IN YOLA REIGNITES MERGER PERMUTATIONS
2027: ATIKU, OBI’S PARLEY IN YOLA REIGNITES MERGER PERMUTATIONS Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, have reignited discussions around the possibility of both uniting for a run at the 2027 presidential election. Their meeting on Saturday in Yola has generated renewed buzz about their plans for the upcoming election, with reports suggesting that a merger between their camps might be in the works. Obi was the keynote speaker at the 20th anniversary of the American University of Nigeria (AUN), which is owned by Atiku. The event also marked the university’s 16th Founder’s Day. Although spokespersons for both politicians denied any political undertones to the invitation, social media was abuzz, especially after Atiku posted a video of the breakfast meeting with Obi at his Yola home Reports indicated that Atiku, the former presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), and Obi met recently to discuss sensitive plans, including the possible formation of a new political party. Sources revealed that this is part of preparations for the 2027 presidential race, as the crises within their respective political parties show no signs of resolution. Atiku’s caption of the video on his X (formerly Twitter) account, reading “It is breakfast time with my friend, @PeterObi, in the ‘land of beauty,” sent supporters of the duo into a frenzy on social media, with many hoping the meeting would lead to a merger announcement ahead of 2027. “Repeat the 2019 ticket and promise to do one term. Then watch the Nigerian people do their thing,” replied Theo Agada, a user. Atiku and Obi had run together on the joint ticket of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in 2019, but lost to then-President Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC). They parted ways and ran independently in 2023, both finishing as runners-up to APC’s Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Quoting Atiku’s tweet, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, Labour Party’s Lagos State governorship candidate in the last election, wrote: “We must form a united opposition to end this T-pain remix that we are all featuring in,” referencing the current hardship in the country. However, Doyin Okupe, who served as Obi’s campaign director but recently switched allegiance to President Tinubu, offered a different perspective. “The politically naive, ignorant, or bigoted have always insulted me whenever I state that politics is a game, not religion. No permanent friends, no permanent enemies, only permanent interests! Interesting times ahead. We now move from Consumption to Absorption. End of discussion!” he tweeted. Speaking with Daily Trust yesterday, Atiku’s media aide, Abdulrasheed Shehu, clarified that while there was no discussion about 2027 or a merger during the meeting on Saturday, the idea of a merger or alliance remained a possibility. “There was no conversation around 2027. He only welcomed Obi to Yola and had breakfast with him, after which they went to AUN together where Obi gave a powerful lecture. But you know, Oga (Atiku) is the one who started the call for a coalition of opposition leaders after the 2023 general elections to defeat the APC in the next election. When the time comes, their position will be made known,” he said.
PH REFINERY STILL OPERATING – ENGINEERS CLAIM
PH REFINERY STILL OPERATING – ENGINEERS CLAIM The Nigerian Society of Chemical Engineers, NSChE, has insisted that the Port Harcourt Refinery is still operational and has continued to refine petroleum products. This is coming amid reports that the refinery has halted operations just days after the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Ltd revealed that it had fulfilled its pledge of re-streaming the facility. The development was discovered by a reporter who visited the refinery where it was observed that the facility was inactive, with no discernible signs of operation. But in an interview on Arise TV Sunday morning, Mr Tony Ogbuigwe, the National President of NSChE made fresh claims that the refinery is fully operational. He said, “I’m here as a professional and as the president of the Nigerian Society of Chemical Engineers. The truth of the matter is that Area 5 of the Port Harcourt refinery is running and it is indeed running. Port Harcourt refinery has two parts. “There is the old refinery and the new refinery. The old refinery is the one that has been brought back into operation. It is running. “We can confirm that it is running. We have made contact with our colleagues, professional chemical engineers who are on the ground and they have confirmed that the refinery is indeed running. “Products are being produced from the old refinery and those products are being blended to give PMS that we consume in our cars and diesel oil which we consume in trucks. Those products are indeed being produced. Kerosene is also being produced and that is the truth.” He said that just as the Dangote refinery went through stages upon its takeoff, the Port Harcourt refinery is going through similar stages. According to him, “It’s exactly the same thing that is happening in the Port Harcourt refinery. Crude oil comes into a refinery and goes into what is called a crude distillation unit. “There, there is the distillation column and products come out from the column at various levels. From the top is gas which will eventually give you cooking gas. “And then the next level is light naphtha or straight run gasoline as some will call it and then the next level is heavy naphtha, and then kerosene and then diesel and then fuel oil which is from the bottom of the column. “These are the straight products that come from the column but they go for further processing in different parts of the refinery. “What has happened is that Area 5 was commissioned and the main column, the crude distillation unit, has been commissioned. It is running as I said and it is producing those products. “However, the heavy naphtha which should go into the catalytic reforming unit, that unit, (the CR unit) is the next unit which should be brought on stream. That is not yet on stream.” He affirmed that Area 5, also called the old refinery, “is currently producing different products, listing those products to include light naphtha, heavy naphtha, Kerosene, light gas oil, and fuel oil.” Dismissing reports that PMS is mixed with naphtha and supplied to Nigerians, the petrol-chemical expert said what is being brought in was Crack C-5, a by-product from the Eleme petrol chemical processes. He said, “That is a high octane stock that is blended with the light naphtha to give you the 1991 run for PMS”, adding that “the refinery is operating between 60-70 percent right now, stating that they are ramping up towards 90 percent.” “Hopefully, when they ramp up to 90 percent, then, of course, there will be more products coming out,” he said. It could be recalled that cheerful news had emerged last Tuesday that the refinery had resumed oil production and that…
COURT STOPS UNN FOR CONDUCTING CONVOCATION ELECTION
COURT STOPS UNN FROM CONDUCTING CONVOCATION ELECTION A Federal High Court in Enugu State has restrained the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) from conducting its convocation election until the determination of a suit brought by some aspirants alleging a breach of the Standing Orders of Proceedings by the Acting Vice Chancellor, Professor Polycarp Chigbu. In the suit, filed under number FHC/E/CS/217/2024, the plaintiffs claim that Professor Chigbu violated sections 20 and 22 of the Standing Orders of the Convocation by unilaterally changing election procedures without a properly constituted convocation meeting. Sources allege that while the University Registrar was away on official duty, the Acting Vice Chancellor published a new set of procedures on November 21, 2024, disregarding the existing publication from November 7th and the Standing Order of Proceedings. Some perceive this action as favoring the Vice Chancellor’s close associate. The Standing Orders prohibit anyone, including the Vice Chancellor, from amending the proceedings without a duly constituted convocation meeting and a two-thirds majority vote. During the court proceedings on November 28, 2024, the judge adjourned the matter but emphasized that UNN, as a federal institution, should refrain from proceeding with the challenged process, having been duly served. Proceeding would be unacceptable under the law. Plaintiffs are calling on the University’s Pro-Chancellor, General Ike Nwachukwu (Rtd), to ensure due process is followed and prevent a brewing crisis. They argue that consulting stakeholders to change the Standing Orders is a “fraudulent tactic” and question the integrity of the hired company, ARROW FAST LIMITED, which has never undertaken similar projects before. C. D Eze,Esq counsel to the plaintiffs, stated that UNN’s actions regarding the election are subject to the court’s decision. The hearing is set for January 15, 2025. UNN’s Legal Adviser declined to comment on the matter.
GOWON, OJUKWU NEVER RECONCILED – ONOH
OJUKWU, GOWON NEVER RECONCILED – ONOH Dr Josef Onoh, the brother-in-law to the late Biafra leader, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has refuted claims by former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, that the two had reconciled.Onoh clarified that what Gowon referred to as a reconciliation meeting was, in fact, a condolence visit after the passing of his father, Chief C.C. Onoh, who was also Ojukwu’s father-in-law.In a statement, Onoh described Gowon’s narration as inaccurate, insisting that the former Head of State confused a chance meeting in Enugu with reconciliation.Onoh further explained that Gowon’s visit was primarily to pay respects following the passing of Chief C.C. Onoh in May 2009, a funeral Gowon missed because he was out of the country.According to Onoh, the meeting Gowon claims as reconciliation was a courtesy visit during his condolence tour, adding that Ojukwu and Gowon never reconciled as the former Head of State has portrayed.The strained relationship between Gowon and Ojukwu stems from their roles during the Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970). Gowon led the Federal Government, while Ojukwu headed the breakaway state of Biafra.He said, “I was present in the meeting, I served him and he told me he doesn’t take alcoholic drinks and opted for water or orange juice. He brought up the importance of reconciliation and Ojukwu made it clear that he holds no grudge against him and that as soldiers they did what they believed was best at that time for their country and that he (Ojukwu) doesn’t support another Biafra that will be achieved with bloodshed and massacre of the Igbo.“Gowon left and Ojukwu promised to honour him with a visit and he said he was most likely to be out of the country and Ojukwu replied ‘even during the civil War I knew your every movement and location and since I’ve promised to honour you with a visit as you did me, I’ll find you even if you are in the moon.’“We all laughed and escorted him out. Ojukwu said a closing prayer in Latin at the amazement of everyone present including Gowon. We admired the two men that their actions shaped Nigeria. Ojukwu was fluent in Hausa, French, Yoruba, English, Latin and Ibo and in every way his image and oratory dominated the moment, hence I understand the reason why Gen. Yakubu Gowon is attempting to change history by giving a wrong narrative of events.“He, Gowon, have always suffered an extreme high level of inferiority complex around Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu and even in death he’s unable to rise above that shackles of inferiority, which was still manifest in his condolence message and Tribute to Ikemba Odumegwu-Ojukwu.”On the London meeting between Ojukwu and Gowon, Onoh disclosed that Gowon exhibited his highest form of insecurity with Ojukwu, particularly when Gowon noticed that Ojukwu’s biographer, Author Fredrick Foresight, was in the vicinity of their meeting in a London hotel.He said, “It was two months after Easter of 2010 that Ikemba said that since we were in London, let’s pay a visit to Gen. Gowon and I recall asking him ‘Ezeigbo, who do we call to get his address or phone number? He smiled and said I have it right here in my pocket!’“I was the one that called using my T-mobile Uk number, Gowon’s wife picked up and I informed her to hold on to speak with Ojukwu. The chat was brief and Ikemba said we should proceed to the hotel. It was two days later, at about 4pm that Gen. Gowon came and I’m amazed at all his narration of how ‘if he was going to be assassinated and other nonsense, like a James Bond fiction movie. Frederick (Foresight) wrote what he witnessed during the war and I don’t expect Gen. Gowon to like…
NIGERIANS LIVING FAKE GOOD LIFE’ PRIOR TO REMOVAL OF OIL SUBSIDY – TINUBU
NIGERIANS LIVING ‘FAKE GOOD LIFE’ PRIOR TO REMOVAL OF OIL SUBSIDY – TINUBU President Bola Tinubu has said that Nigerians were living a “fake good life” prior to the removal of the fuel subsidy. Speaking at the 34th and 35th combined convocation ceremonies of the Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA) in Ondo State, Tinubu, who was represented by the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Egbewole, explained that his administration’s decision to remove the petrol subsidy and unify exchange rates was necessary to prevent the country from falling into an economic crisis. Tinubu noted that although the subsidies were intended to support the poor, they ultimately benefitted the wealthy, leaving average Nigerians to bear the brunt of an unstable economy. “As you are all aware, we took the baton of authority at a time when our economy was nose-diving as a result of heavy debts from fuel and dollar subsidies,” he said. He continued: “The subsidies were meant to support the poor and make life better for all Nigerians. Unfortunately, the good life we thought we were living was a fake one that was capable of leading the country to a total collapse unless drastic efforts were urgently taken. “The need to salvage the future of our children and bring the country back from the brink of collapse necessitated the strategic decisions to remove the fuel subsidy and also unify the exchange rates.” Tinubu assured Nigerians that the policies implemented by his administration were already yielding results, with signs of economic recovery. “The present challenges call for a high degree of patriotism, and I can assure all Nigerians that there is light at the end of the tunnel. After rain comes sunshine. The brighter days are almost here,” Tinubu said.
YET-TO-BE IDENTIFIED CATHOLIC PRIEST KIDNAPPED IN ENUGU
YET-TO-IDENTIFIED CATHOLIC PRIEST ALLEGEDLY KIDNAPPED IN ENUGU A yet-to-identified Catholic priest was Saturday evening allegedly kidnapped along Opi-Ugwuogo expressway in Enugu State. It was gathered that the kidnappers disguised as police operatives and operated at a checkpoint before whisking the priest away. A viral video of the incident showed that the hoodlums escaped with the priest when the escorts of the Deputy Governor of Enugu State, Barr Ifeanyi Ossai, arrived at the scene. According to an eye witness, the kidnappers also shot at a windscreen of a hilux, although the occupants were not kidnapped following the arrival of the deputy governor’s convoy. “It was someone inside the hilux that shouted that the people we thought were policemen were actually kidnappers,” said a source. “They were firing at the convoy as they were running into the bush. But already they had carried the priest inside.” The passenger in the hilux was heard saying that the bullet nearly hit his head. It was learnt that the deputy governor was returning from the burial of a brother to former Force Public Relations Officer, Frank Mbah, a Deputy Inspector General of Police. Enugu-Ugwuogo-Opi road has been witnessing kidnap cases despite the presence of many police and military checkpoints. Operatives of the Rapid Response Squad were recently deployed to strategic places along the road to check the activities of criminals. The state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Daniel Ndukwe, is yet to make an official statement on the matter as efforts to get him to speak did not yield positive results.
FEDERAL PENSIONERS PLAN PROTEST OVER N32,000 INCREMENT
FEDERAL PENSIONERS PLAN PROTEST OVER N32,000 INCREMENT Federal Pensioners under the Contributory Pension Scheme have written to the Coordinating Minister of Finance and National Economy, Wale Edun, to demand the implementation of the earlier announced N32,000 increment in pension. The N32,000 increment for pensioners was announced shortly after the announcement of the 70 thousand naira minimum wage for workers. The pensioners, who had earlier staged a peaceful rally at the Ministry of Finance on November 12, 2024, expressed appreciation for the minister’s ‘civilised way of handling their grievances.’ However, they lamented that despite promises, the accrued rights account had remained uncredited, stating that they would not back down until their demands were met. The pensioners’ union leadership, in a letter dated November 25, 2024, called for “payment of the approved 32 thousand naira monthly pension increase per retiree arising from the current national minimum wage.
MAN LOSES WIFE, DAUGHTER IN CKC ABA STAMPEDE
MAN LOSES WIFE, DAUGHTER IN CKC ABA STAMPEDE The heartbreaking story of Mr. Peter Ukaegbu has captured widespread attention following a tragic stampede at Christ the King Cathedral (CKC) in Aba, ABN TV reports. Peter lost his wife, Emmanuella Igbokwe Peter Ukaegbu, and their young daughter, Onyinyechi Prisca Ukaegbu, in the devastating incident. For Peter, November 30, 2024, was supposed to be a joyous occasion. He and Emmanuella had planned to celebrate their 10th wedding anniversary in Port Harcourt. Instead, the day turned into a nightmare as he woke up to the news of their untimely deaths at the same church where they exchanged their vows a decade ago. In a deeply emotional Facebook post, Peter recounted the tragic irony of their final moments. Emmanuella had begun her Sunday as usual, waking early to prepare meals and bathe their children before heading to the Corpus Christi procession at CKC. Unbeknownst to her, the sacred venue would become the site of her and her daughter’s demise. “This double tragedy has devastated me, thrown me into mourning, uprooted my joy, and made me restless,” Peter wrote. His grief was palpable as he described the profound sense of vulnerability and fear consuming him. “I used to think I was courageous and strong, but I now realize I am lighter than a banana leaf. I don’t know where to start. The level of fear in me can’t be imagined.” Reflecting on the bitter irony of the tragedy, he lamented, “It is unfortunate that the venue where you wedded was the same venue that consumed you and your daughter.” Peter’s heartfelt words highlighted the depth of his loss, referring to his daughter Onyinyechi as his “second wife” and bidding a sorrowful farewell to his beloved “LOVE” and “Ada Daddy Ya.” He concluded his post with a poignant prayer: “May this affliction never rise again. Good night, my LOVE Emmanuella Chizoba Peter Ukaegbu. Good night Onyinyechi Prisca Ukaegbu.” The stampede at Christ the King Cathedral has left many families grieving and raised questions about crowd control and safety during religious events. For Peter Ukaegbu, the tragedy is a personal reminder of how life’s most sacred spaces can unexpectedly become arenas of unimaginable loss.