SEPTEMBER 13, 2021

Following renewed military operations in Zamfara and Kastina states, security forces are at a heightened state of watchfulness in border communities to check fleeing bandits from escaping the states.

In Niger State, a joint security camp set up to track fleeing bandits from infiltrating the state has killed 40 of them.

Government sources hinted that the bandits-prone states have resolved to increase security around forest reserves in the boundaries of their respective states

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A security source told LEADERSHIP yesterday that in view of the new resolve, operational plans are ongoing to make it difficult for the bandits to set up camps in the forests.

Consequently, at the weekend fleeing bandits suspected to be from Kastina and Zamfara state were chased out of Kamuku, Allawa and the forest adjoining Mariga local government area in Niger State.

It was learnt at the weekend that the joint operations were sponsored  by the neighbouring states of Kaduna, Kastina and Zamfara in a renewed inter-state cooperation to fight banditry.

The security sources hinted that “the joint operations at the weekend saw to the killing of 40 of the bandits fleeing the ongoing military operation in Zamfara and Katsina states.

“We took the offensive to them following a tipoff and we set up before they could set up along the forests, and in all the operations at the weekend, 40 of them were killed. Some of them escaped with gunshot wounds and we recovered some of their arms and ammunition.

According to the source, “Unlike in the past, with the new collaboration, there is synergy among us. Now we know when they will be fleeing from one operation and the way to make sure they will not set up camp to abduct people for ransom.”

LEADERSHIP recalls that Governor Nasir el-Rufai had said in Minna recently that “the problem of banditry and insurgence has been around for a while. The governor of Niger state and I have, more than two and half years ago, presented what we felt were the solutions to banditry activities in our states.

“My advice to the new service chiefs is to look at what has been recommended and what has been done by their predecessors. So, what the new service chiefs need to do is to build on the foundation build by their predecessors.

Niger State governor Abubakar Sani Bello, on his part, has been very consistent in calling for inter-state collaborations and holding talks with his northwest and north central counterparts.

 

 We’re Getting Results, says Katsina Govt

In Katsina State, the special adviser to the governor on security matters, Ibrahim Ahmed Katsina, told LEADERSHIP yesterday that the measures taken to combat insecurity are yielding positive results in the fight against banditry, thanking the people for complying with government directives.

He said the government would continue to do its best to put to an end to banditry and other related crimes and criminality in the state.

Investigation by LEADERSHIP revealed that some bandits who escaped from the ongoing military onslaught in Zamfara State now regrouping in Safana and Danmusa local government areas of Katsina State.

Credible sources said the bandits were forced to relocate from some villages in Zamfara to the area because of hunger and hardship.

According to him, the bandits’ presence in the areas is causing panic and tension as people no longer go to their farms, and they fear the hoodlums would try to invade their community in search of food.

He gave the affected villages as Gobirawa, Guxurawa, Gora, Hankibiri, Kabuke, Dandire, Malama, Kaiga Mara Zafarawa and Katsina in Danmusa local government.

He called on the government and security agencies to come to their aid as a matter of urgency to protect the people on that axis.

Katsina State government has recently taken several measures as part of the containment tactics agreed to by the Northwest states to tackle bandits’ attacks and other nefarious activities bedeviling the zone.

The last measure was the shutdown of mobile network services in the 13 local government areas of the state, including Danmusa and Safana.

 

 We Are Alert  To Influx From Zamfara – Police

The Kaduna Police Command has said there is no room for alarm as the Command is aware of an influx of people from Zamfara State following the offensive  against bandits in the state.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), ASP Mohammed Jalige, the Kaduna State police Commissioner has ordered all the police sectors to be on the alert as to movement of suspicious persons into the state.

He said, “The police are fully aware that the bandits may want to use Kaduna State among other neighbouring states as a hideout, but be assured that the police is not going to leave any stone unturned to ensure that they don’t have any hiding place in the state.”

According to him, the police had been ordered, amongst others, to be suspicious of motorists into the state.

He called on the citizens to be watchful of their surroundings and report suspicious persons and movements to the security agencies for prompt action.

 

 

Military Disowns Gory Pictures On Zamfara Operations

Meanwhile, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed a report of trending gory pictures with the caption “Alhamdulillah. ZamfaraMustSecure” purporting to be from the ongoing military operations against banditry in Zamfara State.

The director defence information, Major General Benjamin Sawyerr, in a statement, said the allegation contained in the publication is false and malicious and has no link whatsoever with the operations being conducted by troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN).

He said while it is true that the Armed Forces are currently conducting a successful military operation against bandits and kidnappers in line with its constitutional roles, “these operations are conducted in strict compliance with the rules of armed conflicts, utmost professional manner, strict adherence to rules of engagement and respect for fundamental human rights and dignity.”

He said the viral pictures being circulated had nothing in common with the ongoing operations.

“This callous action of linking ongoing operations with falsehood is deliberate and thus seeks to tarnish the good image and reputation of the AFN.

“For the record, the AFN conducts a fortnightly defence media operation brief in which pictures of the operations are displayed to compliment achievements in the ongoing operations. Any attempt therefore to portray the AFN in bad light as a crude force is unacceptable and unpatriotic,” he said.

He therefore, urged the general public to disregard the gory pictures, adding that the AFN will not rest on its oars in performing the constitutional mandate of ensuring that the nation remains safe and peaceful for all law-abiding citizens.

Also yesterday, the DHQ said it will not comment on ongoing military operations.

Defence spokesman Major General Sawyerr, while speaking with LEADERSHIP, queried why the Nigerian media keep questioning military operations and advised against such attitude.

He said questioning military operations gives out vital information to the adversaries.

“We don’t speak on our operations when they are going on. We planned an operation that has cornered these people and we are achieving results.

“By inquisitive questioning of military operations, we are giving out our strategies,” he said.

Speaking further, he said, “They said we are not doing anything, we are doing something now and they said the people are running; let us allow operations to end.”

 

31 Bethel Students Still In Captivity 68 Days After – CAN

Kaduna State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has expressed dissatisfaction over what it described as silence of Kaduna State government on the fate of the 31 students of Bethel Baptist High School still in kidnappers’ custody.

CAN queried the state government on the outcome of the military operation the government said was ongoing to root out the kidnappers from their hideouts.

The bandits had on 5th July, 2021 stormed the Baptist College located on Kaduna-Kachia road and kidnapped 121 students.

The students were later released in batches, with 31 of the students still in the bandit’s den 67 days after.

In a statement issued yesterday by its chairman, Rev. John Joseph Hayab, CAN demanded the immediate rescue of the 31 students from the kidnappers.

According to the CAN chairman, “Our Government has abandoned the 31 Bethel Baptist High school, Damishi, Kaduna, children in the bush with bandits.

“The silence about the 31 Baptist High School, children still in the hands of their captors is bad and condemnable.

“These children were taken away from their school on 5th July 2021. It is 67 days today and our leaders are silent as if all is well when truly all is not well. How can it be well when parents of these 31 children have not known sleep for these 67 days? Any caring leader will also not sleep. These children should be released or rescue without delay.

“We all know that Kaduna State Government closed down schools for over a month claiming that the military will go after bandits and have again asked all schools to reopen without bringing back our children.

“What happened with the military exercise that led to the closure of schools? Was it just another drama to divert the attention of parents and those sympathizing with the parents from the real situation?”

According to him, the church in Kaduna State will not keep quiet till all the children and everyone in captivity is released and returned home.

 

Anglican Primate Seeks More Openness From Military, Politicians On Insecurity

Meanwhile, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and the Primate, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) and the Archbishop, Metropolitan and Primate of All Nigeria and Bishop of Abuja Diocese, Most Revd. Henry Ndukuba, have disclosed that nothing brings down a nation like deceit, as they called on the military and the politicians to begin to be true to themselves.

The duo disclosed this at the dedication of the new church auditorium by the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Abuja Diocese yesterday.

Vice President Osinbajo particularly noted the forces of evil and hate are more vehement than ever.

Seeking concerted efforts to end the scourge, he said the battle between light and darkness is now more intense than ever.

The VP was, however, optimistic that the church will prevail.

According to him, “We must continue to build churches, knowing that everywhere we plant a church, we light the power of the gospel of Jesus Christ to all men and this is the answer to all misery.

“Every church built is an important thing for the spread of God’s kingdom. Evangelism is crucial, but there must be a place dedicated for the disciple. That is why many agree that church planting is important for evangelism.”

Accordingly, Ndukuba said in times like this, the nation can overcome adversity by uniting.

The primate, therefore, called on politicians, religious leaders, and the state governors and the President to work together.

“We will overcome only as we unite. This is what we ought to do.

“But a situation in which there are infractions in our security, and we see clear compromise and betrayal in our system is unacceptable.

“Therefore, we call on the military and the politicians to begin to purge themselves. Let us be true. Nothing brings down a nation than deceit.

“Leadership deceit will compromise security, integrity, and good work that needs to be done for the common good of the people.”

Speaking further, he said the compromise must stop.

“If we love Nigeria, let us live as patriots. The labours of our heroes’ past shall never be in vain. We pray that God will arise for this nation someday,” he said.

The primate said the greatest weapon against anarchy is the power of God and his word.

“He has never failed. So let us live true to our faith. Let’s trust God and work with others.”

He stressed the need to encourage Nigerians not to give up.

“Yes, we have security, economic and so many other challenges confronting us. The church is part of society. We are not separate from what is happening around us. But we want to encourage everyone not to give up.

“God has not given upon us. So, we are trusting God that Nigeria will rise again soon. The role of the church should be to pray and also to teach the word of God,” he added.

In another development, Osinbajo and other clerics have called for more prayers as the Buhari administration works hard at solutions to the challenges confronting the nation.

They spoke yesterday at the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), City of David Parish, Utako, Abuja, where they prayed for an end to the spate of violent attacks in parts of the country.

Other dignitaries at the dedication of the City of the David building include Senator Philip Aduda; Minister of Women Affairs, Dame Pauline Tallen and other officials.

Beside the Secretary to the Government of the Federation who joined the vice president at the Anglican church, there was also the former Information Minister, Prof. Jerry Gana, among others.

SEPTEMBER 13, 2021

SHANGHAI (Reuters) -Authorities in Shanghai and neighbouring coastal regions cancelled flights, and suspended schools, subways and trains as Typhoon Chanthu approached China after drenching Taiwan though causing little damage there.

© Reuters/Aly Song A man wearing a face mask is seen at Hongqiao International Airport in Shanghai© Reuters/ANN WANG Typhoon Chanthu brings winds and rain in Taipei

The storm, with winds of more than 170 kilometres per hour near its eye, had been downgraded from a super typhoon to a strong typhoon on Sunday evening and was expected to gradually weaken, Shanghai city authorities said in a post on their official WeChat account.

© Reuters/ANN WANG Typhoon Chanthu brings winds and rain in Taipei

But it was still expected to bring strong winds and heavy rain to coastal regions.

The province of Zhejiang near Shanghai raised its emergency response to the highest level on Sunday, closing schools and suspending flights and rail services in some cities, the official Xinhua news service reported.

Zhejiang also issued red alerts for flash floods in nine districts. Ningbo port, China's second-biggest container transporting hub after Shanghai, had suspended operations since Sunday noon.

The port just resumed from a weeks-long port congestion, following typhoon In-Fa in late-July and a COVID-19-related terminal closure in mid-August.

In Shanghai, home to about 26 million people, all flights at the city's larger Pudong International Airport were to be cancelled from 11 a.m. local time (0300 GMT), while flights from the smaller Hongqiao airport in the west of the city were to be cancelled from 3 p.m., the Shanghai government announced on WeChat.

Port terminals in Shanghai regions suspended containers import and export services from Monday till further notice.

The city also suspended subway services on some lines serving the city's southern districts, and said parks, outdoor tourist attractions and playgrounds would be closed on Monday and Tuesday. Classes were also due to be suspended on Monday afternoon and Tuesday.

© Reuters/ANN WANG Typhoon Chanthu brings winds and rain in Taipei

Official forecasts called for rainfall of 250-280 millimetres in some areas of southeastern Jiangsu province, Shanghai and northeastern Zhejiang.

The typhoon passed by Taiwan's east coast over the weekend, disrupting transport and causing some power outages, but otherwise little damage.

(Reporting by Andrew Galbraith and Muyu Xu; Additional reporting by Ben Blanchard in Taipei; Editing by Sam Holmes)

SEPTEMBER 14, 2021

Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation, Singapore Chapter, on Tuesday urged the Federal Government to institute an electronic passport application process, to tackle the issue of fake web registration.

The President of NIDO-Singapore chapter, Birinengi Harry, gave the advice in a phone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, in Abuja.

He was speaking on the heels of the red flag been raised by the Nigerian Consulate in New York warning against a fake website claiming to register and renew passports.

Harry said, “Internet fraud remains a huge problem globally, as we migrate towards a digital economy, thankfully the issue of fake websites for registration and renewal of passports has not surfaced here in Singapore.

“This may partly be due to the unavailability of immigration services at the Nigerian High Commission, requiring Nigerians travelling to neighbouring countries like Malaysia and Indonesia, for passport services.

“It is noteworthy, in recent years, the Nigeria mission in Singapore has graciously collaborated with their Malaysian counterparts, to bring passport renewal services to Singapore.

“It will be highly appreciated if this ad hoc arrangement is made quarterly, since government services around the world have become more digital.”

He identified e-governance, including accessibility, simplification of processes and transparency to be the potential benefits of electronic passport applications that could far outweigh the application risks.

He, however, urged government and Nigeria diplomatic missions to transit faster into the digital space, so as to achieve targets.

(NAN)

SEPTEMBER 14, 2021

Deployment of A380 aircraft to boost airline capacity, traffic between UAE and Turkey  

  

Emirates to receive three more A380 aircrafts from Airbus this year, with its last unit on order scheduled to join its fleet in November. These deliveries will bring Emirates’ total fleet of A380s to 118 units. Image courtesy Dubai Media Office Twitter handle. Image used for illustrative purpose.

By Staff Writer, ZAWYA

Emirates will deploy its A380 aircraft on the Turkey route for the first time next month as the UAE-based carrier continues to boost its capacity following the reopening of international borders. 

Effective October 1, travellers between Dubai and Istanbul can experience the superjumbo, which is configured to carry up to 517 people, the carrier said in a statement.  

The use of the aircraft will increase Emirates’ capacity per flight by more than 150 passengers compared to the current Boeing 777-300ER. 

“We are excited to finally bring our flagship to Istanbul to join man other top cities we currently serve with the A380,” said Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ chief commercial officer.  

The airline has so far carried around six million flyers on more than 23,000 flights since it started operating to Turkey 34 years ago. 

According to Majid Khan, vice president for aviation development of iGA Istanbul Airport, the A380 deployment will provide a much-needed boost to the tourism sectors in UAE and Turkey. 

“This increase will help boost traffic between our two nations… It will bring more inbound tourism to Istanbul and Turkey from currently unserved or underserved destinations,” said Khan. 

Emirates grounded its fleet of superjumbos last year, when passenger traffic plummeted to record lows.  

The airline has recently moved forward the delivery of its last A380 orders to November this year. The final delivery is set to mark the end of the iconic aircraft’s production. 

(Writing by Cleofe Maceda; editing by Daniel Luiz ) 

SEPTEMBER 15, 2021

BY  Stephen Agwaibor

A new study by Delta, an American legacy carrier, has said that the risk of exposure to COVID-19 while traveling after all passengers tested negative 72 hours in advance of flight was less than 0.1 per cent.

The study was based on real-world customer data on Delta’s COVID-tested flight corridors between New York-JFK, Atlanta and Italy’s Fiumicino International Airport.

A statement from the airline said the peer-reviewed study published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings showed that a single COVID-19 molecular test performed within 72 hours of departure could decrease the rate of people actively infected onboard a commercial aircraft to a level that was significantly below active community infection rates.

For example, when the average community infection rate was at 1.1 per cent, infection rates on COVID-19-tested flights were 0.05 per cent.

Delta’s Chief Health Officer, Dr Henry Ting, said, “We are going to live with COVID-19 variants for some time.

“This real-world data – not simulation models – is what governments around the world can use as a blueprint for requiring vaccinations and testing instead of quarantines to re-open borders for international travel.

“Air travel risk varies depending on case rates and vaccination rates at the origin and destination, masking and other factors.

“The data collected from this study show that the routine use of a single molecular test within 72 hours before international travel for unvaccinated individuals significantly mitigates the risk of COVID-19 exposure and transmission during airline travel.”

Ting added that the real-world experience and testing protocol demonstrated that a very low risk of infection transmission was possible, confirming previous simulation models of viral transmission on planes.

He said, “When you couple the extremely low infection rate on board a COVID-19-tested flight with the layers of protection on board including mandatory masking and hospital-grade air filtration, the risk of transmission is less than one in one million between the United States and the United Kingdom, for example.”

He added that the numbers would improve further as vaccination rates increase and new cases decreased worldwide.

SEPTEMBER 16, 2021

Five African business schools are among 286 institutions globally that offer the world’s best Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree programmes, according to QS Quacquarelli Symonds, a major ranking provider of analytics and other insights on the higher education sector worldwide.

In the QS Global MBA Rankings 2022 that were released on 9 September, the Graduate School of Business at the University of Cape Town in South Africa and the AUC School of Business at the American University in Cairo, Egypt, were ranked in the category of 111-120 globally, but tied in the first position in Africa.

Wits Business School at the University of the Witwatersrand in South Africa was the third-best business school in Africa, listed in the category 151-200, while Lagos Business School at the University of Lagos in Nigeria and the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport in Alexandria in Egypt completed the list of the top business schools in Africa. They were placed in the category of 251+.

Globally, three schools in the United States took the top three positions. Stanford Graduate School of Business at the University of Stanford was named the world’s number one MBA programme for the second consecutive year, while the second slot was taken by Harvard Business School, and third by Wharton Business School at the University of Pennsylvania.

Other business schools that were among the top 10 included HEC Paris, France; MIT Sloan School of Management in the US; London School of Business and INSEAD at Fontainebleau in France, in that order. IE Business School in Madrid, Spain; Columbia Business School in the US and IESE Business School in Spain were also in the leading group.

Specialised masters degrees

But, whereas researchers at QS Quacquarelli Symonds had ranked the strongest business schools worldwide that offered full-time MBAs, they also classified five specialised masters degrees that are commonly offered in most business schools globally.

According to Simona Bizzozero, the director of communications at QS Quacquarelli Symonds, the QS Business Masters Rankings 2022 portfolio evaluated five offerings: masters in business analytics, masters in marketing, masters in management, masters in finance and masters in supply chain management.

In this aspect, the Mediterranean School of Business in Tunisia was the only business school in Africa which was ranked for its masters in business analytics. It was placed in the category 91-100.

Wits Business School’s masters in management programmes was in number 57 globally, while similar programmes at the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport and Rabat Business School were both in the group of 151+.

AUC Business School’s masters in finance programme was placed in the 121-130 category, while that of the Mediterranean School of Business was in the group of 131-140.

Similar finance programmes offered at Morocco’s Rabat School of Business and the First Public Business School, or Groupe ISCAE Casablanca, were both in the category of 151+.

The best masters programme in marketing in Africa was offered by the Mediterranean School of Business which was in the category of 61-70, while those offered at Rabat School of Business and Groupe ISCAE were placed in the 101+ group.

According to the QS Business Masters Rankings 2022, the masters in supply chain management programme at the Mediterranean School of Business was the most highly ranked degree in the five selected business studies options in Africa as it was in position 47th globally, while two similar programmes offered at Groupe ISCAE and Rabat School of Business were in the category of 51+.

Each of the business masters rankings was compiled according to institutional programme performance in five key metrics, namely, employability, entrepreneurship and alumni outcomes, return on investment, thought leadership, and class and faculty diversity.

According to Nunzio Quacquarelli, the chief executive officer at QS Quacquarelli Symonds, the objective of the QS Business Masters Rankings 2022 was to respond to the increasing interest in various disciplines by providing independent and trusted comparative data to the world’s students.

“In this way, we established that a masters degree in supply chain management follows data analytics, marketing, finance, and management as being a highly desirable qualification for employers, and a sensible next study step for those wishing to elevate their career to new heights,” said Quacquarelli in a briefing on 9 September.

Demand expected to grow

The importance of ranking of business schools that offer MBAs and other business-related courses is that demand for those degrees has steadily increased, both from employers and students.

According to Jack Moran, a senior public relations manager and a member of the rankings steering committee at QS Quacquarelli Symonds, the number of students who do MBAs and other masters degrees in the five key business studies options is expected to increase in years ahead.

The issue is that companies around the world are expected to hire managers and other business executives who can optimise and innovate their supply chains in greater numbers, while those seeking to engage in e-commerce start-ups would be looking for skills and knowledge from some of the best business schools and programmes in order to succeed.

But, in the context of the African region, the picture is not all that rosy, especially in most countries in Sub-Saharan Africa where, outside South Africa, only Lagos Business School was ranked.

SEPTEMBER 16, 2021

BY  Nosa Alekhuogie

Emirates has launched the first airline virtual reality app in Oculus store which allows its customers experience its’ fully-enclosed Game-changer First Class Suites, explore the airline’s signature A380 Onboard Lounge, or check out the cabin around your own seat from the comfort of your home.

The Virtual Reality (VR) app is available on emirates.com to anyone with an internet connection, via the Emirates app, and now on the Oculus Store for Oculus Rift users.

With this latest innovation, the airline has taken the next step in its ambition to reach and engage audiences around the world with cutting-edge VR technology.

Emirates’ Divisional Senior Vice President, Corporate Communications, Marketing and Brand, Boutros Boutros, in a press statement said: “Emirates aims to provide innovative and outstanding customer experiences whether onboard, on the ground, or in the digital space. In 2018, we were the world’s first airline to introduce advanced web VR technology on our digital platforms, offering our customers an immersive opportunity to learn about the fantastic Emirates experience that awaited them before they stepped on board. We’ve continued to invest and develop that experience, and today we are delighted to be the first airline to launch a fully-fledged Oculus VR app.

“This initiative expands our global reach and ability to engage with our audiences across digital platforms. It is also particularly relevant right now, as many people have not travelled for a while due to the pandemic, and are seeking inspiration and researching and rediscovering their flight options.”

The airline further revealed that it was created in partnership with technology company Renacen, and customers can now navigate through Economy, Business and First Class cabins.

“In future developments, Emirates plans to offer customers the ability to explore destinations, select a cabin, book and pay for their Emirates flight from within the Emirates Oculus VR app.

Currently, users can explore the following Emirates’ VR experiences via the Emirates Oculus VR app on the Oculus Store; offering users accurate, life size and interactive cabin interior experiences onboard Emirates’ flagship A380 aircraft and Boeing 777-300ER Game-changer aircraft.

Emirates.com on PCs, mobile devices or the Emirates app for iOS and Android: An immersive 3D, web VR and 360 degree view of Emirates’ Boeing 777 and Airbus A380 aircraft cabin interior. Customers can explore their seats before checking in online with the 3D seat map. The tool allows customers to navigate from one seat to another, and even allows would-be customers to book their preferred seats from within the 3D environment. Users can also enjoy hands-free cabin navigation and seat selection by using any VR headset like Google Cardboard,” they revealed.

SEPTEMBER 16, 2021

Ministers plan to make an announcement later this week which will mean vaccinated people arriving into England will no longer be subject to pre-departure Covid tests, according to reports.

A government insider told the Financial Times, which first reported the news, that measures to simplify travel restrictions and aid the UK’s struggling travel and tourism sector will be announced.

The new measures are expected to include a relaxing of rules for travellers with two jabs, who will no longer be required to take a Covid test prior to entering the UK.

The green and amber group lists of countries are also expected to be combined into a single list of countries which have been identified as safe to travel to while travellers through “no go” countries will have to enter hotel quarantine when they arrive in England.

The news follows comments by the CEO of German airline Lufthansa today on the return in demand for business travel.

SEPTEMBER 16, 2021

The Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, has said the Federal Government requires N56billion for  the full reconstruction of the deplorable Lagos-Ota-Abeokuta Expressway.

He spoke alongside Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, at the inspection of Sagamu Interchange Bridges on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

Fashola’s visit followed last week’s protest by a group of protesters with hastag #FixOtaRoads which had demonstrated by blocking roads over poor state of the roads. Another round of protest slated for Monday was later suspended by the organisers.

Our correspondent reports that the roads filled with potholes and crafters have become death traps to the commuters and motorists playing them.

Fashola, while explaining that the federal government was not looking away on the deplorable conditions of Lagos-Sango-Ota- Abeokuta Road, added that government was committed to fixing the road as a total of N13.4 billion had been approved for immediate commencement of palliatives.

He said the federal government was ready to borrow money to fix the deplorable road which had elicited several protests by residents and motorists.

According to him,  the cost of reconstructing the entire road was put at N56 billion and the federal government would start the capital project first with the reconstruction of failed portions which would serve as palliative measures with N13.4 billion.

“We are not looking away on the condition of Ota/Abeokuta road unlike some people are saying. The Federal Government in conjunction with Ogun State Government is committed to fixing the road.”

“Works would soon start to do palliative work on the failed portions and which shall be reconstruction so that when reconstruction of the entire road starts, it would not be about waste of money, but a mere joining the portion to link each other,” he said.

He, however, asked both governors of Ogun and Lagos, Abiodun and Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to prevail on the members of both chambers of the National Assembly, representing the two states to influence and speak in favour of the road during the debate on 2022 Budget Proposal starts.

SEPTEMBER 16, 2021

(Bloomberg) -- A network of flying-taxi hubs is planned for 65 cities in a tie-up between infrastructure firm Urban-Air Port and South Korean automaker Hyundai Motor Co., which is developing a vertical take-off and landing craft.

Bases are planned in the U.K., the U.S., France, Germany, Scandinavia, Australia, South Korea and Southeast Asia, the companies said in a statement Thursday. A first site in Coventry, England, is due to open in early 2022.

Urban-Air Port says it’s the only company focused solely on building networks for operating flying taxis and cargo drones. Just $150 million has been spent on physical infrastructure this year, compared with $5 billion invested in eVTOLs themselves by startups such as Joby Aviation and Lilium GmbH.

“The sector is soaring and we know that a future with electric flying vehicles and drones in cities is going to be a reality soon, but it can’t happen if we don’t have the infrastructure on the ground and in the air,” Urban-Air Port founder and Executive Chairman Ricky Sandhu said in the release.

After Coventry, the next sites due to come online will be in another city in England’s midlands and in Los Angeles, a spokesman for the U.K.-based company said. The London hub will be situated somewhere in the West End retail district or City financial center, he said.

Urban-Air Port plans to establish a network of more than 200 electric air mobility facilities worldwide in the next five years. The hubs will be modular and designed to fit into both dense urban areas and more-remote locations where charging will be provided using hydrogen fuel cells.

The Coventry base, to be known as Air-One, will see drones from Malloy Aeronautics and SkyFarer ply routes to demonstrate the viability of carrying cargoes such as refrigerated medical supplies. Safeguard Vertiports will meanwhile develop a certification program that meets U.K. standards.