News
NAF pilots log 10,000 flight hours on A-29 Super Tucano fleet
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar on Thursday celebrated the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) pilots, who have logged 10,000 flight hours on the A-29 Super Tucano aircraft fleet.
This is contained in a statement issued by the Director, Public Relations and Information, NAF, AVM Edward Gabkwet in Abuja.
Speaking at the event in Kainji, Niger State, Abubakar said the milestone represented the culmination of years of dedication, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to NAF’s mission.
According to him, the mission is ‘ensuring integrity of the airspace by gaining and maintaining control of the air while retaining a credible capacity to fulfil other airpower tasks demanded by National defence and security imperatives.
He said that reaching 10,000 flight hours was no small feat, saying it symbolised countless hours of training, meticulous planning, and flawless execution that had gone into every mission undertaken.
According to him, the feat represented the exceptional skills, professionalism, and resilience of NAF’s brave men and women who have served and are currently serving.
The CAS also expressed delight that the milestone was achieved without any major incident on the aircraft, which he attributed to the high premium the NAF placed on safety.
“Invariably, strict adherences to safety measures emplaced are enabling us to achieve the desired results,’ he said.
While paying tribute to NAF’s fallen heroes, he said the milestone was a reminder of their sacrifices, courage and commitment.
This, he sad, had continued to inspire and remind them of the importance of their mission.
Abubakar reminded the pilots to remain focused on the challenges ahead, adding that the world had continued to change, with new and emerging threats.
According to him, their commitment to excellence must remain steadfast, and we must continue to adapt, innovate, and evolve to stay ahead of our adversaries.
He commended the unit commander and crew for their tireless efforts at ensuring the accomplishment of all missions in support of NAF’s mandate.
The CAS reminded them of the need to be focused and united in their purpose, and resolute in their determination to protect the nation and its interests.
He thanked President Bola Tinubu for his unwavering support that had helped the NAF achieve the 10,000 hours milestone and many other feats in recent times.
Earlier, the Air Officer Commanding Air Training Command, AVM Nnamdi Ananaba, said the 10,000 flying hours logged translated to an average of approximately nine hours of daily flying time without break.
Ananaba attributed this feat to the countless hours spent in training, sacrifices made by the brave combat pilots and unwavering support of the ground crew.
He said the 10,000 flying hours logged by the pilots in just three years and without any mishap is a remarkable milestone worthy of celebration even in the most advanced air forces in the world.
According to him, since its induction in August 2021, the A-29 Super Tucano fleet has been involved in several decisive missions in the various operational theatres across the country.
“So far, over 8500 hours flown on the fleet were dedicated to both day and night operational sorties against terrorists, bandits and other violent non-state actors threatening national peace.
“No doubt, the aircraft’s night and precision munitions delivery capability has undoubtedly enhanced NAF’s versatility, flexibility and lethality in all air operations,’’ he said. (NAN)
The Zamfara Elders Forum has accused Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal of orchestrating a politically motivated campaign against nine elected members of the state House of Assembly, alleging that he is using the judiciary to suppress their legislative duties.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the forum’s spokesperson, Dr Abdulmumin Kamil Gusau, described the state government’s actions as “disturbing and embarrassing.”
The group claims that Chief Magistrate Halima Jaafar Mikaila issued an arrest order for the lawmakers without prior summons or formal charges, a move they argue undermines the rule of law.
“We are deeply troubled by how the state government is manipulating judicial mechanisms to target constitutionally elected members of the state House of Assembly,” Guasa said.
“These lawmakers are being persecuted for fulfilling their legislative responsibilities and highlighting shortcomings in the executive’s performance in the public interest.”
The forum noted that the affected lawmakers, drawn from both the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC), have already lodged a case at the Court of Appeal in Sokoto.
They have also petitioned key authorities, including the Inspector General of Police, the Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS), the National Security Adviser, and the National Assembly, seeking intervention.
Despite these pending legal and formal complaints, the forum alleges that the magistrate court proceeded with the arrest order, which they deem unlawful.
The group has called on Governor Lawal to cease what it describes as harassment and engage in dialogue with the lawmakers to resolve the ongoing crisis amicably.
“The APC will remain steadfast in upholding the law and will not tolerate the politicisation of judicial officers to serve narrow interests,” Gusua stated.
“We stand firmly against any attempts to intimidate lawmakers for raising concerns about the worsening security situation in their constituencies, which the state government has failed to address.”
By Ankeli Emmanuel, Sokoto
The Dangote Industries Limited (DIL) has entered into partnership with
Nigeria Association of Small-Scale Industrialists (NASSI), Nasarawa State Chapter, to drive fresh investment options in the State.
With 68,000 hectares, the Dangote’s Nasarawa Sugar Company Limited (NSCL) in Tunga, is considered Nigeria’s biggest Backward Integration Policy (BIP) project in the sugar sector.
Speaking to newsmen, Chairman of the Nigeria Association of Small-Scale Industrialists (NASSI), Nasarawa State Chapter, Nidan Sambo Manasseh, said the 2025 Trade Fair and Exhibition has provided the chance for the Dangote Group and NASSI to consider the numerous business opportunities in the State.
According to Manasseh, “We are actively exploring opportunities to deepen our collaboration with the Dangote Group, particularly in expanding employment programmes through youth and women’s skills acquisition and other vital support services.
“We deeply appreciate the Dangote Group’s invaluable collaboration through financial support and sponsorship of NASSI’s programs. Their contribution has been exceptional, and we are profoundly grateful.”
Continuing, Manasseh said the Nasarawa Trade Fair Exhibition (NASTFE) is a vital catalyst for the State’s economic transformation, adding that the strategic initiative by NASSI directly aligns with Governor Abdullahi Sule’s vision to stimulate investment and unlock significant growth.
He said Nasarawa State’s wealth in mineral resources is a central highlight of NASTFE, adding that the exhibition will showcase how its natural endowment can drive economic growth by encouraging value addition in raw material processing and manufacturing, particularly benefiting Small Scale Industries.
“NASTFE serves as a premier platform to showcase Nasarawa State’s considerable potential, connecting discerning investors with its abundant natural resources and dynamic human capital. Governor Sule’s commitment to a business-enabling environment is evident, with NASTFE designed to effectively communicate this compelling value proposition,” he added.
The chairman of NASSI said its objective is to leverage Nasarawa State’s rich natural resources to fuel economic growth by promoting value addition in raw material processing and manufacturing.
“This focus will enhance economic value, particularly for Small Scale Industries, attract crucial investment, generate employment opportunities, and contribute to poverty reduction,” he said.
A statement from the Dangote Group’s Chief Branding and Communication Officer, Anthony Chiejina, said: “Nasarawa State is central to our overall investment in Nigeria. It is home to Dangote’s Nasarawa Sugar Company Limited (NSCL). The sugar project, when completed, will be one of the biggest sugar investments on the African continent.”
The statement quoted the Senior Special Adviser to the Dangote Group’s President, Fatima Wali Abdurrahman, as saying that: “We are not taking this partnership for granted. Our Strategic Business Units (SBUs) are participating.
According to her, some of the Business Units participating from the Dangote Group are: Dangote Peugeot Automobiles Nigeria Limited (DPAN), Dangote SinoTruck, Dangote Sugar Refinery, Dangote Salt (NASCON) and Dangote Cement, among others.”
Mrs. Abdurrahman said the Trade Fair offers the company an opportunity to interact with stakeholders and Nigerians who may want to do business with the company.
She said a special Help Desk will be created for inquiries to enable the company to receive feedback from participants.
She urged participants to visit the company’s pavilion and take advantage of its innovative products.
By Ankeli Emmanuel, Sokoto
Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu, has pledged to intervene in the workers’ loan repayments that were deducted from their salaries but never remitted to the respective banks.
The Governor made this commitment while responding to an appeal by the Sokoto State Chairperson of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Abdullahi Aliyu, who urged the state government to intervene in the matter.
According to the NLC chairperson, many workers who took loans through salary deductions have continued to suffer due to the failure of officials in the previous administration to remit the deductions to the banks.
“Your Excellency, please come to the aid of these people. They have been at a crossroads for years,” Comrade Abdullahi appealed. “We know you to be firm in defending people’s rights. Please apply your popular slogan, in kudi kudi in aiki aiki, to recover the diverted funds.”
Governor Aliyu assured the labour leader and affected workers that his administration will investigate the matter and ensure that the right thing is done .
“This administration prioritizes human rights and will not condone any violations under any guise,” the Governor said. “We are committed to protecting the rights of the weak, the less privileged, and the downtrodden in our state.”
a statement by Abubakar Bawa, the Press Secretary to the governor quoted his principal as appealing to the people of State to continue their support and cooperation with his administration so that they can continue to benefit from the dividends of democracy.
The governor further expressed gratitude for the public’s fervent prayers to his administration and urged them to mentain the tempo.