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Unions raise the alarm over plot to take over Arik, Aero

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1 year ago

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The National Union of Air Transport Employees and the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria have raised the alarm over an alleged plot by some groups to take over Aero Contractors and Arik.

The Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria, the nation’s bad debt manager created by the Federal Government, owns majority shares in both Arik Air and Aero Contractors.

The General Secretary, NUATE, Ocheme Aba; and Deputy General Secretary, ATSSSAN, Francis Akinjole, said the unions had accused the management of Aero Contractors of planning to reduce 40 per cent of its workforce.

The union leaders also alleged that the management of Aero had refused to address the company’s failure to complete the redundancy payment for those it asked to stay at home since 2016.

As a result, the unions in a joint statement appealed to the National Assembly, ministers of Aviation, and Labour & Employment, to initiate an intervention that could save both Aero and Arik.

In a joint statement, NUATE and ATSSSAN, said, “We would have been silent on Arik Air for now, but for the fact that the House of 5A’s lease arrangement that was chased out of Aero has found its way into Arik Air. Disturbingly, there is evidence of a case of collusion between the management of Aero and Arik Air. As we understand, the new lease arrangement was to come into operation last Friday but got shelved.

“Though we are yet to be furnished with Arik’s share of the spoils under this arranged contraption called a lease, we can say authoritatively that, like in Aero, the House of 5A’s aircraft have been gifted Arik’s juicy routes of Lagos/Abuja/Lagos, Abuja/Port Harcourt/Abuja, and Abuja/Kano/Abuja based on the released schedule.”

It added, “We consider this to be mischief beyond bounds, and a joke taken too far. Surely, we will not co-habit with this toxic agenda. Therefore, we shall immediately direct all Arik workers to withdraw all services from this aircraft if, and when, it comes to our knowledge that indeed the same level of toxicity as in the case of Aero also applies in this case in Arik.”

The aviation union, therefore, asked the Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika; the National Assembly and other relevant stakeholders to initiative probes into the circumstances surrounding the rumored selling of one or both of the airlines to “the promoters of 5A’s for cheap after the airlines must have been forced to the ground by an artificially created financial crumbling.”

“We also call for a strong and deeply reflective interface among the Ministry of Aviation, AMCON, and the legacy shareholders of Aero Contractors and Arik Air for the purpose of knocking out a deal that could truly rejuvenate the airlines,” the statement added.

The management of Aero Contractors has, however, responded to the claims of the unions tagging them as “wild and unfounded.”

In a statement released by the management of Aero Contractors, they described the actions of the unions as “pure mischief.”

The statement read in part, “On the House of 5A’s, every partnership was done with the aim of improving the revenues of the airline, particularly in relation to our unserviceable equipment and ensuring standard customer service. The question is what was our revenue before, during and after the exit of the House of 5As? They should please respond.

“We are conscious of the challenges we are facing and have been prudent with our expenses, and doing our best to take care of staff welfare. We urge the staff and unions to desist from this attitude and support the company to overcome its challenges.”

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Asiko deepens gas penetration, unveils 300 metric tonnes LPG/CNG depot in Benin

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2 days ago

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September 21, 2023

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… to grow in geometric progression- Alex Ogedegbe

… We are going to expand into CNG, LNG Gas Station- Abubakar Folami 

 

 

Asiko, a leading provider of clean energy solutions operating in Nigeria’s energy sector, has continued to contribute to the economic development of the country with its sterling efforts to ensure in-country utilisation and deepening of gas penetration in the nation, as it unveils 300 Metric Tonnes Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) depot in Utesi, Ikpoba Okha local government area of Edo state.

 

This project invariably aligns with the federal government’s priority objective to attain 5 million MT of LPG consumption by 2023.

 

Speaking at the official commissioning of the gas depot, the Chairman of the Asiko Group, Engr Alex Ogedegbe, expressed that the gas potential of Nigeria is enormously huge and the LPG/CNG depot is designed to provide much-needed energy solution to Nigeria and beyond.

 

“Today, we are excited to launch our 300MT LPG and CNG depot. The multi-product gas depot, promises to improve gas availability and distribution in the region.”

 

According to him, “The LPG/CNG depot is poised to become a hub for a wide range of gas products. Under its licensing agreement, the depot is authorised to store Propane, LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas), CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) and Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG). Currently, it stores LPG and CNG, with plans for future development to enable the storage of LNG in the near future. The 300MT depot, the biggest in Benin, marks an added step towards contributing to a clean energy future and the realisation of the Federal Government’s decade of gas initiative.”

 

Ogedegbe said, “Nigeria is endowed with up to 183 trillion cubic feet of gas deposit, and we have not consumed up to 5% of that deposit in Nigeria today. Imagine how much we can distribute to Nigerian society and beyond if we have installations and facilities like this that we are commissioning today.

 

 

Also speaking to newsmen at the event, Mr Abubakar Folami, a Director at Asiko, said that the company has similar inland depots and plants across Nigeria, with an impressive inland Propane and LNG terminal currently under construction in Ijora, Lagos.

 

Similarly, the Utesi Community head, (Okaighele) Mr Monday Edo, said he was very happy about the project commissioning.

 

This LPG/CNG depot is not just a beacon of progress for the energy sector; it also carries a profound impact on the local community. The depot is expected to generate over 100 job direct and indirect job opportunities, contributing significantly to the economic welfare of the region. The creation of these jobs underscores Asiko’s commitment to empowering and uplifting the economic activities of its host communities.

 

Asiko is a leading provider of clean energy solutions in Nigeria, dedicated to delivering a comprehensive network of sustainable, accessible, and innovative clean energy solutions. With a focus on LPG, LNG, CNG, propane, and renewable energy, Asiko drives the region’s clean energy transition and ensures energy security.

 

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Tingo Media CEO Agbonwaneten to bury mum in PH

Published

6 days ago

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September 17, 2023

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It will be a carnival of sort as the Chief Executive Officer of Tingo Media, Mr. Ebuwa Martins Agbonwaneten has concluded plans to hold the funeral of his mother, Princess Karina Namikpoh who passed away at 68.

A statement by Agbonwaneten, who is also the CEO to The Dozy Mmobuosi Foundation, a non-governmental organisation owned by billionaire technology entrepreneur, Dozy Mmobuosi on behalf of the family, said their matriarch will be laid to rest in Port Harcourt, Rivers State on September 29- October 1, 2023.

A service of songs and tributes hold in her honour on Friday, September 29 at Azny Place, No 2 Louis Drive, opposite Nextime supermarket, GRA Phase 3, along Abacha Road, Port Harcourt.
Funeral service hold on Saturday, September 30 at Vaults & Gardens, Aggrey Road, off Cemetery Road Port Harcourt.

An interment reception will take place at The Palacios Event Centre, 63 Woji Road, Phase 2 Port Harcourt.

On Sunday, Oct 1, thanksgiving service will take place at Hilltop International Christian Centre, 7 Hilltop Drive Waterlines/Elekahia Link Road Port Harcourt.

Agbonwaneten extended invitations to colleagues, associates and business partners, saying interesting activities have been lined up for their unforgettable experiences.

“As you may already know, my mother’s burial is scheduled for the 29th – 30th of September, 2023, in Port Harcourt. This event is not just a somber occasion; it’s a celebration of a remarkable life and a chance to bid farewell to an extraordinary woman.

“I want you to be a part of this grand celebration. It’s an opportunity to join me in giving my mother the dignified and joyous send-off she deserves. I assure you; we have prepared an unforgettable experience for all who attend!

“Transportation will be seamless, with arrangements and adequate security in place for those traveling from Lagos, Benin, Abuja and all all over the world to Port Harcourt—all free of charge.

“We’ve secured top-notch hotel accommodations to ensure your stay is comfortable and convenient. Our event planning team and funeral directors rank among the industry’s finest, ensuring that every detail is meticulously attended to.

“You may already know my reputation as a gracious host, and I promise you won’t be disappointed. Our menu boasts a delectable array of cuisine, from continental delights to local favorites like ‘nkwobi,’ ‘pepper soup,’ ‘bolé,’ ‘starch and banga’, and more. The drink selection is equally impressive, featuring a range of choices from Champagne, Hennessy, Glenfiddich, Jack Daniels, cocktails, assorted wines, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, and more,”he stated.

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Nationwide Blackout As National Grid Collapses Again…

Published

1 week ago

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September 14, 2023

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Nigeria has again been thrown into darkness after the national grid system, operated by the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) from Osogbo in Osun State collapsed.
A check by The Guardian in the early hour of today showed that the grid plummeted to a meagre 273 megawatts of electricity coming from two out of the over 27 electricity generation.
This comes barely a week after TCN, rolled out the drum to celebrate a questionable 400 days of grid stability.
A number of Distribution Companies confirmed to The Guardian that the grid went down at 00:41 AM, disclosing that most of their feeders are out.
As of 4:00 a.m. on Thursday, five generating plants were on the grid. Afam VI had 0.70MW, Dadinkowa was generating 0.00MW, Ibom Power had 32.90MW, Jebba had 240MW and Olorunsogo was on the grid with zero generation.
At about 1AM midnight, the total power on the grid was 35MW, indicating that the country experienced a total collapse.
The grid went to 193MW at about 3AM before climbing to 273MW when this report was filed.
The TCN has not responded to inquiries by our correspondent about the development.

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