News
208 Nigerians return in last evacuation flight from U.S.
Two hundred and eight Nigerian citizens departed New Jersey for home on Thursday night in the ninth evacuation flight from the U.S.
Barring any future change in plan, this is the final repatriation flight organised by the Federal Government for citizens stranded in the U.S. due to the coronavirus pandemic.
It came barely 24 hours after the eighth flight in which 94 Nigerians were evacuated from Houston, Texas, to join friends and families back home.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a total of 2,322 citizens were repatriated in the U.S. lap of the evacuation that began on May 10.
Six of all nine flights operated by Ethiopian Airlines originated from the Newark Liberty International Airport, New Jersey, and were coordinated by the Consulate General of Nigeria in New York.
The remaining three from the George Bush International Airport in Houston, Texas, were handled by the Nigerian consulate in Atlanta.
Speaking with NAN on Thursday night, the Consul General of Nigeria in New York, Mr Benaoyagha Okoyen, expressed happiness over the success of the exercise.
He said: ”It’s an honour to help Nigerians stranded in faraway land to go back home. This is the desire of the federal government and we are glad to have fulfilled it.
“We did nine flights, which Nigerians are happy about. It was expected; Nigerians love their home, they are proud of their country, and this is what we saw on display during this period.’’
Okoyen lauded officials of the consulate for their dedication and teamwork, which he said accounted for the success story.
He also acknowledged the contributions of the Nigerian community, the Association of Nigerian Physicians in the Americas (ANPA), and the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation Americas (NIDOA).
NAN reports that a medical team comprising members of ANPA enforced the federal government’s health protocols on the evacuees throughout the exercise.
The Chairman of the New Jersey chapter of the association, Dr Nelson Aluya, thanked the consulate for the opportunity to contribute their quota.
“As you know, physicians are very busy but you cannot be too busy to attend to people you hold dear.
“We value Nigerians, their safety and their lives, and that is why we have been here from day one,’’ he said.
Another prominent member of the medical team, Dr Iwuozo Obilo, who was on ground throughout the exercise, highlighted their roles to include temperature checks and verification of the evacuees’ COVID-19 test results.
“I consider it a great honour to help ensure that our brothers and sisters stranded here, many of whom were struggling to meet their daily needs, got home in good health,’’ Obilo said.(NAN)
Investigations by Nigerian Concord Newspaper reveal that the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Mr. Pius Akutah, has allegedly misappropriated public funds for a lavish lifestyle.
According to our findings, within months of assuming office, Akutah allegedly purchased a bulletproof SUV valued at approximately N850 million. In addition, he is reported to have acquired over twenty exotic SUVs for use as a convoy.
Akutah is also said to have acquired multiple high-value properties, including three in Abuja’s Maitama and Asokoro districts worth over N2 billion, and two in Lagos’ Banana Island valued at N1.8 billion. These acquisitions appear far beyond the scope of his official salary and allowances.
Further investigation suggests that Akutah may be using public funds to support political ambitions, including allegedly grooming militants across 23 local government areas in Benue State for a potential 2027 gubernatorial bid.
Staff of the Shippers Council reportedly claim that Akutah frequently accesses the council’s treasury without proper authorization. Some insiders have indicated that a petition will soon be filed with the EFCC, ICPC, and the Presidency to report his alleged misconduct.
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Investigations by Nigerian Concord Newspaper reveal that the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Mr. Pius Akutah, has allegedly misappropriated public funds for a lavish lifestyle.
According to our findings, within months of assuming office, Akutah allegedly purchased a bulletproof SUV valued at approximately N850 million. In addition, he is reported to have acquired over twenty exotic SUVs for use as a convoy.
Akutah is also said to have acquired multiple high-value properties, including three in Abuja’s Maitama and Asokoro districts worth over N2 billion, and two in Lagos’ Banana Island valued at N1.8 billion. These acquisitions appear far beyond the scope of his official salary and allowances.
Further investigation suggests that Akutah may be using public funds to support political ambitions, including allegedly grooming militants across 23 local government areas in Benue State for a potential 2027 gubernatorial bid.
Staff of the Shippers Council reportedly claim that Akutah frequently accesses the council’s treasury without proper authorization. Some insiders have indicated that a petition will soon be filed with the EFCC, ICPC, and the Presidency to report his alleged misconduct.
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I am writing to felicitate with Your Excellency, Atku Abubakar, GCON, former Vice-President of Nigeria (Zege Mule u Tiv & Wazirin Adamawa)
on the occasion of your 79th birthday anniversary.
I join your teeming admirers globally in celebrating you on this special day, an adorable Statesman and my Boss.
I recall with nostalgia, how countless generations have benefited from your generosity, wealth of experience and benevolence including being my key benefactor even as a young lawyer for my professional success.
Your Excellency, may your special day be filled with grandeur befitting your illustrious career.
I wish you continued success, prosperity, and an unending stream of accolades.
It takes a remarkable kind of fortitude to remain active in public life well into one’s golden years. Your dedication and patriotism remain truly exceptional.
May you enjoy a day of reflection on your many years of fruitful service to humanity. It is my prayer that God Almighty grants you many more healthy, fruitful, and fulfilling years ahead, and continues to endow you with wisdom, strength, and the grace to keep contributing to our nation-building.
Happy Birthday, Your Excellency.
Michael Kaase Aondoakaa SAN.
Former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice
TAU reaffirms commitment to globally competitive learning
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