News
PWD decry ill-treatment by Airline Operators
…calls for urgent upgrade of airport facilities
By Victor Dim- Oba
Persons with Disabilities, PWDs have decried the ill-treatment PWD decries ill-treatment by Airline Operators on them when boarding and disembarking the aircraft by operators of local and international airlines in the country calling for urgent upgrade of airport facilities that will promote access and inclusion for them.
In a joint world press conference by Grace Jerry, Executive Director, Inclusive Friends Association (IFA) and Lois Auta, Executive Director, Cedar Seed Foundation, Patience Ogolo-Dickson, Executive Director, AWWDI lamented the ill-treatment of persons with disabilities (PWDs) by local and international airlines in Nigeria.
According to them, the press conference has become important and necessary in order to beam light on one of the social injustices persons with disabilities face at the airport in accessing means of transportation for business, study and conference by airplanes adding that persons with disabilities have had to cope with a great deal of inconveniences and discomfort as passengers with disabilities when boarding and disembarking.
They complained that the isle to the seats in the plane is not designed to accommodate wheel chairs/reduced mobility forcefully restricting their movement resulting to alight last after all other passengers regardless of how urgent the need may be.
They disagree with the airplane operators on their notion that the battery used by electric wheelchair is an explosive device stating that airline attendants have mistakenly caused damages to their wheelchairs which is a painful experience.
PWDs however called for all local and international airlines to provide lift trucks to board PWDs into the aircraft and when disembarking as well as isle chairs to convey PWDs especially those on wheelchairs to the seats on board the plane.
They remarked that they are first humans, male and female before having different forms of disabilities demanding for equal treatment with the provision of necessary accommodations that would enable them enjoy every privilege and rights they paid for on the airline.
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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