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Tourism Day: No One Should Be Left Behind, Says FTAN President, Nkerewuem Onung

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As Nigeria joined the rest of the Tourism World to celebrate the United Nations World Tourism Day, President, Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), Mr Nkerewuem Onung, had said the new normal has revealed the need for strategic action plan which must bring tourism stakeholders together and create project(s) that will benefit of all.

Nkerewuem, who spoke at the sidelines of the event, which is hosted by Kebbi State government in collaboration with National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), noted that the Federation under his watch, would work with the Federal Government to ensure that industry operators and investors are not left behind in the focal agenda to reinvent the wheel of tourism business in Nigeria.

“We are determined to bring something new to the table and also mindful of the fact, that the Ministry of Tourism and its ten agencies are pivotal to ftan dreams, to ensure no industry player or viable cultural tourism projects are left behind or allowed to fallow,” he further explained.

He reiterated that government must help the industry back to its feet and wondered why the palliatives promised the industry associations and players are yet to materialize, adding government must through the such intervention, prove that it cares and also appreciates the critical presence and job creating values of the avant garde cultural tourism industry.

“I must commend the resilience and doggedness of the private sector for the rebound of the sector after the COVID-19 regulations ambushed its growth and also without help anywhere, with unforgettable lessons learnt that time has come for us, government and the private sector to work together and not leave anyone behind” FTAN President further offered insight on the significance of celebrating unwto tourism day With the Theme; All inclusive Tourism.”

Speaking at the sidelines of kebbi state sponsored outing, aided by Nihotour, Mr Nkerewuem Onung praised the state government for taking up the financial burden to give Nigeria a podium to celebrate the global festivity, thereby showcasing the rich Cultural and agro tourism economy of Kebbi State noted for its rice pyramid.

“Tourism industry has the capacity to sell the rice paddie fields of kebbi to the world and also create tour jobs, and opportunities for recreation, and hospitality diversities to thrive and grow into a new economy. Yes, we may have security challenges but it has been proven that if the government and the private joined hands together, refreshing narratives about our country, our people and culture can help douse sociopolitical tension which is fueling individualism and insecurity,” the FTAN President stated.

He appreciated the Emir of kebbi and the state government for the investiture of Alhaji Lai Mohammed, Minister of Information and Culture, as the kakaki of kebbi, adding that the traditional and Cultural title bestowed on the Minister was well deserving, an affirmation that Alhaji Lai Mohammed has done well.

“FTAN rejoices with our Minister. He has done well and maybe after this outing, he will put more energy towards getting the industry the palliatives the federal government promised us. We proud are at ftan and look forward to working closely with the Ministry to get everyone, far and near to give Nigerian Cultural tourism the milage expected of its diversity, he said.

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FG Puts Up Two Presidential Jets for Sale in Switzerland

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The Federal government has listed for sale two aircraft from Nigeria’s presidential air fleet, including a nearly two-decade-old Boeing 737‑700 Business Jet (BBJ), through Swiss-based AMAC Aerospace in Basel.

According to reports, the BBJ—acquired in 2005 during former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration for $43 million—has become increasingly expensive to maintain and raised safety concerns, especially following a mechanical incident during an official trip to Saudi Arabia in April 2024.

The aircraft was officially listed for sale on U.S.-based aviation marketplace Controller.com, though no asking price was made public.

The jet has served Nigerian presidents for 19 years and was recently replaced by a refurbished Airbus A330-200, acquired in mid-2024 for approximately $100 million.

Despite undergoing partial refurbishment in July 2024, including C1-C2 inspections, updated carpeting, and upgrades to the first-class seating area, the BBJ remains costly to operate.

It is also not enrolled in any engine maintenance program, with its two CFM56-7BE engines currently operating under “on condition” status, meaning they are not guaranteed by a performance coverage plan.

The aircraft features a five-zone interior configuration with capacity for 33 passengers and eight crew members.

Highlights include a VIP stateroom with a bed and private lavatory, a four-seat conference area, full-service forward and aft galleys, four lavatories, and Ka-Band Wi-Fi powered by a Honeywell MCS-7000 system.

Entertainment options include several large monitors across different cabin sections, while avionics include advanced communication, navigation, and safety systems from Rockwell Collins, Honeywell, and other top manufacturers.

The BBJ is also fully compliant with ADS-B, CPDLC, FANS-1/A, and RVSM standards.

Powered by two CFM56-7BE engines with over 3,800 hours of flight time each, the aircraft also features an intercontinental range, thanks to eight auxiliary fuel tanks with a combined capacity of 70,000 pounds.

The BBJ is undergoing B1-B2 inspections in Basel, Switzerland, where it retains its original 2005 paint scheme—white with green accents symbolizing the Nigerian flag.

In addition to the BBJ, the federal government is reportedly planning to list a second aircraft from the fleet, although details have not been made public.

Nigeria’s Presidential Air Fleet, overseen by the Nigerian Air Force and Office of the National Security Adviser, includes 10 aircraft—seven fixed-wing jets and four helicopters. At least three of the fixed-wing aircraft are said to be unserviceable.

Both the Buhari and Tinubu administrations had pledged to streamline the air fleet for cost efficiency amid economic challenges and public scrutiny.

Since February 2025, President Bola Tinubu has been flying aboard a San Marino-registered BBJ (T7-NAS) pending the final delivery and customization of the Airbus A330-200, which was recently sent to South Africa to receive a new livery and additional refurbishments.

Relorts further said the AMAC Aerospace, which facilitated the Airbus purchase, is also handling the sale process for the BBJ-737.

Interested buyers have been asked to contact the firm directly for pricing and further inquiries.

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Senator Natasha Vows to Resume at Senate on Tuesday

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The Federal High Court in Abuja voided her suspension and ordered her immediate reinstatement, describing the disciplinary action by the Senate as “excessive, unconstitutional, and a violation of her constituents’ rights.”

Justice Binta Nyako fined Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan N5 million for contempt of court due to a Facebook post that violated an interim injunction issued on March 4, 2025.

This injunction barred all parties from making public or social media comments about her suspension.

The court ruled that the senator’s Facebook post from April 27, which was a satirical apology to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, violated a court order.

Natasha’s legal team argued the post was unrelated to the case and referred to personal sexual harassment allegations made on live television.

However, the court disagreed, stating the post was tied to the ongoing proceedings.The court overturned the suspension, stating that the Senate’s disciplinary action lacked constitutional validity and called for a revision of its internal procedures to align with democratic norms and the rights of elected representatives.

Justice Nyako noted that legislators must attend at least 161 sitting days per legislative year and emphasised that the six-month suspension denied the people of Kogi Central effective representation.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended in March after a dispute over seating arrangements in the Senate and later accused Senate President Akpabio of sexual harassment, escalating political tensions.

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Adeleke Debunks APC Defection Rumours, Reiterates PDP Membership

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Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has reaffirmed his membership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and denied reports of his decamping to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The state governor noted with concern the widespread rumour and has reassured his supporters and admirers that he remains a member of the PDP and the leader of the party in the state.

Governor Adeleke, who restated his preoccupation with the implementation of the administration’s five point agenda urged Osun people to ignore fake news, promising more delivery of good governance and democratic dividends.

“I assure the good people of Osun that I remain part and parcel of the PDP family. I am not defecting to any party”, the governor was quoted as clarifying.

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