The Executive Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke has felicitated with the celebrated journalist, and Publisher of Ovation Magazine, Akinrogun Dele Momodu on the occasion of his 64th birthday, describing him as “a pride of the media industry.”

Governor Adeleke noted Akinrogun Momodu’s heartwarming contributions to a just and equitable society, saying he has touched the minds and hearts of countless people with insightful words, logistic support and unwavering dedication to truth and justice.

The Governor appreciates the Ovation Magazine Publisher’s sustained commitment to informing and enlightening the public as a weapon of nation building, acknowledging him as an inspirational figure, who has empowered readers to think critically, and engage meaningfully.

“I congratulate my dear friend, Akinrogun Dele Momodu, on the auspicious occasion of his birthday. The Aare Tayese of Iwoland is a unique personality, who has touched lives positively and brought smiles to countless faces,” the Governor was quoted in a congratulatory message, signed by his spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed.

“On this auspicious occasion, I honour both your wonderful life and exceptional contributions to the media sector and the larger society. I note, with admiration, Akinrogun Momodu’s deep sense of commitment to a better Nigeria, which is manifest in columns and public discourse.

“On behalf of my family, I convey best wishes to Akinrogun Momodu on his birthday and it is my prayer that God grant him many celebrations in good health and happiness while also bestowing him the grace to give more to humanity.”

The Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development on Monday said the introduction of helicopter landing levies was in line with global best practices and cost recovery measures.

This is contained in a statement by Odutayo Oluseyi, Head, Press and Public Affairs of the ministry in Lagos.

According to Mr Oluseyi, the ministry recognises the importance of helicopter operations in Nigeria’s aviation industry and is committed to implementing international best practices in helicopter operations.

He said that helicopter landing levies were commonplace in countries such as the US, the United Kingdom, India and various other regions worldwide.

He maintained that Tallahassee International Airport in Florida began implementing helicopter landing levies under Vector Airport Systems, since 1 October 2022.

Mr Oluseyi said helicopter landing levies were common across airfields in the United Kingdom, ranging from major commercial ones, to small general aviation fields.

He added that, typically, helicopter levies matched or exceeded those for fixed-wing aircraft, and varied based on factors like location and services provided.

“The federal government has granted NAEBI Dynamic Concepts Ltd exclusive rights to collect helicopter landing levies in line with the MoU between NAEBI Concept and NAMA (focal Agency), Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).

“It is instructive to note that NAMA, under the Act as amended in 2022, is empowered to collect aeronautical revenues in both the upper and lower airspace to support her self-sustainability.

“However, over the years, NAMA has predominantly relied on the upper airspace for her revenue generation.

“Government in her wisdom, having discovered a lacuna on the lower airspace where helicopter operations is dominant, directed NAMA to live up to its responsibilities, to enable them generate enough resources, to sustain their aeronautical architecture, enhance security and surveillance and improve the overall quality of helicopter operations in Nigeria,” he said.

According to Mr Oluseyi, the government is confident that the move will improve capacity, efficiency, safety, security and attract more investments in the aviation industry.

Premium Times

By Eric Elezuo

All is set for the inaugural Dele Momodu Leadership Lecture, an intelligent discourse on the state of the nation, with special emphasis on the power sector.

The event, the first in the series, is scheduled to hold on Thursday, May 16, 2024, at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), and under the chairmanship of the Former President of the Republic of Ghana, Dr. John Dramani Mahama.

The guest lecturer is the former Minister of Power and Chairman,  Geometric Power Limited, Engr. Bartholomew Nnaji, and will be speaking on the theme: The Politics of Energy and the Way Forward.

A gathering of intellectuals, for the discovery of innovative ideas and exchange of progressive knowledge under a Non Partisan atmosphere, the Dele Momodu Leadership Lecture, promises indepth analysis as well as provision of solution to the unending power crisis in the nation.

Among dignitaries expected at the intelligent discourse are former President Olusegun Obasanjo; former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar; Chairman, Globacom Group, Dr. Mike Adenuga Jr.; Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu; Osun State governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke; Abia State governor, Dr. Alex Otti; former governor of Kano State, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso; Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 election, Mr. Peter Obi; President, Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote; Chairman, BUA Group, Alhaji Abdulsamad Rabiu; Oyo State governor, Engr Seyi Makinde, HRM the Ooni of Ife, HRH, the Emir of Kano, the HRH, the Sultan of Sokoto, HRM the Obi of Onitsha; A-list industrialists, members of executive and legislative councils among others.

The event also coincides with the 64h birthday of the convener, Aare Dele Momodu.