IWD 2018 : LAPO seeks more role for Nigerian women

A non governmental organisation, the Lift Above Poverty Organisation (LAPO), says the inclusiveness of women in all spheres of the society will help fast track Nigeria's socio-economic development.

The Executive Director of LAPO, Mrs Sabina Idowu-Osehobo gave the charge on Thursday while speaking at the 2018 International Women's Day Ceremony organised by LAPO Lagos 2 Region.

The International Women's Day had the theme :" Press for Progress", while LAPO's celebration had the sub-theme, "Fundamentals of Progress for Nigerian Women."

The executive director, who was represented by Mrs Sandra Asowata, Regional Officer, LAPO Lagos 2 Region, said the organisation was committed to the social, health and economic empowerment of the poor and the vulnerable across the country. 

She said :"Historically, women are subjected to marginalisation, oppression and injustice in our patriarchal African society. They are discriminated against in their public and private life with increasing cases of infringement on their rights.

" Women and girls do not enjoy equal access to education, economic resources, political representation, employment, leadership and decision making like their male counterparts at all levels.

" In this age and time, we still have baffling reports of half a billion illiterate women, 120 million girls who have experienced rape and other forced sexual acts, 62 million uneducated girls, 40,00 daily child brides and 155 countries operating discriminatory laws.

"As a community development organisation, LAPO strongly believes that no appreciable development can be made either at the local , national or international front without acknowledging women as equal players in decision making, and empowering, up-skilling and investing in them."

 According to her, in view of this, the organisation for over two decades been at the forefront of the struggle of advancing women's  cause and supporting projects that empower them socially and economically. 

Idowu-Osehobo said in 2016, LAPO reached over 1.2 million persons with social and health awareness programmes. 

She added that between October 2014 and December 2017, LAPO Lagos 2 Region reached 27,853 clients of LAPO Microfinance Bank on social issues like

the consequences of widowhood rites, male preference, teenage pregnancy, early marriage, domestic violence, rape, divorce/separation, among others. 

Also speaking, Mrs Airat Alamu,  Education Secretary,  Alimosho Local Government Education Authority,  said women were mostly affected by poverty and other negative socio- economic bedevilling the country. 

"The struggle of enhancing and broadening women opportunities to actively participate in the leadership of their societal affairs through gender equality and equal rights should be more emphasised and approved upon for the women to have a say and responsibility in the society. 

"Our restructuring crusade should include the elevation of women in all sectors of our economy and political terrain to have equal gender balance," she added. 

In her lecture,  the guest Lecturer, Mrs Margaret Mekwuye,  Executive Director, Greenspring Development Initiative, urged the women to become active participants in national development by obtaining their Personal Voters 'Cards (PVCs)  ahead of the 2019 polls. 

Mekwuye said there was need to improve upon the 13 per cent affirmative action, stressing that many Nigerian women had distinguished themselves in various fields of endeavours. 

The high point of the celebration was the presentation of certificates to over 100 women who successfully completed the Financial Literacy Training organised by LAPO NGO. 

 

25th Wedding Anniversary : Royal Father's, Captains of industries fete Air Peace boss, wife

The Chairman of Air Peace, Mr Allen Onyema and his wife, Alice,  over the weekend celebrated their 25th Wedding Anniversary amidst pomp and pageantry. 

The silver jubilee celebration is coming a few days after Air Peace took delivery of 
 its newly acquired Boeing B777-200 aircraft, becoming the first and only Nigerian airline to procure and register the brand of airliner in the country.

The elaborate ceremony which took place at the Harbour Points Events Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos was graced by eminent personalities from all walks of life both within and outside Nigeria. 

Among the distinguished guests of the Onyemas were the Ooni of Ife, His Royal Majesty,  Oba Enitan Ogunwusi and the Obi of Onitsha, His Royal Majesty, Alfred Achebe. 

Also in attendance were Governor Willy Obiano of Anambra State,  Dr Chris Ngige, Minister of Labour and Productivity, Mr Tony Elumelu, Chairman, UBA Group, Dr Ifeanyi Uba, Managing Director of Capital  Oil and Gas Limited and Mr Tonye Cole of Sahara Group. 

Others were Sen. Ita Giwa, Mrs Bianca Odimegwu-Ojukwu, as well as Lagos socialite and businessman,  E-Money. 

The guests were entertained by top Nigerian artistes including K-Cee (Air Peace Ambassador),  Tiwa Savage, Tubaba and Flavour Nabania. 

Air Peace takes delivery of new B777 aircraft

Nigerian carrier, Air Peace, has taken delivery of one of its newly acquired Boeing B777-200 aircraft in preparation for its commencement of international operations. 

The 274 capacity  aircraft, christened "Ikechukwu ", touched down at the Murtala Muhammed International  Airport, Lagos at about 3.30 pm on Friday. 

The aircraft, which was flown in by Capt. Victor Efionu and his team, was received by the Chairman of Air Peace, Mr Allen Onyema and other top aviation personnel. 

Onyema said Air Peace recently began flights to Banjul, Freetown and Dakar in the West Coast of Africa, stressing that it would soon start flights on international destinations including Dubai, Guangzhou-China, London, Houston, Mumbai and South Africa.

"Air Peace is ready to begin operations on these routes as soon as we get the cooperation of our aviation agencies, our home governments, and the outside governments of the countries we are going to .

As soon as we get their cooperation, we will make it happen, " Onyema said. 

According to him, what Air Peace has done in less than three years of operations shows clearly that Nigerian airlines can compete and even perform better than the legacy airlines if there is a level playing field. 

" This is the first time a Nigerian carrier is acquiring a B777. What we have had in the past is through leases which were not favourable to the airline operators. 

"So, I don't believe that Nigerian airlines cannot compete favourably with the others. What we have been lacking is the necessary support. 

"Within the last three years, we have been able to increase our fleet size to 24 aircraft. That is rapid growth and we are still growing stronger," he said. 

Onyema  further dispelled insinuations that Nigerian airlines were not safe, noting that Air Peace spent up to $2.5 million annually  in maintaining a single aircraft on its fleet.

"So,  in terms of safety,  we can assure our guests of the very best because even our technical partners is a firm from the United Kingdom.

"Air Peace  cannot be said to be weak or indebted and if there are airlines that are going through that, they should come out and name them instead of generalising, " he added. 

The Air Peace chairman also reiterated his opposition to the Single African Air Transportation Market (SAATM),   stressing that it was of little or no benefit to Nigerian airlines. 

He said currently, the treaty does not favour Nigeria because other countries use high charges to discourage Nigerian airlines from operating to their cities.

According to him,  when their own airlines come to Nigeria, they pay relatively less charges than what they level against Nigerian carriers.

Dana Air organises takes journalists, others to Akwa Ibom

As part of efforts towards developing tourism in Akwa Ibom State, Dana Air has announced that it will fly Travel agents, Tour operators and Media to the state on a 2-day familiarisation trip in partnership with Ibom Hotels and Golf Resort on Feb.  23.

 

The Communications Manager of Dana Air, Mr Kingsley Ezenwa who disclosed this to the media said, ‘we are supporting this fam trip as result of our firm commitment towards developing tourism in Nigeria and contributing positively to the economy of any state we fly.’’

 

Ezenwa said, ‘you cannot talk about tourism without aviation and vice versa, and it’s not just about flying to a state but helping to build the potentials of the state.’’

 

Commenting on the initiative, the CEO of Nigeria Travel Week, Mr Efetobo Awhana, said that the major objective of Nigeria Travel Week was to promote domestic and inbound tourism in Nigeria.

 

‘We are convinced that we have a huge market that can buy into domestic tourism with sustained and strategic promotion and we believe this fam trip will help travel professionals, and media to learn more about the destinations and make it easier for them to sell to their customers.’

 

 ‘We are grateful to Dana Air for always being committed to its Corporate Social Responsibility and Ibom Hotels and Golf Resort for supporting.’’

 

 Dana Air, the official carrier of Akwa United Fc of Akwa Ibom state, is one of Nigeria's leading airlines with over 27 daily flights from Lagos to Abuja, Port Harcourt , Uyo and Owerri. 

 

The airline is reputed for its innovative online products , world- class inflight service and unrivaled on time performance

Dana Air, Asky sign interline agreement for strategic partnership

Nigerian carrier, Dana Air has signed an interline agreement with top West African airline, Asky,  on strategic partnership to add some new generation aircraft to its fleet.

A statement issued by the  Communications Manager of Dana Air, Mr Kingsley Ezenwa,  on Sunday said the agreement was signed by both airlines on Saturday in Lagos. 

The Group Managing Director of Dana Air, Mr Jacky Hathiramani , said the airline's strategic route and fleet expansion programme had received a major boost with the signing of the agreement. 

He said :"We have taken a bold step towards achieving our strategic route and fleet expansion program. With this partnership, we shall be adding some brand new aircraft to our fleet soon.

‘We have also had advanced talks with some other notable aircraft manufacturers and very soon, some of aircraft outside the country on maintenance will also be arriving.

" This is part of our desire to provide options for our guests who have also been requesting us to consider some under-served cities in Nigeria. 

"We want to assure our guests of our commitment towards providing safe, reliable, affordable and world-class air transport services in Nigeria."

Also speaking, the Chief Executive Officer  of Asky , Mr Ahadu Simachew , said Dana Air had survived the sundry issues in the aviation industry for ten years and was still waxing stronger.

"The airline appears to us as the most experienced and well-managed airline in Nigeria,  with a very strong, passionate  and creative management team. 

"We are happy to have reached an agreement and we believe this is good for Nigeria and Africa," he said.

Valentine : Dana Air unveils special promo…Celebrates less privilege

In the spirit of the valentine season, Dana Air, has unveiled a special valentine promo for its esteemed guests.

From Feb. 9 to 28, guests travelling with their spouse or partner will only need to book a return ticket to get another free.

The airline also partnered Divine Eagle Ministry, a non-governmental organization to put smiles in the faces of children from four orphanages – Ijamido orphanage, St Monica orphanage, Light for the lost orphanage and Favid orphanage with a facility tour at the Murtala Mohammed Airport 2, before treating the kids to good food and gifts.

 

The Communications Manager of Dana Air, Kingsley Ezenwa while chatting with the children at the event said, ‘Dana Air is committed to giving back to the society and in spending time with our families and loved ones this valentine, we felt the need to also remember and show love to the less privileged in our society.’’  

 

Speaking further on the Valentine promo kingsley said, “Dana Air is enthusiastic about any initiative that unites the family or encourages love in the family and society. And the Valentine season provides the opportunity to further renew the bond of love in the family and between couples.’’

 

‘With our special valentine promo, we want to encourage our guests to fly with their loved ones to any of our existing destinations, and for them to avail the free ticket, they are expected to book a return ticket at any of our outlets in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Uyo or Owerri and send an email to reservations@flydanaair.com , with the details of the return ticket.’’ He encouraged the airlines' guests to also take part in the online giveaways to win exciting prizes.

 

Valentine’s Day is celebrated on February 14 in most parts of the world. It is a day when friends and lovers express their love for each other by exchanging cards, flowers, candies and confectionary.

 

Dana Air is one of Nigeria’s leading airlines operating daily flights from Lagos to Abuja, Port Harcourt, Uyo and Owerri. The airline is reputed for its efficient customer services, world-class in-flight services, on-time departures and arrivals, and innovative e-airline products  

Arik Air introduces ‘Super Saver’ fare on all domestic routes

Arik Air, Nigeria’s largest carrier has introduced a “super saver” fare which gives customers the benefit of making massive savings when they book early online to travel to any of the airline’s domestic routes.

To travel to any destination within Nigeria, Arik Air customers can buy a one-way ticket from N16,000 provided such booking is made at least seven days before departure at www.arikair.com

The super saver fare is aimed at enabling more Nigerians experience air travel and reduce the stress of traveling by road especially at night. 

It will also enrich family and friends visitation, while giving opportunities for small businesses to take advantage of the massive savings to enhance their businesses in the New Year. 

Commenting on the new fare, Arik Air’s Chief Executive Officer, Capt. Roy Ilegbodu said: “We are constantly evolving ways of adding value to our services to be more customer friendly and responsive to the yearnings of the traveling public. 

"Air travel should not be an exclusive preserve and that is the reason for this low fare of N16, 000 aimed at making air travel more affordable.”

“Our promise this year is that there will be something great and of interest for every customer of the airline.”

The super saver dubbed “It’s your time to fly” is Arik Air’s way of enabling those who have never traveled by air to have a first time experience. 

Customers wishing to take advantage of the advance purchase fare are advised to visit www.arikair.com  to make their bookings as the fare is only available online and at least seven days before departure.