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Five passengers of crashed off- shore helicopter still missing as search and rescue operators pull out wreckage from Atlantic Ocean

—- NIMASA pledges to update IMO on recovery efforts

Funso OLOJO

Over two weeks after the ill- fated helicopter on off- shore contract with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited(NNPCL) crashed into the Atlantic Ocean, the bodies of three out of the eight passengers on board have so far been recovered.

On 24th of October 2024, about 11:22am, the Helicopter with registration number 5NBQG, engaged by NNPC Limited, took off from Port Harcourt NAF Base en route the FPSO – NUIMS ANTAN.

But it lost contact with the base and later found to have crashed into the Atlantic Ocean.

The helicopter was operated by East Winds Aviation.

According to the NNPCL,there were eight persons on board (six passengers and two crew members).

However, recovery efforts coordinated by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency(NIMASA) has produced the wreckage of the ill- fated Chopper.

According to the agency, the Flight Data Recorder (FDR)and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR)otherwise called the black box, was recovered at weekend through an inter-Agency collaboration involving NIMASA, the Nigerian Navy, the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau NSIB, the NNPC, HydroDive and other local and international search and rescue partners.

The Director General of NIMASA, Dr Dayo Mobereola has however pledge that the agency will update the International Maritime Organisation(IMO) on the recovery efforts on the crashed helicopter.

Mobereola, while commenting on the incident, commended all organs of government for the swift, and well-coordinated inter Agency partnership for the search and recovery operations.

He noted that NIMASA will share information on the incident with the International Maritime Organization.

“In line with international maritime safety standards, NIMASA will report the findings about the helicopter crash into the Atlantic Ocean to the International Maritime Organization( IMO) via the Global Integrated Shipping Information System( GISIS).

” By sharing the findings of the offshore Port Harcourt helicopter crash with the IMO, we at NIMASA demonstrate Nigeria’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and cooperation within the global maritime community”.

The Global Integrated Shipping Information System (GISIS) is an online platform developed by the IMO to support the timely and accurate reporting of incidents, accidents, and other essential maritime data.

This platform enables member states to share information crucial to improving safety protocols, updating best practices, and fostering international cooperation.

According to Mobereola, “NIMASA is committed to working closely with all relevant Agencies to determine the cause of the incident and to take all necessary steps to prevent future occurrences.

“As we mourn those lost, NIMASA reaffirms its dedication to the safety of Nigeria’s maritime domain and the continued strengthening of inter-agency collaboration.

On October 24th 2024, the Agency had received distress signals at the Regional Maritime Rescue Coordination Center, (MRCC) and the C4i center of the Deep Blue project and shared same with the Nigerian Navy who immediately deployed NIMASA’s specialized Search and rescue assets to the crash site to locate the downed aircraft and conduct recovery efforts under challenging conditions.

The helicopter crashed in the Atlantic Ocean near Bonny Finima, at a distance of 1.4km from the starboard side of the Floating Producing Storage Offloading FPSO, NUIM ANTAN Producing Ltd owned by Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC Limited.

NIMASA working closely with the Nigerian Navy, The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), the NNPC, HydroDive and other local and international search and rescue partners, recovered the Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) from the Sikorsky SK76 helicopter.

With the recovery of the black box, over 80% of the helicopter wreck had been recovered.

Other items recovered include rotor,3 blades, engine, gearbox, windows, cockpit overhead panels, the Electronic Locator, Transmitter (ELT) and the tail.

All the recovered wreck is on a dump barge.

Meanwhile, the DG NIMASA has extended the Agency’s heartfelt condolences to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Limited, the families of the victims, and all those affected by the tragic helicopter crash.

The Director-General of NIMASA, Dr Dayo Mobereola, stated, “Our deepest sympathies are with the NNPC, the families, and loved ones of those affected by this unfortunate incident.

” Safety is a paramount commitment for us at NIMASA, and we remain resolute in our partnership with the Nigerian Navy and other stakeholders to ensure effective, rapid response in emergencies.”

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NNPC former GM emerges winner at Rising Golfers Challenge

The Eyewitness Reporter

The Rising Golfers challenge 2025 took place in Lakowe Golf Course in Lagos over the weekend and a retired GM from the NNPC, Luke Anele, playing off handicap 21, emerged winner with a +4 net score.

Assistant Director at the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency(NIMASA), Wilson Egberipou, playing off handicap 16, came second with a net score of 6 over course par while Bayo Alli of Lakowe Lakes emerged winner in the guest category.

The Managing Director of Thisday Newspapers , Eniola Bello, the Director Administration at NIMASA, Ogbueshi Isichei Osamgbi, Deputy Managing Director, Bourbon Interoil Nigeria Ltd, Magnus Ibe and other notable Nigerians participated in the annual Golf event.

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LG Electronics excites UNIBEN community with solar – powered borehole

Funso OLOJO

The students community at the University of Benin, Benin City, has showered praises and displayed undisguised appreciation to the LG Electronics for ending a decade – long water crisis with the sinking of a solar- powered borehole

The official commissioning of the project took place on Thursday, 23rd Jan. 2025, with university officials, LG representatives, student leaders, and hostel residents in attendance.

The borehole, powered entirely by solar energy, is expected to provide clean and uninterrupted water to thousands of students and staff, reducing the university’s reliance on the national grid and cutting down utility costs.

Speaking at the event, Corporate Marketing Manager, LG Electronics Nigeria, Mr. Paul Mba, emphasized the company’s commitment to corporate social responsibility and sustainable development in Nigeria.

“At LG Electronics, we believe in using technology to improve lives. This solar-powered borehole is not just about providing water; it’s about creating a sustainable future where renewable energy plays a key role in meeting basic needs. We are proud to support UNIBEN in this initiative,” he said.

“This is the first university we are donating a solar-powered borehole to in Nigeria, and I hope it will be maintained so that incoming students will enjoy the facility.

“This initiative is aimed to provide sustainable water access for the entire campus community, fostering a healthier and more productive environment.

“By ensuring proper maintenance, we can set a precedent for future projects that prioritize sustainability and support the growth of educational institutions across the region.

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Benin, Prof. Edoba Omoregie, expressed gratitude for the donation, highlighting its significance in addressing the campus’s water supply challenges.

The Vice Chancellor, represented by the Chairman, Security Committee, UNIBEN, Prof. Fred Ekhaise, said, “This project is a game-changer for our university community.

“Access to clean water is essential for both academic and residential life, and having a solar-powered solution ensures reliability while promoting environmental responsibility.

“

We deeply appreciate LG Electronics for this generous contribution,” he stated.

“Like Oliver Twist wanting more, I urge LG to extend its support to other hostels by providing solar-powered boreholes to address the pressing water challenges faced by students.

“Reliable access to clean water is essential for their health, hygiene, and overall well-being, yet many hostels struggle with inconsistent supply.

“By investing in solar-powered boreholes, LG can offer a sustainable solution that ensures uninterrupted access to safe water while also promoting environmental responsibility.

“This initiative will not only improve students’ living conditions but also enhance their academic experience by eliminating one of the many challenges they face daily.

Students also welcomed the initiative, praising the positive impact it will have on daily life.

The Student Union Government President, Agboola Israel Timilehin noted that water shortages had been a persistent challenge on campus.

“We often struggle with water supply, especially during peak hours. This borehole will make a huge difference, and the fact that it runs on solar energy means we won’t have to worry about power outages affecting water availability,” the SUG President remarked.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Dean of Students’ Affairs, Prof. Clement Ighodaro, thanked the management of LG Electronics for this great gesture and appealed to the students to appreciate the opportunities provided to them.

He encouraged everyone to take full advantage of the resources available, emphasizing the importance of hard work and dedication in achieving their academic and personal goals.

Prof. Ighodaro concluded by asking LG Electronics to continue their support in the future, as such partnership significantly enhances the learning environment.

LG Electronics has a long-standing tradition of supporting communities through various sustainability-driven projects.

This latest initiative reinforces its position as a responsible corporate citizen committed to advancing both technological innovation and environmental conservation.

With this donation, the University of Benin joins the growing list of institutions leveraging renewable energy to meet essential needs, setting a precedent for future green projects in Nigeria’s education sector.

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Aregbesola part ways with Tinubu as he, supporters dump APC.

Funso OLOJO

Rauf Aregbesola, the political son of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has led his thousands of supporters out of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Odun state.

The final dumping of the APC by Aregbesola was the culmination of the long-drawn differences between the two political gladiators.

However, on Sunday, January 26th, 2025 at Ilesa in Osun state, the former Lagos Commissioner and Federal Minister, led his supporters called The Omoluwabi Progressive across the 332 awards in the state out of the ruling party to pitch their tent with yet-to-be disclosed party.

Oluwaseun Abosede, the Publicity Secretary of the group, said their decision to quit APC was the consensus of the stakeholders in the group

She said the decision was taken after the group ratified an earlier resolution of members from the 332 wards across Osun State at its monthly meeting in Ilesa on Sunday.

“The members were put to a voice vote by the leadership of the fold where they affirmed their readiness to switch allegiance to another political camp ahead of the 2026 governorship election in the state.

The statement quoted their leader, Aregbesola, to have commended them for their commitment and steadfastness to the principles of character, integrity, and good governance.

“I am indeed happy that all of you have spoken with one voice. It is not just one voice, but a united front to lead the way to our collective victory in the journey ahead.

“I wish to remind you that the journey we are embarking on now is to further raise the level of prosperity of our dear state through responsible leadership.

“The path we have toed is smooth, highly reassuring, and full of good tides that will propel our dear state to greatness.

” Therefore, you must show more commitment and attract genuine people who are ready to walk this path of righteousness with us.

“We are open to all, regardless of political, religious, or socio-cultural leanings. We have the numbers, strength, and political acumen to provide leadership that will make Osun the toast of its peers.

” By the grace of God, we shall succeed,” Aregbesola declared.