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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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WHO honors NFVCB over tobacco control in entertainment industry

Funso OLOJO, Editor 
The National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) has been honoured with the World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General’s Special Award, African Region, receiving a Certificate of Appreciation for its outstanding contributions to tobacco control advocacy and the promotion of responsible media content in Nigeria.
 The NFVCB is the only institution among the five-person African Region winners unveiled as part of the activities commemorating World No Tobacco Day.
This recognition by the DG of the WHO, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, acknowledges the Board’s leadership in regulating the depiction and promotion of tobacco and nicotine products in Nigerian films, music videos, skits, and other audiovisual content, particularly those accessible to young audiences.
 The WHO Director-General’s Awards are presented annually ahead of World No Tobacco Day on May 31 to honour individuals and organizations across WHO’s six regions for exceptional work in advancing the implementation of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC).
NFVCB was recognized for its landmark 2024 regulations prohibiting the promotion, and glamourization of tobacco and nicotine products in entertainment content.
The regulations require that any necessary depiction of tobacco use in films and videos must carry health warnings, receive the highest classification rating, and be restricted to audiences aged 18 years and above.
The regulations also mandate producers to place a disclaimer and disclose any relationship with the tobacco and nicotine industry while prohibiting tobacco brand display and product placement in entertainment content.
The policy aligns with the implementation guidelines of Article 13 of the WHO FCTC on tobacco depiction in entertainment media.
With the introduction of the regulations, Nigeria became the first country in Africa and only the second globally to establish such comprehensive safeguards against the glamorization of tobacco use on screen.
Research and WHO guidance have consistently shown that the portrayal of tobacco use in entertainment media normalizes smoking behaviour and increases the likelihood of tobacco uptake among young people.
Through clear regulatory standards, the Board is helping to reduce exposure to pro-tobacco imagery while promoting socially responsible storytelling within Nigeria’s creative industry.
The recognition also aligns with the 8-Point Agenda of the Honourable Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa, aimed at strengthening policy frameworks, promoting responsible creative content, preserving cultural values, and positioning Nigeria as Africa’s creative capital by 2030.
Speaking on the recognition, the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the NFVCB, Dr.Shaibu Husseini, described the award as a validation of the Board’s efforts toward promoting responsible storytelling and safeguarding public interest through effective content regulation.
“This award is a validation of the work we have done with the Nigerian creative industry to promote responsible storytelling.
“The goal has never been to censor art, but to ensure that our films do not inadvertently market products that are harmful to public health,” he stated.
 Dr. Husseini reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote healthy societal values, protect children and vulnerable audiences, and strengthen the positive influence of Nigeria’s entertainment industry globally.
The ED also expressed appreciation to the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, filmmakers, producers, and advocacy partners, especially Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), National Tobacco Control Alliance (NTCA), and Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids (CTFK), for their collaboration in advancing the policy.
The Board stated that it would continue to strengthen enforcement of the regulations, expand public education and stakeholder engagement, and deepen collaboration with WHO, the WHO FCTC Secretariat, and relevant stakeholders in promoting responsible entertainment content and public health protection.
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Lagos APC Governorship aspirant disowns consensus arrangement, insists on primary election

Funso OLOJO, Editor
An aspirant in the Lagos State governorship race on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Olokun Lanre Jim-Kamal, has rejected the idea of consensus candidacy within the party, insisting that all aspirants must participate in governorship primaries ahead of the 2027 election.
Jim-Kamal stated this on Monday in Lagos during the unveiling of his five-point agenda for the state, where he also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for signing the amended Electoral Act into law.
According to him, the amended Electoral Act has strengthened internal democracy within political parties and reduced the dominance of consensus arrangements in candidate selection.
“The Electoral Act vindicated many of us during the last House of Representatives primary election, where some endorsed candidates lost,” he said.
Speaking on the governorship race, the APC aspirant maintained that consensus arrangements often create division and resentment among party members.
“If consensus stands, the deputy governor, Obafemi Hamzat, will not be running from pillar to post seeking support.
“Consensus breeds bad blood. There is nothing like consensus. We are all going for primaries,” he declared.
Jim-Kamal also announced Abiola Okoya, daughter of businessman Razaq Okoya, as his deputy governorship aspirant.
Unveiling his agenda for Lagos, the governorship hopeful promised automatic free education at all levels, free healthcare services, empowerment programmes for women and the elderly, mass housing, improved security, job creation and road infrastructure renewal.
He pledged to reconstruct roads across the state and address traffic congestion through urban renewal and housing development initiatives.
The aspirant also promised mechanised farming and fishing programmes modelled after Norway’s system, alongside plans to eliminate youth unemployment within one year of assuming office.
According to him, unemployed youths registered through local government councils would receive a monthly allowance of N100,000 pending employment, while elderly persons above 60 years and nursing mothers would receive N150,000 monthly support.
He further pledged to establish and enforce old people’s homes across Lagos State.
Jim-Kamal claimed that foreign partners were willing to invest about $50 billion in agriculture and human capital development if he secures the APC governorship ticket and wins the election.
“We have the manpower and the team. I know how to source the resources because I am a development expert.
“Our partners are ready to invest in rice farming and coconut production in Badagry,” he said.
The governorship aspirant stated that his administration would focus on correcting what he described as “the anomalies of the past” in Lagos politics and governance.
Tracing his political career, Jim-Kamal said he began active politics in 1988 when he contested for the chairmanship position under the old Ikeja Local Government as the youngest aspirant at the time.
He added that he later became involved in the formation of a youth movement known as Dynamic Youths, which expanded across the country.
According to him, he had contested for several political offices, including chairman, member of the State House of Assembly, House of Representatives and Senate under the defunct Alliance for Democracy and the Peoples Democratic Party before returning to the APC.
Jim-Kamal, who was also the immediate past deputy governorship candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, said his decision to contest the Lagos governorship election was driven by the desire to “put things right in Lagos State.”
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NANTA returns Folami unopposed as President 

Gloria Odion, Reporter
Mr. Yinka Folami has been returned unopposed as President of the National Association of Nigerian Travel Agencies(NANTA) for another two-year term, consolidating his leadership of the country’s foremost travel trade body.
The election, held at the Conference Hall of the University of Ibadan, attracted members from across the country and featured a mix of contested and uncontested positions, reflecting both continuity and competition within the association.
In the most keenly contested race, Mohammed Mustapha from the northern zone emerged as First Deputy National Vice President, securing 216 votes to defeat  Pastor Chinyere Umeasiegbu, who polled 146 votes in a closely watched ballot.
Similarly, the position of National Public Relations Officer saw a competitive showdown, with Babatunde Adesokan clinching victory with 210 votes, defeating Gideon Olubayo.
 Adesokan, who previously served as Immediate Vice President for the South West Zone, defeated Gideon Oludayo, who garnered 150 votes.
Other positions, including that of Financial Secretary, kunle Oluwole were filled unopposed, while the office of Internal Auditor ( Johnson ugochukwu) was not due for election during the exercise.
The outcome of the polls is expected to strengthen the leadership structure of NANTA as it continues to play a critical role in shaping Nigeria’s travel and tourism industry, as well as advancing professional standards among its members.
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