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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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Oyebamiji decries stagnated development in Osun state despite N17bn monthly federal allocation

Says no political ambition is worth the blood of any citizen

Funso Olojo, Editor

The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the August 15th governorship election in Osun State, Asiwaju Bola Oyebamiji, has lamented what he described as the stagnation of development in the state despite receiving between ₦16 billion and ₦17 billion in monthly federal allocations.

Speaking during an interactive session with journalists in Osogbo on Sunday, August 2nd, 2026, Oyebamiji argued that Osun State has witnessed a significant increase in federal allocations since the inauguration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu but said residents have little to show for the huge inflow of funds.

He contrasted the performance of the current administration with previous APC-led governments in the state, insisting that the administrations of former governors Rauf Aregbesola and Adegboyega Oyetola delivered more impactful projects despite operating with far fewer financial resources.

“This state has been receiving between ₦16 billion and ₦17 billion monthly since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu came on board.

“What has this administration been doing with the money?” he asked.

“You can go around the capital city of Osogbo and across the entire state and you’ll barely find projects to justify these funds. The current administration has not held a single executive meeting since its inauguration”

Oyebamiji said effective governance requires broad participation, transparency and accountability, stressing that government exists to serve the people rather than political interests.

Drawing from management principles, he said successful administrations thrive on collective decision-making and shared ownership of development goals.

“In management, there is management by objectives, which means getting everyone involved. Running the government is for the people,” he said.

The APC candidate pledged that, if elected, his administration would prioritise security, citizens’ welfare, prudent management of public resources and people-centred development.

“According to him, restoring public confidence in government requires leaders who place the lives of citizens above politics and ensure that every public fund translates into visible improvements in the lives of the people.

He also declared that no political ambition or public office is worth the loss of a single life, stressing that the protection of lives and property would remain the cornerstone of his administration.

“There is no position that is worth killing a soul. The welfare of the people and the security of the people are the main variables in my governance. Every other thing is complementary,” he said.

Oyebamiji further promised to pursue an inclusive style of governance anchored on listening to citizens and responding to their unique needs rather than imposing policies from the top.

According to him, artisans, civil servants, traders, market women and other groups face different socio-economic challenges that require tailored government interventions.

“The needs of artisans are different from those of civil servants and marketers. Good leadership starts by understanding these needs and addressing them.

“We need to listen to these categories of people and run an inclusive government,” he added.

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Osun 2026:The shinning path of AMBO to electorial victory 

Funso Olojo, Editor 

As the clock ticks toward the August 15th, 2026 governorship election in Osun State, the political atmosphere has become charged with anticipation.

Across markets, palaces, campuses and community squares, one question echoes repeatedly: Can Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO) return the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Government House in Osogbo?

For Oyebamiji, the journey has been one of preparation, experience and political patience.

Having served as Commissioner for Finance in Osun State and later as Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), he has built a reputation among supporters as a technocrat with administrative experience.

His campaign has focused heavily on economic revival, infrastructure development, job creation and the implementation of what he calls the “Prosperity Agenda.”

The APC candidate also enters the race with significant institutional backing. The party has deployed a high-powered national campaign council, while senior party leaders have repeatedly described the Osun election as strategically important.

Party faithful believe this level of mobilisation could strengthen the APC’s grassroots efforts across the state’s 30 local government areas.

Beyond party structures, Oyebamiji has sought to connect directly with voters through extensive consultations with traditional rulers, artisans, traders, youth groups and religious organisations.

His campaign has projected him as a consensus builder capable of uniting diverse interests behind a common development agenda.

Yet, the road to victory is anything but straightforward.

Incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke remains a formidable opponent with the advantages of incumbency and an established political base.

Elections in Osun have historically been fiercely contested, and recent political history demonstrates that voter sentiment can shift rapidly during campaigns.

For Oyebamiji, several factors could shape his electoral fortunes:

The APC’s ability to maintain unity and mobilise supporters across the state.

The public’s assessment of his policy proposals compared with those of the incumbent.

Voter turnout, especially among young people and first-time voters.

The conduct of peaceful, credible and transparent elections by all stakeholders.

As election day approaches, political observers generally agree that the contest remains highly competitive.

While the APC believes Oyebamiji’s campaign momentum and broad endorsements could translate into electoral success, the final verdict belongs solely to the people of Osun State when they cast their votes on August 15.

In the end, democracy is not decided by campaign rallies, endorsements or political projections. It is decided by ballots.

If Oyebamiji succeeds in convincing enough voters that his vision offers a better future for Osun, he could emerge victorious.

The latest electorial poll recently conducted in Osun state suggests that Oyebamiji has a higher chance of becoming the next governor of the state with 65 percent poll forecast.

Until then, the story of Osun 2026 remains one of hope, intense competition and the enduring power of the people’s vote.

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Oyebamiji charges Christians to elect credible leaders, seeks good governance

Funso Olojo, Osogbo

The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, has urged Christians to play an active role in shaping good governance by electing leaders of integrity, competence and proven capacity to serve, rather than voting on the basis of sentiment.

Oyebamiji made the appeal on Sunday, August 2nd,2026 during a worship service at the Redeem Breakthrough Cathedral, Region 43 Headquarters of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Osogbo, where he also sought prayers for peaceful and credible governorship elections in the state.

The APC standard-bearer commended the General Overseer of the RCCG, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, for his steadfast spiritual leadership and unwavering commitment to biblical teachings, describing his ministry as one that has transformed countless lives in Nigeria and across the world.

He also praised the Regional Pastor, Pastor Matthew Oluyinka, for his dedication to the growth of the church and his service to the Christian community in Osogbo.

Expressing appreciation for the warm reception accorded him, Oyebamiji thanked God for His faithfulness over his life, family, Osun State and Nigeria.

Drawing from Proverbs 14:34, which says, “Righteousness exalts a nation,” he stressed that the Church has a crucial role in promoting good governance through prayers, civic engagement and the encouragement of responsible leadership.

“The responsibility of citizens does not end on election day. People must continue to demand accountability from elected leaders and ensure that public resources are deployed for the common good,” he said.

Referencing biblical figures such as Joseph, Daniel and King David, Oyebamiji noted that enduring leadership is founded on wisdom, integrity, justice and selfless service.

He assured the congregation that, if elected governor, his administration would be anchored on fairness, equity, justice and respect for all residents, irrespective of political, religious or ethnic affiliations.

“I have come to worship with you today, and I sincerely appreciate the warm reception I have received. If entrusted with the responsibility of governing Osun State, I will lead with fairness, equity and respect for all. I also humbly solicit your prayers for peaceful elections in our state,” he said.

The church visit is part of Oyebamiji’s ongoing consultations with faith-based organisations and other critical stakeholders as he intensifies his campaign ahead of the forthcoming Osun State governorship election.

Asiwaju Bola Oyebamiji team also worshipped at the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC,), Ibudo Asegun Parish, Osunjela, Oshogbo

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