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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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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.
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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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JAMB arrests 2 UTME candidates, parent for result falsification 

– releases 632,788 results from day one of 2026 UTME
Gloria Odion,  Reporter
The Joint Admission and Matriculation Board, (JAMB) said it has arrested two candidates and one parent for engaging in result falsification, using AI and other electronic means.
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“Such actions constitute a serious criminal offence. The Board treats such misconduct with the utmost gravity.
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Hope rises for stable power as Tinubu approves N3.3 trillion payment plan to stabilise electricity supply

Funso OLOJO Editor 
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“What this means for Nigerians: With payments reaching the power value chain, generation will be more stable. With power plants supported, electricity reliability will improve.
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“This programme is not just about settling legacy debts. It is about restoring confidence across the power sector — ensuring gas suppliers are paid, power plants can keep running, and the system begins to work more reliably,” explained Olu Arowolo-Verheijen, Special Adviser on Energy to President Tinubu.
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Nigeria has been in the vice grip of epileptic power supply due to debt dispute between the Federal government and the electricity vendors who claimed the government was owing them a huge amount of money, attributing the dip in power generation to lack of gas supply to the power plants as they were owing the supplies of gas.
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