The unemployment rate in Nigeria rose by 0.8% in the third quarter of 2023 am according to the National Bureau of Statistics, this was a significant rise, adding that the unemployment rate rose from the 4.2% recorded in Q2 2023 to 5.0% in Q3 2023.
The NBS, the custodian of official statistics in the country, disclosed this in a report it published on Monday titled ‘Nigeria Labor Force Survey Q3 2023’
“The employment-to-population ratio was 75.6% in Q3 2023 with a decrease of 1.5% compared to a ratio of Q2 2023. The combined rate of unemployment and time-related underemployment as a share of the labor force population (LU2) increased to 17.3% in Q3 2023 from 15.5% in Q2 2023.
“About 87.3% of workers were self-employed in Q3 2023.
“The proportion of workers in Wage Employment in Q3 2023 was 12.7%.
“The unemployment rate increased significantly in Q3 2023 at 5.0%. This is an increase of 0.8% from Q2 2023.
“The rate of unemployment among persons with post-secondary education was 7.8% in Q3 2023,” part of the report read.
It added that the unemployment rate for youth between the ages of 15 and 24 years was recorded at 8.6 per cent in Q3 2023 while the informal employment rate in Q3 2023 was 92.3 per cent. The report added, “The unemployment rate in urban areas was 6.0% in Q3 2023, a slight increase of 0.1% from Q2 2023.
“Time-related underemployment in Q3 2023 was 12.3%, showing a slight increase of 0.5% from the rate recorded in Q2 2023. This shows an increase of 1.4% compared to the rate in Q4 2022.
“4.1% of the working-age population was in subsistence agriculture in Q3 2023. Informal employment rate in Q3 2023 was 92.3%, while Q2 2023 was 92.7%.
“Percentage of youth Not in Employment, Education or Training was 13.7% in Q3 2023.”
Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have intercepted a large consignment of Loud, a synthetic strong strain of cannabis, concealed in giant loudspeakers tucked in a consolidated cargo imported from New York, United States of America.
A statement on Sunday by the spokesman of the anti-narcotics agency, Femi Babafemi, revealed that when the giant wooden boxes dressed as sound speakers seized by NDLEA officers at the NAHCO import shed of the Lagos airport, were opened, the sound boxes were stuffed with 60 bags of the expensive but highly sought-after psychoactive substance, Loud, weighing 33.5 kilogrammes.
Babafemi said at least, three suspects: a freight agent Akeem Afeez; logistics company manager Babalola Ayodeji Gboyega and the receiver of the consignment Taiwo Anuoluwapo have been arrested in follow-up operations between last Thursday and Friday, while Afeez was arrested at the airport, Gboyega was nabbed at his office on Allen Avenue Ikeja and Taiwo traced to his residence at 13 Ayo Babatunde Crescent, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos, where he was picked on Friday.
The spokesman of the anti-narcotics agency, said in Abia, a joint raid operation between the NDLEA and men of the State Homeland Security at 23 Arochukwu street, Umuahia around 11pm last Wednesday led to the arrest of a female lawyer, Adaobi Nweke, 36; her boyfriend, Emeka Nkemefola, 36; her mother, Mrs. Ngozi Nweke, 65; Dike Okpara, 43, who is herbalist to the family; Chukwudi Abel, 33, member of the family; Amarachi Paul, 18, another member of the family and their 22-year-old salesgirl, Blessing Jonathan.
He said investigations revealed that members of the family had long been in the illicit drug business passed on to them by their deceased father, Jonathan Nweke. He noted that recovered from them as at the time of their arrest include various quantities of cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, Loud, cannabis sativa and precursor chemical with a total weight of 1.67 kilogrammes as well as N578,400 monetary exhibit.
Babafemi also disclosed that an attempt by a 25-year-old Uber driver, Joshua Henry to deliver a consignment of 26.2 grammes of Loud picked in Abuja to a customer in Keffi, Nasarawa state last Monday was thwarted by NDLEA operatives who intercepted him. In the same vein, 54-year-old Dada Adedara was last Wednesday arrested at Dan Bare area of Kano State with 468 blocks of cannabis weighing 246.4 kilogrammes. Same day, operatives in Ogun state arrested the duo of Kafayat Junaid and Sakirat Osoanu with 13 kilogrammes cannabis sativa.
In Kogi state, a suspect, Charles Chike, 45, was arrested by NDLEA operatives in a hotel in Lokoja last Friday with 290 blocks of compressed cannabis weighing 116 kilogrammes. The exhibit was concealed in the boot of a blue Honda Accord car marked Abuja ABC 853 SL, which took off from somewhere in Ekiti state enroute Abuja. Not less than 227 kilogrammes of same substance was recovered from Atoshi camp, Emure -Ile, Owo local government area, Ondo State, while two suspects: John Jonathan and Emmanuel Alex were arrested.
The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Retd) while commending the officers and men of the MMIA, Abia, Nasarawa, Edo, Kogi, Kano, Ogun, Ondo and FCT commands of the agency for their outstanding feats in the past week, equally applauded their counterparts in all the commands across the country for intensifying their WADA advocacy lectures thus creating a fair balance between their drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction efforts.
In Enugu State, a bold proposal by Executive Governor Barr. Peter Mbah to establish ranching and abattoirs in select areas has stirred both commendation and controversy. While aimed at curbing alleged terroristic activities of Fulani nomads and cattle herders, some view it as a potential catalyst for future unrest. Emotions run high, fueled by decades of strife between farmers and herders, exemplified by the tragic Nimbo massacre of 2016. Despite skepticism, proponents argue for informed discourse, emphasizing the need for clarity on key terms like cattle ranching. In his analysis, Jude Eze confidently asserted that the proposal aligns with international best practices, focusing on sustainability, animal welfare, and effective pasture management. It also promises enhanced traceability and quality assurance in meat production. If executed effectively, the plan could not only mitigate conflicts but also boost revenue and tourism, offering a path towards a more secure and harmonious Enugu State.
In today’s fast-paced world, the significance of maintaining security and harmony within our communities cannot be overstated. The proposal put forth by the Executive Governor of Enugu State, His Excellency Barr. Peter Mbah, to establish ranching and abattoirs in select Local Government Areas, deserves careful consideration. From the government perspective, this initiative aims to mitigate the alleged terroristic activities of Fulani nomads and cattle herders, in the state, thereby fostering a safe environment for all citizens.
But this explanation did not sit well with a portion of the populace. In fact, it is still generating heated reactions among the people of the state. While many lauds the governor for his foresight, others condemn it as an invitation to future anarchy from the Fulani cattle breeders who had been wrecking havoc across the state and the country at large.
Some of the reactions are borne out of emotions, and it’s understandable considering the endemic strife and untold hostilities that defined Fulani cattle (breeders) herders vs farmers parasitic relationship over the last two decades.
But come to think of it, barely five hours down south beyond the neighborhood of Ebonyi State from Enugu lies the famous Obudu Cattle Ranch established established since 1949 and sustained till date. So why have Mbah’s policy proposal on similar project eliciting mixed reactions? The answer is the same as above. People are apprehensive of what the future holds for them if the implementation of such ‘lofty” idea goes south, especially when one remembers Nimbo massacre of March 2016.
But we must agree with the old Latin phrase that “abuse don’t stop use.” The fact that these Fulani marauders tend to abuse the hospitality of native population, should not suggest that establishing ranching as a way of keeping them in check must quashed. Not every governor wants to allow nomads unguarded space to continue their gory escapades. They have to be dammed. And Mbah is envisioning it through ranching that mimics the Obudu project.
Despite the differing opinions surrounding this proposal, it is crucial to have an informed discussions and robust debate around it. First let’s start by way of definition of terms.
What exactly is ranching in livestock management?
Cattle ranching is the practice of raising and managing cattle for meat and dairy production. International best practices for cattle ranching encompass various principles aimed at promoting sustainability, animal welfare, and environmental stewardship.
Some key principles of cattle ranching are: Land and Habitat Management in which Cattle ranchers adopt sustainable land management practices that prioritize soil health, carbon sequestration, and protection of natural habitats. This includes rotational grazing, reforestation efforts, water conservation, and minimizing deforestation for pasture expansion.
Cattle ranching also prioritizes the welfare of the animals. This involves providing access to clean water, sufficient feed, shelter, and appropriate veterinary care.
It also provides effective pasture management which is critical for sustainable cattle ranching. Rotational grazing methods that allow the land to fallow and regenerate are encouraged. This helps prevent overgrazing, soil erosion, and degradation while maintaining a balanced ecosystem.
This plan by government will also enhance livestock traceability and quality assurance management in dairy and meat production which are major benefits of cattle ranching. The ability to track the origin and movement of animals, as well as ensuring hygiene and food safety standards throughout the production chain, helps build consumer trust and facilitates market access.
Feelers from government House indicates they are scaling up a skilled and knowledgeable workforce that will ensure sustenance in line with international best practices. It will map out a scheme for ranchers, farm managers, and animal caretakers, covering topics such as animal husbandry, land management, disease control, and sustainable practices etc.
So in overall analysis, by proposing the establishment of a state-controlled ranching and abattoirs, Mbah acknowledges the urgent need to protect the lives and property of Ndi Enugu, as he promised during electioneering campaign. This proposal would restrict the nomadic movement of cattle herders and effectively curtail their potential for wanton destruction of crops. By harnessing the power of ranching, the Governor offers a proactive solution that can help prevent conflicts, mitigate damages, and enhance overall security surveillance within the state.
Everyone knows that Enugu is a gateway state to the north, with sporadic border encroachment especially at the Isi-Uzo and Uzo Uwani LGAs axis.
One of the crucial aspects of the proposed policy is the regulation and control of meat production. It would provide a well-organized process for the production and distribution of meat, ensuring high hygiene standards and quality assurance. Thus, reducing the current rampart incidents of zoonotic human diseases. In the words of one of the founding fathers of America — Benjamin Franklin: “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” By centralizing the meat production process, the government can implement stringent regulations, ensuring that only healthy and safe meat reaches the market. Consequently, this not only guarantees the well-being of consumers but also protects local farmers from unregulated competition.
Moreso, the clashes between herders and farmers have been a significant cause of tension and unrest within communities across the state, leading to avoidable loss of lives and property. Through the establishment of ranching and abattoirs, Governor Mbah seek to address this contentious issue. By confining cattle to designated areas, the risk of accidental trespass and subsequent conflicts with farmers will be mitigated. “Peace can only last where human rights are respected, where people are fed, and where individuals and nations are free” so said Dalai Lama
This measure seeks to foster mutual understanding, promote peaceful coexistence, and lay the foundations for a more harmonious society.
If implemented in its ideal sense, Gov. Mbah’s proposal is a wise step towards ensuring the security and prosperity of Enugu State. By implementing this policy, the government empowers itself to control the activities of Fulani nomads and cattle herders, while simultaneously protecting the lives and property of its citizens. Moreover, if well executed according to plans, the Ranch would be a vital source of revenue for the state, as not only will the breeders and rearers pay tax tariff for the services they enjoy, but it would be a tourism attraction as well.
So, as we embrace this prudent policy, we can move forward together, creating a more secure, prosperous, and harmonious Enugu State.
In the words of John F. Kennedy, “The time to repair the roof is when the sun is shining.” Perhaps there is need to give Governor Mbah the benefit of doubt, and accord the proposal chance, as a proactive measure to ensure the safeguarding of lives, the effective regulation of meat production, and the fostering of harmony between herders and farmers.
A Nigerian-born London-trained Robotics, Artificial Intelligence and Software Engineer, Chinemelu Ezeh, has hinted about his ongoing effort to leverage the advantages of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in helping to solve the problems in Nigeria’s financial, health, and security sectors, among others,
Ezeh, with a first class Master of Engineering in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from Imperial College, London, and Doctor of Philosophy in Assistive Robotics from the university College, London, said during a media briefing in Abuja that AI could do human activities better.
Ezeh said with the deployment of AI, deficiencies in financial services could be addressed, adding that it could also be deployed in bolstering security and health sectors of the nation’s economy.
He said that the use of drones and other AI components at tracking subjects and objects in securing the nation’s borders and other critical national assets and other areas was a great possibility.
“Nigeria is perfectly suitable for AI. In healthcare, we can have one doctor to 5000 patients. One doctor can serve a lot of people using AI,” Ezeh stated, adding that “AI is going to change the nature of competition around the world.”
He said that AI already existed in Nigeria and was growing at an exponential rate. He explained that it required those who were good in Mathematics.
Ezeh said that “in AI, you do not need a lot of infrastructure…a lot of data gathering” with the potential for creative disruptions.
He said that in addition to drive down costs, AI would force people to justify the values they were bringing to their jobs.
He, however, expressed fears of probable human interference in the deployment of AI especially in the financial accountability, stressing people-centric problem in Nigeria.
He said that Technology was a tool to be used by people, stressing, “We need good leadership and champions for AI to work. We should hold people accountable for what they do. Leadership matters. AI’s workability in the financial sector will depend on leadership commitment.”
Ezeh disclosed that the group he leads was looking for collaborations on the AI initiative, pointing out that “I am in talks with some schools like the Nile University. I have people who already have the blueprint for education. I am going to have discussions with more universities.”
Ezeh, who was until May 2023 Senior Software Engineer and Team Lead, Motion Planning at Oxbotica, Oxford, Uk, was responsibile for a tam of ten people to develop motion planning solutions for autonomous motion of any mobile vehicle with a focus on optimising for low latency and low computing resource use.
He had, among others, contributed to a series C funding of $140m as a result of deploying several features such as overtaking cyclists and emergency braking by setting execution priorities, coaching team, removing rod blocks, and keeping stakeholders
About 60 members of the House of Representatives are currently seeking amendments to the 1999 Constitution to transition from the current presidential system to the parliamentary system of government.
Led by a lawmaker representing Lagos State under the All Progressives Congress, Wale Raji, the lawmakers identified the need for reducing the cost of government, and robust policy debates among others as some of the reasons for demanding a return to the parliamentary system.
Titled, ‘The Bills proposing constitutional alterations for a transition to parliamentary system of government,’ the bill was sponsored by the House Minority Leader, Kingsley Chinda, and 59 others and read for the first time on the floor of the House during Wednesday’s plenary session in Abuja.
The lawmakers – drawn from different party affiliations, anchored their positions on the need to adopt a parliamentary system at the Federal, State and Local Government levels.
Addressing a press conference at the National Assembly Complex on Wednesday, the spokesman for the sponsors and member representing Kebbe/Tambuwal Constituency, Sokoto State, Abdulssamad Dasuki said that when passed, it would significantly impact the national political landscape.
He said, “Our founders in their wisdom and in a political atmosphere devoid of compulsion, and having considered the interests of their native peoples and their desire to live together in a country where truth and justice reign, where no man is oppressed, and where all citizens live in peace and plenty, adopted the parliamentary system of government.
“That was the governance system of the First Republic, a period when legislative and executive powers were exercised by the representatives of the people in parliament and in the executive, and by the nature of the system, these representatives were accountable to the people.
“For six years while it was in operation, the system worked for the country.”
He added, “The collapse of the First Republic and the long stretch of military rule culminated in the adoption of a new system of government, theoretically fashioned after the presidential system of the United States but in practice, imbibed the uttermost attributes of military rule.
“No wonder the Nigerian President appears to be one of the most powerful presidents in the world.
“Over the years, the imperfections of the presidential system of government have become glaring to all, despite several alterations to the constitution to address the shortcomings of a system that has denied the nation the opportunity of attaining its full potential.
“Among these imperfections are the high cost of governance, leaving fewer resources for crucial areas like infrastructure, education, and healthcare, and consequently hindering the nation’s development progress, and the excessive powers vested in the members of executive, who are appointees and not directly accountable to the people.
“The bills presented today (Wednesday) seek a return to the system of government adopted by our founders, which made governance accountable, responsible and responsive, and ultimately less expensive.”
Following the presentation of the bills, the lawmakers said they intend to “ignite, provoke a national conversation about the future of the Nigerian governance system, ensure robust public debates, stakeholder consultations, expert analyses, and a thorough and informed decision-making process and raise awareness about this significant development and encourage constructive dialogue on the potential implications of these proposed constitutional alterations.”
While noting that the future of Nigeria’s governance rests on informed public engagement and responsive and responsible leadership, the sponsors of the bill noted that under the parliamentary system, the President will be replaced with a Prime Minister to serve as the Head of Government and establishing the office of the President as a ceremonial leader, stressing that “these elective offices are to be chosen from the elected members of the legislature.”
Legislative elections
Dasuki added that under legislative election, there would be a shift “in the process of electing governors and Chairmen of Local Governments from general election to voting within their respective legislative bodies.”
Streamlined administration
The parliamentary system, according to Dasuki, will potentially reduce “bureaucratic hurdles and foster closer collaboration between the executive and legislative branches.
“Our conviction is that a streamlined executive branch, which replaces the President and Vice President with a Prime Minister and Cabinet chosen from the legislature, could lead to a smaller central government, reducing salaries and administrative expenses.
“We also hold strongly that shifting the election of Governors and Local Government Chairmen from general election to votes within their respective legislative bodies could save billions spent on state and nationwide campaigns.
“Because ministers, commissioners (at the state level) and supervisors (at the local government level) emerge from parliament, there is greater coordination between the executive and the legislature, just as there will be increased legislative scrutiny, which would make cabinet members responsive to the yearnings of the people and more accountable.”
Conclusively, the lawmakers said as proponents of the constitutional alteration, they place national interest above any other consideration.
“Our hope is that the national conversation that would be ignited by these bills would lead to a system of government that works and our dear nation would attain her full potential,” they stated.
Leader of the sponsors of the bill and the lawmaker representing Epe Federal Constituency, Lagos State, Wale Raji, said though the road to the actualisation of the bid is a fairly long one, he noted that they hope to achieve their dream at a date not later than 2031.
BVI Channel 1 was reliably informed that the legal action instituted by the Elders of Indigenous people of Biafra will soon commence in Appeal Court, Enugu. In a letter dated 13th February,2024 addressed to Deputy Chief Registrar ,Court of Appeal ,Enugu Division, the Customary Government of Biafra(Appellant) through Mekadolf Chambers notified the court of her readiness to continue with the appeal against Federal Republic of Nigeria and Attorney General of the Federation ( Respondents) ,Gowon and others on a case pertaining unresolved issues between Biafra and Nigeria
Federal high court in Enugu had sometimes in 2020 dismissed the suit no FHC/EN/CS/103/2019. The decision of the Honorable Judge in federal High Court was later appealed by The Customary Government of Biafra through Mekadolf Chambers in Appeal no CA/E/96/2020.
They have killed so many important people and Christians and Nigerians moved on as if nothing was wrong . Nigeria is evil entity , there is evil power struggle in Nigeria with the ordinary people being used as pawn in political chess game . We should play smart always .
When Goodluck became president after YarAdua Jnr died in 2010, he picked Namadi Sambo who was then Governor of Kaduna state to be vice president.
As governor of Kaduna state Namadi Sambo chose Patrick Yakowa as his Deputy Governor. Naturally when Namadi Sambo became VP, Yakowa became Governor of Kaduna State. He was the first Christian to be Governor of Kaduna state, civilian or military.
It was not acceptable to the evil owners of Nigerian. They did not forgive Namadi Sambo or Yakowa.
They made sure that after being VP, Namadi Sambo never became anything else in Nigeria and they ensured that Yakowa did not leave office alive.
When Colonel Ayuba was made military Governor of Kaduna by military President, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, Ayuba had to convert from Christianity to Islam before they allowed him to be Governor of Kaduna state.
After Yakowa completed Sambo’s tenure and contested in 2011, the evil men were determined to ensure that Yakowa was removed. They directed their street boys to rise up and cause trouble to remove Yakowa even before the election.
Unfortunately for them, one John Haruna was CP Kaduna. He was also determined to ensure that lawless people did not seize Kaduna. He got approval to deal with the street boys and he did.
Yakowa was elected. Goodluck was also elected in 2011. Gen Aziza became National Security Adviser and John Haruna became DIG operations, the most powerful DIG in the police.
The Fulani problems in Plateau State began to intensify around that time and Boko Haram began their trouble and Haruna was in the forefront of fighting them under General Aziza.
The day he died he took off in a police helicopter enroute to Jos with his traditional AK 47 by his side. The helicopter blew up shortly after take off. No report of any enquiry on it was ever published.
Shortly thereafter one Oronto Douglas lost his father. Oronto was a special adviser to Goodluck Jonathan who followed Goodluck from bayelsa.
Yakowa traveled in Aziza’s military helicopter to attend that burial in a village in Bayelsa state.
After the burial they took off in the helicopter to return to Abuja. The helicopter blew up shortly after take off.
Amaechi reported on national TV that eye witness told him the helicopter did not crash but blew up in the sky.
These guys removed Yakowa, General Aziza and DIG Haruna in a short movement and Goodluck Jonathan did nothing.
He kept quiet when the two most important security men he had in his security architecture were eliminated mysteriously while Boko Haram was gathering all the weapons left behind in the war in Libya to wage war in nigeria and Buhari, El-Rufai and Tinubu were busy arranging Fulani fighters into Nigeria to use to remove good luck; the man sat in Aso Rock cavorting with loose people.
They surrounded him with Boko Haram and Fulani fighters expelled from central Africa republic, some from Senegal, Mauritania, mali and North Africa.
Goodluck did nothing even though he knew that trouble was coming until Buhari won and APC admitted their role in importing Fulani killers to occupy Nigerian aboriginal land as openly confessed by APC’s National Chairman then, Alhaji Baraje.
Even when General Attahiru became Chief Of Army Staff in the army he was determined to end Boko Haram. He had a blue print which he designed to end the madness. They knew that without Boko Haram they would not steal the money they stole from govt as security allocation.
They killed him before he could take one step by blowing up his plane. Till date no public report of what caused that crash.
Nigeria lost these security experts and their vehicles as if nothing occured.
Also, we just went on as if nothing happened!
Wonderful People. Wonderful Nation!
The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has dismissed recent claims that it plans to tax online content creators.
According to a staff members of the agency who spoke on condition of anonymity, skit makers are individuals who do not fall within the purview of the FIRS.
“FIRS does not tax Personal Income Tax, states governments do. FIRS collects Company Income Tax. Only those who are corporate names and earn profit of N25 million and more are required to pay tax,’’ the source said.
Recall that a section of the media recently quoted the FIRS as saying that media content creators and influencers constituted a major block of tax evaders.
Meanwhile, the FIRS recently unveiled a new structure to improve the country’s tax administration.
Its Executive Chairman, Zach Adedeji, said the structure was in pursuit of a more efficient and contemporary tax administration methodology.
He said the agency was embracing an integrated tax approach, leveraging technology at every step.
“This approach positions FIRS at the forefront of innovation, ensuring that we meet the evolving needs of our taxpayers in a rapidly changing world.
“The structure advocates a comprehensive approach to taxpayer services, consolidating our core functions and support under one umbrella.
“By tailoring our services to specific taxpayer segments, we aim to simplify the taxpayer experience.
“No more complexities, no more overlaps, just a seamless and user-friendly interaction for every taxpayer,” he said.
He said the move would shift the agency away from traditional tax categorisation.
The federal government of Nigeria through the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has joined investigation of the helicopter crash which killed Mr. Herbert Wigwe Group CEO of Access Holdings and five others in the United States, on Friday night.
The ill-fated Airbus Helicopter EC130B4 occurred on Friday, February 9, 2024, at about 10:08 PM. (Pacific Standard Time) near Interstate 15 in Halloran Springs, California.
Former Chairman of the Nigerian Exchange Group, Mr. Abimbola Ogunbanjo, Mr. Wigwe’s wife, Chizoba and son, Chizzy, also died in the crash.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) of the United States has already commenced investigation into the incident.
However, the Nigerian arm of NTSB, NSIB, speaking through Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mrs Bimbo Olawunmi Oladeji, said it has offered its full cooperation to the NTSB in the investigation of the tragic crash.
Oladeji said the Director General of the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau, Captain Alex Badeh, established contact with NTSB, in accordance with Chapter 5 subsection 27 of ICAO’s Annex 13 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation – Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation, which grants a State (nation) special interest in an accident involving its citizens.
The section reads: “A State which has a special interest in an accident by virtue of fatalities or serious injuries to its citizens shall be entitled to appoint an expert who shall be entitled to:
a. visit the scene of the accident;
b. have access to the relevant information which is approved for public release by the State conducting the investigation, and information on the progress of the investigation; and
c. receive a copy of the Final Report.”
NSIB is the multimodal transport agency in Nigeria responsible for promoting transport safety and conducting objective and thorough, investigations into transport accidents.
Similarly, the NTSB is the counterpart agency in the United States charged with fulfilling the same function as the NSIB.
The NSIB statement confirmed that the ill-fated helicopter, operated by Orbic Air, LLC as a Part 135 charter flight, departed from Palm Springs, California, at 8:45 p.m. PST, en route to Boulder City, Nevada, quoting Michael Graham, a board member of the National Transportation Safety Board, during a news conference on Saturday.
It said, “Regrettably, the United States authorities have now confirmed that everyone onboard the aircraft lost their lives in the crash.
In his post-match press conference, Super Eagles head coach Jose Peseiro addressed several factors that he believed contributed to the 2-1 defeat suffered by the Nigerian national team in the final of the 34th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday.
Following a series of solid performances in the build-up to the final at Stade Alassane Ouattara, Ebimpe, many tipped the Super Eagles to win a fourth AFCON title in Abidjan.
However, that was not the case as the hosts came from a goal down to secure a 2-1 victory that earned them their third AFCON title following earlier successes in 1992 and 2015.
Bad day at the office
Reflecting on what turned out to be a disappointing final, Peseiro told reporters in Ebimpe that the Super Eagles, among other things, were nervous.
Cote d’Ivoire were the main favourites for this tournament; they have very good players, wingers, and very fast wingers. Quality wingers in attack, they are a good team but they were almost out, I don’t know if that situation did change the pressure. They were fantastic; they didn’t play with pressure, and they didn’t feel nervous, but on the opposite, my players, my team felt nervous more than their opponents.”
Peseiro also admitted the Super Eagles lost too many balls, which was evident in the final tally of 61 per cent to 39 per cent ball possession in favour of the Elephants.
“We lose many balls; I don’t know why; I don’t think my players were comfortable today. From the back, we lose too many balls, and with that, you allow the opponent to create many chances, and they attack and attack.”
Despite the shortfalls highlighted, Peseiro insists his players deserve to be praised for how far they came and how they gave their best shot at winning the 2023 AFCON tournament.
