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NCPC Assures Pilgrims Of Quality Aircraft
The Executive Secretary of
the Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), Mr John-Kennedy Opara, says the commission will not compromise quality in the selection of aircraft for the transportation of pilgrims for the 2012 pilgrimage.
Opara said this during an interactive session with newsmen on the preparation of the commission for the 2012 exercise in Abuja on Thursday.
He said that the commission was aware of the fears nursed in some quarters over the safety of air transportation in the country, assuring that only the best aircrafts would be used for the 2012 exercise.
The executive secretary said that only aircrafts that measured up to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) standards would be approved for the transportation of pilgrims for the exercise.
“On the Dana Air crash, I want to say, most Christians have expressed fear, I know it’s just normal, but one thing I know is that it is not going to affect our operation in any way.
“I want to tell you that for the Christian pilgrimage operation, we have always treaded on the part of caution; we always make sure that the aircraft that we use is the best we can get in the market at the time of the operation
“So we are also going to go that extra mile to ensure that any aircraft that we are going to use will be the best that we can get in the market and of IATA standard; so we can assure our people that they need not to be afraid of anything.”
Opara allayed fears that recent developments in the aviation industry would affect the operation of pilgrimage in 2012.
He said that the present administration could not afford to jeopardise the lives of intending pilgrims, hence its insistence on the best carriers for the exercise.
Opara called on intending pilgrims not to exercise fear as the commission was poised to ensure that the approved air and ground carriers complied with the best safety standards.
On the issue of Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) between Nigeria and the State of Israel, Opara said that a position would be reached before the commencement of the 2012 exercise.
He said that discussions between aviation and foreign affairs officials of both countries had reached advanced stage.
On insinuations that the government’s participation in Christian pilgrimage was a wasteful venture, Opara said that government had to intervene because of the large number of people involved.
He explained that it was inconceivable for such a large number of people to individually negotiate with foreign authorities on issues relating to their entry and exit from such countries.
Opara debunked claims that the Federal Government was involved in the direct sponsorship of Christian pilgrims to the holy land.
He said that the Federal Government only participated in providing medical and consular support services for pilgrims while in the holy land, hence its involvement in the exercise.
Opara said that the present management of the commission had in the past two years intensified the campaign for private sponsorship of pilgrimage in the country.
President Bola Tinubu has expressed confidence that the country would win the fight against insecurity.
The President gave the assurance at the Argungu International Fishing Festival in Argungu town, Kebbi State, on Saturday.
He noted that the relative peace currently being enjoyed in Kebbi and neighbouring states was the result of sustained investments in security intelligence, coordination among security agencies, and community engagement.
Tinubu assured farmers and fishermen of sustained federal support to guarantee food security and safety across the country.
“The peace we are witnessing today is not accidental. It is the outcome of deliberate and sustained efforts. I assure you that the fight against banditry, insurgency, and insecurity will be won.
“Our farmers, fishermen, traders, and families will go about their lawful activities without fear,” he assured.
The President commended the organisers of the festival for sustaining the cultural event for decades, noting that it had endured for 83 years despite social and security challenges.
Describing the Argungu festival as a powerful symbol of unity, resilience, and peaceful coexistence, Tinubu stated that it reflects the richness of the country’s culture and the opportunities to harness its natural and human resources for national growth.
He said, “Today, this festival stands as a powerful symbol of unity, resilience, and peaceful coexistence among our people.
“It reflects the richness of our culture, the strength of our traditions, and the opportunities inherent in harnessing our natural and human resources for national development.”
The President was received by a large crowd of residents, traditional rulers, fishermen, tourists, and government officials from across the country.
The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to youth and women empowerment, irrigation development, rural electrification, and agricultural productivity.
Earlier, the Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, said his administration was determined to elevate the Argungu Fishing Festival to full international standards while pursuing aggressive development across critical sectors of the state.
The United States Embassy in Abuja and the Consulate General in Lagos will be closed today, in observance of Presidents’ Day.
The mission made this known in a notice shared on its official X page, yesterday.
“The U.S. Embassy in Abuja and the Consulate General in Lagos will be closed on Monday, February 16, 2026, in observance of Presidents’ Day,” the post read.
According to the embassy, Presidents’ Day was originally established to honour the birthday of the former US President, George Washington, but has evolved into a day to celebrate all U.S. presidents and their leadership in shaping the country’s history.
The embassy noted that the holiday also recognises the influence of U.S. presidents on global affairs.
In a related message, the mission highlighted that Washington created the first “Badge of Military Merit,” which later became the Purple Heart. The medal still bears Washington’s image today.
Presidents’ Day is observed on the third Monday of February annually in the United States as a federal holiday.
News
Guterres Backs Nigeria’s Bid For UN Security Council Seat …Hails Tinubu’s Reforms, Regional Security Role
United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, has charged Nigeria with spearheading Africa’s quest for a restructured global order, describing the country as uniquely positioned to lead the continent toward superpower status.
Guterres, who backed Nigeria’s bid for the world body’s security council seat, also praised the economic reforms of the President Bola Tinubu-led administration as well as Nigeria’s leadership in stabilising the Sahel and ECOWAS regions, despite facing its own security challenges.
The UN scribe made the remarks last Friday night during a high-level bilateral meeting with Vice President Kashim Shettima on the sidelines of the 39th African Union (AU) Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Speaking during the meeting, Guterres said Nigeria’s large population, sustained democratic governance, vast natural and human resources, and longstanding commitment to multilateralism placed it in a unique position to lead Africa in the evolving global order.
“Given Nigeria’s demographic strength, democratic continuity and deep resource base, the country stands a real chance of leading Africa to becoming the next superpower in the evolving global architecture,” he said.
The UN Secretary-General and the vice president discussed key developments in Nigeria and the country’s expanding leadership role in promoting regional stability across West Africa and the Sahel.
Guterres commended the remarkable and outstanding reforms of the administration of President Tinubu, noting that Nigeria’s bold economic restructuring and security commitments have strengthened its continental standing.
The meeting focused on strengthening Nigeria–UN collaboration to advance global economic growth, peace and security, sustainable development, and a coordinated humanitarian response across Africa.
In his remarks, Shettima thanked the UN Secretary-General for his leadership in advancing global peace, noting that Africa has benefited immensely from his tenure, even as the United Nations undergoes internal restructuring.
“We remain committed to multilateralism and to deepening our partnerships with the United Nations and other global institutions,” the vice president said.
Shettima also reiterated Nigeria’s longstanding call for comprehensive reform of the United Nations system to reflect evolving global realities.
He emphasised that Africa must have stronger representation in global decision-making structures and declared that Nigeria deserves a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council.
Both leaders pledged to deepen cooperation, with Guterres reaffirming the UN’s support for Nigeria’s reform agenda and its growing leadership role in advancing peace, security, and development across Africa.