‘Name Ilorin Airport After Saraki’

Published

14 years ago

November 23, 2012

The Senate on Tuesday urged the Federal Government to rename the Ilorin International Airport after Second Republic Senate Leader, Senator Olusola Saraki.

The Senate also resolved to send a high powered delegation to condole with his family, the government and people of Kwara State.

The Senate’s resolution followed a motion moved by the Senate Leader, Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba and seconded by Senator Simeon Ajibola on the demise of Saraki.

Ndoma- Egba noted that Saraki’s negotiating skill helped to achieve the consensus witnessed in the Senate during the Second Republic.

“His negotiating skills made him easily the most powerful individual in the Senate of that Republic.

“His charismatic personality defined the office of the Senate Leader and gave it character.

“Many years after he left office, he remains easily the best and most known Senate Leader

In his contribution, Senator Abdul Ningi described Saraki’s sense of philanthropy as “legendary.’’

“I’ve not known any political leader as the Oloye, who developed a capacity for giving.

“I think it would be very difficult to find anybody to replace Saraki in the mind of his people,’’ he said.

Also speaking,Senator James Manager said Saraki left an indelible footprint that was unmatched in the political history of Nigeria.

“The history of Nigerian politics would not be complete if no mention is made about Oloye.

“He was visibly the most popular politician to have come from that part of the country, ‘’ he added.

Similarly, Senator Danjuma Goje urged Nigerian leaders to emulate his spirit of generosity.

“He used his resources and connections to touch the lives of Kwara people and Nigerians.

“That’s how leaders should live their lives by using their resources to benefit the masses,’’ he said.

Also, Senator Chris Anyanwu described the late Saraki as a ‘master negotiator’ whose approach to politics was worthy of emulation by politicians.

“He was one of the most effective politicians with a fine approach to politics. He is a politician that all of us should adopt as a role model.

“He liked to negotiate and douse the tension, thereby making sure there was consensus in the Upper Chamber, ‘’ she said.

Senator Chris Ngige said beyond politics, Saraki also contributed immensely to the growth of the medical profession in Nigeria.

“Saraki saw politics as a hobby while his focus always remained on the pursuit of his medical practice. We should ask the Federal Government to name a monument after him.’’

Senator Sola Adeyeye said he has great respect for Saraki’s exemplary sense of honesty and tolerance.

“Saraki exemplified the truth that there are good people in every part of the country.

“He came from a devout Islamic background but married a Christian woman and did not force her to convert to Islam, ‘’ he stressed.

Senator Simeon Ajibola said the late Saraki was a great manager of crises who accorded respect to all persons irrespective of their age.

“He was a great manager of crisis who used his charismatic personality to resolve political and family squabbles.’’

In his tribute, the Senate President, Senator David Mark said there were many lessons to learn from the life of the late former Senate Leader.

He urged Nigerian leaders to lead lives that would earn them the goodwill of the ordinary people even after they were dead.

“The late Saraki is a man who touched the lives of so many people in this country. The volume of people streaming to Ilorin to pay their respects is unquantifiable.

“It only shows what will happen when you live a good life and die for the interest of the ordinary people.

“He was compassionate, he was simple and he was honest in his dealings.

“If we all live the way Saraki did, the intolerance that we see in this country will be history.

He then named the Senate Leader, Victor Ndoma-Egba as the leader of a 13-member Senate delegation to condole with the family of the late Saraki.

Togo Govt Scraps It’s Visa Requirements For All African Countries

Published

2 months ago

May 27, 2026

The Tide

The Togolese government has scrapped visa requirements for nationals of all African countries, effective May 18, 2026, meaning Nigerians with valid passports can now enter the country without applying for visa in advance.

African travellers can now stay in Togo visa-free for up to 30 days counting from May 18, 2026.

Visitors must still complete an online pre-arrival registration before entering the country.

The announcement came via the official X handle of Togo’s Ministry of Security, signed by the ministry’s head, Colonel Calixte Batossie Madjoulba.

Under the new policy, eligible African travellers can stay in Togo for up to 30 days without a visa, with the government describing the move as a commitment to Pan-African ideals and regional integration.

Government based the decision within a wider Pan-African agenda, stating that it reaffirms Togo’s attachment to “Pan-African ideals, continental solidarity, and community and African commitments, relating to mobility and regional integration.”

Togo also positioned the move as part of an agenda of “openness, modernisation, and attractiveness” aimed at making the country “a regional hub for services, business, culture, and human exchanges at the heart of Africa.”

There is, however, one step travellers cannot skip. Before arrival, visitors must register on the Togolese government’s official travel portal at voyage.gouv.tg at least 24 hours before reaching the border.

Nigerians can now travel to Togo without applying for a visa in advance.

The registration generates a travel slip that must be presented at entry points across land, air, and sea. The government has been clear that this pre-arrival formality remains mandatory regardless of the visa exemption.

Beyond the registration requirement, standard entry conditions still apply. Security checks, immigration screening, and public health requirements remain in place, and the waiver does not protect travellers who overstay or enter irregularly.

All border agencies have been directed to implement the new policy immediately.

Togo’s decision is part of a broader continental shift. Across Africa, more governments are moving to ease intra-African travel in alignment with the African Continental Free Trade Area’s vision of freer movement of people and goods.

Togo is now among the more accessible West African destinations for Nigerian travellers, a short trip that previously required advance visa processing and now requires nothing more than a passport and a quick online registration the day before you fly.

Aviation

Egypt Flight Moves To Prevent Explosion —- Diverts London Flight To Rome

Published

2 months ago

May 27, 2026

The Tide

An EasyJet flight from Egypt to London was diverted to Rome after a passenger was found with a power bank in checked luggage.

The airline said the diversion was made as a safety precaution due to regulations surrounding lithium-ion batteries.

Passengers landed safely in Rome and were provided accommodation and refreshments after the delay.

The aircraft, operating flight EZY2618 from Hurghada to London Luton, made an unscheduled landing at Rome Fiumicino Airport last Tuesday evening as a precautionary safety measure.

According to the airline, the decision to divert was taken after a passenger informed cabin crew that the portable charger was inside luggage stored in the aircraft’s hold.

Although no fire or malfunction was reported, lithium-ion batteries found in power banks are considered a significant safety risk on aircraft due to the possibility of overheating or catching fire.

Flight tracking data showed the plane cruising at approximately 36,000 feet over the Adriatic Sea before suddenly changing course and heading towards Rome, where it landed safely about 20 minutes later.

Passengers reportedly disembarked without incident, while the flight was rescheduled for the following day.

In a statement, EasyJet apologised for the disruption and said the diversion was carried out in accordance with aviation safety regulations.

“The safety of passengers and crew is our highest priority,” the airline said, adding that hotel accommodation, meals, and refreshments were provided for affected travellers.

“EasyJet’s policies state that power banks are only permitted in cabin baggage and must not be stored in checked luggage.

The airline also prohibits passengers from using power banks to charge devices during flights.

The incident comes as airlines around the world continue tightening restrictions on portable chargers and lithium battery devices amid growing concerns over onboard fire hazards linked to overheating batteries.

Aviation

Delta At 20: Delta Airline Expands Travel Access Ahead 2026 World Cup

Published

2 months ago

May 27, 2026

The Tide

Delta Air Lines has announced a range of travel solutions aimed at easing the journey for Ghanaian football fans planning to attend the 2026 FIFA World Cup across the United States and North America.

The announcement was made during an event in Accra marking the airline’s 20th anniversary in Ghana, as company officials highlighted plans to work closely with local travel agencies to ensure that fans can access tickets and travel packages well in advance for the global tournament.

According to Delta’s Managing Director for International and Specialty Sales, Rob LeBel, the airline is introducing flexible options tailored to different travel needs.

These include individual ticket purchases, discounted group packages for parties of ten or more, and charter services for larger groups.

He explained that the collaboration with travel agencies would also focus on educating customers about the best ways to secure flights during the expected surge in demand.

To expand travel routes, Delta is leveraging its partnership with European carrier KLM, offering passengers alternative connections through Europe when direct routes are fully booked.

The airline believes the upcoming tournament presents a major opportunity to strengthen travel ties between Ghana and North America, particularly as interest among football fans continues to grow.