Opinion

Addressing Air Travel Issues In Nigeria

Published

4 years ago

March 4, 2022

It is unfortunate that the face-off between the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, and Air Peace Airline is taking this turn. While the Emir through, his cousin and chief of protocol, Isa Bayero, has written to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), accusing the airline of disrespecting the Emir and, by extension, the people of Kano for not delaying a flight for the sake of the Emir and his entourage and has demanded a 72 hours published and personal apology by the Chief Executive Officer of Air Peace airline, Mr Allen Onyema, to the Emir and his Emirate, Air Peace management had denied the allegation of disrespect, saying that the decision not to halt an already fully booked, taxiing plane for up to 40 minutes was to protect the image of the Emir and the airline.
Knowing how tense the nation is at present and how gullible and unreasonable some Nigerians can be, we hope this issue does not degenerate into ethnic and religious squabbles. We need peace in Nigeria and the two contending parties should try and resolve this service provider/customer matters amicably as soon as possible in the interest of peace.
Having said that, it is the hope of many Nigerians that this saga will help in addressing some of the anomalies in Nigeria’s aviation sector. Ours is a country where top politicians and other highly placed individuals are “exempted” from airport rules and protocol. A top government official, a top military officer arrives at the airport with a briefcase and no airport official and members of other numerous agencies at the airport borders to search the bag to know its content. Rather, they will all be saluting him and those begging for crumbs will be busy doing so, neglecting their job
It is in Nigeria’s airports that plane take off time is delayed, waiting for a special person to arrive at the airport and board. Apparently, that was why the Emir’s Chief of Protocol felt very bad because such preferential treatment has been extended to Governors, Ministers, lawmakers and what have you in the past and he could not understand why a whole Emir should be denied such an offer. He said he personally called Onyema to inform him of the delay of their flight from Banjul and requested him to assist by delaying their departing flight to Kano as a mark of respect to the revered Emir of Kano. But he refused and promised that he would not do that. “I personally took this as an insult and a flagrant show of disrespect to his highness and the Kano people at large”, he said. So, however important or urgent the schedule of other passengers is, it is not important. Afterall, they are nobodies.
Can we talk about the issue of delays and cancellation of flights? I doubt if there is no air traveller in Nigeria that has no ugly tale about this. Sometimes, you get the information about the cancellation of your flight or change in the flight schedule when you are already at the airport terminal. A person going to Lagos for a 10 O’clock meeting leaves his house by 6 O’clock in order not to be late and by noon he is still at Port Harcourt International Airport because his flight was delayed. And the worst is that, most of the time, no apologies will be rendered to passengers, no reason for the delay given, not to talk of compensating the passengers for their time.
So, it’s high time Nigerians made noise about what the airlines are doing to them. On many occasions we have seen people fight at the airport because of cancellation of their flights, flight delays and other nonchalant attitude of airline operators and staff towards passengers. And we are bound to see more of that if the operators do not improve on their service and customer care especially with the recent hike in airfares. From about N23,000 airline passengers now pay N50,000 for one hour, one way economy ticket and you expect them to smile at you when they do not get commensurate value for their money?
The painful thing is that with the poor state of our roads and the high level of insecurity in the country, rail and land are still not preferred options especially for those who can afford the exorbitant airfare. The other day, the upper chamber of the National Assembly, the Senate, as a way of mitigating the effect of the increased flight ticket prices, asked the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency on the nation’s federal roads as well as immediately make good its indebtedness to the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA), to enable the agency carry out its duty of rehabilitating federal roads. The lawmakers rightly expressed worry that the increase in airfares would increase the pressure on the neglected and dilapidated Nigerian roads and further worsen their state.
Incidentally, while the lawmakers should be commended for their concern about the state of the roads and the solution they proffered which may make Nigerian roads better; their suggestion is far from being an answer to the issues at hand. Doctors will always tell you that for a permanent cure of a disease, you don’t treat the symptom but you should rather trace the root cause of the ailment. Likewise in Nigeria’s situation, we should do away with all the selfish, palliative measures to our problems and get to the root of the problem. The unfortunate thing is that virtually everybody in authority knows the solution but they would always consider their selfish gain far above the interest of the citizens and choose not to do the most appropriate thing.
The main problem arises from the fact that we have refused to refine fuel locally. We are a major oil producing country, yet we do not have one functional refinery in the country, not on the national, regional or state level. We prefer to export our high-quality crude oil and import the refined product including the contaminated fuel because that enriches the pockets of a few privileged individuals. The recent hike in the price of air tickets is blamed on the high cost of imported aviation fuel and other operational costs which is heightened by the poor state of the nation’s currency.
With Russia’s invasion of Ukraine last week, the price of crude oil has risen to over $100 per barrel. Other oil producing countries which have the capacity to refine locally are reaping but here we are in Nigeria moaning because the crude oil price increase in the international market affects the prices of the imported products. Little wonder some people have called for the head of whoever suggested the crude oil export and importation of refined product in the first place.
So, we must deal with the real issues pulling us down as a nation for us to have a solution. As we are told, Dangote refinery will soon come on stream but it will be foolhardy to put the lives of over 200 million people in the hands of one man. Yes, fuel is our life in this country. Whatever happens around it touches the farmer, the school children, the market women and everybody in the country. It touches every sector – aviation, agriculture, manufacturing and others. And the moment we begin to produce what we consume, the better for us. If the fracas between the Emir and Air Peace will instigate this, so be it.

By: Calista Ezeaku

Opinion

Righteous Leadership Still Thrives

Published

5 days ago

February 23, 2026

The Tide

Quote: “Institutional decay is not irreversible when integrity and action sit at the helm.”

In every institution, there comes a defining moment when leadership either deepens decline or inspires rebirth. For the Rivers State Newspaper Corporation (Publishers of The Tide), that defining moment arrived when the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information, Sir. Honour Sirawoo Ph.D, came to share the premises with the Staff of The Corporation due to the ongoing renovation work at the State Secretariat. For years, the physical condition of the corporation mirrored the uncertainty that hung in the air. Leaking roofs told silent stories during the rainy season, damaged floors bore the weight of neglect, and the once vibrant environment seemed to plead for urgent attention. Staff members worked under conditions that tested both resilience and commitment. Buckets placed strategically to catch dripping water became a routine sight at some quarters, while cracked tiles and weathered walls diminished the pride that should accompany service in a state-owned media institution.

Yet, in the midst of these challenges, hope was not entirely lost. There remained a collective belief that with purposeful leadership, restoration was possible. That hope found expression when Honour Sirawoo Ph.D., Permanent Secretary in the Rivers State Ministry of Information, assumed as a co-occupier. His arrival was quiet, but his impact would soon resonate loudly across the premises.Leadership, it is often said, is not about occupying an office but about occupying responsibility. From his earliest inspections of the corporation’s facilities, it became evident that he saw not just buildings in disrepair, but a workforce deserving of dignity.The transformation began swiftly. Contractors appeared on site. Assessments were carried out with precision. Plans were not merely announced; they were implemented. Leaking roofs that had long defied repair were carefully amended.

For the first time in years, staff could listen to rainfall without anxiety. Damaged floors were reconstructed, restoring both safety and aesthetics. Walking through the corridors no longer required cautious navigation around broken surfaces. The fencing of the premises, once a pressing security concern, became a priority. A properly secured environment now speaks of order, responsibility, and foresight. General maintenance, often overlooked in public institutions, was institutionalized. From structural reinforcements to aesthetic upgrades, the corporation began to wear a new look. But beyond bricks and mortar, something deeper changed. Morale improved. Staff productivity increased. The psychological boost of working in a conducive environment cannot be overstated. The transformation has not merely been cosmetic; it has been cultural.

Workers now speak with renewed pride about their workplace. Visitors to the premises have noticed the difference. The once tired-looking structures now stand as testimony to what decisive leadership can accomplish. In governance, righteousness is reflected in fairness, diligence, and a genuine concern for people. These virtues have characterized the stewardship of Honour Sirawoo Ph.D.His approach demonstrates that public office is a sacred trust, not a ceremonial title. He has shown that administrative leadership can be both compassionate and result-driven.The improvements at the corporation align with a broader vision of strengthening information dissemination in Rivers State. A vibrant media institution is essential for democratic growth.By restoring the physical infrastructure of The Tide, he has indirectly strengthened the voice of the state. Journalists and editors now operate in an atmosphere that encourages excellence.

It is often said that environment influences output. The recent editions and renewed energy within the newsroom reflect this truth. When righteous leadership prevails, systems respond positively. Accountability replaces complacency, and progress becomes measurable. Honour Sirawoo Ph.D. has exemplified a leadership style rooted in integrity and practical action. He did not merely acknowledge problems; he confronted them. Such commitment deserves recognition beyond routine commendation. It speaks to a capacity for higher responsibilities within the state’s administrative architecture. Rivers State stands at a critical juncture where visionary administrators are needed across ministries and agencies. Leaders who understand that development begins with attention to detail are invaluable. The transformation at the Rivers State Newspaper Corporation serves as a case study in responsive governance. It proves that institutional decay is not irreversible.

Higher positions of trust demand proven competence, moral uprightness, and administrative foresight. In these respects, Honour Sirawoo Ph.D. has demonstrated remarkable readiness. His performance suggests suitability not only for continued leadership within the Ministry of Information but also for broader strategic roles that shape state policy. Beyond the state, Nigeria’s public service landscape requires administrators who combine academic depth with practical efficiency. His credentials and achievements place him in that league. “When the righteous bear rule, the people rejoice” is more than a biblical aphorism; it is a lived experience within the corporation today. The chapter of the Holy Bible that declares, “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice”, (Proverbs 29:2), is a timeless reminder that good governance brings joy and stability to the people.

The joy of the staff is visible in their renewed dedication. The pride of ownership has returned. The institution breathes again. History often remembers leaders not for speeches but for tangible impact. The restored roofs, repaired floors, secured fences, and ongoing maintenance are enduring symbols of purposeful governance. The place started its journey to new looks with the arrival of the acting General Manager, Stella Gbaraba, who in her little way, initiated and executed some repair works in the premises. It will be worthy to point out that the duo are of the Ogoni extraction of the state, it is then safe to say that the combination is superb in that it has produced some excellent results. Importantly, the Permanent Secretary did not stop at The Tide Newspaper premises alone. His vision of renewal extended beyond a single institution to embrace all the State owned media houses under the ministry’s supervision.

At Rivers State Television, he executed massive renovation works that redefined the operational environment. Offices were upgraded, structural defects corrected, and modern standards restored to a facility that serves as a visual voice of the state. State-of-the-art office equipment were procured to enhance efficiency, ensuring that staff members could perform their duties with contemporary tools befitting a modern broadcast station. Radio Rivers too also got its own share of the Permanent Secretary’s benevolence and team spirit. Understanding the strategic importance of radio in grassroots communication, he ensured that critical infrastructure received attention. He provided them with steady power supply, reducing the interruptions that once hampered seamless broadcasting and ensuring consistency in programming delivery.

A functional Out Broadcast Van (OB Van) was made available, expanding the station’s capacity for live coverage of events across the state and beyond. The studios were upgraded to be up-to-date, improving sound quality, technical operations, and overall broadcast standards in line with modern expectations. Garden City Radio equally got its own touch in a superlative way. Renovation, equipment upgrades, and operational enhancements positioned the station on a stronger footing. Across the board, his interventions were not selective but comprehensive, reflecting a leadership philosophy anchored on inclusiveness and institutional strengthening. His target generally is to leave the State-owned media houses in a better shape than he met them. That objective is not rhetorical; it is practical and measurable in bricks, cables, studios, offices, and renewed human confidence.

By strengthening television, radio, and print under one coordinated vision, he has reinforced the information architecture of Rivers State. The cumulative effect of these interventions is a more vibrant, responsive, and professional state media system capable of meeting contemporary communication demands. As the Rivers State Newspaper Corporation along side its sister state-owned media houses continue their journey, it does so strengthened by the evidence that righteous leadership still thrives. And indeed, when the righteous bear rule, the people truly rejoice.

By: King Onunwor

Opinion

Incentives: Key to Police Morale

Published

5 days ago

February 23, 2026

The Tide

Quote: “When a police officer rejects ?50 million in bribes to rescue over 100 victims, integrity stops being a slogan and becomes a standard.”

It is important we first commend the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his policies that are geared towards eradicating terrorism and banditry in the country. In recent times, his policy on national security which resulted in strategic partnership with United States of America and other countries, has paid off. In the same vein, we commend the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, for implementing the security policies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu which has culminated into effective, proactive and result-oriented policing. Also worthy of note is the effective oversight function of the Police Service Commission (PSC) led by DIG Hashimu Argungu (Rtd) in terms of adequate monitoring and supervision of personnel. The Nigeria Police Force has been plagued by negative perceptions in recent years, with some officers engaging in unprofessional conducts.

The Police high command and the Police Service Commission (PSC), in line with rules and regulations governing the Force, have being prompt in punishing erring officers. We have seen some officers dismissed from the service for gross misconduct while some others were punished depending on the gravity of their offense. While we commend the Police authority for their proactiveness in restoring discipline to the Force, they should also imbibe the culture of rewarding distinguished and outstanding Police officers. Very Senior Officers like the Assistant Inspector General of Police, AIG Auwal Musa Mohammed, in charge of Zone 6 Calabar, who ensured personnel and men in his zone comply and adhere fully to security tactics and instructions of IGP Egbekotun that translated to massive achievement over the weekend should be encouraged.

Meanwhile, the likes of Deputy Commissioner of Police, Zonal CID 6 Calabar, DCP Udu Moses Ogechi, PhD, who are working tirelessly to restore reputation to the Police Force should be rewarded to boost their morale, and inspire other officers to put in their best. DCP Ogechi is currently the Head of the Zonal Criminal Investigation Department (ZCID) in Zone 6, Calabar. He recently led a successful operation on Valentines Day (14th February) to dismantle a kidnapping and job-scam syndicate, rescuing over 100 victims. The syndicate had been exploiting Nigerians, particularly youths who are eager to relocate abroad, promising them fake job opportunities and visa.What is remarkable about DCP Ogechi’s achievement is not just the rescue of the victims, but also his refusal to be swayed by corruption. The syndicate attempted to bribe him with ?50 million, but he and his team rejected the offer, stood firm and demonstrated their commitment to professionalism and the rule of law.

This is commendable and deserving of recognition. DCP Ogechi’s patriotic action and his uncompromising stance especially at a time when the Police Force is working to regain public trust, deserves accolades and recognition by the police authorities. His bravery and integrity in the face of corruption are a shining example to other officers. DCP Ogechi’s sterling personality did not come as a surprise to us given his track record of excellent performance everywhere he goes. While serving in Rivers State as ACP Operations, he successfully flushed out cultists from the State. He led the team that apprehended notorious cultists led by Nwondi Onuigwe who were responsible for killing Police Officers, kidnapping and robbery of passengers along Emohua East West road. Recall that the Rivers State Government had placed millions of Naira bounty on Wordi.

It is on record that crime was reduced to its barest minimum during Ogechi’s reign as ACP Operations in Rivers State. His efforts earned him an award for excellent professionalism from the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Rivers State Council. As Nigeria strives to strengthen its institutions and combat corruption, it is essential to acknowledge serving officers who have distinguished themselves. The reward system is a crucial aspect of motivating officers to perform their duties creditably. Rewarding deserving officers like DCP Ogechi will surely inspire other fine officers who are working tirelessly to rid our society of crimes and criminality.

By: Ike Wigodo

Opinion

Time and Season Can Tell

Published

2 weeks ago

February 16, 2026

The Tide

Quote:”In matters of the heart, seasons expose what emotions try to hide.”

There is a silent crisis unfolding in modern relationships—one that many people endure quietly but rarely articulate. It is the experience of emotional attachment without clarity. Unlike betrayal, which announces itself loudly, or conflict, which forces confrontation, this crisis creeps in softly. It begins with warmth, grows through shared vulnerability, and then dissolves into silence. In my observation, some of the deepest emotional wounds are not inflicted by harsh words or dramatic endings. They are caused by something far subtler: the gradual withdrawal of affection without explanation. Silence in relationships is often mistaken for neutrality, but it is not neutral. Silence communicates—only it does so in a language of confusion. When someone slowly retreats without offering clarity, they leave the other person suspended between hope and reality.

There is no clear goodbye, no decisive closure—only distance. The unanswered messages. The reduced enthusiasm. The subtle shift in tone. Emotional ambiguity can be more painful than open rejection because it denies finality while sustaining expectation. It leaves the heart in limbo. In today’s world of instant communication and digital closeness, emotional intensity is frequently mistaken for love. When someone gives us attention, listens attentively, checks in consistently, and offers companionship during vulnerable moments, it is natural to assume that something meaningful is forming. After all, connection feels like commitment. But attention is not always intention. Closeness is not always clarity. In emotionally complicated relationships, there is often an imbalance that goes unnoticed at first. One person invests deeply—emotionally, mentally, even spiritually—while the other remains cautiously detached.

The connection may feel mutual, but the level of commitment is not. And when investment is unequal, pain eventually follows. One of the most dangerous consequences of such relationships is how subtly we lose ourselves in them. It does not happen overnight. It begins with small shifts. We check our phones more often. We rearrange our schedules. We replay conversations in our minds. Gradually, our emotional world begins to orbit around one person. Friends grow distant. Personal goals lose urgency. Self-worth becomes tied—quietly but firmly—to someone else’s presence and validation. When that person withdraws, the collapse feels catastrophic. Yet the devastation is not solely because love has ended. It is because identity has been shaken. We are not grieving only the person; we are grieving the version of ourselves that depended on them.

Silence, I have come to believe, can function as a form of power. When one person controls communication through distance—responding selectively, appearing and disappearing unpredictably—they unintentionally gain emotional dominance. The other person is left waiting, interpreting, hoping. They analyze every word, every delay, every change in tone. This imbalance may not always be intentional. Sometimes it arises from emotional immaturity or fear of confrontation. Yet its impact is undeniable. It reveals an uncomfortable truth: emotional availability is not guaranteed simply because connection exists. Chemistry does not equal commitment. Attraction does not equal accountability. With time, I began to understand that not every relationship is meant to last. Some people enter our lives not as permanent partners, but as temporary teachers.

They are not there to complete us, but to confront us—with our vulnerabilities, insecurities, and unmet needs. At first, this realization felt discouraging. It seemed to reduce love to a series of lessons. But eventually, it felt liberating. Emotional loss stopped looking like failure and started looking like revelation. Each experience—especially the painful ones—exposed areas where I needed growth. Where I needed stronger boundaries. Where I needed deeper self-awareness. Boundaries, I have learned, are not barriers against love; they are protections for it. Love without boundaries is not love—it is emotional exposure. Connection without clarity is not intimacy—it is uncertainty. Affection without commitment is not partnership—it is illusion. Healthy love requires mutual understanding, transparency, and intentionality. It demands that both individuals stand on equal emotional ground. Where one speaks, the other listens.

Where one invests, the other reciprocates. Where one withdraws, the other communicates. Time, more than emotion, reveals truth. In the beginning, feelings are loud. They rush, they excite, they overwhelm. But time tests what emotions promise. It exposes inconsistency. It clarifies intention. It separates temporary attraction from sustainable partnership. Seasons, too, teach us something essential about relationships. No season lasts forever. Some bring growth. Others bring pruning. Some relationships stay long enough to build a foundation; others stay just long enough to teach resilience. Neither is wasted. When we accept that relationships operate in seasons, we release the need to force permanence. We stop chasing clarity from those unwilling to give it. We stop romanticizing inconsistency. We stop equating intensity with depth.

Instead, we begin to value emotional safety over emotional excitement. We learn that peace is more sustaining than passion without direction. We recognize that self-worth must never depend on someone else’s attention.In matters of the heart, time and season always tell.They reveal who is consistent and who is convenient. They expose what is genuine and what is temporary. They show whether a connection is rooted in intention—or merely in circumstance. And perhaps the greatest wisdom is this: not every silence deserves to be decoded. Some silences are answers. When we understand that, we stop fearing endings. We begin trusting timing. We stop clinging to uncertainty and start choosing clarity.Because in the end, the heart may feel quickly—but time always tells the truth.

By: Isiocha Kate