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Diaspora Africa offers training on climate migration in Africa

Blessing Amala Muonwe
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Diaspora Africa offers training on climate migration in Africa

The Diaspora Africa Migration Media Hub, in collaboration with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM)  Nigeria, offers a training course on climate titled “Reporting Climate Migration in Africa.” 

The course will help participants develop simple, powerful, and accurate climate migration stories that resonate with their audiences.

Through this course, journalists will gain awareness, understanding, and science-based insights on migration and climate change in Nigeria and Africa.

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Applications open for workshop on migration, refugees

The two-day training will be held in Lagos, July 9 to 10.

Journalists aged 18 to 35, based in Nigeria with an interest in climate storytelling are encouraged to apply.

Lagos participants will receive transport reimbursements for the training and Lunch will be served.

The deadline is May 30.

To apply click here

 

Tinubu, other world leaders react to Iran President Raisi’s death

Mustapha USMAN
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Tinubu, other world leaders react to Iran President Raisi’s death

WORLD leaders, including President Bola Tinubu on Monday, May 20, mourned the passing of the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ebrahim Raisi, who died in a helicopter crash. 

Tinubu in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngalele, extended his condolences to the government and people of Iran, describing Raisi as a leader passionately committed to Iran’s development.

He also commiserated with the country on the passing of its foreign minister, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, and other officials lost to the crash.

Raisi, Abdollahian and others onboard the ill-fated helicopter were confirmed dead following on Monday.

The ICIR reported that a helicopter in a convoy carrying the late President and eight others crashed while returning from a ceremony to mark the opening of a dam on Iran’s border with Azerbaijan in the Varzaqan area.

The crash scene of the helicopter was located on a steep, forested hillside, with only a blue and white tail left of the aircraft, according to Red Crescent drone footage broadcast on Iranian official TV.

Reacting to the confirmation of his death, Tinubu expressed profound grief over the tragedy.

“While commiserating with the bereaved families, President Tinubu prays for the continuous peace, stability, and prosperity of the Iranian nation,” the statement added.

Similarly, China’s President Xi Jinping said, in a press conference by the country’s foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin that “his tragic death is a great loss to the Iranian people, and the Chinese people have lost a good friend.”

Also, Russian President Vladimir Putin, in a letter to Iran’s Supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, hailed Raisi as an “outstanding politician,” adding that he “made an invaluable personal contribution to the development of good-neighbourly relations between our countries, and made great efforts to take them to the level of a strategic partnership.”

In a statement from its foreign ministry, the France government sent its condolences to Iran and the bereaved families. 

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was “deeply saddened and shocked by the tragic demise” of Raisi, adding that “India stands with Iran in this time of sorrow.” 

Among other world leaders who have reacted to the Iranian president’s death were Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Qatar governments.

Meanwhile, Hamas, another Iran’s powerful ally, expressed sadness over the passing of Raisi, who it described as an “honourable supporter” of the Gaza-based Palestinian militant group whose October 7 attack on Israel sparked the bloodiest-ever war in the coastal territory.

Hamas said it appreciated Raisi’s “support for the Palestinian resistance and tireless efforts in solidarity” with Palestinians since the beginning of the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza.

The European Union also expressed its “sincere condolences,” noting that its “thoughts go to the families.”


Raisi’s death comes seven months into Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza, which has escalated tensions throughout the Middle East and exposed a long-running covert conflict between Iran and Israel and a delicate moment for Tehran on the domestic front.

In April, The ICIR reports that Iran launched dozens of drones and missiles from its territory to attack Israel. Also, some Iran proxies – Hizbollah in Lebanon and the Houthis in Yemen launched drone attacks on Israel.

UK aviation regulator reports Air Peace over alleged safety violation concerns

Harrison EDEH
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UK aviation regulator reports Air Peace over alleged safety violation concerns

THE London Gatwick Airport has filed two mandatory occurrence reports to the United Kingdom Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) against Nigeria’s flag carrier airline, Air Peace operations at the airport, raising safety violation concerns.

The mandatory occurrence safety violation documents were titled, “United Kingdom SAFA Ramp Inspection Report” with reference number: CAA-UK, -2024-0217’ and ‘NATS Management System Safety Report’ in which the authorities listed the carrier’s safety violations at the Gatwick Airport.

Also, the UK’s Safety Assessment of Foreign Aircraft (SAFA) wrote to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) on alleged safety violations of the carrier in London.

Reacting, the NCAA in a letter to Air Peace’s chief executive officer, Allen Onyema, with reference number: NCAA/DOLTS/APL/Vol.11/03624, titled, “United Kingdom SAFA Ramp Inspection Report dated May 14, 2024, and signed by the general manager operations, O.O. Lawani, a captain, on behalf of the director-general of NCAA urged the airline to rectify the complaints.

“You are required to notify the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) of your corrective actions on these findings,” the NCAA said.

The NCAA stated in the letter that it received a SAFA Ramp Inspection Report numbered CAA-UK-2024-0217 which was conducted at London Gatwick on April 7, 2024, at 09:33 local time on Air Peace’s B777-200 aircraft with registration Number 5N-BE (S/N 28324).

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In the letter, the NCAA said the UK CAA called its attention to the no operational approval of electronic flight bag (EFB) functions affecting the safe operation of the aircraft while adding that the flight captain admitted that an electronic flight bag was being used for navigational purposes.

The NCAA further noted that the CAA stated in its letter that there was “no mounting device for the use of EFB, no charging points or battery for backup.”

The ICIR reported that Air Peace began operations at London Gatwick from the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos under the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) Nigeria has with the UK on April 30, 2024, amid fanfare.

The Nigerian flagship flight has also to contend with several other established flights like British Airways, Lufthansa, and Virgin Atlantic many of whom had been accused of  ‘predatory pricing’ because of Nigeria’s foreign exchange and currency problems.

Iran President Ebrahim Raisi confirmed dead in helicopter crash

Marcus FATUNMOLE
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Iran President Ebrahim Raisi confirmed dead in helicopter crash

IRAN’s President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Affairs Minister, Hossein Amir Abdollahian have been confirmed dead following the helicopter crash they were involved in on Sunday, May 19.

The ICIR reported that a helicopter in a convoy carrying the president, foreign affairs minister, and seven others crashed while returning from a ceremony to mark the opening of a dam on Iran’s border with Azerbaijan in the Varzaqan area.

The crash scene of the helicopter was located on a steep, forested hillside, with only a blue and white tail left of the aircraft, according to Red Crescent drone footage broadcast on Iranian official TV.

According to reports, the crash resulted in hours-long search and rescue efforts, during which the European Union and Turkey, among others, provided aid. However, the dense fog and freezing temperatures made rescue efforts difficult.

The president’s death comes seven months into Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza, which has escalated tensions throughout the Middle East and exposed a long-running covert conflict between Iran and Israel and a delicate moment for Tehran on the domestic front.

In April, The ICIR reports that Iran launched dozens of drones and missiles from its territory to attack Israel. Also, some Iran proxies – Hizbollah in Lebanon and the Houthis in Yemen launched drone attacks on Israel.

Iran’s hardline government has faced major challenges under Raisi in recent years due to youth-led protests against clerical authority and depressing economic conditions.

Ever since widespread protests erupted over the 2022 death of a young woman under the care of Iran’s infamous morality police, the country’s authorities have been cracking down harder on dissent.

Following the official news of Raisi’s death on Monday, May 20, Iran’s government has called an “urgent meeting” as the religious establishment, led by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, prepares to pick a new president.

Vice President Mohammad Mokhber is next in line for presidential succession, and Khamenei, the final arbiter of domestic and foreign issues in the Islamic Republic, must confirm him.

According to the Iranian constitution, the first vice president takes over in the event of the president’s death, dismissal, resignation, absence, or illness for more than two months.

Raisi, who died aged 63, was reaching the end of his first four-year term as President.

Man City makes history with 4th consecutive EPL title win

Mustapha USMAN
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Man City makes history with 4th consecutive EPL title win

MANCHESTER City is the first men’s team in English football history to win the English Premiership league title in four consecutive seasons.

The team secured their latest championship after defeating West Ham United Football Club in a thrilling 3-1 win, with Foden scoring a brace.

Mohammed Kudus gave Arsenal a glimmer of hope in the title race with a remarkable overhead kick that halved the deficit, but Rodri restored the champions’ two-goal cushion after 59 minutes.

Their win meant City finished two points ahead of second-placed Arsenal, who had a wonderful season, achieving their highest-ever points total in the league.

Pep’s Man City has now won it four times in a row, after already matching the previous record of three consecutive wins set by their local rival, Manchester United.

Although there are issues raised around the club’s achievements since Pep Guardiola became the coach, with many football pundits faulting the club’s investment, City has demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to being considered among the premiership’s best.

In February 2023, City found themselves at the centre of controversy with an unprecedented 115 charges of breaching the Premier League’s Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules.

These accusations, dating back to 2009, alleged that the club provided misleading financial details to the league, including information about payments to players and managers.

Meanwhile, the historic win secured the team its sixth league trophy in seven seasons, an accomplishment that no other club has achieved before.

City has the chance of winning the double for the second time in a row as they face Manchester United in the FA Cup final next Saturday.

Helicopter carrying Iran’s President crashes

Itoro ETUKUDO
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Helicopter carrying Iran’s President crashes

A HELICOPTER in a convoy carrying Iranian President, Ebrahim Raisi has been reportedly involved in an air crash on Sunday, May 19.

According to CNN, the Iranian state news agency (IRNA) reported that the aircraft, which also had in it, Iranian’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Hossein Amir Abdollahian, came down in East Azerbaijan Province and emergency crews have so far been unable to reach it due to foggy conditions.

The president, foreign affairs minister, and several other dignitaries were on the helicopter when it crashed while returning from a ceremony to mark the opening of a dam on Iran’s border with Azerbaijan in the Varzaqan area.

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While the exact condition of the helicopter is still unknown, twenty rescue teams and drones have been sent to the area where the helicopter came down.

“20 rescue teams and drones have been sent to the area, but due to the impassability of the area, its mountainous and forest conditions, as well as unfavorable weather conditions, especially heavy fog, the search and rescue operation will take time,” IRNA said.

CNN also cited a local news agency-Tasnim which informed  that the helicopter was part of a convoy of three helicopters that carried ministers and officials who arrived at their destination safely and those onboard the missing vehicle which include: Raisi, Minister of Foreign Affairs Hossein Amir Abdollahian, and Governor of East Azerbaijan Malik Rahmati.

According to Iran’s interior minister, Ahmad Vahidi, one of the helicopters was forced to make a hard landing due to foggy weather conditions.

“Now different rescue groups are moving towards the area but given that it is foggy and the unsuitable weather and the conditions it may take some time until they reach where the helicopter is,” Vahidi said.

He noted that there had been some contact with the passengers on the helicopter, “but given the area is a bit complicated, making contact is difficult and we are waiting inshallah for rescue groups to quickly reach the location of this accident where the helicopter is and give us more information.”

ECOWAS threatened as Mail, Niger, Burkina Faso finalises new alliance plans

Kehinde OGUNYALE
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ECOWAS threatened as Mail, Niger, Burkina Faso finalises new alliance plans

THE socio-political strength of the Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS) member countries could be threatened as the three military-led West African countries, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, have concluded plans to establish a regional alliance.

The regional alliance called the Confederation of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), seeks to form different geo-political leaning different from their former colonial ruler, France.

Although no official date has been given for the alliance kick-off, the AES would be formed to seal closer ties with Russia,findings have shown.

The alliance plans  was confirmed at a meeting of foreign ministers of the aforementioned countries in Niger’s capital Niamey on Friday, May 17.

In a statement issued to confirm the stance of the countries, Niger’s Foreign Minister, Bakary Yaou Sangare, said, “The objective was to finalize the draft text relating to the institutionalization and operationalization of the Confederation of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).”

Sangare noted that the text would be adopted by the heads of state of the three countries at a summit, without specifying the date.

In his submission, the  Malian Foreign Minister Abdoulaye Diop added, “We can consider very clearly, today, that the Confederation of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) has been born.”

Recall, in January, the three Sahel countries announced their exit from the ECOWAS claiming that the body, established in 1975, was influenced by the French. The ICIR reported how the exit would affect ECOWAS as regards security and economic prospects. 

Furthermore, the disagreement between the trio and ECOWAS began when the military suspended the democratic government in a military coup. While Mali had its military intervention in 2020, Niger and Burkina Faso’s government were taken over by the military in 2022. 

ECOWAS, now headed by President Bola Tinubu, has issued sanctions, including disconnecting the electricity supply and imposing a no-flight zone, which was later lifted. 

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Political Affairs, Peace and Security, ECOWAS, Abdel-Fatau Musah, has said that the community would not stop the trio from forming a new group.

Musah said, “ECOWAS’s position is that we want these countries back into the community and we are doing everything to get them back.”

The ICIR has reported how the three countries recorded 3,500 terrorist attacks which led to more than 7,000 deaths within the countries.

SERAP sues governors, Wike over alleged failure to account for FAAC allocations

Mustapha USMAN
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SERAP sues governors, Wike over alleged failure to account for FAAC allocations

SOCIO-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has sued the Nigeria’s 36 governors and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nyesom Wike for failing to account for the spending of trillions of FAAC allocations received by their states and the FCT since 1999.

According to a statement by the organisation on Sunday, May 19, the development followed reports that the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) disbursed N1.123 trillion to the federal, state, and local governments for March 2024 and another N1.208 trillion in April. 

In the suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/666/2024 filed last Friday, May 17, at the Federal High Court, Abuja, SERAP sought the court to “direct and compel the governors and Mr. Wike to publish spending details of the FAAC allocations collected by their states and the FCT since 1999 including the list and locations of projects executed with the money.”

SERAP was also asking the court to “compel the governors and Mr Wike to invite the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission [EFCC] and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission [ICPC] to probe any allegations of corruption linked to the allocations and to monitor how the money is spent.”

It further argued that Nigerians need to know how public funds, including FAAC allocations, are spent by the governors and FCT minister.

SERAP said that opaqueness that characterise spending of the FAAC allocations collected by the governors and Wike would continue to have negative impacts on the fundamental interests of the citizens.

The organisation noted that without the information on the spending details of the FAAC allocations, Nigerians cannot follow the actions of their states and the FCT.

The suit filed by the organisation’s lawyer Kolawole Oluwadare, Kehinde Oyewumi and Andrew Nwankwo, read in part: “The governors and FCT minister have a legal obligation to provide the information sought including the list of specific projects completed with the FAAC allocations collected, the locations of any such projects and completion reports of the projects.”

“The information sought should also include details of the salaries and pensions paid from the FAAC allocations collected, as well as the details of projects executed on hospitals and schools with the FAAC allocations.”

“Despite the increased FAAC allocations to states and FCT, millions of residents in several states and the FCT continue to face extreme poverty and lack access to basic public goods and services.”

The filed suit which also stated that the reported removal of petrol subsidy and the floating of the exchange rate by the Federal Government has translated into increased FAAC allocations to states and the FCT, observed, however, that there is no corresponding improvement in the security and welfare of millions of Nigerians.

Police deploy team to Abuja Banex market where ‘soldiers’, mob clashed

Kehinde OGUNYALE
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Police deploy team to Abuja Banex market where ‘soldiers’, mob clashed

THE Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command have deployed a team to restore calm following a commotion in Abuja’s Banex market area, says the spokesperson, Josephine Adeh.

A viral video shared on X, shows several unidentified individuals assaulting at least two people wearing military camouflage uniforms in a ‘free-for-all fight’ at the Banex, a popular phone and accessories market in Abuja.

According to the viral video, the clash reportedly broke out following a disagreement over the sale of a phone. The mobs were seen slapping, kicking, and beating up the men in uniform.

In the video, some individuals were pouring water from an elevated building on the soldiers and people in the free-for-all fight.

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In another video, some people chanted “World War 2” as they fled the scene.

However, the spokesperson for the FCT Police Command, Josephine Adeh said the Commissioner of Police, Benett Igweh has deployed officers of the FCT Intelligence Response Team to the scene of the incident.

“The CP has deployed the Intelligence Response Team to the scene,” Adeh confirmed.

The ICIR could not independently confirm if the men in uniform involved in the clash were soldiers or impersonators, but another video shared on X showed how soldiers have occupied major parts of the market. This indicates that the men may actually be soldiers.

A Twitter handler by the name XOghre, commented saying “If you have any family member who owns a shop there, please tell them to pack up all their goods and lock up the shops and go home now. Nigeria and Nigerians are still living the consciousness of the military era.”

Dana Air incident linked to failed landing gear – Investigation bureau

Mustapha USMAN
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Dana Air incident linked to failed landing gear – Investigation bureau

THE Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has linked the skidding off the runway by Dana Air at Lagos Murtala Mohammed airport to failed nose landing gear.

This was, as documented in a preliminary report on the incident by the NSIB and obtained by journalists, on Saturday, May 18.

However, the bureau said the findings are based on a preliminary report, adding that the investigation is still ongoing.

It would be noted that the  Dana aircraft, 5N BKI, which was carrying 83 passengers from Abuja, skidded off the Lagos airport runway on April 23, 2024, leading to the diversion of other flights to the international airport. 

A runway excursion occurs when an aircraft veers off the runway in use during the take-off or landing run.

Meanwhile, the passengers and the crew onboard the aircraft were safely disembarked without injuries.

The incident consequently resulted in the immediate suspension of the airline from air operation by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).

In the preliminary report released on Saturday, the NSIB said the crew selected the landing gear down, and the main landing gear indication lights displayed green. 

The report stated that “prior to landing, the crew selected the landing gear down, and the Main Landing Gear Indication Lights displayed green. However, the Nose Landing Gear (NLG) Indication Light remained red.

“The crew followed established procedures by attempting to cycle the landing gear and performing the Emergency Gear Extension checklist. Unfortunately, the NLG remained in an unconfirmed down and locked position.

“During a low pass over the airport, Air Traffic Control (ATC) reported that the NLG appeared extended visually.”

It further noted that the ground spoilers did not automatically deploy upon landing.

According to the bureau, during the landing roll, the crew experienced severe vibration and loud noises from the NLG area, adding that the NLG initially remained extended but ultimately collapsed at approximately 80 knots.

The Captain ordered an evacuation due to safety concerns. Passengers and crew exited safely using the Forward Service Door and deployed escape slide.”

The bureau, therefore, said it will continue to gather and analyse evidence to ascertain the cause of the incident.

The ICIR reported that Dana Air suffered a similar suspension in July 2022 by the regulatory authority that halted its operations on account of a financial and economic health audit carried out on the airline by the regulatory authority.

In the statement on Saturday, the management said it was working to address any concerns and was preparing a restart plan that would ensure the safe and efficient resumption of operations.

“Dana Air is confident that with the continued support of its staff and stakeholders, it will overcome these challenges and emerge stronger than ever,” the statement added.

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