Port Harcourt International Airport receives global certification after 40 years of operation
via Punch Nigeria1 min read
The Port Harcourt International Airport has achieved full certification and a license, complying with global safety standards from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority and the International Civil Aviation Organisation. This certification follows recent upgrades, modernization, expansion of infrastructure, and the provision of critical safety equipment at the airport. Mrs. Lynda Ezike, Regional General Manager, South-South Airports, and Manager, Port Harcourt International Airport, announced this during a visit to the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, to present the certificate. Ezike acknowledged the Rivers State Government's contributions to the airport's upgrade, stating it now meets local and international safety requirements. She highlighted that the certification positions the airport for increased international operations, assuring safety for incoming flights and reflecting Governor Fubara's support in infrastructure and equipment provision. Ezike added that this achievement signifies Nigeria's role as a key player in global aviation safety.
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Must ReadA Nigerian diaspora group, the Nigerian Union South Africa, has urged the Federal Government to pursue diplomatic and bilateral agreements with South African authorities to ensure justice for Nigerians residing and conducting business in South Africa. This statement was made by Akindele Olunloyo, National Public Secretary of the Nigerian Union South Africa, following the evacuation of 282 Nigerians. The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission confirmed that the returnees arrived at Murtala Muhammed International Airport on an Air Peace Airlines flight, accompanied by two officials from the Nigerian Embassy in South Africa. The evacuation, funded by the Federal Government, is part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's directive to safely return willing Nigerians. Olunloyo praised the government's efforts but emphasized the need for diplomatic justice for Nigerians in South Africa, stating that no Nigerian should endure harassment, hostility, threats, or destruction of livelihoods. He called for increased diplomatic engagement to secure the safety of Nigerian businesses, residences, and properties, and to ensure justice for those who have experienced violence and property hijacking. This marks the fifth batch of returnees since the June 30 deadline prompted by anti-foreigner protests, with over 800 Nigerians having returned previously.
Indian authorities have arrested Nigerian national Temple Osuji and 11 other suspected drug traffickers in New Delhi. Operations by the Outer North Delhi Police led to the seizure of cocaine, heroin, MDMA, cannabis, poppy husk, and psychotropic tablets, dismantling several drug supply networks. One operation resulted in the arrest of five suspects, including Osuji, and the recovery of 13.99 grams of cocaine, 0.50 grams of MDMA, and 0.55 grams of heroin. Deputy Commissioner of Police Shobhit Saksena stated that the investigation began on June 28 after officers intercepted Umesh, a 32-year-old suspect, at Mukarba Chowk, recovering 8.68 grams of cocaine. Umesh reportedly worked as a courier for a Jaipur-based network operated by Yash Vashisth and coordinated by Vijay. Following technical surveillance, officers arrested Vijay, who identified Osuji as the narcotics supplier. Osuji was subsequently arrested in the Jagatpura area of Jaipur, with 3.06 grams of cocaine allegedly recovered from him. The suspects are expected to be prosecuted under India鈥檚 anti-narcotics laws.
Adebayo Olotu, known as BYTunes, singer and pioneer of the CopaceticMusic movement, has relocated to Los Angeles, United States, to expand the genre to an international audience. He stated that he deliberately remained in Nigeria for several years to develop the movement at a grassroots level before seeking global expansion. BYTunes describes CopaceticMusic as the "diplomatic evolution" of a style he introduced in 2024, emphasizing that his creative process reflects his continuous evolution as an artist. He explained that the genre allows for the fusion of various styles like rap, R&B, trap, Fuji, amapiano, highlife, Afrobeats, Konto, or hip-hop. His new seven-track project, "Copaceticmusic Genre," features songs crafted to represent the movement's identity. BYTunes also noted that collaborative works within the genre involve interwoven verses and instrumental combinations from different genres to create its signature rhythm. He attributes his creative direction to divine inspiration and views CopaceticMusic as a natural progression of his musical journey, which included experimenting with dancehall, rap, and Fuji, and working as a backup musician for Fuji artist Karashi. He advises young Nigerian musicians to prioritize originality over inventing new genres.