Get ready to spread your wings and explore the world, as Ibom Air is all set to take off on a new adventure !

New York – Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom has unveiled plans to introduce regional flights from Uyo, starting next month. This remarkable initiative was announced during the prestigious 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, where the governor’s vision for his state took flight.

Driven by a strong commitment to infrastructure development, Governor Eno is paving the way for progress in Akwa Ibom’s land, air, and sea gateways. With well-connected motorable roads that allow easy access to any part of the state within just one hour, the governor is ensuring that even small farm holders in rural areas can transport their produce efficiently.

But that’s not all – Akwa Ibom is breaking records in the world of air travel. Not only is it the first sub-national government in West Africa to operate an airport seamlessly, it has proudly taken its achievements to new heights by becoming the first sub-national government to own an airline. This groundbreaking venture connects cities throughout Nigeria, and very soon, it will spread its wings further with regional flights from Uyo launching in October.

This incredible news presents a golden opportunity for investors looking to flourish in the agricultural industry in Akwa Ibom. Governor Eno recognizes the significance of empowering local farmers and has dedicated resources to improve irrigation systems on farms. His recent memorandum of understanding (MOU) signing with Songhai farms in Benin Republic signifies a game-changing collaboration. Through this partnership, small farm holders will be trained in cutting-edge agricultural practices, paving the way for a future where farming becomes trendy for young people. With salaries, training, and the freedom to establish and manage their own farms, Akwa Ibom is nurturing a generation of agricultural entrepreneurs.

Not stopping there, the visionary governor is already thinking ahead by providing storage facilities for the farmers he is bringing on board. This demonstrates his commitment to ensuring their produce is kept fresh and readily available for markets.

Furthermore, Governor Eno expressed his gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for addressing the critical issue of illegal mining in Nigeria during his UNGA speech. The governor emphasized the recent crackdown on illegal mining companies in Akwa Ibom, showing his dedication to maintaining a lawful and sustainable environment for development.

Mark your calendars! Ibom Air has officially announced that from October 17th, 2023, it will commence daily flights between Lagos and Ghana. This exciting expansion will enhance connectivity and open up endless possibilities for travelers.

Under the dynamic leadership of Governor Umo Eno, Akwa Ibom is soaring to new heights, revolutionizing the way we travel and providing budding farmers with the tools they need to thrive. So buckle up and get ready to join this remarkable journey of progress and prosperity with Ibom Air! GMTNews

Multiple online reports have claimed that by January 31, 2023, the United States dollar notes issued before 2021 will no longer be accepted as legal tender.

“USA moves to checkmate dollar stockpile in Africa,” reads the headline of a report by TheNewsNigeria

The claim also appeared on Nairaland, a well-known social networking platform in Nigeria.

The post claims that the government of the US “has set date for restriction on an acceptable legal tender note of US Dollar which will commence on Jan. 31st 2023”.

“The restriction implies that any US Dollar note below 2021 printed date will no longer be accepted or be a legal tender anywhere in the world… This effort is to curb billions of illegal monies in dollar bills warehoused around African continent emanating from drug-related, terrorism, kidnapping and money from corrupt politicians,” the post reads.

The claim is coming over a week after the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) announced the redesign of some naira notes including N200, N500 and N1,000 notes, which will be effective from mid-December 2022.

According to Godwin Emefiele, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor, one of the factors that influenced the redesign of the naira notes is the “significant hoarding of banknotes by members of the public.

He said statistics show that “over 80 percent of currency in circulation are outside the vaults of commercial banks”.

“As at the end of September 2022, available data at the CBN indicate that N2.73 trillion out of the N3.23 trillion currency in circulation, was outside the vaults of commercial banks across the country; and supposedly held by the public,” he said.

No evidence shows the US is issuing new dollar notes

Checks on the official website of the US department of the treasury, the national finance and treasury office of the federal government, and found no such announcement.

Further checks also revealed that no reputable news media, both in the US and Nigeria, published reports on dollar redesign.

The US federal reserve board currently issues seven denomination of dollar notes, which includes $1, $2, $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100.

According to information available on the website of the US Currency Education Programme, the current design of the $100 note, issued on October 8, 2013, is the latest denomination to be redesigned.

The $1 note, issued in 1963, and featuring former President George Washington has never been changed.

The US government periodically redesigns federal reserve notes to make them easier to use, and more difficult to counterfeit.

All US currency remains legal tender regardless of when it was issued.

The US Currency Education Programme which provides education, training, and information about federal reserve notes emphasises that “it is U.S. government policy that all designs of U.S currency remain legal tender, regardless of when they were issued”.

The US CEP added that the policy includes “all denominations of federal reserve notes, from 1914 to the present”.

Verdict

The claim that the US has redesigned dollar notes and will reject all old notes from January 2023 is false.

Source: TheCable

The National Blood Service Commission (NBSC) says 500 blood units were compromised due to disconnection by the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC).

This is contained in a statement issued by Mr Haruna Abdullahi, Head, Media and Publicity of the commission.

“No fewer than 500 units of blood collected from voluntary blood donors have been compromised following disruption of power supply to our headquarters.

“The power outage also presents a major deterrent to voluntary blood donors due to the risks to their security and safety as donors.

“In the coming days, the shortage of safe blood to patients in need of it will hit Nigerians as a result of the ill-conceived action of the AEDC, and that unless the issue is addressed,” the commission said.

The commission in the statement explained how important electricity supply is to the commission especially in the area of guaranteeing blood safety before usage.

“The AEDC’s decision to cut off the commission’s electricity supply on Jan. 21 after we made some outstanding payments in December 2021 leaves the commission surprised.

“This is more shocking given that the commission has just paid its outstanding bills.

“Available correspondence from the AEDC to the commission shows a bill submitted to the commission on January 5, 2022 asserting the due date of payment as Jan. 17.

“The company’s decision to cut off electricity supply leaves a stint of incredulity and total disregard for civility especially in a sector as sensitive as the blood commission.

“Why was the power supply cut-off even when there was no history of defaulting disposition on the part of NBSC?

“Doesn’t the mandatory 90 days’ notice of disconnection as provided for by the Nigerian Electricity regulatory body exist? The company’s lack of thoroughness in reconciling available data at its disposal.

“The incongruity between presented bills and the irregularity of power supply to the NBSC headquarters lies largely responsible for this avoidable crisis,” he stressed.

The commission also alleged that the AEDC refused to issue the requested prepaid meter after over two years of continuous request which would have enabled the commission to prudently monitor and control its electricity consumption.

The commission also frowned at the sudden increase of its bill from N350,000 to N700,000 within one year, even with the same equipment and consumption rate.

It added that a prepaid meter would enable the commission regulate her consumption than the prefered, unscientific and hard to measure estimated billing system of the AEDC. (NAN)