A potential tragedy was averted on Wednesday after an Arik Air Boeing 737-700 operating from Lagos to Port Harcourt was forced to divert to Benin Airport following a loud bang from its left engine.

The aircraft, operating flight W3-740 with registration number 5N-MJF, was descending into Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa, when the flight crew reportedly heard a loud bang and observed abnormal engine indications.

In a statement released by the airline, Arik Air confirmed that the crew immediately took precautionary measures by shutting down the affected engine in line with safety procedures and diverting the aircraft to Benin Airport.

“There were no injuries to passengers and crew as all 80 passengers on board were safely disembarked. Arrangements have been made to transport the affected passengers to their final destination,” the airline stated.

Arik Air apologised to passengers whose travel plans were disrupted, reiterating that the safety and wellbeing of its passengers remain its top priority.

NSIB Commences Investigation

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has confirmed that it has launched a formal investigation into the incident, describing it as an in-flight engine anomaly.

According to Bimbo Oladeji, Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance at NSIB, the crew detected abnormal engine readings mid-flight and carried out a precautionary engine shutdown before diverting safely to Benin.

“The aircraft landed without incident, and all passengers and crew disembarked normally. No injuries have been reported,” Oladeji said.

Preliminary observations conducted at the diversion airport revealed significant damage to the affected engine based on an initial visual assessment.

Oladeji disclosed that an NSIB assessment team is en route to Benin to secure the aircraft, document evidence, interview relevant personnel and witnesses, and recover both the Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR).

The NSIB stated that the investigation is being conducted in line with its statutory mandate and international standards under ICAO Annex 13, as well as Nigerian civil aviation regulations. The bureau is working closely with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Arik Air, and other stakeholders to determine the sequence of events and contributing factors.

A preliminary report is expected within 30 days, while a final report will be published at the conclusion of the investigation.

Members of the public with relevant information have been urged to contact the bureau through official channels as further updates will be provided in due course.

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Ibom Air is set to commence international flight operations in April 2026, as preparations at the Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo, near completion, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has said.

Keyamo spoke on Wednesday after inspecting facilities at the airport alongside Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, during a meeting with agencies involved in international airport operations.

The minister said the state had gone ahead of schedule in preparing the airport for international flights, expressing satisfaction with the standard of facilities and the level of readiness recorded so far.

He said, “Having heard from all the agencies involved in an International Airport ecosystem, they were all here with us, and we held a closed-door meeting.

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“From the Customs to Quarantine, the Nigeria Immigration Service, NDLEA, Police, DSS, to NEMA and all aviation agencies.

“From all we have heard, Akwa Ibom State is ahead of the plan scheduled.

“We thought the gaps to be closed would be much, but they are virtually very small gaps. Akwa Ibom state has gone ahead of schedule to a full-blown International Airport.”

He listed facilities inspected to include a newly constructed international terminal and a Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul facility, which he described as a key requirement for international airport operations.

“This facility we are seeing here is the MRO, which means all international airlines coming here have a facility where they can conduct routine checks before they fly out again.

“It is one of the standard requirements of any International Airport,” he said.

In his remarks, Eno thanked the minister for what he described as his passion and commitment to ensuring that aviation infrastructure is properly utilised for national economic growth.

The governor also expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for approving the upgrade of the Victor Attah International Airport to international status and for releasing statutory funds for its development.

Eno further acknowledged the contributions of past leaders in the state, noting that their groundwork made the current level of development possible.

NAN

Delta North Senator, Ned Nwoko, has stirred widespread debate following his latest remarks defending polygamy, stating that men who marry multiple wives are helping women and society at large.

The billionaire lawmaker made the statement during an interview with BBC News Igbo, where he discussed his polygamous lifestyle, traditional values, and the ongoing controversy surrounding his marriage to Nollywood actress Regina Daniels, his fifth wife.

‘I Married Regina After Three Weeks of Dating’

Speaking about his marriage to Regina Daniels, Nwoko revealed that their relationship was brief before they tied the knot.

“I don’t believe in dating for a long time before marriage. I married Regina after three weeks of meeting her,” he said.

The Senator also disclosed that he might not marry another wife but maintained that his existing wives are aware of his stance on polygamy.

“Whether I marry another wife or not, Regina knows it can happen. I come from a very polygamous environment. I love children, and I want more children. She and my other wives know this,” Nwoko stated.

‘Marrying Multiple Wives Helps the Society’

In the interview, Nwoko argued that polygamy serves as a social solution to economic and moral challenges, especially in Nigeria.

“There are too many women everywhere; that’s why at night you see many of them at Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6. They are called Ashawo (commercial sex workers), not because they want to be, but because the economy is not good for them,” he said.

“Before the advent of Christianity, our tradition especially Igbo tradition allowed men to marry multiple wives. An average Northerner marries two, three, or four wives. They are helping women and helping society.”

He criticized the Western concept of “one man, one woman” introduced by colonialism and Christianity, describing it as hypocritical.

“The fallacy of it all is that Christianity doesn’t allow that in the South, yet the average Christian man in the South has 10 girlfriends. The irony is so stark,” he added.

Population and Cultural Argument

Senator Nwoko further claimed that polygamy contributes to population growth, particularly in Northern Nigeria, and warned that the Igbo population could decline if the practice remains frowned upon in the South.

“Just watch what the population of the North will be in the next 20 years compared to that of the Igbos. The population will be like one to five because of this disparity. The gap is getting bigger, and the Igbos will never catch up because of this self-imposed restriction,” he said.

Domestic Violence Allegation

Nwoko’s comments come amid reports of a marital rift with his fifth wife, Regina Daniels. The actress recently accused him of domestic abuse allegations which he strongly denied, claiming instead that Regina was involved in drug use, a claim she also denied.

The interview has since sparked intense conversations across social media, with many Nigerians divided over his defense of polygamy and comments on women’s economic struggles.

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The Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, mni, has officially flagged off the 2025 Ember Months Public Enlightenment Campaign with the theme, “Take Responsibility for Your Safety: Stop Distracted Driving.”

Speaking during the launch, Mohammed urged Nigerians to make road safety a personal responsibility, emphasizing that driver behaviour remains the biggest threat to safety on the nation’s highways. He identified fatigue, speeding, and phone use while driving as the leading causes of road crashes, especially during the high-traffic Ember Months.

To ensure safer roads, the Corps Marshal announced nationwide deployment of personnel, free vehicle checks, and massive public sensitization exercises across the country.

Highlighting the Corps’ strides in digital innovation, Mohammed also unveiled the new contactless biometric driver’s licence system, which allows for instant on-the-spot printing and enhanced security features. He noted that the system eliminates delays, promotes transparency, and aligns Nigeria’s driver licensing process with global standards in road safety management and digital identification.

As part of the activities marking the flag-off, journalists were taken on an assessment tour of the National Drivers Licence Print Farm, where they observed the new contactless biometric capture process in operation.

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Abuja, Nigeria – A groundbreaking milestone for African aviation and higher education was achieved on Thursday with the official unveiling of the Isaac Balami University of Aeronautics and Management (IBUAM), Africa’s first privately owned university dedicated exclusively to aeronautics and management.

Speaking at the world press conference and unveiling ceremony in Abuja, the Vice Chancellor, Air Vice Marshal (rtd) Professor Paul Jemitola, described the institution as “a revolution designed to shape the future of African aviation and leadership.”

He noted that the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) projects that Africa will require over 65,000 new aviation professionals by 2040, emphasizing that IBUAM is strategically positioned to fill this gap with locally trained, globally competitive professionals.

Minister of Aviation Hails Milestone for the Sector

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, praised the establishment of IBUAM as “a great feat for the aviation industry.”

He said the unveiling aligns perfectly with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration and its five-point agenda, particularly in supporting private sector growth and human capital development.

“It is one of our five points agenda — one, the support for local entrepreneurs within our sector, and two, human capital development. It is a revolution,” Mr. Keyamo stated.

The Minister urged state governments to support indigenous students in gaining admission to IBUAM and highlighted the institution’s unique structure, which he said “is a combination of three institutions.”

He also encouraged the university to give special attention to air traffic control, warning that “the future of air flight in Africa will face a shortage of professionals in air controlling.”

Women Affairs Ministry Commends IBUAM’s Inclusivity

Representing the Minister of Women Affairs, the Special Adviser on Technical and Strategic Communication, Mrs. Chumi Okoye, lauded the initiative as “an extraordinary achievement and a bold demonstration of what is possible when vision meets determination.”

She emphasized that the university marks a historic opportunity for women in Nigeria and across Africa.

“For the first time, young women will have access to world-class education in aeronautics engineering and management at home without needing to go abroad. The university is a testament to Nigeria’s capacity for innovation and excellence,” she said.

Mrs. Okoye noted that the ministry will partner with IBUAM to train 100 young women across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones in the first phase of its collaboration with the institution.

“We’re opening new pathways for women in innovation, trade, and technical sectors such as aviation. Recent data reveals that only 13% of aviation jobs are held by women, and our goal is to significantly increase women’s participation and close this gap,” she added.

NCAA Endorses IBUAM’s Vision

The Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Captain Chris Najomo, also commended the establishment of the university, describing it as “timely and transformative.”

He noted that IBUAM “redefines the future of aviation education, profession, and management in Nigeria and Africa,” particularly as the sector continues to face challenges in capacity development and specialized technical training.

A Vision Rooted in Innovation — The Founder Speaks

In his remarks, Engr. Isaac Balami, founder of IBUAM and a respected aviation entrepreneur, said the university was born from a lifelong dream to build a world-class institution that would train Africans in Africa to global standards.

“For too long, we have depended on foreign institutions to train our pilots, engineers, and managers. IBUAM is proof that we can build excellence right here at home — by Africans, for Africa, and for the world,” Balami said.

He added that the university’s mission is not just to produce graduates but leaders equipped with skills, discipline, and vision to transform the continent’s aviation landscape.

“Our goal is to raise a new generation of aviation entrepreneurs, innovators, and policymakers who will drive Africa’s presence in global aviation. This is more than a university; it is a movement,” Balami stated.

Redefining the African Graduate

According to the Vice Chancellor, every student at IBUAM will combine academic training with hands-on aeronautical experience. Regardless of their discipline from Aerospace Engineering to Aviation Management or Computer Engineering students will be trained in Piloting and Leadership alongside their primary studies.

Graduates can earn:

• A Private Pilot License (PPL), with pathways to commercial certification.
• International aircraft maintenance certifications recognized by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).

Immersive Learning and Leadership Development

Students will receive over 1,000 hours of live aircraft experience and train with cutting-edge simulation technologies from global leaders such as Boeing, Airbus, and Rolls-Royce.

Beyond academics, IBUAM offers a balanced lifestyle experience, with modern dining, sports, and recreational facilities that foster leadership, teamwork, and innovation.

Join the Future of African Aviation

IBUAM is now open for admissions to students across Nigeria, Africa, and beyond.

“This is where pilots graduate as entrepreneurs, engineers as innovators, and managers as visionaries,” Professor Jemitola said.

Prospective students can apply at www.ibuam.edu.ng to begin their journey into the future of African aviation.

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