Sobi101.9FM

Sobi101.9FM Number One Radio Station in the North Central region of Nigeria. Online Digital Services
(1)

“At Last, Justice for Nigeria Airways Pensioners” — FG Approves Long-Awaited Payout After 20-Year WaitThe Federal Govern...
23/07/2025

“At Last, Justice for Nigeria Airways Pensioners” — FG Approves Long-Awaited Payout After 20-Year Wait

The Federal Government is set to commence the disbursement of pensions to retired workers of the defunct Nigeria Airways, marking a significant milestone after over two decades of agitation and delayed entitlements.

In a statement posted on Tuesday by the National Orientation Agency (NOA) on its official X account, the agency announced that the Ministry of Aviation had confirmed the approval and upcoming disbursement of the pensions.

The ministry also pledged transparency and fairness in handling the payments. “The Federal Government has approved the long-awaited pensions for retired aviation workers, bringing long-overdue relief to thousands who served in the sector".

This decision follows years of advocacy by unions pushing for justice for retirees, especially from defunct national carriers,” the statement read. It added, “The Ministry of Aviation confirmed that the payments will be processed soon, with a commitment to transparency.”

The development comes more than 20 years after the collapse of Nigeria Airways, which operated from 1958 until it was shut down in 2003 due to mismanagement, corruption, and mounting debts. Over 6,000 employees were affected by the closure, many of whom have lived without receiving their full pensions and gratuities.

Aviation stakeholders have welcomed the announcement, describing it as a long-overdue action that could restore dignity to the retired workforce.

The statement noted that “stakeholders have welcomed the development,” with many viewing it as a step toward rebuilding trust in the aviation sector.

Union pressure played a crucial role in the renewed attention to the issue. In 2018, aviation unions such as the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), the Air Transport Senior Staff Services Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), and the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE) threatened to shut down airspace over unpaid benefits.

That same year, then-President Muhammadu Buhari approved ₦22 billion for partial settlement of entitlements. However, union figures indicated that ₦36 billion remained outstanding.

Earlier this year, the National Assembly Joint Committee on Aviation warned that it would block the Ministry of Aviation’s budget unless provisions were made for settling the outstanding pensions of former Nigeria Airways staff.

23/07/2025

GBO RUN E WO

23/07/2025

Guess what? Someone just jumped on Opa Sobi's news casting challenge. We upload soon. You can submit yours to 0912 522 1019

23/07/2025

IROYIN KALEKAKO

23/07/2025

NEWS

“Adeleke Is a Political Liability, We Won’t Take Him” — Osun APC Fires Back Amid Defection RumoursThe Osun State chapter...
23/07/2025

“Adeleke Is a Political Liability, We Won’t Take Him” — Osun APC Fires Back Amid Defection Rumours

The Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has firmly rejected an alleged attempt by Governor Ademola Adeleke to defect to the party, describing him as a political liability who would damage the party’s image and credibility.

This response comes after Governor Adeleke and 27 chieftains of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) publicly endorsed President Bola Tinubu for the 2027 presidential election, citing his Osun State origin as a reason for their support. The move sparked speculation about Adeleke’s possible defection to the APC.

According to a communiqué released after a PDP leadership caucus meeting, Adeleke reportedly dropped his defection plans after facing resistance from both PDP and APC members. The caucus, however, maintained its endorsement of President Tinubu for a second term.

Reacting to the development on Wednesday, Osun APC Chairman, Tajudeen Lawal, issued a scathing statement accusing Governor Adeleke of running a corrupt and directionless government. He said the APC could not afford to admit someone who, in his words, would bring “baggage” and harm the party’s public standing.

Lawal alleged that Adeleke’s defection bid was driven by fear of losing the 2026 governorship election. “It was the fear of an impending defeat that made him desperately seek asylum in our party,” he said. “The Osun people are relieved by our rejection of him.”

He further accused the Adeleke-led administration of gross mismanagement, including spending N13 billion on luxury cars for aides, defrauding thousands of job applicants, and charging students at the University of Ilesa exorbitant school fees of up to N1.5 million per session.

Lawal claimed the PDP in Osun had collapsed into a shell of its former self, allegedly dominated by what he described as “carcasses and political dregs,” and said only individuals with integrity were moving to the APC.

He concluded by affirming the APC’s readiness to reclaim Osun in 2026, warning that no endorsement or alliance would shield Governor Adeleke from defeat. “Political parties can accept or reject defectors based on what’s in the best interest of the party’s image and public trust,” he said.

Kwara Govt Condemns Child Abuse, Vows Prosecution of PerpetratorThe Kwara State Government has strongly condemned the re...
23/07/2025

Kwara Govt Condemns Child Abuse, Vows Prosecution of Perpetrator

The Kwara State Government has strongly condemned the recent case of child abuse involving an eight-year-old boy who was reportedly subjected to brutal corporal punishment by his guardian.

In a statement issued by the Press Secretary of the Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development, Mr. Peter Amogbonjaye, the Commissioner, Dr. Lawal Olohungbebe, described the incident as "barbaric" and "wholly unacceptable in a civilised society."

Dr. Olohungbebe, who was reacting to a viral video on social media showing the young boy with grievous scars and injuries, confirmed that the perpetrator has since been apprehended by security agencies and will face the full weight of the law.

“This act is deeply unfortunate and painful. We will not tolerate any form of violence against children in Kwara State. The safety, welfare, and well-being of every child remains a priority of the Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq-led administration,” the Commissioner stated.

He also condemned the inappropriate recording and circulation of the abused child’s naked image by a class teacher within a school setting, noting that such an act amounts to a gross violation of the child’s dignity and constitutes tech-based violence.

Dr. Olohungbebe appealed to teachers and school staff to exercise discretion and professionalism when handling sensitive issues concerning students, stressing the need to protect the privacy and rights of learners at all times.

Meanwhile, the Executive Chairman of the Kwara State Universal Basic Education Board (KWSUBEB), Professor Shehu Raheem Adaramaja, who visited the school following the incident, expressed disappointment over the decision of the teacher to post the video online instead of reporting the matter to school authorities or relevant stakeholders for proper action.

Prof. Adaramaja warned teachers against the misuse of social media, urging them to uphold ethical standards in the discharge of their duties.

He disclosed that the Board has concluded plans to organise training for teachers during the upcoming holiday, focusing on moral regeneration and reorientation towards effective child development.

The training, according to him, is part of broader efforts to ensure a safe, supportive, and productive learning environment for pupils in Kwara State public schools.

23/07/2025

WAKATI HABARUJI FULFULE

Reps Indict 31 MDAs Over N103.8bn, $950k in Financial Infractions, Task EFCC, ICPC on RecoveryThe House of Representativ...
23/07/2025

Reps Indict 31 MDAs Over N103.8bn, $950k in Financial Infractions, Task EFCC, ICPC on Recovery

The House of Representatives has indicted 31 federal Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) for financial irregularities amounting to over ₦103.8 billion and \$950,912, based on the Auditor-General’s reports for 2019 and 2020.

The findings followed the adoption of recommendations by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) during plenary on Tuesday.

Lawmakers directed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to recover the mismanaged funds and ensure they are remitted into the federation account.

Presenting the motion, Rep. Bamidele Salam said the audit reports revealed “massive internal control failures, unauthorised expenditures, and procurement violations” across several government agencies. The infractions were uncovered in the Auditor-General’s Annual Reports for the fiscal years ending December 31, 2019, and December 31, 2020.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs was singled out for unauthorised spending related to a presidential lodge project in Ethiopia. It was directed to refund ₦124 million and \$795,000, alongside other irregular payments, including ₦49.4 million for unapproved renovations and ₦9.2 million disbursed without supporting documents.

The Bank of Agriculture came under fire for failing to recover debts totaling ₦75.6 billion. The House ordered that the list of debtors be published in at least three national newspapers and mandated the EFCC and ICPC to begin immediate recovery efforts. An additional ₦350 million must also be recovered within 90 days.

Other indicted agencies include the Nigeria Correctional Service, which must recover ₦7.47 million in unpaid withholding taxes, and the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA), which was ordered to retrieve 12 official vehicles and refund ₦12 million spent in breach of procurement laws.

In the FCT, Kwali Area Council was flagged for transferring ₦82 million to 105 unidentified individuals. The former council chairman has been instructed to recover the funds and present evidence to the committee.

Additional infractions were recorded at the Rural Electrification Agency (₦1.3 billion), Veterinary Council of Nigeria (₦19 million), and Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (₦1 billion), all of which must refund misappropriated sums and recover outstanding debts or taxes as directed.

23/07/2025

LABARI NUPE

23/07/2025

IROYIN OJORO

23/07/2025

NEWS UPDATE

Address


Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Sobi101.9FM posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Sobi101.9FM:

Shortcuts

  • Address
  • Telephone
  • Alerts
  • Contact The Business
  • Claim ownership or report listing
  • Want your business to be the top-listed Media Company?

Share