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The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, will promote six high and senior chiefs on the Otun Olubadan line in accordance with the Ibadan chieftaincy law on Friday.

The promotion is subject to the vacancy created by the enthronement of Oba Ladoja, who was formerly the Otun Olubadan, as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.

The affected high chiefs are Oba Eddy Oyewole, Oba Kola Daisi, Oba Hamidu Ajibade, Oba Adebayo Akande, Senior Chief Lekan Alabi, and Kola Babalola.

Oba Oyewole will move from Osi Olubadan to Otun Olubadan, Oba Hamidu Ajibade from Ekerin Olubadan to Asipa Olubadan, Oba Adebayo Akande from Ekaarun Olubadan to Ekerin Olubadan, Senior Chief Lekan Alabi from Maye Olubadan to Abese Olubadan, and Senior Chief Kola Babalola from Abese Olubadan to Ekaarun Olubadan.

The elevation ceremony is billed to take place at the new Olubadan Palace, Oke-Aremo, in Ibadan North Local Government Area.

The ceremony, as reliably gathered, will be the first traditional event to be performed by Oba Ladoja since his enthronement on Friday, 26 September 2025.

Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako, says Nigeria is facing a severe shortage of health professionals, part of a global crisis that is fuelling migration and putting pressure on the country’s healthcare system.

Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja to address the ongoing strike by the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), Dr Salako said the Federal Government is implementing both immediate and long-term measures to stabilise the sector and retain skilled personnel.

‘The World Health Organization recommends a doctor-to-patient ratio of 1 to 1,000. In Nigeria, it is about 1 to 3,500. This gap contributes to migration because, like any commodity, when there is scarcity, there will be movement. It’s a global issue everyone is trying to solve.’

He explained that the government’s response includes scaling up training and recruitment to produce more doctors, nurses, and other health professionals.

‘We are creating more opportunities to train and employ health workers,’ he noted. ‘Some countries have turned their health workforce into an economic asset, and Nigeria is moving in that direction so that even when some leave, others remain to strengthen the system.’

Salako also addressed concerns about the temporary employment of doctors and other staff in federal health institutions, clarifying that such arrangements were necessary to fill vacancies pending regular recruitment exercises.

‘Because we know doctors are leaving, hospital executives are empowered to employ staff on a local basis. Permanent employment takes time – applications, screenings, IPPIS capture – so we allow hospitals to engage temporary staff until the next round of regular recruitment.’

He added that the Ministry is developing a universal protocol to guide hospital managements on fair and transparent temporary engagement.

‘We are finalising a protocol that defines how hospitals should engage staff locally – how long they can work, and how they can transition into permanent positions,’ the minister said.

Addressing the financial side of NARD’s grievances, Dr Salako said government payments had significantly reduced outstanding arrears.

‘Out of ?41 billion owed, ?21 billion has been paid and another ?12 billion is being processed,’ he said. ‘This covers virtually all arrears across health workers.’

He further revealed that the ministry had established a task force to conduct unscheduled visits to hospitals to ensure continuity of care.

‘We have set up a task force that will monitor hospitals and ensure that those not on strike are at their duty posts,’ he announced.

Salako reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fairness and teamwork in the health sector.

‘Everyone is important – doctors, nurses, lab scientists,’ he stressed. ‘We recognise their peculiarities, but we must all work together as a team to build a stronger health system.’

President Donald Trump had last Friday designated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern over what he called genocide against Christians.

He also ordered the US military to prepare for action in Nigeria to tackle Islamist militant groups, accusing the government of failing to protect Christians.

The ADC, in a statement on Monday, however, said military intervention would be counterproductive and threaten national unity.

‘We appreciate the American president and other world leaders for their concern about the security situation in our country. We will, however, urge that such concerns should be translated into supporting Nigeria to grow its democracy and develop its capacity to solve its own problems.

‘We believe that mobilising armed troops or even a mere threat of doing so would do more harm than good and ultimately prove counter-productive to our democratic aspiration and the long-term unity and stability of our country.’

The opposition party, which acknowledged that the scary security situation predated the Bola Ahmed Tinubu, however, accused it of complacency in confronting, frontally the menace of insecurity.

In the statement signed by ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party accused the present administration of what it called structural and diplomatic failures, over the absence of foreign ambassadors in key countries.

It further claimed that Nigeria’s foreign policy has been personalised and reduced to the image and vested interests of Tinubu.

‘Under this administration, terror and violence have expanded their reach, from the extreme east and west of the north to its central part. On October 31, 2025, the very day that President Trump announces his concern about Nigeria, another terror group, JNIM, an Al-Qaeda affiliate which had been active in the Sahel region, announced a successful attack in Kwara State, which serves as a gateway to the southern part of the country.

‘The crisis that we face is therefore not about any ethnic or religious group being targeted for killing; it is an existential crisis that imperils all Nigerians. Quite significantly, it is also not about which region or religion has lost more lives; it is about every individual’s right to life. Life and death are absolutes, and they must never be reduced to statistics. The ADC believes that one life lost that could have been saved is one death too many.

‘The problem of insecurity in Nigeria did not start with President Tinubu. The problem is that President Tinubu has refused to acknowledge that the crisis has got worse under his watch and has refused to accept responsibility. Instead, Nigerians have been met with excuses, cruel silence or utter indifference, and political posturing that mocks the tragedy of victims and their families.

‘The ADC would also like to draw attention to the structural and diplomatic failures that continue to deepen Nigeria’s vulnerability on the international stage.

‘We would like to ask, why has the Nigerian government failed to appoint ambassadors to key countries, more than two years into its term? How can a government that has been boasting of unprecedented revenue success continue to give a lack of funds as an excuse for not appointing ambassadors? Why has our foreign policy become so deeply personalised, focused on the image of the president and his interests, rather than the image of Nigeria and the interests of the Nigerian people? Why are there still no unified national security strategies, no regional coordination, and no meaningful engagement with the communities most affected?

‘Under President Tinubu, Nigeria has declined both as a continental and a regional leader. Nothing underlines this decline more than the fracturing of the ECOWAS under his watch. A region that once looked up to us for direction and leadership on issues of democratisation and security now doesn’t think we matter anymore, as smaller countries watch us fumble aimlessly with our own domestic crisis. These failures are not isolated. They are all connected, pointing to a government that is so incompetent, so narrow-minded, and yet so blindly arrogant. ‘

The party further called for ‘a full overhaul of the national security apparatus, including an independent audit of operations, leadership, and strategy. Immediate appointment of qualified ambassadors to restore Nigeria’s diplomatic presence and strategic influence.’

Members of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) and Southern Nigeria Youth Congress (SNYC), Ekiti State Chapters, have protested at the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) over what they described as alleged corruption, abuse of office and moral decay in the institution.

The youth groups with different placards also demanded the suspension of the Vice Chancellor, Professor Abayomi Fasina and the Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba as Pro-Chancellor and Governing Council Chairman of the university.

The protesters in their large numbers, marched in solidarity in Oye-Ekiti with placards such as ‘Stop the rot in FUOYE’, ‘FUOYE needs truth and accountability’, ‘FUOYE Must Be Rescued Now!’, We say no to imposition, corruption’ among others.

Speaking with newsmen, the chairman of NYCN in the state, Segun Bankole said the youth bodies have submitted a petition to President Bola Tinubu, who serves as the visitor to the university and copied all relevant anti-corruption and regulatory agencies over the situation in the institution.

He alleged that the university has been hijacked by some individuals for their personal gains, adding that repeated ministerial instructions on the movement of selection process for new vice chancellor to Abuja have been ignored by the management.

He equally decried the low workforce of indigenes employed in the institution, who are engaged as contract staff with a meager monthly stipend, saying such actions serve as maladministration and threats to the welfare of Ekiti youth.

Also speaking, the State Chairman of SNYC, Emmanuel Aladejare questioned what he described as the compressed Vice Chancellorship selection timetable, claiming it was allegedly a deliberate manipulation, ‘ to install a predetermined successor who would perpetuate corruption and impunity.’

The protesters called for immediate suspension of the current Vice Chancellorship selection process and constitution of an independent, non-partisan panel to investigate all allegations in the institution and ensure justice for victims.

According to the protesting youths, ‘ Other demands include: establishment of a neutral interim governing council to restore lawful governance, a full forensic audit of FUOYE’s finances, property acquisitions and Council expenditures since 2021, immediate return of Council activities to the FUOYE campus and legal protection for whistleblowers; as well as anti-corruption advocates within the university community.’

They called on President Tinubu to take decisive action, insisting that, ‘ only firm, transparent and immediate intervention can prevent the total collapse of FUOYE.’

‘We reject the current Vice Chancellorship appointment process. The timetable, which outrageously compresses the evaluation of over 100 applicants into just two days, is a deliberate and unlawful manipulation designed to achieve a predetermined outcome and install a successor who will perpetuate the corrupt cabal.

‘ This rushed process is a mockery of transparency and an insult to the principles of meritocracy.

‘The protest will be sustained until the Presidency acts decisively on our demands,’ the youth groups said.

When contacted the Public Relations Officer of FUOYE, Foluso Ogunmodede described the allegations from the youth groups as false and unfounded, calling on the public especially the university community to ignore the actions of the few individuals.

‘Nothing to respond to in the allegations as they remain spurious and unfounded. The allegations are lies from the pit of hell,’ Ogunmodede said.

The legal battle over the defilement of a 16-year-old girl has escalated, with the Lagos State Government (LASG) taking its case to the Supreme Court after a controversial acquittal.

The state is praying the apex court to affirm the initial conviction of Dr Olufemi Olaleye, Medical Director of Optimal Cancer Care Foundation, who was set free by the Court of Appeal.

Olaleye was originally sentenced to life imprisonment by the Lagos State Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court in October 2023 for defiling his wife’s niece.

However, the Lagos Division of the Court of Appeal overturned this conviction on November 29, 2024, citing alleged inconsistencies in the prosecution’s evidence.

Dissatisfied with the appellate court’s decision, the Lagos State Government lodged an appeal, seeking to challenge the acquittal and reinstate the trial court’s judgment.

The respondent, Dr Olaleye, represented by his counsel, Chief J.S. Okutepa (SAN), had filed a Notice of Preliminary Objection dated September 29, 2025.

The Notice of Preliminary Objection is asking the Supreme Court to strike out the state’s appeal, arguing a want of competence.

In response, the state government urged the Supreme Court to discountenance the objection, arguing that Dr Olaleye’s application is misplaced, unfounded and smacks of technicality.

In its brief of argument, the LASG raised four issues for determination by the apex court.

A key contention raised by the state (in ground three) is whether the victim’s age, which was not contested, disputed, or raised during the trial, could be legitimately made an issue at the appellate stage.

The state government further argued that it successfully proved the offences of defilement of a child and sexual assault by penetration against the respondent beyond a reasonable doubt, as required by law.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Chief (Mrs) Esther Olufunke Arthur-Worrey, the mother of Mr Fola Arthur-Worrey, former Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice of Lagos State.

Esther Arthur-Worrey passed away on October 29 at the age of 98.

In a statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President (Information and Strategy), President Tinubu described the late matriarch as ‘a woman of grace, fortitude, and faith who devoted her life to family and community service.’

President Tinubu noted that ‘the deceased lived an exemplary life anchored on sound moral values, compassion, and an enduring commitment to the welfare of those around her.

‘Mama Arthur-Worrey lived a fulfilled life of purpose and impact. She raised a family of accomplished individuals dedicated to service and the public good. Her legacy of kindness, discipline, and godliness will continue to inspire generations.’

President Tinubu further extended his heartfelt condolences to Mr Fola Arthur-Worrey and the entire Arthur-Worrey family, encouraging them to take solace in Mama’s endearing life of purpose.

He prayed that God Almighty grant her eternal rest.

THE impairment of mental acuity is fast becoming a pervasive phenomenon in the world. Its prevalence seems to defy the much-improved socioeconomic circumstances and medical facilities in many advanced and prosperous democracies. Indeed, mental health disorders have been acknowledged as posing a major public health challenge worldwide, with one in eight individuals affected, particularly by anxiety and depression. This troubling statistics is much grimmer in Nigeria, with no less than 20 percent to 30 percent of the population, or around 40-60 million people, estimated to be affected by mental illness.

Perhaps underscoring the veracity of the worrying statistics, recently, a well-dressed woman suspected to be mentally unstable reportedly showed up at Panti Police Station, Lagos State, on a mission to report an element, the ‘sun’, which had ostensibly wronged her! The police and the relevant agency of the government of Lagos State liaised and acted promptly to assist the ‘complainant’. The police were also reported to have defrayed the cost of the Uber ride that brought her to the station. The woman, who was described as well-dressed, had taken an Uber ride from Lekki to Panti Police Station, where she reportedly attempted to file a complaint against the sun! Who reports weather elements to the police authorities for whatever reasons other than someone who has lost his/her mind?

We commend the police for quickly realising the challenge they were confronted with when the woman showed up and for acting in concert with the Lagos State government to lend her a helping hand. The Lagos State government, in particular, is appreciated for promptly coming to the aid of a needy citizen within its jurisdiction. The woman was taken to one of the Lagos State-owned rehabilitation centres, where she is reported to be currently receiving the necessary medical and psychological care to aid her recovery. That is quintessential good governance and we urge the Lagos State government to keep it up, and in other areas of governance too.

The economic situation and life generally in the country predispose one to mental health problems. Every human has a threshold of tolerance for hardship and once that limit is exceeded, (s)he tends to slide into insanity or a condition that makes people behave in a way that markedly detracts from reality. This is why it is imperative that leadership at all levels, especially the government, should always endeavour to ensure that policy options do not inflict excruciating but avoidable pain on its citizens. And while the degree of hardship that triggers depression and/or suicide varies from one individual to another, adversarial socioeconomic circumstances, especially the protracted type that has seemingly limitless tenure, tend to push the average human to the precipice or at least get him/her disoriented.

Other factors, including genetics, the use of illicit drugs, excessive consumption of alcohol, repeated failure to achieve inordinate ambition and so on could occasion instability of mind. All of these factors, except genetics, which is natural, are dangerous indulgences that are patently avoidable. It is, therefore, important that everyone shuns dangerous lifestyles and habits that have the tendency to cause mental challenges, even as it is also crucial to be one’s brother’s keeper. Mental health issues are not a challenge that should occasion mockery of the sufferers or be taken lightly. Citizens around those suffering from mental health challenges should help and encourage them to seek help. They should be supported and helped instead of being stigmatised or mocked.

It bears stressing, too, that mental health issues do not necessarily translate to madness. For instance, postpartum depression, anxiety and so on are variants of mental health conditions which, when attended to early and are properly managed, could disappear permanently. Their prompt detection and treatment can help to stymie the manifestation of overly discordant behaviour. Mental health issues are also a serious challenge to productivity and they must be addressed promptly upon detection, using the appropriate technology and requisite human capital. Ironically, the current ratio of psychiatrists to the Nigerian population is severely unbalanced. The estimates range from one psychiatrist for every 800,000 to one million people, which is significantly lower than the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommended ratio of one for every 10,000. This shortage is further exacerbated by the emigration of doctors outside the shores of the country, a phenomenon known as the ‘japa syndrome’.

The bitter truth is that the current spate of citizens losing their minds in the country is intolerable. The society and, most significantly, the government, owes it a duty to ensure that every citizen is in excellent health, both mentally and physically. And since many of the triggers of mental illness are often linked to adverse socioeconomic conditions, even if remotely, government must ensure that it tackles the economic hardship in the land head-on. This is the way to go if the slide from lucidity of mind to confusion and irrationality is to be reined in. It should be noted that in every jurisdiction, socioeconomic progress and other developmental agenda tend to be achieved much faster when everyone is on board. However, in a situation where not every hand is on deck because some compatriots have impaired minds, causing them to make invalid judgements or less than lucid appreciation of reality, like in the instant case of a woman attempting to file a complaint against the ‘sun’ at a police station, the attainment of national objectives will at best be suboptimal.

THE Independent Shareholders Association of Nigeria (ISAN) yesterday held its 8th Triennial Delegates Conference at the NECA House, Lagos, bringing together top policymakers, regulators, investors, and business leaders to deliberate on strategies for achieving Nigeria’s ambition of becoming a $1 trillion economy by 2030.

The conference held in Lagos on Thursday, themed ‘Nigeria: Towards a $1 Trillion Economy by 2030,’ provided a platform for robust dialogue on the nation’s economic trajectory, with discussions spanning financial inclusion, corporate governance, insurance reform, and cybersecurity resilience.

In his welcome address, the National Coordinator of ISAN, Mr. Moses Igbrude, underscored the crucial role of shareholders in promoting transparency, accountability, and ethical corporate governance, describing these as essential pillars for sustainable economic growth. He noted that the gathering was not merely ceremonial but a forum for shaping policies and sharing ideas that would drive national prosperity. According to him, ‘This conference provides a platform for us to engage in meaningful discussions, share knowledge, and shape policies that will drive our nation’s economic growth. As shareholders, our duty extends beyond dividends; we must contribute to building a more stable, prosperous economy.’

Mr. Igbrude expressed gratitude to the partners, sponsors, and speakers who contributed to the success of the event and formally declared the conference open, calling on all participants to collaborate and commit to Nigeria’s economic advancement.

Addressing the delegates, the Director of Inspectorate at the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), Mr. Ajibola Bankole, delivered a paper titled ‘The Strategic Role of Insurance in National Development,’ where he emphasized that insurance plays a pivotal role in fostering economic stability, encouraging investment, and building resilience against shocks.

Describing insurance as the confidence to invest, to innovate, to create, and to build for the future, Bankole lamented that Nigeria’s insurance penetration remains below one percent of GDP, which he said highlights the need for urgent action to unlock the industry’s full potential.

Bankole highlighted the Nigerian Insurance Industry Reform Act (NIIRA) 2025 as a landmark achievement aimed at strengthening corporate governance, enhancing capital adequacy, and protecting consumers, while explaining that the reforms are designed not only to enforce compliance but to create a transparent, competitive, and investment-friendly market capable of supporting the government’s broader economic transformation agenda.

‘The NIIRA 2025 introduces far-reaching provisions designed to create a transparent, competitive, and investment-friendly insurance market. These reforms are not just about compliance, they are about confidence, stability, and long-term value creation,’ he said.

He also called for stronger collaboration among insurers, shareholders, and policymakers to unlock opportunities in critical sectors such as health, agriculture, and infrastructure, noting that a vibrant insurance sector could serve as a major catalyst for sustainable development and economic inclusion.

Cybersecurity expert, Dr. Martin Ikpehai, while speaking on the topic ‘Securing and Protecting the $1 Trillion Economy Against Cyber Terrorism by 2030,’ warned that Nigeria’s economic ambitions could be severely undermined without robust cybersecurity frameworks to protect its digital infrastructure and financial systems.

Drawing lessons from Australia’s experience in strengthening its digital economy, Dr. Ikpehai emphasized that cybersecurity investment is not a cost but an enabler of growth and investor confidence.

He explained that to achieve a trillion-dollar economy, Nigeria must embed cybersecurity into every aspect of its economic planning. He recommended the establishment of national cybersecurity standards, the strengthening of incident response systems, and the promotion of public-private collaboration in tackling emerging digital threats.

He also called for increased investment in cyber education and workforce development, as well as measures to secure emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, Internet of Things, and 5G infrastructure.

‘To achieve a trillion-dollar economy, Nigeria must embed cybersecurity into every aspect of its economic planning. Digital resilience is now synonymous with economic resilience,’ he said.

At the conference, participants agreed that achieving the $1 trillion economic milestone would require strong policy consistency, sound corporate governance, innovation, and deliberate investment in human capital.

Speakers emphasized the importance of synergy between the government, regulators, and private sector players in driving sustained economic progress.

Mr Igbrude reaffirmed ISAN’s commitment to promoting responsible investing and protecting the interests of shareholders in Nigeria’s corporate landscape. ‘Let us seize this opportunity to work together towards a brighter economic future for Nigeria. Our collective action today will determine the prosperity of tomorrow,’ he said.

THE National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) have inaugurated a Joint Committee on the Enforcement of Compulsory Third-Party Motor Insurance, marking a major milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to strengthen road safety, insurance compliance, and protection for accident victims.

The inauguration ceremony, held at NAICOM’s headquarters in Abuja, underscored both agencies’ shared commitment to implementing the Nigerian Insurance Industry Reform Act (NIIRA) 2025, which seeks to modernize insurance operations and expand coverage nationwide.

Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Insurance and Chief Executive Officer of NAICOM, Mr. Olusegun Ayo Omosehin, praised the FRSC for its proactive partnership and leadership in promoting the initiative.

He noted that the collaboration will deliver tangible benefits to Nigerians by integrating the insurance and vehicle registration databases, ensuring prompt compensation for accident victims, and raising public awareness about insurance obligations and consumer rights.

‘This initiative directly supports President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes reforms in key sectors to drive inclusive national development,’ Omosehin stated.

Also speaking, the Corps Marshal of the FRSC, Shehu Mohammed, reaffirmed the Corps’ full commitment to the partnership, describing it as a critical step toward ensuring full compliance with compulsory third-party motor insurance laws.

He emphasized that the FRSC would deploy technology-driven enforcement, data sharing, and on-field monitoring to achieve measurable results.

According to Mohammed, the collaboration represents ‘a model of inter-agency synergy’ aimed at reducing road traffic accidents while strengthening the government’s capacity to provide timely financial and medical support to victims.

Presenting the Terms of Reference for the Joint Committee, the Deputy Commissioner for Insurance, Mr. Ekerete Ola Gam-Ikon, explained that the committee’s core mandates include enforcing compulsory third-party motor insurance nationwide, reducing the number of uninsured vehicles, and ensuring quick compensation and medical assistance for accident victims.

He added that the committee will also promote public sensitization on insurance benefits, support microinsurance for commercial drivers and passengers, and enable real-time digital verification of insurance policies to improve transparency and enforcement efficiency.

The Joint Committee, co-chaired by senior officials from both NAICOM and FRSC, will coordinate joint field operations, conduct awareness campaigns, and recommend periodic policy reviews to enhance compliance and consumer confidence. NAICOM will serve as the Secretariat, providing administrative and operational oversight for the initiative’s sustainability.

Omosehin reiterated NAICOM’s commitment to sustaining the partnership through continuous innovation, feedback, and stakeholder engagement.

‘This is not a one-off event. We are committed to continuous improvement. Fewer road accidents, more insured motorists, and stronger public confidence in the insurance system are key outcomes we are determined to achieve,’ he said.

Chairman, Senate Committee on Aviation, Senator AbdulFatai Buhari, has said the decision of the Senate to hold a public hearing on Thursday on the allegation of substance abuse against Nigerian pilots is based on the safety of lives and national interest.

Buhari spoke at the weekend against the backdrop of the controversy stirred by the claim by a former governor of Abia State and Senate Chief Whip, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, at a plenary in the Senate, alleging drug use among some pilots, and called on the authorities to take necessary actions.

‘On many occasions, I have stopped to fly because of inadequacy of pilot’s preparation; some of the pilots are not prepared. Some of them use Indian hemp,’ Orji said.

The allegation by the senator drew spontaneous flak from the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE), which challenged the Abia senator to either provide verifiable evidence to support his claims or issue an immediate public retraction and apology.

The association reiterated that Nigerian pilots are subject to strict regulatory, medical, and ethical standards as established by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, in line with global protocols set by the International Civil Aviation Organisation. These include regular and random drug and alcohol testing.

According to him, the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo and other top players in the industry will be on hand to speak on a number of trending issues in the sector, as no fewer than 60 invitations have been sent out to them.

The senator said there are lots of petitions bordering on activities in the Nigerian aviation industry, some of which have to do with indiscriminate hike in airfare with the industry operators blaming the trend on cost of acquiring aircraft coupled with high lending rates by banks.

He also identified flight cancellations by airline operators with the negative effects on the personal schedules of passengers and other categories of customers of the airlines.

‘Secondly is the arbitrary cancellation of flights. It does not give you room to plan your journey; if you do, you will miss that appointment. It puts you under pressure, the only way is you leave your home at 10 am till 10 pm; they will be loss of appointments.

‘Sometimes, they blame it on technical problems. So, this has been a source of worry for me as the chairman of the committee on aviation in the Senate,’ Buhari said.

He said the public hearing was not meant to witch hunt anybody but to address those core issues that prevalent in the sector and proffer the way forward, adding that there is no plan to sweep them under the carpet.

‘There is no intention to victimise anybody. We will look out for what we are supposed to that we may not be doing now or we have not done so far. When you are faced with this kind of scenario, you don’t gloss over the issue. So, we will compile the report and submit it to the Senate.

‘All the agencies have been invited; we have over 60 invitations. The minimum time or notice we give in such circumstances is a week, but we made it three weeks this time. The planned public hearing is not about the airline alone; it is about our lives; it is about the industry,’ he said.

He also advocated the need for improved public awareness on the rights of passengers when those rights are being infringed upon by airlines, just as he identified cancellation of flights as part of the rising concern of many passengers.

On the rising number of states establishing airports when the public perception is that majority of the federal airports are not viable, Senator Buhari said the existence of more airlines, coupled with healthy competition are necessary ingredients to bolster the sector.