Nigeria’s fastest growing carrier, United Nigeria Airlines, has concluded plans to expand its operations to unite the northern part of the country with the opening of offices in Kano and Sokoto states.
This is coming amid plans to also connect Edo, Plateau, and Borno states with the arrival of more aircraft.
The Kano and Sokoto offices of the airline will operate at the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport and the Sultan Abubakar International Airport.
Already, plans are in top gear for the inaugural flight to the two airports planned to take place between December 1 and December 2, 2023.
Commenting on the expansion of scheduled air transport services to Kano and Sokoto state, Chief Operating Officer (COO) of United Nigeria Airlines, Mazi Osita Okonkwo, said the airline was interested in uniting Nigerians across more cities in the country.
According to him, the expansion of flight services to Kano and Sokoto, with a further vision for Edo, Plateau, and Borno states is part of the strategic plans of the company to unite Nigerians and offer them more options for air travel.
Mazi Okonkwo said that with the expansion of air transport services to the north, Nigerians would have more options to connect with more cities, their loved ones, and businesses in safety and in comfort.
“We shall soon commence scheduled flight operations to Kano and Sokoto. Already, we have put support infrastructure on the ground at the airports to facilitate this vision. Our mission is to expand the travel options available to Nigerians so that more people can travel by air.
“This will enhance connectivity between Nigerian cities, and families as well as enhance economic activities. Ours is to make sure that Nigerians travel in safety and in comfort across cities where we have already taken our services.
“As you know, with Kano and Sokoto united on our schedules, we look forward to bringing Plateau and Borno states on board just as are also putting up infrastructure to make sure that Edo state is also connected through the Benin Airport.
“We believe that with enhanced air transport services, Nigerians will interact more among themselves, and travel more to enjoy the beauty that nature has blessed this country with. So flying from Lagos and Abuja, we shall be able to connect Kano and Sokoto and even create opportunities for people in these states to also connect states in the southeast. So, it is about expanding possibilities and uniting Nigerians more”, he said.
Already, the operational offices of the airline at the Kano and Sokoto airports have been fully activated and awaiting the inaugural flight.

The Dangote Cement Plc has announced the creation of 30 new entrepreneurs who are expected to help bolster food production and ginger the Nigerian economy.

The new Chief Executives were graduated weekend following a three-month intensive entrepreneurial and skill acquisition training on poultry farming and business.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had advocated for Public Private Partnership during his speech at the recent Nigerian Economic Summit in Abuja.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony, Plant Director of the Dangote Cement Plc at Obajana in Kogi State, Mr. JV Gungune, said the company’s entrepreneurial scheme is a demonstration of the huge corporate support for government and Nigeria.

The Plant Director who was represented by Engr Wale Adisa, A Senior General Manager, said the President and Chief Executive of the Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote is one Nigerian who is passionate about Corporate Social Responsibility and philanthropy.

Mr. Gungune told the beneficiaries to leverage on the advantage conferred on them by the scheme, adding that it was a golden opportunity to be selected, trained and empowered.
He said the scheme has become necessary as it was not possible for the company to employ every one.

He said the development was as a result of the peaceful co-existence between the company and the communities, harping on the need for the youth to become skilled, and that the era of certificate was gone.

Representative of the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development in Kogi State Engr Ezekiel Olufemi Olaitan said the government was happy by the series of economic, social activities, and opportunities created by the Dangote Cement Plc, urging the beneficiaries not to disappoint Nigerians.
In his welcome address, General Manager, Community Relations and Special Duties, Mr. Ademola Adeyemi, said the scheme was part of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), adding that, of the 30 participants, 18 were females and 12 were males.
He said the training was conducted by the Kogi State College of Education (Technical), Kabba, on behalf of Dangote Cement Plc.

According to him: “The Dangote Cement PLC, Obajana Plant Empowerment Scheme among many other is aimed at transforming the youth to be skill full, self-reliant and independent. This year 2023 Youth Empowerment Scheme was particularly designed at developing selected youth from each community to be not just farmers in poultry (layer: egg) producer’s but Entrepreneurs in Agricultural Business.

“The programme is equally aimed at eradicating some of the social vices and poverty that have eaten deep into our communities.”

Representative of the Provost of the Kogi State College of Education (Technical), Kabba Dr. Micheal Udoma said the Dangote Cement Plc had empowered the beneficiaries by starter packs, Bags of Grower feed, battery cages, hand gloves, a 60 litre basin, a hand bowl and point of lay birds.

Head of the Dangote Academy, Engr Wale Adedeji advised the new entrepreneurs not to rest on their oars, but keep reinvesting and profit, saying they can learn from the founder of the company, Alhaji Aliko Dangote.

Speaking, the Bajana of Obajana, Dr Idowu Isenibi, expressed optimism that the programme will help in radically transforming the economy of the Obajana communities and Kogi State in general.
In the same vein, the Olu-Apata Dr. Frederick Balogun, thanked the company for the programme, and urged participants to keep investing in the business.
Representative of the graduands, Mr. Alolo Victor Eleojo said they have registered a Cooperative Society to help buoy their financial standing.
“As new CEOs, we have formed a cooperative and do the necessary registrations,” he added.
He promised not to disappoint the Dangote Group and Nigerians as a whole.

Earlier in the cause of the programme starter packs comprising of medications, vitamins, cages, feeds, 50 layers and poultry farms equipment were given to each of the 30 graduands.

Kano – The Arewa Oil and Gas Marketers Association (AROGMA) marked a momentous occasion as it unveiled its new leadership and officially launched its operations in a grand ceremony held in Kano.

Dignitaries, members, and enthusiasts from across Nigeria converged to witness the historic event, which saw the inauguration of the association’s new chairman and the beginning of an exciting chapter for the oil and gas sector in the region.

Bashir Danmalam, a prominent figure in the industry, assumed the prestigious position of the Chairman of AROGMA during the momentous event. As he was presented with the certificate of leadership, an air of enthusiasm and anticipation filled the venue.

The ceremony drew a diverse crowd, representing all walks of life and various regions of Nigeria. Attendees hailed from different parts of the country, showcasing the association’s widespread influence and relevance. The event served as a platform for industry professionals, entrepreneurs, and stakeholders to come together and celebrate the growth and development of the oil and gas sector in the northern region.

“Today, we mark a significant milestone in the energy sector’s history,” stated Bashir Danmalam during his acceptance speech. “The establishment of AROGMA is a testament to our collective commitment to advancing the interests of the oil and gas industry in the Arewa region. With unwavering dedication, we will drive innovation, foster collaboration, and promote sustainable practices that will propel our sector to new heights.”

Arewa Oil and Gas marketers at the occassion

The launch of Arewa Oil and Gas in Kano signifies a renewed focus on leveraging the region’s vast energy resources and potential. As the new chairman takes the helm, expectations are high for the association to facilitate strategic partnerships, enhance industry standards, and contribute to the economic growth of the region.

The ceremony was a blend of tradition and modernity, capturing the essence of Arewa’s rich cultural heritage while embracing the dynamic nature of the energy sector. The event marked not only the birth of a new era for AROGMA but also a commitment to shaping the future of the oil and gas industry in the northern part of Nigeria.

Bashir Danmalam being congratulated

As attendees departed the ceremony with a sense of optimism and enthusiasm, it was clear that Arewa Oil and Gas had set a promising course that would resonate across the entire industry landscape, making its mark as a key player in the region’s economic progress