The Executive Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines (UNA), Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, has received the prestigious Gold Medal Award of the (INAE) in recognition of the airline’s unwavering commitment to aviation safety, engineering excellence, indigenous capacity development and remarkable growth despite the severe challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and Nigeria’s difficult operating environment.

The honour, presented during the institute’s International Conference and Fellowship Conferment ceremony in Lagos on Wednesday, underscores the increasing recognition of United Nigeria Airlines as one of Nigeria’s fastest-growing carriers with a strong reputation for operational safety and investment in human capital.

Presenting the award, INAE National President, Dr. Ebitei Charles, described the airline’s achievements as a model for the country’s aviation industry, noting that Prof. Okonkwo’s leadership has demonstrated that safety, professionalism and strategic investment remain the pillars of sustainable airline operations.

The institute, a division of the (NSE) regulated by the  (COREN) said the award is reserved for distinguished individuals whose contributions have significantly advanced aeronautical engineering and aviation development in Nigeria.

According to the institute, Prof. Okonkwo successfully guided United Nigeria Airlines through one of the most turbulent periods in global aviation history, maintaining growth and operational stability despite the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the challenging economic climate.

Although the airline chairman was unavoidably absent, the award was received on his behalf by the airline’s Director of Continuing Airworthiness, Alex Iheuwa, alongside the Chief Pilot, Capt. Joan Obasi-Ibraheem.

Recognition for Safety and Indigenous Capacity Development

Dr. Charles said the honour reflects the institute’s appreciation of United Nigeria Airlines’ strong safety culture, commitment to modern aviation standards and deliberate efforts to develop local engineering expertise.

He particularly praised the airline’s internship programme for aeronautical engineering students, describing it as a strategic investment that is helping to nurture the next generation of Nigerian aviation professionals.

According to him, such initiatives are critical to strengthening indigenous technical capacity, reducing dependence on foreign maintenance services, improving aircraft performance and ensuring the long-term sustainability of Nigeria’s aviation industry.

He further commended the airline’s resilience and professionalism, noting that its operational discipline continues to inspire confidence across the aviation sector despite persistent industry challenges.

Okonkwo: Award Validates Our Vision

Reacting to the honour, Prof. Okonkwo described the recognition as a powerful endorsement of the airline’s founding philosophy.

He said the award validates United Nigeria Airlines’ consistent commitment to building an airline founded on uncompromising safety standards, operational excellence and continuous investment in people.

According to him, the recognition belongs to every member of the airline’s workforce whose dedication has sustained the company’s steady growth over the years.

From COVID Turbulence to Continental Expansion

The latest recognition adds another milestone to United Nigeria Airlines’ impressive growth story since commencing commercial operations in February 2021.

Speaking during the unveiling of two Boeing 737-800NG aircraft in Lagos earlier this year, Prof. Okonkwo recalled one of the airline’s most difficult moments during the COVID-19 crisis when 23 pilots undergoing training in South Africa became stranded for nine months after international borders were shut.

Despite the enormous financial burden, he revealed that the airline continued paying the pilots’ salaries and accommodation throughout the period, ensuring none was abandoned during the unprecedented crisis.

That commitment, he said, reflected the airline’s belief that investing in people remains its greatest strength.

Today, United Nigeria Airlines operates a modern fleet serving more than 15 domestic and regional destinations, including Accra, Ghana.

Its growing international profile has also been reinforced through a Memorandum of Understanding with the Government of Guinea-Bissau to support the establishment of a national carrier.

The airline has equally strengthened its global standing by obtaining the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) certification, joining the IATA Clearing House and becoming a Full Member of the African Airlines Association (AFRAA).

Other Aviation Leaders Honoured

The ceremony also recognised other major players in Nigeria’s aviation industry.

Arik Air and Xejet received awards, while the Director-General of the (NCAA) Capt Chris Najomo, and the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, were conferred with honorary fellowships in recognition of their contributions to advancing Nigeria’s aviation industry.

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In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, the government claimed that the latest operation involved the residence of the Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Teslim Igbalaye, where police officers reportedly arrested individuals attending a political meeting.

According to the government, “the ward officials were meeting within the premises of the SSG’s residence while Igbalaye himself was attending the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) stakeholders’ forum elsewhere in Osogbo when police officers entered the property.”

Alimi alleged that the operation was led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, adding that members of the SSG’s family were also taken away during the raid.

“The SSG’s residence was bursted by a combined team of police officers led by the Deputy Commissioner for Operations, with family members of the SSG taken to unknown destinations,” the statement said.

The state government further alleged that the operation formed part of a series of similar actions targeting members of the administration, claiming that the residences of about six commissioners and other senior government officials had also been searched by security operatives.

It also claimed that the residence of the Commissioner for Energy, Festus Adeyemo, in Ikire was raided on Tuesday, alleging that officers searched the premises and damaged property during the operation.

According to the government, “several other commissioners had reported surveillance around their homes, while some residences were allegedly entered despite, it claimed, the absence of any unlawful activity.”

The statement alleged that a number of members of the Accord had been detained at the Criminal Investigation Department of the Osun State Police Command without being granted bail following recent security operations.

Describing the development as an attack on democratic institutions, the government said, “These raids on the SSG and our commissioners are an aggravated assault on the government and people of Osun State. This campaign of repression constitutes grave danger to democracy.”

The government also accused the Osun State Police Command of acting in a partisan manner, alleging that the security agency had become “a direct tool in the hands of Osun APC” and was undermining constitutional principles.

It argued that the timing of the operations, which coincided with the visit of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission for election-related engagements, could negatively affect public confidence in the electoral process.

The government appealed to the Inspector-General of Police, the Nigeria Police Service, the National Security Adviser, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and traditional rulers to intervene, urging them to halt what it described as targeted actions against government officials and members of the Accord Party.

“Our governor has consistently tasked the populace to calm down and not to take law into their own hands. The situation is reaching a boiling point. We must save our democracy from these lawless elements within the Nigerian police,” the statement added.

The government’s reaction came after an earlier announcement by the Osun State Police Command confirming the arrest of several suspects, including Secretary to the State Government Teslim Igbalaye, during an operation linked to an investigation into alleged vote buying in Osogbo.

The police’s disclosure was contained in a statement issued by the command’s spokesperson, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan.

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DAILY POST recalls that the agency placed N200m and N150m outdoor campaign fees on presidential and governorship candidates, respectively.

The Abia advertising agency also placed N150m, N50m and N20m on Senatorial, House of Representatives and House of Assembly candidates.

The Chairman of the ADC in Abia State, Kalu Kalu, who was present on Wednesday when the new campaign regime was announced, questioned the rationale behind the charges.

Kalu who was accompanied by the ADC House of Assembly candidate for Arochukwu constituency, Francess Ogbonnaya Tabitha, raised the alarm that the humongous fees contravened the provisions of the Electoral Act, as regards campaign expenditure limit.

He also alleged that the campaign fees, if allowed to stay, could affect the chances of the candidates of the opposition parties, as well as destroy fair play during the 2027 polls in Abia.

“Has it not exceeded the election expenses that are provided by the Electoral Act,” the Abia State ADC Chairman fumed.

He advised the Abia agency to reduce the campaign fees to acceptable rates, noting that the agency must avoid actions that contravened the Electoral Act.

But unveiling the new campaign fees on Wednesday in Aba, the agency said no political party was being discriminated against in the advertising policy.

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In a statement signed by its State Chairman, Rev. Caleb Bawa Ma’aji, the association condemned the attack, describing it as a barbaric assault on innocent civilians and a serious violation of the sanctity of human life.

CAN expressed deep sorrow over the massacre.

According to the association, the attackers showed a complete disregard for humanity by targeting peaceful residents, including men, women, children and the elderly.

The association said the latest attack was another painful reminder of the repeated violence suffered by the community.

It recalled that seven people were killed in a similar attack in August 2025, while another nine residents lost their lives and 11 others were injured in June 2026.

According to the statement, the fresh killings have once again forced the community to prepare for another mass burial.

“These recurring attacks show that existing security measures are not enough. We urge the government to establish permanent security formations and rapid response mechanisms in vulnerable communities to better protect innocent residents.”

It also urged authorities to deploy more security personnel, sustain military operations against criminal hideouts, improve intelligence gathering and strengthen collaboration between security agencies and local communities.

“While we acknowledge the efforts of the Kaduna State Government, the Federal Government, security agencies and other stakeholders in addressing insecurity, the continued loss of innocent lives shows that more decisive action is urgently needed,” the statement said.

CAN further called for the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the attack, including anyone found to be sponsoring or supporting the perpetrators.

It urged residents to remain peaceful, law-abiding and vigilant while cooperating with security agencies by providing useful information that could help prevent future attacks.

CAN also encouraged religious and community leaders to continue promoting unity, reconciliation and peaceful coexistence despite the repeated violence.

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The directive was announced by the Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Zone XI in a statement made available to journalists on Wednesday through the zone’s Public Relations Officer, SP Ojedele Olanrewaju.

The police said only constitutionally recognised security agencies would be allowed to provide security before, during and after the governorship election.

According to the statement, the police, working with other authorised security agencies, will be responsible for maintaining law and order throughout the election period.

“As part of efforts to maintain law and order throughout the election period, the Nigeria Police Force, in collaboration with other constitutionally recognised security agencies, will be solely responsible for the provision of security before, during and after the election,” the statement declared.

The police also said all security personnel deployed for election duties must be properly identified and wear their approved official uniforms.

The AIG stressed that Amotekun, vigilante groups, neighbourhood watch organisations, political groups and other quasi-security outfits have no role in election security operations.

According to the statement, “Only constitutionally recognised security agencies are authorised to participate in election security operations. Amotekun, vigilante groups, quasi-security outfits, political organisations, neighbourhood watch groups or any other unauthorised body are not eligible to perform security functions, provide crowd control or interfere with the electoral process.”

The police warned that anyone or any group found carrying out unauthorised security duties or attempting to intimidate voters, electoral officials or other stakeholders would face legal consequences.

The command also appealed to political parties, candidates and their supporters to conduct themselves peacefully and obey the law throughout the election period.

It urged residents of Osun State to report suspicious movements, acts of violence, voter intimidation or any breach of the peace to the nearest police station or other authorised security agency.

The statement added, “The Nigeria Police Force, Zone XI Headquarters, remains committed to protecting lives and property, safeguarding the electoral process and providing a secure environment that will enable eligible voters to exercise their constitutional rights without fear or intimidation.”

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The Corps Commander gave the charge during an assessment visit to the brigade headquarters in Buni-Gari, Gujba LGA of Yobe State.

A statement signed on Wednesday by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Tasi’u Abdullahi Abbas, said the visiting General commended officers and soldiers for their courage, resilience and sacrifices in safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity despite prevailing operational challenges.

He emphasized that sustained operational pressure remains key to denying terrorists freedom of action.

“The troops must maintain a high level of vigilance, discipline, combat readiness and offensive spirit in all operations.

“There should be no room for complacency in the theatre,” he said.

The Corps Commander also admonished personnel to remain law-abiding and disciplined in the discharge of their duties, while warning against social media misconduct, disclosure of operational locations, smoking, drug abuse and other vices capable of undermining operational effectiveness and the image of the Nigerian Army.

General Mutkut reassured the troops of the Nigerian Army’s commitment to their welfare, noting that good leadership remains a cornerstone of operational success.

The Commander 27 Task Force Brigade, Brigadier General Mukhtar S. Mukhtar, who received the Corps Commander, said the visit would boost the morale of troops.

He reaffirmed the Brigade’s commitment to sustaining aggressive operations aimed at eliminating the remnants of terrorist elements within its area of responsibility.

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The board announced that the official handover ceremony would hold on Friday, July 31, 2026, by 10am with a live broadcast on its official social media platforms.

In a notice released on Wednesday, JAMB invited the public to witness what it described as a significant milestone in the board’s leadership journey.

“Join us for the live broadcast of the official handover ceremony as Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, the outgoing Registrar of JAMB, formally hands over to Prof. Segun Aina,” the announcement reality

The ceremony marks the end of Oloyede’s tenure as registrar, which expires on July 31, and the official commencement of Aina’s leadership of the examination body.

PUNCH Online had earlier reported that President Bola Tinubu appointed Aina as the new Registrar of JAMB to succeed Oloyede.

The appointment was announced in a statement issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

According to the Presidency, Aina is a Professor of Computer Engineering at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, with expertise in digital infrastructure, national examination systems and institutional reforms.

The Presidency noted that Aina holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Computer Systems Engineering from the University of Kent, as well as a Master’s degree in Internet Computing and Network Security and a PhD in Digital Signal Processing from Loughborough University, United Kingdom. He also completed the Senior Management Programme at Lagos Business School.

It added that the incoming registrar has more than 15 years of experience advising federal and state governments on digital transformation, institutional reforms and systems design.

Aina has also served as a consultant to examination bodies, including the National Examinations Council and the National Business and Technical Examinations Board, particularly on ICT systems and examination integrity.

The Presidency further described him as one of Nigeria’s youngest professors of Computer Engineering, noting that he would become the youngest registrar in JAMB’s history.

Tinubu expressed confidence that Aina would consolidate on the reforms and achievements recorded under Oloyede’s administration and further strengthen the operations of the examination body.

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The CBN’s 2025 Annual Report and Accounts showed that autonomous foreign exchange inflows increased 25.12 per cent from $56.38bn in 2024. The inflows accounted for 64.21 per cent of Nigeria’s total foreign exchange receipts of $109.86bn during the year.

According to the apex bank, the increase was driven mainly by stronger non-oil export proceeds and higher over-the-counter foreign exchange purchases, particularly capital importation.

The report indicates that autonomous sources continued to dominate Nigeria’s FX supply as reforms in the foreign exchange market encouraged greater participation outside official channels.

By contrast, inflows through the CBN declined 2.08 per cent to $39.32bn in 2025, representing 35.8 per cent of total FX inflows. The decline was largely attributed to lower receipts from government debt and foreign exchange swap transactions.

The stronger performance from non-oil exports comes amid the CBN’s broader efforts to improve transparency, liquidity and price discovery in the foreign exchange market through reforms, including the implementation of the willing buyer-willing seller framework and the introduction of the Nigeria Foreign Exchange Code.

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Widespread profit-taking outweighed targeted buying interest in selected counters, leaving market breadth firmly in the red as declining equities almost doubled those that recorded price appreciation.

At the close of trading, the Nigerian Exchange All-Share Index dropped 0.41 per cent, falling from an opening level of 247,984.55 basis points to settle at 246,980.17 basis points. In tandem with the benchmark index, total market capitalisation contracted from N159.992tn at the start of the session to close at N159.344tn.

Market breadth closed negative as 45 equities recorded price declines against 23 gainers, underscoring the dominant profit-taking mood among investors. The downturn was led by Cornerstone Insurance Plc, which shed 10.00 per cent to drop from N6.00 to N5.40, and Legend Internet Plc, which also fell 10.00 per cent to close at N4.05 from N4.50.

Other significant decliners included The Initiates Plc, which lost 9.91 per cent to land at N30.00; Guinea Insurance Plc, easing 9.78 per cent to N0.83; and ABC Transport Plc, which slipped 9.45 per cent to end the day at N5.75.

Despite the overarching bearish sentiment, insurance stocks remained in noticeable demand among bargain hunters. Lasaco Assurance Plc led the gainers’ chart, appreciating 10.00 per cent to move from N2.20 to N2.42. CNIF advanced 9.98 per cent to close at N154.30, while NEM Insurance Plc climbed 9.97 per cent to finish at N34.20. SUNU Assurances Nigeria Plc gained 9.83 per cent to settle at N3.91, and Prestige Assurance Plc rose 7.14 per cent to close at N1.50.

Meanwhile, major heavyweight counters provided a buffer against further market decline by remaining unchanged for the session. MTN Nigeria Communications Plc, Dangote Cement Plc, Seplat Energy Plc, Custodian Investment Plc, and Julius Berger Nigeria Plc were among the prominent stocks that closed flat.

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The financial holding company reported profit after tax of N50.30bn for the six months ended 30 June 2026, up from N41.78bn in the corresponding period of 2025. Profit before tax also rose 21.9 per cent to N55.53bn, while gross earnings climbed 31.5 per cent to N279.6bn.

However, the group’s credit impairment charges surged to N23.85bn from N5.21bn a year earlier, representing an increase of about 358 per cent. The higher provisioning reflected the cost of supporting an expanding loan book, even as the non-performing loan ratio remained unchanged at 4.7 per cent.

Interest income rose 33.8 per cent to N223.58bn, driven by growth in loans and investment securities, while net interest income increased 41 per cent to N137.39bn, despite a 23.6 per cent increase in interest expenses.

Customer deposits grew 21.1 per cent to N3.62tn, while loans and advances increased 13.7 per cent to N1.61tn. Total assets expanded 19.3 per cent to N4.67tn, and shareholders’ funds rose by nearly 28 per cent, supported by the successful completion of the group’s rights issue.

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