WORLD INDUSTRY LEADERS

•By Mike Cerutti & Aminu Tafawa Balewa, Lagos/ Abuja “ We pledge to give only excellence — in service, in safety, and in the way we treat every passenger.”   That was Sen. Aishatu Dahiru Binani’s vow on March 17 - 18, 2026, when the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority presented Binani Air Global Services with its Air Operator Certificate in Abuja. Less than six months later, that statement is no longer just a quote. It is the operating manual for the airline. The NCAA granted Binani Air its AOC for scheduled operations in March 2026, after years of non-scheduled and charter services dating back to July 2024. The moment was described by NCAA DG Capt. Chris Najomo as a historic milestone — the birth of Nigeria’s first fully female-led airline. But for the CEO, the licence was not the finish line. It was the starting point for a bigger vision. Sen. Binani’s vision is simple and deliberate: build an airline Nigerians can trust first, then scale. In meetings with staff and in her ...

Abdulsalam Ude, a colonel with the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), has been killed after resisting an attack by gunmen at his residence in Abuja. J.E. Oti, acting assistant director of protocol at the DIA, in a statement on Tuesday, said the assailants attempted to abduct Ude shortly after he arrived at his residence in Phase 5, Army Housing Estate, Kurudu, on the outskirts of Abuja at about 10:45 pm on Monday. This further points to the deteriorating state of Nigeria’s security system, and the neglect of God’s warnings by security operatives. We all know that popular Nigerian prophet, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has been at the forefront of the security issue in Nigeria. He warned three years ago, before this present administration came to power, that one of the issues Nigeria will face is insecurity. He warned severally that even military officers will be abducted and killed due to the level of insecurity that will be faced in the country. He continued to warn the country and the mili...

The Executive Director of Weekenders Media Commercial Limited, publishers of Weekenders Magazine, Princess Joy Omagha Idam, has passionately appealed to the Governor of Ebonyi State, Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, to exercise the powers of his office by ordering the immediate and unconditional release of the remaining Amasiri indigenes still being held in detention following the unfortunate crisis in the community. Princess Idam acknowledged and appreciated the Ebonyi State Government for the earlier release of some detainees, describing the action as a commendable step towards restoring hope and confidence among the people. However, she maintained that the pursuit of justice and genuine reconciliation remains incomplete as long as innocent citizens continue to languish in detention. She stressed that every Nigerian is entitled to the constitutional rights of liberty, fair hearing and the presumption of innocence until proven guilty by a competent court of law. She therefore urged the Govern...

Lagos, Nigeria — As Nigerians plan their summer holidays, new travel data from Emirates offers a fascinating glimpse into where they travelled last year—and highlights the destinations likely to attract even more visitors in 2026. Between 1 May and 31 August 2025, more than 44,000 passengers flew from Nigeria on Emirates, underscoring the country’s growing appetite for international travel and its increasing connectivity to major global destinations. Favourite destinations for travellers from Nigeria China emerged as the most visited destination among Nigerian travellers during the period, welcoming 11,530 passengers. Guangzhou alone accounted for nearly 80% of all travel to mainland China, reflecting the city’s enduring importance as a commercial hub for Nigerian entrepreneurs, importers and business travellers. Beyond Guangzhou, Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen also attracted significant numbers of Nigerian visitors, demonstrating the breadth of commercial and business ties between the...

Lagos, Nigeria – Presken Hotel & Resorts Ltd, located at 144A Obafemi Awolowo Way, Allen Ikeja, Lagos, is set to light up the city this week with a dynamic lineup of food, music, and interactive experiences designed to give guests "the Vibes" and "the Experience."   The week kicks off on Monday with Food Combo Day, where Presken is creating pocket-friendly meals for guests. Patrons can enjoy Rice/Plantain/Protein/Coke for ₦10,000 or Swallow/Soup with Choice of Protein for ₦9,000 The initiative is aimed at delivering quality dining at affordable prices while setting the tone for an exciting week ahead.   Midweek brings nostalgia and fun. Retro Wednesday will take guests back in time with classic music and ambiance, while Toss It Up Thursday offers a unique twist — guests who get a coin toss right (Head or Tail) enjoy 10% discount on their bill*. It’s Presken’s way of blending hospitality with interactive entertainment.   Weekend energy hits a new high with St...

By Sharon Chikwendu For Richlist Int " I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples."_ — Mother Teresa Capt. Chris Najomo, Director-General of Civil Aviation, has once again proven that leadership is not only about policy and regulation, but about people. In a quiet but deeply impactful gesture at the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority’s Corporate Headquarters in Abuja, the DGCA extended a hand of support to 20 members of the NCAA Muslim Ummah in a targeted empowerment programme that has set a new tone for welfare in the aviation sector. The beneficiaries cut across the visible and invisible pillars of the Authority. Security personnel, cleaners, and staff selected from within and outside the NCAA received tools designed to help them build sustainable livelihoods. In a move that underscored his compassion, Capt. Najomo also extended support to the families of two deceased beneficiaries, ensuring that no one is forgotten in the...