Latest news with #Ilorin
Zawya
29-05-2025
- General
- Zawya
Reflections over air accidents in Nigeria
The recent crash-landing of a Diamond training aircraft at the General Tunde Idiagbon International Airport in Ilorin serves as a stark reminder of the importance of aviation safety in Nigeria. Fortunately, both occupants of the aircraft survived the incident, albeit with injuries that required medical attention. The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has launched a thorough investigation into the incident, and their efforts will undoubtedly shed light on the causes of the crash. As the NSIB investigation unfolds, it is worth reflecting on the history of air accidents in Nigeria. The country has experienced its fair share of aviation tragedies over the years, with some incidents resulting in significant loss of life. One of the most notable incidents was the Sosoliso Airlines Flight 1145 crash in 2005, which claimed the lives of 108 people. Another tragic incident was the Dana Air Flight 0992 crash in 2012, which resulted in the loss of 153 lives. These incidents highlight the critical importance of aviation safety and the need for robust safety measures to prevent such tragedies from occurring. The NSIB plays a vital role in ensuring aviation safety in Nigeria, and their investigation into the recent crash-landing in Ilorin will be crucial in determining the causes of the incident and identifying measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. The aviation industry in Nigeria has made significant progress in recent years, with improvements in safety standards and regulatory frameworks. However, the recent incident serves as a reminder that there is still work to be done to ensure the safety of air travelers in Nigeria. The NSIB's investigation will undoubtedly provide valuable insights into the causes of the crash and help to identify areas for improvement. In the aftermath of the incident, the Kwara State Government has expressed relief that the occupants of the aircraft survived the crash. The government has also commended the efforts of the NSIB for launching a formal investigation into the incident. This response demonstrates the government's commitment to aviation safety and its willingness to work with regulatory agencies to ensure that safety standards are upheld. As the investigation into the recent crash-landing in Ilorin continues, it is essential to recognise the importance of transparency and accountability in aviation safety. The NSIB's commitment to transparency throughout the investigation is a welcome development, and their findings will undoubtedly provide valuable insights into the causes of the incident. The aviation industry in Nigeria is growing rapidly, with increasing demand for air travel and a growing number of airlines operating in the country. However, this growth must be accompanied by robust safety measures to ensure that the safety of air travelers is not compromised. The NSIB's investigation into the recent crash-landing in Ilorin will be critical in identifying areas for improvement and ensuring that safety standards are upheld. In conclusion, the recent crash-landing of a Diamond training aircraft at the General Tunde Idiagbon International Airport in Ilorin serves as a reminder of the importance of aviation safety in Nigeria. The NSIB's investigation into the incident will be crucial in determining the causes of the crash and identifying measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. As the aviation industry in Nigeria continues to grow, it is essential to prioritize safety and ensure that robust safety measures are in place to protect air travelers. The NSIB's role in ensuring aviation safety in Nigeria cannot be overstated. The bureau's investigation into the recent incident demonstrates its commitment to transparency and accountability, and its findings will undoubtedly provide valuable insights into the causes of the crash. As the aviation industry in Nigeria continues to evolve, it is essential to recognize the importance of safety and to prioritize measures that ensure the safety of air travelers. Ultimately, the safety of air travelers in Nigeria depends on the effectiveness of the country's aviation safety regulatory framework. The NSIB's investigation into the recent crash-landing in Ilorin will be critical in identifying areas for improvement and ensuring that safety standards are upheld. By prioritizing safety and ensuring that robust safety measures are in place, Nigeria can continue to grow its aviation industry while protecting the safety of air travelers. The recent incident also highlights the importance of effective emergency response and medical care in the aftermath of an aviation incident. The fact that both occupants of the aircraft received medical attention promptly is a testament to the preparedness of emergency responders in Ilorin. The NSIB's investigation will undoubtedly provide valuable insights into the response to the incident and identify areas for improvement. In the end, the investigation into the recent crash-landing in Ilorin will be a critical step in ensuring that safety standards are upheld in Nigeria's aviation industry. The NSIB's commitment to transparency and accountability will be essential in identifying the causes of the incident and preventing similar incidents in the future. As the aviation industry in Nigeria continues to grow, it is essential to prioritise safety and ensure that robust safety measures are in place to protect air travelers. The incident also underscores the importance of regular maintenance and inspection of aircraft to prevent mechanical failures that could lead to accidents. The NSIB's investigation will likely examine the maintenance history of the aircraft and determine whether any mechanical issues contributed to the crash. 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BBC News
21-05-2025
- BBC News
'I cut off Yetunde Lawal hand for money'
Di trial of one Abdurahman Bello and four odas wey chop accuse for di murder case of 23-year-old female students of Kwara State College of Education for Ilorin, Nigeria, bin take place today. Today for Kwara State High Court, dem bring evidence wey include two hands, a table, a machete, an axe, phones, a knife and a rubber band wey dey stained wit blood. Di case of Yetunde Lawal bin happun for February 2025, wen police say dem receive report of a case of murder and rape against against one man, wey dem identify as Abdurahman Bello. Police inspector Ayodele Azeez of di Kwara State Police Command Criminal Investigation Department tok say during investigations, dem go di house of Abdurahman Bello and dem find some items for dia. Among di items wey dem find for im house na Yetunde earrings, shoes, documents, and phone. Di Police inspector wey serve as first witness for di case tok say for dia investigation, dem take di statement of di accused wit knowledge of im lawyers, and e sign di statement. Di court admit di statement as evidence for di case. Dem presented di evidence for court today wey include audio and video footage of di accused, Abdurahman Bello. For di statement, di accused tok say e and Yetunde bin meet online and dem begin tok love and marriage matter. "Hasfot don promise me for long say she go come my house." Di accused say di day wey di incident happun, di deceased come im house and wen she dey hungry e buy food give her. Na afta di food dem come have sex and she bin faint. "Na becos say I no fit carry her deadi bodi, na im make me nury her body for grave and cut off her two hands to make money" How dis matter take start For February 2025, police for Kwara state southwest Nigeria don confam say dem arrest one 29 years old man wey allegedly kill and pieces di body of one 23-year-old female student of Kwara State College of Education, Ilorin. Tok tok pesin for di state police, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, tell BBC News Pidgin say di name of di victim na Yetunde Lawal, say dem don begin investigation to know wetin really happun wey lead to di murder. According to di tok-tok pesin, dem first receive alert of missing pesin from di victim papa. According to dem, security personnel find di dismembered bodi of Yetunde inside bowl for di suspect house. Tori for town be say dem both meet online and begin friend till di suspect invite her over. Police say di lady bin don dey miss since 10th February. Na four days later dem find her bodi for di suspect house. Late Yetunde na di first pikin of her family. Her papa and mama still dey alive. She bin dey final year for Kwara State College of Education, Ilorin, bifor di incident happun.
Daily Mail
14-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mail
Premier League striker in an induced coma: Devout Christian Taiwo Awoniyi rose from poverty in Nigeria alongside childhood sweetheart - but now has family praying for him after smashing into a goalpost
The serious abdominal injury Taiwo Awoniyi sustained in Nottingham Forest's Premier League draw against Leicester is the latest setback in a career which has seen the forward overcome numerous hurdles to pursue his top flight dream. Awoniyi is currently in an induced coma and receiving intensive care following 'urgent' surgery following the injury Mail Sport revealed could have been life-threatening. The Nottingham Forest striker crashed into a post during Sunday's 2-2 draw with Leicester and, following several minutes of treatment, returned to action before being taken off. Mail Sport understands that the initial signs are that the surgery has been a success. In what is a complex medical process, doctors were expecting to today complete the operation. Forest have claimed their owner Evangelos Marinakis entered the field after the match to express 'deep care, responsibility and emotional investment' in one of their own players, dismissing suggestions he had appeared to remonstrate with boss Nuno Espirito Santo. Amid Forest's statement clarifying matters, the club confirmed that Awoniyi is 'recovering well' in hospital from what Mail Sport understands is a complex medical process, with doctors expected to complete the second part of his operation today. The serious injury is the latest setback in a journey in the game that Awoniyi has openly admitted had not been easy. Awoniyi's journey into the game began in the city of Ilorin, located in Kwara State in Nigeria. He revealed last year that his parents had initially had different views on him pursuing football. His love of the game began when his mother Mary bought him a small football from a market, but his father Solomon - a police officer - had sought to have his children focus on their education. Solomon wanted his son to pursue becoming a doctor, with Awoniyi's older siblings Adeola and Oluwafunke becoming a midwife and pharmacist, respectively. 'My mum said to me 'you love to kick everything', even when I was at nursery I was kicking everything. I liked to play on the streets as well,' Awoniyi told Nottingham Forest TV last year. 'My brother was a good goalkeeper as well, but my father wanted me to go to school. 'We played on the streets and my brother told me 'you are very good' and just fell in love with football. Then one day I saw a lot of lads playing football and was told 'you cannot play, you need to tell your parents and register. 'I went home and asked my parents and at that point my dad had accepted me playing football and that was okay.' Awoniyi admitted his siblings played a key role in the early stages. His twin sister Kehinde - who looked after him while his father was at work - allowed him to sneak out to play football on the streets. His brother Victor had also pleaded with his father to allow Awoniyi to attend the final of a street tournament. 'We were in a final - at that point we were just playing on the street - my brother was like everybody wants him to be there,' Awoniyi said. We thought he [our dad] went to work early but he never left and was sitting there. A lot of boys came to the house and were like 'we need Taiwo out of the house' and he was surprised and was like 'okay'. He followed me as well and do my thing. After watching he said we needed to come to an agreement, 'I will let you play your football if you get good grades in school'. As time went on I started playing for the state and there was a lot of interest so he started buying my boots with his salary.' His father's desire for Awoniyi to continue his education has been long-lasting, with his son going on to study for a bachelor's degree in Business Administration, having already earned a diploma in the in for Business Administration and Marketing Management. Secondary school would also be where Awoniyi would meet his future wife Taiye. Having admitted to stealing food from her locker, Awoniyi would eventually confess his feeling after her had starred on trip to London to play in a youth tournament. Awoniyi's father, having given his blessing for his son to pursue football, then offered to help fund his travel to training, an offer the future Nigeria international attempted to reject to focus their funds on feeding the family. Instead, Awoniyi would complete a one hour trek to training every day. His first coach Abdulrazaq Olojo would provide him with money to travel home or bring him back to his family on his motorbike. Awoniyi includes Olojo among the most important people in his career, along with his family and the former Wolves and Nigeria international Seyi Olofinjana. Olofinjana travelled over 200 kilometres to watch a 13-year-old Awoniyi, with the teenager suitably impressing the former Premier League star to earn a place in his Imperial Academy. Along with football and study, Awoniyi took on several jobs to earn money to buy football shoes rather than rely on the financial support of his father. He even got to the stage where he learned to repair his own boots, as well as fixing those of his team-mates to earn additional money. 'I knew he [my father] was really, really pushing to do that so I knew I would have to do some work as well,' Awoniyi said. 'Such as working in the bricklayers shop, moving blocks and fresh water for people just to get money. 'This money I would keep saving myself and I would use it to buy football shoes. I know how difficult it is to buy football shoes. When the shoe would get torn apart I would watch the shoemaker repair it to the point I could literally make every shoe myself.' On occasions Awoniyi would come up short, recalling to the BBC in 2023 that he would wear 'up to ten pairs of socks' to fit into a pair of oversized boots. Awoniyi's own battles to become a professional have been reflected in his desire to provide others with opportunities, having funded facilities in Nigeria and establishing the 'Never Stop Dreaming Tournament' for young players. The devout Christian's faith was credited by Olofinjana as being a factor in Awoniyi's belief that he could one day reach the Premier League. Awoniyi has recalled praying specifically that he would one day feature in the top flight. The forward prayers were answered when he landed a dream move to Liverpool in 2015. A lack of a work permit led to Awoniyi leaving Liverpool on loan seven times in six years Jurgen Klopp advised the forward to consider joining German side Union Berlin permanently The move came two years after he had caught the eye at the FIFA Under-17 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates. Awoniyi scored four goals at the tournament, including three in the knock-out stages as Nigeria went on the win the event for the fourth time. His lack of senior international football for Nigeria, however, hindered him upon signing for Liverpool. Having been unable to acquire a work permit, Awoniyi had seven loan spells in six years as his wait to feature in the Premier League went on. Awoniyi credits his family unit for reminding him of the hard work that had got him to the club and stressing that he should continue to strive for his top flight dream. He would take the advice of then Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp to consider an offer from German side Union Berlin in 2021, having spent the previous season on loan at the club. A reported £6.5 million move proved a vital moment in his career, with Awoniyi scoring 20 goals in all competitions to help the club finish fifth in the Bundesliga and secure qualification to the Europa League. Awoniyi became Nottingham Forest's first signing back in the Premier League in 2022, joining for a then club record £17million, after they ended their 23-year exile from the top flight. The forward admitted he had only confided in his brother Victor about the move before travelling to Greece to meet Forest owner Marinakis for fear his dream would again be dashed. With both Forest and Awoniyi having endured long waits for Premier League football, the Nigerian forward fittingly scored their first goal back in the top flight when he netted in a 1-0 win over West Ham in August 2022. The forward netted against his boyhood club Arsenal to secure Forest's top flight status The Nigeria international has said he will 'never forget' that moment in his life His haul of 10 Premier League goals proved vital in helping keep Nottingham Forest in the 2022-23 campaign. Awoniyi secured their survival by scoring the only goal in a 1-0 win over Arsenal at the City Ground in their penultimate match of the campaign. Awoniyi's match winning effort also ended the title challenge of his boyhood club Arsenal. 'A lot of my friends called me that day and said "Taiwo, you finally scored against your team",' told the BBC last year. 'Those goals will not come without the help of my team-mates, because it's a team effort, but it's a moment I'm very proud of. 'That goal was the most important for me, because that was the game that kept us in the league and that I will never forget in my life.' Awoniyi's time at Forest, however, has been impacted a series of injuries with the forward missing large chunks of time during his three seasons at the club. He had also suffered a worrying injury during a loan spell at Mainz in 2020, where he was stretched off with a severe concussion. The impact of the injuries has been felt by those around him as well. His wife Taiye, who Awoniyi married in 2018, admitted when speaking to Nottingham Forest last year that the injury setbacks are emotional for the whole family. Taiye admits following her husband's career has been emotional, highlighting a serious concussion he suffered in 2020 among the difficult moments Awoniyi fought through several obstacles in his career to make it as a Premier League star 'It has not always been easy with injuries, the ups and downs,' said Taiye, with whom Awoniyi has two children. Being a footballer's wife is not always easy, there are difficult moments. We are emotional when they are down, when they are down physically, we are down.' Taiye, who studied at the Kwara State Polytechnic University, has been a key supporter of Awoniyi during his career, particularly during his six seasons on loan as he searched for a permanent club. Taiye and the Awoniyi's close family all moved to England following his move to Nottingham Forest.
