This is contained in a statement signed by Dr Ejike Ndiulo, head of Corporate Communications, Air Peace, on Wednesday in Lagos.
According to Ndiulo, the decision is necessary because NiMet is the agency responsible for issuing CNH (Current Nowcast of Hazardous Weather) reports, critical for safe landings, especially during this season of heavy rainfall and thunderstorms.
He said without these reports from the control tower, flight safety could not be guaranteed.
“As a safety-first airline, we have chosen to act responsibly by suspending operations until NiMet resumes full service.
“We understand this may cause inconvenience, and we sincerely apologise. Passengers will be contacted with updates and options for rescheduling,” he said.
The staff of NiMET on Tuesday commenced an indefinite strike over the condition of service and other demands.
News
Africa’s 20 Entrepreneurs Make Business Case
Africa’s 20 entrepreneurs will be presenting a business case for investment at Viridis Africa in October and among them will be Ben van Rooyen, CEO, ZEO Africa
Zeo Africa was established in 2013 in order to commercialise ZeoForm, a patented product developed by Zeo IP, an Australian company.
ZeoForm granules and products made from the granules are completely biodegradable, non toxic, and compostable.
These capabilities are developed through chemical bonding at the molecular level, making ZeoForm and its derivatives nanotechnology compounds and products.
Zeo Africa has exclusive rights to all proprietary intellectual property of Zeo IP in South Africa, including patents, trade secrets, methods and plans for the production of ZeoForm granules and products, and all trademarks and copyrights.
Zeo Africa also has non-exclusive rights to the technology for the rest of the African continent, with a first right of refusal for an exclusive license in any country.
“Zeo Africa’s mission is to develop and commercialize ZeoForm and derivatives – transforming recovered and renewable cellulose fibers into an array of new eco-materials for specialized and everyday use. By doing this we intend to be a leading African supplier for companies seeking biodegradable and recyclable raw materials,” said Ben van Rooyen, CEO of Zeo Africa.
Another entrepreneur is Joel Arcus, BioWaste Technologies. Joel is a man of vision and intention. A dedicated father and husband who is passionate about the environment and believes that a community involved in sustainable, bio-friendly solutions is the way to heal our planet.
“I am a firm believer that education, integrity, purpose and uplifting others will build humanity as a whole and allow for the alleviation of poverty and afford others the opportunity to achieve success and establish a bright future for generations to come.”
Joel is the general manager of Green Waste Energy Development Africa which is developing green waste to energy projects in Africa.
He is also the director of BioWaste Technologies (PTY) LTD. BioWaste Technologies (PTY) LTD is a consulting and solutions based company that addresses a huge need for developing South African entrepreneurs by creating and driving functional, adaptable and sustainable Green Projects in partnership with our clients.
The company’s vision is Zero Waste to Landfill. BioWaste Technologies is a services oriented company delivering green waste management solutions through the implementation of a few niche products.
“We drive functional, adaptable and sustainable green projects in partnership with our clients, assisting them with their waste management strategies. We thus enable them to contribute to a greener and healthier environment, while simultaneously adding valuable cost saving solutions to their existing waste removal practices, through the implementation of either one of our product solutions.” said Arcus.
“BioWaste Technologies was created in 2010 out of a deep passion to do something constructive about our South African environmental degradation and climate change.”
Joel Arcus and Ray Finch, founding partners, left their jobs and set themselves the challenge to find sustainable technology solutions for dealing with organic waste. Today they and their team of partners are pioneers and leaders in the field.
“Recycling” is growing or “recyclables” with up to 25% of plastics, glass, metals, paper & cardboard now being recycled in our biggest cities. Organic waste though, is posing significant unsolved challenges. Not only in South Africa, but all over the world.
“Realistically the only “long term solution”, is that we need to find ways to USE or RECYCLE, EVERYTHING so, we have set our Vision for South Africa to achieve “Zero Waste to Landfill”.”
“We are investing heavily in bringing innovative solutions including: In-Vessel Composting plants; Waste to Energy Plants; and comprehensive waste management facilities where recyclable is recycled, organic waste is composted and the rest is gasified to produce electricity,” concluded Arcus.
The intention of Viridis Africa is to bring together investors such as Inspired Evolution, Sterling Waterford Securities, Lerako Metier, the IDC, Curatio Capital, Vantage Capital and the Technology Innovation Agency and entrepreneurs from Africa and the rest of the world, to jointly explore commercial initiatives in green technologies.
The programme includes the presentation of 20 projects of business initiatives, ranging in size and scope and encompasses priority areas such as bioenergy, hydro, wind power, green chemistry, recycling, water treatment, desalination, amongst others.
Principals who would present their business opportunities at this event would have the audience of numerous local and foreign investors who have $300 Million available for investment into these various initiatives (Solar Energy – Bio Energy – Waste Energy).
Investors would include venture capital, private equity, project and corporate finance outfits and others dedicated to the clean tech sector. Also included are major companies who seek strategic alliance and acquisitions.”
New technologies currently being developed by academic and research institutions will also have their opportunity so as to introduce potential business opportunities through the commercialisation of the above.
“Additional business proposals are invited from clean tech sub-sectors including clean energy generation (wind, solar, hydro, biofuels, geothermal, clean coal technologies), storage (fuel cells, advanced batteries, hybrid systems), efficiency (smart grids, waste heat recovery), water & waste water (water treatment, water conservation, waste water treatment, desalination) and recycling and waste (recycling, waste treatment, organic matter, plastics) etc.” said Adam.
The event will also introduce parties with complementary technologies and business models to one another in order to explore mutually beneficial opportunities.
The main purpose of the conference and its exhibitions will endeavour to bring about a vibrant market trading place for entrepreneurs and corporate to propose and conclude investment deals with funders
Although the event is to be held once a year, it is designed to give the participants long term continuity vis a vis the provision of web-based interaction platforms, inducing social networks.
Business Case Presenters:
Principals who would present their business opportunities at this event would have the audience of numerous local and foreign investors, stratified according to their interest and investment criteria.
The following are some of the clean tech sub-sectors in which principals may consider their company, initiative being presented: Clean Energy Generation: Wind, solar, hydro, biofuels, geothermal, clean coal technologies
Against the backdrop of Lagos State’s proactive efforts to reform its electricity sector, the Consumer Advocacy and Empowerment Foundation (CADEF) has launched its ‘Renew Energy Nigeria’ platform, a nationwide initiative with potential synergies for the state’s ambitious energy goals.
Professor Chiso Ndukwe-Okafor, CADEF’s Executive Director, introduced the platform in Lagos, highlighting its aim to empower Nigerians with information and access to decentralized renewable energy (DER) solutions. “The launch of this platform marks a significant step towards democratizing access to information and resources within Nigeria’s burgeoning sustainable energy sector.”
The platform’s launch comes as Lagos State, under the Lagos State Electricity Law, is actively establishing a regulatory framework and attracting private sector investment. Kamaldeen Abiodun-Balogun, General Manager of the LSEB, detailed the state’s progress in creating a functional electricity market, ensuring payment security, and addressing infrastructure challenges. “This law enabled us to create policy documents and establish regulatory agencies to initiate the implementation of the Lagos electricity market,” he explained, adding that private sector involvement will be key in areas where existing Discos face performance issues.
Segun Adaju, a private sector player deeply engaged in the energy sector, lauded Lagos State’s leadership. “In all these, Lagos State is always setting the pace. Many of us in the private sector players like myself, we are also looking up to Lagos State to set the pace,” he said, also mentioning his work on the Centralized Renewable Energy Desk for the state government.
While acknowledging national-level challenges such as import restrictions and forex fluctuations as noted by Professor Ndukwe-Okafor: “The recent federal plan on restrictions on the importation of solar products and the fluctuation of forex rate have made clean energy solutions costly”, the focus on Lagos State’s progress suggests a promising local environment for DER adoption, potentially amplified by CADEF’s new platform.
The broader socio-economic context, as highlighted by Olumide Ajayi, “Over 40% of Nigerians do not have access to reliable electricity”, underscored the importance of initiatives like ‘Renew Energy Nigeria’ and the enabling policies being implemented in states like Lagos.
Professor Ndukwe-Okafor concluded with a powerful call to action. “This platform is not an isolated intervention. It is aligned with our ideal country’s national vision, the 30-30-30 initiative. Let us not build a solar future that only serves the wealthy. Let us democratize clean energy. Let us make it local, inclusive, and scalable.”
The launch of “Renew Energy Nigeria” marks a significant step towards a more sustainable and equitable energy future for Nigeria, driven by innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to empowering its citizens. The platform is now live and accessible to all Nigerians seeking reliable and clean energy alternatives
A federal high court in Abuja has granted permission to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to arrest and detain six Crypto Bridge Exchange (CBEX) promoters over allegations of investment fraud to the tune of over one billion dollars.
Emeka Nwite, presiding judge, gave the order following an ex parte application moved by Fadila Yusuf, counsel to the EFCC.
In the application by the EFCC, the six suspects are Adefowora Olanipekun, Adefowora Oluwanisola, Emmanuel Uko, Seyi Oloyede, Avwerosuo Otorudo and Chukwuebuka Ehirim.
The commission sought an order of the court for a warrant of arrest of the defendants.
They also prayed the court for “an order remanding the defendants in the custody of the complainant/applicant pending the conclusion of investigation of the alleged offences and possible prosecution”.
Yusuf said that the defendants are at large and a warrant of arrest is required to arrest the defendants for proper investigation and prosecution of this case.
In the affidavit in support of the motion, the EFCC said preliminary investigation into the intel revealed that the defendants “using their company ST Technologies International Limited, promoted another company Crypto Bridge Exchange (CBEX) by making adverts and lured unsuspecting members of the public to invest crypto cryptocurrencies on the CBEX investment platform”.
The EFCC said the defendants promised an unrealistic return on investment of up to 100 percent.
“The victims were made to convert their digital assets into a stablecoin of USDT for onward deposit into the suspects’ crypto wallet,” Yusuf said.
“The victims were initially given full access to the platform to monitor their investment.
“Following the deposits valued at over $1 billion by the victims, the CBEX investment platform became inaccessible to them, and they could no longer withdraw from the investment made.
“The victims later discovered that the said scheme is a scam.
“During the course of investigation, it was discovered that the said ST Technologies International Limited, though registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), it was not registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for investment purposes.
“It was also discovered during the investigation that the defendants had moved out of their last known address in Lagos and Ogun states.”
The anti-graft agency said obtaining a warrant of arrest was necessary in order to place the defendants on a watch list, enabling authorities to trace and apprehend the suspects to face the charges brought against them.
Nwite granted the request for a warrant of arrest and remand, adding that the order was necessary to enable the commission to apprehend the defendants and conclude its investigation.
“I have listened to the submission of the learned counsel for the applicant,” Nwite said.
“I have also gone through the affidavit evidence with exhibits thereto, along with the written address.
“I am of the view and I so hold that the application is meritorious.
“Consequently, the application is granted as prayed.”
Earlier in April, reports emerged that CBEX users could no longer withdraw their funds.
On Monday, angry investors stormed and looted the office of Smart Treasure (ST Team), an affiliate of CBEX, in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The EFCC recently confirmed receiving multiple complaints about the platform.
Dele Oyewale, the commission spokesperson, assured affected investors that efforts were underway to recover their funds.
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