Following the unfortunate crash of a Nigerian Air Force MI-35P attack helicopter in Port Harcourt on Friday, 1 December 2023, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar travelled to Port Harcourt to assess the situation, visit the crew and encourage the personnel of 115 Special Operations Group (115 SOG). While addressing the personnel of 115 SOG, Air Marshal Abubakar encouraged them to see the setback as a setup for a resilient comeback, channelling efforts toward thwarting the activities of economic saboteurs and countering oil theft.
According to him, “You must therefore never be discouraged as the hopes of millions of Nigerians rest on our shoulders. The realization of these aspirations is hinged on our ability to combat all forms of criminality that threaten our peace and stability.” He went on to inform them to see air accidents or mishaps as impetus to propel all NAF personnel towards seeking improved safety management measures, while remaining undeterred and focused in tackling the myriads of security threats facing the nation.
According to the CAS, “Times like these are a sad reminder of the inherent risks in military aviation, especially when flying activities, occasioned by our current security challenges, have tremendously increased. As we continue to fly intensively, incidents are bound to occur. Nevertheless, we must continue to ensure we minimize the risk factors as reasonably practicable.”
Air Marshal Abubakar also commended the crew for the professional manner in which they handled the emergency situation they found themselves. “Your actions were commendable and a decisive factor in mitigating the extent of damage to public property and loss of lives” he noted.
Speaking further, the CAS stated that 115 SOG has been well known for its gallantry and fighting spirit and the mere presence of the MI-35P helicopters on the battlefield has been a game changer. He went on to state that the helicopters have, over the years, continued to strike fear deep into the hearts of terrorists and other criminals while at the same time boosting the morale of surface forces.
While extending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s appreciation for their sacrifices, Air Marshal Abubakar assured them of their welfare and other needs to ensure they effectively carry out their assigned duties. He also informed them that he had directed for the immediate commencement of the accident investigation, “So that we can learn exactly what happened and prevent future occurrences.”
Earlier, the CAS had visited the 5 crew members of the ill-fated aircraft and directed the Commander of the Medical Centre to ensure they received the utmost attention required.
POLARIS BANK SIGNS PAPSS: CUSTOMERS TO NOW EXECUTE SEAMLESS TRADE AND PAYMENTS ACROSS AFRICS
Polaris Bank, Nigeria’s leading digital retail Bank, has enrolled in the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS). The cross-border financial infrastructure empowers the Bank’s existing and potential customers to execute trade and payments across Africa seamlessly.
The inter-African trade payment gateway is a solution designed to empower those who trade international within African continent, with streamlined, efficient, and secure payment processes.
Speaking on the digital payment gateway, Polaris Bank’s Group Head, Global Trade Business, Ayo Adesanya, said the launch of PAPSS underscores the Bank’s commitment to leveraging innovative solutions to simplify processes for customers.
The Banker added that PAPSS is embedded with several unique key features and delivers immense benefits for the Bank’s current customers and prospects. These features include seamless transaction management; meaning merchants and those involved in regional trade can now initiate and track cross-border payments within a single, user-friendly platform.
“The payment gateway offers a centralized hub for managing transactions, and hitherto multiple currency exchange systems. This feature reduces currency exchange risks and associated costs, ultimately benefiting our customers’ bottom lines.” she further disclosed.
PAPSS also bolsters compliance and security as the payment gateway incorporates robust security measures to safeguard sensitive financial information, ensuring that transactions are executed securely and in compliance with international regulations.
“Polaris Bank signing up to PAPSS, developed by AfreximBank, is poised to ease international trade by simplifying payment processes, reducing risks, and enhancing efficiency. It empowers businesses to seize new opportunities in the continent and regional marketplace,” the Group Head stated.
Polaris Bank was adjudged Digital Bank of the Year in 2021 and 2022, 2023 by Business Day’s Banks and Other Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards. It also emerged as the Best MSME Bank of the Year in 2022 and 2023 because of its ability to use technology to enable bottom-up support to the MSME sector.
