The Nigerian government has reaffirmed that private aircraft owned by prominent individuals, including Bishop David Oyedepo, founder of Living Faith Church Worldwide, cannot operate from private airstrips without proper clearance from relevant authorities.

This was stated by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, during an interview on Channels Television on Sunday.

Keyamo’s clarification comes amidst discussions about the regulation of private airstrips, following a call by the House of Representatives approximately two months ago to revoke airstrip licenses granted to Bishop Oyedepo and other private individuals or organizations.

The lawmakers expressed concerns over national security, citing the alleged use of such facilities to smuggle illegal arms into the country by suspected sponsors of terrorism.

Explaining the government’s stance, Keyamo emphasized that strict protocols are in place to ensure that no aircraft or drone can operate in Nigerian airspace or land at private airstrips without thorough vetting.

He detailed the procedures required for any aircraft entering or leaving the country, underscoring the role of security and regulatory agencies in maintaining control.

“Every aircraft, regardless of its ownership, must adhere to international airport procedures,” Keyamo said.

“If a private jet is arriving in Nigeria, it must first land at an international airport, where agencies like Customs, Immigration, and the NDLEA will conduct thorough checks.

Only after this can the aircraft proceed to a private airstrip.”

Similarly, Keyamo explained the protocols for outbound flights.

“If you are flying out of Nigeria, you must start at an international airport.

Your plane will go through all the necessary clearances, including customs and immigration processes, before you are allowed to take off,” he added.

The minister stressed that at every stage of the process, authorities are involved in granting approvals to ensure that the system is not exploited for illicit activities.

“No private airstrip can be used for unauthorized purposes without the express permission of the authorities,” he noted.

This development highlights the government’s efforts to balance the privileges of private aviation with national security concerns.

Bishop Oyedepo, who is one of Nigeria’s most prominent religious leaders and the founder of the globally recognized Living Faith Church, owns several private jets.

His airstrip license has been a subject of public discourse, especially with allegations surrounding the misuse of private facilities.

The Federal Government of Nigeria, in collaboration with Fundação Getulio Vargas (FGV) of Brazil, has taken a significant step toward boosting private sector participation in agriculture by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

The agreement focuses on advancing fertiliser production, hybrid seed technology, and agricultural finance, aiming to modernize Nigeria’s agricultural sector.

The MoU was formalized at the headquarters of FGV in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, during the G20 Leaders’ Summit.

Mr. Temitope Fashedemi, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS), represented Nigeria, while Professor Carlos Ivan Simonsen Leal, President of FGV, signed on behalf of the Brazilian institution.

This agreement builds on the existing Green Imperative Project (GIP), a $1.2 billion initiative that serves as one of the largest international agricultural technology transfer projects between the two nations.

Established in 2018, the Green Imperative Project seeks to leverage Brazil’s expertise in tropical agriculture to modernize and transform Nigeria’s farming landscape.

The project is a cooperative effort aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity, improving food security, and promoting sustainable farming practices across Nigeria.

Supported by Deutsche Bank, the initiative is designed to deliver advanced agricultural technologies and facilitate knowledge transfer over the course of a decade.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Mr. Fashedemi highlighted the strategic importance of the partnership, stating, “This collaboration offers Brazil an opportunity to engage with Nigeria’s vibrant agricultural sector.

Together with FGV, we aim to unlock private sector investments in critical areas essential to achieving food security and economic development.”

The MoU is projected to attract $4.3 billion in private sector investments across fertiliser production, hybrid seed technology, and agricultural financing.

These investments are expected to not only boost Nigeria’s agricultural output but also create jobs, reduce dependence on imported food, and enhance the livelihoods of farmers nationwide.

One of the key features of the Green Imperative Project is its plan to identify and support one agribusiness in each of Nigeria’s 774 local government areas over the next five years.

These agribusinesses will receive technical and financial resources to drive sustainable agricultural practices and economic growth in their respective regions.

By empowering local farmers and entrepreneurs, the project aims to create a ripple effect that will benefit the broader agricultural ecosystem.

Professor Carlos Ivan Simonsen Leal expressed optimism about the partnership, emphasizing FGV’s commitment to fostering innovation and sustainability in agriculture.

He noted that Brazil’s extensive experience in tropical agriculture would serve as a valuable resource for Nigeria as it seeks to modernize its farming practices.

The signing ceremony was attended by senior officials from Nigeria’s presidency, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, and leadership from FGV.

Hollywood legend Sylvester Stallone displayed his artistic and philanthropic sides at the amfAR gala in Las Vegas, where his painting, Knocking Heads, sold for an impressive $410,000. The event, held at The Wynn Hotel, aimed to support AIDS research, and Stallone’s contribution made a significant impact.

The vibrant multicolored artwork, featuring thoughtful faces and a nod to his iconic character Rocky Balboa, sparked an intense bidding war, earning a standing ovation when the auction concluded. Stallone, visibly delighted, expressed pride in helping the cause.

The night was further memorable for Stallone, as he received a special award from Tommy Hilfiger and his wife, Dee. Additionally, Stallone auctioned a role in his series, Tulsa King, raising an extra $300,000 for the foundation.

The gala blended art, charity, and entertainment, with Stallone’s efforts showcasing a different side of the celebrated actor and solidifying his legacy beyond Hollywood.