TIGblogs TIG | TIGblogs GROUP TIGBLOGS LOGIN SIGNUP
Vicky News Entertainment
Vicky News Entertainment
« previous 5


Is It Not Time To Shut Down Bellview Air From Nigerian Airspace?
Related to country: Nigeria

Translations available in: English (original) | French | Spanish | Italian | German | Portuguese | Swedish | Russian | Dutch | Arabic

I decided to use the above rhetorical question with hope that what I experienced with Bellview Air couple with the recent occurrences and malfunctioning of the company, it is about the worst of all experiences. If after reading the following paragraphs, some readers still think, what the hell, there are other worse services from other local airlines then Nigeria consumers are indeed doomed. We should be awaiting another series of air crashes filling our media spaces like another soap opera. I hope not, I sincerely hope not because I am afraid I might be one of the victims either directly or indirectly.

I returned from a trip and purchased Bellview air ticket to return to Abuja from Lagos. When the estimated time for boarding arrived, all checked-in passengers when onboard and we waited to be airlifted. Unfortunately, the local airport’s runway was being worked on so we had to taxi the long route to international runway to take off. There were 6 other aircraft on the queue waiting for permission from the control tower to take off. So, we had to wait for our turn.

While waiting, I noticed that the cooling system in the airbus was defective. I called the attention of one of the cabin crew to it and he went to notify the pilot. He soon came back with news from the pilot that the cooling systems would be functioning properly as soon as we were in the air. That was comforting and at the same time scary. What if it never works? Nevertheless, there was no need to panic… other passengers were equally disturbed.


The waiting online was becoming too long because the traffic (both inbound and out bound aircrafts were many). Then other passengers started to get impatient. Suddenly we were first on the line and suddenly one of the passengers who was suffering most from the lack of sufficient air, passed out. There was a controlled panic because there were two medically looking individuals from amongst the passengers who came to control the situations. While the rescuing was going on, Bellview got the permission from the control tower to take off- (what we had been waiting for since almost one hour). And the cabin crew came to caution the doctors to take their seats in readiness for take off.


Passengers started to express shock. How could the pilot want to take off while one of the passengers had fainted and was being attended to. That was an unprofessional act and display of gross irresponsibility. It could not be the case that the life of one passenger was worthless when thinking of time it took to get permission for take off and the fear of another length of time to get to the take off position.


Finally, the pilot agreed it was ridiculous to take off and taxied back to the local airport.


At the local airport, I was expecting noises of sirens to blow and good number of medical personnel waiting to take the sick passengers to the bay. But what was awaiting us was the commuter bus which normally conveys passengers to the arrival hall. This was impossible. I could not believe what was happening. I did not want to think that the sick passenger would be transported out with a commuter bus and not with an ambulance!


I was still feeling surprised when we turned around and started to return to the international runway for permission to takeoff again.


The second time we attempted takeoff, only two aircrafts were ahead of us from the takeoff position. The wait was not too long. When finally it was time to take off again, someone at the control tower must have figured out what was happening; how could an aircraft become such a threat to one life and instant permission was being sought for the same airbus to take off without proper investigations as to what must have happened to threaten lives onboard.


The airbus was grounded.


The pilot, for the first time announced and apologies for the “rigmarolling”(sic) movements around the airport” his airbus had been grounded and he was returning to local airport.


I was in a hurry to return to Abuja because I had a business engagement against my arrival in town. Inspite of my haste, I sat back relaxed and was happy that someone, somewhere, here in Nigeria, still remembered to do what was right and what made sense. At that point, I knew I was going to write this article. I would have titled it, “Nigeria will work again” and I wanted to salute the courage and belligerence of whoever must have grounded that airbus. I thought that was nice and bold. I was going to use that article piece to remind us all and skeptics of Nigeria working again, that if there are people of these sorts in position of authority, people who still had grace and conscience, then we can be sure that people will always make informed and good decisions for the generality of Nigerians. But then I decided to look at another curious angle; why and how come Bellview got to this position when its plane had to be grounded?


Bellview had announced that we should disembark and the ground crew of the airline would see to our transfer to another aircraft for the completion of our journey. Luckily I was one of the first to disembark because I was sitting by the window next to the first class cabin. I walked to the departure hall and went straight to the Bellview counter. The lady did not have any idea about any other logistic arrangements. She only advised me to go to the next counter where there was aero airline which was about to close and which had few seats left on its Lagos-Abuja route. There were no arrangements by Bellview for its own customers. What a customer service display.


As I was going to aero airline counter, the Bellview staff responsible for the sales of tickets shouted across her side of the counter to the aero air sales lady; “please keep three seats free for me.” She was referring to seats aboard the Aero flight that was going to take off half an hour later. Since I was the first and only passenger from the grounded Bellview I wondered at what point anyone would have told this girl to make reservations for them. I was curious and marveled at Nigerian's quick respond to alternative plans for themselves. I quickly arranged for my own ticket before the hall became jam-packed with complaints and shouting.


After all the struggles, I entered the Aero flight and was sitting behind the first class cabin when after everyone was on board, three individuals emerged. They were the sick passenger from Bellview; the lady that grasped for air, the doctor and the friend (or husband). They walked in gallantly and went to take their seats. Then it made sense to me, Bellview made sure that these three who were abused by poor services got seats to proceed. It was their most logical offer to these one in order to avoid law suits. I shook my head in awe and gave up.


The moral of this account are the following:

a. Did Bellview demonstrate sufficient care about lives of its passengers?

b. Did Bellview act in the best interests of its passengers?

c. Taking off without correcting malfunctioning cabin air; was that proper and safe?

d. What kind of service was it that a sick passenger was welcome at the foot of the airbus by a long commuter bus and not an ambulance?

e. Did Bellview pilots radio in for an ambulance? Was the ambulance late in coming… who was responsible; airport authority or Bellview air?

f. If the control tower had not refused permission for take off, Bellview would have risked the lives of almost 150 passengers just for the fun and to make sure it airbus arrived in Abuja to pick the weekenders from Abuja heading back to Lagos State;

g. After so many series of questionable performances of Bellview air, at what point do we bring it to public courtroom and banish it from our airspace telling others to be careful using it?

I rest my case.

Dele A. Sonubi can be reached on

dele4you2@yahoo.com



December 28, 2007 | 3:35 PM Comments  0 comments

Tags:


Tales from Abuja Carnival
Related to country: Nigeria

Translations available in: English (original) | French | Spanish | Italian | German | Portuguese | Swedish | Russian | Dutch | Arabic

The setting became electric as dancers, drummers, acrobats, culture managers Masquerades, and culture managers and to government functionaries converged at the Eagle Square, Abuja for the just concluded Abuja Carnival 2007. With faces radiating with smiles and bubbling with energy, artistes from 33 states of the federation and the FCT drove home the message of President Umaru Musa Yar ‘Adua, but delivered by his vice, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan at the opening ceremony, Thursday, November, 22, that culture has a pivotal role to play in fostering national integration and towards achieving the lofty goals of Vision 2010.

The culture extravaganza which also had as its theme, Experience culture, celebrate life also featured a durbar, exhibition of crafts and African cuisine, boat regatta, a poetry night and a command performance. Before then, there were palpable fears that the carnival might not hold. The organising committee led by Professor Ahmed Yerima had just two months to stage a show of international standard even with limited resources. But inspired by the Federal government through the Minister of Culture, Tourism and National Orientation, Prince Adetokunbo Kayode, and the recourse to the popular theatre maxim that the show must go on, the committtee swung into action. The outcome of that determined effort was a cultural fiesta that was not bereft of fun, excitement and razzmatazz.

Masquerades show
They wore different looks. Some were covered with yellow palm frond, which are prominent in Ondo and Ekiti States. Others came in clothing habiliments, and animal skins like Gbajumo from Imesi Ile and Esa Oke, in Osun State. Some were covered with raffia like Iki from Taraba State. Adanma he ferminine mask from Enugu State mesmerized the crowd with calculated dance steps, even as Ijele, the king of masquerades brought the show to a climax with its colourful costumes and magnificence. It was a notable contribution from Anambra State. The display which lasted several hours also had as Chief Host, the Minister of Culture, Tourism, and National Orientation, Prince Tokunbo Kayode, while Hon Dimeji Bankole, Speaker, Federal House of Representatives was the chairman at the event. Nasarawa’s outing was a confirmation that its victory at this year’s National Festival of Arts and Culture, (NAFEST) in Makurdi was no fluke.

The contingent that was tutored by renowned choreographer and dance instructor, Professor Razaq Ojo Bakare, eventually emerged winner in the Most Spectacular Mask.

Although it made its debut this year, Niger State’s entry also reinforced the impression that it is one of the states to watch in the country’s cultural scene. Niger paraded Adawyeya masquerade from the Gwari speaking people, Ndakogboya, from Nupe Kingdom. The contingent actually caused a stir on Eagle Square when it led the state’s contingent with a life elephant. The beast which had on it the inscription Talban Minna, according to the Media Consultant to the State, Beyond 360 Degree, symbolised the power and authority which the state is noted for.

The Riverine folks, comprising Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Cross Rivers, paraded richly dressed contingent. However, the most spectacular among the presentations of people of the aquatic region was the floating masquerade, Ongwie from Rivers State. It operates on land and in waters. Ensconced on a raft, the masquerades is usually accompanied by its daughter, Ongwieada.

Command performance
This aspect of the carnival actually was in line with the vision of the initiators of the carnival to extend its frontiers to the West Coast, and the world in general. The show which featured troupes from Nigeria, Niger and Ghana, according to the Minister, of Culture, Tourism and National Orientation Prince Tokunbo Kayode was supposedly part of the build-up to the Golden Jubilee edition in 2010. Kayode, who was basking in the euphoria of this year’s outing however reiterated his determination to use the material to foster cultural interaction among West African counties.

Boat regatta
With nine states featuring against five that featured last year, minister of state, Culture, Tourism and National Orientation the show, which lasted about 30 minutes had as Special Guest of Honour, the Vice President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan. For the period the event lasted, the participating states, which included Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa-Ibom, Cross Rivers, Kwara, Nasarawa, Ondo and Anambra States, did a series of rowing and sailing races. Unlike the engine-powered boats that are common on the rivers, the boats were rowed manually. This year’s outing was a tough bout between two traditional rivals, Bayelsa and Rivers States

Being one of the competitive events, Bayelsa had wanted to snatch the title from its neigbour if only to do proud their ‘son’, the Vice President Goodluck Jonathan proud. Luck however refused to smile their way, as Rivers State won the crown at the end of the day, with Bayelsa trailing behind it. Akwa Ibom came third, making the competition an all- Nigeria-Delta affair.

Closing ceremony
It was the climax of the cultural extravaganza. Per adventure, you missed the opening ceremony, you could make up for what was missing in the closing ceremony. On Sunday, November 25, the festival returned to the Eagle Square and paraded artistes from the participating states, except Kebbi, Bornu and Lagos States which were missing in action. Aside cultural displays, the most splendid feature of the procession were the floats. They came in different sizes and motifs that reflected the identities of the contingents. For instance, Rivers State came with a crocodile float while her neighbour, Bayelsa and Kogi States underscored their strong attachment to acquatic life with the Seagull for Bayelsa while the confluence state, paraded a fish float.

As for states in the hinterland, Kaduna and Nasarawa States made strong statements. The former portrayed in a rather civic manner, a fibre glass cast of the 5th Century B.C, Nok culture, while the latter had a a horse with a ballooned horseman on top. Cross Rivers State demonstrated her early interaction with white men and wealth having on its float, a steel band.

Surprisingly, Delta State had a poor showing at the carnival’s procession. It paraded no float and the contingent lacked colour and panache. States of the South West that were represented included Osun State, which celebrated its rich heritage in Osun Osogbo Festival, and the Ife head. Oyo State, alluded to history as the area hitherto occupied by the great old Oyo Empire, while Ekiti State re-echoed its sobriquet as the fountain of knowledge with the caricature of a professor in academic gown, wielding a giant pen.

Ogun State had a rich display of adire (the Yoruba traditional tie and die fabric) and a sculptural representation of the popular Olumo Rock in the ancient city of Abeokuta.
States in the north that made strong presence at the parade included Niger State with its large retinue of artistes. Sokoto State presented hunters’ dance, Taraba and Gombe States were also present with their floats decorated with cow-motifs. Kano State actually tried to upstage the other states with its acrobatic displays with drew spectators’ attention.

From the South-east, Anambra State represented the large contingent it paraded at the Masquerades show. Abia State celebrated famous Ohafia war dancers while Imo State, the acclaimed heartland of the nation, culturally mounted a hut on its float with live fire, and smoke emitting from it.

Ebonyi States celebrated its agricultural endowment with the popular Abakaliki rice. Both sides of its float were actually lined with bags of this special brand of local rice. Meanwhile, what could be regarded as "the mother of all floats," was presented by the Federal Capital Territory, (FCT). The FCT celebrated Nigeria’s national colours and expressed the country’s diverse cultures in dances. It bore the inscription, Expression of Our Dreams and was a symbolic representation of some of the monuments within the capital city. It also made a difference by borrowing from the Caribbean and the Rio Carnival in its costuming.

Awards and prizes
It was the moment the participants had waited for. After all the dancing, miming and variety of displays, the Director General of Carnival, Prof. Ahmed Yerima, mounted the podium to announce the results for the competitive events.

According to the jury’s verdict, Rivers’ State emerged the winner of the Boat regatta, trailed closely by Bayelsa and Akwa Ibom States, which emerged second and third respectively. The first prize for the state with the Most Spectacular Mask went to Nasarawa. Anambra and Enugu State came second and third. As for the Durbar, Bauchi State won the first prize for presenting the Best Costumed Horses and Riders. Yobe and Kaduna States emerged first and second runners-up respectively.

Kaduna State came first as The Best Sportsmanship Display, followed by Bauchi and Yobe States. Bauchi also won the number-one prize for the state with the Best Durbar Formation. Rivers State won the laurel for the Best Decorated Float, back-to-back, followed by the FCT, and the Ebonyi States.
The FCT also beat Rivers State to emerge the Best Costumed Contingent.
Special recognition awards were presented to the Emir of Machina, the Dangote Group and the Oceanic bank for their consistent supports and contributions. Fireworks later rent the sky to draw the curtain on Abuja Carnival 2007.

Stock taking
Apparently, this year ‘s outing is a consolidation of the gains of the previous years in terms tourism development. The minister reiterated this mission at the Banquet Night, penultimate Sunday, where he stated that the dream of the founding fathers is to use the carnival to drive tourism and make it an alternative foreign exchange earner. He regretted that it was only in Nigeria that tourism was yet to become a major revenue earner.





As if he read the minister’s mind, Kayode while doing an appraisal of the festival at the Banquet night, informed guests that the private-sector’s involvement in the carnival is picking up. He cited the involvement of big brands like the Dangote Group, Wema and Oceanic Banks as evidences of a promising future for the festival. An elated Kayode told the gathering that the carnival, for the first time, was not run on deficit. " We’re not owing anybody, the minister declared before the guests."

The minister said that the carnival’s organising team, will start erecting permanent structures for the yearly fiesta. The first step in that direction, Kayode disclosed, is that the carnival’s secretariat on Aminu Kano Way, Abuja, will not be shut down. He added that, immediately after the committee would have submitted its reports, preparations for next year’s edition would commence as the Ahmed Yerima-led team will not be disbanded.