Air Peace, Travelport deal strengthens Africa–global travel links

Kenya Association of Travel Agents, KATA, has said the multi-year distribution agreement between Travelport and Nigerian airline, Air Peace Limited, will eliminate the complexity of navigating disconnected systems when booking West African routes.

KATA also said the integration would enable smoother itineraries between Nairobi and Lagos, with onward connections to London, Mumbai.

On March 1, 2026, it was announced that Travelport and Air Peace had signed an agreement that gives travel agents real-time access to Air Peace’s domestic, regional and international inventory.

According to the statement where the announcement was made, agencies across Africa, Europe and North America, for the first time, could seamlessly book Air Peace flights, including ancillary services such as baggage, seat selection and lounge access with the same ease as major global carriers.
The statement said: “For Kenyan agents, the integration eliminates the complexity of navigating disconnected systems when booking West African routes. It enables smoother itineraries between Nairobi and Lagos, with onward connections to London, Mumbai, and Guangzhou.
“Under Chairman Allen Onyema, Air Peace has expanded its fleet with Embraer 195-E2 and Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. The Travelport deal ensures that this physical growth is matched by global digital visibility, allowing the airline to compete more effectively on the international stage.
“Beyond technology, the partnership strengthens regional mobility. Easier booking reduces barriers for business travel, tourism, and diaspora connections, supporting broader initiatives such as the Single African Air Transport Market, SAATM.

"While challenges such as fuel costs and currency volatility remain, the agreement puts Air Peace in a position to serve demand across 180 countries. For 2026, the message is clear: African airlines are not just expanding fleets, they are building the digital infrastructure to shape their own global future.”

Peter Obi Escaped Asasination

Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, has condemned the gunmen attack in Benin City, Edo State, saying the incident highlights growing concerns about the state of Nigeria’s democracy.

Obi spoke in a video circulating online after the attack at the residence of former All Progressives Congress National Chairman, John Odigie-Oyegun, where gunmen reportedly opened fire, riddling the gate and several vehicles with bullets.

“This is where our democracy has reached. A former governor, and you can see what happened in front of his house, where hoodlums came shooting,” Obi said in the footage while pointing to the bullet-riddled gate.

“I assure you this cannot continue; we have a country, and we are a part of it. We cannot have terrorism and have officials in government terrorising the citizens.”

The incident reportedly occurred shortly after Obi, Odigie-Oyegun and other political figures attended the formal declaration of Barrister Olumide Akpata into the African Democratic Congress in Benin City.

A video from the scene showed visible bullet holes on the estate gate and damaged vehicles, indicating the intensity of the attack.

National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Yunusa Tanko, said the attackers allegedly trailed the group from the ADC Secretariat to Odigie-Oyegun’s residence before opening fire.

According to him, the assailants shot at the gate and destroyed several official vehicles in what he described as a failed assassination attempt targeting the political leaders.

“The leadership of the ADC is under siege and attack in Benin, Edo State. Armed individuals followed us from the ADC Secretariat to the residence of Chief John Odigie-Oyegun and shot at the gate, destroying several vehicles,” Tanko said.

N432bn probe: El-Rufai moves From EFCC To ICPC Custody.

 ABUJA — The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has confirmed that Nasir El-Rufai, former Governor of Kaduna State, is currently in its custody over an ongoing investigation.

The confirmation was contained in a statement issued just before midnight on Wednesday. The statement was signed by J. Okor Odey, Head of Media and Public Communications and Spokesperson of the Commission.

“The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) writes to state that Malam Nasiru El-Rufai the former Governor of Kaduna state is in our custody. Malam Nasiru El-Rufai is in the custody of the Commission in connection with investigations,” Odey said.

The ICPC did not provide further details about the nature of the investigation or how long the former governor may remain in custody.

The development comes amid ongoing investigations linked to alleged financial transactions and projects executed during the tenure of Nasir El-Rufai as Governor of Kaduna State between 2015 and 2023.

The former governor had earlier been questioned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over matters reportedly connected to alleged financial dealings running into N432 billion.

Although details of the EFCC’s inquiry were not formally disclosed, sources indicated that the questioning formed part of a broader anti-corruption review.

Ramadan

Ramadan fasting is not a burden placed on the Ummah of Muhammad (s.a.w); rather, it is a divine gift designed to purify the soul, discipline the body, and draw the believer closer to Allah. Allah clearly states the purpose of fasting in the Qur’an:

 “O you who believe! Fasting has been prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may attain taqwa (God-consciousness).” (Qur’an 2:183).

The ultimate reason fasting was made obligatory is taqwa — a heightened awareness of Allah in both public and private. When a fasting person abstains from food, drink, and lawful desires purely for Allah’s sake, even when no one is watching, the heart learns sincerity and obedience.

Fasting trains the believer to control desires rather than be controlled by them. Hunger and thirst soften the heart, humble the ego, and remind us of our dependence on Allah. The Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) said:

“Fasting is a shield.” (Bukhari and Muslim)

This “shield” protects the fasting person from sins, anger, immoral behavior, and even the fire of Hell — if fasting is observed properly. That is why the Prophet (s.a.w) also warned:

“Whoever does not give up false speech and acting upon it, Allah has no need of him giving up his food and drink.” (Bukhari)

Fasting is therefore not just about staying hungry; it is about moral discipline, self-restraint, and spiritual growth.

Another wisdom behind fasting is gratitude. Many blessings we take for granted — food, water, health — become clearer when we experience temporary deprivation. Fasting makes us more compassionate toward the poor and needy and encourages generosity, charity, and empathy during Ramadan

Fasting also cleanses the heart and opens the door to forgiveness. The Prophet (s.a.w) said: “Whoever fasts Ramadan out of faith and seeking reward, his past sins will be forgiven.” (Bukhari and Muslim)

Electoral Amendment: “Akpabio Is A Sc*Mbag, Tinubu’s Lapdog” – El-Rufai Attacks Senate President

Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, Has Openly Accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio Of Personally Fueling The Controversy Surrounding The Proposed Amendment To The Electoral Act, Describing Him As The Central Figure Behind The Growing Legislative Dispute.

El-Rufai Made The Remarks During An Interview Aired On Trust TV, Where He Pushed Back Against Claims That The Senate As A Body Is Responsible For The Contentious Proposal. According To Him, The Crisis Stems From What He Characterised As The Conduct And Leadership Of The Senate President.

“The Issue Is Not The Senate,” El-Rufai Said. “Akpabio Is The Issue.” He Went Further, Using Unusually Strong Language To Describe The Senate President’s Role In The Matter.

“By Every Definition, He Is A Scumbag.”

The Former Governor Also Alleged That Akpabio Is Not Acting Independently But Is Advancing The Interests Of Powerful Political Actors, Claiming The Senate President Is Merely Executing The Wishes Of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He Argued That Lawmakers Who Are Uncomfortable With The Proposed Amendment Must Take Collective Action Once The National Assembly Resumes Sitting, Urging Them To Openly Challenge Any Attempt To Force The Bill Through.

“When The Senate Reconvenes, Those Who Are Against It Must Unite, Protest And Stop It,” El-Rufai Said.

In Another Pointed Remark, El-Rufai Dismissed The Formal Honorifics Traditionally Accorded To Senators, Stating That His Long Personal History With Akpabio Predates Their Current Political Offices And Leaves No Room For Diplomatic Restraint.

“I Don’t See Him As ‘Distinguished,’” He Said. “We’ve Known Each Other Since The 1990s. I’ve Watched Our Journeys Over The Years, So I Am In A Position To Speak Plainly.”

El-Rufai’s Comments Have Added Fresh Tension To The Already Heated Debate Over The Electoral Act Amendment, A Proposal That Has Sparked Sharp Disagreements Within The National Assembly And Heightened Political Sensitivities Ahead Of Future Electoral Cycles.

Once Upon A Time In Lagos

 LAgos

In the ♥ of Lagos,where the streets pulsed with life and the scent of street food filled the air,a young writer named Aisha stumbled upon an old,leather-bound book in a dusty corner of a market.As she flipped through its yellowed pages,she discovered a hidden story of love, loss,and resilience–set against the backdrop of Nigeria's vibrant culture.With each word, Aisha was transported to a world she never knew existed...The story began on a sweltering night in Lagos,where the rain danced with the wind,creating a symphony of sounds that echoed through Aisha's tiny apartment.As she poured over the book,the words on the page began to come alive: "In the shadow of the cocoa trees,where the Ifá whispers secrets to the wind,Emi's heart beat for two." Who was Emi? And what secrets would she uncover? 😊

Not Ready

Bebe, let’s use CD… I’m not ready to be a father now thinks 🤔.”

Bebe adjusted her wig slowly and stared at him like NEPA just took light during Champions League final.

“CD?” she repeated. “Is it music you want to play or what?”

Kunle cleared his throat like a man about to defend his life in court.

“Bebe, you know say I love you eh.But fatherhood? That thing is expensive.School fees, diapers, naming ceremony, aunties coming to stay for six months… ah ah.My salary is not smiling yet.”

Bebe folded her arms.

“So all the love you were shouting yesterday was on credit?”

“No no no,” Kunle panicked. “Love is cash! But baby is bank loan.”

He started calculating with his fingers like an accountant possessed by fear.

“Do you know how much baby milk is now? One tin is like fuel price. And diapers? That thing finishes faster thanmy data bundle.”

Bebe rolled her eyes.

“But when you were forming Superman, you didn’t remember CD.”

Kunle stood up and started pacing like a motivational speaker.

“Bebe,listen.I’m planning my future.I want to be a prepared father.The type that buys baby stroller,not wheelbarrow.”

She laughed.

“So what are you now?”

“I’m a boyfriend on budget.”

Just then,Kunle’s phone buzzed.It was his friend Sola.

Sola texted: ‘Guy, my baby just pooed on me. Run while you can.’

Kunle showed Bebe the message with shaking hands.

“You see? Evidence!”

Bebe shook her head, laughing.

“You men are funny.So what happens if CD fails?”

Kunle froze.His soul left his body and came back with fear.

“If CD fails… then I will accept my destiny. But at least let destiny catch me trying.”

Bebe burst into laughter.

“Okay okay, Mr Future Planner. Let’s use CD.”

Kunle jumped like he won jackpot.

“Thank you! You just saved a potential village meeting!”

But as he was celebrating, Bebe added calmly:

“By the way… my period is late.”

Silence.

Kunle slowly sat down.

“Bebe… how late?”

“Like… government project late.”

Kunle swallowed hard.

“So… CD or no CD… I might still be promoted?”

Bebe smiled wickedly.

“Congratulations in advance, Daddy.”

Kunle looked up at the ceiling.

“God… I said I’m not ready, not that I’m refusing.”

Moral of the story?

A man can say “Bebe let’s use CD”, but destiny sometimes says “Use naming ceremony.” 🤣🤣🤣