Dana Air Returns To The Skies This Week

Dana Air would begin flying again this week, five months after one of its aircraft crashed in Lagos, southwest Nigeria, aviation sources said on Wednesday.

The decision to fly again comes only days after the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, granted Dana Air its Air Operator Certificate, AOC.

“The initial commercial flight would take place this week as compensation is quickly completed,” aviation sources said.

In restoring its licence days ago, NCAA Director General, Dr. Harold Demuren, insisted that the airline pay adequate compensation before it is allowed again into the skies.

But Dana had explained that some aggrieved relatives had gone to court and the court case would be followed. It also explained that there have been multiple claims by relatives and the delay was due to similar incidents.

Meanwhile, Dana Drugs Limited has donated items comprising pharmaceutical products as aid to victims of the recent flood disaster in Nigeria, in support of the relief efforts of the Federal Government in the affected states.

The floods, which affected 34 out of the 36 states of the federation, have been described as the biggest natural disaster in the nation’s history.

Through National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, the government has established camps for the victims and has been providing food items and medical care to those affected.

Speaking during the presentation of the items at the Abuja Headquarters of NEMA, Pharm. Godwin Ediagbonya, Superintendent Pharmacist, Dana Drugs Limited, explained that it is the collective responsibility of everyone to rally around and support those affected by natural disasters.

“Dana Drug’s gesture of donating pharmaceutical products to the victims of the recent flood disaster across some states of the federation is in fulfillment of this responsibility, and we hope that it will complement the efforts of the NEMA towards the rehabilitation and wellbeing of those affected. Our hearts go out to them and it is our prayer that God will strengthen them in this critical period and grant them full recovery,” Dana said.

Receiving the items on behalf of the agency, Dr. Zanna Muhammad, NEMA’s Director of Administration and Supplies, expressed appreciation to the management of Dana Drugs for the donation.

“The drugs provided will contribute in no small way in catering to the health needs of the displaced persons. We are indeed grateful to Dana for the kind gesture and offer our assurances that the products will be utilized by those who really need them,” he said.

Muhammad also urged other companies to emulate Dana by supporting the efforts of the agency.

“While the response from public-spirited individuals and corporate bodies like Dana has been commendable, a lot still needs to be done to ensure proper rehabilitation of the affected states and persons, and we will appreciate more support from companies and organizations in this regard.”

By Simon Ateba & Aviation correspondent