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Syncing Security Operations: Urgent Call for Nigerian Airports (International Edition)

by admin | Apr 3, 2025 | airport security, aviation, government, safety, security

Yet for the God of Sallah, who ordained a holiday at the start of the week, Nigerians might have been faced with further flight disruptions at our airports come Monday.

Flight personnel have now warned that they will shut down airports across the country beginning March 31st unless the customs official involved in assaulting the FAAN aviation security chief is dismissed.

The National Union of Air Transport Employees, represented by Ocheme Aba; the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, represented by Frances Akinjole; and the Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals, represented by Abdul Rasaq Saidu, jointly issued a statement condemning the recurring physical attacks on Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria staff. They declared their refusal to accept further occurrences of these incidents.

The unions additionally requested the government to promptly decrease the count of customs personnel working in civil aviation, aligning with international norms.

Recently, the Nigerian aviation industry has seen an alarming pattern emerge: ongoing disputes and competition between various security organizations working within the nation’s airport facilities.

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Not only has this issue weakened the impact of security measures, but it has also endangered the well-being and peace of mind of travelers.

The competition between various security organizations such as the Nigerian Immigration Service, Nigerian Customs Service, Nigerian Police Force, and AVSEC staff has resulted in redundant tasks, contradictory instructions, and an overall climate of mistrust.

This has led to unnecessary disputes, hold-ups, harassment of travelers, and an adverse effect on the entire journey experience.

How do we get out of this deadlock?

Initially, there is a critical requirement for defining the roles and duties clearly amongst the different security organizations functioning within the airports. Achieving this involves conducting an extensive evaluation of current safety measures along with setting up a distinct hierarchy of authority.

Secondly, improving cooperation and communication between agencies is essential.

This can be achieved via frequent gatherings, shared training drills, and setting up a combined operations hub.

Through collaboration, security agencies can exchange information, synchronize their actions, and address security threats with greater efficiency.

Thirdly, the Nigerian authorities should allocate resources for the education and skill enhancement of law enforcement officers. This step is essential for improving their expertise, understanding, and professional standards.

Efficient security staff are well-prepared to manage intricate security scenarios, deliver outstanding client support, and foster a favorable national impression.

Ultimately, there is a requirement for robust supervision and tracking of security measures at the airports.

This objective can be met by setting up an autonomous oversight body capable of offering immediate input on security measures, pinpointing regions needing enhancement, and suggesting remedial steps.

The competition between security agencies at Nigerian airports acts as a ticking time bomb that needs urgent consideration.

Through clarifying duties and obligations, fostering better cooperation between agencies, allocating resources for education and skill enhancement, and ensuring robust monitoring, we can unify security efforts, create safer surroundings, and improve the entire journey process.

It’s time to take action immediately.

Aussies Stunned: Clever Hack Lets Man Fly Free bezpoصند

by admin | Apr 3, 2025 | air travel, airline industry, flights, flying, money

FURTHER DETAILS: Changes for Qantas Passengers – What It Means for Frequent Flyers

An Australian youngster has revealed his method of traveling at no cost by utilizing Woolworths reward points.

The team at Solo, a business management application by MYOB, interviewed typical Australians to ask them about their top tips for saving money.

One clever buyer mentioned he was making money as
Qantas
frequently used flyer miles using the
Woolworths
Everyday Rewards scheme.

“I mostly purchase gift cards from Woolworths for just about everything, and I utilize the reward points to cover all my expenses related to international trips,” he explained.

‘It’s quite nice since you don’t have to pay for flying.’

Daily Benefits is a customer loyalty initiative managed in Australia and
New Zealand
by Woolworths Group.

Participants can accumulate points within the program by purchasing items from Woolworths, Big W, BWS, MyDeal, Everyday Market, along with partners Ampol and Origin Energy.

Members of the Qantas Frequent Flyer program can
convert 2,000 Everyday Rewards points earned into 1,000 frequent flyer points as part of a partnership between the two companies.

Other TikTokers noticed that the guy got twice the number of Woolworths rewards points for spending the same amount using this trick.

“Pause here. Does this mean that if I purchase gift cards and utilize my reward points, then pay for my groceries using those gift cards, I will be able to use my reward points once more?” he questioned.

Other people verified that it was accurate.

One suggested: ‘When purchasing a gift card, scan your rewards card; then again when using the gift card to buy groceries. This way, you can earn reward points twice for the same expenditure,’

‘Another person expressed, “This has completely transformed my life.”‘

The Woolworths Everyday Rewards scheme frequently
provides additional points on certain gift cards but excludes most of them.

However, during promotional periods, customers can earn anywhere from 10 to 20 extra Everyday Reward points for each dollar they spend on qualifying gift cards.

Typically, 1,000 Qantas points are equivalent to approximately $20.
redeeming for flights
.

Frequent flyers can currently
reserve a business class trip from Sydney to Singapore using 68,400 points.

Watches and Wonders 2025: Rolex & Cartier Shine, But Bulgari & Vacheron Constantin Reign Supreme with Thinnest Tourbillon and Most Complex Watch

by admin | Apr 3, 2025 | luxury goods and services, luxury watches, news, rolex, watches

Although the outlook for 2025 isn’t overly optimistic due to the subdued Chinese market and changing worldwide consumer preferences, leading luxury watch manufacturers are showing no signs of restraint in their presentations at Geneva.

Watches and Wonders, the annual event taking place in Geneva, Switzerland, offers a glimpse into the present state of the industry.
current condition of the high-end watch market
. Led by market frontrunners such as
Rolex, Patek Philippe, and Cartier
Creating buzz with their recent releases, along with independent labels presenting their fresh designs, the exhibition draws in reporters, store owners, enthusiasts, and aficionados who explore the stalls—many of which are remarkably lavish—at Palexpo, a conference center close to the city’s airport.

Despite remaining at the forefront of luxury watch production, Switzerland experienced a downturn in 2024 following several years of expansion during and post-pandemic, where affluent consumers who couldn’t travel lavished their money on watches and similar expensive goods. The Federal Watch Industry reported that Swiss watch exports fell by 2.8 percent last year to reach 25.9 billion Swiss francs ($29.59 billion). This decline was largely attributed to a significant drop of over 25 percent in sales within China.

Although the United States and Europe have experienced somewhat milder impacts, China—including significant markets like Hong Kong and Macau—has faced an economic downturn due to a property market crisis and high levels of youth unemployment on its mainland.

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Many new releases showcased during Watches and Wonders frequently lead to long waitlists for devoted enthusiasts, yet predictions for 2025 appear less optimistic based on data from the initial two months of this year. Although Swiss watch exports increased by 4.1 percent year-over-year in January 2025, they dropped by 8.2 percent year over year in February, particularly due to sluggish sales in China and Hong Kong.

Cyrille Vigneron, the president of the Watches and Wonders Geneva Foundation, acknowledges that forecasting trends for 2025 remains challenging due to recent uncertainties altering worldwide consumer behavior. For example, following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Russian consumers have shown different purchasing habits.
moved to Dubai
In both Istanbul and China during the coronavirus pandemic, we saw a notable increase in luxury expenditures due to heightened domestic consumption as travel restrictions prevented people from purchasing goods overseas. According to Vigneron’s remarks made during an interview in Geneva, “China’s implemented stimulus measures should play a crucial role.” He expresses optimism about China continuing to lead economically: “It seems likely that China will remain at the forefront; however, timing remains uncertain. Predicting future trends is challenging, yet stimulating local consumer demand and addressing the property market could potentially usher in another phase of economic expansion.”

When discussing uncertainty, Vigneron concurs that although the U.S. has performed exceptionally well recently—surpassing China as the biggest watch market—the protectionist measures implemented under the Trump administration are now raising questions about the stability of its luxury consumer base.

One point that many would concur with is that the watchmaking sector has grown quite divided, featuring only a few independent producers alongside large conglomerates like
Cartier owner Richemont
And withOmega owned by the Swatch Group—dominatingthe industry. As statedina reportbyMorganStanley andconsultancyLuxeConsult, what’sknown asthe “BigFour”(whichincludes Rolex,PatekPhilippe,AudemarsPiguet,andRichardMille)—are collectively securinganimpressivecombinedmarketshare of47percent.

Although it’s still too soon to gauge the overall reaction to this year’s fair – which is set to welcome visitors over the coming weekend – the atmosphere remains optimistic. According to both Vigneron and Matthieu Humair, the CEO of the Watches and Wonders Geneva Foundation, registrations have surpassed those from prior years.

While wandering through the corridors of the fair, it was hard not to notice a much younger and more varied group of attendees. As Humair explains, “The youthful generation comes with the desire to explore innovations as well as enjoy experiences when visiting us. They seek out exceptional offerings from renowned watchmakers which prompted us to introduce fresh interactive zones within the exhibit for networking purposes. Additionally, we extended our reach into the heart of Geneva by opening up parts of the event throughout the city.”

In an industry long perceived as somewhat exclusive, particularly during events like Watches and Wonders, these changes are highly promising. They’re making sophisticated knowledge, heritage, cutting-edge technology, and artistic designs accessible to a fresh generation of watch enthusiasts. This group tends to wear their timepieces with sneakers or kitten heels rather than opting for formal attire such as suits and ties.

Here are some key points from Watches and Wonders 2025.

Rolex

, the sector’s premier luxury label, grabbed attention with the reveal of the
Oyster Perpetual Land-Dweller
Tennis icon Roger Federer, who endorses Rolex, stopped by the brand’s exhibit at the fair when it opened on the first day.

Patek Philippe

Introduced 15 new models demonstrating advanced technology, featuring a fresh Calatrava model with instant day-and-date display along with an eight-day power reserve capability.

The leading global luxury conglomerate LVMH showcased its array of brands such as Tag Heuer and Hublot, along with its jewelry offerings at the event.

Bulgari

, which presented its latest creations as part of the official Watches and Wonders collection for the first time (recently, LVMH appointed Bulgari’s CEO Jean-Christophe Babin as the head of LVMH Watches). The Italian jewelry house set new benchmarks with the introduction of the Octo Finissimo Ultra Tourbillon, the slimmest automatic flying tourbillon wristwatch ever crafted.

Not surprisingly, the Swiss-based luxury conglomerate Richemont, which announced a 10 percent increase in quarterly sales in January thanks to the outstanding performance of jewelry brand Van Cleef & Arpels, led the event with its collection of labels, featuring one that dates back 270 years.

Vacheron Constantin

, where the world’s most intricate wristwatch was unveiled. The two-faced Les Cabinotiers Solaria Ultra Grand Complication La Première features an astounding 1,521 parts, 41 complications, and has been awarded 13 patents.

Powerhouse

Cartier

In the meantime, it honored its legendary designs through a fresh take on the Panthère watch, showcasing a design inspired by both zebras and tigers. Additionally, they presented the Tank A Guichets, a revamped edition of their classic Tank model, distinguished by its use of digital time indication.

Jaeger-LeCoultre

Additionally, the spotlight was on its iconic timepiece, the Reverso. This collection features two floral-themed editions—the Reverso One Precious Flowers Green Arums and the Reverso One Precious Flowers Purple Arums—which stand out as remarkable creations designed for the brand’s numerous female admirers (each model will have only ten pieces made).

Audemars Piguet and Richard Mille, along with Swatch Group brands like Omega and Longines, choose not to participate in the fair. Instead, they prefer unveiling their new pieces to clients and media beyond the conventional watch show circuits.

‘Eddie Phillips: The ‘Fitness King’ of Hong Kong Passes Away at 74 After Lung Cancer Battle’

by admin | Apr 3, 2025 | entertainment, health, health & fitness, health and exercise, news

The daughter of Phillip Wain, who was a co-founder of the health and beauty chain in Hong Kong and Southeast Asia, announced that he passed away on March 14 at his residence in Australia.

Edwin “Eddie” Phillips, who was both a businessman and the co-founder of the health and beauty retail chain Philip Wain in Hong Kong and throughout Southeast Asia, passed away due to lung cancer at the age of 74.

Natasha, his daughter, disclosed the information on Wednesday, mentioning that Phillips passed away on March 14 at his residence in Byron Bay, Australia.

Phillips, renowned for introducing aerobics to Asia, launched the fitness chain alongside his business associate, Barry Wain, in the city during October 1977. The venture later extended its reach to Bangkok, Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur.

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Natasha mentioned, “He was a gifted entrepreneur even when he was young and had a strong passion for fitness and well-being as he led an energetic sports-oriented life. Competing vigorously in judo and participating in various athletic activities, he also had an intense love for surfing.”

Whenever my brother and I participated in our extra-curricular activities at school, my dad was always eager to be there.

Natasha mentioned that she actively participated in drama productions, noting that she had extended an invitation to her dad for the special showing of the play.
South Pacific
which she was part of.

“I wasn’t aware of what a gala entailed, so I didn’t inform my dad that it required formal attire. As a result, he showed up to watch me perform wearing his usual clothes but still managed to pull it off with style,” she remembered.

Phillips has been married two times. His first marriage produced two offspring: Natasha and Bogart, who currently reside in Australia. The kids were born from his union with Deborah Sims.

Following his separation from Sims, Phillips tied the knot with Kellie Bright in Australia. They became parents to a boy named Jesse, yet their union ultimately concluded in divorce.

Phillips was born and raised in Entrance, a quaint seaside locale on the Central Coast of New South Wales. He began his professional journey at a gym in Sydney before obtaining certification from the prestigious Academy of Natural Healing.

In the 1970s, Phillips departed from Australia for Asia, journeying through Thailand prior to achieving success in Hong Kong.

Natasha mentioned that he was dubbed the “Fitness King of Hong Kong” and the “Spa King” in Australia.

His former spouse, Sims, who was referred to as “the Fitness and Aerobics Queen of Hong Kong,” contributed significantly to building the Phillip Wain brand over several years. Additionally, she represented the city as an Olympic swimmer.

In Australia, he established a vast business enterprise featuring Camp Eden Health Retreat in Queensland and Temple of the Body and Soul in Sydney. His investment holdings also encompassed establishments such as Kirra Beach Hotel in Queensland and the Pearl South Pacific Resort in Fiji.

He died in Byron Bay, an area he once described as “natural, undeveloped and has fabulous surfing”.

He stated in a 1998 interview with the Post that he could connect with nature both physically and spiritually.

He revealed to the Post in 1994 that besides surfing, he was an avid swimmer too. Each morning before breakfast, he would swim 70 lengths in his 17-meter pool located at his residence on Bowen Road.

Allan Zeman, chairman of the Hong Kong Lan Kwai Fong Group, said Phillips was “very popular” in the city’s social scene, and was often seen at the nightlife district Zeman founded.

Zeman mentioned that he was consistently well-dressed and maintained an excellent physique since he managed a gym.

He would often serve many affluent individuals. Back then, being a member there was the thing to do in Hong Kong.

Discover the Oldest City in Portugal: Home to World’s Oldest Cable Car and Breathtaking Gardens, Just an Hour from Porto

by admin | Apr 3, 2025 | architecture, cities and towns, culture, portugal, tourist attractions

Located in northern Portugal, there is an ancient Roman settlement dating back more than two millennia, making it the country’s most historic city: Braga. Known for its high density of churches and striking Baroque architectural style, this destination promises to enchant various kinds of travelers.

Ponte de Lima, Coimbra, Guimarães—these Portuguese cities boast strong ties to ancient times, making it challenging to pinpoint which is the most historic. Nonetheless, Braga merits special consideration as it was established circa 16 BC under Emperor Augustus of Rome. This city stands out not just because of its distinctive heritage but also due to its stunning architecture, galleries, and secluded green spaces.

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Braga, full of history

Situated approximately 55 kilometers north of Porto, Braga stands as a picturesque town within the historical region of Minho. This city boasts an extensive legacy stretching over two millennia, notably from the Roman period when it served as the provincial capital of Gallaecia from 284 to 305. During the medieval times, it came under the influence of both Suebi and Visigoths prior to embracing Christianity.

Braga has secured a spot in our list of the most breathtaking locations.
cities in Portugal
For having a strikingly charming character, much credit goes to the numerous cultural influences woven into its tapestry throughout history. Within Braga’s intricate network of winding lanes, explore Baroque and medieval landmarks alongside Gothic cathedrals and splendid palaces. An interesting tidbit: It earned the title of Youth Capital in 2012 due to its remarkable blend of contemporary vibrancy—boasting plenty of cozy cafés, bustling plazas, and trendy retail avenues, making it highly attractive to young people.

What activities can you enjoy in Braga, the eldest city in Portugal?

Do you have a passion for history, or are you interested in the Baroque period and unsure about how to begin exploring it?
Braga, Portugal
If so, proceed along this path. Given the mean temperature of 20°C, it’s advisable to explore Braga from May through September, ideally during the shoulder season for a more pleasant experience.

Upon arriving in Braga, begin your exploration at the Arco da Porta Nova, which is an arch integrated within the historic city walls from medieval times. Meander through the winding roads to admire the numerous churches, shrines, and chapels scattered throughout the town, then proceed to visit Portugal’s oldest cathedral, known as Sé de Braga, constructed during the 12th century.
^th
century and has been designated a historic landmark. Additionally, you can stroll down the principal pedestrian thoroughfare,
Dom Diogo de Sousa Street
, which passes through the historical center featuring charming small piazzas and hidden gardens.

Be sure to visit the Circo Theatre, which stands as a testimony to the cultural significance of the area, this 18th-century landmark.
^th
In the 18th century, the Rococo-style Palacio do Raio was adorned with blue azulejos tiles, and featured the Santa Barbara garden.

Higher up, head for the sanctuary of Do Bom Jesus do Monte, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This shrine’s Baroque staircases, neo-classical architecture, fountains and grottoes will leave you dazzled. Climb to the top to admire the view over the whole region!