Search

✈️ Enugu Takes Off! New Airline "Enugu Air" Begins Flights Today History is taking flight in the South-East as Enugu Air, the state’s very own airline, officially launches today, July 7, 2025. The inaugural flight takes off from Akanu Ibiam International Airport, marking a huge leap forward for regional transportation and economic development. Backed by the Enugu State Government in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Aviation, this bold move aims to improve air travel access for residents, boost tourism, and attract investment to the state. Governor Peter Mbah has been at the forefront of the initiative, describing it as part of his vision to make Enugu a commercial hub in Nigeria. He noted that the airline is not just about flying planes — it's about connecting people, businesses, and ideas. > “Enugu Air is a symbol of our ambition. We’re not just opening skies — we’re opening up opportunities,” the governor said at the flag-off ceremony. Local travelers and aviation enthusiasts have welcomed the move with excitement, saying it's long overdue for the South-East to have its own airline operating on a regional and eventually national scale. Enugu Air is expected to run commercial flights across Nigeria, with long-term plans for international routes. The airline will also focus on safety, affordability, and reliability, promising passengers a better travel experience. Why This Matters For years, residents in the region have depended heavily on airlines based in Lagos or Abuja. With Enugu Air now in the mix, travelers can expect more convenience, better pricing, and direct flights from the heart of the South-East. It's not just a win for Enugu — it’s a win for Nigeria.

“We Just Wanted a Better Life” 104 Nigerians Return from Algeria After Rough Journey Abroad For 104 Nigerians, Sunday night marked more than just a flight home , it was a second chance at life. After battling harsh conditions, fear, and broken promises in Algeria, these returnees including 80 men, 14 women, and 10 children finally landed at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, weary but relieved. Their stories are similar: dreams of greener pastures across the border, only to face unpaid jobs, cramped shelters, detention, and constant fear of deportation. Some were stranded for months. Others hadn’t spoken to their families in over a year. > “I just wanted to work and send money home. I never imagined it would be like this,” one returnee said with tears in his eyes. Thanks to the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and Nigeria’s National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the group was brought home under a voluntary return program that helps stranded migrants escape unsafe conditions abroad. They were welcomed with medical care, food, and temporary shelter—but the bigger journey is just beginning: rebuilding their lives from the ground up. Ibrahim Farinloye, NEMA’s Lagos coordinator, called it a “timely rescue” and urged others planning to migrate to avoid dangerous backdoor routes and seek legal, informed options. > “They left chasing dreams but returned chasing survival,” he said. “Now it’s time to help them find new hope here at home.” With over 70 million Nigerians already living in poverty, the government says it’s working on reintegration programs and job support to help returnees restart. For these 104 Nigerians, it’s not just about coming back ;it’s about starting over.

🇳🇬✨ Nigeria Ranked 7th Friendliest Country in the World — But There’s a Twist! Surprised? Don’t be — the world is finally catching on to something Nigerians have always known: we’re some of the friendliest people on the planet! According to the 2025 World Happiness Report, Nigeria just bagged the 7th spot globally when it comes to welcoming strangers. 🤝 The Nigerian Vibe From Lagos to Lokoja, from Enugu to Ilorin — Nigerians are known for their warm smiles, helpful hands, and “you’re welcome” attitude. Whether you’re a local traveler or a total foreigner, chances are someone has: Helped you find your way Shared food or a seat with you Greeted you with “How far?” or “You good?” even when they don’t know you > “It’s in our DNA to make people feel at home,” says Ifeanyi, a cab driver in Abuja. “Even when things are hard, we don’t turn our backs on others.” 📉 But Here’s the Twist… Despite ranking high in friendliness, Nigeria is still low on the full happiness scale — sitting at 105 out of 143 countries. Why the contradiction? Experts say it’s because the system isn’t smiling, even if the people are. Issues like corruption, insecurity, poor infrastructure, and unemployment continue to pull down national happiness scores — despite the good vibes at street level. A Call for Change This ranking is a bittersweet reminder that while the Nigerian spirit remains unbreakable, there’s still a long way to go in building a country where kindness meets quality of life. Imagine a Nigeria where friendly people live in a system that works. Now that’s a top 10 dream worth chasing! What do you think? Have you experienced this “friendly Nigeria” in real life? Share your stories in the comments! #YusocialGistHub – Keeping it real, always.

🔥 June 12: Nigerians Hit the Streets, Demand Real Democracy! Today isn’t just Democracy Day it’s a day of bold voices, peaceful protests, and a rising demand for real change in Nigeria. From Lagos to Abuja, Nigerians have taken to the streets, led by the fearless Take-It-Back Movement, civil society groups, and everyday citizens tired of the silence. Their message? “Enough is enough!" Despite tight police presence, protest leaders insist they won’t be silenced. They’ve written to the police not for permission but for protection, standing on their right to peaceful assembly. Even more powerful? Fifteen top civil society organizations have teamed up, choosing a single protest ground to make their voices louder and harder to ignore. This unity sends a clear message: the people are watching. Meanwhile, armed security surrounds the National Assembly as President Tinubu delivers his Democracy Day speech inside, celebration; outside, agitation. One protester put it best: > “We’re not just celebrating democracy—we’re fighting for it.” So, what side of history will you be on? 💬 Drop your thoughts below. Is Nigeria truly a democracy or just playing the part? 📌 Follow Gist Hub here on YuSocial for raw updates, street reactions, and more.

Mr. Jude Idada shares his encounter at a public medical facility. Here's what he said: --- I went there. This medical laboratory. One run by the government. One of the tall laboratory scientists was dazzling to look at and conservatively dressed. She routinely came out and chatted with us all as she coordinated the sample taking. A young man sitting two seats away from me. Who had authority in his mien and a certain material comfort in his dressing spoke to her to everyone's hearing. "Madam, good morning. Has any one told you that you are a very beautiful woman?" She turned to him as we all listened in. "No o. This is a work place. No body talks of beauty. It is hard work we compliment here." "In that case, you are a very beautiful and hardworking woman." "Thank you for your comment about my hardworking nature. We are trying to show you people that government establishments can be as efficient as private companies, even though the staff are paid little because you pay little." "That is not good madam, you deserve to make money. In fact I am imagining how you will look if someone spends good money on you." "Please o. I don't want anyone to spend money on me. I want to spend money on myself. That is why I want to be paid more for the work I do here, if you people agree to pay more for government services." People laughed and cracked jokes at her expense. And the man stayed on her with zero focus, a sly smile on his face. He started speaking again as people convoked a jocular bedlam. "Madam, what if I take you to dinner and show you how I can spend money on you while making you earn the money?" She titled her gaze from the folks she had been in a friendly banter and settled it on him. "Dinner?" "Yes. Any restaurant of your choice any where in Lagos." She lifted her hand up, fingers spread out on which there was a wedding band and a studded engagement ring. "I hope that you can see that I am a married woman." "Yes. But it makes no difference." "It makes no difference to take a married woman out for dinner?" "Yes. You will go home after dinner. So it has no effect on your marriage." "And what will I tell my husband that I am going to?: "You are an adult, I expect that you have known him long enough to know what to tell him and what not to tell him." Everyone fell silent and turned to him. He was sitting at the edge of his seat. Confidence oozing out. She was staring down at him. "And if I know that he will not permit me to go out to dinner with you?" "Then if I were you, I will either ask for forgiveness after I have gone out for dinner with me or I will tell him that something came up at work that demands me staying late." "Oh no o! I cannot lie to my husband." "In that case you should ask for forgiveness." She placed her arms across her chest and turned to him fully. "What is this thing you want to tell me about that you need dinner to tell me?" "It is a life changing offer I want to make to you and I believe you deserve to hear it over good food and drinks." "That is expensive to spend money on just because of an offer." "It is befitting the occasion." "If you have so much money why are you at a public hospital?" "I will tell you why if you come to dinner with me." She shifted her balance from one leg to the other and held his gaze. "So if I don't come for this dinner I will not hear this offer from you?" "Exactly." "What if I come with my husband for this dinner?" "Then I will not make the offer and he willl have to pay for the dinner." "Hmmmm." People started giving her unsolicited advice. Most of it funny and eliciting laughter. She kept looking at him. He kept looking at her. Finally she said after sighing and uncrossing her arms. "I cannot go for dinner with you if I cannot come with my husband." "Okay." "But if you give me your number, I will call you when I think about it and let you know if I can do lunch..." Lagos Jude Idada February 22, 2025 --- #gisthub

Touched down in Lagos yesterday. Excited to talk about YuSocial at the Dominion City HQ.