Minister Denies Plans to Relocate Firefighting Simulator Amidst Rumors
Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, has refuted claims suggesting the ministry's intention to relocate a firefighting simulator from the Nigerian College of Technology in Zaria, Kaduna State, to Lagos State. The denial comes in response to widespread speculation fueled by a motion raised in the House of Representatives regarding the alleged relocation plan.
In a statement issued by the minister's Special Assistant on Media and Communications, Tunde Moshood, and posted on Keyamo’s official X account on Monday, the ministry categorically dismissed the rumors as the handiwork of mischief makers intent on sowing discord.
Entitled ‘Aviation Ministry Refutes Unsubstantiated Rumour Regarding Movement Of Fire-Fighting Simulator From Zaria To Lagos,’ the statement emphasized that there is no factual basis to the claims made in the House of Representatives. Keyamo highlighted that both the ministry and the Nigerian College of Technology in Zaria had debunked the alleged plan, terming it as unfounded and purely mischievous.
The statement reads, “The rumour is nothing but pure mischief by agents of destabilisation and is untrue. Whilst we acknowledge the patriotism of the House entertaining the motion, we think it was totally unnecessary since the Speaker already had a private audience with the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development a few days ago when this issue came up and the minister assured Mr. Speaker that there was no iota of truth in the rumour.”
Concerns over the purported relocation were raised by the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) on Sunday, expressing apprehension about the potential impact on Federal institutions located in Northern Nigeria. NEF's Director of Publicity and Advocacy/Spokesperson, Abdul-Azeez Suleiman, lauded the House of Representatives for its vigilance in addressing the matter and cautioned against actions that could undermine institutions in the region.
As the ministry dispels the rumors and reassures stakeholders, the episode underscores the importance of transparent communication and the need to thwart misinformation that could disrupt the operations of critical institutions.
