Personality in Focus
How I Survived Ill-Fated Air India Crash – Lone Survivor
Only the passenger in seat 11A on Air India Flight 171 lived to tell the tale, a survival nothing short of a miracle.
When the Air India plane with 242 people onboard crashed into a building moments after taking off from the international airport in Ahmedabad, it burst into flames. The impact, heat and smoke was so intense, officials said, that escape was impossible.
Except for Viswash Kumar Ramesh, 38.
In the hours after the crash, grainy footage of a man with wounds on his face and blood on his shirt went viral on social media. He walked himself to an ambulance with a slight limp, and told a crowd around him that he had come “from inside” the plane.
Mr. Ramesh’s story initially appeared too good to be true; the crash was so severe that the bodies of most victims were charred beyond recognition, officials said. But by late evening, Air India confirmed that there had been one survivor, who was getting treatment at the hospital. Amit Shah, India’s home minister, said he had visited the survivor, and Indian media ran photos of Mr. Shah standing at Mr. Ramesh’s bedside.
“I still can’t believe how I got out alive,” Mr. Ramesh said on Friday in an interview from his hospital bed with India’s state broadcaster, Doordarshan. “I thought I was also about to die.”
Mr. Ramesh said the plane had felt “stuck five or 10 seconds after takeoff,” and it seemed to be trying to accelerate when it crashed.
The front of the plane, after hitting buildings, crashed into an open area, he said, while the tail was stuck in a building, which was later identified as the dining facility of a medical college.
Mr. Ramesh said he unbuckled his seatbelt after the crash when he saw a chance for escape. He did not make clear whether he had to open the emergency exit he was sitting next to, or if the impact had caused it to open.
“When my door broke, I saw there was some space — that I could try to get out,” he said in the interview. “The other side, people couldn’t get out, as it was crushed against a wall.”
Mr. Ramesh, who is a British citizen, was returning to England after vacationing in India along with his brother Ajay, their younger brother Nayan said. Ajay, who the passenger list showed was seated in 11J on the right side of the plane, did not survive.
Shortly after the crash, Mr. Ramesh made a video call from near the wreckage to his family in Leicester to confirm he was safe, the younger brother said. The family home there was a scene of both mourning for Ajay and stunned amazement that Viswash had somehow walked away.
Source: New York Times
Personality in Focus
Transparency Now a Standard at LSSTF, Ayo Ogunsan Vows, Mulls Establishment of Monitoring Team
By Eric Elezuo
The new helmsman at the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF), Dr. Ayodele Ogunsan, has vowed that under his watch as the Chief Executive Officer/Executive Director, transparency at all levels will remain the standard, and no longer treated as an exception.
“Public confidence in the Fund is essential. Under my leadership, transparency will be the standard not the exception,” the CEO harped.
Ogunsan made the remarks while addressing a cross section of Security journalists at his Alausa office on Friday, marking the official kickoff of his stewardship in the new portfolio, saying “We will maintain strict oversight on contractor performance, monitor all funded projects closely, publish updates on the utilization of donations, strengthen internal governance and reporting, and deepen stakeholder communication and feedback mechanisms”.
Speaking matter of factly, the CEO noted that his “appointment is a call to service, a responsibility I embrace with humility and unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of over 20 million Lagosians, who depend on a secure environment to live, work, and thrive,” harping that he will do everything within the legal and humanitarian provisions to ensure that relationship with the security operatives, media and the general public towards security lives and property in Lagos State is not compromised.
Acknowledging Lagos as one of Africa’s fastest-growing megacities, he said noted that there’s the need to shift from traditional security practices, and embrace innovation, strengthen collaboration, and ensure that “our response to emerging security challenges is swift, modern, and people-centered.”
While also highlighting the vision of the Fund as a partner to the government on safety and security, Ogunsan called on donations from all and sundry, saying that “The Fund’s success has always depended on the generosity and partnership of corporate organisations, influential institutions, and public-spirited individuals”, and urged on well meaning and spirited individuals to heed the call to ensure a Lagos where residents can sleep with both eyes closed.
He further stressed that partnership with the public has seen to the investment in ‘critical assets such as patrol vehicles, communication equipment, bulletproof vests, marine assets, training for personnel, and other vital tools that have helped law enforcement safeguard our communities’, adding that time has come to do more with appropriate monitoring.
He noted further:
“In the coming months, we will launch a renewed drive for retail donations — because security is personal. We want every citizen to have the opportunity to contribute directly to making Lagos safer.
“Our plans include:
• A wide-reaching public awareness campaign
• User-friendly digital donation platforms
• Youth-focused engagement and volunteer initiatives
• A strong presence on social and community channels”
Ogunsan while acknowledging responses and contributions from members of the media, he announced that beyond depending on the security agencies for feedbacks, the Fund will launch its own outfit to be known as ‘LSSTF Monitoring Team’ towards ensuring that all materials supplied to security agencies and others are well used, maintained and accounted for.
He also appreciated the governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu for the opportunity to serve, pledging to improve on the efforts of his predecessors.
Prior to becoming the CEO of the Fund, Ogunsan, a known philanthropist, was a board member.
Other members of staff, who joined him at the parley, were LSSTF Director of Administration, Mr. Degbola Lewis, and Executive Assistant, Mrs. Adaobi Nwankwo.
The Chairman/CEO of Adron Group, who is also Otun Akile of Remoland, Aare Adetola Emmanuelking, has joined well-wishers across Remoland and beyond to celebrate the Akarigbo and Paramount Ruler of Remoland, His Royal Majesty Oba Babatunde Adewale Ajayi, Torungbuwa II, as he marks his 63rd birthday.
In his heartfelt tribute, Aare Emmanuelking described the Akarigbo as a ruler whose life radiates uncommon wisdom, authenticity, and grace. He noted that under Oba Ajayi’s steady and visionary leadership, the Remo Kingdom has continued to flourish, earning him the admiration of his people and respect across Yoruba land.
He praised the monarch’s intellectual brilliance, humility, and deep compassion, qualities he described as central to the Akarigbo’s enduring impact. “Your Majesty’s wisdom illuminates minds, your presence uplifts hearts, and your life exemplifies the harmony of intellect, humility, and grace,” Aare Emmanuelking stated.
He further highlighted that Akarigbo’s reign has been one of dignity, intention, and positive transformation. According to him, it is the character of the man behind the crown that truly endears Oba Ajayi to the people, noting that his counsel often “creates ripples of influence far beyond the palace walls.”
As Kabiyesi marks his 63rd year, Aare Emmanuelking offered prayers for continued good health, peace, joy, and divine wisdom, expressing confidence that the monarch’s legacy of service and enlightenment will continue to guide future generations.
Oba Babatunde Adewale Ajayi, who ascended the throne in 2017, is widely regarded as a progressive and community-focused leader, one whose modern, people-centric approach has strengthened unity and development across Remoland.
The Nigerian Senate has confirmed General Christopher Musa, the former Chief of Defence Staff, as the country’s new Minister of Defence.
The announcement was contained in a statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Bola Tinubu.
Musa, who retired from the military just 40 days ago, was nominated by President Tinubu on Tuesday to succeed former Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, who stepped down on health grounds.
According to Onanuga’s statement, the Senate approved Musa’s appointment on Wednesday through a voice vote, following a thorough screening session during which lawmakers posed numerous questions.
“Senate confirms Gen. Christopher Musa as Minister of Defence The Senate has confirmed the former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, as the Minister of Defence. The Senate confirmed Musa on Wednesday via a voice vote after a rigorous screening session in which lawmakers asked him many questions,” the statement read in part.
