Helicopter crash: NNPC spokesperson calls off 50th birthday celebration

The Chief Corporate Communications Officer (CCCO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd, Olufemi Soneye has called off his birthday celebration over a recent helicopter crash in the Niger Delta Region.

The CCCO announced this on Tuesday during a worship session in Lagos.

Soneye who clocked 50 on October 29, 2024 said his decision to cancel the party was prompted by the helicopter incident that occurred last week.

On October 24, 2024, a helicopter, Sikorsky SK76 with registration 5N BQG and operated by Eastwind Aviation went down into the Atlantic Ocean near Bonny Finima, off the coast of Calabar, during a routine flight.

Eight people were on board the flight. Six of them were passengers and two crew members, according to the NNPCL and the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo.

Also, the black box, Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) have not been located due to the challenging conditions of the operating environment.

A total of four bodies have been recovered by the search and rescue team, according to the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB).

Soneye said, “Dear Family and Friends, I regret to inform you that I have decided to cancel my 50th birthday celebration, which was scheduled for November 2nd, in light of the current situation in the country and the recent tragic helicopter crash involving some of my colleagues.

“However, the ‘5 Hours of Praise’ event led by Pastor Abbey Olusanya, will still take place as planned.

“I sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused, particularly to those who have travelled from abroad. My heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to the families affected by this tragic incident. May God bring comfort to all those involved.”

The CCCO also called on family and friends to pray for the bereaved families.