Operations at Berlin Brandenburg Airport were brought to a complete standstill on Wednesday following a one-day strike by service workers, leaving tens of thousands of passengers stranded.

The industrial action, organised by Germany’s Verdi labour union, forced the cancellation of all scheduled arrivals and departures, affecting approximately 57,000 travellers and grounding about 445 flights.

Airport authorities confirmed that no regular passenger flights could operate during the strike, citing disruptions across critical services including fire safety, air traffic operations, and terminal management.

The strike is part of an ongoing dispute over wages, with the union representing around 2,000 airport employees demanding better pay amid rising living costs. Union officials described the action as a direct response to what they called the employers’ failure to present a meaningful offer during negotiations.

Airport management, however, criticised the move as disproportionate, warning that it severely disrupted travel plans and added pressure to an already strained aviation sector.

Passengers were advised to contact their airlines for rebooking or refunds, as the shutdown left many scrambling for alternative travel arrangements.

The strike is expected to be temporary, with further negotiations between the union and employers scheduled for later in March.

Dr. Maruf Alausa, Minister of Education, is in London alongside senior government officials to receive President Bola Tinubu ahead of high-level meetings aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s education and skills development sector.

During the visit, Dr. Alausa underscored the launch of the second phase of Nigeria’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) reform programme, emphasizing strategic partnerships with international institutions, investors, and development organizations, including Big Win Philanthropy.

The reform initiative seeks to reposition technical education as a key driver of youth employment and economic growth, addressing the country’s long-standing challenges of graduate unemployment and skills mismatch. Discussions are set to include collaboration with University of Birmingham and Coventry University, with the aim of enhancing research, faculty exchange, and the establishment of a full campus in Nigeria to improve access to international-standard higher education.

Dr. Alausa noted that strengthening global partnerships is critical to reversing the outflow of Nigerian students abroad, attracting foreign investment, and boosting local capacity in education and technical skills.

Officials say the outcomes of the London engagements are expected to shape the next phase of reforms in Nigeria’s education sector, particularly in technical training, international collaboration, and infrastructure development.

Veteran filmmaker and CEO of Wale Adenuga Productions, Wale Adenuga, has dismissed claims by actor Abiodun Ayoyinka, popularly known as Papa Ajasco, that he is facing financial difficulties.

Ayoyinka’s recent interview, which sparked widespread discussion online, alleged financial struggles despite his decades-long role in the iconic TV series Papa Ajasco and Company.

In a statement released on Wednesday, Adenuga described these claims as “false and misleading,” emphasizing his longstanding professional relationship with the actor.

“My first reaction when I saw the video was to note that he has successfully taken the Papa Ajasco brand into the public space. I am happy for him that his social media strategy seems to be working,” Adenuga said.

He praised Ayoyinka as a “versatile actor” who closely resembles the character Adenuga created in 1976. He also highlighted the actor’s service with the Lagos State Government, including his time as the face of the state’s cultural troupe, and noted that the two have had no irreconcilable differences.

Addressing accusations of neglect, Adenuga stated that the production company has supported Ayoyinka over the years. “On the car issue, we once gave him a car — and Pa James as well. He has used at least five cars, including a Mercedes-Benz, at different times. To the best of my knowledge, he also owns a house in Ogun State,” he said.

Adenuga explained that restrictions on the use of the “Papa Ajasco” brand for personal ventures were necessary to protect its integrity but clarified that actors were free to pursue other jobs, including advertising work, with company approval.

Questioning Ayoyinka’s claims of financial hardship, Adenuga asked: “Why is Abiodun Ayoyinka claiming to be broke? What happened to his gratuities and other investments from over 30 years of service with the Lagos State Government?”

He added that other cast members, including Pa James, Mama Ajasco, Boy Alinco, Miss Pepeiye, Akpan, and Oduma, regularly work on external projects, highlighting that the company does not restrict artistes from outside engagements. Actors typically spend only six weeks a year on set, allowing time for other pursuits.

“The organisation pays according to industry standards and fulfills all financial obligations. Any suggestion of neglect or exploitation is entirely false,” Adenuga concluded, reaffirming the company’s commitment to professional relationships and thanking the public for their continued support.