Blog

Communique
By Aisha Cole/Taiye Edeni
Abuja, Sept. 19, 2018 (NAN) International port officials and stakeholders on Wednesday in Abuja called for more investments in port infrastructure to facilitate hinterland connectivity and boost efficiency at ports.

The experts made the call in a communique signed by the former Secretary-General, Ports Management Association of West and Central Africa (PMAWCA), Mr Michael Luguge, after the three-day First conference of International Africa Ports and Harbour (IAPH).

According to the communique, connectivity for economic growth, expansion and integration should be viewed from the perspective of domestic, sub-regional, continental and international trade domain.

“There is need to develop sustainable multi-modal transport linkages with emphasis on rail, inland waterways and pipeline infrastructure.

“To overcome the cumbersome and difficult experiences on intra-Africa trade route occasioned by heavy infrastructural deficit and unfriendly border post procedures, there is need for Ministerial/Inter-Government collaborations across sub-regional levels.

“African countries need to leverage on the support platforms provided by international bodies such as the IMO, WTO, UNCTAD, ACMA and others to build technical, financial and operational competence and capacity to raise standards and efficiency levels;

“To encourage funding, port service providers are encouraged to form viable consortiums to provide the required size for credit guarantees;

“Promotion of the use of Inland Container Depots (ICDs) and off-dock facilities as a measure of promoting hinterland connectivity.

“African ports are encouraged to develop the right capacity for investment opportunities in landlocked countries,” the communique said.

It also stressed the need for African ports to adopt best practices in terms of human capacity and expertise.

It stressed the need for development of capacity building in ICT and port community systems to improve efficiency and reduce corruption;

“IAPH will advantage of opportunities offered by infrastructural financial institutions such as AfDB, ADF and NTF to access funds required to address the menace of infrastructural deficits;

“Need to operate within the prescription of the FAL Convention to mitigate border post problems and associated delays and connectivity restrictions;

“There is the need for sustained promotion of the ideals/objectives of Corridor Management Institutions (CMIs) as promoted by ACMA;

“Need to consider measures aimed at sustainable environmental protection as the ports and transportation network develop in response to increasing demands of logistics, connectivity and regional integration.

“Need to build models that will domesticate environmental compliance processes with regard to the peculiarity of the African situation.

“Need for African ports to develop capacities for standards that are comparable to global best practice,” the communique added.

The document also stressed the need for introduction and strengthening of Private Public Participation (PPP) to improve dilapidated port infrastructure and efficiency in port operations.

It called for the creation of awareness and taking measures to mitigate the negative effects of marine pollution and environmental degradation that could harm the population.

It noted that motivating the ports to pursue agenda that would facilitate ISO compliance in line with current trends on standardisation and best practices.

The communique noted that countries needed to look into the possibilities of partnering to develop regional deep-sea ports;

The experts stressed the need for cooperation and synergy between littoral ports and dry ports in African region to improve hinterland connectivity;

They also explained the need to encourage women integration and capacity building in the maritime sector;

They cited the incentives and prioritising services rendered to dry ports to create voluminous traffic as seen in the case between Dakar Port Authority and Bamako Port in Mali;

The communique further emphasised strengthening of corporate social responsibilities between the ports and ports community through incentive packages that would make the communities ambassadors of ports.

It said that President Muhammadu Buhari encouraged participants to see their participation as a privilege and the need to serve their countries with optimum loyalty in ensuring they contribute their quota to trade facilitation and total integration of African economies. (NAN)
AIC/TY/AFA
=========
Edited by Felix Ajide

Competition

By Lilian Okoro

Lagos, Sept. 19, 2018 (NAN) The Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV) has urged operators in the real estate surveying industry to improve on their capacity development.

Mr Joe Idudu, a former President of the institution, said at a seminar organised by the Faculty of Estate Agency and Marketing Business Division of NIESV in Lagos, that it was to overcome the challenges of international competition.

The seminar was themed: “Prospect and Challenges of International Competition in the Business of a Real Estate.”

Idudu said that estate agency had became an “all comers affairs” where anybody could walk up overnight to begin operation, including the foreigners.

He said the only means the local estate surveyors could remain relevant and compete with the multinational firms was to improve on their capacity development/competence in the profession.

“Our institutions need to find a way to enhance the capacity of the local operators to create more values for the profession.

“Knowledge is key. And if we can acquire the needed knowledge, skills and competence if we must be ready to learn,” he said.

Contributing, Mr Emeka Eleh, a past President of NIESV, identified slow to change as the major challenge of the real estate agency profession and the Nigerian economy at large.

Speaking on the topic: “Leveraging on the Concept of Pseudonym For Mega Practice”, Eleh said that the local operators found it difficult to adapt to new changes that could facilitate growth of the industry and the economy.

According to him, the world changes by the day, saying that operators in the real estate industry need to move with the changing trend.

He said lots of efforts were being made by the multinational firms and foreign operators to invade and overtake the real estate industry.

“There is need for us to change our home mindset, strategise and be ready to compete with the international competitors.

“There are opportunities where we have challenges,” he said.

Also, Mr Victor Alonge, the Managing Partner, Nelson Thorpe Alonge company, called for partnership among the operators in the real estate industry.

Alonge said that partnership was the way the operators could collectively combat international competition in the profession.

According to him, international competition has come to stay, saying that the operators need to be prepared to and accept the competition.

“There is need to understand how the foreign businesses operate and the yardstick for its success.

“We will urge the government to enact law aimed at prohibiting operation of foreign operators in the industry.

“We need to come together, collaborate and pull resources together to grow and sustain the industry,” he said.

Earlier, Mr Sam Eboigbe, the Chairman, Faculty of Estate Agency and Marketing Business Division of NIESV, said that Nigeria had competent estate surveyors that could compete effectively with their foreign operators.

Eboigbe said it was financial capacity and government support that the foreign operators had over the local ones.

He urged the Federal Government to support and financially encourage the local operators to enable them to compete with their foreign counterparts. (NAN)
LUC/GOK

Edited by Olagoke Olatoye

Osun poll: Saraki, Atiku, Secondus rally support for Adeleke

Election

By Victor Adeoti

Osogbo, Sept. 19, 2018 (NAN) Ahead of Saturday’s governorship election in Osun, the Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, on Wednesday in Osogbo, canvassed support for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Sen. Ademola Adeleke.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, PDP National Chairman, Uche Secondus, Gov. Abdulfatai Ahmed of Kwara, the National Vice Chairman of the party, Eddy Olafeso, among others, joined Saraki at the mega rally held at Nelson Mandela Freedom Park in Osogbo.

Saraki, who is the National Chairman of the Campaign Council for Osun election, urged residents of the state to vote for PDP during the poll.

He said it was painful that APC-led administartion in the state could not pay workers’ salaries for three years.

Saraki said he was optimistic that Adeleke would win the election and put an end to the suffering of the people in the state.

“This election is about the people of Osun and they must send the message that government that cannot pay workers’ salaries should be sent packing, ” he said.

Atiku, while urging the residents to vote for the party on Saturday, said, “From what I can see here, it is a win for PDP.

“I urge you to defend and protect your votes for it not to be stolen”.

In his remarks, Secondus said Adeleke would fix the state’s economy, if elected, and appealed to INEC to ensure that the election is free, fair and credible.

Mr Soji Adagunodo, the PDP state chairman, said Osun was ripe to be taken by the party.

He appealed to residents to vote for PDP, pronusibg them that Adeleke would not dissapoint them.

Gov. Ahmmed in his remarks, also urged the electorate to use their Permanent Voter Cards to vote for PDP. (NAN)

VE/KOLE/SOA

==============

Edited by Remi Koleoso/Oluwole Sogunle

FG suspends National Carrier project — Minister

Carrier
By Sumaila Ogbaje
Abuja, Sept. 19, 2018 (NAN) Federal Government has suspended the national carrier (Nigeria Air) project, according to the Minister of State for Aviation, Sen. Hadi Sirika.

Sirika, who spoke to newsmen in his office, on Wednesday, said the decision was taken at the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting for strategic reasons.

He, however did not give details of the “strategic reasons” for the cancellation of the project.

He said: “Today the government at the FEC took decision to suspend the national carrier project till further notice.

“It has nothing to do with pressure from stake holders and it also not for political reasons.

“The decision to come up with national carrier in the first place was as a result of the lack of capacity of the existing carrier to meet demands,” he said.

On the possible thinking of the international interested parties,

Sirika said the government had shown serious commitment towards the project, adding that the suspension would not affect government’s credibility before international interested parties.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the minister had on July 18, unveiled the name and logo of the airline named “Nigeria Air” at the Farnborough Air Show in London.

He had announced that the airline would begin operation in December with an initial capital of 300 million dollars.

Sirika had also stated that the airline would be private sector driven with government controlling only 10 per cent of the equity. (NAN)

OYS/DOE/EAL

========

Edited by Dianabasi Effiong/Ekemini Ladejobi

Inducement
By Taiye Agbaje
Abuja, Sept. 19, 2018 (NAN) Barely four days to Osun State governorship election, Transition Monitoring Group (TMG) has raised alarm over reports of voter’s inducement being perpetrated by some politicians in 12 local government areas of the state.

Akiyode-Afolabi, who described the action as an ugly trend, said it was a dangerous recipe against the credibility of the electoral process.

She made this known in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

‘’In the build-up to the Sept. 22, 2018 governorship election in Osun, TMG has received reports of distribution of money, food items and gifts by politicians at Boripe, Atakumosa East, Atakumosa West, Ife North, Ife South, Obokun, Ede North, Egbedore, Boluwaduro, Ila, Irepodun, Iwo Local Government Areas of the state.

‘’The rampant case of voter’s inducements does not portray the electoral process in good light as it creates serious questions on the integrity of the process and legitimacy of its outcome,” she said.

She enjoined the Nigerian police and other security agencies, including election monitors to subdue the issue of voter’s inducement across the state ahead of the elections.

‘’We also urge citizens to say no to vote buying as any politician that gives citizens money for their votes does not have good plans for them,” she said.

Akiyode-Afolabi called on the National Orientation Agency (NOA) and other civil society organisations to intensify voter’s education to mitigate vote buying.

“Citizens must know that their votes are valuable assets that the votes should be guarded jealously.

‘’More so, vote buying is an electoral offense which undermines the legitimacy of elections and weakens representative democracy.

‘’We, therefore, urge the citizens of Osun to come out on Election Day and vote for the right candidate that will move the state forward,” she said.

The chairperson also urged the indigenes of the state to refrain from being used as instruments for violence before, during and after the poll.
‘’TMG has also received reports of violence or threats of violence as political parties go out for campaigns.

‘’We, therefore, call on candidates and their supporters to remain civil in their campaigns.

‘’We also urge citizens to get involved in the electoral process peacefully,” she said.

According to her, accusation and counter-accusation of vandalism of billboards by political parties are so unfortunate and should be discouraged.

‘’This is indeed an early warning signal that security agencies should investigate to ensure a peaceful election come Sept. 22nd,” she said.

She commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for conducting series of voter’s education workshops and trainings, including distribution of Permanent Voters Card (PVC) across the state.

Akiyode-Afolabi hinted that TMG, as part of its commitment to promoting free, fair as well as effective and accountable management of the election, would observe the Saturday poll.

‘’TMG in collaboration with its members will deploy citizen observers across the 30 LGAs in the state to observe the Election Day processes and conduct of the security and other stakeholders during the election,” she said. (NAN)
TOA/AAB/GY
============

Edited By Adeboye Ajayi/Grace Yussuf

Power project:Edo Govt., TCN assure 7 communities of compensation

Compensation
By Monday Ajogun
Benin, Sept. 19, 2018 (NAN) Edo Government said on Wednesday that seven communities in Uhunmwonde Local Government Area affected by the installation of power transmission lines, would be adequately compensated.

The Deputy Governor, Mr Philip Shaibu, gave assurance when representatives from the communities and officials of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) visited him in Benin.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the project would ensure adequate power supply to the national grid from the Azura Power Plant through the Ihovbor axis of the state.

Shaibu assured them that the state government would ensure that the communities were not short-changed.

He urged leaders of the communities to ensure that the farmers whose farmlands were degraded by the project met the conditions outlined for the payment of the compensation.

The Chairman, Uhunmwode Local Government, Mr Napoleon Agbama, gave an assurance that the communities would be sensitized on the usefulness and non-interruption of the project.

The representative of TCN, Mr Isaac Okpe, said that the contract for the project had been awarded and the contractor had also been mobilized.

Okpe reiterated that the 33KVA power line, when completed, would bring more power to the state and its environs. (NAN)
AJOM/JI/NKO
===========
Editing by Joseph Idika/Nkechi Okoronkwo

Funding
By Constance Imasuen
Abuja, Sept. 19, 2018 (NAN) Prof. Umar Danbatta, the Executive Vice Chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has tasked telecommunications companies on the need to fund researches and innovations that will improve the industry.

Danbatta made the call on Wednesday in Abuja at the Second Stakeholders’ Forum with the Academia, tagged: “Academia Acceleration for Innovation, Industry Growth and Sustainability’’.

According to him, telecom companies should establish research and innovation centres in Nigerian universities, in line with what NCC is doing to transform research and development.

He urged them to embark on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives to drive local content development.

“The telecommunications industry should encourage the funding of academia and the academia must understand that research sponsors have a stake in the outcomes.

“The input of the telecommunications industry is necessary for curriculum development. Telecom operators should therefore be encouraged to have research and development units,’’ he said.

Danbatta said that the research project, which started in 2013 and with the maiden interactive forum with the academia in 2017, there was an increase in research proposals.

He said that submission of researches proposals climbed from 56 in 2016 to about 96 currently.

“And this came up to about 90 per cent and in appreciation of the development, the research budget was subsequently increased,’’ he said.

Danbatta said that NCC also recently approved a Collaborative Academia Stakeholders Meetings to discuss more on how to improve on Research and Development (R&D).

He said that apart from the involvement of the university heads, such meetings would meaningfully engage lecturers currently teaching in Nigerian tertiary institutions.

Prof. Eghosa Osaghae, former Vice-Chancellor, Igbinedion University, Okada, said that the country lacked what it took to embrace research and development seriously.

He expressed concern that industries in the countries invest so little on R&D and the academia.

“Our best brains have drained abroad where they are doing extraordinary things in science, technology and medicine, to further develop their developing receiving countries.

“The industrial sector in Nigeria has to critically re-examine itself. It must de-colonise its import-substitution orientation to be able to make use of the academia in any meaningful way,’’ he said.

Earlier, Mr Ubale Maska, the Executive Commissioner, Technical Services, NCC said that the forum would help the academia play a vital role in the growth of the industry.

Maska said that the academia could produce research-oriented results that would create opportunities and add value to the industry.

“This forum is one of the many initiatives of the commission that supports one the EVC’s 8-point agenda, which is “Facilitates Strategic Collaboration and partnership’’.

“With the advancement of technology and development of new ICT applications, we expect more researches in telecom and ICT related fields.

“I am very positive that discussions here will immeasurably help in improving our collaborative efforts and actions aimed at accelerating innovation, industrial growth and sustainable development of the telecommunications sector,’’ he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 49 Vice Chancellors from various universities attended the forum, they include University of Lagos, University of Benin, Covenant University, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Delta State University, Abraka.

Others include University of Maiduguri, Bayero University, Kano, University of Abuja, University of Ilorin, University of Port Harcourt, among others. (NAN)
COA/JTJ/GY
==========

Edited by Julius Toba Jegede/Grace Yussuf

Population Commission seeks media support on registration of births

Births
Ariwodola Idowu
Ado Ekiti, Sept. 19, 2018 (NAN) The National Population Commission (NPC) on Wednesday called for the support of the media to create awareness for proper birth registration of children in Ekiti State.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Federal Commissioner representing Ekiti State on the board of NPC, Mr. Lanre Fayemi, made the call at a 2-Day Stakeholders’ Strategic Meeting for Media Campaign on Birth Registration held in Ado-Ekiti.

He said that large number of babies are delivered at home, and are not registered at government accredited maternity centres.

The stakeholders’ conference was organised in conjunction with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and it was attended by representatives of media organisations in the state.

Fayemi regretted that registering births of children in the state has become a herculean task owing to factors including inadequate registration centres, shortage of manpower and low level of awareness.

Also speaking, the NPC State Director, Mr. Adeniyi Fadairo, said the media stakeholders’ meeting was a dress rehearsal for aggressive awareness in the rural areas on the importance of birth registration.

Fadairo disclosed that birth registration was free, urging parents to ensure the registration of their babies within the first 60 days of birth.(NAN)
ARIS/AFA
========
Edited by Felix Ajide

Ogbemudia drums support for Buhari

Support

Igbaugba Ehigimetor

Benin, Sept. 19, 2018 (NAN) Samuel Ogbemudia Jr, the first son of late elder statesman, Dr Samuel Ogbemudia, has called for support for President Muhammadu Buhari to overcome Nigeria’s challenges.

Ogbemudia made the call in Bénin on Wednesday on the occasion of 85th posthumous birthday of his late father.

According to Ogbemudia, the country has passed through many trying times but God has always come to its rescue.

He said the fight against terrorism was a global challenge that should concern all Nigerians.

“ Power comes from God, we have had similar challenges in the past.

“This is God’s own country. President Buhari was not put there by man, he was put there by God and God knows the reason why he put him there.

According to him, “the 2019 election is going to go very smoothly”.(NAN)

ESI/DOE/AMY

Edited by Dianabasi Effiong and Abdullahi Yusuf

TraderMoni
By Chijioke Okoronkwo
Abuja, Sept. 19, 2018(NAN) Some petty traders at the Nyanya Market, FCT on Wednesday confirmed the receipt of N10,000 from the TraderMoni scheme as Vice President Yemi Osinbajo visited the market.

TraderMoni is a Federal Government’s initiative aimed at providing two million petty traders across the country with collateral-free loans before the end of the year.

Osinbajo, who arrived at the market to a tumultuous welcome, went round the  stalls interacting with the traders.

The petty traders, who confirmed receiving the money, thanked the vice president for the Federal Government’s gesture while some others said they registered but had yet to receive the money.

Osinbajo assured the traders that all registered petty traders would benefit from the scheme.

Mr Mohammed Shamsudeen, a beneficiary who sells articles, told NAN that he got a text message notification and had collected the physical cash.

“I will put the money in my business in order to grow it; I also intend to get another loan after repayment.

“This government is concerned with the plight of the poor; I will support it,’’ he said.

Another beneficiary, Mr Jacob Saidu, an Onions seller, said he got the money and would plough it back to his business.

On her part, Mrs Florence Enoch, who sells food ingredients, said she got the money shortly after her registration.

“God will bless them for giving this support to petty traders like us,’’ she said.

Musa Habib, an onions seller, said he was excited at the receipt of the money and would work towards getting the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government back to power in 2019.

Mrs Regina Madisike, an akara seller, said she got the money same day she registered.

“I have already invested the money in my business and as you can see, it is booming.

“I say a big thank you to the Federal Government,’’ she said.

However, some traders told NAN that they had yet to get the money one week after registration.

NAN reports that the situation in the market became nearly uncontrollable as the surging crowd pushed and struggled in an attempt to catch a glimpse of the vice president.

Osinbajo had, on Sept. 6 at the Utako market, inaugurated the scheme in FCT.

TraderMoni which had Lagos, Abia and Kano as its pilot states would be inaugurated in all the states before the end of the year. (NAN)
CJ/IS
=====