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Oshiomhole Pledges To Sustain Dev Projects

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L-R:  Representative of the Managing Director, Bank of Agriculture (BOA), Tokunbo Afolabi, Chairman, Jumil Farms, Retired Maj.-Gen. Lawrence Jokotola, Deputy Speaker, Kwara State House of Assembly, Prof.  Muhammed Yisa, Father of the Day, the Aidonogie of South Ibie Kingdom, Alhaji Aliyu Danesi and founder, National Co-oporative for Commercial and Industrial Agriculture (NACCIA), Mr Felix Okonti, during the inaugural meeting of NACCIA in Lagos, yesterday.

L-R: Representative of the Managing Director, Bank of Agriculture (BOA), Tokunbo Afolabi, Chairman, Jumil Farms, Retired Maj.-Gen. Lawrence Jokotola, Deputy Speaker, Kwara State House of Assembly, Prof. Muhammed Yisa, Father of the Day, the Aidonogie of South Ibie Kingdom, Alhaji Aliyu Danesi and founder, National Co-oporative for Commercial and Industrial Agriculture (NACCIA), Mr Felix Okonti, during the inaugural meeting of NACCIA in Lagos, yesterday.

Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State, on Saturday, said his administration would sustain his people-oriented development projects till the end of his tenure.
Oshiomhole gave the assurance while speaking to newsmen shortly after inspecting the 7.3 meter-wide Afokpella Road phase one in Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State.
“We have set a standard, and looking at what we have done over the past six and a half years, you can encapsulate what the next government will do after us.
“So, if we ask you to continue to vote APC, what we are simply saying is that you will continue to have development, and the progress we have started will be sustained”, he said.
The governor said the essence of governance was to foster development and impact on lives with people-oriented policies.
According to him, his government is a product of the people which must give its all to the people.
“Look at the population, you can see excitement on their faces, you can see women dancing, because, for years, as populated as this area is, they didn’t have good road.
“And when you now see good road like this, I feel fulfilled seeing ordinary people very happy that their government is touching their lives,” he said.
Oshiomole said that his administration had continued to embark on high quality projects in spite of limited resources available to it.
He called on the people to reflect on the fact that his administration was working, even in the grassroots, doing a standard road 7.3 meter wide with drainage at a time many states could not even pay salaries.
According to him, even states that are four times richer than Edo in both internally generated revenue and federal allocation, are not paying their workers’ salaries.
The governor, who also inspected work at the gully erosion site in Auchi, commended the company handling the project over the progress made so far in the reclamation of the land.
“It is unbelievable, people who saw this place a few months back can’t believe where we are now.
“This place used to be a very deep valley of more than 30 or 35 meters and at a point, we thought the entire Auchi was gone.
“I am very excited about this outcome, so I thank God for using us to find solution to this problem”, he said.
The Commissioner for Environment, Mr Clem Agba, promised that the project would be completed within two years as stipulated in the contract.
“The gully site is designed to take two years, but with the pace we are going, we are likely to do it under two years.
“We are working on the two sections at the moment. We have already done about 50 percent of the work”, he said.

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NIMASA Commits To Creating Enabling Environment For Maritime Business 

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The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has affirmed that it is taking strategic steps to enhance local participation and encourage investment in the maritime sector under the supervision of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.
The Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, who disclosed this recently while receiving the Executive Members of the Nigerian Merchant Navy Officers and Water Transport Senior Staff Association, reaffirmed the Agency’s  commitment to fostering a level playing field and creating an enabling environment for businesses in Nigeria’s maritime sector.
Dr. Mobereola revealed that NIMASA is deepening its collaboration with the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) to explore policies that will boost indigenous involvement and strengthen Nigeria’s maritime sector.
“The Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy is committed to encouraging indigenous players to invest more in Nigeria’s maritime industry. Issues such as national carriers and trade terms remain top priorities under this administration.
“Our focus is to create an enabling environment where private investors can thrive. In this regard, we have initiated discussions with the NCDMB and NNPC Limited to address these critical matters”, he stated.
He said NIMASA remains committed to fostering strategic partnerships that will enhance local investment, create jobs, and drive sustainable growth in the maritime sector.
In response, Comrade John Aleakhue Okpono, Secretary General of the Merchant Navy Officers and Water Transport Senior Staff Association, emphasized the need for closer collaboration between NIMASA and the Merchant Navy.
He also urged the Agency to review waiver clauses to ensure more opportunities for Nigerian seafarers.
Stories by Nkpemenyie Mcdominic, Lagos
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FG Inaugurates Special Committee Against Boat Accident 

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Towards enhancing safety on Nigeria’s inland waterways, the Federal Government, through the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has inaugurated a Special Committee on the Prevention of Boat Mishaps in Nigeria.
According to a statement on by the spokesman, National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Suleiman Makama, the event, which was held at the Ministry’s Conference Room in Abuja, confirmed crucial steps taken to address the recurring challenges of boat accidents across the country.
In his address, the Honourable Minister emphasized the urgent need to stem the tide of tragic boat mishaps, which have resulted in significant loss of lives and properties.
He described the country’s waterways as vital to commerce, transportation, and livelihoods, stressing that their safety and efficiency are paramount to the development of Nigeria’s blue economy.
He noted that the establishment of this committee aligns with the 2024 International World Maritime Day theme, “Navigating the Future: Safety First”.
“The task before us is daunting, but with unwavering commitment, we can eliminate boat mishaps and ensure that our waterways remain safe, navigable, and prosperous for generations to come”, Oyetola stated.
The committee comprises key stakeholders, including state government representatives, the Association of Boat Operators in Nigeria, marine safety experts, and academics.
It will be chaired by the Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Mr. Bola Oyebamiji, while Mr. Adams Offie, Deputy Director of Inland Waterways at the Ministry, will serve as Secretary.
The committee is tasked with conducting an in-depth review of commercial boat operations in Nigeria, identifying the root causes of boat mishaps, and proposing sustainable solutions.
In his acceptance speech on behalf of the committee, Oyebamiji assured the Minister on the dedication of members to deliver on the assignment.
He emphasized that safety on Nigeria’s inland waterways is non-negotiable, adding that NIWA, under the leadership of the Honourable Minister, has been refocused to uphold its mandate without compromise.
Acknowledging the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy for his proactive leadership, Oyebamiji noted that the establishment of the committee represents a critical step in addressing the persistent safety challenges in inland water transport.
“This is another solution-driven initiative aimed at eliminating boat mishaps on our waterways. I assure you that the confidence reposed in this committee will not be misplaced.
“At NIWA, this is an opportunity for us to intensify our efforts in reducing marine accidents to the barest minimum. On behalf of my fellow committee members, we pledge to work diligently and with utmost focus on the assigned terms of reference.
“Safety on our inland waterways is non-negotiable. NIWA has been refocused to ensure the highest safety standards, and this committee will work diligently to address the causes of boat mishaps and find lasting solutions,” Oyebamiji said.
The committee has been tasked with evaluating the root causes of boat accidents and recommending lasting solutions to enhance safety and operational standards.
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LASG Arrests Illegal Dredgers  … Issues Stop Work Order

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The Lagos State Government, through the Ministry of Waterfront Infrastructure Development, has launched a massive clampdown on illegal dredgers operating in the State, ordering them to stop work immediately.
This exercise, which was carried out by the officials of the Ministry of Waterfront Infrastructure Development, is aimed at curbing environmental degradation and promoting sustainable development across the waterfront schemes located across the coastal regions of the metropolis.
According to a statement, the enforcement operation, led by the Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Hon. Ekundayo Alebiosu, alongside members of his team, raided several illegal dredging sites which were subsequently shut down by the officials of the Ministry.
Some suspected dredging operators were arrested and a stop-work order was served on erring dredgers for non-compliance with laid-down regulations of the State Government.
Alebiosu warned the operators that failure to comply with extant laws guiding dredging activities could have dire effects and will result in severe penalties, including total closure of the sites.
Reacting to the claim that Dredgers are the major cause of environmental degradation in the state, including erosion and flooding, the Commissioner emphasised the need for dredging activities to be conducted lawfully to preserve roads, public infrastructure, and wetlands.
He explained that the State Government has vowed to streamline the activities of dredgers in the state to meet acceptable international standards.
“The Lagos State Government’s clampdown on illegal dredgers is a significant step towards protecting the environment and promoting sustainable development in the state.
“We will continue to carry out surveillance and raids across the coastal areas to ensure that the activities of a few don’t impact the lives of law-abiding citizens negatively”, Alebiosu stated.
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