National Discourse 2024: Iheanacho, Warredi, Akabogu, Ogbeifun, Ebubeogu Others To Spea
The organisers of 2024 edition of the National Discourse has listed some reputable industry operators as speakers in the upcoming event scheduled for October 17, 2024 at the Rock View Hotel, Apapa-Lagos.
The speakers includes Captain Emmanuel Iheanacho, former Interior Minister and Chairman, Integrated Oil and Gas Ltd; Comptroller Dera Nnadi, mni, Customs Area Controller, Tin Can Island Command of the Nigeria Customs Service; Capt. Warredi Enisuoh, Executive Director, Operations and Technical Service, Tantita Security Services Ltd and Iroghama Ogbeifun, Managing Director of Starzs Investments Company Ltd.
Others penciled down to make presentations include Mr. Sesan Onileimo, Publisher, Shipping Position; Okey Ibeke, MD/CEO, International Trade Advisory Services Ltd; and Capt. Ebubeogu Iheanacho, former GM, Operations, NPA.
According to the Convener of the National Discourse, Kelvin Kagbare, the 2024 edition with Distinguished Maritime Personalities (DMPs) as usual brings together very experienced men and women who have toiled with undivided focus and commitment in their contributions to the development of Nigeria’s maritime industry.
Kagbare says presentations lined up for discussion by eminent operators from the public and private sectors have the intellectual and technical depth to change the industry’s operational and policy narratives; noting that the speakers and resource persons have confirmed attendance.
The 2024 National Discourse with the theme “The Human Capital Component, Assets and Infrastructure for the Blue Economy”, he says, covers all operational areas of shipping and sea port operations; adding that industry players are upbeat given the caliber of the speakers to do justice to issues in the front burner, given their vast industry experience and exposures.
Speaking on the line-up of paper presenters, Kagbare said, “For want of space and time, the personalities are very well known, their capabilities and resourcefulness has never been in doubt as they regularly and very actively participate in local and international conferences”
“As usual their presentation is expected to deepen understanding of the industry and policy focus of the government in line with global trends in shipping and maritime issues.
The President-elect of the Association of Maritime Journalists of Nigeria (AMJON) continued: “Our objective is to keep stakeholders informed, law makers and policy formulators guided on guidelines and regulations in sea port management and maritime administration”
“Nigeria is blessed with very competent men and women and all that the industry requires to grow is getting developmental blueprints and policy formulations right”
“Our problem is not lack of competencies but inconsistent policies, programs, underutilization of our professionals/skilled personnel in providing workable and achievable economic plans.”
On how the program would run, Kagbare reiterated “We know that our DMPs are CEOs who are very busy. We do not intend to take their time longer than necessary, so the program is planned to run on its established format of recognitions, presentations, discussions and summation”
“Presentation of our unique Symbolic Plaques of Honour is another sideline sequence of the annual National Discourse with Distinguished Maritime Personalities, DMPs” Kagbare said.
Federal Operations Unit Zone B Kaduna of the Nigeria Customs Service, under the leadership of Comptroller Ahmadu Bello Shuaibu, presented a pivotal paper on the role of the Nigeria Customs Service in mitigating the pressing issue of climate change in Nigeria.
According to a press statement issued by the Public Relations Officer, Federal Operations Unit Zone B Kaduna, Isah Sulaiman, it states that the paper presentation was on Tuesday 8 October 2024 at a 3-day retreat held at the National Teachers Institute (NTI) Kaduna .
The retreat which has a theme “Youth Involvement In Tackling Climate Change In Our Community” was jointly organized by the Red Cross Kaduna North Division in collaboration with the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit B Kaduna from 6 to 9 October 2024, as part of the Unit’s Corporate Social Responsibility initiative (CSR).
During his presentation, Comptroller Shuaibu highlighted the critical role NCS can play, being a signatory to several Multilateral Environmental Agreement (MEAs), in addressing climate change, emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts among stakeholders, support of renewable energy initiatives, promotion of sustainable trade practices and combating wildlife trafficking as also a means of combating the prevailing global climate challenge.
Comptroller Shuaibu’s address underscored the Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to environmental sustainability and its dedication to contributing to the nation’s climate change mitigation strategies.
The event drew attention to the devastating impacts of climate change on Nigeria’s ecosystem, economy, and society, as evidenced by rising temperatures, erratic rainfall patterns, and increased frequency in extreme weather events.
The retreat also provided a platform for discussing innovative approaches to climate change adaptation and mitigation, including sustainable agricultural practices, renewable energy solutions, and eco-friendly policies.
Shuaibu’s presentation highlighted the challenges in mitigating the effect of climate change in Nigeria which includes but not limited to lack of effective climate change policy and legislation, inadequate institutional framework and coordination, dependence on fossil fuels and oil exports, high level of poverty, deforestation and land degradation, limited public awareness and education on climate change, among others.
The 3-day retreat concluded on October 9, 2024 with organisers and participants in a joint force to plant trees, underscoring their commitment to environmental sustainability and climate change mitigation.
The Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit B Kaduna, and the Red Cross Kaduna North Division demonstrated their shared commitment to environmental stewardship and community engagement.
This initiative marks a significant step forward in Nigeria’s quest to address the pressing challenges posed by climate change.
The Maritime Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MWUN) has expressed deep regret concerning the unfortunate boat mishap that occurred on Monday 7th October, 2024 at Imore, Lagos State.
The President General of the Union, Adewale Adeyanju ,in a press release disclosed that the accident involved a fibre boat belonging to Only God Marine Limited which veered off its designated channel and collided with a wooden passenger boat.
He added that preliminary investigations revealed that the captain’s obstructed vision due to heavy cargo and negligence in adhering to safety regulations were key factors in the tragedy.
Adeyanju commended the Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) Mr Bola Oyebamiji for his Swift intervention which led to the rescue of some victims and the prompt treatment of the injured.
The President General implored the Federal Government to provide (NIWA) with the necessary resources to enforce safety regulations.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and wish the injured swift and full recovery. We have also learnt that arrests have been made and prosecution will follow swiftly.
“Mr Bola Oyebamiji’s decisive action in the immediate aftermath of the incident is worthy of recognition .We also applaud NIWA’s commitment to holding those responsible accountable as this will serve as a deterrent to others.
“Additionally, we commend Mr Oyebamiji for his vision in enhancing safety on Nigeria’s waterways.
” Initiatives such as the creation of the NIWA River Marshall designed to improve security and safety on our coastal waters are critical and should be further empowered.
“However, we believe there is more to be done to reduce accidents including improved monitoring of boat operators, regular channeling of coastal waters, better lighting and constant removal of wrecks.
“We call on the Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy to provide NIWA with the necessary resources to enforce safety regulations more effectively and efficiently, ensuring that incidents like this are minimized in the future. It is our hope that this tragedy will inspire all stakeholders to prioritize safety on our waterways”
Secretary General of the Maritime Organisation of West and Central Africa, Dr. Paul Adalikwu on Tuesday visited Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun as part of moves towards establishment of the Regional Maritime Development Bank (RMDB)
Adalikwu while briefing the minister on MOWCA’s activities, described the proposed bank as an opportunity to expand maritime investment, entrepreneurship and job creation which would support President Bola Tinubu administration’s agenda for economic growth
He added that the Bank would bridge the gap of providing financing options for the maritime sector in Nigeria and other MOWCA member states including aiding efforts for maritime infrastructural development like vessel procurement, construction of jetties , provision of port facilities , technically assisting in capacity upgrade and other areas.
Dr Adalikwu also briefed the minister on the various options and model for maritime financing that can accelerate development and faster achievement of the economic goals of Nigerian government
The MOWCA SG while thanking the government for creating a ministry of marine and blue economy also called for a robust synergy between Nigeria and the organisation. He said a viable partnership between both bodies holds the potential of maximum economic benefits for MOWCA and the country.
Edun expressed interest and optimism in the MOWCA activities especially on the bank which he described as a special purpose outfit tailored to address the financial needs of the marine and blue economy sector.
The Minister also commended Adalikwu for his efforts at repositioning MOWCA while pledging federal government’s support for the RMDB.
The Apapa Command of Nigeria Customs Service said it has generated a total sum of N1,610,906,781,421.82k to the Federal government coffers as at the end of the third quarter of year 2024.
This amount recorded is higher than N1,172,414,793,960.32k that was collected as total revenue of the year 2023.
According to a press statement made available by the Command Public Relations Officer, CSC Usman Abubakar, it states that the Customs Area Controller for the Command, Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, fsi described the feat as a fallout of diligence and integrity.
Comptroller Olomu said that the command will continually engage with stakeholders to improve on the revenue collection achievements and reduced smuggling recorded to the command’s credit.
Olomu identified the N201.8b collected in July 2024 and N193.9b in September 2024 as spectacular figures, capable of being replicated again in the last quarter of the year beginning from October.
He disclosed that the various trade facilitation programmes put in place by the Comptroller General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, like advance ruling, time release study and Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) are being dutifully implemented for the overall benefit of the nation’s economy.
He commended the officers of the command for the achievement in revenue collection relying on diligent examination and uncompromising interventions through issuance of demand notices, where and when necessary. He however reiterated the CGC’s zero tolerance for smuggling.
He hinted that the command shall continually engage with all stakeholders to sustain the rising level of compliance, which has resulted in reduced smuggling in the area.
The Command boss said the strict monitoring of cargoes, constant profiling of port users, sensitization of stakeholders and in-house training, and retraining of customs officers have jointly contributed to the almost zero level of smuggling in recent times.
He urged all port users in Apapa to avail themselves of the services of the dispute resolution team to resolve all areas of uncertainty while reassuring licensed customs agents, freight forwarders, importers, exporters and haulage operators of the command’s readiness to assist at all times.
Appreciating other sister government agencies for their support, Comptroller Olomu stated that the command will always leverage on its relationship with them to share intelligence against criminal elements, do joint examinations in line with extant standard operating procedures (SOPs) and promote compliance at all times.
In.his words “Our revenue collection is good, and I know we can do better with more impressive results in the last quarter of 2024. I want to thank our compliant stakeholders for their cooperation in supporting us to achieve this level of collection.
” Reduced smuggling activities is a testament to affirm the compliance we are celebrating, and I can say the best is yet to come. We are not losing guard. Our tempo of vigilance is airtight, which attests to our capacity to detect smuggling and make seizures.
” As we do trade facilitation, our anti smuggling activities are done side by side leveraging on our non intrusive technology for cargo scanning and physical examination when necessary. Let me also state that these standards and procedures are strictly adhered to in all bonded terminals under our control”, Comptroller Olomu quipped.
The Nigeria Customs Service, Tin Can Island Command has handed over seized drugs ( Cannabis indica) weighing 341.025kg with a street value of N682, 050,000.00 to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
Addressing newsmen on Wednesday, the Customs Area Controller of Tin Can Island Command, Comptroller Dera Nnadi disclosed that the dangerous imports were intercepted through actionable intelligence.
“In the interim, the Command having received actionable intelligence on the suspected importation of illicit dangerous drugs from one of the source countries, intercepted the three containers which we are showcasing today.
“The drugs extracted from the containers are being handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) TCIP, in furtherance of existing interagency collaboration and the MOU signed between the NDLEA and NCS”.
Giving the details of each subject as contained in the container, he said :
‘CONTAINER NUMBER MSMU 518030/2 (1X40FT):
A joint 100% physical examination was conducted on 2nd, August 2024 and the examination revealed 77 packets of Cannabis Indica weighing 38.5kg. At the time of processing the intelligence, system profiling indicated that a declaration was made on an SGD Number withheld on 30-07-2024, listing three (3) used vehicles.
“CONTAINER NUMBER MSMU 602957/0 (1X40FT):
A joint 100% physical examination was conducted on 8th August, 2024 and the examination revealed 532 packets of Cannabis Indica weighing 265.025kg. At the time of processing the intelligence, no declaration had been entered. The shipping company with respect to the consignment is MSC.
“CONTAINER NUMBER FSCU 927461/3 (1X40FT):
A joint 100% physical examination was conducted on 8th August, 2024 and the examination revealed 75 packets of Cannabis Indica weighing 37.5kg. At the time of processing the intelligence, no declaration had been entered. The shipping company with respect to the consignment is MSC.
“Investigation by the Command and our partner agency, the NDLEA is ongoing and the NDLEA will update you on the interdiction, arrest and prosecution.
“In furtherance of the synergy between the NDLEA and the NCS, the Command is handing over the contents of the three containers totaling 684 packets of Cannabis Indica weighing 341.025kg with a street value of N682, 050,000.00.
“The Command and indeed the Service will deploy all necessary resources and strategies at our disposal and in collaboration with other security and other regulatory agencies to check the menace of illegal importation of illicit and dangerous substances. We are more than committed to deliver on this mandate.”, Comptroller Nnadi quipped.
From right: Chairperson, 2024 MMS Hall of Fame induction and International Women’s Leadership Summit Organizing Committee, Mrs Bunmi Falana; Chairman/CEO, Protection Plus Services Limited, Dr. Unyime Ivy-King; Co-founder, MMS WoFHoF Initiative, Mr. Kingsley Anaroke and Ms. Loveth Anyaegbunam, Events and Operations Executive of MMS Hall of Fame at the familiarization visit of the coming induction nominee, Dr Unyime-Ivy in Lekki, Lagos, on Wednesday.
Barrister Jean Chiazor Anishere, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) has been norminated as an esteemed Awardee for The Face of Africa lcon Legacy Award 2024, taking place at the Freedom Park, Pretoria, South Africa from November 18th to 23rd, 2024.
According to Johannes H. Reyneke, Chairman, Committee on Invitation, the event is put together to celebrate African excellence, unity, and iconic leadership.
This prestigeous honour is as a result of her remarkable achievements and contributions to Africa’s development.
According to a letter addressed to her, dated September 21st 2024, it reads ” Your remarkable achievements and contributions to Africa’s development have earned you a well- deserved nomination. We believe your presence will not only be a testament to your outstanding work but also inspire others”.
The highlights of the event are stated as follows; Networking opportunities with fellow change-makers and influencers, Keynote addresses by renowned leaders, Cultural performances showcasing Africa’s rich heritage and Exclusive award ceremony honoring iconic leaders.
Meanwhile the Networking Opportunities includes; Connecting with fellow nominees and awardees, Engaging with potential partners and collaborators, Sharing experiences and best practices with peer and Accessing exclusive B2B meetings and roundtable discussions.
Comet Shipping fraternity. From Left: Mr Roderick Roy Nazzari, Chief Musa Danjuma, Mr B.A Adesina and Barrister (Dr) Dan Abu at the launch of the biography, B.A. ADESINA, GRACIOUS LIVING AND SERVICE, which chronicles the early and professional life of Pastor B.A. Adesina,a long standing chartered accountant, maritime finance expert and Comet Shipping Group long-standing Chief Accountant. The event came up at Eagle Club, Surulere, Lagos 25th September, 2024.
Comet Shipping fraternity. From Left: Mr Roderick Roy Nazzari, Chief Musa Danjuma, Mr B.A Adesina and Barrister (Dr) Dan Abu at the launch of the biography, B.A. ADESINA, GRACIOUS LIVING AND SERVICE, which chronicles the early and professional life of Pastor B.A. Adesina,a long standing chartered accountant, maritime finance expert and Comet Shipping Group long-standing Chief Accountant. The event came up at Eagle Club, Surulere, Lagos 25th September, 2024.
The biography of pioneer Chief Accountant of Comet Shipping Group
Personalities from all walks of life, including the immediate past Chairman of Comet Shipping Group,Chief Musa Danjuma, Mr Roderick Roy Nazzari, the Group Managing Director of Comet Shipping Group,Pastor P.O. Oluwi of BBC Professionals(rtd), guests from Cosco Shipping, MSC Classic Terminal, Clarion Terminal on Wednesday 25th of September converged on the Eagle Club, Surulere, Lagos, for the Public Presentation of a biography, B.A. ADESINA, Gracious Living And Service.
The book, named after its central character, is the biography of Pastor Bashiru Alani Adesina, the immediate past Group Chief Accountant of NALComet Shipping Group.
Written with clarity in a flawless English prose by Olufemi Omotayo, B.A. ADESINA is a biography that is not only didactic but spiritually elevating. This made it a lighter burden for the Reviewer and Presenter, Professor Olukayode Oyediran of the University of Lagos who did justice to his analysis with a touch of humour by redoling listeners with a graphic elucidation of the contents and themes of the biography, travelling with guests into the earliest beginnings of Pastor Adesina, through his school years, his professional life, till this day.
The biography, B.A. ADESINA, is a compelling read. It is a story of grass to grace, a story of rugged determination to triumph over vicissitudes, a tale of little beginnings, steadfastness, unwavering focus, determination and eventual surmount of all obstacles to reach the summit of success and triumph.
Pastor Bashiru Adesina achieved these goals, his mission with a recurring benchmark: hardwork, humility, empathy and dedication to the service of God.
In the rustic village of Abule-Panu, an outpost of Abeokuta, Bashiru’s talent for monetary details was spotted early by his trader mother when he painstakingly took stock of her transactions.
Bashiru’s destiny began to unveil when his visiting aunt, Florence, took little six year old Bashiru away to Abeokuta from where he apparently had an embrace with Christianity and a focused mission with western education when he enrolled at Christ African Church Primary School in lgbore, Abeokuta in 1960.
Consistently, Adesina had in focus his mission to become an accountant as he pursued his academics at lbadan Polythecnic bagging a Diploma in Accounting and eventually passing his ICAN examinations to become a chartered accountant. He career stints include Accounts Clerk at College of Education, University of Lagos and Air Call.
As a Chartered Accountant, the coast became clearer for Adesina to access better job opportunities and he eventually found a placement at a newly floated shipping company, Nigeria America Line, as the first Chief Accountant in 1984.
To God’s glory, Adesina worked at NALComet for forty one years during which period the company grew phenomenally and transmuted to a trading Group with tentacles in many facets of the maritime trade including Comet Shipping Agencies, Five Star Logistics
RoRoTerminal, Tarabaroz.
Mr Adesina was a gifted and respected governmental engagement specialist who was adept in dealings with reputable agencies like NIMASA, NPA, FlRS, Lagos Board of lnternal Revenue and even world renowned shipping and maritime companies.
The highpoint of his career was his appointment as the Executive Administrator of Nigeria/ Brazil Shipping Conference during which time, as pioneering indigenous shipping lines operators, NALCOMET was beckoned upon to contribute to fashioning a Nigerian national shipping policy. Adesina represented NALCOMET in this august body made up of top NPA and civil service technocrats.
lt was a rare privilege, and the end-product was the emergence of the then National Maritime Authority ( NMA),now rechristened as NIMASA.
“If l achieved something worthy in my career, l will give credit to some outstanding individuals like General Theophilus Danjuma, the founder of NALComet companies, Chief Musa Danjuma, my Chairman, Mr P.L. Carrodano, our indefatigable Group Managing Director, Mr. Roderick Roy Nazzari, Ms Gloria Danjuma, our Chairman, and Mr Joachim Theaukuf.They are great personalities whom God had privileged me to interface with. They are selfless people who worked tirelessly to develop Comet Shipping Agencies to such a huge success it has become today, but also helped to wean and grow the Nigerian maritime industry into world renown, ” he noted. He says further: ” I will also be thankful for inspirations from my childhood friend and now Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola and my brother, Mr Bade Adesina,”
Over time, Bashiru transformed progressively, positively, to a super technocrat, a consummate administrator with professional honours and awards decorating his resume. Overall, Bashiru became a man of God, indeed a Pastor in the Deeper Christian Life Ministry.
Notably, all of these attainments and achievements were made possible with an unflinching support of his consort, his madam, Mrs Victoria Adesina, who had been there for him for decades. From the one- room situation at Mafoluku in Lagos, Mrs Adesina had always been a friend, a soul mate, a prayer warrior and a pillar of support and strength to Dr Bashiru Adesina.
Eminent personalities at the event include: Mrs Oluwatosin Adebayo- Chief Financial Officer, Comet Shipping Group.
A.B. Parthiban- Finance Controller, Five Star Logistics.
Mr S. P. Gupta, Billing and Costing Manager, Comet Shipping Group.
Mr Isaac Salami – Insurance Manager Comet Shipping Group.
The Church Secretary, Past John Ntekim, Deeper Christian Life Ministry.
Pastor Jerry Asemota, former Church Secretary ,Deeper Christian Life Ministry.
Pastor P.O.Oluwi ,The book’s Foreword writer and Reviewer,
Prof. Olukayode Sunday OYEDIRAN.
Pastor Eric Ajari – Lagos Moderator- Deeper Christian Life Ministry.
Commissioner of Police, Lagos State,Mr Olanrewaju Ishola, represented by his wife.
Pastor John Akinwande, former Lagos Moderator.
The President, Institute of Chartered Stockbrokers, Mr Oluropo Dada.
Past President, Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, Deacon Titus Soetan.
Past President, Chartered institute of Taxation Nigeria, Dame Jumoke Simplice. Senior partners of Deloitte&Touché, Hungary Folorunsho, Tony Olukoju,Taiwo Okunade, Kunle Ogunbomowo, lbukum Beecroft. Olubamiji Esho&Co, A.A. Dina& Co.
General Overseer, New Testament Assembly Worldwide, Pastor Samson Bamigbayan.
Leader of Yoruba church, Deeper Christian Life Ministry, Pastor Rufus Bamigbayan.
Chairman,Vetting Committee, Pastor Dare Kumuyi
Pastor Nicholas Erigo, Old District Representative for Surulere.
Apapa Zonal Manager,Zenith Bank, Babatunde Fateye.
Pastor Andrew Umoru, Assistant Chairman, Editorial Board of Deeper Christian Life Ministry.
DR Dan Habu.
The Managing Director, Tydacomm Communications Ltd, Prof. Akin Akinniyi.
Alhaja Rabiat Orunsolu ( Nee Adesina) Head of Adesina Family
Adetunji Adepeju, Sammy Lawal,Lateef Dosunmu and Jide Oluwasakin, Professional colleagues from Ibadan .
The Chairmen of ICAN LMD. and CITN VI/ Lekki Districts. Mr Wole Atunbi, Assistant Chief Accountant of Comet Shipping Group.
There were other guests, friends, well wishers of Bashiru Adesina who joined in on the book launch from the UK, USA, Australia and Canada.
Preparations for the 2024 MMS Hall of Fame induction and International Women’s Leadership Summit has kick-started with the creation of a strategic planning committee headed by an MMS Amazon and Chief Executive Officer, Marine Vigeo Consulting, Bunmi Falana.
The event is scheduled for November 6, 2024 at Nicon Luxury, Abuja and the Planning Committee chairperson, Bunmi Falana, is also the Welfare Officer for Nigeria Shipowners Association (NISA).
The Founder, MMS Woman of Fortune Hall of Fame (WOFHOF) Initiative, Mr. Kingsley Anaroke, revealed this in a statement disseminated on Thursday even as he expressed optimism that the Planning Committee will perform excellently.
Other members of the committee include; the Publisher of Pinnacle Times news, Mr. Eguono Ejegba; Publisher, Roam Reporters, Mr. Innocent Orok; Managing Director of Searchlight Media Concept, Okunlola Adesokan; the Managing Editor of News Diet magazine, Mr. Kenneth Jukpor; Favour Okwuazu, Abuja Coodinator; the Acting Executive Secretary of MMS WoFHoF Initiative, Chinwe Okafor-Mefor and Loveth Aroma.
Anaroke, also noted that the 2024 MMS Hall of Fame event introduces a new platform to infuse “Life -Impact Awards” which will be given to individuals who have positively changed the lives of Nigerians.
“Terms of reference for the planning committee include; ensuring successful organization of this years programme and the strategies may include virtual and physical interface with the nominees, speakers and sponsors for speedy response and results.”
“Interviews and organized visits to nominees and summit speakers will also be important. There is motivation within the committee and there is no doubt that collectively and individually, the group can work smart in areas of strength and closeness,” the MMS WoFHoF Founder said.
MMS WoFHoF is a non -profit organization with the preoccupation of empowering, training, and producing the next generation of women leaders in the maritime, oil and gas, finance, aviation as well as political leadership sectors.
