Dakuku Peterside Seeks Global Maritime Leadership for the Nation

The Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dakuku Peterside has urged Nigerians to partner with the Agency to ensure a virile maritime industry as the activities of the Agency impact on the lives of all Nigerians. This is given the fact that virtually every product used by Nigerians comes through the Sea and NIMASA is the government Agency saddled with the responsibility of ensuring seamless and secured sea transportation, without negative impact on the environment.

The DG made this call during a breakfast meeting with media stakeholders held in Lagos. He said that the essence of the Agency’s continuous interaction with the media was in recognition of the role they play in information dissemination and in educating the public. He charged them on professionalism to generate sufficient and accurate information on issues to advance credible and reliable reportage to elicit trust and hope in the public.

He further urged them to use their platform to educate the public on the activities of NIMASA stating that it will create awareness on the Agency’s strides to advance the maritime industry for the growth of the Nigerian economy.

According to the DG “A lot of Nigerians have various misconceptions about NIMASA and its activities, hence the need for synergy with the media. We are regulating the maritime sector on behalf of Nigerians with the backing of the Federal Government to ensure that we advance our maritime sector. NIMASA is charged with the responsibility of regulating shipping activities and the promotion of indigenous shipping in Nigeria. 90% of world trade is by sea and 65% of vessels heading to Africa visit Nigeria. By this we have the responsibility of ensuring safe and secure transportation of goods and services to Nigeria”  he said.

Dr. Peterside said that the present management of the Agency which was given the mandate of restructuring, repositioning and reforming the maritime sector by President Muhammadu Buhari through the Honourable Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon. Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi has taken strategic steps to ensure that the mandate is achieved in line with the Administration’s change Agenda.

In his words “to ensure that our mandate is achieved, we developed a medium term strategic plan with five pillars viz; Survey, inspection and certification transformation; environment, security, search and rescue transformation initiative; Digital transformation strategy; capacity building initiative and cultural and structural reform”.

The Director General noted that the steps taken are yielding results and this is evident in the reduction of piracy and other sea related crimes in the Nigerian territorial waters.

Dakuku also stated that the Agency is in the process of rebranding and that the New NIMASA brand would be unveiled by President Muhammadu Buhari on the 20^th of April, 2017. This would coincide with the meeting of the Association of African Heads of Maritime Administrations to be hosted by the Agency in conjunction with the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) in Abuja from 19^th -21^st of April 2017. The DG said with the hosting of the event, Nigeria is set to become a leading voice in the comity of maritime Nations especially as the country seeks election into the category C of the IMO Council seat in November, 2017.

In response, to the DG’s comments, the Chairman of the Association of Radio News Managers, Mr. Charles Kalu commended Dr. Peterside for his achievements within a short time of assumption of duty, he said that as a pressure group, meetings of this nature would help them during their reportage. He also appealed to the DG to look for avenues on the various media platforms to reach out to the public.

It should be noted that NIMASA was established by the merger of the defunct Joint Maritime Labour Industrial Council (JOMALIC) and the Nigerian Maritime Authority (NMA) in 2007 to regulate shipping and shipping activities as well as promote indigenous participation in shipping. 

Nigeria Top Crossover Artist SB gets US Summer Tour.

SB Live Crew led by Seun Bankole the upcoming talented crossover artist in Nigeria has signed a year musical tour to the United States of America contract  for this year 2017 summer time with a recognized United States based music promotional company, called Glory International Music and Arts Promotions USA. under the leadership control of the music promotion legend, Otunba Prince Adeniyi Shobaloju.

According to the President / CEO of Glory International Music and Arts Promotions USA, Otunba Prince Shobaloju, the music tour to the United States of America will take the full band of SB Live Crew to the land of the United States and perform live on stage in different shows and concerts that already prearranged in some states in USA like, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Washington DC, Huston Texas, Dallas Texas, Florida, Atlanta Georgia Pennsylvania, Chicago, North Carolina and others.

This musical tour is likely to take up to six months that will enable Seun Bankole to crusade his music talent to all his teeming fans in the United States.

In Seun Bankole's reaction towards this new development of his life, he responded that he was so ecxited and elated on this great moment of his life and he has well prepared along with his band members to give the best of their abilities in performance to his fans in the United States.

He thanked Otunba Prince Adeniyi Shobaloju for the privilege he gave to him and the confidence he has in him. He also thanks God for the great blessing.

Further information about this event will be released as times goes on. He said .

TOTAL NIGERIA PLC REWARDS WINNERS OF ITS 2017 AFRICA CUP OF NATIONS PROMO

Total Nigeria Plc recently concluded its Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) promotion which ran for the entire duration of the football tournament in all Total service stations nationwide. Customers who purchased items worth N2,000 in its station or Bonjour shops got a scratch card to win instant gifts. They also automatically qualified for a raffle draw to win the grand prize of watching the semi-final and final matches of the tournament live at Gabon.

At the end of the raffle draw, 7 lucky winners emerged for the all expense paid trip to Gabon to watch the semi-finals and another 7 lucky winners for the final match. This promotion started on January 13 and ended on February 6, 2017. The winners include: Olusola Alabi, Olufemi Emmanuel, Tope Akande , Temidayo Enitan, Shehu Danmusa, Lateef Akinsanya, Ekundayo Akanbi, Kolawole Akeyemi, Babatunde Ogunleye, Mariam Shoroye-Disu and Abosede Akinsanya.

Total is the official sponsor of African football for the next eight years following the agreement with the Confederation of African Football (CAF). The scale and duration of this sponsorship reflect Total’s strong roots in Africa. With operations in more than 40 countries, the company is a major contributor to the continent’s economy. Today, more than 10,000 people work in all of Total’s African businesses, from oil and gas production to processing and marketing. Some 2 million customers a day stop by its 4,200 service stations. Total also has solar power activities on the continent. 

Total Nigeria Plc recently concluded its Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) promotion which ran for the entire duration of the football tournament in all Total service stations nationwide. Customers who purchased items worth N2,000 in its station or Bonjour shops got a scratch card to win instant gifts. They also automatically qualified for a raffle draw to win the grand prize of watching the semi-final and final matches of the tournament live at Gabon.

At the end of the raffle draw, 7 lucky winners emerged for the all expense paid trip to Gabon to watch the semi-finals and another 7 lucky winners for the final match. This promotion started on January 13 and ended on February 6, 2017. The winners include: Olusola Alabi, Olufemi Emmanuel, Tope Akande , Temidayo Enitan, Shehu Danmusa, Lateef Akinsanya, Ekundayo Akanbi, Kolawole Akeyemi, Babatunde Ogunleye, Mariam Shoroye-Disu and Abosede Akinsanya.

Total is the official sponsor of African football for the next eight years following the agreement with the Confederation of African Football (CAF). The scale and duration of this sponsorship reflect Total’s strong roots in Africa. With operations in more than 40 countries, the company is a major contributor to the continent’s economy. Today, more than 10,000 people work in all of Total’s African businesses, from oil and gas production to processing and marketing. Some 2 million customers a day stop by its 4,200 service stations. Total also has solar power activities on the continent. 

Obasanjo, Nduka Obaigbena, Ben Bruce remain my role models, says Cornell Udofia, CMC boss

Ambassador Cornel Udofia sits atop Cornel Media Consult (CMC), he is a notable ace publicist and artiste manager. In this exclusive interview with Prestige International Magazine, the media gladiator opens up on various issues including how CMC became a mega brand in media and entertainment industry.

What is the vision behind Cornel Media Consult (CMC)?

The vision behind CMC is for us to empower the young youths who have distinguished themselves in their chosen career. We have the youth from music, comedy, fashion, media, dancing, photography, and of course business endeavors. That is the idea behind CMC.

How did you receive the title of an ambassador?

The title of ambassador came as a result of my consistency, my dedication and of course my persistence. I always making sure that I render selfless service to both humanity and Nigeria. In 2009, when I got the letter from United Nations people in Abuja, they said due to my consistency in media and entertainment that I have been chosen along the likes of Mr. Kenny Ogungbe, Muma Gee of Nollywood, Tuface Idibia, Sammy Oposo. They said they wanted to honour me because I am a very consistent person in promoting talents through CMC platform and of course the brand. That was how the title of ambassador came in 2009.

How did you get into media and entertainment industry?

Before I answer that question I want to quickly give an advice on talents. Whatever I’m going to tell you, I will tell you with my experience and knowledge in life. Before you become a master in life, you have to serve. You must be ready to compromise. I became who I am today because I believe so much in my life and of course I believe so much in God. Without God you can never be anybody. The media industry, where I am a stakeholder and entertainment industry where I am a gladiator make me who I am. In 2005, when I started my career I was consulting for the likes of Dr. Seye Kehinde of City People as a media consultant, the likes of Mr. Kunle Bakare of Encomium Magazine, the likes of High Chief Dele Momodu. Along the line I just discovered that my passion lies in giving back to the society through selfless service. What I’m doing right now is what I had actually wanted to be. I believe that whatever you sow is what you reap. I don’t believe that I must have billions before I can count myself as a success. The people I have impacted on from the likes of Ini Edo in 2005/2006, from the likes of Jim Iyke, from the likes of Muma Gee, Tonto Dike, Oge Okoye, Yomi Fash, Lanso, Edris Abdulkarim and so many people have passed through the CMC. I look at myself as a wealthy man because I have actually impacted on their lives.

Who can you look up to in the industry as your role model?

I have three role models in the industry. I have on TV, Newspaper and Magazine. My role model on TV is Senator Ben Bruce, on the newspaper I look at Nduka Obaigbena as my role model; he has been able to take Thisday newspaper from nothing to something. He has also set up Arise TV that is doing very fine. My third role model happens to be Chief Olusegun Obasanjo. He has sacrificed for this country. He is a man that God has the special love for. He is a man that loves every tribe, whether you are Yoruba, Ibo or Hausa. He is a man that loves his own people. That is why God is keeping him alive. At about 80, the man is still waxing stronger. He is a man we should emulate. One of my clients actually did a video that feature Baba. Obasanjo has been able to unite Nigeria and Africa.

What is your antecedent that really prepared you for this venture?

When I was in Government College, Calabar, from there I went to Oko Polytechnic. The people that I saw that were doing very well are the likes of One Week, who happens to be one of the pioneer of the music, comedy and entertainment industry. Those are the people we were looking up to. We were also looking at the likes of Dauda and Dalian that works with MITV. I look at these people and I said I want to make a mark in my own generation. I am a success story today because God is on my side. I have done so many interviews on DSTV, Channels, on Prestige International Magazine and Prestige Online, City People, TVC, and so many media. That is God working. We have received over 75 local and international awards since 2005.

What does it take to be a successful publicist?

Number one put God first. Number two, be well informed. Be at the right place at the right time. Move with people you can learn from. Our CMC award last year was a success because we have been able to garner goodwill from people. Notable Nigerians were honoured at the event.

What are the key things you look at in CMC awards?

The vision of the award is integrity, consistency and entertainment. Integrity is keeping your words. We promised that if God bless us we are going to use our resources to empower the youths and we have been doing that for the past seven years from our own pocket. We have empowered over 7000 youths from every sector. You can check that out. Consistency, we have been there since 2006.

Oshiomhole commends Obaseki’s 100-day achievements

The immediate past Governor of Edo State, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, has commended Governor Godwin Obaseki on the achievements of his first 100 days in office, describing the feat as a good way to start.
Oshiomhole gave the commendation during the inaugural meeting of the state caucus of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the Government House in Benin on Monday.
He also described the governor’s commitment to develop technical education in the state as laudable, saying the education sector has the potential to create jobs for the teeming youths.
“I am very proud that this administration, within the first 100 days in office, has achieved so much. I commend your initiatives and determination of sustaining your electioneering promises and I want to assure Edo people that the state is in good hands, “he said.
Oshiomhole said that the governor’s partnership with foreign investors was also commendable, adding that there were emerging opportunities in the state that could be harnessed for economic development.
He, however, solicited the prayers and support of members of the party and Edo people for the present administration in the state, saying that the governor was on track with his policies.
Earlier, Obaseki thanked members of the party for their support for his administration, saying that the goal of his administration was to deliver good governance to the people of the state.
He said that the state government commencement rehabilitation work at the Benin Technical College and signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) with Siemens Company, among others, in its 100 days in office.
The governor said that the MoU was to generate 1,000 Mega Watts of electricity for the state.
Others, he said, were rehabilitation of 45 roads across the state, ongoing restructuring of the State Universal Basic Education Board and the commencement of work at the fertiliser company in Edo North.
He said that his administration had also commenced Geographic Image System (GIS) capturing of land and houses in the state to ease issuance of Certificate of Occupancy (C of O).
The meeting, the first in the life of the Obaseki-led administration, was attended by past and serving leaders of APC at the Federal, State and local government levels.

NIMASA 2017 Budget Targets Strategic Growth of Maritime Industry, says Dakuku Peterside - To position NIMASA as African foremost maritime Agency

The Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) Dr. Dakuku Peterside has disclosed that the Agency’s 2017 budget is tailored towards the strategic growth and other developmental initiatives of the maritime sector.

 The DG who said this recently during the 2017 budget defence session at the National Assembly in Abuja before the Senate Committee on Marine Transport, Chaired by Senator Ahmed Sani Yerima stated that the Agency is committed to actualizing its core mandates and to grow the maritime sector for the benefit of indigenous operators and the entire nation.

Dr. Peterside observed that the Agency targets strategic growth in five critical areas in the year 2017 namely; maintaining maritime safety and security to bring piracy to its lowest level, maintenance of a clean maritime environment and enhanced port state control, human and infrastructural capacity as well as sanitizing the maritime environment to eliminate sharp practices, while increasing revenue generation for economic growth.

While assuring the Committee members that revenue leakages will be plugged through the Agency’s digitalization processes, he noted that NIMASA will also embark on an aggressive debt recovery programme, all geared towards enhancing the efficiency of the maritime sector.

  “It is expected that the dollar rate will drop drastically through Federal Government’s intervention policies and in turn allow room for more investors. Let me also assure Nigerians’ that the present Management of NIMASA is committed to ensuring transparency in all its processes, accountability and probity in the discharge  of its mandate towards making Nigeria a hub of maritime activities in Africa”, the DG stated.

It may be recalled that the NIMASA in the last one year has embarked on several Stakeholder engagements and campaigns towards the actualization of its mandate in growing the shipping industry in Nigeria and to make it rank high among the comity of maritime nations, and suitable for both foreign and local investors.

NIMASA is the government body solely responsible for the promotion of indigenous shipping and ensuring maritime safety and security on the nation’s waterwa