On the loess slope of Xiaohe village, Xiaohe township, Xiji county, Guyuan, northwest China’s Ningxia Hui autonomous region, Su Zhanshan, a cattle farmer, was rushing towards the village library under the blazing noon sun and a cloudless sky.
His herd’s sudden loss of appetite caused him great concern. When asked by a fellow villager about what he planned to do, he answered with just two words: “Finding books.”
He found a book on beef cattle breeding techniques at the village library, from which he identified that the main reason for his cattle’s sickness was a problem with the ratio of silage to salt in their feed, causing digestive issues.
“I always go to the library right away whenever there’s an issue with cattle farming,” said Su.
Su’s story is not unique in Xiji county, as Ningxia has made strides in improving rural public cultural services in recent years. In 2017, comprehensive cultural service centers were set up in every one of the 295 administrative villages in Xiji county. Besides, the county has built village libraries and set up cultural activity rooms, providing villagers with access to cultural activities and learning opportunities.
“We have worked to ensure that each village library has no less than 1,000 books, with over 60 percent related to agricultural technology to accommodate rural settings,” said Chen Lixia, head of the bureau of culture, tourism, radio and television in Xiji county.
By scanning a QR code on a book-borrowing machine at a library in Xiaohe township with his smartphone, 19-year-old Su Zhanhu instantly obtained an electronic version of a book on basic welding techniques. Fascinated by the savable and editable charts in the book, he ended up spending half a day at the library.
After graduating with a degree in automotive repair, Su started working at a local garage, but struggled to catch up. He was shocked to come across books on automotive repair at the library when he returned to the township for the Spring Festival.
“With just a scan, I can access the latest e-books, making it much easier to browse and save information,” he said.
“Digital systems and book circulation are essential for the development of modern rural libraries,” said Ma Youguo, head of the Xiji county library.
Ma said that the library has introduced a “borrow anywhere, return anywhere” system across all townships to improve book circulation, given the limited book collections and difficulties in keeping books up to date.
“This has not only increased the flow of books, but also allowed us to make targeted purchases based on borrowing trends, thus better meeting people’s needs,” noted Ma.
“These days, the reading rooms of the libraries are taking on more and more functions,” said Wang Zhijie, Party head of Xiaohe township, explaining that they are not just for reading anymore, but offering a place for people to study and hold cultural activities.
“In the past, villages only had a small room of about over 10 square meters, used solely for reading. Now, after renovating the bookshelves, and adding desktop computers, reading tables and chairs, these reading rooms become more spacious and user-friendly. We are seeing more people and a wider range of activities,” said Wang.
In recent years, Xiji county has transformed small-room libraries into spacious areas housing books, cultural supplies, and audio-visual equipment.
Bathing the warm sunlight through the window of the newly built library, Su Zhanshan said that the library-turned cultural activity room has become the villagers’ favorite spot. During the off-season, they would gather in the room to play Chinese chess and dance, and they have even formed a Qin opera troupe, added Su.
“When we all unite with such enthusiasm, it’s hard not to feel hopeful about the future,” said Su.
On June 11, amid the gentle morning light, the Z265 train from Xining, capital of northwest China’s Qinghai province to Lhasa, capital of southwest China’s Xizang autonomous region, was running on the vast expanses of Hoh Xil (known as Kekexili), a world-famous “no-man’s land.”
“Look! Tibetan antelopes!”
Upon hearing this sudden shout, passengers all rushed to the window, pulled out their phones and started taking photos of the animals in the distance.
In the cab, driver Li Yuqi quickly motioned to his apprentice, who was controlling the train, telling him to keep quiet.
Train whistles would definitely frighten the Tibetan antelopes and disrupt their migration, Li explained. As a train driver who has been working along the Qinghai-Xizang Railway for more than 30 years, Li, turning 57 this year, has almost become a wildlife expert.
As the world’s highest and longest plateau railroad, the Qinghai-Xizang Railway crosses three national nature reserves – the Hoh Xil National Nature Reserve, the Sanjiangyuan National Nature Reserve, and the Siling Lake National Nature Reserve, and various types of natural wetlands that stretch vast expanses. The primitive ecological environment along the railway is unique yet fragile.
Starting every May, Tibetan antelopes that inhabit the Sanjiangyuan region in Qinghai, Changtang in Xizang, and Altun Mountains, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, would migrate to the vicinity of Zhounai Lake, Taiyang Lake, and Hoh Xil Lake, located in the heartland of Hoh Xil, for propagation. After reproducing, they would return to their original habitats with their offspring. The migration route of Tibetan antelopes coincides with the Qinghai-Xizang Railway.
To protect the plateau ecosystem and biodiversity, a total of 1.54 billion yuan ($212.09 million) was invested in ecological conservation along the railway when its construction started. Besides, 33 dedicated passages were built to facilitate the migration of local wildlife.
“Minimizing the impact on the local ecological environment and the disturbance to wildlife has become a ‘golden rule’ of the Qinghai-Xizang Railway. Train conductors are strictly prohibited from sounding the horn when passing through the dedicated passages for wildlife migration, especially during the migration and calving seasons of Tibetan antelopes, ” said Li.
It is learned that all carriages of the passenger trains running on the Golmud-Lhasa section of the Qinghai-Xizang Railway are fully enclosed. These carriages are not only equipped with oxygen generation and supply systems, but also feature waste collection systems. Any garbage produced by passengers during the journey is collected and then transferred to cleaning and sewage trucks for disposal. Additionally, multiple wastewater treatment facilities have been installed along the route. These measures are part of the ongoing effort to minimize the railway’s impact on the local ecosystem.
According to statistics, the utilization rate of the dedicated passages along the Qinghai-Xizang Railway has shown a steady increase, rising from 56.6 percent in 2004 to a consistent 100 percent since 2011.
The Qinghai-Xizang Highway is also making positive strides in biodiversity conservation.
In a section of the National Highway 109 of the Qinghai-Xizang Highway, People’s Daily journalists encountered a herd of Tibetan antelopes ready to cross the road.
Directed by the staff of the Wudaoliang protection station of the Hoh Xil reserve administration, all approaching vehicles stopped at a distance, waiting patiently for the entire herd to cross the road and move far away before restarting their engines. The whole process was remarkably quiet.
“The Tibetan antelopes are currently at a peak of migration,” said Karma Yungphel, deputy head of the Wudaoliang protection station. “Besides our regular patrols, our main focus is ‘escorting’ the Tibetan antelopes during their migration and return.”
During the breeding and migration seasons of Tibetan antelopes, temporary traffic control, honking ban, and patrol-based rescue operations are implemented along the Qinghai-Xizang Highway to ensure safe migration.
The Hoh Xil National Nature Reserve is vast and mysterious. Along the Qinghai-Xizang Highway, there are five protection stations, each safeguarding the habitats of wild animals.
Every month, staff from these stations conduct at least one large-scale mountain patrol, lasting from a week to over ten days.
“Most of our colleagues are at the Zhuonai Lake and Taiyang Lake these days, protecting the Tibetan antelopes during their calving season,” said Tserwon Dorje, a staff member of the Sonam Dargye protection station. “The rest of us are handling daily patrols and helping antelopes cross the Qinghai-Xizang Highway.”
According to Tserwon Dorje, the five stations have a total of over 50 staff members, with an average age under 30. “Life here may be monotonous, but it’s beyond our words to describe how we feel when we see Tibetan antelopes, wild yaks, and Tibetan foxes,” he said.
Apart from these five official protection stations, some local herders have taken the initiative to form Tibetan antelope conservation associations. These volunteers would follow the migrating herds from a distance, ensuring their safe passage across the Qinghai-Xizang Highway.
Last year, a 5G base station near the Zhuonai Lake became operational. This has allowed the staff of the protection stations to launch both 5G-enabled remote monitoring and on-site patrols, thus realizing real-time surveillance of the Tibetan antelopes.
Thanks to these collective efforts, the number of Tibetan antelopes in Hoh Xil has seen a remarkable rise, growing to over 70,000 today from less than 20,000 in the 1990s.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has on Thursday in Abuja inaugurated a Ministerial Task Force Committee on illegal private chartered operations and related matters.
According to a statement by the Head, Press & Public Affairs Odutayo Oluseyi, the development is an effort to stem, the practice of illegal chartered operations including illicit activities. These it said has raised security and safety concerns culminating to significant financial losses to the Federal Government.
The Minister who highlighted his 5-Point Agenda which encapsulates Safety, Infrastructure, Support for local operators, Human Capacity Deployment and Revenue generation, said the 5-point agenda serves as a guide in discharging the mandate of Mr President. Keyamo said the operations of private aircraft owners have remained largely unchecked and unregulated going by the security
reports on the spike in money laundering, drug trafficking and other illegal activities through the use of private aircrafts in Nigeria.
Keyamo said that, he is compelled to take decisive action after meeting with the regulators and stakeholders within the aviation industry by setting up a Ministerial Task force.The Minister urge, the Task Force members to work diligently to restore confidence in the aviation industry, to eliminate illegal operations also to ensure that every flight in the country’ skies adheres to the highest standards of safety and legality.
The Task Force members who have been carefully selected from within and outside the aviation industry and they are of high repute and integrity were charged with the following Terms of Reference:
To take inventory of all Private Non-commercial Flight (PNCF) holders and Air Operator Certificate (AOC) holders.
To determine why the practice of illegal charters by PNCF holders persists in the country despite regulatory controls.
3.To call in all professional licenses of pilots and crew in the country and determine their authenticity and validity.
To recommend to the Minister any additional measures to be taken by regulatory agencies to stem the ugly tide.
To recommend appropriate sanctions to be imposed by the regulatory agencies on defaulters.
To recommend additional measures to further monitor the operations and activities of private aircraft in Nigeria.
Responding, Chairman of the Task Force Committee, Capt. Ado Sanusi appreciated the Minister for opportunity given to the committee and promised to get to the root of the problems at hand.
The members of the Inaugurated Task Force are as follows; a. Capt. Ado Sanusi – Chairman
b. Capt. Roland Iyayi – Vice Chairman
c. Ag. Director of Air Transport, FMA&AD – Secretary
d. Theresa A. Babayo (DAYR-NCAA) – Member
e. A nominee from the National Security Adviser – Member
The Coalition of South South Civil Society Organisations, comprising over 28 rights groups in the Niger Delta region has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu never to contemplate reappointing the erstwhile Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Beta Edu.
Recall that Dr. Beta Edu was disgraced out of office barely six months into her appointment following several scandals including her involvement in ₦3bn fraud and the diversion of funds from the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA) into personal accounts amongst others.
In a tersely worded press release signed by Comrade Emmanuel Gabriel Abela and made available to journalists in Abuja on Thursday the 27th of June 2024, the rights group vehemently rejected the idea of reappointing the embattled Dr. Beta Edu even as she has already started celebrating her purported vindication on social media.
The release read in part, “as patriots and firm believers in Mr. President’s fight against corruption and ineptitude, we reject in totality attempts by a few corrupt elements to smuggle a corrupt personality like Dr. Beta Edu into the Federal Executive Council. From her precedents, the only place suitable for her right now is a maximum security prison and not a seat in the Executive Council.
“Even though we’re from the same region, we reject in totality, anything that has to do with corruption as Beta Edu had serially worked against our region and the interest of Nigerians at large when she diverted ₦585.189m meant for vulnerable groups in Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Ogun and Lagos states into her private account”.
“Nigerians must not forget that Dr Edu personally supervised the siphoning the over ₦3bn from the NSIPA account using various fraudulent schemes. This is not the kind of person Mr. President will want to be associated with if he’s to be taken seriously as an anti-corruption crusader”.
The Coalition also churned out other damning allegations against 37-year-old politician who served as the National Women Leader of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) including the appointment of persons into non-existent projects, contract scams and other unwholesome activities which they belief are at cross purposes with the vision of the current administration.
“As if on a mission to crumble Nigeria, Beta Edu devised dubious tactics including mysterious appointments into non-existent entities such as the appointment of one Olubunmi Bello as the National Coordinator of the Community and Social Development Programme (CSDP), a defunct $415m World Bank-funded intervention project that was launched in 2009 and officially closed in June, 2021.
“She also appointed one Richard Romanus as the National Programme Manager of the Youth Empowerment and Social Support Operations (YESSO); another defunct World Bank-supported project. These were not mistakes but calculated attempt to plant conduits at strategic places to help siphon our commonwealth.
“For someone who approved funds for flight tickets and airport taxis for her advanced team to travel for an event in Kog State in excess of ₦73m when it’s common knowledge that Kogi State has airport, reappointing her into the current administration will be a scandal of international dimension. She simply has nothing to offer Nigerians and shouldn’t be given another opportunity”, the release noted.
The rights group appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu not to listen to those clamouring for the return of Dr. Beta Edu, insisting that her antecedents were at variance with the Renewed Hope Agenda and any attempt to reappoint her will be tantamount to endorsing fraud and corruption, a move which will be vehemently resisted by Nigerians.
“We passionately appeal Mr. President not to tarnish the image of his meritorious adminstration by reconsidering the embattled Beta Edu. She must be probed and the findings made public for all to see. She must be made to account for the rot in NSIPA, N-Power, Conditioner Cash Transfer programme and the lopsided appointments she made while in office. Her reappointment will no doubt isolate the South South region and endanger Mr. President’s re-election come 2027”, the statement ended.
Amidst the controversy surrounding the purchase of new Presidential Jets, Rising-Up for a United Nigeria (RUN), a frontline civil rights group has described as misleading and frivolous, insinuations that the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio pushed for the purchase of the new aircrafts.
The National Coordinator of RUN, Amb. Solomon Adodo stated this while appearing as a guest on a live interview on Radio Nigeria Network news in Abuja.
According to Amb. Solomon Adodo, “contrary to insinuations that the Senate President pushed for the planned purchase of the Presidential jets, it was actually the House of Representatives Committee on National Security and Intelligence that recommended the purchase after an investigation into the status of the Presidential fleet.
“The Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence only ratified it after conducting its own investigation and agreeing to the necessity of new aircrafts to avert a national disaster with national security implications”.
While emphasizing that the purchase of the aircrafts is a matter of necessity and not an idea from the Senate President as naysayers are alleging, Amb. Adodo maintained that, Nigeria cannot afford to jeopardize its national security by running old aircrafts for the Presidential fleet considering the recent tragic loss of world leaders.
“The tragic loss of the President of Iran, Ebrahim Raisi in a crash that was complicated by mechanical faults and bad weather as well as the loss of the Vice President of Malawi, Saulos Chilima should worry every well-meaning Nigerian. Instead of pointing accusing fingers, we should be united in pushing for the purchase of new aircrafts for the Presidential fleet.
“In other climes, citizens would have protested and demanded for the replacement of the Presidential fleet following the near disaster that befell Vice President Yemi Osibanjo in Kogi State few years ago aboard one of the dilapidated aircrafts of a private company due to the unavailability of a serviceable aircraft on the President fleet. Rather than throwing jabs at individuals for what is long overdue”, he added.
He described those behind the coordinated falsehood and allegations as “enemies of Nigeria who are bent on pitching the Executive against the Legislature, considering the harmonious relationship that has existed between them in the past one year.
“If there is need for new aircrafts as has been recommended, nobody can blackmail the Senate President into shirking his constitutional duties. As a progressive, the Senate President has always stood with the masses and always do things in the overall interest of the nation. He deserves a pat on the back and not unsavoury attacks”.
RUN firmly urged the Senate President not to be deterred by the opinions of a few misguided persons and go ahead to approve the planned purchase of the Presidential jets “in the best interest of the nation as Nigeria cannot afford to be amongst the list of nations that have lost their heads of states and governments as a result of air accidents”.
Former Governor Yahaya Bello demand Transfer of his case to Federal High Court lokoja, where the offences are alleged to have been committed pursuant to section 45 of the federal high court Establishment Act and supreme Court decisions on the subject matter.
The former Governor accused EFCC of forum shopping contrary to law. He stated that he is not above the law but he can not sit idle while efcc violate the law as to the proper venue of his trial as specified in Section 45 of the Federal High Court Establishment Act and the settled law on the matter by the Supreme Court
The immediate past governor of Kogi state, has also, asked the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, to transfer his trial in alleged money laundering to Lokoja.
Bello said that he preferred to be arraigned in Lokoja, being the place the alleged money laundering offence was committed.
At a resumed sitting on Thursday, Bello, represented by his counsel, Adeola Adedipe SAN, informed Justice Emeka Nwite that a letter requesting for the transfer of the trial had already been delivered to the Chief Judge for his administrative decision.
Specifically, Adedipe said the request for Lokoja was due to the fact that the Federal High Court has territorial jurisdiction to hear the matter in Lokoja.
Adedipe said that the legal team of the former Kogi Governor was still awaiting the response of the Chief Judge on the request for transfer of the case to Lokoja.
“Although the letter requesting for transfer of this matter to Lokoja, was written by Yahaya Bello’s lead counsel, Abdulwahab Mohammed SAN, I am however under obligation to draw the attention of this honourable court to the issue, Adedipe said.
Adedipe said the Prosecution had been notified and their opinion had been sought via a letter dated 14th June, 2024 from the Chief Judge’s office.
The letter, addressed to EFCC Counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, was signed by the Special Assistant to the Chief Judge, Joshua Ibrahim AJI, Esq.
“You will find attached the copy of a letter by Counsel to the Defendant on the above subject matter, dated 10th June, 2024.
“I am directed by His Lordship, the Honourable, the Chief Judge, to forward the letter to you for your response within 6 (six) days of receipt,” the letter read in part.
However, the request for transfer was vehemently opposed by the EFCC lead counsel, Dr Kemi Pinheiro SAN, who described the request as an attempt to frustrate the trial.
The EFCC lawyer pleaded with Justice Nwite to hold Adeola Adedipe SAN and Abdulwahab Mohammed SAN, responsible for their inability to produce their client in court, despite the undertakings they made.
The EFCC lawyer also requested that the two SANs be cited for contempt of court.
Meanwhile, the court has fixed July 17, 2024 for arraignment of the former Governor and ruling on the request of EFCC to cite the SANs for contempt.
In a bid to enhance the safety and security of the nation’s airspace, the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has embarked on the upgrade of its surveillance infrastructure across the nation’s airports and other remote installations across the country. To this end, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved an onsite visit to Spain by critical staff of the agency to inspect some of the facilities as well as engage technology solution providers to address security challenges as well upgrade the agency’s surveillance systems.
The Managing Director of NAMA, Engr Ahmed Umar Farouk who made this disclosure while receiving a delegation from the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) at the agency’s corporate headquarters in Abuja noted that the Nigerian Air Force remained a valuable ally to the agency with regards to the safety and security of the nation’s airspace. He recalled that the collaboration between the two agencies over time had been critical to the sustenance of airspace safety and security in Nigeria. “NAMA handles civil operations, while the Air Force oversees security. Our close collaboration is vital for maintaining a safe and secure airspace,” the NAMA boss said. This is contained in a statement Wednesday by Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Alhaji Abdullahi Musa.
In his remarks, the leader of the NAF delegation, Air Vice Marshal Abubakar Abdulkadir stated that the Nigerian Air Force had recently enhanced its capabilities to secure the nation’s airspace with new platforms designed for national air defense and stationed with the Air Defense Group in Makurdi, stressing that the NAF had also completed its day training and was close to finishing night trainings, which would enable rapid response and interception of any intruders in the Nigerian airspace.
He also shared an update on the NAF’s enhanced capabilities to monitor and identify all aircraft entering and exiting the Nigerian airspace, adding that improved collaboration and partnership between NAMA and the NAF would sustain the current security and safety in the nation’s airspace. AVM Abdulkadir described NAMA and NAF as “twin children of the same mother”, saying that NAF’s responsibility for airspace security complements NAMA’s role in airspace management.
Joint training initiatives aimed at addressing the shortage of Air Traffic Controllers across the country were considered as the Nigerian Air Force training center in Kaduna which recently got accredited by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, (NCAA) would see at least 20 NAMA staff being trained annually.
The Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, CON has stated that Seafarers are the lifeblood of the maritime industry, which is essential to the success of the Blue Economy. This comes as the Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola, stated that Nigeria has the potential to be a maritime powerhouse, with the right policies in place.
The Minister, who stated this in Lagos during the commemoration of the 2024 Day of the Seafarer, assured in his keynote address that the Federal Government is committed to the development of the Nigerian maritime sector. This was contained in a statement signed Tuesday by the Assistant Director/Head, Public Relations,NIMASA, Mr Osagie Edward.
L-R: Chairperson, House of Representatives Committee on Maritime Safety, Education and Administration, Hon. Khadija Abba Ibrahim; Director General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, Dr Dayo Mobereola; Director, Maritime Safety and Security, Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Babatunde Bombata, and Chairman Senate Committee on Marine Transport, Sen. Wasiu Sanni Eshilokun, during the 2024 Day of the Seafarer Celebration in Lagos.
He stated that the theme for this year’s celebration; “Navigating the Future, Safety First,” aligns with the vision of the Ministry of the Marine and Blue Economy. “Seafarers are the lifeblood of the maritime industry. They endure the isolation of the open sea, the unpredictability of weather, and the myriads of challenges that come with navigating some of the world’s busiest and most perilous waters. Their resilience, dedication, and unwavering commitment ensure that goods and resources reach every corner of our planet, supporting livelihoods and promoting international trade”, he said.
The Minister who was represented by the Director, Maritime Safety and Security in the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Babatunde Bombata, gave the assurance that the Federal Government remains committed to collaborating with industry stakeholders and steadfast in advocating for the rights and welfare of Nigerian seafarers. “We are committed to providing comprehensive training programmes, enforcing stringent safety regulations, and offering continuous support to ensure our seafarers are among the best trained and most resilient in the world. We are dedicated to building on this foundation, ensuring that Nigerian seafarers are equipped to meet the challenges and opportunities of the modern maritime landscape”, he said.
Furthermore, he pledged the Ministry’s resolve to prioritize the growth and development of the Marine and Blue Economy Sector, noting that it’s development of the sector will greatly benefit all Nigerians and future generations. “We are working closely with stakeholders in the private sector, international organizations, and other government agencies to create an enabling environment for the growth of the Maritime and Blue Economy”, he stated.
He also used the opportunity to call for stakeholders’ support in the development of the sector, noting that the Ministry cannot undertake the task alone. “This celebration of World Seafarers Day presents a unique opportunity to explore emerging issues and propose innovative solutions to the challenges facing the sector. We must remain resolute and deliberate in promoting the growth and development of the Marine and Blue Economy Sector, as the Ministry cannot achieve this alone”.
On their part, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Maritime Safety, Education and Administration, along with his counterpart in the House of Representatives, applauded the seafarers for their resilience and assured them of the Government’s continuous support to guarantee their well-being.
They assured of the readiness of the National Assembly to work with NIMASA and other stakeholders to support any legislation aimed at advancing the rights and safety of all seafarers.
“Together, let us continue to strive for a maritime world that is equitable and inclusive for all,” Senator Wasiu Eshinlokun stated.
On his part, the Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola, acknowledged the uniqueness of the profession and the challenges faced. He noted that the theme for this year’s celebration, “Navigating the Future: Safety First,” is a call to address the challenging conditions seafarers face while navigating the sea. He emphasized the need for greater focus on their well-being and safety at sea.
“We recognize the humongous challenges Seafarers face while sailing; ranging from piracy, kidnapping, encounter at war zones exposure to health risks and unfair treatment. Notwithstanding all these, Nigeria has recorded zero piracy incidents in the last two years; we will not rest on our oars as the life of every seafarer matters”, Mobereola stated.
He assured that the Agency will continue to collaborate with both local and international organizations to address global issues affecting seafarers and ensure their safety while navigating the future.
“Nigeria has the young population to compete with other countries whose seafarers contribute immensely to their Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Hence, the Agency will continue to invest in training and capacity-building programs to enhance seafarers’ skills, welfare and employment opportunities”.
Dr. Mobereola used the opportunity to inform stakeholders that the Agency is working tirelessly to strengthen its legal frameworks by domesticating all Maritime Labour related ILO Conventions ratified by Nigeria. “These conventions include the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) 2006 as amended, the Seafarers Identity Document (SID) Convention as amended, and the Dock Work Convention”, he said.
“We will continue to focus on implementing programs and projects to improve seafarers welfare, including mental health support, safety training, and emergency assistance. Also we will continue to eliminate substandard vessels from our waters and ensure wrecks are removed to aid navigation and safety for our seafarers”, he assured.
He also mentioned that many beneficiaries of our Nigerian Seafarers Development Programme (NSDP) are currently undergoing mandatory sea-time training aboard ocean-going vessels.
The Agency is collaborating with key stakeholders like the NLNG Shipping and Marine Services Limited, the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Indigenous Shipping Companies and the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), all geared towards boosting the capacity of the seafarers.
Katie Higginbottom from the International Transport Federation (ITF), who joined virtually, emphasized that seafarers are a critical part of the maritime sector. She also commended NIMASA’s renewed collaboration with the ITF to ensure seafarers receive the necessary attention from their respective governments.
Professor Max Mejia, President of the World Maritime University, who also joined virtually, expressed gratitude to the seafarers and described them as the modern day heroes who deserve celebration.
In their goodwill messages, stakeholders took turns to praise the invaluable contributions of seafarers to the global economy, urging governments to continue supporting them through favorable policies that will enhance their wellbeing in line with the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) 2006.
They include President General of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria, Comrade Adewale Adeyanju; President of the Shipowners Association of Nigeria; Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Hassan; among others.”
The International Day of the Seafarer is celebrated annually on June 25 to recognize the contributions of seafarers to international seaborne trade and the world economy as a whole. The day is organized by the International Maritime Organization and recognized by the United Nations as an observance day.
Over 70 Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) have congratulated the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu on his 59th birthday anniversary.
The CSOs described Sanwo-Olu who is the Chairman of the South-West Governors’ Forum, as a selfless leader and patriotic Nigerian who is strongly dedicated to the progress and development of Lagos the commercial capital of the nation.
While wishing him God’s blessings in his efforts to improve the lives of Lagosians, the Convener of Campaign for Dignity in Governance & Coalition of 70 Civil Society Organizations, Razaq Olokoba in a goodwill message signed on behalf of the CSOs described Governor Sanwo-Olu as a courageous man who is committed to promoting peace, unity of South-west and the country at large.
“You are a hardworking leader, who is devoted to improving the welfare of the people through service delivery and good governance.
“Governor Sanwo-Olu’s passion and desire to serve the people has brought tremendous transformation in the well-being of the people. His quest for effective leadership and development of the state singles him out as a beacon of hope for people from different parts of the country who are residing in Lagos state.
“As a governor, he has continued to introduce ideas that will promote socio-economic cum political development. He has demonstrated leadership in carrying everyone in the state along and in so doing even allowed opposition voices to exist. His wisdom and acumen in the management of resources is exemplary,” He said.
Olokoba added “All who have visited Lagos State in recent times can attest to your transformational strides and the fact that the State is making tremendous progress under your leadership.
“We urge you to remain steadfast in displaying great courage and wisdom in protecting the interest of your people. We are also convinced that you’ll not relent in promoting peace and upholding the unity of your region (South-West) and Nigeria at large.
“As you celebrate, on behalf of over 70 civil society organizations that I speak for, I pray that God will bless you with more wisdom, peace, and sound health.”
Governor Sanwo-Olu was born on 25 June 1965 and turns 59 years on Tuesday 25 June 2024.
The “618” online shopping festival, which occurs annually on June 18 in China, has not only garnered the interest of Chinese consumers but also attracted brands from all over the world. Many foreign enterprises joined this event to captivate Chinese consumers and expand their presence in the huge Chinese market.
During the first four hours of the shopping spree, over 10,000 brands saw their sales skyrocketing more than five times year on year on JD.com, a major Chinese e-commerce platform, with a notable presence of brands from overseas.
During the same period, 1,479 foreign brands saw their transactions double from the previous year on Tmall Global, an e-commerce platform under Alibaba that addresses Chinese consumers’ growing demand for international products. “The platform welcomed 342 new brands during this year’s shopping festival, all of which demonstrated impressive performance,” said an employee of Tmall Global.
Many well-known foreign brands, including those specializing in cosmetics and health supplements, were actively engaging in the shopping festival. For instance, Mistine, a cosmetics brand in Thailand, stocked over 1.9 million products, with 1.2 million items newly imported to China. WHC, a Belgium-based health brand, prepared over 650,000 units of high-purity fish oil, with 10,000 units for its Tmall debut and 160,000 promotional gifts, all flown to bonded warehouses.
“China has introduced policies and measures to boost consumption this year, aiming to revitalize the consumer market and unleash consumption potential,” said Wei Jigang, deputy director-general of the Center for International Knowledge on Development.
“The ‘618’ shopping festival provides insights into how Chinese consumers’ shopping patterns are evolving, based on their shopping carts,” said Wei.
A prominent shift can be seen in the rising sales of imported products, such as cosmetics, health supplements, and sporting goods, indicating new trends and growth drivers in China’s consumer market, along with the country’s continuous expansion of imports, Wei explained.
Imported health and nutritional supplements were highly favored by Chinese consumers during this year’s shopping festival. According to an executive of Tmall Global, health and beauty brands remain a substantial part of the overseas brands that have entered the Chinese market. Nutritional and anti-aging products are currently the fastest-growing new segment in the health category of the platform. There was also notable growth in premium alcoholic beverages and imported luxury goods.
A “retro” trend swept across consumers. According to statistics from Tmall Global, the sales growth of imported digital cameras doubled within the initial 4 hours of the festival. The retro-styled Japanese brand Olympus, in particular, saw an eight-fold increase in transactions.
Besides, there was a remarkable increase of 518 percent in the sales of motorcycle equipment, particularly helmets, and a 248 percent growth in overall transactions of imported CDs and DVDs on the platform.
The sports segment remained a highlight, with hiking, cycling, and water sports gear emerging as three new major trends in outdoor sports consumption.
According to Du Guochen, head of the e-commerce research institute of the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation, a think tank under China’s Ministry of Commerce, cross-border e-commerce has experienced rapid growth in recent years. Online sales have continued to grow rapidly in markets like Southeast Asia, Latin America, the Middle East and Africa, India, and South Korea, said Du.
“Japan, South Korea, and the United States are the main sources of imports for China, from which China buys cosmetics, clothing, and footwear. Southeast Asian countries remain the major destinations of Chinese exports, with a continuous improvement in the types of exported products and constant growth in high-tech product exports,” Du explained.
To accommodate the growing cross-border e-commerce demand, Chinese platform companies are dedicated to enhancing their transport capacity.
For instance, Cainiao, a world-leading cross-border e-commerce logistics company based in China, updates its parcel volume prediction every day through artificial intelligence (AI) technology. If parcel volumes surged across its core economic zones, the company would promptly launch direct logistics routes, said an executive of Cainiao.
According to statistics, during this year’s “618” shopping festival, the number of Cainiao’s sorting facilities in operation decreased from the usual levels, resulting in cost reductions and improved parcel flow.
Expanding imports is integral for boosting consumption. “From a global perspective, China’s increase in imports provides great opportunities for countries around the world to tap into the Chinese market and promote economic growth,” said Wei.
“From the Chinese perspective, the imports of high-quality products and services are essential for China’s high-quality economic development and for improving people’s life quality. Besides, expanding imports can better build China into a trade powerhouse. Moving forward, China will continue to improve its import structure and increase the proportion of imported consumer goods, especially high-end products,” said Wei.
