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Tag: display

  • Lagos for display at world conference, says minister

    THE Federal Government has concluded plans to use its hosting right of the 61st edition of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO)/ Commission for Africa (CAF) Meeting to showcase the culture and tourism potentials of Lagos and Nigeria.

    Minister for Information and Culture Lai Mohammed, who spoke when he visited Governor Akinwunmi Ambode at the Lagos House, Alausa in Ikeja, said Lagos State would play a significant role in the success of the meeting considering its economic position in Nigeria and also as a foremost tourism city.

    He said though the UNWTO/CAF Meeting would hold in Abuja from June 4 to 6, a major part of the event, tagged: “Technical Visit”, would be held at the Eko Atlantic City.

    According to Mohammed, the decision to hold the visit in Lagos was strategic and pivotal to the overall success of the programme.

    “The choice is not an accident. It is designed to showcase to the world a city that promises to be a tourism haven, with the largest shopping mall in sub-Saharan Africa and a city, which also boasts of vast amenities for entertainment, such as food courts, cinemas and playgrounds, an ample parking space and a canal that can be used for water transportation and water sports,” the minister said.

    He said during the day-long Technical Visit, Ambode would also play host to top executives of the UNWTO, African Tourism Ministers and a select group of local and international media, saying that it would be the major highlight of the meeting and that Lagos was better positioned to host it.

    “The meeting will give Nigeria the opportunity to showcase itself to the world, especially in the area of its culture and tourism and of course, we have a lot to showcase; our tourism attractions, our rich culture, as well as our music and films which have taken the world by storm,” the minister said.

    The minister said the UNWTO, a leading international organisation for tourism with a global membership of 158 members and over 500 Affiliate members unanimously gave Nigeria the hosting right for the meeting during its 59th Meeting in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia in April 2017, noting that it was a reflection of the growing positive perception of Nigeria by the international community.

    He said the meeting, which has the theme: “Tourism Statistics: A Catalyst For Development”, would be attended by mostly delegates drawn from the 51 member states of the Commission for Africa, the Executives of UNWTO, international organisations, local and international media as well as experts and stakeholders from the public and private sector.

    Thanking the governor for the strong support so far towards the success of the meeting, the minister hailed the move by the state government to hold a tourism summit on Monday, saying that the development was in line with the Federal Government’s quest to make Nigeria a top tourism destination in Africa.

    “We will not only be participating at the summit, we will also be making a presentation that showcases Nigeria as the preferred destination for tourists”, he said.

    Ambode said the state government was pleased to support moves by the Federal Government to preserve the rich culture and heritage of the nation, adding that his administration was also working hard to make the state the tourism hub of Africa.

    “So, we are in tandem with your vision and aspirations to make sure that we tell Nigerians the way our story was and the way our story is and also be able to tell outsiders who we are and who we want to be. So, for me, it’s a no brainer that I need to support you because this is also in line with what we believe strongly that Nigerians ought to do.

    “In the last three years, we have tried as much as possible to promote our heritage and also promote our languages. We do not want a situation where the Nigerian culture, which is so rich and diverse, will become extinct and that is why we must do everything in our own capacity to ensure that everything that the Federal Government is doing through the Ministry of Information and Culture, in bringing the unity of Nigerian together, is supported by this government,” Ambode said.

    Pledging the support of the state government for the success of the UNWTO/CAF Meeting, the governor assured that his administration would continue to provide the necessary infrastructure that would attract tourists.

     

     

  • Culture on display as Oniru clocks 80

    Culture on display as Oniru clocks 80

    Some traditional rulers and  eminent personalities joined hundreds of people at a colourful cultural celebration to commemorate the 80th birthday of the Oniru of Iruland, Oba Idowu Abiodun Oniru, on September 6.

    Several traditional masqueraders and deities entertained guests at the weeklong event. The monarch, a well known tradition and culture enthusiast, danced and prayed alongside other traditional rulers for peace, progress and development in Iru, Lagos and Nigeria. Asked why he chose a cultural fiesta to commemorate his birthday, Oba Oniru, who is also the Oluwo Iledi Osugbo of Lagos, among other traditional titles, explained that he sees it as a way of offering appreciation to Eledumare (the Almighty) and the deities for their protection and support over the years.

    His love for culture and tradition, showed at the event. There was an assemblage of Igunnukos from far and near; Zamgbeto came from Badagry and the Agemo and Celebe were well represented.

    Oba Oniru, Chairman of the Council of Obas and Chiefs in Eti Osa Local Government Area, said he was fulfilled to have lived up to 80.

    “If we pay good attention to the ways of our forefathers, many of the problems we are grappling with today will be easily handled. It is with confidence that I say that the culture and tradition of the Yoruba remain the best all over the world,” Oba Oniru said.

  • Students display products at poly’s exhibition

    The Moshood Abiola Polytechnic Centre for Entrepreneurship Development (MAPCED) has held its 3rd Entrepreneurship Development Exhibition tagged: MAPCED Open Market Day. The event, held at Matriculation Ground, started at noon last Wednesday.

    Students besieged the venue to showcase their wares and products. Among the items exhibited included lapel pins, lanyards, shopping bags, electric sockets, air fresheners, liquid soaps, key holders, hair creams and petroleum jelly among others. All the products were manufactured by students.

    The event was graced by MAPCED Director, Mr David Aninkan, who emphasized the importance of entrepreneurship and vocational training in technical education. He said the polytechnic had ensured students did not only acquire skills alone, but also ensured spirit of entrepreneurship was incorporated in students to enable them become job creators.

    He said: “The problem of unemployment is taking its toll on our youths and graduates, who are seeking employments by the day. It is a known fact that through appropriate skills and sufficient entrepreneurial practice, this problem can be solved. There should be linkage between knowledge and development in our education. This is the best way the public and private sectors will be prospered.”

    The Rector, Prof Oludele Itiola, hailed students for their entrepreneurial strides, urging them to develop good business spirit to be successful in the vocation they chose for themselves.

    The rector added that the current trend of joblessness in the country should make the youths not to relent on academic certificates, but to acquire skills to create jobs.

    Itiola said: “It is important that you don’t see this as something you have to do to pass your courses, but as an avenue to gather experiences that might be useful after graduation.”

    At the end of the event, students engaged in trade by barter, exchanging their products for another. Participants at the programme were entertained by a live band as they buy and sell wares.

  • The best of agric on display

    The best of agric on display

    The innovations and achievements of farmers and food producers were showcased at this year’s Nigeria Agriculture Awards in Lagos. Key agro-industrialists, experts and academics attended the show. It was a rare show for a unique industry. Stakeholders – farmers, industrialists, academics and many more – were brought together under one roof to celebrate a worthy trade –agriculture. DANIEL ESSIET reports.

    Welcome to the Nigeria Agriculture Awards (NAA) which celebrates the best of food and the companies and individuals who grow, make and supply it.

    In its second year, the event was held last week at the Landmark Event Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos as part of the Agra Innovate Exhibition, which brings together international suppliers and local buyers to discuss opportunities. It featured a conference that attracted policymakers,  farmers and technologists.

    Launched last year, under ex-Minister Dr Akinwumi Adesina, Agra Innovate was supported by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture & Rural Development and the Nigeria Agribusiness Group.

    The awards began about 6pm on Wednesday, last week. The guest of honour was the Chairman, Nigeria Agribusiness Group (NABG), Alhaji Sani Dangote, while the keynote speaker was the Dean, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ibadan, Prof Eustace Ayemere Iyayi.

    The host and chairman of the Awards Committee, Emmanuel Ikani, a professor of Agric Extension at the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State, welcomed the recipients.

    Ikani said the awards was a platform to recognise individuals and institutions in agriculture.

    He said the award was meant to honour men and women who demonstrated progressive, leading-edge thinking in the agriculture sector.

    Iyayi urged the government to enhance agri-productivity in farms and drive prosperity among farmers.

    According to him, agric prosperity is key to strengthening the nation’s growth on the world map.

    Iyayi said supporting the agribusinesses – many of which include small businesses –is backing solutions for agricultural challenges. Such support, according to him, will help create new jobs, open up new markets and drive productivity.

    He reiterated that investing in agriculture is vital, not only for future food supply but also to help build innovative approaches for modern farming.

    This year, the awards featured 15 categories, including Achievers in Agriculture, Nagropreneur of the Year, Agric Bank of the Year, Agro-brand of the Year, Agro-Innovator of the Year, Agro-journalist of the Year, Corporate Social Responsibility award, Agriculture Destination of the Year, Agro-investor of the Year, Development Partner of the Year, R&D award, Input company of the Year, agro ambassador of the year.

    There were Farmers’ Governor of the Year, Pillars of Agriculture, Agro Commissioner of the Year and Farmer of the Year.

    As the event progressed, winners were announced and handed their trophies; this marked the finale  to reward the values, determination and adaptability of the farming community.

    Kano State Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, received the Farmer’s Governor of the Year for his  contributions to the sector, as evidenced by his response to the Tuta Absoluta scourge, which threatened to wipe out tomato crops.

    Honoured with the Pillars of Agriculture awards were Governors Mallam Nasir Ahmad el-Rufai of Kaduna State, Alhaji Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi State and Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State.

    El-Rufai was recognised for the rapid strides in land reforms, which resulted in land title ownership in few  days. The Kebbi State governor was recognised for his investment in dry season farming, which ensured that farmers have multiple production windows- this has enhanced the income of smallholder farmers in state.

    Other awardees were the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, for being a pillar in agriculture through his policy initiatives as well as economic support to the sector.

    Others in this category were Emefiele; former Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development( FMARD) now of Federal Ministry of Communication, Sonny Echono and National Project Coordinator, Rural Finance Building Programme (RUFIN), Alhaji Musibau Azeez.

    In the corporate category, Achiever in Agriculture are Popular Farms Ltd, for maintaining the largest rice processing business in Nigeria; Best Foods Global Ltd. for its foresight in establishing a proficient cold chain storage company; Dansa Agro-Allied Ltd for investments in tomato processing, with the transformation of the tomato value-chain and Okomu Oil Palm Company Plc for maintaining Nigeria’s most impressive palm plantation business.

    Others include Presco Nig. Plc for its outstanding Palm Refinery business and Teragro Nig. Limited for its indigenisation of citrus pulp extract production, which used to be imported.

    Individual category include Dr. Martins Fregene for his contribution to the cassava revolution; Dr. Muyiwa Osiname for  his works in rice production in Africa, Dr Niyi Odunlami,in recognition of the role he played in birthing the Staple Crop Processing Zones (SPCZ) policy.

    For excellence and resilience in the reportage of trends in agribusiness, particularly with respect to small and medium-scale businesses, Mr. Daniel Essiet of The Nation Newspaper, was given the award of Agro-Journalist of The Year.

    Another expert, Dr. Tony Bello, was honoured for his contributions towards private-public partnerships, which have resulted in the formation of the Nigeria Agribusiness Group, and Ada Osakwe (Investment).

    Director-General, International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Dr. Nteranya Sangiga, was recognised for his research.

    Co-founder and CEO, Cellulant Nigeria, Bolaji Akinboro, receive the Achiever in Agriculture Award for the company’s E-wallet technology – a digital platform that has transformed the lives of more than 14 million farmers in Nigeria.

    Edo State Commissioner of Agriculture, Mr Abdul Oroh won the Agro Commissioner of the Year.

    Others are Dr. Ahmed Adekunle (mechanisation), Prof. Sule Ochai Due for his technical contributions to the New Nigeria Food and Agricultural Transformation Policy.

    Managing Partner, Sahel Capital, Mr. Mezuo Nwunelli, received an award for his contribution to the growth of agribusinesses, through  the Fund for Agricultural Finance in Nigeria (FAFIN).

    For using Agricultural Fresh Produce Growers & Exporters Association of Nigeria (AFGEAN) to evolve a veritable structure for fresh produce export out of Nigeria, its Executive Secretary, Mr. Akin Sawyerr, received individual award.

    Interventions Manager GEMS4, Richard Ogundele got an award   hinged on his work in fostering Good Handling Practices (GHP) in Nigeria’s fresh produce business.

    Appreciating his 40-year history of financial investment in agriculture, and his top-notch, high-tech input in  tractor components and mechanised farming, the Managing Director, Dizengoff Nigeria, Mr. Richard Hargrave, got an award in the investment category.

    For bringing his innovations in cassava production, a local innovator, Mr. Kolawole Adeniji was honoured for demonstrating that agricultural engineering, fabrication technology, mechanised farming and food processing can be harnessed to promote agriculture.

    Dr Temitope Aroge was named Nagropreneur of the Year for making a mark in the sector, while TrustFund Microfinance Bank Ltd was honoured as Agric Bank of the Year (Microfinance) for recognising the bank’s bold efforts and the critical role played in dispensing financial services to smallholder farmers in Edo State.

    Union Bank Plc got the Agric Bank of The Year (Commercial) award. Others include Premium Aquaculture limited, Fish Farmer Of The Year; Niyya Farms Ltd. Kaduna, Crop Farmer Of The Year; Globus Resources Limited, Ibadan, livestock farmer of the year (poultry); L&Z Farms Ltd. Kano, livestock farmer of the year (dairy); Royal Stallion Shinkafa, agro-brand of the year; AFEX Commodities Exchange Limited, agro-innovator of the year; agriculture destination of the year, Ogun State, agro-investor of the year; Alhaji Sani Dangote, International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), development partner of the year; National Animal Production Research Institute (NAPRI), research award of the year and Innocent Idibia (aka TuFace), agro ambassador of the year and Ms. Wilma Aguele farmer of the year (female), was honoured for her brave exploits and gargantuan achievements in the cash crop and fresh produce farming sector.

    Others recognised were Mr. Kola Masha (Babban Gona Initiative), Comrade David Ehindero (the Agric Academy) and Mrs. Vero Igbe (Fisheries). Prominent industrialist and investor, Alhaji Sani Dangote, Prof. Ango Abdullahi.

    Chairman, Origin Group, Prince Samuel Joseph Samuel, was  recognised for boosting agricultural engineering, food production, fresh produce processing and export.

    Director-General, NAA, Richard-Mark Mbaram, said the sector would not have made outstanding strides in the past year without the input of these individuals and corporate bodies.

    He said the awards acknowledged the vital contributions agro companies make, thereby encouraging entrepreneurship and business excellence in the sector.

    The surprise in this year was the number of agric businesses set up by people already successful in other careers: teachers, bankers, hi-tech executives, ad men (and women!), farmers – all changing their local economies, fulfilling themselves through great food, and thriving.

  • Why stores display wares

    Why stores display wares

    Retailers who want to enhance sales believe they should do away with old stock, by reducing the actual amount of their wares and displaying wares outside their shops for people to see. They do this often, whenever they want to renew, advertise and make more customers. Stores that do this are boutiques, super markets and known companies. Companies do theirs mainly in December to compensate their regular customers.

    The process doesn’t need an advert or banner, the wares speak for themselves. As people move in front of these shops, they tend to see displayed items in their various categories.

    Ladies exotic Apparels at Ikeja displays theirs because they want to create space for new ones.

    Mrs. Nnamadi Chiwen is a store owner who said she wants people to see what she is selling. “I want to tell people that I have what others do not have, as such they should patronise me.”

    For Mrs. Anya Ugona, “my shop is not big enough that is why I display my wares outside. People might not see some of my beautiful clothes if I don’t bring them out.”

    Mrs. Durojaye Alani was seen at Alade Market buying some displayed blouses “I like these blouses, sometimes they appear dusty but I prefer them to the expensive ones in showglasses.”

  • Cultural display at its best

    Cultural display at its best

    It was threatening to rain as students got ready for the event. As they moved out of their hostels, it started drizzling; but they were undeterred. Soon, the campus was literally enveloped in various cultural attires.

    It was the Nativity Night, a cultural fiesta held yearly by the Redeemed Christian Fellowship (RCF) of the University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) chapter.

    The students trooped en masse to the Ecumenical Centre, the venue of the event.

    The fiesta brings students from all ethnic backgrounds under one umbrella to celebrate their cultures. Students from every ethnic group on campus come together as one.

    Participants were dressed in their cultural attires. The Yoruba cultural representatives were beautifully dressed in aso ofi, agbada with abeti aja caps to match. The Igbo representatives sparkled in their Ankara robes and beads, clutching walking sticks. The Arewa students shone in their Babanriga while the Ijaws wore their hats majestically.

    Each group carried its cultural elements such as beads, calabashes, baskets and tubers of yam.

    The students moved round the campus before converging at the exhibition venue. As they settled for the programme, the drama group of the RCF performed a play, which reflected the need for unity, peace and love among the ethnic nationalities in Nigeria.

    The event was made interesting by the sharing of native foods prepared by each ethnic group among the students. According to one of the students, the event was to celebrate Nigeria and not a particular ethnic nationality.

    The occasion began with a cultural exhibition. The audience was entertained by cultural display from various ethnic groups including Arewa, Tiv, Idoma, Igbo, Ijaw, Calabar, Yoruba and Itsekiri among others.

    A participant, Deborah Moses, said: “This event has added value to my life by helping me learn how to relate with people of different cultural backgrounds. I have eaten three traditional food from three ethnic groups. This really shows that what we need in this country is love and unity. Why should we be fighting ourselves; we are all people from the same root.”

    There were also performances of native songs, dances and pageantry. The guest artiste at the event, Adams Amik, sang various songs in different languages. Students were thrilled as they went wild with applause. The artiste encouraged the students to maximise their potentials and see Nigeria as one nation.

    The RCF president, Patrick Bethel, an Igbo student, said: “The purpose of the event is to foster unity irrespective of our cultural background. As you can see, all ethnic groups represented here today are allowed to display their heritage. I want to encourage the youths to discover their uniqueness and be a blessing to others.”

    He said despite the disappointment encountered, the event was a success because of the students’ determination. Patrick also conveyed the message of the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, to the students.

    A Hausa student, who could not conceal his excitement during the Arewa cultural display, said: “I am very happy today. I feel at home. I interacted freely and saw how other different ethnic groups celebrate their culture.”

     

     

  • NEWCASTLE 0-3 MANchester UNITED: Our best display yet – Fergie

    NEWCASTLE 0-3 MANchester UNITED: Our best display yet – Fergie

    Sir Alex Ferguson believes his Manchester United side produced their best performance of the season so far as they beat Newcastle United 3-0 on Sunday.

    The Red Devils contributed a convincing display at St James’ Park as first-half goals from defenders Jonny Evans and Patrice Evraand a strike from Tom Cleverley after the break handed them victory. The win lifted them into second in the Premier League table and got them back on course after defeat to Tottenham at Old Trafford last weekend.

    Asked if it was the best United have played this season, particularly in a dominating first 20 minutes, Ferguson told Sky Sports: “I would agree with you. I think so.

    “Although the second half against Tottenham we were terrific, but the first half spoiled the whole day. Whereas today I thought the whole game we were on top of our game in the sense of concentration, determination, all the things you want to see in a team that’s going to win.” He added: “It was a great result. To come here and win 3-0 against a really powerful, aggressive Newcastle team, you have to make sure you really perform and keep control of the game and I think we did that most of the time.”