The Nation Newspaper

Tag: partnership

  • Museum’s enduring partnership with the public

    Yesterday (May 18 2013), the world celebrated another International Museum Day with the theme “Museum, memory plus creativity equal social change”. Perhaps, the theme is a reflection and also a reminder of the relationship that ought to exist between the museums around the world and the wider society. This relationship should be mutual and of benefit both to the museum as an agent of social change and the public as a veritable partner in that endeavour.

    The museum is in the service of society and its development, and open to the public, which acquires, conserves, researches, communicates and exhibits, for the purpose of study, education and enjoyment. This definition has conferred on the museum and the public a relationship that should be of mutual benefit to both.

    Historically, the origin of the museum could be traced back to 290 B C when a prominent Greek statesman Ptolemy Soter (Preserver) 1, decided to display his own private collections. The word museum was coined from the Greek word ‘muse ion’ which was applied to a sanctuary dedicated to the nine ‘muses’ who were daughters of Zeus.

    Today, museums all around the world vary enormously. They range greatly from international museums that are found in Europe and the Americas to small sized village museums. In Nigeria, there are over thirty museums scattered across the country especially the state capitals with the prominent and popular ones found in Lagos and Jos. While the museum in Lagos which was established in 1956 once served as the headquarters for the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), the one in Jos is the most comprehensive and the largest in the country.

    From the foregoing, it could be deduced clearly that for the museum as an institution in its role to serve the public, a deep collaboration must exist with public agencies. The reason is that one of the roles of the museum apart from research and collection of artifacts is to serve the public. The museum is of service to the public through exhibition in its galleries which are patronized by the people for the purpose of enjoyment. They also render educational services to all categories of educational institutions.

    The museum also provides public enlightenment on the value of historic monuments, which are scattered across the country as part of the nation’s heritage and pride. They serve as a cultural focus and a centre of professional expertise on artifacts and antiquities. The museum also enhances the quality of life of the people by creating a sense of identity for the area in which they are located.

    In its economic role, the museum promotes the overall development in the area of housing, service and manufacturing industries. For example, Jos museum has transport and technology museum, with a railway track exhibiting old locomotive engines used during the colonial era, a tin mining gallery and an exhibit of the shunting vehicles that were used in transporting tins from the mines. This is also done along other public facilities such as libraries, theatres, open air museums, zoological gardens, etc. , that are daily patronized by the public. An example is the Museum of Traditional Nigerian Architecture (MOTNA), and the zoological garden in Jos. Museums can therefore help to encourage the development of local economies and enhance the well being of the people.

    The museum also contributes immensely to the development of tourism in areas with potential tourist attractions. It is on record that millions of tourists visit various museums across the world. Tourists bring in foreign capital in form of hard currency which acts as catalyst to boost local economies.

    In Nigeria, the museum is seen first and foremost as an arm of government. In fact and regrettably, there is a pervading ignorance about the very essence of its existence, even among the elites. For instance, in the eighties and nineties, Lagos Museum was known more in the Lagos area as ‘museum kitchen’ rather than the repository of the nation’s artifacts and valuable collections that reflects the country’s rich historical past and the creativity of her people dating back to several centuries. Obviously, people do not seem to realize that the museum because of the strategic and unique functions, can play significant roles in the economic life of the country. Therefore, it is important that the relationship between the museum and the public should not be limited to patronage.

    The museum and the public can partner in the area of investments by interested individuals or groups in areas such as education, tourism and the hospitality business. Also corporate groups, multinationals, banks, art lovers etc. can collaborate with the museum to sponsor museum programmes or activities and in turn benefit from such sponsorship as part of their corporate social responsibility.

    It is a matter of imperative that the museum and the public cooperate in order to elevate the standard of museum practice in Nigeria. As the world celebrates another International Museum Day, the attention of the public must be drawn to its social responsibility towards the museums in the country wherever they are located.

     

    By:Awoniyi, Taiwo Ademuyiwa

    National Museum, Onikan Lagos

  • Oshiomhole re-affirms asphalt track construction, calls for partnership

    Oshiomhole re-affirms asphalt track construction, calls for partnership

    EDO State governor, Adams Oshiomhole has reaffirmed the construction of asphalt tracks for motor bike (sport) race at Evbobanosa Community near Benin City, Edo State.

    The governor represented by his deputy, Dr. Pius Odubu, made the statement at the weekend during the “Easter (Motor bike) Race” organised by Motocross Naija at the race circuit in Evbonosa

    Speaking during the occasion that was well attended by people from all walks of life, the deputy governor reiterated that, “I want to assure the organisers of this bike race that the Comrade Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, has maintained that the construction of an asphalt track he promised will be fulfilled.

    “You know the Comrade is an action man who keeps to his words. Thank God, the asphalt track construction is already in the budget; when we start implementing the budget the construction will definitely commence in earnest,” Odubu told journalists.

    The governor also used the opportunity to call on individuals and corporate organisations to take advantage of the tourism potential that abound to invest in Edo State with a view to developing sports.

    This development, the governor said, will also help to appreciate the efforts of the initiator of the motor bike sport, Comrade Oduagbon Okao, who is also the president of Motocross Naija.

    In the event of the day, however, Jerry Omigie of D-Brown Racing Club snatched the first position in a time of 0:25:08m as John Obasogie of Sniper Racing Club came second in a time of 0:25:18m.

    Sadly, Omoruyi Onyeka of Metallic Horse Racing Club could not maintain the first position he won in December’s Race as he settled for the third spot in a time 0:25:44m.

    A total of 15 riders from five racing clubs – D-Brown, Sniper, Metallic Horse, Core and Pathways Racing had contested for the 10 laps meandering race which now comes up on quarterly bases as against the monthly race.

    Other dignitaries at the occasion include the Enogie of Evbobanosa dukedom, Prince (Prof) G. Iduorobo Akenzua, former Nigeria Premier League (NPL) Board Chairman, Oyuki Jackson Obaseki among others.

  • Envoy advocates Indo-Nigerian education partnership

    Envoy advocates Indo-Nigerian education partnership

    For the Nigerian education system to develop, the Indian Higher Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr Mahesh Sachdev said the country has to build the capacity of its teachers to teach.

    Speaking at a workshop in Lagos organised by EduSoft Associates Ltd, an Indian firm that provides Abacus and speed maths training, ICT solutions and others, he said India can partner with Nigeria to share its expertise in this regard.

    He said historically, Indian teachers have taught in Nigerian schools for many decades, adding that the two countries have many shared qualities that would make the partnership worthwhile.

    He said: “I have met many important people who have been taught by Indian teachers. I don’t mean it as a boast but the late President Yar’Adua, Governor Fashola and President Jonathan could recall the names of their Indian teachers and the values they learnt from them. A large country like Nigeria cannot be taught by foreigners but by Nigerians themselves. But we can share our expertise.

    “I believe education is a sector where if Nigeria needs a partner, India will perhaps be the best partner. We share diversity, large numbers of children, commonality of language, same resources, and an emerging social milieu. Which other country shares these characteristics with Nigeria?”

    In line with the theme of the workshop, “Implementing Best-in-class Solutions for enhancing Schools Pass Rate” held at NECA House,” Agidingbi, participants, made up of school owners and administrators learnt how they could improve student performance through various interventions EduSoft Associates and another company, Educomp Nigeria could provide.

    Representatives of both firms noted in their presentations that modern instructional materials are key to Nigeria’s educational development.

    They said solutions such as Abacus and Speed Mathematics, as well as ICT tools such as Smartclass and Edumate, have the potential of making teaching and learning more innovative and interesting.

    The workshop, with the theme, “Implementing best-in-class solutions for enhancing schools pass rate”, was held in Lagos on March 7. It was organised by EduSoft Associates, in partnership with Educomp Solutions Nigeria.

    Mrs Mobolaji Borha, who represented the Minister of Education, Hajiya Ruqayyat Ahmed Rufa’i, said that modern teaching aids assist teachers in becoming more effective, and students, more responsive to what they are being taught.

    “These solutions will act as very good support for teachers regarding lessons and teaching aids,” she said in her keynote address.

    Mrs. Adedoyin Isreal, Head Teacher, Heyday School, FESTAC, Lagos, who is already implementing some of these solutions, during the panel discussion, said: “Abacus and Speed Mathematics as well as some of these other solutions are geared towards enhancing the ability of students to be globally competitive. The solutions do not add or subtract from the approved curricula: they enhance the global competitiveness of our students.”

    Mr Badri Prasad, Director, Operations, EduSoft Associates, said the major objective of the workshop was to facilitate the introduction of solutions that have been adopted in other countries with impressive results to Nigerian schools.

    “With schools struggling to enhance the pass rate of their students in general examinations, adopting solutions that complement the general curriculum and importantly, make learning a thing of joy, thereby boosting students’ confidence, will go a long way in preparing students for examinations and ultimately for highly rewarding careers.

  • Banks mull foreign partnership on fraud control

    Banks mull foreign partnership on fraud control

    Local banks are considering securing international partnership, especially with foreign banks to fight rising cases of fraud and forgeries in the banking sector, The Nation has learnt.

    The banks are consulting with their counterparts abroad on technology buildup, especially on banking software and new fraud techniques to keep perpetrators on check.

    The financial report of the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) released showed that the banking sector reported N28.40 billion fraud cases last year, representing 33.4 per cent rise from N21.29 billion reported in the previous year.

    The Chairman of the Nigeria Electronic Fraud Forum (NeFF), Emmanuel Obaigbena, confirmed that that there is a plan by banks to partner with foreign lenders to fight fraud because of global dimension of the acts.

    Obaigbena said: “It is advisable for banks to give accurate data on fraud cases. They should not be scared of sharing statistics with each other.”

    He said the forum has set up a committee to sanction erring banks. The objective for this forum is for banks and the relevant agencies to share data to eliminate fraud in the industry.

    According to him, fraud not only translates to operational risk losses to banks’ it erodes the confidence of the public in electronic platforms/systems as a channel for transacting business.

    He reiterated that the need to protect customers from fraud cannot be over-emphasised, adding that the electronic payment system is international and requires to be approached from global perspective.

    Chief Technical Officer, Digital Encode, Seyi Akindeinde, said internet and mobile banking constitute the most frequent avenues through, which frauds are perpetrated.

    Also, the NeFF is collaborating with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the judiciary to fight the scourge. He added that the forum was also working with Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS) to enhance the fraud reporting in banks.

    According to him, fraud not only translates to operational risk losses to banks, it erodes the confidence of the public in electronic platforms/systems as a channel for transacting business.

    Also, the Nigeria Interbank Settlement System (NIBSS) said it is taking measures aimed at reducing the volume and value of fraud perpetrated in the banking sector.

     

     

  • ‘Allsort Shop, TCP partnership target 7013MW’

    A project called Go Green Nigeria, Light up Nigeria, being undertaken by the Technical Consumer Products Incorporated of United States, world’s largest manufacturer of energy lighting bulbs and a Nigerian company – Allsort Shop Warehouse Limited- will add 7013 megawatts (MW) of power to the grid.

    The two companies plan to inject 100 million energy-saving bulbs into the power sector to check undue wastage of the limited power in the country and to save the climate and environment through reduction of carbon emissions from power generating plants.

    The partnership’s pilot scheme carried out in Oduduwa community in Kosofe Local Government Area, Lagos State showed a tremendous success, which necessitated the drive to apply the initiative nationwide. Similar initiatives had been carried out in other countries including Ghana and have proved to be both successful and sustainable.

    The President of Go Green Nigeria Project, Oyebode Oyeneye, a former director in the Federal Ministry of Power, told reporters in Lagos that the project is predicated on the outcome of the Oduduwa research and success story. He said his experience as a power engineer who handled some strategic responsibilities in the power sector, showed the Go Green Nigeria project would significantly complement government’s efforts and help in achieving the Federal Government’s road map on electricity and its power sector reforms.

    This, he said, would be achieved without building new power generation plants, adding that the result is instant and measurable.

    On the pilot scheme in Lagos, he said the community was having gross electricity supply challenges and after the partnership conducted study of the community and changed the incandescent lamps with the TCP energy saver bulbs, the supply improved substantially.

    He said: “The Oduduwa community was known for very poor electricity supply and as a result could not enjoy power supply because the feeder pillar and fuse of the transformer would cut off on account of overloading of the transformer. It is interesting to note that with injection of just 500 TCP energy saver bulbs in the community the load on the 300kva transformer serving the community dropped from 151 per cent to 131 percent. The amazing thing was the fact that the result was instant, without gestational period as usually experienced in power generation.”

    The Chairman of Oduduwa Residents Association, Dr. Onobule, who spoke on the development, said: “We are very delighted on the outcome of the study. The community is better informed on the need to embrace energy conservation and efficient use of energy. The community is better lit and the transformer has not broken down since the intervention which reduced the load on the community transformer.

    “If all the incandescent lamps in the country are replaced with TCP energy saver bulb, the electricity power crisis will come to end. This type of intervention was adopted by Ghana and today electricity is no longer a challenge to Ghana’s economy and it only distributed six million lamps to end her power crisis. The country saves over $3 million per month and $39 million per annum as a direct benefit of this venture.

    “Attaining the goal of distributing 100 million TCP energy saver bulbs through private sector-driven mechanism in the economy will achieve 7013MW, without building power generation. It will save Nigeria N1.3 trillion over the next 10 years. The project will also mitigate the effects of climate change by avoiding the generation of 101,760,000 pounds of carbon dioxide. This is equivalent to taking 430,000 cars off the road or planting of 17,354,000 trees. This project will impact positively on the economy.

    “To facilitate the take-off of the project, he confirmed that a memorandum of understanding has been signed with Technical Consummer Product Inc. on the designing, manufacturing and supply of the 100 million lamps under special arrangement with their partners in Nigeria. This fact was also confirmed on telephone by Mr Thomas Leucke, the president of TCP for Europe, Middle East and Africa. He said TCP manufactures the highest quality energy saver bulbs in the world, adding that their product leave very minimal environmental foot prints.

    He said that TCP accounts for over 70 per cent of energy saver bulbs in USA and Canada market. The company, he said, produces over 1.5 million lamps daily. He also said arrangement is underway with the Go Green Nigeria on recycling disused bulbs.

    Oyeneye also said the team is reaching out to relevant agencies of governments and institutions for endorsement, partnership and sponsorship of the project. The distribution of the 100 million lamps is planned for four years and the earlier this initiative is achieved the better for the country, he added. He said more information on the project can be obtained from its website www.gogreenng.com.

  • Working in partnership to combat corruption

    Working in partnership to combat corruption

    SIR: When 140 countries convened on December 9, 2003, to sign the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC), this event underscored international abhorrence of the detrimental effects of corruption and global recognition that governments can only combat and prevent corruption through cooperative efforts. Since then, more nations joined the convention so that today 164 signatory countries make it one of the United Nations’ most highly subscribed treaties, creating a global mandate to combat corruption and the harm it brings to society.

    One of the great strengths of the convention is recognition that corruption involves a two-way street; while it is important to address the bribe payers who attempt to do business through dishonest means, it is equally important to hold accountable the bribe takers, who use their official positions for personal enrichment instead of the public good. The convention also includes stipulations on “kleptocrats,” who line their pockets and steal from their nations’ treasuries and their own people, preventing the provision of necessary public services, including medicines and health care for the sick and elderly, education for children, and nourishment and housing for families. Such activities weaken affected countries and their potential for economic growth.

    No country remains immune from corruption. To lessen the effects of corruption on a country’s economy and security, authorities must enforce anti-corruption laws, so those engaging in corrupt acts understand they cannot do so with impunity. The United States takes criminal enforcement of anti-corruption laws very seriously. In 2011, the U.S. Department of Justice prosecuted and won convictions against 1,107 public officials from all levels of government for engaging in acts of corruption, such as soliciting and/or accepting bribes, embezzling public funds, or trading in influence. Similarly, the U.S. became the first country to prohibit its nationals from paying bribes to foreign public officials, when it enacted the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) in 1977. Under the FCPA, each year the U.S. completes dozens of enforcement actions, penalizing companies who engage in corruption abroad, sending the message that engaging in corruption abroad is just as offensive as engaging in corruption at home.

    For any country, this two-pronged approach remains necessary to protect society from the ill effects of corruption. While it is important to penalize bribe payers to dissuade them from corrupting the system, it is equally important to prosecute public officials who betray the public trust by taking bribes or embezzling public funds. Corrupt officials who have stolen government funds or who demand bribes to award government contracts cannot be allowed to enjoy the proceeds of their corruption. Through criminal prosecution, Nigeria can end the culture of impunity and return stolen assets to productive use. This will not only help build Nigeria’s economy, it will also send the message to criminals who might believe Nigeria’s national resources or security are for sale, by closing down avenues for promoting crime and violent extremism.

    To foster the stability, security, and prosperity of its citizens, Nigeria must effectively address both sides of the corruption equation. The United States stands ready to work with Nigeria’s anti-corruption institutions to bring corrupt individuals to justice, whether through technical assistance and training, or working cooperatively to find evidence or stolen assets held abroad. Working together and with other international partners, we can combat corruption effectively and make impunity a thing of the past.

     

    • Ambassador Terence McCulley is US envoy to Nigeria

     

  • Vigilance group seeks partnership with Lagos govt

    The Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN) has urged Lagos State Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola to consider partnering it to reduce crime.

    Lagos State VGN Commander Prince Ademola Akerepa said his organisation was ready to complement the efforts of the government by making the state a real centre of excellence.

    He said: “We appeal to His Excellency to consider partnering the VGN and assigning it with a particular responsibility as far as security is concerned.”

    According to the VGN boss, “violence, corruption and other vices bedevilling the country will not occur in Lagos if the government can give us a trial.”

    He went on: “I can assure you that in accordance with the VGN motto, which says: ‘Say No To Crime’, within one year of our recognition and partnership with the government, our achievements will be so much that other states will be willing to pay any amount to learn how Lagos is doing it.”

    Akerepa said when his group earlier attempted to meet with the governor for introduction, it was directed to his Special Adviser on Security Matters, who advised that it should go and work first before any consideration.

    “That was in February. Since then, we have been working and records of our brilliant performances with the police speak volumes of our competence and seriousness in security matters.

    “Now, we need government assistance in the area of mobility and other logistics for better and greater performance,” he said.

  • Minister solicits partnership between Fed Govt, states on water supply

    Minister solicits partnership between Fed Govt, states on water supply

    The Minister of Water Resources, Mrs. Sarah Reng Ochekpe, has called for a partnership between the federal, state and local governments in the provision of water.

    She spoke in Jos, the Plateau State capital, when the Committee on Good Governance, led by the Minister of Information, Mr. Labaran Maku, inspected the Greater Jos-Bukuru Water Supply Project built by the Plateau State Government in Jos-North Local Government.

    Mrs. Ochekpe said the provision of water to the populace was the responsibility of all tiers of governments, adding that governance was about providing facilities, maintaining them and rehabilitating them whenever they became obsolete.

    “What the Plateau State Government is doing is rehabilitating the treatment plant and reticulating facilities. That is to expand and replace old pipes to get more water to the communities. For us at the federal level, we are excited about what the state government is doing because, to provide potable water to the communities across the country, we must have a strong partnership between the states and the federal government and it is encouraging that the Plateau State Government is coming strong on this,” she said.

    The minister encouraged other states to emulate Plateau by joining hands with the Federal Government to ensure citizens’ access to water.

    She said the project embarked upon by the state was to ensure proper management and supply of adequate water.

    Ochekpe noted that they were laying new pipes to replace the old ones, to prevent loss of water as a result of broken pipes.

    Conducting the team round the project, the Plateau State Commissioner for Water Resources, Idi waziri, said since 1981, there had not been any major repair on the water supply treatment plant until the advent of the present administration.

  • Obi applauds partnership with church

    Obi applauds partnership with church

    ANAMBRA State governor, Mr. Peter Obi, has declared the state is already reaping the fruits of partnership with the church, especially in the education and health sectors.

    He spoke while presenting a N15 million cheque to Holy Rosary Specialist Hospital and Maternity, Waterside Onitsha for the on-going ultra -modern maternity complex project.

    Obi also presented another N10 million cheque for continuation of work on the students’ hostel of the School of Midwifery of the hospital.

    He said he was impressed with the pace and quality of work on the projects and assured that government will ensure that they are completed according to specifications.

    The governor commended the commitment and dedication of the church in executing the projects.

    This, he said, has further reinforced and strengthened the state/ government partnership with the mission.

    The Catholic Archbishop of Onitsha, Most Reverend Valerian Okeke, described Governor Obi as a man of integrity who has continued to fulfill promises made to people.

    Okeke noted that his administration has continued to feel the pulse of the people and remained responsive to their needs and aspirations.