The Nation Newspaper

Tag: SON

  • SON completes work on hotel standardisation

    A major feat towards the regulation and standardisation of hospitality business in Nigeria has been achieved by the Standards Organisation of Nigeria as its National Mirror Committee (NMC) on tourism has successfully completed work on the first ever national framework on standards for Nigerian hotels. This is expected to form the baseline for the grading and classification of hotels in the country once approved.

    Head, Ogun State Office 1 of SON, Engr. Enebi Shaibu Onucheyo, who represented the Director General of SON, Osita Anthony Aboloma, at the event held in Lagos recently, described this as a great achievement that would bring development in the tourism industry as well as build confidence in the products and services offered by the industry in Nigeria.

    He said: “With what we  have seen here today, there are a lot of achievements under the able chairmanship of Mrs. Chika Balogun, the Directore General, National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR). I think her emergence as the chairman of the committee is a good thing that has happened to Nigeria in the area of tourism. She is very active; she has taken the committee to a different level. Today alone, we have adopted four standards in the tourism sector. This is going to enhance the performance and the services rendered within the tourism sector of the economy.”

    He said although there are more standards to be adopted, but the next stage for the standards adopted is for SON to  look at the document and  do what is called editorial review  and then send it to our council for final approval.

    It will also be  sent to the international community such as the Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS) and other relevant international bodies for approval before it becomes a legal document for the tourism sector.

    The National Mirror Committee was inaugurated by SON in April this year in Lagos with the mandate to review and adopt the International Standard Organisation (ISO/T228) and Africa Organisation for Standardisation set up by ECOWAS in accordance with international best practices for use in the tourism industry.

     

     

  • SON educates youths on standardisation, quality policy

    The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has spread its net to inculcate standardisation and quality in the youth and children.

    Its Director-General Osita Anthony Aboloma said in line with the “World’s Standards Day” with the theme: “Standards Build Trust,” the agency was promoting awareness on standards among children and the youth as agents of change.

    He spoke in his Lagos office when he hosted some children from schools in Lagos, who made presentations on standardisation and the need to ensure quality of products  and services.

    Aboloma, who was represented by Mrs. Cynthia Ifeagwu, said standards should guide Nigerians in businesses, schools and daily live, noting that if the rudiments of standards and quality are imbibed at a young age, children and youths could identify substandard goods.

    He said: “Good habit if learnt at a young age, there is a  possibility that a youngster will grow living his life insisting on quality and standard product and services through one’s life time. Children interface with different types of food and also are in a position to drive quality standards by engaging their parents to buy goods and services with SON standards mark of quality”.

    In its presentation, Chrisland School, led by Miss Mmesoma Okonkwo, defined her understanding of what standards are and its role in economic growth. She also stated that compliance to standards could  encourage sustainable economic growth.

    Miss Oyindamola Samuel, from Agape Bundle School, said compliance to standards could make people entrust their lives to particular products. She said no product could  claim to have quality and standards except it is approved by SON.

    She encouraged the public to insist on products with SON quality mark, stressing that the mark of quality helps organisations create wealth, build trust and stand-out in the pack.

    Aboloma  educated the students on the need to get their parents to patronise quality and safe products. This, he stressed, will safeguard the them from the effects of unsafe products.

    Aboloma said his agency’s mandate was to educate the public on the dangers of substandard products in school, and to build a nation whose economy is sustainable.

    He further stated that the mandate included safeguarding people’s lives and property from the impacts of substandard products through consumer education.

    SON has recorded successes in several sectors of the economy through the SONCAP and MANCAP, which are mandatory regulatory programmes for imported and locally manufactured goods.

  • SON warns against purchase of goods without warranty

    SON warns against purchase of goods without warranty

    The Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has warned consumers against the purchase of goods without a warranty card and receipt.

    The Osun State Coordinator of SON, Mr Sunday Badewole, gave the warning while addressing journalists on Thursday in Osogbo.

    “Any good without a warranty, we classify them as substandard.

    “A warranty means that a manufacturer or seller is giving his commitment to a particular product, that after sales he is still responsible for it for a certain period of time.

    “But if the warranty is not there, who will be responsible for the product if it developed any fault?

    “Warranty is a proof of quality and that is why we always encourage consumers to buy the product with a warranty,’’ Badewole said.

    The SON coordinator also urged consumers to always get a receipt for every good they purchase, saying this would help them to trace the address of the seller in case there was a problem.

    Badewole appealed to consumers not to buy goods in traffic, adding that such goods might be faked and without a traceable address.

    “Consumers should be mindful of where they buy their goods. Anywhere a receipt will not be given after purchase, is not a place to go.

    “Because when the problem comes consumers will not be able to trace them,’’ he said.

    Badewole said that the organisation would not relent in its quest to eradicate substandard goods in the Nigerian markets.

  • ‘Why NAFDAC, SON, others we must remain at ports,

    ‘Why NAFDAC, SON, others we must remain at ports,

    Some regulatory agencies at the Ports have given reasons why they should remain at their duty posts. They said as a result of their critical functions in preventing life-threatening imports, it would not be in the best interest of the country to be asked to leave the ports with other not-so critical agencies.

    The affected bodies include the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON),Directorate of Naval Intelligence, Nigerian Plant Quarantine Services, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency and the Federal Environmental Protection Agency, among others.

    Defending the re-admittance of NAFDAC at the Ports, its Port Head of Operations, Mrs. Maureen Ebigbeyi, said on the sideline at a workshop on ‘Maritime Reforms, that although NAFDAC was asked to leave the ports at the height of  the reforms in an effort to make the seaports efficient, cheaper and more user friendly, the country paid heavily for it.

    She said the action opened the country to wanton importation of harmful goods and substances. She said NAFDAC has a mandate to ensure: that no regulated product is allowed into the country except it is certified to be safe. But today we see false declarations almost on a daily basis of items by importers which are not good for the nation. It can be left to the imagination the danger the citizenry would have being exposed to if that policy of excluding NAFDAC from the ports was continued.

    “We see false declaration daily. Recently we intercepted 13 containers of drugs with wrong dosage and strength in Port Harcourt that was wrongly declared as clothing material. The nation was saved because of the vigilance and intelligence of our agency. If that huge number of unwholesome drug was allowed into the country who knows who may have been endangered by the dishonest actions of a few business men”.

    The NAFDAC chief explained that before the touted Port Reforms can make sense and be acceptable, the Nigerian Custom Service (NCS) must be proactive and shun all forms of malfeasance at inspection to the barest minimum. She suggested that only critical agencies should be involved in cargo clearance, unlike what is obtainable now where non critical agencies clog the clearance process discouraging the need to do thorough inspection.

    Earlier, Maritime Lawyer, and former President, Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Mr. Olisa Agbakoba  questioned the rationale  behind the multiplicity of agencies at the ports and their competences at curtailing crime.

  • Why we must remain at ports, by NAFDAC, SON, others

    Why we must remain at ports, by NAFDAC, SON, others

    Some regulatory agencies at the ports have adduced reasons why they should remain at their duty posts.

    They said as a result of their critical functions in preventing life-threatening imports from other countries, it would not be in the best interest of the nation to be asked to leave the ports for other not so critical agencies.

    In the height of port reforms by the previous administration, 28 agencies were banned, leaving only six agencies to man the ports and ease the port clearance process.

    Affected in the shake-up were Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Directorate of Naval Intelligence, Nigerian Plant Quarantine Services, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency and the Federal Environmental Protection Agency, among others.

    Defending the re-admittance of NAFDAC at the ports, its Port Head of Operations, Mrs.  Maureen Ebigbeyi, on a sideline at a workshop on “Maritime Reforms”, said though NAFDAC was asked to leave the ports at the height of the reforms in an effort to make the seaports efficient, cheaper and more user-friendly, the country paid heavily for it.

    She said the ill thought-out action opened the country to importation of harmful goods and substances.

    Mrs. Ebigbeyi, said: “That no regulated product is allowed into the country, except it is certified to be safe. But today, we see false declaration almost on a daily basis by importers, which are not good for the nation. It can be left to the imagination the danger the citizenry would have been exposed to if that policy of excluding NAFDAC from the ports were continued.

    “We see false declaration daily. Recently, we intercepted 13 containers of drugs with wrong dosage and strength in Port Harcourt that was wrongly declared as clothing material.

    “The nation was saved because of the vigilance and intelligence of our agency, if that huge number of unwholesome drug was allowed into the country, who knows who may have been endangered by the dishonest actions of a few businessmen?”

    The NAFDAC chief explained that before the touted port reforms could make sense and be acceptable, the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) must be proactive and shun  malfeasance at inspection.

     

  • Teebillz returns to Instagram, bonds with son in photo

    Teebillz returns to Instagram, bonds with son in photo

    After a bitter separation earlier in the year, there are indications that things are returning to normal between Tunji Balogun aka Teebillz and his family.

    On Sunday, Teebillz posted a picture on his Instagram page of him and Jamal, the son he and Tiwa Savage had together, sharing quality time in a pool.

    “A peaceful heart leads to a healthy body,” Teebillz wrote.

    Also, on Saturday, his first post since six months ago after the messy separation, Teebillz had posted inspirational quotes on his Instagram page. “”We must become the CHANGE we seek in others” – Mahatma Ghandi.

    “When you find your purpose and define your values in life, everything else is irrelevant” #DavidBillz @lanreolusola thanks for all the wisdom nuggets #BestLifeCoach”

    Many of his followers have wished him well while praying for his reunion with his wife.

    One of those who commented, abbeyluv91, wrote: “God bless you handsome Tunji…God jam jam…God bless TIWA…God keep blessing your home….I’m happy for you boss..you will never experience sadness again in life..!!! * insha allahu*

    Recently, a report indicated that Tiwa is also considering reuniting with her husband.

    “You can take my word for it that a reconciliation is in the offing between Tiwa and Teebillz,” an anonymous source was reportedly quoted.

    “She has told people close to her that she misses Tunji, and she wants him back in her life. Also, as their son, Jamal (Jam Jam) is growing older, Tiwa wants to ensure that he has a father figure around.”

    Also, while performing at the Three Thrones Concert at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos, penultimate Sunday, Tiwa had paused to ask marital advice from singing couple, Tunde and Wunmi Obe (TWO).

    “You’ve been married for so long, and you’re also in the limelight; how have you managed to keep your relationship intact for all these years?” she asked.

    “There’s a lot of pressure on young couples and I’m very jealous of you.”

  • Septuagenarian’s sleepless nights linger over missing son, 45

    Septuagenarian’s sleepless nights linger over missing son, 45

    A 70-YEAR-OLD woman, Mrs Adijat Balogun, said she has been having sleepless nights since the disappearance of his son, Ibrahim Balogun, 21 days ago.

    The missing Balogun, 45, is an Accountant at CHI Farm in Ajao Estate, Isolo, Lagos.

    The Kogi-born Balogun is dark in complexion; he speaks Ibira, Yoruba and English languages fluently.

    He was said to have left his Ketu Alapere home for work on October 4 and has since then not returned home.

    Mrs Balogun said she has being crying and unable to sleep since then.

    “I saw him last on Monday, October 3, while he was washing clothes, I packed his clothes for him in the evening and we told each other good night. That was the last time I saw my son,” she said in tears.

    Mrs Balogun noted that it was when some of his colleagues came to ask after her son that she discovered he was missing.

    She said: “His colleagues came to my house around 6pm, wanting to know why he did not come to work. It was then I realised he was missing. I taught he went to work but they told me they didn’t see him. They said he was always the first to get to the office, and that was why they came asking after him, thinking he was sick.

    “We have all tried our best to find him, but all to no avail. We have forced the door to his room open but we didn’t see any trace. My children have reported to the police but we are yet to see him.

    “We have checked the places that he usually goes to. He is not married, he has no friend, except for Sunday and Sunday is aware of the incident. I am tired, help me.

    “I have not received any call requesting for ransom for his release, assuming he was abducted. I don’t even have any money to pay.”

    She described her son as an easy-going man who will not go anywhere without telling her.

    A neighbour, Florence Olaniran, described the missing Balogun as a man that does not cause trouble neither does he quarrel with anyone.

    She said: “He has a soft heart. He does not womanise and he has no friend.”

    Blogun’s nephew Hassan Balogun said that they have searched everywhere including, hospitals, mortuary and other public places but did not see him.

    He said he has been in trauma over his missing nephew.

  • Police parade father, son, two others for kidnap, murder of Port Harcourt lawyer

    Police parade father, son, two others for kidnap, murder of Port Harcourt lawyer

    The Police have paraded a father, his son and two others for their alleged involvement in the kidnap and murder of a Port Harcourt-based human rights lawyer, Mr. Ken Atsuwete.

    The victim was murdered in cold blood on August 29 along Onuchiolu Road, Aluu in Ikwerre Local Government Area, Rivers State.

    The police explained that the suspects were arrested by the IGP’s Monitoring Unit based in Port Harcourt after investigation.

    The suspects include Chibiko James Amuzuo Okwuono, Amadi Nathaniel, Ezims Aleru and Junior Aleru.

    Exhibits recovered from them include one AK 47 rifle, 124 live ammunition and four AK 47 magazines.

    Briefing journalists yesterday in Abuja about their operation, Force Spokesman, Don Awunah, said: “Four suspects were arrested in connection with the case.  The leader of the gang, Chibiko James, is a 22-year-old native of Umuchie in Omuna Local Governmnet Area of Rivers State and the leader of the gang.

    “He is a self-confessed member of the Iceland Cult group, Kelga Marinner and a notorious kidnapper.

    “He also confessed to have led his gang of armed men to murder the deceased. The AK 47 rifle with which he killed the deceased was recovered.

    “Also, contrary to wide public suspicion that he was hired to assassinate the deceased, the suspect, according to his statement, revealed that the murder was a result of botched kidnap attempt,” Awunah stated.

    He also said that other members of the gang confessed to committing the crime.

    The suspects, in what appeared to be a blame game, blamed each other for the crime.

    The gang leader, Chibiko James, explained that Ezims Aleru and his wife were responsible for the operation.

    According to him, “this man (Ezims) led us into all these things. He and his wife are responsible for this operation.”

    Asked if they committed the crime, another member of the gang, Nathaniel Amadi, 21, said: “We did it, but it was not intentional.

    “I joined the gang because my father was killed, our house was burnt and my mother is sick in the hospital.

    “We did not know that the man we kidnapped was a lawyer.

    “The man died because he was struggling and dragging the gun with us.

    “He died in the process of dragging the gun.

    “While we were struggling, he mistakenly shot himself in the leg and died.

    “We didn’t intend to kill him.”

    Asked if they were hired to do the job, he simply said: “We were not sent.

    “We didn’t even know who he was.

    “We saw his car approaching on the road and we decided to stop him and try our luck.

    “We actually wanted to kidnap him for ransom, but he ended up dead.

  • Alakija plans jaw-dropping party for son’s wedding

    Alakija plans jaw-dropping party for son’s wedding

    For billionaire businesswoman Folorunsho Alakija, the days leading up to Saturday, November 19, 2016 is a very important date.  That is the day her beloved son, Folarin, is billed to get married to the love of his life, Naganin Khosro, at an exquisite event scheduled for the Grand Ball Room of Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.

    The Forbes-acclaimed richest woman in Africa is leaving no stone unturned to ensure that her son’s wedding lives up to its billing as a spectacular, jaw-dropping event. Plans are already in place to ensure the introduction and engagement ceremony at the Grand Ball Room go without a hitch. The reception which will follow immediately is sure to feature the very best of local, western and oriental dishes.

  • SON to intensify campaign against bad tyres

    SON to intensify campaign against bad tyres

    The Acting Director-General, Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Dr. Paul Anya, has said the campaign against substandard tyres will continue through the ember months.

    Angya spoke during the handing over ceremony to the substantive DG, Mr. Osita Aboloma in Abuja, assuring that the seven months he did as acting were dedicated to building on the job the former Director General Joseph Odumodu did before leaving office.

    He said: “The SON had planned to intensify the campaign on substandard tyres, apart from campaign against tyres the building sector has been a source of concern to SON and the organisation is taking a serious look into the crisis in building collapse.”

    Responding, Aboloma sought full coroperation from all the workers  of the organisation, assuring that work will be a continuous activity, as no idea will be thrown away.

    He said the influx of substandard goods into the country from different parts of the world is a disaster and should be stopped, adding that SON workers must be proactive.