The Nation Newspaper

Tag: STAKEHOLDER

  • Stakeholder advises govt on tourism development, security

    Chairman Crystal Courts Hotel, Lagos, Prince Emmanuel Obi, has urged the Federal Government to focus more on developing the tourism sector, saying that tourism can only grow in a good operating environment where security and social amenities are available.

    Prince Obi stated that the inability of government to effectively address tourism challenges would truncate the growth of the hospitality businesses across states.

    Advising Nigeria to take a cue from Kenya, Obi pointed out that to achieve tourism growth, the government should be able to provide necessary social amenities such as good roads, security, electricity supply, tourism sites amongst others.

    According him, the industry should be able to afford guests places to go such as museums, landmark centers, beaches, which must be secured to assume full blown hospitality environment.

    He noted that for hospitality to thrive in the country, the environment must be made conducive enough, stressing that what Nigeria does presently is just to operate hotels, which has not attracted enough tourists and visitors.

    Obi who appealed to Lagos State’s Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to help harness Lagos State tourism potentials, said government should provide practitioners with incentives at all levels as indication of taking the sector serious.

    Read Also: UNWTO, Barca launch sports tourism contest

    He stated that growing the hospitality business depends on the impression on one’s mind, noting that the term is highly abused in the country mind.

    “We don’t really have hospitality in this country. Hospitality is not just about hotel”, he said.

    According to him, the tourism potential in this country is tremendous but has not been adequately harnessed.

    “Every nation of the world that is thriving in tourism would always have a museum of history, arts, monuments, libraries, landmarks, old building and these things make tourism tick. Eko Atlantic is the haven we have. Government should create synergy with private owners in making Eko Atlantic a haven for the visitors to see”.

    “The numbers of hotels on the streets in Nigeria have actually shrunk due to lack of patronage. So, there must be a definition while setting up a hotel. The visitors we have in this country are business men who came for conferences and seminars, they didn’t come to have fun,” he added.

    Narrating his experience, Obi said: “I believe in setting  up one and  make it work very well before going to the next one. My hotel is barely five years now but I have been in hospitality business for the past 24 years.

    “In a couple of years,  Crystal Courts Hotel shall be one of the leading hotels with  very comfortable brand as signature”, he promised.

  • Stakeholder rewards students at competition

    A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Chief Biodun Owonikoko, has organised another round of quiz competition for some secondary schools in Oke-Ogun area of Oyo State.

    The quiz competition, which was organised in partnership with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), was held at the Iseyin Local Government Area secretariat, Iseyin.

    Hundreds of students from schools in the four local governments competed for prizes ranging from laptops to mobile phone and cash.

    The competing local governments were Kajola, Iwajowa, Itesiwaju and Iseyin.

    After a preliminary competition, the best three students in each participating local government were brought to Iseyin for the final competition.

    They were tested in English language, Mathematics and Current Affairs.

    At the end of the competition, Kajola Local Government Area came first while Iseyin and Itesiwaju came second and third respectively.

    Kajola and Iseyin teams went home with a laptop each while Itesiwaju team was rewarded with a mobile phone. The remaining nine participants got N5,000 cash each.

    In his remark at the event, Owonikoko, who is the Baamofin of Oke-Ogun land, explained that “the decision to begin the project in 2010 was borne out of the need to boost the interest of the younger generation in education so that they can strive for excellence. It is my own little way of supporting education development among the indigenes of Oke-Ogun where I come from.

    Represented by Alhaji Waheed Shittu, Owonikoko, a lawyer said reforming education is taxing, pointing out that it requires the support of all stakeholders.

    Emphasising the need to properly plan education, Owonikoko said: “The process of education reforms must match modern scientific and technological innovations for it to remain relevant to the learner and the nation. It also takes years for any meaningful educational reform to yield fruits. Nigeria must learn to plan its education and implement it with commitment and sense of direction for the greater good of all its citizens.”

    Also highlighting the importance of secondary education to the Nigerian society, he said: “Secondary education must be accorded the deserved priority that aims at helping our youths to develop sellable skills and knowledge to continue with their studies. Policy haste in education never gives the desired result.

    “It would be better if policies are made in such a way that changes can be accommodated without disturbing the overall system in operation. Nigerian education system should aspire for manpower training.”

    Also speaking at the event, State Coordinator of the NYSC, Mrs. Olufunmilayo Akin-Moses, who was represented by the Zonal Inspector of Education for Ibarapa, Mrs. Ajose Yewise, praised the initiative of the legal icon. She congratulated the participating schools on being part of a veritable platform towards remodelling their future for the better.

  • Stakeholder rewards students at competition

    A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Chief Biodun Owonikoko has organised another round of quiz competition for some secondary schools in Oke-Ogun area of Oyo State.

    The quiz competition, which was organised in partnership with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), was held at the Iseyin Local Government Area secretariat, Iseyin.

    Hundreds of students from schools in the four local governments competed for prizes ranging from laptops to mobile phone and cash.

    The competing local governments were Kajola, Iwajowa, Itesiwaju and Iseyin.

    After a preliminary competition, the best three students in each participating local government were brought to Iseyin for the final competition.

    They were tested in English language, Mathematics and Current Affairs.

    At the end of the competition, Kajola Local Government Area came first while Iseyin and Itesiwaju came second and third respectively.

    Kajola and Iseyin teams went home with a laptop each while Itesiwaju team was rewarded with a mobile phone. The remaining nine participants got N5,000 cash each.

    In his remark at the event, Owonikoko, who is the Baamofin of Oke-Ogun land, explained that “the decision to begin the project in 2010 was borne out of the need to boost the interest of the younger generation in education so that they can strive for excellence. It is my own little way of supporting education development among the indigenes of Oke-Ogun where I come from.

    Represented by Alhaji Waheed Shittu, Owonikoko, a lawyer said reforming education is taxing, pointing out that it requires the support of all stakeholders.

    Emphasising the need to properly plan education, Owonikoko said: “The process of education reforms must match modern scientific and technological innovations for it to remain relevant to the learner and the nation. It also takes years for any meaningful educational reform to yield fruits. Nigeria must learn to plan its education and implement it with commitment and sense of direction for the greater good of all its citizens.”

    Also highlighting the importance of secondary education to the Nigerian society, he said: “Secondary education must be accorded the deserved priority that aims at helping our youths to develop sellable skills and knowledge to continue with their studies. Policy haste in education never gives the desired result.

    “It would be better if policies are made in such a way that changes can be accommodated without disturbing the overall system in operation. Nigerian education system should aspire for manpower training.”

    Also speaking at the event, State Coordinator of the NYSC, Mrs. Olufunmilayo Akin-Moses, who was represented by the Zonal Inspector of Education for Ibarapa, Mrs. Ajose Yewise, praised the initiative of the legal icon. She congratulated the participating schools on being part of a veritable platform towards remodelling their future for the better.

  • Council holds stakeholders’ meeting on budget

    Council holds stakeholders’ meeting on budget

    The Executive Secretary of Badagry West Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Prince Joseph Adeoluwayemi Agoro has reiterated the council’s commitment to engage the people in participatory government in which citizens will have their say and way.

    He also said the administration would promote growth and development of the LCDA in accordance with the democratic principles of due consultation, full disclosure, transparency, inclusive participation, responsive leadership, rule of law and due process.

    Prince Agoro spoke during a stakeholders’ meeting on the council’s 2016 Budget held at the council’s secretariat Kankon, Badagry.

    “It is, therefore, in this light that this forum has been organised to demonstrate our commitment to fulfilling that pledge,” he said.

    In the face of continuous dwindling of Federal allocation to the state and local government with attendant challenges to providing critical infrastructure, the need to look inwards has become imperative.

    Stressing the need for the council to generate enough funds to carry out more development projects that will impact positively on the people’s lives, Prince Agoro added that it was as a result of that need that the LCDA had repositioned its revenue collectors to enable them to deliver on their assignment. He enjoined the residents to co-operate with the council’s revenue collectors by paying the necessary taxes and dues in order to help the council to embark on more people-oriented projects.

    On achievements recorded by the council in the past one year, the council chief noted that “in spite of the challenges of dwindling allocation, we hit the ground running and have deployed our mandate in the last one year to accomplish several development projects in more communities in the council.

    “The achievements wouldn’t have been possible to accomplish without the support and patience of the residents of the Badagry West LCDA. We appreciate and cherish the confidence you have continued to repose in us.

    “Today, our collective vision for year 2016 Budget will be discussed so that all of you can make inputs into its transformation into a viable working document. We expect that your contributions will make viable impact in this year’s budget for our collective good. We don’t have monopoly of wisdom; hence our resolve to always bow to superior reasoning and ideas.

    “As you are aware, government cannot provide all your needs because we need to work within our available resources to carry out more important projects which the communities have prioritised in their requests.

    “I assure the people that our administration remains committed to the realisation of its promises. These are good governance, health, security and education.

    Few days ago, Governor Ambode announced the inauguration of 114 roads to be constructed in the 57 LGAS/LCDAS in the state in which our Apa Palace Road and Kweme Road were included.

    “The mission for the actualisation of the project started in October last year when Governor Ambode met and agreed with us on the need to massively embark on rehabilitation and construction of inner roads across the state. The road is going to be of good standard with walk ways, street lights and drainage.”

    He advised the people not only to be security conscious but to be also keen observers of the environment, urging them to report any suspicious act to the appropriate authorities.

    “Remember that the Lagos State Government has warned that any building without toilet facility would be sealed. Please, ensure that you have good toilet facility in your homes.

    “As Lassa fever has broken out in the country recently which has claimed some lives, I advise the residents to always keep their surroundings clean and keep their homes rat-free to prevent any unforeseen situation,” he said.

  • Stakeholders to end strikes in Health sector

    Stakeholders have agreed to work together to end the incessant strikes in the Health sector, the Supervising Minister for the Federal Ministry of Health, Dr. Khaliru Alhassan, has said.

    The supervising minister said the era of recurrent strikes by various health unions or groups to push for their demands in the attempt to undermine another group was over.

    He said this was the consensus of the stakeholders.

    Alhassan assured that the Federal Government would henceforth ensure industrial harmony in the sector.

    The sector had witnessed series of actions in the last one year; the last action lasted about two months.

    The supervising minister spoke at the weekend after a meeting with leaders of the various stakeholders in the Health sector.

  • ‘Stakeholder urges review of auto policy’

    ‘Stakeholder urges review of auto policy’

    An auto dealer and Chairman of Oris Velvet Autos, Chief Alfred Omoghiade,  has called on the Federal Government and its agency, the National Automotive Council, to take urgent steps to review the current auto policy in the interest of the nation’s economy.

    In a statement, he said the call was imperative against the background that the auto policy was implemented, is not delivering on its projected benefits, but rather, it is harming the industry and the economy.

    The policy came into effect early July last year with the aim of localising the manufacturing of vehicles with the assembly plants projected to roll out an aggregate of 300, 000 vehicle units within the next two years and specifically, 23, 000 vehicle units of various brands of automobiles produced by the plants between June and December 2014.

    The policy, in the thinking of government, would not only help to reduce the pressure on foreign reserves by discouraging importation, but also lead to massive job creation and enhance the wellbeing of the economy. Accordingly, with the full implementation of the auto policy, tariffs jumped from 20 percent duty on passenger cars (PC) and 10 per cent on commercial vehicles (CV) to 70 per cent and 35 per cent respectively.

    But in his evaluation of the policy at the weekend, Omoghiade, said the Federal Government should as a necessity wade in and review the policy especially in view of the prevailing economic situation.

    He faulted the implementation of the policy, saying it has failed to yield the expected dividends because the local production of cars and vehicles as key elements of the policy, is not being met just as the nation is losing much revenue at the ports. He also pointed out that the policy has led to job losses at the ports and retarded business activities of other stakeholders.

    He noted that while the policy was a noble vision but that the implementation had been hasty leading to contradictions and no concrete benefits yet to the nation as planned.

    “Having implemented the auto policy this far, it is becoming incresingly clear that the anticipated objectives are not being realised and it is a well thought out suggestion that the Federal Government and the National Automotive Council should take a second look at it and review it accordingly. Based on certain fundamentals in the nation’s economy, the auto policy ought to have been given at least10 years of incubation before its full implementation. This is to ensure that the right enabling environment is in place and consequently guarantee its success.

  • Involve stakeholders in policy decision

    The National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE) has asked the Federal Government to involve stake-holders in important aviation policy matters, particularly the plan to create a national carrier and an Aerotropolis project.

    It said it would make itself available in this regard, adding that this is the only way to guarantee success of the ventures.

    It cited Ethiopian Airline which was started with stakeholders and is now a success.

    In a communique after its 13th National Delegates Conference, NAAPE noted that some airlines had disallowed their workers from becoming members of the union, contrary to labour law.

    It said the non-unionisation hinders human capacity development and holds back NAAPE’s effort to place the industry on the global stage.

    ‘’Therefore, the conference mandates the National Administrative Council (NAC) to use all lawful means to ensure that all working Pilots and Aircraft Maintenance Engineers are fully unionized. It should, however, be clearly stated that the notion which depicts Union as a foe is a misconception. As a matter of fact, NAAPE has been, and remains a worthy partner committed to the progress of aviation companies.”

    It also mandated the National Administration Council to immediately set the machinery in motion to stamp out all abuses in the expatriate quota regime to ensure that Nigerian Pilots and Engineers are gainfully employed and also to enhance human capacity growth in the sector.

    The association praised the Aviation Roadmap, new airport terminals (delivered and to be delivered), the Aerotropolis concept, aviation policy review, airside development and expressed the hope that the effort would be sustained.

    It called for urgent and definite action to be taken to upgrade the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria in other for it to regain its world-class statute.

    NAAPE noted that the college’s post-graduate programme should be expanded and also extended to PHD level.

    The Conference called for the need to build the capacity of NCAT instructors to Doctorate cadre, as well as providing for professorship in the institution.

    This will serve the double purpose of upgrading the quality of products and attracting quality teaching personnel as well, it said.