The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Stakeholders

  • On a fast lane

    On a fast lane

    Justice delayed is Justice denied, so goes the saying. But three years after the Fast Track Rules and Procedures was introduced in Lagos, it is yet to achieve result, hence the need to re-orientate lawyers on the rules to achieve set objectives, writes Adebisi Onanuga.

    Stakeholders in the judiciary converged on the City Hall, Lagos to brainstorm on how to make the Lagos Civil Rules and Procedures 2012, particularly the Fast Track Rules and Procedures work and be effective.

    They were unanimous in their call on legal practitioners to stick to the rules and avoid frivolous applications, which they noted, have been the bane of achieving the purpose of fast tracking the rules in the  state.

    Among those who spoke at the forum were the Chief Judge of the  state, Justice Ayotunde Phillips;  the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice,  Ade Ipaye;  Justices of the  High Court of Lagos State including Opeyemi Oke; Yemisi Willians-Dawodu; Sola Williams; Moji Dada; Efunkumbi Oyefeso and Olubunmi Oyewole now of the Court of Appeal.

    They also included Chairman, Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Ikeja Branch, Monday Ubani and his Lagos Branch counterpart, Alex Mouka;  Mr. Tunde Ajibade (SAN); Prof. Bolaji Owasanoye; Mr. S.K. Shillings and Tunde Fagbohunlu.

    The one-day forum was organised by the state Judiciary and Justice For All (J4A), a project of the British Council, in collaboration with the Human Development Initiatives (HDI).

    Justice Phillips, in her opening remarks, admitted that years after the introduction of the Fast Track rules in the state, it was yet to achieve the desired result. She noted that the rules failed because those who were to practise them deliberately refused to comply with the rules and thereby failing to understand the concept.

    “From the day it was introduced till date, the Fast Track Procedure has failed. I don’t think we are ready and fully appreciate what it was all about,” she said, adding that the concept of the rules and procedures was to reduce the time spent on litigation to a period not exceeding nine months; from the beginning of an action to delivery of judgment.”

    She continued: “This fast track court is what the social economic climate of Nigeria requires now as the world is fast moving towards arbitration in dispute resolution. Nigeria cannot sit on the fence and be watching all these developments around her. We have to be part of the development around the world.”

    She, therefore, appealed to stakeholders to partner effectively with the judiciary to make it work. She said a number of judges, under the leadership of Justice Oke, have been designated to handle fast track cases and that they have been working round the clock to ensure that cases are completed within the nine months record time.

    Ipaye urged legal practitioners to avoid delay tactics through frivolous applications, which according to him, often prolong matters in court.  Noting that justice delayed is justice denied, he reminded them that when justice delivery takes too long, it often made people to lose confidence in the judiciary.

    According to him, filing of frivolous application is not the right thing to do if lawyers believe that they don’t have a solid case.

    He pointed out that speedy resolution of court cases was important to economic development of the state and that when investors are assured of getting speedy trial in the event of a failed agreement on their investment, they would come in to invest in the state.

    “Investors are looking for a justice system that works. They are looking for where they can confidently invest with the expectation that when there are disputes, the disputes can be speedily addressed,” he said.

    In her paper titled: “Recent Developments in the operation of the Lagos Fast Track Court”, Justice Oke cited Section 36 (1) of the Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) which according to her, provides for fair hearing within a reasonable time. In the determination of his civil right and obligations including any question or determination by or against any government or authority, a person shall be entitled to a fair hearing within a reasonable time by a court or other tribunal established in such manner as to secure its independence and impartiality.”

    Citing legal authorities like late Justice (Dr.) Akinnola Aguda and Prof. Itsay Sagay, she said  the presently slow process of judicial system in the country is frightening and that many stakeholders have added their voices  and shown concern on this issue.

    Oke recalled that fast track courts initially came up in 2006, but that there was no strict adherence to the practice direction setting up the courts and that it was business as usual as cases were moved back to the normal track where counsels and parties delay proceedings. According to her,  the objective of the fast track initiative was to promote improvement of the commercial justice system by developing a procedure that recognises the importance of a quick resolution of commercial disputes in court towards a positive impact on the economy of the state and the nation as a whole.

    Justice Oke, who listed the procedures involve in fast track cases and challenges, urged stakeholders to develop a new  commitment in the administration of justice–the Bench, the Bar and the society at large, urging them to take  advantage of the considerable potential that exists in the establishment of the fast track court, especially in commercial cases. “Its goals are: competence, commitment and quick dispensation of justice – justice delayed is justice denied,” she said.

    Justice Oyefeso, who spoke on similar topic, said there has been mounting criticisms over the years over the inefficiency of disposing of cases through our courts. She described the fast track court as that of excellence with a high case disposal rate within a short period of time.

    “We shall of course, not sacrifice justice on the altar of speed! All our efforts will thus engender investors’ confidence, build confidence in our judiciary and ultimately resolve commercial disputes expeditiously, attract investors who know that once there is a dispute it will be resolved fairly and quickly,” she said.

    Justice Williams Dawodu in her paper titled: “Commercial dispute in Lagos State, using the fast track courts”, pointed out that for the fast track procedure to work, there must be adequate understanding by judges and other stakeholders, the technicalities of commercial law and the areas of focus of the fast track procedure, stressing that practitioners need to have a thorough grasp of the fast track procedure in order to “deliver the goods”.

    An expert on fast track rules, Mr. S.O.K. Shillings suggested that for fast track rules to succeed and achieve desired objectives, judges appointed to handle cases under the rules should be encouraged to arrange proceedings in the best manner that could achieve the purpose and essence of the project.

    He added that firmness and effective award of costs should be encouraged. “Judges should apply discretion in proceedings to guide against wasting of valuable litigation time, especially by giving hints and directions necessary for end of justice” he said.

    Ajibade listed suggestions for effective and successful implementation of the fast track rules. They include: “Involvement of counsel more in the administration and case management than it is done at present; establishment of an exclusive panel of judges to handle fast track matters; involvement of the parties in the creation of a detailed timetable at the inception of the case similar to the notice of allocation in the UK Fast Track and development of a full and proper jurisprudence on costs.

    He stressed that costs, as distinct from default fees, should be automatically paid to the non-defaulting party for every 12 defaults that occasion a delay unless notice is given to the court within a specified time frame prior to the agreed date.

    This, he said, would  ensure that counsel and parties are more diligent in ensuring that documents and witnesses, for example, are prepared and available as and when due.

    Ubani  said lawyers must be dissuaded from employing delay tactics in fast track matters. He urged judges to apply the rules strictly and not allow any of the parties flout them.

    He described the fast track procedure as a welcome innovation that would encourage commercial transactions of lending and borrowing and give confidence to foreign investors that debt owed would be easily recovered using fast track mechanism.

    National Programme Manager, Justice for All, said the relationship between justice and economic development cannot be over emphasised. Arnot, represented by Prof. Bolaji Owasanoye of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS), said this was the reason the British Council was supporting the initiative.

  • Abia South PDP stakeholders hail Orji’s election

    Stakeholders of Peoples Democratic Party in Abia South have hailed the election of Governor Theodore Orji as the chairman of Southeast Governors’ Forum .

    Some of the party members who spoke to our correspondent in Aba, described Orji’s appointment as not only timely, but a square peg in a square hole.

    They said that it was important that the governor became the southeast governors’ forum chairman, adding that his election into that position would attract more Federal Government’s attention to the region.

    Chief Friday Nwosu, a PDP chieftain, described the governor’s election as historic and well deserved, adding that, the election is a testimony to the laudable achievements of the governor and the stabilising role he is playing in the zone.

    According to him, “Abians are grateful to the governors and other stakeholders of the zone for the recognition accorded our first citizen. We rejoice with Governor Orji for this historic election. It is a confirmation of the fatherly role he is playing in the zone as well as his achievements in Abia State.”

    Nwosu who is a legal practitioner, stated that the election came at a time the South East Governors’ Forum needed a grassroot mobiliser like Governor Orji as the 2015 elections draw near.

    He thanked other governors for the peaceful manner in which the election was conducted and enjoined them to rally round their new chairman and President Goodluck Jonathan to protect the interest of the zone in the politics of the nation.

    Chief Simon Emeh, another PDP chieftain, said it wasn’t a mistake that the governor emerged the chairman after outgone Anambra Governor Peter Obi.

    According to him, “Ochendo has performed so well in the things that concerned Igbo race. He is also, one of the modern leaders we have that have emerged as the chairman of the forum. Ochendo suspends anything he is doing in Abia State immediately it concerns anything about the Southeast. Since 2007 till date, he has been participating effectively. He will use his humility to attract so many things to the Southeast. Since Mr. President is a friend to the current chairman of the forum, I think whatever that is our need; the president will give it a listening ear.

  • Shipowners, stakeholders seek removal of waiver clause

    The Nigerian Shipowners Association (NISA) and other stakeholders have urged the Federal Government to remove the waiver clause from the Coastal and Inland Shipping Act (Cabotage Act of 2013).

    This, they said, would improve the business of indigenous shipowners.

    NISA Chairman Chief Isaac Jolapamo said over 50 per cent of firms have been shut due to the poor implementation of the Cabotage Law.

    He said NISA canvassed the position at the stakeholders’ meeting with the Minister of Transport, Senator Idris Umar, on policy guidelines for the granting of waivers under the Coastal and Inland Shipping Act 2003 otherwise known as the Cabotage Law.

    “The removal will help to address the plight of indigenous ship owners whose businesses have been damaged,’’ Jolapamo, said, adding that it was sad that indigenous ship owners were not doing well despite that they started business in Nigeria.

    He urged the government to implement the report of the Presidential Committee on Development of the Maritime Industry to assist NISA.

    NISA’s Secretary, Capt. Niyi Labinjo, also called for the removal of the waiver clause, saying his colleagues members are owing banks over $3 billion (N480 billion).

    The waiver clause, according to Labinjo, has been made more important by the Ministry of Transport to the detriment of the implementation of the Cabotage Law itself.

    “I am alarmed at the kind of vessels that are granted waiver in Nigeria. Instead of giving waivers to specialised vessels in consonance with the dreams of the initiators of the Act, we end up giving waivers to anchor handling and tankers which the Act did not envisage for waivers.

    “In other climes, they do not leave the administration of waiver to be handled by the ever busy government officials like the Minister, Permanent Secretary or NIMASA, but rather, it’s an all-inclusive exercise where applications are received by the agency concerned and forwarded to the stakeholders who do the needful and make recommendations to the implementing agency which now carries out the recommended action,” Labinjo said.

    In a related development, the National Association of Nigerian Traders (NANTS) has called for the establishment of an independent body to review all applications for import waivers and concession.

    NANTS said the demand was meant to ensure transparency and accountability.

    The President of the association, Mr Ken Ukaoha made the appeal in a statement made available to reporters.

    He said the policy could only be measured by its impact in promoting the common good.

    “Weak institutions produce dysfunctional policies and dysfunctional policies only breed corruption, waste and retrogression, and this is what we are facing with the waivers and concessions,’’ it said.

    The NANTS chief said the body would be drawn from the private sector, civil society, consumer associations, academia and representatives of relevant government agencies, such as the Ministries of Finance, Agriculture and the Nigeria Investment Promotion Council.

    He said the use of waivers and concessions was one of the legitimate tools any government could use for economic development and poverty eradication.

    “Waivers and concession could also be used as an instrument to regulate the economy like tariff. In principle, waivers and concessions themselves are not bad.

    “By nature, waivers and concession are prone to abuse and that is why any serious nation ought to pay attention to the manner such instruments are administered,” he added.

  • Stakeholders move against building collapse

    To stem the tide building collapse in Lagos State, government agencies and other stakeholders have met.

    The parley held at the Ikorodu Town Hall. In attendance were officials of the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA); Chairman of Ikorodu Local Government, Mr Sheriff Anipole, and his colleagues at the Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs); leaders of various artisans’ groups, and the leaders of Community Development Associations (CDAs), among others.

    The General Manager of LASBCA, Dr. Kafilat Abimbola Animashaun-Odunayo, said the rate at which buildings collapse in Lagos had been of grave concern to government, particularly those that are caused by the use of sub-standard building materials, non-qualified artisans and the pseudo-professionals in the building industry.

    Animashaun-Odunayo said: “This meeting is imperative because the rainy season is around and we normally witness collapse of buildings during this period. We need to sensitise our people on what to do and what not to do.”

    “To build a house, the agency must be aware right from foundation to the finishing. It must ensure that the foundation is laid according to specification up to other stages. Every construction stage must be certified. Registered plumber, electrician and other certified professionals must be involved. The contractor must provide insurance for the building and also the workers who may in the course of doing their jobs, sustain injuries,” she added.

  • Stakeholders hail removal of aviation chiefs

    Stakeholders in the aviation sector yesterday described the removal of chief executives of four aviation agencies as another step by government to strengthen institutions in the sensitive aviation industry affirming that the persons appointed to replace them have the requisite industry knowledge and experience to drive the transformation of the industry.

    According to the experts, including pilots, air traffic controllers, airline operators , union representatives and industry analysts, the combined experience of not less 25 years each of the persons appointed to lead the agencies is enough proof that reforming the aviation sector is beyond personalities .

    Speaking in separate interviews in Lagos, Comrade Olayinka Abioye, deputy general secretary of National Union of Air Transport Employees ( NUATE ), Mr. Olumide Ohunayo, former president of National Cabin Crew Association ( NACCAN), Engineer Sheri Kyari , executive director of Centre of Aviation Safety and Research ( CAS-R), Captain Dung Pam, president of Nigerian Aviation Safety Initiative ( NASI) as well as the former chairman of Airline Operators of Nigeria ( AON), Dr Steve Mahonwu described the appointment of new helmsmen in the agencies as part of the steps to move aviation industry forward .

    Speaking in an interview in Lagos, the deputy general secretary of the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), Mr. Olayinka Abioye described the development as a “positive development.”

    “Government is a continuum. We expect that those who have taken over will continue from where the former chief executives left off. We also believe that in each of the agencies, there have been some irregularities; we have had labour issues where collective agreements are being breached; we have a situation in which conditions of service which ought to have been reviewed have been neglected by the managements. So, I believe that those who have just been named as new chief executives will correct these things,” said Abioye.

    He advised the new chief helmsmen of the agencies to start the process of re-engineering in the industry saying the new appointees “are industry people, a demand we have been agitating for.”

    Also speaking, head of strategy Zenith Travels, Mr. Olumide Ohunayo applauded the appointments saying their years of experience of the new chief executives will have positive impact on the industry.

    “We applaud their appointments considering their years of experience. I will advise the new appointees who are professionals to go through their respective governing acts and advise the minister accordingly. Also, they should avail themselves with the Procurement Act and the workings of the Due Process Unit. There are banana peels in the industry,” said Ohunayo.

    In his reaction, the founder and executive director of the Centre for Aviation Safety and Research (CAS-R), Mr. Sheri Kyari argued that all the agency chief executive positions should be tenured such that “they can groom people that will take over from them.”

    He urged the federal government to demand from the chief executives a yearly report of their stewardship.

    Mahonwu on his part said the persons appointed into the agencies have the requisite experience to move the industry forward.

    In particular, some stakeholders said the appointment of Engineer Saleh Dunoma , as managing director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria ( FAAN), given his vast experience in airport management would assist to drive the transformation of airport infrastructure in the country .

    Scores of retirees from FAAN, described Dunoma as the man that could turn around the airports given his vast experience and knowledge about airport administration.

    Meanwhile, the National Association of Air Traffic Engineers (NAAE), an umbrella body of the Air Traffic Engineers in the Aviation industry has commended the President Goodluck Jonathan for appointing a seasoned engineer as the managing director of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency NAMA.

    A release signed in Lagos Engineer Ojar Opah secretary NAAE said the appointment of Engr Ibrahim Abdusalam an experienced and highly rated Air Traffic Safety Electronics Personnel will consolidate on the gains of the ongoing process and continue the transformation.

    Speaking on phone on the removal of parastatal chiefs, the President National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE),Engr Isaac Balami, said that since the Federal Government is the employer of these agency heads and other staff in the various agencies, it has the power to remove any of its workers .

  • Stakeholders canvass re-strategising of education

    Stakeholders canvass re-strategising of education

    Worried by the recurrent mass failure in the Senior School Certificate Examinations, stakeholders in the sector have canvassed regular training of teachers and strategic planning as measures to reposition the sector.

    They made these submissions at a forum organised by ThistlePraxis Consulting in Lagos.

    Speaking on the theme: “Education: Building viable frameworks for fustainability”, the Chairman, West African Examinations Council (WAEC), Prof Pai Obanya, who was the lead discussant,recommended holistic assessment of the sector towards ensuring appropriate policies, programmes and processes.

    He stressed that exam failure is a manifestation of various issues with the major one being system assessment.

    According to Obanya, it requires good politics to have good education, because it will provide sound policies, which would engender good programmes and compel good processes.

    He said: “Strategic planning means in depth and not cause analysis to address the challenges from their very roots. There must also be situational analysis, policy planning, action planning and an in-built monitoring and evaluation framework.”

    A professor of Counselling and Psychology, University of Lagos, Ngozi Osarenren said continuous development of teachers is critical. Teachers, she stressed, must be aware of updates in the sector, especially as it affects their job. They must be aware of new pedagogies and be provided with teaching materials.

    Praising the giant telecommunications outfit Etisalat Telecommunications for sponsoring the event, Osarenren said it’s about time the Organised Private Sector showed more interest in teachers and the teaching profession.

    The Lagos State Team Leader of Education Sector Support Programme in Nigeria (ESSPIN), Mr Olabode Oyeneye, said that a shift of focus from certification to functionality is imperative in the quest for viable frameworks for sustainability in education.

    “Certification has been so much glorified to the detriment of ability, capability and performance,” Oyeneye lamented.

     

  • PDP stakeholders ask Muazu to disband Dikko’s panel

    Barely a week after his emergence as the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), some of the party’s stakeholders have tabled seven demands before their new leader, Alhaji Adamu Muazu.

    They have asked him to disband the PDP Disciplinary Committee, headed by a former Minister of Transport, Alhaji Umaru Dikko.

    The stakeholders, acting under the aegis of PDP Patriots, also demanded the immediate restoration of State Executives which were dissolved during the tenure of the past National Chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur.

    They also explained why it is necessary for the party’s National Secretary, Prof. Olawale Oladipo to step aside.

    They set the agenda for Muazu in a statement in Abuja by Clement Adeniran, a lawyer and Mallam Sule Mohammed Barau.

    Their demands are as follows:

    • Initiate reconciliatory moves;

    • Reverse all decisions during Tukur’s tenure which contravene PDP Constitution;

    • Work harmoniously with NWC;

    • Restoration of State Executives dissolved by Tukur;

    • Disband Umaru Dikko Disciplinary Committee;

    • Make completion of PDP Secretariat a priority and

    • National Secretary should step down

    The statement said: “Muazu should depart from the path of unbridled and arrogant and reckless display of power, fuelled by personal ambition and the influence of a few privileged individuals that could hold him hostage to the detriment of the interests of the larger PDP members.

    “Specifically, the Patriots urged the new National Chairman to carry along members of his National Working Committee who were duly elected to assist him in steering the ship of the PDP, rather than relying on a parallel body of self-interest seekers, who largely misled Tukur into committing several expensive errors that paved the way for his exit from the party.

    “Please, strive to be fair and just in the implementation of policies and programmes, particularly the much-touted party discipline and internal democracy. Do not allow sycophants and liars who daily parade the corridors of power to disrupt harmonious working relationships with members of the NWC and other organs of the PDP.

    “As a first step towards reviving the PDP, we urge the national chairman to study critically all complaints by various interest groups and stakeholders, particularly those dealing with the circumvention of the PDP constitution and other rules and regulations with a view to correcting them instantly.

    “The reconciliatory moves should commence with the restoration of PDP State Executives that were unilaterally dissolved by Tukur without the backing of the NWC, wholesale reversal of constitutional breaches, including all acts amounting to usurpation of the powers of the PDP National Executive Committee; including the inauguration of a Disciplinary Committee without the approval of NEC.

    “We are of the opinion that a meaningful reconciliation could only take place with the immediate healing of wounds through the correction of errors and acts of injustice committed, to forestall acts prejudicial to interests of the party by its aggrieved members and others who left the party on account of acts of impunity and alleged high-handedness leveled against the former national chairman.”

    The group asked Muazu to revisit the dispute on the Office of the National Secretary.

    They said there is need for the National Secretary of PDP, Prof. Olawale Oladipo to step down until the issues in court are resolved.

    They recommended the appointment of an acting National Secretary.

    The PDP Patriots added: “Still on Muazu’s reform agenda, we urge him and the NWC to take an urgent critical look at the continued retention of Oladipo as the PDP national secretary.

    “We know as a matter of fact that Oladipo, as at now, is incapable of signing correspondences of the party to INEC and other statutory bodies because he is not recognised by INEC and the law court as the national secretary of the party.

    “Besides, it is incongruous with the best global corporate governance practices for PDP to maintain two substantive national secretaries at the same time. Since Oyinlola was merely suspended from office as national secretary, it sounds illogical and is clearly illegal for another official of the PDP to continue to parade himself as the party’s substantive national secretary.

    “At best, what the PDP could have in the prevailing circumstances, and in accordance with its constitution, is an acting National Secretary, pending the time Oyinlola would be recalled by the National Working Committee”.

    They urged Muazu to reform the party’s national secretariat and complete PDP headquarters which had been under construction since 2006.

    The PDP Patriots said: “The National Chairman is enjoined to reform the national secretariat for effectiveness and legal actions by removing Prof. Olawale Oladipo as the national secretary of the PDP, as his continued stay in office are injurious to the interests of PDP.

    “We urge the national chairman to also ensure that all administrative and financial regulations governing the management of the PDP are strictly adhered to, while prudence remains your watchword.

    “The truth is that PDP workers are disgruntled and disenchanted; and as the hub for the implementation of your agenda, the NWC needs their total unalloyed cooperation and loyalty.

    “It would be helpful for you to know that your predecessor did not add a block to the new national secretariat of the PDP in the central business district, Abuja, following several intra-party disputes that he fought for almost two years, to the detriment of developing the party. There is also the need to restore the confidence of PDP workers at the national secretariat in the system by examining what might constitute their grudges and expectations.

    “Since the NWC members swore to protect and uphold the PDP constitution, they must examine the relevant sections of the same constitution to arrive at a just conclusion on the same matter.”

     

  • Stakeholders welcome new licensing regulation 

    Stakeholders in the Cross River tourism sector have agreed to comply with the new regulation for licensing of operators of tourism facilities by Tourism Standards Authority (TOSA) under the auspices of the Cross River State Tourism Bureau (CRSTB).

    In a forum in Calabar, the stakeholders comprising hoteliers, tour operators, fast foods operators, quick service restaurants, travel agencies and night clubs, among others, agreed to adhere to the new licensing regulations which include certificate of incorporation from Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), tax clearance certificates and certificate of hygiene/fire safety, among other requirements.

    Under the new regulations, TOSA under the auspices of CRSTB is saddled with the responsibility of regulating and licensing all operators of tourism facilities as well as give direction to their modus operandi in the industry.

    According to the regulation, upon declaration of the licensing day, no person or persons shall operate a tourism facility in Cross River State unless such facility has been inspected and licensed by the Cross River State Tourism Bureau.

    The Bureau shall grant a license for operating tourism facility or service to a person or persons not disqualified under these regulations or any enactment from holding a license as it deems fit and proper.

    Special Adviser to Governor Liyel Imoke on Tourism Development, Mr. Wilfred Usani said the forum was convened to formally present to the stakeholders the “new regime” of license regulation.

    “What we do not want is an industry that is not regulated as it would only be detrimental to the growth and development of the economy.

    “Licensing is the bond of partnership between the government and private sector investors. This meeting is principally to disclose to them the format of how the partnership we started in June this year will work for the good of the sector,” Usani said.

    According to the Special Adviser, the forum is also to make sure that private sector investors are acquainted with the policy development directives of the state in which they have become leaders, fundamental key players in the development of tourism; and they must recognise themselves as pivotal partners in driving the industry.

    He said: “Our intention as government is to grow this sector and we cannot do it without the private sector investors who are the owners of the visible enterprise on ground,” he said.

    The Chairman of the Nigeria Association of Tour Operators (NATOPS), Mr. Nkereuwem Onung, urged stakeholders to take the new regulations seriously .

    Also, the chairman of the Association of Fast Food and Confectioneries of Nigeria (AFCON) Cross River/Akwa Ibom chapter, Mr. Ernest Asuquo said: “We cannot do it on our own; neither can the governments do it alone. It has to be by way of partnership.”

     

     

  • Stakeholders seek more govt’s attention for agric

    Stakeholders seek more govt’s attention for agric

    Experts have urged the government to avert food crisis by facilitating loans for farmers.They spoke at a seminar in Osogbo, the Osun State capital. OLUWAKEMI DAUDA reports.

    SINCE independence, agriculture has been one of the important sectors of the economy. It sustains other sectors such as banking, oil and gas.

    To assist the sector, the Federal and state governments should assist small-scale farmers to boost the economy, stakeholders have said.

    The Secretary-General of the group, Mr Gbolahan Adepegba, spoke at a seminar organised by the farmers and agricultural businessmen and women at Ibadan, Oyo State.

    The seminar, Adepegba said, was aimed at honing the skills of the principal operators in the agro-allied business ahead of the Agric Trade Fair coming up next year.

    He said: “The agricultural story is not the story of poverty of human and natural resources. It is, indeed, the story of neglect, systematic wastage of these immense riches at the altar of a system that does not care a hoot about the future of its people and what they would eat.

    “In every home, whether big or small, the ultimate in life is to get what to eat. With adequate food, men and women see themselves as the genuine representatives of God on earth, with the mandate and wherewithal to aspire to the highest level in life. But without food, they immediately become weak, depressed and lack both vision and mission.

    “What lack of food has shown is that food is greater than religion and position. Food is strength; it is light, it is good sense, knowledge and wisdom. It is a man’s greatest tool not only in developing himself, taming his health, but also in sustaining his life.”

    He added: “The intricate feeding relationship in the modern society could not have been possible without the people engaging in agriculture. Since providing food is the main stock-in-trade of farmers, to provide birds and meat and put food to good use for the people, the country needs competent and serious-minded Nigerians to engage in the agricultural business.

    “Research methods, farmers training and manpower development programmes and input supply are the means by which such competent people can be produced. Agriculture can be a complex and clumsy business at times, as those who are in it are wont to testify. It does not lead those of us that engage in it to quick money, though, the business is lucrative, but procrastination is the rule rather than the exception.

    “Agricultural speed is characterised by slowness, is often the bane of banks not willing to lend money to farmers because crops cannot grow and germinate in a day, while birds, and fish cannot develop without food. Everything about agriculture takes time to yield. This annoys the impatient farmers no end, part of the reason why oftentimes those that are engaging in other business think they know better, can act better and faster if they get into the agriculture.”

    Responding, the Executive Director of Ibikunle Farms, Chief Lakan Ibikunle, said the country has not made good use of its resources.

    He said: “The mode of obtaining government’s support and loans is bureaucratic and has not adjusted to meet the formidable challenges posed by the current food situation.”

    Ibikunle listed the problems as manpower loss arising from the use of cutlasses and hoes and the refusal of some banks to give loans to small farmers. Rather than doing this, he said, banks preferred importers of agro-allied products and short-term yielding ventures.

    He expressed concern and disappointment over the poor contribution of some banks to agriculture and their unwillingness to plough back enough of their profits into research to improve adequate food production.

    He also decried the high interest on bank loans.

    Ibikunle, a farmer and agricultural expert, understands the barometer with which to measure the impact of the banking policies on agriculture.

    He was not happy because “the standard of living of the farmers in the rural area has not improved considerably.”

    With the training, he said, the farmers have learnt new techniques; hence they are better because they can now produce more and earn more.

    “In order for the country to be self-sufficient in adequate food production, this government can still do more to encourage farmers.

    “Fertilisers, labour and equipment are too expensive and too hard to come buy. Small-scale farmers are able to manage better their small parcels of land than absentee large scale farmers who purportedly cultivate thousands of hectares of land,” Ibikunle added.

     

  • Stakeholders meeting where UNIOSUN charted new course

    Stakeholders meeting where UNIOSUN charted new course

    The Osun State University, a multi campus institution, established by the UNIOSUN Law of December 2006 passed by the state House of Assembly and which commenced full operation on September 21st, 2007 as the 30th state university and 80th university in the country, is gathering momentum for a rapid development. To achieve its set objectives, the university authorities recently organized a meeting with stakeholders and the media in Osogbo, the state capital city.

    Some of the members of the audience include bankers, parents, students, traditional rulers and council chairmen.

    The vice chancellor, Prof. Adekunle Basir Okesina, who succeeded the pioneer vice chancellor of the university, Prof. Sola Akinrinade, in his address reminded the audience of the institution’s vision which is making the university a centre of excellence to provide high quality teaching and learning experiences that can engender the production of entrepreneurial graduates capable of impacting positively on their environment while being globally competitive.

    He maintained that it was the mission of the university to create an institution committed to the pursuit of academic innovation, skill-based training and a tradition of excellence in teaching, research and community service.

    Speaking further he said: “As second vice chancellor to be in the office from 2013 to 2018 by the grace of God, I am glad to have you as stakeholders in our quest for positioning the university to greater height.

    My vision is to position the university as one of the best universities in Nigeria and Africa in terms of cutting-edge research, quality teaching and learning and relevant academic practices in compliance with best global educational standard. My mission is also to leave behind in 2018 a university well positioned to compete favourably with world leading universities.”

    In his tenure as vice chancellor, Prof. Okesine promised to focus on improving the academic and research standard of the university, to provide adequate supports for staff and students for optimal productivity and augmenting efficient provision and utilisation of the university’s library services. Other areas where he will give priority, according to him include internationalization of the university’s activities and engagements, attainment of financial sustainability and assurance of optimal utilisation of the university’s financial and material resources.

    The vice chancellor, therefore, called for support of all stakeholders, including the provosts of the university’s six colleges, deans of faculties, directors, staff and students in making the dream of a world class university a reality.

    He urged the all the stakeholders to identify various challenges of the university and look for ways to work together to solve them.

    “Our expectations from the various colleges include the development of research agenda for respective colleges and enhancing their research output by encouraging scholarly publications and strengthening research capacities of their staff and students. This can be achieved only by strengthening and reviving college seminar series, developing more marketable and skill—driven academic programmes,” he said.

    However, he listed funding among the critical challenges facing the university, saying the funds the university is receiving from the state government is not enough to develop our infrastructures, promote teaching, research and community service.

    He said: “Conducting cutting edge research into all areas of human endeavours is our top priority at UNIOSUN. We want to partner with corporate organizations, private and public institutions and research institutes to promote scholarship and support our staff to contribute to the development of the society through research. However, little progress has been made in this direction.”

    The university’s Director of Development, Prof. Siyan Oyeweso, said the meeting with stakeholders was designed to establish formal partnership with the institution’s key stakeholders, corporate organizations, philanthropists, community leaders and others that can invest in the future of UNIOSUN.

    Speaking further at the meeting tagged “Why We Are Here: A Window into the Functions of Development Office and Our Priorities,” Oyeweso said a number of programmes have been lined up between now and end of 2014 to bring together all stakeholders in building up UNIOSUN.

    The don, who said the university is primarily for the students, said the management is committed to attracting the best students all over the country, to study and learn at all levels, regardless of their backgrounds. “It is certainly impossible to have a great university without great faculties. At UNIOSUN, we boast of world renowned scholars and award winners. Our faculties help us to fulfill our duties to our students and society.

    They are not stellar teachers but top scholars in their fields,” he said. He implored all stakeholders to support the university achieve its objectives, saying a gift from people’s will can help Osun State University to continue to find solutions to societal challenges or alleviate people’s suffering.

    Oyeweso told the audience that in the coming months, the management will announce UNIOSUN CAPITAL CAMPAIGN PROJECT 3080. Before the commencement of the project, he said the university would be asking for peoples support.

    He said: “We need a befitting state of the art teaching hospital, well equipped with Accident and Emergency Unit Centre. In short, the Development Office Team will soon be interacting with you on UNIOSUN’s key priorities.

    Along this line, we will be recruiting UNIOSUN GOODWILL AMBASSADORS. I call on everyone to invest in UNIOSUN in terms of provision of infrastructural facilities, scholarship and endowments.”

    The state Commissioner of Information and Strategy, Mr. Sunday Akere, noted the university high standard, assuring the government would at all time support the institution to achieve its set goals.