society
Nigeria Wins Global Spotlight: IMO Chief Stunned by Nigeria’s Anti-Piracy Demo ‘One of the Most Impressive
Nigeria Wins Global Spotlight: IMO Chief Stunned by Nigeria’s Anti-Piracy Demo ‘One of the Most Impressive
By Ifeoma Ikem
The Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Mr. Arsenio Domínguez, has commended Nigeria’s Deep Blue Project as one of the most impressive maritime security initiatives in the world, describing it as a model for other nations to emulate.
Mr. Domínguez made the remarks during his official three-day visit to Nigeria, which included a dramatic anti-piracy demonstration by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) in Lagos.
The exercise, staged on Friday, showcased the full strength of Nigeria’s multi-dimensional maritime security architecture, integrating naval, aerial, and intelligence assets under the Deep Blue Project.
Minister of Marine And Blue Economy Adeboyega Oyetola, Secretary-General International Maritime Organization IMO Arsenio Dominuguez , Managing Director Nigeria Ports Authority Dr.Abubakar Dantsoho ,others at the Anti-Piracy Demo
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, who accompanied the IMO chief on the tour, described the Deep Blue Project as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s maritime security strategy.
“The Deep Blue Project is a multi-layered security architecture that has been very powerful for us in the past three years,” Oyetola said. “It represents teamwork across all security agencies, and that collaboration is what makes it effective. We are determined to sustain the programme so that no barriers or interruptions affect its success.”
The minister also linked Nigeria’s maritime security achievements to its ongoing campaign for re-election to the IMO Council. “I am proud of what we have achieved in the past months. With these results, Nigeria is well-positioned to return to the IMO Council and continue contributing to global maritime governance,” Oyetola noted.
During the anti-piracy drill, Mr. Domínguez watched as NIMASA operatives deployed interceptor boats, special mission helicopters, and special forces to intercept a “hijacked vessel.” The simulation saw troops storm the ship, neutralize the hijackers, conduct medical evacuations, and escort the vessel to safe anchorage Visibly impressed, the IMO chief said.
“This is one of the most impressive displays I have seen and experienced. Maritime security is critical for Nigeria and the Gulf of Guinea. The fact that for the past three years Nigeria has recorded no piracy attacks in its national waters demonstrates the effectiveness of this project.”
He urged the Federal Government to continue supporting the initiative: “I strongly encourage Nigeria to sustain the Deep Blue Project. The results are clear enhanced maritime security supports the economy, boosts trade, and strengthens global confidence in Nigeria as a safe shipping destination.”
Earlier, the IMO Secretary-General had inspected the Nigerian Navy’s hydrographic vessel NNS Lana, as well as NIMASA’s C4i Centre and Regional Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (RMRCC). He described them as fully equipped and state-of-the-art, noting that Nigeria has developed the right mix of assets to tackle maritime insecurity effectively.
In lighter moments, Mr. Domínguez revealed he had been given a Nigerian name Segun Dominuguez by his hosts, and joked that he was still eager to try Nigeria’s famous rice dishes, particularly jollof rice, which he had heard so much about.
At the end of the demonstration, NIMASA’s special forces staged a salute dedicated to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, and NIMASA’s Director-General, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, whom they fondly referred to as the “Baba Deep Blue” in recognition of his commitment to the project.
Director General NIMASA Dr Dayo Mobereola receiving award of excellence
The operatives emphasized their single mission: to ensure that the Deep remains Blue a symbolic pledge to keep Nigeria’s maritime domain safe and secure.
The IMO Secretary-General’s visit not only underscored Nigeria’s growing leadership in Gulf of Guinea maritime security but also spotlighted the country’s investments in manpower, technology, and international cooperation.
As Nigeria campaigns for a return to the IMO Council, the Deep Blue Project hailed for delivering three years of zero piracy in Nigerian waters stands as both a national achievement and a global benchmark in maritime safety.
society
Engr. Kayode Ojo Felicitates With Teachers, Says, They are Impetus In Nation Building
Engr. Kayode Ojo Felicitates With Teachers, Says, They are Impetus In Nation Building
A governorship Aspirant under All Progressives Congress APC in Ekiti State Engr. Kayode Ojo greets the teachers on World Teachers Day, describing them as great impetus and steam for the development of any society.
“Teachers’ roles at modelling both children and youths towards nation building cannot be under estimated”, hence the need to always prioritise their welfares. ”
Engr. Kayode Ojo made the assertion in a statement issued and made available to newsmen in Ado Ekiti on this year’s Teachers Day celebration.
The APC governorship Hopeful described Ekiti Teachers as partners in progress if properly renumerated, especially with prompt salary payment, training, retraining, incentive, motivation, and promotion, among others.
He commended them over their sacrifices to impact positively on the lives of both Students and Youth in the State, despite numerous challenges facing them at discharging their duties due to what he called systematic errors under the present administration in the State.
“Teaching profession needs to be treated with desired respect and dignity because of its foundational roles at developing the society by incurcating both academic and social values on the lives of the People.
The current Pro Chancellor and Chairman Governing council, University of Nigeria Nsukka UNN, commended President Bola Tinubu for prioritising Teachers Welfares as one of the cardinal policies of his administration, hence the need for various State Governors to compliment and support the president policy.
The industrialist and engineer turned Politician assured teachers in Ekiti State of more conducive atmosphere to operate if voted into power during this month APC governorship primary and 2026 elections in the State.
According to him, teachers in Ekiti will be compensated with incentives, training, prompt payment of salary, and general motivation.
While congratulating all Teachers in Ekiti on this year celebration, Ojo urged them to continue to put in their best to develop the state.
society
Nowhere Will Be Safe for Criminals, Kidnappers in Kwara — Gov AbdulRazaq
Nowhere Will Be Safe for Criminals, Kidnappers in Kwara — Gov AbdulRazaq
Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to securing lives and property across the state, declaring that nowhere in Kwara will be safe for criminal elements, including kidnappers and bandits.
The governor made this known after a high-level security council meeting held on Tuesday night in Ilorin.
Governor AbdulRazaq, who recently briefed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the security situation following the attack at Oke Ode, said he had requested additional federal support to flush out criminal hideouts across the state.
> “The Army Headquarters has since relocated the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 2nd Division to Ilorin as part of the renewed efforts to strengthen security operations in the state,” he stated.
The governor disclosed that on Monday night, a joint team of the Nigerian Army, Department of State Services (DSS), and Police launched a coordinated offensive around Baba Sango, along the Kwara–Kogi border, neutralising about 15 armed bandits. The operation, he added, continued on Tuesday night.
> “Last night, I presided over the State Security Council meeting at Ahmadu Bello House, Ilorin, to integrate both state and federal assets into a unified strategy covering Kwara North and South,” he said.
Governor AbdulRazaq assured residents that his administration would continue to provide all necessary support to security agencies to safeguard every community in the state.
> “I have received assurances from the security forces to smoke out and eliminate the criminals from their hideouts. We will fight insecurity with every resource at our disposal. Kwara will not be a hiding place for criminals. To anyone seeking to destabilise the peace in Kwara — you may run, but you cannot escape justice,” he declared.
The governor reiterated that the peace and safety of citizens remain his top priority.
Rafiu Ajakaye
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor
October 1, 2025
society
The Glory in Failure: Why Every Defeat Is a Lesson Disguised as Pain
The Glory in Failure: Why Every Defeat Is a Lesson Disguised as Pain.
By George Omagbemi Sylvester | Published by SaharaWeeklyNG.com
“Celebrating setbacks, learning through pain and turning losses into the raw material of greatness.”
The Power of Falling Forward.
Failure; the WORD that frightens millions, breaks dreams and often silences ambition. Yet, to those who truly understand life, failure is not the OPPOSITE of success; it is the FOUNDATION of it. Every stumble, every rejection, every disappointment carries within it the seed of wisdom. “I have not failed,” said Thomas Edison after a thousand unsuccessful attempts to invent the light bulb, “I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.”
In celebrating my failures as I do my successes, I choose not to drown in self-pity or frustration but to rise with understanding. For in every fall lies a reason and in every reason, a lesson waiting to be learned. Life’s defining difference is not between success and failure, but between those who give up and those who use failure as fuel for the next leap.
Understanding the Nature of Failure.
Failure is not a curse; it is an inevitable companion on the journey of excellence. Psychologists at Stanford University describe failure as a “NEUROLOGICAL FEEDBACK SYSTEM,” an event that triggers learning and adaptation within the human brain. The discomfort we feel after failing is not punishment; it is a call to SELF-CORRECTION. Carol Dweck, author of Mindset: The New Psychology of Success, argues that people with a “GROWTH MINDSET” view failure as information, not defeat. “EFFORT,” she wrote, “is what ignites ability and turns it into accomplishment.”
In my journey, I have learned to observe failure with gratitude. Not every path chosen in confidence leads to the right destination. Sometimes, what you thought was the best choice reveals its folly only when the results come. Although that is the beauty of the process, we are not designed to be flawless; we are designed to evolve.
The Courage to Celebrate Downfalls.
It takes courage to celebrate failure. Society glorifies success stories though hides the broken pieces that shaped them. We see the triumphs of great men and women but rarely the TEARS, DOUBTS and DETOURS behind their RISE. Nelson Mandela in his words, “Do not judge me by my success; judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again.”
When we celebrate failure, we do not glorify LOSS; we glorify LEARNING. We acknowledge the human condition; the fragile, uncertain, yet resilient nature of existence. Every time you choose to celebrate your fall, you rob fear of its power over your destiny. You begin to see the symmetry of life: the ups and downs are not enemies; they are alternating rhythms in the song of purpose.
Lessons Hidden in Defeat. Some of the world’s most remarkable achievements were born out of failure.
Walt Disney was fired for “LACKING IMAGINATION.”
Albert Einstein did not speak fluently until age nine and was “EXPELLED FROM SCHOOL.”
Oprah Winfrey was once told she was “UNFIT FOR TELEVISION.”
Steve Jobs was fired from the very company he founded before returning “TO BUILD APPLE INTO A GLOBAL EMPIRE.”
What unites these individuals is not luck, but resilience; the ability to reinterpret failure as redirection. “Success is stumbling from failure to failure with no loss of enthusiasm,” said Winston Churchill. That enthusiasm (that refusal to surrender to defeat) defines those who ultimately change the world.
Failure as a Mirror.
Failure reveals character. It strips away illusions and forces self-honesty. It makes you ask: Who am I when nothing works? Who am I when applause turns to silence?
In those quiet moments of doubt, the real growth happens.
Philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche wrote, “That which does not kill us makes us stronger.” This is not a call to endure pain passively but to extract power from it. When we confront our failures, we refine our judgment, clarify our goals and strengthen our spirit. We stop living to impress others and start living to fulfill purpose.
It is in failure that humility is born and humility is the seed of wisdom. Every wise man is a product of mistakes properly examined.
The Science of Gratitude in Failure.
Gratitude, psychologists say, changes the brain’s chemistry. A study published in Frontiers in Psychology revealed that gratitude activates the medial prefrontal cortex and the region associated with DECISION-MAKING and EMOTIONAL BALANCE. In essence, when we choose to be grateful even in failure, we are not denying pain; we are rewiring the brain to see beyond it.
In my own philosophy, GRATITUDE IS NOT OPTIONAL; IT IS ESSENTIAL. When I look back at my failures, I do not see wasted years. I see preparation; chapters that shaped endurance, insight and discernment. Gratitude turns regret into reflection and reflection turns experience into wisdom.
The Thin Line Between Success and Failure.
Life has a strange balance, the difference between success and failure often lies in time and perspective. The “DOWN” moments are not permanent; they are pauses that prepare you for your “UP” moments. The wheel of life turns for everyone and the wise learn to stay calm in both ascent and descent.
Lao Tzu, the Chinese philosopher wrote: “Failure is the foundation of success and the means by which it is achieved.” Success and failure are twins not opposites. The same HUMILITY that sustains you in failure must guide you in success. When you understand this, you stop fearing life’s unpredictability and start embracing its rhythm.
Humanity Thrives on Those Who Learn.
The progress of humanity is built on the courage of those who dared to fail. The Wright Brothers failed multiple times before achieving FLIGHT. Marie Curie faced skepticism and poverty before pioneering RADIOACTIVITY. Nelson Mandela endured 27 years in prison before becoming a symbol of RECONCILIATION.
These are not stories of perfection; they are testimonies of perseverance. Humanity thrives when we see failure not as a verdict but as a voice whispering, “TRY AGAIN, BUT WISER.”
In my failure, I find HUMANITY the collective struggle of all who dared to dream and fell short then rose again. In my success, I find RESPONSIBILITY the duty to remind others that failure is not fatal and victory is never final.
Final Reflections: Gratitude as the Greatest Victory.
In the end, life is not a straight line but a dance between LOSS and GAIN. To celebrate failure is to declare independence from FEAR. It is to say, “I am not my mistakes; I am the lessons they taught me.”
When gratitude becomes your default language, every setback becomes sacred. You begin to see that the journey itself (not the trophy) is the true reward. Gratitude transforms pain into perspective, failure into formation and disappointment into divine preparation.
As the great author C.S. Lewis once wrote, “Failures, repeated failures are finger posts on the road to achievement. One fails forward toward success.” Those who grasp this truth rise above the temporary shame of defeat and embrace the eternal wisdom of growth.
So, I celebrate my failures as I do my successes. In every fall, I bow in gratitude. In every rise, I give thanks. For in failure, I have found clarity and in success, I have found responsibility.
To live with this understanding is to conquer life itself; for gratitude is not merely the posture of the heart; it is the CROWN of WISDOM.
Written by George Omagbemi Sylvester
Published by SaharaWeeklyNG.com
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