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LAGOS TO REGRASS TESLIM BALOGUN, CAMPUS MINI STADIUM TO HOST INT’L MATCHES

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…To Set Up Three Viewing Centres For FIFA World Cup Tourney

The Lagos State Government on Wednesday said that plans are underway to replace the artificial turf at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere and Campus Mini Stadium, Lagos Island with natural grass in preparation for the facilities to meet the required standard to host the Confederation of African Football (CAF) matches.

Speaking at the ongoing annual Ministerial Press Briefing to mark the third anniversary of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s administration held at Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre in Alausa, Chairman of Lagos State Sports Commission, Mr. Kweku Adedayo Tandoh said the development was in line with the commitment of the present administration towards providing world class sporting facilities.

He said that Governor Ambode had already given approval for the comprehensive renovation of Campos Mini Stadium in Lagos Island, Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere; Mobolaji Johnson Sports Centre, Rowe Park, Yaba; Isheri Football Field/Swimming Pool, and Ijede Mini Stadium, Ikorodu.

He said the State Government has also begun the process to complete the upgrade of the Agege Stadium with the covering of the remaining seats at the facility.

He said within the period under review, the State Government awarded contracts for transformation of Onikan Stadium to an all-covered ultra-modern international stadium with FIFA certified artificial turf and multipurpose arena for entertainment concerts with capacity to accommodate 10,000 people, while preliminary works had already commenced on the construction of Maracana Stadium in Ajegunle.

On the request by the State Government to the Federal Government to release the National Stadium, Surulere, Tandoh said the process for retrofitting and upgrading of the facility to host international sporting tournaments was ongoing.

Giving details, Tandoh said: “You would recall that the Lagos State Government signified interest in taking over completely the National Stadium and the Governor did not just say it, he actually met with the Minister of Sports and a tour of the facility was carried out.

“One thing later developed and there were signs and signals that the Governor received that they were not actually ready to hand over the Stadium to us rather it seems as if they just wanted a concession agreement where the State Government would spend the money, get it fixed while the Federal Government would still be in place but that is not what Lagos State Government wants.

“So, during the visit of the President to Lagos State few weeks ago, the Governor at the State Dinner was able to grouch the intention again and he mentioned it in his speech to the President and the President verbally gave approval that that was going to be in place. Just yesterday, the Governor directed that I proceed to Abuja next week to deliver some communications that are necessary to put in place a formal handover of the National Stadium to Lagos State Government. We are grateful that this time they will give it to us on the terms that the Lagos State Government has requested for.”

He said it was also significant to report that the State Government has concluded plans to establish three viewing centres across the State for fans to watch world cup matches free of charge.

“Just yesterday, Governor Ambode approved that we should establish three viewing centres in Mushin, Alimosho and Ajegunle. The centres will be in place for the duration of world cup and will serve as venues where people in those areas can watch world cup matches free of charge,” Tandoh said.

He said approval had also been given for the employment of full time coaches as well as contract coaches, while training grants were also paid for a total of 300 state athletes in individual sports, combat sports, team sports, racket sports, traditional sports, para sports and deaf sports.

He added that as a result of the deliberate policies put in place, many of the athletes produced at sport tournaments organised in the State eventually ended up representing the country at international tournaments, just as he assured that government would continue to put efforts in place to promote sports at the grassroots.

On the street soccer championship, Tandoh said the sponsor of the tournament initially pulled out of the sponsorship due to financial constraint, but that talks have been activated to reintroduce the competition, among other local soccer championships.

Besides, he said as part of efforts to reposition the Commission, a four-year strategic sports development plan had already been approved for development within 16 weeks in partnership with PricewaterhouseCoopers Limited, adding that the plan would engender development of a strategy plan, staff capability assessment and performance management framework development.

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Illegal oil bunkers and criminals are those calling for the removal of the chief of Naval Staff -IMAN DG

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It is indeed very crucial to note that of all the
Government Security Agencies (GSAs) the Nigerian Navy is statutorily vested with the responsibility of enforcing government policies in the maritime domain. In furtherance of this task, the Navy is saddled with the responsibilty of checkmating against the introduction of off-spec products into the Nigerian oil and gas value chain.

This service is achieved by liaising with regulatory agencies such as NNPCL, NUPRC , NMDPRA, NIMASA and other stakeholders to ensure that valid documents are presented for verification by the Directorate of Marine Services under the Training and Operations Branch of the Nigerian Navy. Also, the NN ensures strict monitoring of petroleum products movement within Nigeria’s maritime environment. In this regard, relevant documents from midstream and downstream including import, Form M, Haulage & marine transportation permits, offtake permits from those agencies including certification of vessel registry from NIMASA amongst others are usually submitted to the Marine before approval can be granted .

. Once these papers are validated, a clearance is granted by Naval Headquarters via signal for the Company’s vessel to proceed with its operations. The Headquarters Task Force South South Operation DELTA SAFE (HQ OPDS) and all Nigerian Navy Operational Commands as well as Bases within the vessel’s Area of Operation are therefore aware of the operation for seamless operations. Notably, laboratory test of the product is usually carried out prior to discharge into vessels at jetties if the product is not AGO or PMS.

This is because such products like Low Pour Fuel Oil (LPFO) and High Pour Fuel Oil (HPFO ) have similarities with crude oil hence this test. Besides, prior to issuance of any approval, the source of product is usually verified to avoid sourcing illegally refined products. With all of these stringent measures put in place by the NN, it can not then be said that the Nigerian Navy is against anti – crude oil fight. Apart from ensuring that due process is followed in the supply chain of petroleum products, movements in Nigeria Maritime Environment, the NN always interfaces with relevant regulatory Agencies to confirm permits granted by the regulatory agencies. One wonders why the Nigerian Navy could be accused of sabotaging the Federal Government’s efforts towards improving crude oil output with the current efforts of the JTF SS OPDS which is being headed by a Naval Rear Admiral. It is on record this Taskforce has been performing credibly well. Since the inception of the Taskforce never has the outfit performed the way it is doing now. Such organizations like NNPCL, SPDC, Chevron, SEEPCO, etc can attest to this fact.

Invariably, the Nigerian Navy is not in any way involved in commercial transactions with oil marketers; how much more blocking or aiding oil theft. Presently, there is an ongoing massive destruction of several illegal refinery camps by the OPDS – all these are geared towards curbing crude oil theft and related crimes. On the incident at Bonny Channel regarding MT LADY MARTINA, information has it that the vessel was duly authorized to engage in that operation. It was gathered that MT LADY MARTINA was ladden with HPFO and not crude oil as alleged by TANTITA and was with relevant valid documents issued by approved Federal Government Agencies such as NNPCL, amongst others as well Naval Headquarters Approval. More so, it was revealed that the product was sourced from Aradel Refinery at Ahoada in Rivers State and was conveyed to FOT Onne using trucks for the the product to be discharged into MT LADY MARTINA. This becomes necessary as Aradel Refinery does not has water front and thus no jetty where vessels can berth to load its products hence the use of trucks to convey their products to FOT Onne (Relevant documents to attached) Pertinently, the Nigerian Navy has not aided any illegality and thus the call from some quarters for the removal of the indefatigable CNS is mischievous and the handiwork of evil minded blackmailers whose business of crude oil theft/illegal bunkering activities have been stagnated. Invariably, such individuals & their cohorts are being driven by their criminal desires bouyed by pecuniary interests and as such they never meant well for our dear Nation. It is against this backdrop that His Excellency President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, GCFR – the C- In – C of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in his usual characteristic as our amiable Father is requested to graciously consider commending the efforts of the CNS in the war against oil theft.

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NASRE Champions Journalistic Welfare And Professionalism At Lagos Television Visit

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NASRE Champions Journalistic Welfare And Professionalism At Lagos Television Visit

 

By Miracle Oyewale

 

Sahara Weekly Reports That The Nigeria Association of Social and Resourceful Editors (NASRE) has reiterated its strong commitment to raising the standards of journalism and prioritizing the welfare of media practitioners across the country.

 

NASRE Champions Journalistic Welfare And Professionalism At Lagos Television Visit

 

This dedication was highlighted during a recent courtesy visit to Lagos Television, where NASRE representatives shared their vision, achievements, and initiatives aimed at fostering collaboration and supporting journalists nationwide.

 

 

Speaking during the visit, Adeyemi Obadimu, NASRE’s Public Relations Officer, emphasized the association’s role in providing crucial support to vulnerable journalists. He highlighted the foundation’s efforts to assist journalists facing significant challenges, including illness or bereavement.

 

 

“This year alone, we’ve conducted two outreach programs, directly assisting 31 journalists,” Obadimu stated. “Our foundation is particularly focused on supporting the families of deceased journalists, ensuring their children’s education continues uninterrupted despite their loss.”

 

 

Building on this, Zakhar Ali, NASRE’s Finance Director, outlined the association’s welfare programs aimed at improving the personal and professional lives of journalists.

 

 

“Our mission is to stand by our colleagues in every possible way—be it financial assistance, healthcare, or family support,” Ali remarked. “Journalism is more than a profession; it is a lifelong service to society. Those who dedicate their lives to this noble calling deserve unwavering support.”

 

 

The Lagos Television (LTV) General Manager, Adesola Ibironke Kosoko, commended NASRE’s initiatives and expressed readiness to support the association’s programs.

 

 

“As journalists, we understand the uncertainties of life. Knowing NASRE is there to support our colleagues during difficult times is both reassuring and inspiring,” Kosoko stated.

 

 

NASRE continues to call on individuals, corporations, and government bodies to support its mission. By supporting NASRE’s efforts, these stakeholders can help ensure that those devoted to journalism are adequately cared for in their times of need.

 

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Dr. Abigail Olagbaye Announces Her Candidacy for ATPN Presidency

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Dr. Abigail Adesina  Olagbaye, CEO Desigo Tourism Development and Facility Management Company Ltd and founder, Sayari Dunia Sustainable Tourism Foundation, a seasoned tourism practitioner with 23 years of experience (out of which 21 years have been in Tourism), has announced her candidacy for President of the Association of Tourism Practitioners of Nigeria (ATPN), the oldest and premier tourism trade Association in Nigeria.

With a proven track record of driving innovation and sustainable growth, Dr. Olagbaye is poised to transform Nigeria’s tourism landscape.

” Her vision is to re-position ATPN as the leading voice for Nigeria’s tourism development,” Dr. Olagbaye stated. “I’m committed to empowering our members with the training, resources, and networking opportunities they need to excel in their careers and elevate industry standards.”

Dr. Olagbaye’s campaign focuses on five key objectives:

– Strengthening Industry Partnerships: Fostering collaborations and alliances  that drive growth and development.

– Capacity Building: Providing training,  resources and opportunities to enhance professionalism.

– Advocacy: Amplifying the voice of tourism practitioners in Nigeria and beyond.

– Tourism Promotion: Showcasing Nigeria’s hidden gems both domestically and internationally.

– Improved Member Benefits: Enhancing the overall experience for ATPN members.

Additional initiatives to consider include:

– Faith-based International Conference Tourism: Tapping into the MICE potential of faith-based tourism.

– Medical Tourism: Promoting Nigeria as a hub for medical excellence.

– Sports Tourism: Leveraging sports to drive tourism growth.

– Language Training: Enhancing language skills to improve tourist experiences.

 

– Youth Tourism: creating opportunities for youths to be actively engaged in Tourism leveraging their potentials, talents and energies and enabling them to benefit from the socio-economic opportunities that tourism offers.

 

– Agro Tourism:  Develop agro-tourism as a sub-sector of Tourism through partnerships and collaboration with the ministry of agriculture to ensure regulatory support, international organisations for cross pollination of ideas and knowledge transfer and capacity building, encourage our members to organise more farm stays, rural tours, food tourism events for more authentic experiences. Advocate for infrastructural development for rural roads and other amenities. Collaborate with locals for sustainability and inclusion.

To further enhance Nigeria’s tourism industry, Dr. Olagbaye plans to create robust social media platforms for the association. This will enable people at home and abroad to access tourism companies in Nigeria with international standard websites and social media focusing on major sites.Social media being an essential tool for promoting tourism.

As the pioneer of initiatives like Africa Tourism Climate Action Forum ATCAF and Africa Tourism Day, a nouveaux initiative in Africa which she started in 2020 in collaboration with the African Tourism Board, now in its 5th edition, Dr. Olagbaye has demonstrated her passion for sustainable tourism practices and her ability to drive meaningful change. “I invite fellow tourism practitioners to join me in transforming Nigeria’s tourism landscape,” she concluded.

Get in touch with Dr. Abigail Olagbaye:

Email: [email protected]
Phone: +2349122525250
Social Media: @abbieolagbaye
@abigailolagbaye
@Dr. Abigail Olagbaye
(Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn)

*Campaign Slogan:* “Transforming Tourism, Empowering Practitioners”.

 

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