THE VICTORIOUS WOMEN OF ST. JOSEPH'S CHOSEN CHURCH OF GOD CAME, THEY SAW AND CONQUERED

By Okey IROEGBU 

What has a beginning will surely have an ending. The victorious Women Fellowship Convention comes to an end this morning as the women will be heading to their various Regions all over the federation. It was a four day power

packed programme as the women came, they saw and they conquered. Theconvention started on a good note on Wednesday, July 24, 2024 at Anglican Girls Seminary, Agalaba Ise, Umuosu, Ubakala, Umuahia South LGA, Abia State, Nigeria. It started with an opening prayer by Deaconess Christy Obasuyi. A message was delivered by Evangelist Chidi Chukwuemeka. The opening address of the Global President, Dr. (Mrs.) Patience Alile was soul lifting to the women. Her leadership has tremendously brought the women of the church

more together as a unifying force to be reckoned with. To get theactivities well coordinated the day took off with Ministers wives meeting and the National Women Executive Meeting after which registration of arrival continued. The event as mentioned earlier was power packed and well attended as

the large auditorium of the Seminary was filled What has a beginning will surely have an ending. The victorious Women Fellowship Convention comes to an end this morning as the women will be heading to their various Regions all over the federation. It was a four day power packed programme as the women came, they saw and they conquered. The convention started on a good note on Wednesday, July 24, 2024 at Anglican Girls Seminary, Agalaba Ise, Umuosu, Ubakala, Umuahia South LGA, Abia State, Nigeria. It started with an opening prayer by Deaconess Christy Obasuyi. A message was delivered by Evangelist Chidi Chukwuemeka. The opening address of the Global President, Dr. (Mrs.) Patience Alile was soul lifting to the women. To get the activities well coordinated the day took off with Ministers wives meeting and the National Women Executive Meeting after which registration of arrival continued. The event as

mentioned earlier was power packed and well attended as the large auditorium of the Seminary was filled up with an overflow. On Thursday, July 25, 2024 one of the highlights was the lecture delivered by Deaconess Joy Iheanacho, the wife of Ikwuano Regionl Apostle. The message which dealt with the topic "Prayer and Spiritual Warfare in the family" was an armor safeguarding Christian families. She taught the women why the spiritual warfare should be taken seriouly because of the mission of Satan since the day Angel Michael and other Angels forced Satan down to earth and the waters therein. It was victory in heaven because the deceiver was ejected while it became "Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and the sea! For the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time. Revelation 12:17. Other noteable lectures were delivered, amongst which are by Evangelist Mrs. Ayiwe Stephine on "Biblical Foundation of a strong and Victorious family." The topical issue dealt with the meaning of a Christian family; Principles that forms the basis of a christian family, which involves having the fear of God; Constant studying of the word of God; joint prayers and love. She seriously warned against lifestyle that are not allowed in a victorious Christian family which among other things are Adultery, Drunkiness, Lying, Stealing and Indecent dressing. On Friday, the programme continued with other activities including the wonderful lecture from Evangelist (Mrs.) Roseline Uzu (JP). Her lecture held the the women in a serious escasy as she delivered it with dexterity that attracted a loud and thunderous applause. The arrival of the Spiritual Leader, His Eminence Apostle (Dr.) Sampson Nyeche Ogbu gingered the convention with joy moreso with his short but power packed message. There were other activities that made the ocassion all encompassing on Saturday, July 27, 2024. There were competitions that were open to the participants. There were QUIZ, Match past, Drama, Know your bible, fashion parade and many others which were recognised with awards and prizes. Lagos/Western Region with the concentrated preparations for the convention were not very happy as they came third in almost all the competitions. The next National Women Convention comes up at Lagos. As usual with St. Joseph's Chosen Church of God, a church found on spiritual activities, visions and revelations were the order of the day. There were revealing visions for the good of the members, the church and the nation were given as prayers were rendered for the fulfilment of the positive messages and cancelling of the negatives. As they travel today to their various regions, may Almighty God be the guide and guard as we pray against road misharp and anything that will bring sorrow and saddness to the church in Jesus name, Amen. July 25, 2024 one of the highlights was the lecture delivered by Deaconess Joy Iheanacho, the wife of Ikwuano Regionl Apostle. The message which dealt with the topic "Prayer and Spiritual Warfare in the family" was an armor

safeguarding Christian families. She taught the women why the spiritual warfare should be taken seriouly because of the mission of Satan since the day Angel Michael and other Angels forced Satan down to earth and the waters therein. It was victory in heaven because the deceiver was ejected while it became "Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and the sea! For the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time. Revelation 12:17. Other noteable lectures were delivered, amongst which are by Evangelist Mrs. Ayiwe Stephine on "Biblical Foundation of a strong and Victorious family." The topical issue dealt with the meaning of a Christian family; Principles that forms the basis of a christian family, which involves having the fear of God; Constant studying of the word of God; joint prayers and love. She seriously warned against lifestyle that are not allowed in a victorious Christian family which among other things are Adultery, Drunkiness, Lying, Stealing and Indecent dressing. On Friday, the programme continued with other activities including the wonderful lecture from Evangelist (Mrs.) Roseline Uzu (JP). Her lecture held the the women in a serious escasy as she delivered it with dexterity that attracted a loud and thunderous applause. The arrival of the Spiritual Leader, His Eminence Apostle (Dr.) Sampson Nyeche Ogbu

gingered the convention with joy moreso with his short but power packed message. There were other activities that made the ocassion all encompassing on Saturday, July 27, 2024. There were competitions that were open to the participants. There were QUIZ, Match past, Drama, Know your bible, fashion parade and many others which were recognised with awards and prizes. Lagos/Western Region with the concentrated preparations for the convention were not very happy as they came third in almost all the competitions. The next National Women Convention comes up at Lagos. As usual with St. Joseph's Chosen Church of God, a church found on spiritual activities, visions and revelations were the order of the day. There were revealing visions for the good of the members, the church and the nation were given as prayers were rendered for the fulfilment of the positive messages and cancelling of the negatives. As they travel today to their various regions,

may Almighty God be the guide and guard as we pray against road misharp and anything that will bring sorrow and saddness to the church in Jesus name, Amen.

22ND WOMEN FELLOWSHIP CONVENTION OF ST. JOSEPH'S CHOSEN CHURCH GOD HAS STARTED AT UMUAHIA

By Okey IROEGBU 

The 22nd National Women Convention of St. Joseph's Chosen Church of God taking place at Umuahia, capital of Abia state has started beautifully with great responses in attendance and actions. The convention officially started on Wednesday July 24, 2024 with the meeting of the Ministers wives which was Chaired by the Gobal President, Dr. (Mrs.) Patience N. Alile In her opening address, Dr. Alile thanked God for another pleasant season for the women fellowship convention. She reminded them of the Theme of the convention which is "VICTORIOUS CHRISTIAN FAMILY." On this note she was very sure that despite the global economic hardship, the christian families will always remain victorious through the "endless mercy, grace, love, provision, protection, guidance, healing, miraculous works of every one." At this juncture she went into praises in song to the Almighty God, singing "what a marvelous God, He has done marvelous things for us ...." This wasa responded to with seven times thunderous shout of Hallelujah by the members present. She reiterated that no two conventions are the same and for this reason, she looked forward that the 22nd Convention will be of a great difference. She said "therefore there is evidence that this year convention is going to be more wonderful than any we had experienced in the past. Be very ready to gather and go home with bags of blessings for you and for every member of your family." In a serious warning to the women, the global President admonished them not to shake no matter the situation as their families should become strong

gateway to heaven as the mission statement of the church. She said that they should "please be at alert and attentive. Open up your heart. All;ow God to have His way in you so that you will leave here a renewed person that will go home and rebrand your homes." Using Proverb 14:1, she says that a wise woman builds her home. That a christian woman should maitain and build her home. Finally she prayed for the state governor Dr Otti Alex, the Spiritual Leader Dr Sampson Ogbu as they look forward to receiving him very soon.  

COMPTROLLER OJO RAKES IN N92.3M IN Q2, 2024 ... pays courtesy visit to Alake of Egbaland and other Traditional Rulers.

By Okey IROEGBU 

Comptroller James Ojo, Customs Area Controller of Ogun 1 Command with his officers and men have through concerted efforts, strategic operations and diligence, generated an impressive revenue of N92,369,227.00 for the second quarter of 2024. This revenue according to the Area Controller represents about 52.46% increase compared to the N53,983,622.00 recorded in the corresponding period of 2023. In addition, the Command surpassed the monthly revenue target of N34,122,666.90 in June 2024 by 77.86%. “This achievement is a testament to the diligence, commitment, and professionalism of our officers and men who have worked tirelessly to ensure that we meet and exceed our revenue targets. It is also indicative of our unwavering commitment to the economic growth and development of our dear nation,” the Area Controller asserted. Speaking with newsmen at Abeokuta recently, the Area Controller, stated that this success, aligns perfectly with the policy thrust of the Comptroller General of Customs, CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi who has championed the principles of consolidation, collaboration, and innovation. “His visionary leadership and enabling support have been crucial in enhancing our capabilities and driving these impressive results,” he stated. On anti-smuggling, Comptroller Ojo said prohibited goods intercepted during recent operations include: 219 sacks and 1,725 parcels of cannabis sativa (marijuana); 940 rounds of live ammunition; 44,466 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS); 2,227 pieces of pneumatic foreign-used tyres (Tokunbo tyres); 64 bales and 222 sacks of used clothes; 2,947 cartons of frozen poultry products; 7,015 bags of foreign parboiled rice; 21 units of vehicles and 3 units of motorcycles; 115 pairs of used shoes. All these are with Street and Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N770,666,237.00. These seizures are not just numbers; they represent the Command’s relentless fight against smuggling and its determination to protect the local economy, ensure public health and safety, and uphold the integrity of our borders. “Recall that during my maiden press briefing held on 9 May 2024, I highlighted the adverse effects of smuggled cannabis sativa and foreign-used

Part of the seizures; Cannabis sativa 

pneumatic tires on the citizenry, and these include the following: "Cannabis sativa, commonly known as marijuana or Indian hemp, is a psychoactive drug derived from the cannabis plant. It has a devastating effect on the lives of its consumers, especially our youths. The rise in its abuse is of great concern within Nigerian society and a threat to our national security, due to its potential influence on criminal activities, such as armed robbery, banditry, cultism, kidnapping, terrorism, and other criminal activities. "Foreign-used Pneumatic Tires, more commonly known as Tokunbo tires, are ring-shaped protective coverings made of rubber and filled with compressed air, typically used in foreign countries and shipped into the country after use overseas. These tires are deemed unsuitable for our highways because a significant number of them have exceeded their recommended lifespan from their manufacturing dates. According to safety experts, good-quality pneumatic tires are safe for use for only four years from the date of manufacturing. Any usage beyond this duration poses a significant risk to motorists and puts their lives in jeopardy. “In addition to the above highlights, it is pertinent to also state the health implications of consuming smuggled frozen poultry products. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the health implications of consuming frozen poultry products preserved with chemicals and smuggled into Nigeria from the Republic of Benin can be severe and multifaceted. Here are some potential health risks: "Chemical Contamination. Smuggled poultry often lacks proper regulatory oversight, increasing the risk of harmful chemicals being used for preservation. These chemicals, which can include formaldehyde and other preservatives, can be toxic if ingested, potentially causing acute and chronic health issues, including poisoning, cancer, and organ damage. "Foodborne Illnesses. The lack of proper hygiene and temperature control during smuggling can lead to the proliferation of harmful bacteria such as Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria. Consuming contaminated poultry can cause foodborne illnesses, leading to symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and in severe cases, hospitalization or even death. "Antibiotic Resistance. Poultry smuggled from regions with poor regulatory controls may have been treated with antibiotics not approved for use in food animals. This can contribute to the development and spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, posing a significant public health threat as infections become harder to treat. "Nutritional Deficiencies. Smuggled poultry products may not meet the nutritional standards required for healthy consumption. Poor handling and preservation techniques can degrade the nutritional quality of the meat, leading to potential deficiencies when consumed regularly. "Allergic Reactions. The use of

The visit to Alaka of Egbaland 

unknown or banned chemicals in preserving smuggled poultry can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Symptoms can range from mild skin irritations to severe anaphylactic reactions, which require immediate medical attention. Comptroller Ojo reiterated that the consumption of unsafe, smuggled poultry products, can strain public health systems due to increased incidences of foodborne illnesses and other health complications. This can lead to higher healthcare costs and resource allocation challenges. Meanwhile in a release made available to this media by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, CSC Hammed Bukoye Oloyede confirms a recent visit by the Customs Area Controller of the Command to the Reverred Traditional Ruler of Igbaland His Royal Majesty Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo CFR. The strategic visit is aimed at fostering sustainable collaboration to enhance economic growth and security along Nigeria’s borders with the Republic of Benin through intelligence sharing and collaborative anti-smuggling operations. "Comptroller Ojo highlighted the importance of leveraging the traditional institutions’ influence and insights to enhance border security and combat smuggling activities effectively. “His visit also included fruitful discussions with sister security agencies in Ogun State.These

CSC Oloyede, Command’s PRO

engagements underscored the need for continuous and robust collaboration among security agencies to address the challenges posed by smuggling and other cross-border crimes. By sharing intelligence, resources, and expertise, the Nigeria Customs Service and other security agencies can create a formidable front against those who seek to undermine Nigeria’s economic stability and national security,” the release stated.

CGC ADENIYI RECIEVES EXCELLENCE AWARD IN REVENUE COLLECTION

By Okey IROEGBU 

The Comptroller-General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR has definitely worked to be recognised nationally and internationally. The records of his achievements dates back to his meritorious service as one of the best National Public Relations Officer of Nigeria Customs Service under late CGC Abdullahi Dikko. He went further to show himself as been very transparent as he made the seizure of large mount of Dollars at the Murtala Mohammad Airport where he was serving as a Customs Area Controller. His additional recognition by the present administration of President Ahmed Tinubu through Nigeria Excellence Award in Public Service (NEAPS) is a well deserved one. It could be recalled that his appointment barely a year ago by this same administration recieved wide acceptance after a period of trial and error by a non career Comptroller General. CGC Adewale with 43 others were honoured on Saturday, 6 July 2024, with the “Outstanding Revenue Collection” accolade. The award, as stated by the National Customs spokesman, CSC Abdullahi Maiwada was bestowed on CGC Adeniyi during a ceremony at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, in recognition of his significant achievements in revenue generation since his

appointment as Comptroller-General of Customs in June 2023. The occasion was carried out by the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, representing President Tinubu. He emphasised that the awards were about embedding a culture of recognition and reward in the public service ethos. In conveying the president’s message, the Vice President said that the public institutions are not personal enterprises and that public servants are employees of the Nigerian people. There is no doubt the CGC has done much not only increased in revenue generation but improvement on the welfare of the officers of the Service. In an interview after receiving the award, CGC Adeniyi was delighted and affirmed his commitment to advancing Nigeria’s economy through revenue collection and trade facilitation. “This national recognition is a challenge for the Service to double its efforts in making this country proud. It

motivates public officials to dedicate themselves and perform diligently in office,” the CGC said. NEAPS is an annual recognition program organised in collaboration with the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), celebrating individuals who have made exceptional contributions to public service within the preceding year. On his own contribution as the organisers of the event, the Secretary to the Government of the

Federation, Senator George Akume, urged the award recipients to continue their exemplary work. He emphasised that the selected individuals and organisations were chosen based on objective criteria from both the public and private sectors. The event as noted is the second edition holding at the same venue. He went further to praised The Best Strategic (TBS) Media for organising the event in collaboration with the Office of the Secretary General of the Federation. He highlighted NEAPS as an award recognising innovation, leadership, and significant contributions to public service and the nation’s development. Some of the forty-four recipients of the Nigeria Excellence Awards were Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah of Enugu State, President of Dangote Group Alhaji Aliko Dangote,  and Founder/Chairman of Zenith Bank Chief Jim Ovia.

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PRESIDENT TINUBU APPOINTS DANTSOHO AS NEW MD OF NPA ... as League of Maritime Editors applauds the appointment.

By OKEY IROEGBU

Mohammed Bello-Koko's appointment as the Managing Director of the Nigeria Ports Authority came to an abrupt end today Friday, July 12, 2024. A new Managing Director was announced immediately to take over the affairs of the agency by the information reaching this media through the presidential spokesperson Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President on Media & Publicity. The relief of duty was made by President Ahmed Bola Tinubu who also appointed Abubakar Dantsoho as the new NPA Managing Director. Senator Dayo Adeyeye, was also appointed as the chairperson of the NPA board. It could be noted that Dr. Bello-Koko was praised by the presidency when the agency said that its annual revenue grew to N501bn in 2023 from N361bn in the privious year. Bello-Koko, in a statement recently, attributed the revenue growth to the implementation of performance improvement measures. It could be recalled that the revenue profile of NPA rose from N317bn in 2020 to N361bn in 2022, despite its remittances to the Consolidated Revenue Account increasing from N80bn to N91bn in the last one year. It noted that it had “succeeded in leapfrogging Nigeria’s foremost trade facilitation platform to surpass its sterling performance” in 2022. “The implementation of performance improvement measures resulted in unprecedented revenue generation and remittances to the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federation, with revenues steadily growing from N361bn in 2022 to N501bn as of December 2023,” it added. The agency disclosed that remittances rose from N93.4bn in 2022 to N131.2bn in 2023, adding that taxes paid to the government of the federation, grew at various times in the period under review, “totalling the sum of $77.7m and N17.6bn respectively,” Bello-Koko said. While speaking at the

Ms. Hadiza Bala-Usman  and Rt. Hon. Chibuike Amaechi when the relationship was cordial. 

commissioning of newly acquired tugboats by NPA, Comptroller-General of Nigeria Customs Service, CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi also expressed satisfaction with the existing collaboration between Customs and Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) in areas of export, customs modernization and port decongestion. He revealed that the Nigeria Customs, like the NPA, recently ranked 5th on the Ease of doing business ranking by the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) He said the agency moved 27 places, up to the 5th position, thereby scoring a 100percent. “As Nigeria Customs Service, what we know is that 70 percent of all our operations is conducted in all the ports that we have in this country, this means that we must be deliberate and intentional in working with the custodians of the port. “The MD of NPA puts collaboration in the forefront and we have found it comfortable for us to work together. The Nigeria Customs Service sees this event as an opportunity to deepen the efficiency of NPA and translate into better collaboration with the Nigeria Customs Service. “We also believe our collaboration with NPA is taking different dimensions, we are collaborating on export, which President Bola Tinubu takes seriously, we are also collaborating on the Customs Modernization Process that is going on, we have a very active partner in the Nigerian Ports Authority. This turn of events according to this source gave no reason for the change of baton. Mohammed Bello-Koko was appointed Executive Director, Finance and Administration by former President Mohammadu Buhari

Bello-Koko, the former MD

in 2016. In February 2022, he became a substantive MD when the former Managing Director, in the person of  Ms. Hadiza Bala-Usman was suspended. The new Managing Director, Dr. Dantsoho holds a Doctorate degree in Maritime Technology from Liverpool John Moores University, United Kingdom, and a Master’s degree in International Transport from Cardiff University of Wales, United Kingdom. Before his appointment, he had served in various roles in the Nigerian Ports Authority as Assistant General Manager; Technical Assistant to the Managing Director; Port Manager, Onne Port; and Principal Manager, Tariff & Billing. Senator Adeyeye, the Board Chairman, is a seasoned lawyer, journalist, and politician. He is a former Minister of State for Works and former Senator representing Ekiti South Senatorial District. According to the report, President Tinubu expects the new leadership of this important agency to deploy excellence in the discharge of their duties to the best of international practice. Meanwhile the League of Maritime Editors (LOME) on Tuesday July, 16, 2024  congratulated the new Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Abubakar Dantsoho, as well as the Chairman of the Board, Senator Adedayo Adeyeye for their new appointment. The League described their appointment as a call to national service and one full of expectations at such a critical time of the national economy and falling trade volume. In a statement signed by the President of the group, Chief Timothy Okorocha and the Public Relations Officer, Mr. Francis Ugwoke, the League said the appointment of Dantsoho and Adeyeye is well deserved considering their wealth of experience and rich credentials. The League however called on the new management team to ensure that it continues with the rehabilitation of obsolete ports infrastructure nationwide. The foremost Maritime Publishers pointed out that poor ports infrastructure has impacted negatively on trade facilitation, adding that the new management should pay special attention to this so that the nation’s ports will be like other world ports. They also urged the new management not to lose sight of developing trends in the world maritime arena as they affect Nigeria for the interest of the national economy. The group also prayed to God to give Dantsoho and Adeyeye the wisdom and strength to carry out their new assignment for interest country.

NPA COMMISSIONS NEW TUGBOATS FOR EFFECTIVE OPERATIONS AT LEKKI PORTS

By Okey IROEGBU 

Three newly acquired 80 tons bollard pull tugboats deployed to enhance the berthing of vessels at the Dangote Refinery and Lekki Deep Seaport were recently commissioned by Adegboyega Oyetola, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy. The Tugboats Christened MT IRAGBIJI, MT DAURA, and MT BAMA, the vessels are expected to support port security, patrol, and surveillance and to deliver efficient pilotage and towage services that would help the growing cargo evacuation needs of the Lekki maritime corridor. Wife of the Comptroller-General of Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and President of Customs Officers Wives Association (COWA) Mrs. Kikelomo Adeniyi commissioned one of the two newly acquired bollard pull tugboats of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) MT BAMA. The second tugboat, MT IRAGBIJI was commissioned by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola. The two tugboats were deployed to enhance the berthing of vessels at the Dangote Refinery and Lekki Deep Seaport. Coincidentally, Mrs Adeniyi and the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola hails from Iragbiji, a town in Oshogbo, Osun State While speaking at the

commissioning, Comptroller-General of Nigeria Customs Service, CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi expressed satisfaction with the existing collaboration between Customs and Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) in areas of export, customs modernization and port decongestion. He revealed that the Nigeria Customs, like the NPA, recently ranked 5th on the Ease of doing business ranking by the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) He said the agency moved 27 places, up to the 5th position, thereby scoring a 100percent. “As Nigeria Customs Service, what we know is that 70percent of all our operations is conducted in all the ports that we have in this country, this means that we must be deliberate and intentional in working with the custodians of the port. “The MD of NPA puts

collaboration in the forefront and we have found it comfortable for us to work together. The Nigeria Customs Service sees this event as an opportunity to deepen the efficiency of NPA and translate into better collaboration with the Nigeria Customs Service. “We also believe our collaboration with NPA is taking different dimensions, we are collaborating on export, which President Bola Tinubu takes seriously, we are also collaborating on the Customs Modernization Process that is going on, we have a very active partner in the Nigerian Ports Authority. “There are many other ways we are collaborating, particularly on port decongestion and to ensure efficiencies of our ports.The positive outcome of these outcome have led to the NPA ten days ago being named the best agency in terms of ease of doing business by PEBEC, the agency scored 100percent which is a remarkable feat, for consistently putting in effort to ensure its operations get better. “During the same service, the Nigeria Customs Service moved 27 places from where we were before, to the top five, and we were scored at 100percent. “For me, the good news is not about NPA being ontop of that ranking, it is not about Custom scoring 100 percent, for me,  if you look at the top ten agencies on the ranking, they are related in one way or the other to what is happening in the maritime industry. “This underscored the fact that all the agencies working under the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy are aligning with the vision of the Minister on repositioning the maritime industry and deliver all the existing potentials” Adeniyi stated Speaking also at the commissioning, Adegboyega Oyetola, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, said the investment into acquiring the marine craft is a step towards enhancing port efficiency and strengthening Nigeria’s position as a leading maritime nation in the region. “We recognise the critical role that efficient port operations play in accelerating economic growth and will do all that is required to update the existing facilities to deliver on this. It could be noted that Mohammed Bello-Koko, Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, said the acquisition would enable the Ports Authority to attain a regional hub status by efficiently servicing domestic cargo needs, winning back transit cargo hitherto lost to maritime neighbours and positioning to cater to the maritime requirements of landlocked neighbours. “We are by these commissioning and ancillary deployments putting mechanisms in place to cater for continuous increase going forward,” the NPA boss assured.

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NIGERIA IMMIGRATION SERVICE RESCUES GIRLS FROM NOTORIOUS HUMAN TRAFFICKERS AT COTE D' IVOIRE

By Okey IROEGBU 

The Nigeria Immigration Service, Seme Border Command took the bull by the horns as they have come out seriously to checkmate the increasing spate of human trafficking along the Lagos/Adhbijan corridor. At a press briefing recently at their Seme office, Comptroller Abdullahi Adamu pce on behalf of the Comptroller General of Immigration Service, CGIS Mrs. Kemi Nana Nandap pce reiterated on the the successful operation "that led to the rescue and subsequent, repatriation of five Nigerian girls who are victims of Human Trafficking at Cote d’ ivoire." The rescued girls the report said were aged between 17 to 21years. It could be noted that they were "trafficked on 15th June, 2024 to Cote d’ ivoire using irregular route by clutches of notorious traffickers. The traffickers lured them with promises of better jobs in Cote d' ivoire. They were later subjected to emotional abuse and forced into prostitution. "The Nigeria Immigration Attaches in Cote d’ ivoire in collaboration with the Nigeria community in Cote d’ ivoire and some other partners, worked tirelessly to identify and rescued these victims. They also provided critical support and assistance to ensure their safe return to Nigeria. "The Traffickers are

currently on our watch list for possible arrest. We will continue to work with other partners to ensure that justice is served, "The victims are currently receiving counselling and other necessary support. We are also, going to hand them over to NAPTIP, Lagos to reunite them with their families and further necessary action. "This operation is a testament to the commitment of the CGIS Mrs. Nandap, pce in combating smuggling of migrants, human trafficking and protection of vulnerable

migrants. We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that those who engage in this heinous crime are brought to justice," the address concluded.