MEN, THE PILLARS OF THE CHURCH

By Pastor Okey Iroegbu 

The National Men Fellowship of St.Joseph's Chosen Church of God International held their 2024 National Men Fellowship Delegates convention tagged "MEN IN GOD'S GLORY" Season 5, between 29th August to 1st September 2024, hosted by Lagos Region at Osapa London,  Lekki Lagos.
       

In an opening address read by the National President, Elder (Amb.) Henry Iyoha JP, he started by appreciating the organising committee for the successful hosting despite initial obstacles. It could be noted that the following zones in Lagos, Kirikiri, Orile, Dopemu and of course Osapa zone are the host.
       

Elder Iyoha went ahead to say "The National Men Fellowship usually host our Biennial Convention since we took over the administration of the body in 2013; it has been a glorious walk indeed from Benin City in 2014.
       

He went further to highlight the activities which include Rally/Evangelism, Revival,  Symposium,  High-praise, Expository lectures,  Breakthrough prayers, Quiz competition (covering bible and the church current affairs) which is compulsory to all zones.
       For this year, there would be outdoor picnic at the beach which will be rounded up with a Banquet in the evening of Saturday.
        On the journey so far as the president called it, it could be recalled that this administration took office effectively in 2014. Within the period in question, they have made some modest impact in the affairs of the ministry which include the followings; Encouraging unity among members by inculcating good values,  discipline and sound morals into the Men.
       

The Fellowship has been holding their quarterly meetings regularly since 2014. They have not failed to hold Zonal conventions, National Men Fellowship convention and Fathers Day celebrations.
        At this point the president listed some challenges which include financial constraints,  failure of some zones from joining. He identified Umuahia among other zones as culprits.
       

He reiterated the need for the ministers to see themselves as part of the Men Fellowship. Other challenges are lack of office space at the Global headquarters, Benin and sources of assistance.
        The second day of the event when this address was read was charged with many activities moreso with the arrival of the Spiritual Leader, His Eminence, Apostle S N Ogbu. There were messages from some of the erudite pastors and Apostles.
       Finally, the president saw the convention to be a time of transformation,  Revival and glory for each and everyone.
       

The Spiritual Leader on his goodwill address to the Men Fellowship after the touching address by the president of the Men Fellowship started with a quote from Billy Graham that "the greatest legacy one can pass on to one's children and grandchildren is not money or other material things accumulated in one's life,  but rather a legacy of character and faith."
        He gave glory to God for such Men given to the church.  He therefore said "let me congratulate  the entire Men Fellowship of our church led by a strong and dogged man, whose resilience, commitment and full support of his leadership team had contributed immensely to the sustenance of the Fellowship and keeping the flag of Christ in St. Joseph's Chosen Church of God high.
       

"Thank you for all your contributions to the growth and sustenance of the branches and regions. I must appreciate the warmth reception and hospitality I enjoyed in all the regions I visited during my Apostolic Tours to regions; you are all wonderful!"
        He threw more light to the existence of the church which is predominantly led by the Holy spirit. He said this is why he was led to the theme of the church for 2024 through Rev. 3:8 which is "Open Door."
        He regretted a situation when God called him and asked him a striking question that "if I come today, how many of your people are ready for the kingdom?"
        He therefore called on the Men with courage to decide to make good use of the door of salvation that is open to everyone now before it is too late. Emphasizing on the theme,  Men, the pillars of the church, he quoted Acts. 6:3 and 1Corn 14:20. He described pillar as firm upright support for super structure.
       

Taking them to memory lane,  he also said that when our Lord Jesus Christ ministered to Men, women and children, He loved all but when He wanted to choose disciples,  He was very careful and prayerful enough to choose strong men as His disciples.
        Not forgetting the role of women,  quoting Bola Akin-John, he said "women are the beauty of the church,  children are the future but mainly men are the pillars of the church; you cannot have a thriving church without a core group of men who are true disciples of Christ."
        At this juncture, he informed the men of some administrative and structural changes in the church at a solemn assembly in January 2024. The Ecclesiastical Council and board of governors were dissolved in February 2024 and new one reconstituted.
        Five standing committees in the new board of governors were appointed into different areas comprising Finance Committee, Human Capital/Education Committee,  Infrastructure Committee,  legal matters Committee and Church growth/Environment Committee.
        It could be noted that the church authorities have also decided to restructure all the regions before the end of the year following the visions of Dr. H. I Alile of blessed memory.
        Finally, he said "beloved, I encourage you to fix your eyes on Christ,  continue in your steadfastness and be faithful to God.
        The second day was rounded up after an earth moving financial breakthrough prayer by Apostle Ken Osanebi and a QUIZ.
        The next day is billed to have an outdoor picnic at the beach. There will also be two messages from Staff Pastor Elohor Eniwore and Staff Pastor Frank Afieghe. There will also be presentation of prizes.
         Apostle J.A Jacobson and others were part of the Spiritual Leader's entourage. 

LEAGUE OF MARITIME EDITORS AND PUBLISHERS HOLDS AGM AND SEMINAR ON BLUE ECONOMY

By Victoria Sylvanus 

It is barely one week to the Annual General Meeting and Seminar of the League of Maritime Editors and Publishers (LOME), the premier association has already put everything in motion to arrive at a successful outing. LOME is made up of veteran maritime media practitioners who have covered the industry for close to three decades. With the information reaching this media through a press release by the Association Public Relations Officer, Francis Ugwoke, the association is to hold this seminar on the nation’s marine and blue economy. This is targeted at x-raying the journey of the marine and blue economy in about one year of having a separate Ministry and it is the main focus of the association’s   Annual General Meeting (AGM) holding on August 23, 2024, at Ikeja

Airport Hotels in Lagos. Industry issues such as achievements, challenges, roadmap for the development of the sector as they affect all the agencies under the Marine and Blue Economy will be featured.  Specifically, the progress being made in the areas of exploring the potentials of the sea to the growth of the national economy, ports infrastructure renewal, port economic regulation and indeed customs revenue generation and anti-smuggling war under a harsh economic environment will be discussed. The  Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Hon.  Adegboyega  Oyetola, who is also   the  Special Guest of Honour, will declare the seminar open. The theme  is “Renewed Hope Agenda: The Place of Nigeria’s Maritime  Industry.” This will involve   paper presentations  from  agencies and  other industry experts. The  Nigeria Customs Service will  present a special paper  titled: Challenges of Customs Revenue Generation/Anti-Smuggling Operations.” The event will be chaired by the Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Barr  Pius Akutah. Guests of Honour expected at the occasion include the Special Adviser to the President on Policy/Coordination, Ms  Hadiza Bala Usman, Comptroller General of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR and Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Abubarkar Dantsoho.. Other  Guests of Honour include   former Executive Secretary, Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Barr Hassan Bello and  Chairman  of Seaports Terminal  Operators Association of Nigeria, Dr. Mrs Vicky Haastrup. Guest  Lecturers expected on the occasion  are the former Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Ade Dosunmu and Senior Lecturer at the Nigeria Maritime University, Okerenkoko, Dr. Charles Okorefe. The President of the League of Maritime Editors and Publishers, Chief Timonthy Okorocha,  said the seminar is part of the contributions of the association to the development of the maritime sector. Okorocha added that  top maritime industry stakeholders  and experts

EXECUTIVES INAUGURATED AT 2020 AGM AT CHINESE RESTAURANT IKOYI

have been invited  to be part of the discussions on   different issues affecting  the marine and blue economy.    The League President also disclosed that key industry stakeholders who have been approached have indicated their willingness to attend the seminar which starts at cf  11 am. 

NIMASA ENGAGES MARITIME MEDIA

By Okey IROEGBU 

In a move to better the dwindling relationship between the  Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), the newly appointed Director General, Dr. Dayo Mobereola called for an interactive session with the Maritime Media men on Monday, August 12, 2024 at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos. The interactive session also looked at some issues that are detrimental to the growth of the over talked about Blue Economy. The Director General in his opening remarks encouraged the pressmen to feel free to air their views on issues that will assist the federal government to diversify on non oil sector for a change in revenue earnings. He said that the parley was for information gathering more especially on Blue Economy for the benefit of the nation. On his contribution, Chief Timothy Okorocha thanked the Director Genjeral for this initiative to creating a healthy relationship between the media and the agency. He was quick to remind the DG that the relationship has not been fair to the journalists who were not given a fair share on stake. Reiterating on welfare to the members of the third estate of the realm. He condemned the paltery appreciation from the agency despite the concerted efforts of the press to project their activities to the public. He advised the agency to revisit the issue of training and retraining of journalists who report the agency. Finally, he regretted that the tenure of Dr. Bashir Jamoh did not encourage matters at all. Other members of the maritime media, more especially those regarded as the elders and veterans in the industry contributed meaningfully among which is Dr. Edomi Ovie. In his submission, he pleaded to the DG to tow the good example of Dr. Hassan Bello whose role in the maritime industry as regards the recognition of the press is yet unbroken by the captains of the industry. He advised the agency to strenghten the research department for information gathering. He regretted the unprofessional conduct of the staff on issues of dissemination of vital information that may be very useful in the line of a journalist working on a report. One other interesting contribution was from Mr. Funsho Olojo who talked on ther issue of CVFF which has remained controversial on whether the fund is still intact and demanded to know what is holding the disbursement. He advised the DG to write his name on the sands of time by resolving the overflogged issue of CVFF. Finally he advised that the agency should engage them on such meeting quarterly for appresal on past issues discussed and suggestions for the future. Other issues discussed on are the position of the Seafearers especially those studying abroad, menace of Extra War Risk Insurance (EWRI) levied on Nigeria, the need for Nigeria to revisit and own her shipping line again and the floating dock which would earn the nation some foreign exchange. In his response to all these views during the session, the DG addressed the importance of media partnerships, acknowledging the role of journalists in shaping public perception and holding the agency accountable. Though he jokingly saw that the major grudge among the media was on what he termed "Media infrastructure" but went ahead to unveil many of the parliatives to the media that would breed a cordial relationship. “What is most important is data and knowledge sharing. If we do not provide you with accurate information that we have spent time and knowledge collecting, we cannot expect you to report accurately,” he noted. He also promised improvements in media relations, including the training of media practitioners, which is included in the 2024 budget. Additionally, he mentioned that the remuneration of media professionals covering the sector is under review, reflecting the agency’s commitment to fostering a mutually beneficial relationship with the press. Dr. Mobereola urged the media stakeholders to continue raising industry issues and comparing them with international best practices. He encouraged open dialogue and collaboration for the benefit of the maritime sector and the nation as a whole. “When you speak, it is perceived as being in the industry’s best interest. I encourage you to continue raising these subjects, comparing them with international practices, and advising us on what the NPA and Shippers Council should be doing,” he said It could be noted that several Nigerian-certified seafarers have been denied employment opportunities onboard ships flagged by other nations on account of the absence of bilateral trade agreements between these nations and Nigeria as noted by Mrs. Ezinne. Reacting to this, the DG said that under his administration the agency will prioritize diplomatic relations and enter clear Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that highlight the nation’s maritime needs in partnerships with other countries. He equally assured that the agency is working to address the limitations of Certificate of Competency (COCs) and the issuance of Near Coastal Voyage (NCV) rather than the Officer of the Watch (OOW) certificates. Speaking on the menace of Extra War Risk Insurance (EWRI) levied on Nigeria, he asserted that a powerful cartel within the international insurance sector is behind the high war EWRI premiums charged on Nigerian-bound cargoes. He lamented that despite a significant reduction in piracy and sea robbery incidents in Nigerian waters, the persisting premium has continued to add to the cost of trade for Nigeria. “One of the points I raised during my recent visit to Chatham House is how the war risk insurance placed on Nigerian-bound cargoes can be reduced. It is a cartel that is behind the war risk insurance premium. They are making so much money from it and will rather keep it as it is than remove it. “Even if Nigeria maintains zero piracy on her waters for the next ten years, if we don’t force the issues they will continue to charge us. They won’t remove the war risk insurance because they are making so much money from it,” the NIMASA boss argued. On the issue of Centurion University which was brought up by Mr. Asu Beks, the DG emphasized that the agency’s commitment is to ensuring that the cadets return to Nigeria as well-prepared and employable graduates. “We have not decided to bring those students back home. What we are doing is reviewing how the school has been engaged. Is it in the students’ best interest? Will they be well-prepared graduates who are employable by the industry. “These are the issues on our table right now, and we deliberate on them daily. I assure you that when we develop the best approach, it will be clear that we are acting in the cadets’ best interest, not our own,” he added. He further explained that the goal is for these “young, vibrant, intelligent students” to return and contribute to the development of Nigeria’s maritime sector. “We want to ensure that the platform for them is right, and that is what we are working towards. When

we present our plan, you will recognize that it is in the best interest of both the nation and the students,” he assured. The DG also touched on the agency’s broader initiatives, including the ongoing review of the NIMASA Act of 2007. He noted that the revised bill would include regulations for all maritime infrastructures, from large vessels to small boats, particularly focusing on the smaller vessels that are often used for illicit activities such as piracy and sea robberies. “In the new bill, we aim to ensure that every boat in our waters is regulated, registered, and monitored,” he stated. On the floating Dock, the DG pleaded to the media on a developmental reportage of the industry,  as he asserted that efforts are being intensified to put the modular floating dock into use for revenue generation and employment. Meanwhile the

DG of the agency was at  Chatham House London recently on the issue that Maritime Security in the Gulf of Guinea should be raised at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) this month, emphasizing the progress made by NIMASA in combating piracy and sea robbery in the region. With the report reaching this media, this decision was reached during a session between the Director General of NIMASA, Dr.  Mobereola, and Director of the Africa Programme at Chatham House, Dr. Alex Vines, accompanied by his team. Nigeria’s Alternate Permanent Representative at the International Maritime Organization, Bwala William was in attendance. Speaking shortly after the meeting, the NIMASA DG  emphasized the importance of effective international partnership to sustain security in the Gulf of Guinea.  “We had a very fruitful discussion with the team at Chatham House. The decision to engage the UN Security Council is to ensure they are well informed about the progress made so far in terms of security in the Gulf of Guinea. We also need an independent analysis of the security situation in the Gulf of Guinea and how best to transform the gains in terms of enhanced security, into tangible economic benefits such as reduction in the cost of all Nigerian Bound freight and issues bothering on payment of war risk insurance premium for Nigerian bound vessels. The coming on board of Chatham House will serve as a catalyst in developing our Blue Economy,” Mobereola via his official X handle. 

League of Maritime Editors hollds   seminar on blue economy, AGM

 

The League of Maritime Editors and Publishers (LOME) is to hold a seminar on the nation’s marine and blue economy.

 

The seminar which is targeted at x-raying the journey of the marine and blue economy in about one year of having a separate Ministry is the main focus of the association’s   Annual General Meeting (AGM) holding on August 23, 2024, at Ikeja Airport Hotels in Lagos.

 

Industry issues such as achievements, challenges, roadmap for the development of the sector as they affect all the agencies under the Marine and Blue Economy will be featured.  

 

Specifically, the progress being made in the areas of exploring the potentials of the sea to the growth of the national economy, ports infrastructure renewal, port economic regulation and indeed customs revenue generation and anti-smuggling war under a harsh economic environment will be discussed.

 

The  Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Hon.  Adegboyega  Oyetola, who is also   the  Special Guest of Honour, will declare the seminar open.

 

The    seminar  which  theme  is “Renewed Hope Agenda: The Place of Nigeria’s Maritime  Industry” will involve   paper presentations  from  agencies and  other industry experts.

The  Nigeria Customs Service will  present a special paper  titled: “Challenges of Customs Revenue Generation/Anti-Smuggling Operations”.

 

The event will be chaired by the Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Barr  Pius Akutah.

 

Guests of Honour expected at the occasion include the Special Adviser to the President on Policy/Coordination, Ms  Hadiza Bala Usman, Comptroller General of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR and Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Abubarkar Dantsoho..

 

Other  Guests of Honour include   former Executive Secretary, Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Barr Hassan Bello and  Chairman  of Seaports Terminal  Operators Association of Nigeria, Dr. Mrs Vicky Haastrup.

 

Guest  Lecturers expected on the occasion  are the former Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Ade Dosunmu and Senior Lecturer at the Nigeria Maritime University, Okerenkoko, Dr. Charles Okorefe.

 

The President of the League of Maritime Editors and Publishers, Chief Timonthy Okorocha,  said the seminar is part of the contributions of the association to the development of the maritime sector.

 

LOME is made up of  veteran maritime media practitioners who have covered the industry for close to three decades.

 

Okorocha added that  top maritime industry stakeholders  and experts have been invited  to be part of the discussions on   different issues affecting  the marine and blue economy.   

 

The League President also disclosed that key industry stakeholders who have been approached have indicated their willingness to attend the seminar which starts at cf  11 am.

 

 Francis Ugwoke 

Public Relations Officer 

6/8/24