Day: June 14, 2024

The Hydrographer of the Federation, Rear Adm. Ayodeji Olugbode says the Nigerian Navy is fully equipped to produce up-to-date navigational charts and hydrographical data for the development of the nation's blue economy. Olugbode, who is also the Hydrographer of the Navy and Chief Executive Officer, National Hydrographic Agency, said this while briefing newsmen on the 2024 World Hydrography Day Celebration on Friday in Abuja. He said the theme for the 2024 World Hydrography Day is 'Hydrographic Information: Enhancing Safety, Efficiency, and Sustainability in Marine Activities.' Olugbode said the Nigerian navy had since the acquisition of its OCEA-built vessel, OSV 190 'NNS LANA, delivered in 2021 and recent OSV 115, had been able to boost Nigeria's hydrographical data. He said that Nigeria no longer rely on foreign charts, adding that the navy had over the years, developed capability in house and could rapidly get data updated. According to him, we don't need to wait for anybody to validate our data anym ore and we no longer need to send data abroad for validation. Olugbode said the field of hydrography was crucial for safe navigation, marine resource management, and environmental protection. 'This year, we continue this journey by focusing on the significance of accurate and up-to-date hydrographic data in ensuring safe navigation, optimising operational efficiency, and promoting sustainable practices in the maritime industry. 'This theme resonates deeply with the core principles of hydrography. Safety is paramount for all maritime stakeholders, and it hinges on accurate hydrographic data. 'This data allows seafarers to navigate confidently, mitigating risks associated with navigation hazards and ensuring the safety of lives and property at sea. 'For example, our surveys have been crucial in planning and constructing new ports, such as the Lekki Deep Sea Port, transforming our trade landscape and enhancing our capacity to handle increased cargo volumes,'' he said. The hydrographer said that the navy ha d also been working with key stakeholders to ensure that its products were properly utilised, to sustain the nation's blue economy. He said the 2024 celebration would commence on June 14 to June 19, featuring awareness lectures on hydrography to selected secondary schools in Abuja, Enugu, Lagos, and Port Harcourt. The lectures, according to him, is aimed at inspiring young minds to consider careers in hydrography, ensuring we have the human capacity to provide quality hydrographic services to Nigeria's policymakers and mariners alike. He added that there would be a one-day seminar to exchange knowledge and foster collaboration on the critical role of hydrographic data in promoting maritime safety and sustainable practices. 'Additionally, we will introduce the Catalogue of Nigerian Charts, enhancing accessibility to maritime resources, cataloging existing charts, and detailing future productions. 'This ensures that the maritime community has updated information for timely and effective decision-making. ' The activities lined up for the 2024 World Hydrography Day celebration aim to create awareness and elicit the right response for the sustainable management of hydrographic information. 'These efforts will harness the full potential of hydrographic data for the benefit of Nigeria's Blue Economy, supporting maritime safety and fostering economic development,'' he added (www.nannews.ng) Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Mr Li Xuda, Director of Chinese cultural centre in Nigeria on Thursday called on Africa to use photo exhibitions to project the continent's image positively to attract tourists and potential investors. Li made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on the sidelines of a photo exhibition titled, 'A Renewed Glimpse into Africa: Exhibition of Chinese Artist Works Inspired by Their Trip to Africa'. According to Li, photography engages storytelling through interactive displays that captivate visitors and inspire them to explore the beauty and richness of a country. He added that evolving the stories told in and about African culture by distributing accurate and empowering stories is key to reshaping Africa's narrative and attracting tourists to the region. 'We believe that exhibitions are valuable in showcasing the diverse cultures, landscapes, and people of Africa in a positive light. 'Through these photos, we can see the beauty, resilience, and vibrancy of African communiti es shedding light on their unique traditions, customs, and way of life. 'Africa is a land of culture with splendid civilisation and abundant natural resources. 'We also believe that this exhibition will strengthen ties between China and Africa and pave the way for increased tourism and economic opportunities,' he said. NAN reports that the photographs were taken by Duan Tiejun, Chairman of Tianjin Culture, Tourism, and Photographers' Association, among others who visited Senegal, Tanzania, Nigeria, Mauritius, and many other African countries. NAN also reports that about 70 students from various schools were in attendance for the photo exhibition. (NAN) Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Federal Government has started the process of reviewing the National Environmental (Permitting and Licensing Systems) Regulations, S.I. 29, 2009, to address areas of gaps in trending and emerging environmental issues. Speaking at the expert critique meeting for the review on Thursday in Abuja, Dr Innocent Barikor, the Director- General, National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESERA), said the document sought to strengthen environmental laws. He said that the regulation also aimed at improving air quality and environmental conservation and avoidance of exposure to waste and hazardous substances. 'The regulation seeks to achieve statutory environmental targets and outcomes. 'Such as improvement in air quality, environmental conservation and avoidance of exposure to waste and hazardous substances by issuing Environmental Permits to the Regulated Community. 'These permits have significantly aided the agency to achieve her mandate of ensuring compliance with environmental la ws, policies, standards and guidelines. 'However, in the course of operationalising the provisions of these regulations in the last 15 years, some gaps were identified. 'These gaps included trending and emerging environmental issues such as climate change, marine pollution and biodiversity conservation which are of global concern.'' Barikor said that the factors necessitated NESERA to seek for assistance through the Quick Wins of its 5-Year Impact Plan from the UNEP-LEAP Small Scale Funding Agreement (SSFA). He said this was under the Montevideo Programme V to facilitate the review of the regulation. The director-general said that permitting and licensing regulations was the backbone that provided the necessary structure to balance growth and innovation and public safety. 'However, as with any system, there is always room for improvement, thus, the need for the ongoing efforts to refine and enhance our regulatory processes,' he said. He said that the agency had so far conducted desktops reviews/documen tations and interacted with relevant stakeholders across the six geo-political zones. The director-general said that the agency also interacted with stakeholders from the 35 States of the federation through its zonal and state field offices. Barikor urged stakeholders to consider the review process as a testament to the agency's commitment in leaving a legacy of environmental sustainability for generations to come. An expert, Mr Victor Ojogbo, said that the issue of the environment was critical. Ojogbo, a former Director, Department of Planning and Policy Analysis, NESERA, said that the essence of the review was to examine the issues of offences, penalities for defaulters as well as enforcement by the agency. He said that the review would also ensure that the regulators and regulated were placed on their toes for a seamless enforcement. 'I said that the issue of the environment is not to be treated with kids glove; because if it affects me; it affects you and then the environment,' he said. Source: Ne ws Agency of Nigeria

De Norsemen Kclub International (DNKI), a humanitarian organisation, has urged Nigerians to donate blood in order to save lives. The Chairman, DNKI, Abuja Chapter, Mr Kolawole Otepola, made this call on Friday at the Wuse District Hospital, Abuja, during the organisation's visit to hospitals to commemorate 2024 World Blood Donor Day. According to Otepola, blood is God given; hence the need to reach out to others who do not have; who cannot pay and donate freely from what God has freely given. He said that blood donation was what the organisation did on a yearly basis. 'This time, we chose Wuse hospital because we looked around; we have been to Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Jabi, Abuja six times; we have been to Maitama and Gwarinpa. 'So, we decided to go somewhere new this time; we decided to go to where our impacts will be further felt; where we have not gone before,' he said. He advised that Nigerians should make use of the opportunity to turn out and donate blood to save lives and help humanity. In his response, Dr Oluseyi Asaolu, Medical Director, Wuse District Hospital, said that blood was life and the act of donating it reduced the rate of death. 'Blood is very crucial to human life; everybody needs blood; when you make that intervention to donate blood, it becomes a saving moment for someone in need. 'It is a beautiful initiative when the world does a blood donation day; we are happy that this has been sustained even up till now. 'There is a need to donate blood; there is nothing you are doing with the blood just storing it there and the good thing is that if you donate blood, the body has a way of replenishing it, so it is a win-win for everybody. 'We really want to appreciate DNKI that considered Wuse District Hospital, for bringing people to donate and support what we are doing here,'' he said. Asaolu said that Wuse District Hospital had one of the best blood donation and blood transfusion services. He said that the hospital maintained the services and screened blood properly before adminis tering to the patient. Mr Ogbobe Mathew, a member DNKI, said rendering humanitarian services to people in need was the organisation's culture and what it did every year. 'When the organisation came up with the blood donation thing, we discussed it knowing that giving our blood will save lives 'You never can tell whose life the blood is going to be safe. 'We tend to render humanitarian service like helping people in need in order to make the society a better place,' he said Source: News Agency of Nigeria