NAWOJ Story

International Women's Day: NAWOJ Tasks Women on Leadership Role in Society 

ZAINAB JUNAID

Ahead of the commemoration of the 2023 International Women's Day on March 8, Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Lagos State Chapter, has urged women to unite and take their rightful place in leadership.

The association's Chairperson, Mrs Adeola Ekine, made this call stating that women needs to keep advocating for their rights and also pertake in leadership and decision-making role in various sectors of the society.

Ekine explained that anytime women acquired or attained leadership position, they always depict imaginative perspectives and always bring structural and cultural differences to the table to drive effective and unbiased solutions.

She therefore, urged women all over the world to support each other in taking their rightful place in leadership.

Her words, “International Women’s Day is celebrated worldwide on the 8th of March. The UN theme for this year’s International Women’s Day is ”Digital Innovation and technology for gender equality. The aim of International Women’s Day 2023 is for everybody to truly embrace equity. “It is not just something to say or write about, it is what we need to think about, know, value, embrace, believe and imbibe that equity is creating an inclusive world.

She went further that as stakeholders, women should be ready to call out discrimination, draw attention to bias, and seek out inclusion.

”Collective activism is what drives change from grassroots action to wide-scale momentum. Forging gender equity isn’t limited to women, men should also be part of the campaign to show that the change has come to stay. This is important for the social, economic, cultural, and political advancement of women,” Ekine said.

When people embrace equity, they embrace diversity, inclusion, equity to forge harmony and unity to help drive success for all. For equality is the goal and equity is the means to get there. ”Through the process of equity, all can reach equality," she maintained.

Recommendations for effective SAATM implementation

Disparity SAATM Policy: AFRAA SG outlined recommendations for effective Implementation 

ZAINAB JUNAID 

The Secretary General of African Airlines Association (AFRAA), Mr Abderahmane Berthe, has outlined necessary recommendations needed to effect the disparity in the implementation of Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) policy.

Mr Berthe made these recommendations while speaking on the topic: “Harnessing of SAATM Opportunities for the Industry – Airline Implementation Programme”, at the ongoing 69th Airport Council International (ACI) Africa Conference which ran through February 25 to March 3, 2023 in Kigali, Rwanda. 

SAATM Policy which was meant to be a crucial stepping-stone to make air travel a reality for African citizens and to grow regional air transport that wil drive economic growth and transform lives in African Regions, has been a lipservice programme that does not favor many African member countries. 

In relation to this development, Mr Berthe elaborated the status updates on ongoing actions of the Air Transport Sustainability – SAATM Roadmap, the connectivity drivers as well as industry initiatives by various stakeholders on SAATM. 

With regards to status of direct flights and 5th freedom flights in Africa, Mr Berthe noted that 85% of intra-African flights are directs while 15% connecting with one stop or more. Among those direct flights, 5th freedom represent only 21%, while the share of 3rd and 4th freedom flights is 79%. 

To him, AFRAA data hub revealed that ASKY airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, and Kenya Airways were the only African airlines operating the highest number of 5th freedom routes. African airlines operate only 14% of their direct flights on 5th freedom while 86% on 3rd and 4th freedom. Non-African carriers operate a most important share of their direct flights in 5th freedom in Africa. 

With regards to granting of 5th freedom traffic rights by African States, AFRAA reporting framework by its member airlines showed that among 8 (eight) reporting airlines, some have mentioned traffic rights denial by 11 African states. 

AFRAA Secretary General thus outlined the following recommendations as a mechanism that will enhance effective implementation of SAATM. 

• African States to be willing and ready to implement SAATM and to stop denial of 5th freedom traffic rights to African airlines. 

• Governments to stop over taxation of aviation. 

• Air transport stakeholders to collaborate to implement the roadmap of the air transport sustainability that was developed by the 2022 Laboratory. 

• Reduce costs along the air transport value chain. 

• Collaboration among airlines to improve connectivity and deliver a better service quality. 

• Right size fleet strategy to improve routes profitability and to connect secondary airports. 

• States, industry, airports to work together to implement the African Routes Development Strategy forum.

NIGAV AND SAHCO

 NIGAV Felicitates with SAHCO for Emerging 'Best Passenger Check In Company' of the Year

ZAINAB JUNAID

Organisers of Nigerian Aviation Award (NIGAV) has commended Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCO) Plc for bagging the Best Passenger Front Desk Check-In Company of the Year award.

The Chief Host of the event, Mr. Fortune Idu praised SAHCO for it's consistency in ensuring topnotch services to clients by deploying modern Ground Support Equipment.

He explained that winners are selected through public voting without any interference from the organisers.

Receiving the award, SAHCO’s Managing Director/CEO, Mr. Basil Agboarumi, who was represented by Mrs. Vanessa Uansohia, Head, Corporate Communications, said the award will spur SAHCO’s commitment to always deliver quality services to her numerous clients in addition to exceeding clients’ expectations. She thanked the organizers for nominating SAHCO and extended appreciation to voters who voted for SAHCO.

It could be recalled that SAHCO recently received the International Organization for Standardization (ISO 9001:2015) certification for Quality Management system. ISO 9001:2015 is the international standard that identifies requirements for quality management system (QMS) which organisations use to demonstrate the ability to consistently provide products and services that meet customers’ and regulatory requirements.

The company is RA3 Certified, a requirement for Ground Handling Companies to confirm that they meet the security requirement for screening air cargo and mail entering European countries, also SAHCO is IATA’s Safety Audit for Ground Operations (ISAGO) certified. 

NIGAV award is a celebration of aviation excellence with an objective to unify and create industry harmony. It is also aimed at engineering healthy competition for safer air service delivery and promotion of development in the air transport community.

The event which was in its 12th edition was attended by the crème de la crème of the aviation industry including the Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika and was themed "The coming of a new era."

The Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika who was the Chairman of the occasion, had this to say, “Nigeria Aviation Award, NIGAV Award, has over the years hosted the high and mighty, and captains of the industry and as such has set an example of balancing industry performance with recognition for diligent work and services which continues to inspire healthy competition and best practices amongst the players.”

 

Nigerian Chamber of Shipping

Aminu Umar Emerges 7th President of Nigerian Chamber of Shipping

ZAINAB JUNAID

Following the expiration of the second tenure of Mr. Andy Isichei, Executive Vice Chairman of ACI Holdings, as President of Nigerian Chamber of Shipping (NCS), the Managing Director of Sea Transport Group, Mr. Aminu Umar has been elected as the 7th President of the Chamber.

Aminu who was elected at the recent Governing Council meeting of NCS, will be viced by the former Director General of the NCS, Mrs. Ify Anazonwu- Akerele.

Aminu is a seasoned professional in Shipping Operations and a member of various ministerial committees. He runs a company whose interest spans Ship husbandry, Ship Management, Crew Management and energy transportation before been elected as NCS President.

He is also a leading indigenous ship owner and operator in Nigeria and his emergence as President of NCS is definitely a square peg in a square hole! The Nigerian Chamber of Shipping is poised for greater success under his leadership.

NCS was formed in 2002 with the primary objective of ensuring that the domestic Shipping Industry participates fully in all Commercial Services in the Nigerian Coastal waters and beyond.

Being a member of the Board of International Chamber of Shipping, NCS is committed through her advocacy mandate to ensuring that Nigeria Maritime industry takes its place in the comity of maritime nations.

CIECOBON AND NSC.

CIECOBON Solicits for NSC Support in Promoting Export

ZAINAB JUNAID

Members of the Chartered Institute of Export and Commodity Brokers of Nigeria (CIECOBON) has sought for the cooperation of the Nigerian Shipoers Council (NSC) in promoting export in the country.

The members made this move during a courtesy visit paid to the Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer and Management of Nigerian Shipper's Council, NSC, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Jime, at the NSC headquarters in Lagos recently.

The group led by the President/Council Chairman, Dr. Ayobami Omotoso urged NSC to appeal to the Federal Government to establish an Export-specific Port to further encourage exports.

Omotosho opined that lack of flat-bottomed vessels to transport cargos to Apapa rendered the use of Ikorodu Lighter Terminal once designated for export, a dead on arrival decision.

To him, one of the shipping lines operating in the sub-region has been providing open roof-top vessels for Ghanaian exporters of produce. 

He thus pleaded with NSC to discuss the possibility of extending such a service to Nigerian exporters because the RIFA containers that should ordinarily be used are too expensive for many exporters.

In his response, the Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer, Hon Emmanuel Jime appreciated the presence of the delegates and further assured them that part of NSC’s mandate, being in alliance with that of CIECOBON, will result in a partnership that will benefit the nation’s economy.

He also commended the doggedness of CIECOBON in promoting export through advocacy and capacity building and enjoined the body to keep forging ahead in its mission with patriotic zeal. 

"NSC will discuss CIECOBON's request for open rooftop vessels," Jime said. 

 The Chartered Institute of Export and Commodity Brokers of Nigeria (CIECOBON ) came into existence in 2015 following National Assembly approval of the merger of the Institute of Export of Nigeria (IEON) and Commodity Brokers Association of Nigeria (CBAN).

 

MAJAN Lauds NLC Election Outcome

MAJAN Lauds Ajaero, Adeyanju's Victory in NLC Election

ZAINAB JUNAID

The Maritime Journalist Association of Nigeria (MAJAN) has lauded the outstanding victory of Comrade Joe Ajaero and Prince Adewale Adeyanju in the just concluded Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) election.

The President of MAJAN, Comrade Ray Ugochukwu, made the commendatory messages today stating that the development will bring a new dawn to NLC. 

To him, "With Joe Ajaero as the new President of NLC and Prince Adewale Adeyanju as Deputy President, it is a New Dawn for Nigeria Labour Congress as a whole".

Comrade Ugochukwu, a seasoned Journalist and renowned writer, said emphatically that NLC under the new leadership will protect the interest of Nigerian workers and ensures proactiveness in Labour movement.

His words, "The Maritime workers’ President-General, Prince Adewale Adeyanju, has fought valiantly and won many battles in protecting the interest of dockworkers in the maritime industry.

"We are optimistic that he will replicate similar strength, doggedness and proactiveness in taking NLC to greater heights.

"Comrade Ajaero is not new in labour unionism. This is a familiar terrain for him. He has the experience and tenacity to deliver as NLC President," he said.

The MAJAN President further called on Nigerian workers, affiliate Unions and all relevant stakeholders to endeavor they render full support needed by Comrade Ajaero, Prince Adeyanju and their entire Executives to move NLC forward.

Standard Organisation of Nigeria

SON Organises Workshop on MEPS, Lighting Product

ZAINAB JUNAID

As part of the vision to achieve energy efficiency of lighting product that will enhance consumption economically and environmentally, Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) in collaboration with Sustainable Research and Action for Environmental Development (SRAD ev Nigeria) has organised a workshop on Minimum Energy Perdormance Standard (MEPS).

The initiative was meant to discuss and exchange ideas on the cost effectiveness of adopting led lighting system as opposed to the Mercury ones currently in use by the organisation.

Speaking with participants present at the workshop, the Director-General of SON, Mallam Farouk Salim, ably represented by Deputy Director Head, Electrical and Electronic Laboratory, Engr Alewu Achema, lauded the efforts of CLASP USA for bringing up such an initiative that is not only economical but will in the long run phase out products containing environmentally dangerous materials like Mercury.

Reiterating how Minimum Energy Performance Standard (MEPS) for lighting will help play crucial roles in reducing energy consumption, as it sets the benchmark for the energy efficiency of lighting products, Salim said the initiative will  help drive the market towards more sustainable solutions.

He acknowledge the efforts of CLASP for the technical supports in the areas of standards and manpower development designed to sustain a clean and efficient energy compliant to the environment and assured all present of continous collaboration in the implementation of the standard.

The event which was held at Ibis Hotel Ikeja Lagos was graced by many stakeholders and engineers in the industry.

Federal Ministry of Industry Trade and Investment, Ministry of Environment, Nigerian Customs Service, Representative from CLASP and SRAD eV Nigeria among others were all represented.

In a related development, SON further enjoined the general public to report any substandard products noticed to the regulatory body as this will help complement all efforts of eliminating fake goods in the country.