Speaking at the Association of Maritime Journalists of Nigeria, AMJON, Conference held at the Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, NSML’s Managing Director, Mr. Abdulkadir Ahmed, represented by Mr. Mutiu Olayiwola, Manager, Finance & Corporate Services, delivered an insightful paper titled “The Evolving Global Maritime Regulatory Environment – The Role of Maritime Training and Capacity Development.”

In his remarks, Ahmed highlighted that the maritime industry, which serves as the backbone of global trade, was experiencing swift regulatory changes driven by environmental concerns, technological advancements, and human capital needs.

He further observed that this new regulatory landscape, shaped by the International Maritime Organisation’s, IMO, decarbonisation targets and a heightened focus on cyber risks, required a maritime workforce that was highly skilled, adaptable, and prepared for the future.

Ahmed emphasised the importance of closing the knowledge and skills gap created by regulatory and technological shifts.

He also advocated for continuous update of training curricula covering environmental compliance, digital operations, cybersecurity awareness, and the practical application of international maritime conventions.

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“Compliance, safety, and operational efficiency hinge on our ability to train and empower seafarers and maritime professionals to meet the moment,” he stated.

Ahmed also stressed NSML’s strategic investments in human capital development, particularly through the Maritime Centre of Excellence, MCOE, in Bonny, Rivers State.

The MCOE is the first training facility in Africa to receive accreditation from the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (UK MCA).

It is also certified by DNV and approved by NIMASA, enabling it to deliver STCW 2010-compliant courses.

“NSML is proud to champion Nigeria’s maritime development, not just through vessels and infrastructure, but by investing in the people who power the industry,” Ahmed affirmed.

He commended AMJON for its crucial role in shaping maritime discourse and reaffirmed NSML’s unwavering commitment to building a resilient, safe, and sustainable maritime future for Nigeria and the African continent.

A major highlight of the conference was the presentation of the Maritime Excellence Service Award to NSML by AMJON.

The award recognises NSML’s outstanding contributions to sustainable shipping and the transformation of Nigeria’s maritime sector through world-class training, operational innovation, and strategic investments.

Through its Structured Cadetship Development Programme, SCDP, NSML has trained over 200 cadets, many of whom are now actively engaged in the company’s operations.

This has contributed to an 85% Nigerianisation rate of crew aboard NSML-managed vessels and 100% Nigerian staffing in onshore roles.

NSML also operates one of the most sophisticated maritime simulation suites in Africa.

This facility offers immersive, real-time training covering bridge, engine room, and cargo operations, as well as emergency response scenarios, ensuring trainees are well-prepared for global maritime challenges.

Beyond training, NSML remains a leader in the transformation of Nigeria’s maritime sector.

The company is overseeing the construction of a 23,000m³ LPG vessel in South Korea and advancing its fleet renewal strategy by replacing aging steam vessels with modern, dual-fuel LNG carriers such as AXIOS II and AKTORAS.

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The company’s management explained that the projects, which were commissioned and handed over to various schools in the Ikoyi-Obalende Local Council Development Area, aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs, on education.

The goals focus on ensuring inclusive, equitable, and quality education, as well as promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all.

The projects, warmly received by both teachers and students, include 100 dual school desks for Ilado Community Junior High School and Wahab Folawiyo Senior High School, alongside a refurbished and fully equipped chemistry laboratory at Government Senior Secondary School, Ikoyi.

Also donated were reading tables, chairs, and bookshelves for the library at Government Junior Secondary School, Ikoyi.

A celebration also took place at Falomo Junior High School and Ireti Senior Grammar School, both in Ikoyi, where the company donated 20 brand-new desktop computers to the ICT departments of the schools.

Speaking at the event at Government Junior College, Ikoyi, the Group Managing Director of Dangote Cement Plc, Mr. Arvind Pathak, explained that social investment is a key part of Dangote Cement’s operations.

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He said the company is dedicated to giving back to society and supporting the sustainable development of local communities, especially in areas where it operates.

Mr. Pathak’s address was delivered by Mr. Wakeel Olayiwola, the Head of Social Performance at Dangote Cement Plc.

He said, “education holds a pivotal role in the development and empowerment of the youths in the country. As a cornerstone for societal advancement, it serves as a critical tool for personal growth, economic development, and national progress. An educated youth population not only fosters individual success but also contributes significantly to the nation’s overall wellbeing.

“At Dangote Cement, we believe that providing quality education to our youth is vital and should not be left solely as the government’s responsibility. Thus, we aim to partner with the government to enhance educational development in this regard.

“The projects we are handing over today are part of our 2024 Corporate Social Responsibility, CSR, programme for selected schools within the neighbourhood of Dangote Cement Plc’s Head Office in Ikoyi, Lagos. These projects were selected based on need assessments in collaboration with the schools.”

As a responsible corporate entity, Mr. Pathak noted that Dangote Cement’s commitment to societal wellbeing, with investments in four key areas: Education, Healthcare, Infrastructure, and Economic Empowerment programmes.

“This year, our plants in Ibese, Ogun State; Obajana, Kogi State; Gboko, Benue State; Okpella, Edo State; and our Pan-African operations have launched several social investment projects. These efforts contribute to the quality of life in our host communities and support sustainable national development,” he added.

Mr. Pathak thanked the Lagos State Government, the Tutor General/Permanent Secretary, and the school management teams for their collaboration in identifying the schools’ needs and ensuring the timely completion of the projects.

Dr. Idowu Olufunke Oyetola, Tutor General and Permanent Secretary of Education District 3, Lagos State Ministry of Education, who was represented by Mr. Bolaji Rotimi Ajayi, Director of School Administration, praised the long-standing partnership with Dangote Cement, noting that the schools selected for the donations were fortunate beneficiaries.

“We hope for more collaborations that will positively impact education,” she added.

The principals of the recipient schools expressed their gratitude after the formal handover of the projects.

Mrs. Odunlami Olubunmi, Principal of Ilado Community Junior High School, Ikoyi, thanked Dangote Cement for the new desks, stating that the donation would significantly improve the learning environment for the students, helping to prepare them for a brighter future.

Bamidele Ayotunde, Principal of the school with the refurbished laboratory, urged other businesses to follow Dangote Cement’s example in supporting local schools, pointing out the positive impact of the laboratory’s renovation on the school’s learning environment.

The Principal of Ireti Senior Grammar School, Ikoyi, whose school received the new desktop computers, described the donation as a positive development and expressed hope for more support in the future.

Pupils also shared their appreciation for the contributions.

Abiola Jamaudeen, a Lab Prefect at Government Senior College, Ikoyi, promised that the laboratory would be used to its fullest potential and well-maintained.

Lawal Rumayzo Abdulsalam, a student at the school, said the new library equipment would foster better reading habits and create a more conducive environment for learning, ultimately preparing them for success.

Some students even performed special songs to welcome the Dangote team to their schools.

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The state’s Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Professor Musibau Babatunde, gave this assurance on Tuesday while giving a breakdown and analysis of the proposed 2025 budget of N678,086,767,332.18 tagged “Budget of Economic Stabilisation,” at a media parley held at the Conference Room of the Ministry of Finance.

Babatunde said that the highlights of the budget were testament to the fiscal transparency and accountability of the Governor ‘Seyi Makinde-led administration.

He added that the analysis was necessary to make adequate projections so that the state would not have an under-performed or over-performed budget.

According to the commissioner, the state government is going to implement a budget that will bring multiplier effects into the economy and also bring substantial returns to the economy, culminating into improved welfare for residents of the state.

The commissioner further stated that the government used the bottom-top approach, which ensured inclusiveness, to prepare the budget, as relevant stakeholders across the seven geopolitical zones were consulted and the interests of the people fully captured.

He said: “What are the expectations that the people of Oyo State should have on the 2025 Budget, when approved? Improvement of their welfare, more infrastructure, increased support for business owners, farmers and all segments of the society.

“We are looking at the fact that the people of Oyo State should expect an improvement in their welfare in the year 2025, because we don’t just want to implement a budget that will not bring about multiplier effects into the economy. We want to have a budget that will bring about substantial returns to the economy of Oyo State, which will have direct linkage into the welfare of our people.

“Already, at the office of SOCU, under the office of Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, we have been able to get the nod of the National Social Register to deepen and update our social register. It is ongoing as I speak to you.

“We can have a good leverage on the register so that by the time we are having our intervention to the people; it is those that really need the relief materials and packages that will get access to it. So, we have taken up a holistic framework in respect of the 2025 budget estimates.

“I was at the BCOS recently where somebody asked a question on whether the SMEs loans enjoyed by some people in the state under SAfER would continue. I mentioned that the second phase is coming up in 2025. We realised the fact that more people actually wanted access to that loan. We have taken into consideration the number of people that we can support in 2025 such that somebody roasting plantain on the road will have access to the loan.

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“We have tried to streamline what the requirements will be such that they are not cumbersome. The person selling pepper too will have access to it. When they have enough liquidity, their productivity will increase and then they can have high turn-over that can be used to maintain their welfare in the particular process.

“In the infrastructure sector, look at the ongoing rehabilitation of inner roads in Ibadan. Ease of movement and reduction in the number of man-hours spent on transportation on intra and inter-town roads in the state are being addressed and more of them will come, as the rehabilitations will be extended to other zones. These things have implications on the ease of doing business in Oyo State.

“In the wisdom of Governor Makinde, having realised the fact that he wants adequacy in terms of project completion, he established the Oyo State Project Monitoring and Performance Agency. Through this agency, we can monitor projects, check out the quality of those projects and the timely completion of those projects.

“We also have the Monitoring and Evaluation Department in the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning. People have been able to see how exactly we have been having our M and E in our budget implementation.”

Speaking on the key components of the 2025 budget proposal, Babatunde stated that as part of measures to improve the welfare of residents and stabilise them economically amid the growing hardship in the country, the state government would implement the second phase of the Sustainable Action for Economic Recovery, SAfER, an initiative introduced by Governor Makinde to cushion the effects of economic hardship on Oyo State residents.

He assured that the government would not increase the taxes but go after tax defaulters and also bring more people into the tax net with a view to improving revenue generation.

He added that measures had also been put in place to monitor, control and enforce spending limits to ensure a sound budgetary system that would include aggregate fiscal discipline, efficiency and effective implementation of the budget.

Present at the budget analysis were the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade; Commissioner for Establishment and Training, Segun Olayiwola; Executive Assistant to the Governor on Budget, Alhaji Gafar Bello; Special Adviser, Budget and Economic Planning, Simeon Oyeleke; and Senior Special Assistant on Economic Planning, Mr Kehinde Ogunsanya.

Others were the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Budget and Planning, Directors, representative of the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria, DAWN, Commission and representatives of civil society organisations.

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The reshuffle saw the former Commissioner for Trade, Industry, Investment and Cooperatives, Ademola Ojo, moved to the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters.

Ojo is a former chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, Oyo State chapter.

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Segun Olayiwola, who until the reshuffling was in charge of the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, has been moved to the Ministry of Establishment and Training.

The erstwhile Commissioner for Establishment and Training, Adeniyi Adebisi, will move to the Ministry of Trade, Industry, Investment and Cooperatives.

The reshuffling is with immediate effect.

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The announcement was made on Friday in a statement issued by Mr. Sulaiman Olanrewaju, Special Adviser on Media to the Governor.

“I am not allowed to speak on the matter,” Olanrewaju said, when FrontPage correspondent called him on phone to find out the reason(s) for the suspension.

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The government, in a letter dated February 2, 2024 and signed by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Olusegun Olayiwola, indicated that Governor ‘Seyi Makinde approved the suspension on February 1, 2024.

“I wish to inform you that His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Oyo State of Nigeria, in exercise of the powers conferred on him by Sub-section 1&2 of Section 26 of the Chiefs Law, Cap. 28 Vol I, Laws of Oyo State of Nigeria 2000 and by virtue of all other enabling powers in that regard, has approved your suspension as the Onido of Ido in the area of authority of Ido Local Government Area of Oyo State,” the letter read in part.

It directed Oba Babalola to hand over all government properties in his possession to the chairman of Ido local government.

The reason for the suspension was not stated in the statement issued.

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The projects, expected to benefit over 2,500 pupils, included installed 5kva Solar Power source to power the ICT centres at Kuramo Junior College, Victoria Island; Victoria Island Senior school, Victoria Island, and Girl’s Senior Secondary School, Obalende, Lagos, while the cement company also rehabilitated and equipped with furniture, the school library of Girls Junior Secondary School, Obalende.

It also renovated and equipped with furniture and bookshelves the staff room of Kuramo Senior College, Victoria Island.

Group Managing Director, Dangote Cement, Mr Arvind Pathak, speaking at the commissioning said the projects were part of the company’s Social Investment Programme designed to contribute to society’s well-being in the areas of Education, Health, Economic empowerment, and Infrastructural development.

Pathak who was represented by Pan Africa Regional Chief Financial Officer, Ms. Marie Christiane Kaul, said the interventions were targeted at some selected projects, especially schools within the neighborhood of the Dangote Cement Plc Head Office, Ikoyi Lagos.

She said, “the choice of these projects was arrived at on need basis through a participatory process of engagement with the schools. Each of the schools identified the most pressing need which were then jointly scoped for execution. We especially thank the TG/PS for granting our request to execute these interventions in the six schools that are all under her authority.”

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She explained that as a responsible corporate citizen, Dangote Cement, ensured that every year, its cement plants in Nigeria and across Africa executed various developmental projects and programmes to improve the quality of life of neighbouring and host communities.

“As a company, we believe that the onerous task of providing quality education to our teaming youths cannot be over-emphasized and should not be left to government alone. As education is the bedrock of any meaningful development, as a going concern, we believe in partnership with the government to deliver quality education to our teeming youths. We shall therefore continue to complement the efforts of the various levels of government to improve the quality of life of our people in the four thematic areas earlier identified,” she added.

She noted the projects are expected to benefit more than 2,500 students currently studying at these schools while adding that the interventions aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development, SDG, Goal number 4, which is aimed at ensuring an inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.

The provision of sustainable energy is also aligned with SDG Goal 7 which is aimed at the provision of access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and clean energy for all.

The Dangote Cement boss said, “as a responsible organisation, we shall continue to complement efforts of the government in creating a  conducive learning environment for students and a good teaching environment for staff. I call on the beneficiaries of these projects to make the best use of the facilities and protect them so that they can serve the purpose for which they are provided for a reasonable length of time.”

Tutor General and Permanent Secretary, Education District 3, Lagos State Ministry of Education, Dr. Idowu Olufunke Oyetola, in her remark thanked the management of Dangote Cement for company’s intervention in the provision of educational infrastructure.

She said that Dangote Cement’s gesture aligned with Lagos State government’s policy of leveraging Public Private Partnerships in the upgrade and provision of educational infrastructure.

She charged the teachers and students to make good use of the facilities.

In his own response, the Principal, Kuramo Senior College, Lawal Babatunde, thanked the management of Dangote Cement for selecting his school as one of the beneficiaries of the intervention.

He said the gesture had helped to create a more comfortable staff room for the teachers.

Also speaking in an interview, Group Head, Social Performance, Wakeel Olayiwola, described the project as critical and that other projects were under construction for various educational institutions across the country as the company was committed to lifting communities withing which it operates.

He explained that the Company usually “go into Community Development Agreement (CDA) with its host communities, which spans every five years spelling out projects and interventions to be made in the communities on need basis because government alone cannot provide all the needs of the people, so we complement government efforts by intervening with provision of infrastructure.”

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The approval was granted by the governor sequel to a memo raised by the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters.

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According to a statement by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Olusegun Olayiwola, the approval became imperative following the vacancies created in the various stools as they affected each local government as a result of the demise of the previous holders of the respective titles.

It added that the administrative processes of filling the 48 chieftaincy titles had been concluded in accordance with the provision of the Chiefs Law of Oyo State, Cap.28 Section 15 (a&b) and that there was no court case or restraining order on any of the approved chieftaincy titles.

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News of the approval came in a statement issued Saturday evening in Ibadan by the state’s Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Mr Olusegun Olayiwola.

Olayiwola said the announcement followed the “long-drawn processes specified under the law.”

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The commissioner stated that Governor Makinde had since congratulated the new traditional ruler of Ogbomoso land on his ascension to the throne.

“The exalted position has placed Olaoye in the position to facilitate harmony, understanding and tolerance among his subjects.

“All sons and daughters of the ancient city of Ogbomoso are implored to work with the new king to consolidate on the successes of his forefathers,” he said.

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Organised by Muslimah Care Volunteering Initiative, the event with the theme “Light at the end of the tunnel”, will hold at 1, Musa Oyinbo Street off Murtala Muhammed International Airport Road, 7&8 Bus Stop, Oshodi, Lagos.

Speaking on the event, the founder of the initiative, Hajia Baseeroh Olayiwola, explained that it was designed to give succour to widows and address the challenges faced in all spheres of their lives, particularly in spiritual, socio-economic and political areas.

Her words: “The initiative was created to give succour to widows, allay their fears and cushion their needs.”

She added that to alleviate some of the challenges faced by widows, the initiative had continued to introduce several programmes.

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According to her, “Some of our programmes include skills acquisition, food bank aids, business grants among others.”

The vice chairman of the event, Hajia Shaakirah Oshinlaja-Oluokun commended the efforts of the foundation for its numerous projects geared towards the economic upliftment of widows in the society.

“We urge members of the public to come to our aid by donating generously to this cause in order to hit our target for the event,” she said.

At the occasion, Amir Mubarak Olayiwola will deliver a lecture with the title “Dealing with the grip of fear and embracing the growth of faith”, while Hajia Fatimah Shonubi will deliver a lecture titled “In pursuit of happiness: The power of emotional acceptance.”

Widows will be provided with food stuffs, have opportunity of medical check up and aid; on the spot medications/supplement; payment of school fees for orphans and access to business grant.

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Speaking with journalists in Ibadan on Thursday after a meeting with key stakeholders in the sector, the Commissioner for Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Emmanuel Olusegun Olayiwola, decried the present state of physical planning in Oyo State, adding that it had become an issue of concern to government.

He further decried the illegal development under power lines in the state, saying that some developments on pipelines, under high-tension cables, were in deviance to the state’s physical planning law.

Olayiwola said that ultimately, illicit development activities without adherence to planning standards in the state, gave birth to the sprawl of illegal structures all over the state.

The commissioner said illegal developments, if not checked on time, would pose a huge threat to residents of the state.

According to him, the ministry, following reports from concerned citizens of the state over erection of structures under power lines and its attendant health hazard to the good people of the state, would swing into action very soon.

He explained further that the state government would soon embark on property auditing, enforcement of planning standards and technological innovations.

Olayiwola also said the Oyo State government had introduced a lands administration system, to manage the generation of demand notice.

He said the billing system had been deployed to eleven local government town planning offices in Ibadan zone, for a test run, while the ministry was on the verge of eradicating manual invoice/bill.

Olayiwola added that the state government had therefore constituted an enforcement initiative that would check the excessive growth of urban blights in the state.

“This exercise is just to ensure a sustainable, organized and livable environment for the citizens of the state,” he said.

The Commissioner for Lands, however, sternly warned members of the public against attack and abuse on government officials in the course of duty.

He also advised developers in the state to obtain approval from the town planning offices in their various local governments before embarking on any development.

He urged all residents of the state to continue to abide by the provisions of the Oyo State physical planning policies in order to achieve the developmental plans of the government for the entire state.

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