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ITV/Radio Pre-independence Lecture Series: Nigeria Must Look Beyond Oil, Utilise The Maritime Sector – NIMASA Ex- DG

Published

2 years ago

September 4, 2023

A former Director-General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Temisan Omatseye, has urged Nigeria to look beyond crude oil by harnessing the rich marine resources and optimise the benefits the nation’s aquatic nature provide.

He added that the country’s maritime sector must be fully utilised with a view to diversifying the economic base of the country.

Omatseye, who gave the charge as a guest speaker at Independent Television and Radio (ITV/Radio), Benin, annual Independence Lecture (Nigeria @63) with the theme ‘Harnessing the Potentials in the Maritime Sector’, lamented that despite the huge opportunities its provide, Nigeria naritime sector is potentially untapped.

He, however, said Nigeria requires a safe, secure and enabling Maritime Domain to drive a strong, diversified, sustainable and competitive economy, adding that the passing of a National Maritime Transport Policy (NMTP) will drive this process.”

He said: “We must begin this campaign by assessing the pillars which constitute the framework upon which a maritime nation stands: Institutions, legislation and regulations, and policy.”

He continued: “Nigeria government must rise and work towards producing maritime human capital which match national and global demands. But we must also develop other maritime sectors at a much quicker pace such as shipbuilding and repairs, shipping and ports services, logistics and the provision of ancillary maritime products and services among others.

“Stakeholders must be engaged and their inputs solicited in the review of maritime institutions, legislation and regulations and policies. In this, government must lead by adopting a comprehensive national maritime policy that defines the long-term strategic direction for MARITIME NIGERIA,” he said.

Earlier, in his welcome address, the Managing Director, ITV, Engr. Elvis Obaseki, said the topic was picked because of its aptness, adding that this is the only way the country can get out of the current economic quagmire.

Corroborating Omatseye’s submission, the ITV/Radio MD urged Nigeria government to look beyond oil and gas as the only source of the nation’s revenue generation.

Urging Edo people and Nigerians at large to tap opportunities the Edo Seaport offer, Engr. Obaseki said: “The Benin Port project has already come and it has come to stay. We should be thinking of ways of keying into such areas. Edo is practically shifting from being called ‘Civil Service State’.

He thank the founder of ITV/Radio, Chief Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion, the Esama of Benin Kingdom for establishing ITV platform for management and staff of the station to celebrate the independence of Nigeria.

The event also had pannel of discussion segment where discussants – Dr. Casley Omon-Irabor, a constitutional/human right lawyer and National President, Human Rights Defenders; Pius Alile, Founder, Pius Alile Coalition Initiative and Bishop Osadolor Ochei, Human Right Gospel Defender Advocate all argued that for Nigeria to get it right, right leaders must be in helms of affairs.

They emphasized the need for Nigeria to diversify her economy with a view to boosting the country’s revenue base.

News

DSS Issues Warning, Arrests Man For Circulating Fake Recruitment Materials

Published

4 hours ago

August 24, 2025

Editor

The Department of State Services (DSS) has disclosed the arrest of one Mr. Eze Ezenwa Benard, who was recently apprehended for circulating fake DSS recruitment past questions and answers on Facebook.

The agency, while warning the public in a statement on Saturday, said the suspect operated through a page known as “Jobs and Education”, where he advertised the fraudulent materials and charged unsuspecting members of the public one thousand naira (N1,000) for access.

“The public is hereby cautioned to disregard any materials, as the DSS does not sell or distribute recruitment questions, answers, or examination guides through private individuals or social media pages. Recruitment into the Service, when necessary, follows specialised procedure in accordance with extant laws and due process,” the statement reads.

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‘Na Only People You Gave Work Love You,’ Singer Speed Darlington Tells Tinubu

Published

4 hours ago

August 24, 2025

Editor

Singer Speed Darlington has told President Bola Tinubu that public admiration cannot be bought, warning that only those who received appointments or jobs from the government truly support him.

In a video posted on Saturday, August 23, the singer said, “Everything isn’t about the economy! There is more to leadership than the economy. See as everybody dey call your name, dey complain. Nobody loves you. Na only the ones you gave work, na them love you. Even your own tribe dey complain about you.”

Darlington, an Igbo man, urged Tinubu to focus on police reform and respect for human rights. “The Nigerian police is an oppressive agency rooted in human rights violation. As a matter of fact, if they do not violate you, it’s as if they are not even doing their job.

“The idea of arrest before investigation is a pure human rights violation. You arrest and hold a person before you dey investigate. Please, before you leave office, please speak to your Yoruba brother IGP man,” he added.

News

Before You Leave Office, Reform The Police — Speed Darlington Urges Tinubu

Published

4 hours ago

August 24, 2025

Editor

Popular controversial singer Speed Darlington has called on President Bola Tinubu to reform the Nigerian Police Force, urging the government to prioritise citizens’ rights alongside economic growth.

In a video posted on Saturday, the entertainer criticised what he described as the police’s systemic human rights violations and oppressive practices.

“Mr President, before you leave office, whether you secure a second term or not, try your best to improve Nigeria. Everything isn’t about the economy!

“There is more to leadership than the economy. See as everybody dey call your name, dey complain. Nobody loves you. Na only the ones you gave work, na them love you. Even your own tribe dey complain about you,” he said.

The singer, who identifies as Igbo, urged Tinubu to engage with the Inspector-General of Police and implement reforms.

“As an Igbo man, the advice I can give you so people will know your name and remember you for something good is to reform the police. Reform the police.

“The Nigerian police is an oppressive agency rooted in human rights violation. As a matter of fact, if they do not violate you, it’s as if they are not even doing their job.

“The idea of arrest before investigation is a pure human rights violation. You arrest and hold a person before you dey investigate,” he added.

Darlington also recounted his personal ordeal with law enforcement, highlighting the system’s abuse of power.

“I was held for two months after the judge had ordered my release. FID held me for two months. According to my lawyer, the Nigerian law gives only 28 days for investigation.

“They held me for two months. What is the extra month for? Because they can. If you give them money, they oppress your enemy. I have experienced it,” he said.