Personality in Focus
IPADA: The President is Just Being Nice
- /home/rhoncare/pointblank.ng/wp-content/plugins/mvp-social-buttons/mvp-social-buttons.php on line 27
https://pointblank.ng/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/IMG-20240920-WA0053.jpg&description=IPADA: The President is Just Being Nice', 'pinterestShare', 'width=750,height=350'); return false;" title="Pin This Post">
- Share
- Tweet /home/rhoncare/pointblank.ng/wp-content/plugins/mvp-social-buttons/mvp-social-buttons.php on line 69
https://pointblank.ng/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/IMG-20240920-WA0053.jpg&description=IPADA: The President is Just Being Nice', 'pinterestShare', 'width=750,height=350'); return false;" title="Pin This Post">
By Frank Meke
In the Nigerian tourism space, the Federal Government has always been nice to the sector. They usually pat us on the back; good boys, they chorus, you all are doing well!
The industry, the cultural tourism sector, is not only being “managed and accommodated” as an orphan, It has always been visited with expired politicians seeking just any place to fluent their borrowed agbada or a place for jobs for the boys.
During the military era, cultural tourism sector was dubbed a mere “preferred” sector, meaning it’s time and season is on hold until a more better and serious economic players like oil, commerce, transportation, banking and aviation sectors have been properly situated, grounded and funded before Nigeria can bet its assets and strength on the “come and enjoy” platforms of cultural tourism.
As it’s at the federal level, our state governments, which are mere copy cats of the confusion at the centre, takes the deceptive shenanigans to a mundane level, and in most states, treats the business as a special purpose vehicle of corruption.
If you have been around in this sector, it would amount to a story retold that some so called state commissioners of culture, or tourism and some fanciful appendages, hardly have the ears of their governors, with some operating from offices( shanties) not befitting even pigs.
Let us not go back in history as we are not known to stay long on printed words but on figures, particularly when such figures( money) empower our vanities. In the past eight years, we have danced from one confusion to another with both the federal government and states, doing their magics in the name of tourism development.
The eight years of President Muhammadu Buhari basically gleaned the hairy scalp of the sector with a Mohammed that chose the valley than the mountain top of tourism.
We laboured hard to have the then president who was buffeted by insecurity in the nation to publicly identify with the sector and up our global integrity ranking.
The larger number of about 200 million Nigerians took to outbound visitations, putting pressures on our foreign exchange reserves, ignoring our goddamme forsaken tourism sites and festivals for packaged lollipops of Europe and the sweet wine valleys of south Africa.
Foreign embassies were besieged by holiday hungry Nigerians, with many of them willing to escape to Alsaka or any strange corner of the earth in order to have a foreign visa stamp on their maligned travel passport.
Just like in the aviation sector in Nigeria, where foreign airlines dominate our airspace without a reciprocal presence elsewhere, Nigerians swelled the tourism arrival and expenditure figures of most countries in the world while we shouted redemption from our corners.
Back home, we have more Nigerians telling stories of Spanish adventurers and explorers than the history of Badagry or Opobo. We forgot that tourism is about telling stories of nations and peoples, and trust our very miserable ministers and commissioners, who are usually at the behest of foreign trips to understudy civilizations which our ancestors bequeathed to the world through arts and crafts. The ancient Benin kingdom dates back in centuries before the marauding colonialists came plundering our huge cultural tourism assets. Do our children know that!
Evidently, today, and after making billions of dollars out of our ancestral heritage, the “wise men” thieving descendents of our troublers from Europe and America are now falling over themselves to return the loots and since we don’t have records of what was actually stolen from us, particularly from the Benin kingdom, we now have a concerned governor who has refused to pay the Ogba Zoo 36 million naira arbitration judgment awarded in favour of the zoo management over six years ago, now fighting the reverred Oba of Benin over the custody of the returned looted artifacts.
Just as the stories and history of our plundered cultural and natural resources are steeped in deep mystery, the history of slavery and socioeconomic impact is still not fully told.
Late Nigeria business mogul and pro democracy advocate, moshood kashimawo Abiola deployed his huge financial muscle and international connection in the 90’s to seek reparations cost to Africa, based on the very damaging plundering in human history by white colonialists through slavery and neo colonialism.
Those who love printed words, history, and traditions of the African black person should go read up the Abuja proclamation.
It was a painful, tears bearing story of how these white beings, damaged the lives of Nigerians and Africans whom they herded into ships and sold as slaves in America and all parts of Europe and even in the Arabian peninsula.
The late Abiola built integrity around the quest for reparations through the Organisation of African unity( OAU), now known as the African union ( AU) but we the black nations flunderred because we have a different story line to the reparation agenda.
Like I said earlier, we won’t waste so much ink on reparation but won’t leave the subject matter without drawing attention to the history of slavery through the shahel deserts. The story of slavery in Nigeria , no doubt, is dominated by the brutish and heartless human merchandise through the Atlantic waters of Nigeria. The desert variation is equally worth mentioning.
Recently, there has been some great noise about an “IPADA” ( home coming ) tourism project tied around the slave trade history of Nigeria. Our tourism minister, Mrs lola Ade John, is so upbeat about it and has shuttled between lagos and Abuja to push it as a Nigerian tourism story.
As usual, the process as much as it may bear fruit to our quest to reinvent our cultural tourism narratives, fell short of enjoying nationwide integrity support because it was still tied to apron strings of the initiator and founder.
First, in our complex nation as Nigerians and with each each region and people with different and diverse narratives of the slave trade, IPADA, which is a Yoruba word for ( welcome or return ( home), will have a tough buy in by other Nigerians from a Minister who is Yoruba, a founder, ( Yoruba) a president who is also Yoruba!.
Indeed, the haste to which the project itself was pushed forward without defining the parameters of the IPADA agenda within the complexities of the slave trade and cultural history of Nigeria and the tourism content gives it away as a castle in the air.
For those who may take to name calling, IPADA should have been clearly defined as a tourism agenda, focal to projecting, and attracting the Yoruba diaspora, which is one of the best documented and profiled Nigerian sub nation found across West Africa, Brazil and even in the United States, with their own colonies patterned after the traditional and cultural ecosystem as found in modern Nigeria.
At the villa introduction of the IPADA agenda, our president was nowhere to be found, and that rankled me. Is it a sign that the project does not have enough sociopolitical and economic values? Is it shortsighted on hosting venue and security integrity? Where were the governors, too busy for the IPADA agenda? Even if other state governors outside the southwest did not see the larger picture of the tourism content of IPADA, those from the south West nko?
For the first time, I would want to differ on the president absence at the event right within his expansive office, and I am sure the few diplomats , particularly from West Africa, noticed too.
When a father invites guests to the wedding ceremony of his son in his own house, not a rented public facility, he must show up even if he is too busy with his farm works because he is the chief celebrant and must let his guests and in-laws know that his son is close to his heart.
I am an unrepentant admirer of President Ahmed Tinubu political sagacity. His support to our media family is legendary, and I had expected the same integrity support and presence for the IPADA project even though there may be some noticeable shortcomings which can be corrected once the project gains traction.
To simply commend otunba wanle Akinboboye is not just good enough. There was nowhere in the president ” speech ” promising financial muscles to project.
Every tourism project is very expensive, I mean very expensive, so to merely provide the cosy facilities at the villa without the president and even his vice president showing up, tells me that our cultural tourism economy is still an orphan.
The president should take a second look at the IPADA agenda and give it a national outlook. Wanle Akinboboye has provided the ingredients deserving a national cultural tourism road map, but it takes the financial might and international muscle of the president, Federal Republic of Nigeria, to attract the attention of the world to Nigeria.
That is my take, except the minister, Mrs lola Ade John, just wanted to build a castle in the air with the IPADA villa adventure or maybe, maybe and maybe!
Personality in Focus
Lessons from Dickem Farms: Two Decades of Pioneering Innovation in Nigeria’s Aquaculture Industry
By Ayo Oyoze Baje
“Our philosophy has always been simple: innovation should solve real problems, create opportunities and improve livelihoods.”
Introduction
For over two decades, Dickem Farms has remained committed to transforming Nigeria’s aquaculture industry through innovation, technology, enterprise development and human capacity building. What began in 1999 as a vision to improve fish production has evolved into one of the country’s respected aquaculture enterprises, recognized for pioneering practical solutions that have strengthened fish farming and empowered the next generation of agripreneurs.
Dickem Farms was the first to introduce mobile fish ponds into the Nigerian market, making fish farming more flexible, affordable and accessible to investors and smallholder farmers. The company also pioneered the local production of a floating fish feed extruder that uses locally available materials, reducing dependence on imported technology while lowering production costs for fish farmers. In addition, Dickem Farms has invested in modern hatchery systems that produce healthy, high-quality fingerlings to support commercial fish production.
Our philosophy has always been simple: innovation should solve real problems, create opportunities and improve livelihoods.
Recent experiences and initiatives
To get more important information about the farm there were questions on the different aspects, starting with the experiences in the past five years. Let us glean from the horse’s mouth. According to the Managing Director, Godwin Emaketenemi, “Over the last five years, we have continued to strengthen our production systems for both catfish and tilapia. Our focus has been on improving fingerling quality, enhancing pond management practices and maintaining strict water-quality monitoring to maximise fish survival and productivity.
“We also introduced better feeding programmes and comprehensive record-keeping systems that enable us to monitor growth performance, feed conversion efficiency and mortality rates.
Rather than pursuing rapid expansion, we have adopted a disciplined strategy of scaling only after achieving consistent operational results.
“This measured approach has enabled Dickem Farms to build a resilient business capable of supplying quality fish and aquaculture services to customers in Lagos and across Nigeria.”
Overcoming challenges:
On the challenges faced and how they were overcome, he stated that: “Like every agricultural enterprise, we have encountered significant challenges. Rising feed costs, unreliable electricity supply and disease management remain major concerns within the aquaculture industry. Instead of allowing these obstacles to limit our growth, we viewed them as opportunities for innovation.
Producing our own quality fish feed has significantly reduced production costs while giving us greater control over feed quality and formulation. We have also improved water-management systems and operational planning to minimize the effects of power instability.
“At the farm level, stronger biosecurity measures, improved hygiene and proactive fish-health monitoring have substantially reduced disease outbreaks and production losses.”
Marketing strategies
With regards to marketing he explained that; “Production alone does not guarantee success; a reliable market is equally important. Dickem Farms has therefore, built long-term relationships with wholesalers, retailers, restaurants and institutional buyers. We grade our fish according to customer specifications and schedule harvesting to coincide with periods of stronger market demand.”
Training programs
Furthermore, with the focus on training he explained that: “Our reputation has been built on dependable supply, consistent quality and customer trust.
One of our proudest achievements is our investment in people. We believe that sustainable agriculture depends not only on technology but also on developing competent professionals and entrepreneurs.
Over the years, Dickem Farms has trained hundreds of staff, industrial attachment (IT) students, graduates and aspiring fish farmers in practical aquaculture.
“Our training covers hatchery management, pond construction and management, fish nutrition, water-quality management, fish-health monitoring, biosecurity and business record-keeping.
More importantly, we do not stop at training. We mentor young graduates and entrepreneurs, providing technical guidance and business support until they are confident enough to establish and successfully manage their own enterprises. Seeing former trainees become successful employers and business owners remains one of our greatest rewards.
“Continuous learning has also shaped our growth. Through partnerships with foreign organisations and technical visits to leading aquaculture companies, we have gained valuable knowledge in modern hatchery technology, fish-health management, production efficiency and operational excellence.”
Government ‘s support
Coming to the need for government’s support he beamed light on it this way:
“These experiences have strengthened our technical capacity and enabled us to transfer global best practices to Nigerian farmers.
Nigeria possesses enormous potential to become a leading aquaculture producer in Africa. However, unlocking that potential requires stronger collaboration between government and the private sector.
We recommend tax exemptions or significant tax incentives for fish farming and aquaculture value-chain businesses to encourage investment.
“Farmers also need affordable financing with realistic repayment terms, reliable access to quality fingerlings, improved energy support and stronger extension services that provide timely technical guidance on fish health and disease prevention. Organized marketing systems that connect producers directly with institutional buyers will further strengthen the industry’s competitiveness.”
Piece of advice to the younger generation:
His piece of advice to young people who might be interested to go into fish farming:
“To young people considering aquaculture as a career or business, my advice is straightforward: seek proper training and find a credible mentor. Fish farming is a science and a business that rewards discipline, knowledge and patience. Begin with manageable investments, keep accurate records, master water-quality management and learn from experienced practitioners before expanding.
“A good mentor can save years of costly mistakes and accelerate the journey to success.”
As the future beckons:
As for plans for the future he highlighted that: “Looking ahead, Dickem Farms will continue to invest in innovation, local technology development, commercial hatchery expansion, fish-feed production, modern aquaculture equipment and practical capacity building. Our ambition is not only to grow our business but also to contribute meaningfully to food security, employment creation and economic development.
Our long-term vision extends beyond Nigeria.
“We believe Africa possesses the resources, talent and entrepreneurial spirit to feed itself and compete globally. Through innovation, strategic partnerships and investment in people, Dickem Farms will continue to play its part in building a modern aquaculture industry that delivers prosperity for farmers, affordable nutrition for families and sustainable growth for the continent.
Our mission remains unwavering: to inspire a future where Africans feed Africa through innovation, enterprise and excellence in agriculture.”
These indeed, are brilliant submissions for us all to learn from now and always.
The Chairman of First HoldCo, Femi Otedola, has strengthened his stake in the financial institution after acquiring an additional 1.77 billion shares valued at N222.20 billion.
Details contained in a disclosure filed with the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) showed that the shares were purchased on Thursday through his investment company, Calvados Global Services Limited.
The latest transaction raised Otedola’s shareholding in First HoldCo from 9.99 billion shares to 11.77 billion shares, with his ownership increasing from 21.96 per cent to 25.88 per cent.
The purchase marks Otedola’s second major investment in the company this July, following his acquisition of 706.13 million shares worth N77.58 billion on July 22.
With the fresh acquisition, Otedola’s total investment in First HoldCo has climbed to N1.47 trillion, making him the institution’s largest shareholder.
Tributes have continued to pour in for renowned entrepreneur and construction magnate, Otunba Muraina Olatunji Banjoko (MOB), as he marks his 65th birthday, with the Chairman/GCEO of Adron Group, Aare Adetola Emmanuelking, leading the celebration with glowing commendation for the accomplished business leader and philanthropist.
In his goodwill message, Aare Adetola Emmanuelking described the Chairman and CEO of Threeco Construction Company Limited as an icon of excellence whose remarkable contributions to business, community development, and humanity have earned him widespread admiration and enduring respect.
He noted that Otunba Banjoko has distinguished himself as an accomplished entrepreneur, visionary leader, and compassionate philanthropist whose impact transcends the construction industry. According to him, under the celebrant’s leadership, Threeco Construction Company Limited has become synonymous with quality, professionalism, and reliability, while his numerous humanitarian initiatives have positively transformed lives and communities.
He further acknowledged the numerous traditional and honorary titles held by the celebrant, including the Oluwo of Ibaragunland, Baba Adini of Akuteland, Ifo Local Government Renewed Hope Ambassador, Otunba of Akuteland, Bashorun of Agbado, and Dr. Olowore Adini of Egbaland, describing them as a reflection of the immense respect and admiration he commands across different spheres of society.
“As Otunba Muraina Olatunji Banjoko marks this remarkable milestone, we celebrate not only his achievements but also his commitment to excellence, integrity, and service to humanity. His life remains a shining example of purposeful leadership and enduring impact,” Aare Adetola Emmanuelking stated.
He prayed that Almighty God would grant the celebrant renewed strength, sound health, greater wisdom, and many more years of fulfilment, prosperity, and impactful service, expressing confidence that his legacy of excellence and selfless service would continue to flourish for generations to come.
