Personality in Focus
Opinion: NTDA Act and Cockcrow at Dawn
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By Frank Meke.
Nigerian Tourism Development Authority act, which repealed the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation Act, CAP N137, laws of the Federation, is deceptive, a gift of a tiger tail and bears a necromancer stamp of intent.
First, let us interrogate the sponsor of the bill, one Honourable Jimoh Olajide, a supposedly unknown quantity in our tourism space and no doubt could put his name to a bill which negates all known democratic process and engagements .
When and where did this Honourable seek our input into his bill and I must wonder aloud what achievements trails this “representative” of the tourism people of Nigeria?
Since, the elections are just few days away, Representative Olajide, must be assumed to have a constituency mandate protective of his voters interest and investment in tourism and except, he was allegedly Procured as a “Special purpose vehicle” to pursue this “Authority” bill, now an act of the law, Honourable Jimoh Olajide must then be a tourism busy body.
In general terms, this NTDA Act, is all about Foluronsho Coker. It typifies his fears, militarism, domineering attitude and irritations to second opinion.
Since, his appointment in 2015, his tenure in this strategic government tourism platform, had witnessed the most volatile and unbelievable presence of forceful and strange attempts to dominate, and subject the workforce to his laid back administrative template, and to the private sector, he unsuccessfully fought wars and still fighting to make them his Yes men and slaves. His hatred against the organised tourism press, which he fought unsuccessfully to split their ranks in connivance with industry low bellies, is evidential.
Coker sat back, ignored all known engagement and collaborative ethics, swift to call tourism associations and groups in the sector, digital morons, yet clearly the godfather of ignorance, double speak and anti tourism development agent.
This act which is ravagingly a Coker opium, negates all known tourism growth expectations,merely fanciful, deeply rooted in theugist ideology, clever by half and a nail to the heart of an industry, begging to be set free to contribute to national socioeconomic development and job creation.
The repealed act is a well thought out document, a Corporation, ( cooperation) tailored towards working with industry operators to achieve set goals, powering collaborations with all segments of the diverse ecosystem of the industry to produce something together and achieve shared goals and values.
To Coker, the civilian military general at the Ntdc, now NTDA, his cocky frame abhors working with others to achieve anything, no wonder he failed in eight years, with nothing to show as tourism growth and development except his Authority Act, which gives him absolute power to circumvent the 2013 Supreme Court ruling which empowers the Nigerian federating states to take their tourism future into their own hands.
Authority and collaboration, or as his Procured Act puts it, “Alliances” with states, are directly opposite in intents and expectations.
While under the repealed act, states and local governments have ” Ownership Authority” over tourism sites, Hospitality and Tourism services, Coker’s act, dwells on punitive and political Authority, certainly fronting an alliance to subject other stakeholders to his whims and caprices.
Coker has never hidden his intention to become the undisputed Nigerian tourism lord of the minor, with ntdc in eight years reduced to his animal farm, its budget releases and various government material interventions deployed as he wills and so fancied.
Authority can be defined as power to force and influence opinion, to command subordinates ( the states and private sector) to unitary actions and not collaborative efforts.
Authority as evidenced in Coker’s act is to compel obedience, to set up a board not answerable to voters interest, a board composition which did not specify certain membership organisations such as “culture and tourism”, but quick to list detailed names of federal ministeries and agencies outside the core pictures of the industry.
The functions of the Authority clearly indicates also the double speak of the sponsors, to ” regulate with states( Alliances) and if such states refuses to obedietise, punitive measures are applied.
A rundown on the Authority’s powers to accreditation and form Alliances of Tourism Enterprises, are simply carrot induced, targeting a sole pander to exclusively grade and classify tourism Enterprises in the country, circumventing established Supreme Court ruling of 2013 between lagos state government and federal government ( ntdc).
To incentify the” Alliance”, the Authority will pay off obedient states, with privileges and and benefits as maybe ” determined ” from time to time, such as mundane unwto unexplained status and recognition, unspecified fiscal relief and tax exemptions, customs duty exemptions and eligibility for financial incentives, grants and interest loans from a Tourism Development Fund, which birth pang process, may oil controversy to scuttle the agenda.
It is indeed worrisome how states empowered by Supreme Court ruling and so have authority to run their hospitality and culture tourism enterprises grading, accreditation and classification opportunities, will fall for this cheap carrots assumed benefits from Coker’s Authority act.
Under this administration, there were many of such carrots, some domiciled at various ministries and to which ntdc under Foluronsho Coker, failed to activate and deploy to irrigate speedy recovery and growth of both states and private sector tourism growth expectations. During and after Covid pandemic, Coker was silent and never lent a voice to efforts to raise bail out funds to a ravaged and bleeding tourism entrepreneurs in Nigeria, and suddenly woke up to Tourism Development Fund.
The additional and incidental powers sought and to be executed by Coker’s Authority, is pedestrian and self effacing, impostive.( 15) “the Authority shall carry any undertaking which appears ( subjective interpretation) to the Authority to be necessary for the promotion and development of the industry” ( *Even if the stakeholders are in disagreement*)
A tour operating company ( 16a) by the Authority, is monopolistic and at variance to the yearnings of private sector tourism practitioners,who are poles in advantage to run the business, grow jobs sustainably than an Authority octopus than
the
“Authority” octopus features only in six geopolitical zones, a recipe to a big fall like Humpty Dumpty.
Though I concede that a Convention and Visitors Bureau by the Authority, may help Nigeria’s tourism sound bite abroad, particularly in bidding for international events to be hosted by Nigeria, it however beats me hollow why Coker could not fly one single local tourism exhibition and convention to the glory of Nigerian tourism in eight years.
In political science and sociology, Public Authority as sought by this NTDA act, has history and usually popular during economic depression, desired to accelerate opportunities for development but ours in Coker’s Authority is mere power grab effort, to circumvent constitutional provisions and empower the individual ( DG of NTDA), autocraticising an industry best captured and developed through collaborations.
Coker’s Authority Alliances platform is suspect, unpatriotic, and a danger to Nigerian cultural tourism economy, now and in the future.
In all sense of due review, the repealed ntdc act, is far more attractive, workable instrument than NTDA act, which could be likened to an excuse to avoid tourism introspection, engagement, fairness, equality and justice.
Coker by nature hates intellectual engagement, and arrogant to superior opinion, brash, all knowing, possessive, and irritative to democratic ethos.
His mind set, ingenious rascality and disregard to norms which engenders cooperation, collaboration and development in tourism, are clearly encapsulated in the NTDA Act. And as he would want the simplistic and unassuming to believe, he ( Coker) is not an autocratic and power monger. Truly, Coker is not a democratic, neither republican, reasons he failed in eight years of a life time to make tourism impact in Nigeria.
Personality in Focus
Prince Joseph Idiong Headlines NOMA’s Responsible Reporting, Substance Abuse Prevention Workshop
The Nigerian Online Media Alliance (NOMA), a coalition of digital media publishers and journalists committed to promoting ethical journalism, media development, and impactful public advocacy across Nigeria is delighted to present Prince Joseph Idiong, Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the Association of Nigerian Exporters (ANE), as a Special Guest Speaker at the Media Practitioners’ Capacity Building Programme on Responsible Reporting and Substance Abuse Prevention.
Prince Joseph Idiong is a distinguished communications strategist, international trade expert, commercial diplomat, and private sector advocate whose professional career spans over four decades across the media, public relations, advertising, international trade, export development, and business consultancy sectors.
Widely respected for his exceptional contributions to Nigeria’s export sector and international trade relations, Prince Idiong has built an enviable reputation as a bridge-builder between government, business, development institutions, and the international trading community. His extensive experience in media and communications, combined with his expertise in export promotion and commercial diplomacy, places him among Nigeria’s foremost authorities on non-oil exports, trade facilitation, and economic diversification.
A Member of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (MNIPR) since 1995 and a Member of the Business Education Exams Council (MBEEC), Prince Idiong began his professional journey in broadcasting when he joined the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) as an Announcer in 1977. His passion for communication and public engagement later took him to the Cross River Broadcasting Corporation, where he further honed his skills in electronic media.
His successful transition into print journalism saw him rise to the position of Industrial Editor of the Nigerian Industrialist Magazine, where he developed a deep understanding of Nigeria’s industrial and business environment. His outstanding performance in media practice subsequently earned him appointments as Special Projects Consultant to both Guardian Magazine and TELL Magazine, two of Nigeria’s most influential publications.
Beyond journalism, Prince Idiong distinguished himself in the fields of public relations and advertising, working with Seric Advertising Limited in Lagos before co-founding Bigtime Productions Limited, an integrated communications company that provided public relations, advertising, marketing, and strategic communication services to corporate and institutional clients.
His academic and professional development journey reflects a commitment to excellence and lifelong learning. He received professional communications training at Calabar Polytechnic, the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) Training School—now the National Broadcasting Academy—as well as the Business Education Exams Council and the International Institute of Journalism (IIJ), an affiliate of the University of Maiduguri.
His extensive public relations consultancy work exposed him to business development and non-profit sector advisory services through engagements with major organisations including the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), the Akwa Ibom State Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, and the Association of Nigerian Exporters (ANE). His remarkable contributions eventually led to his appointment as Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the Association of Nigerian Exporters, the umbrella body representing Nigerian exporters and export-oriented businesses.
In the international trade sector, Prince Idiong is a Fellow of the Institute of Export of Nigeria (FIEx) and one of Nigeria’s most experienced trade promotion professionals. He has served on the Board of the Nigerian Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA) from 2005 to 2016 and later as a Board Member of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) from 2018 to 2023, contributing significantly to policy formulation, export promotion, and investment development initiatives.
For more than twenty-five years, he has been actively engaged in Commercial Diplomacy Practice, developing expertise in international trade negotiations, export development strategies, investment promotion, and economic cooperation. His professional accomplishments include obtaining international certifications in fifteen export trade courses, in addition to participating in numerous local and international trade workshops, conferences, and capacity-building programmes.
As an international resource person and trade mission leader, Prince Idiong has represented Nigeria and the private sector in over twenty countries across Africa, Europe, Asia, and North America, including the United States, China, India, Russia, South Africa, Mauritius, Egypt, Ireland, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. His contributions have helped strengthen Nigeria’s trade relationships, expand market access opportunities, and promote Nigerian businesses on the global stage.
One of the defining moments of his career came in 2006 when he served as the Nigerian Government-nominated and United States Government-preferred Lead Negotiator during the USA-Nigeria Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) negotiations held at the United States Trade Representative (USTR) Headquarters in Washington, D.C.
In this strategic role, Prince Idiong successfully led negotiations with key U.S. government agencies on matters affecting bilateral trade and transportation relations between both countries. His efforts contributed significantly to the lifting of the ban on direct flights between Nigeria and the United States, a major milestone in Nigeria-U.S. diplomatic and commercial relations.
Another landmark achievement was his successful engagement with the United States Export-Import Bank (US EXIM Bank), where he negotiated the establishment of a dedicated financing facility for businesses operating under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). His intervention resulted in the approval of the Nigerian Banking Facility, which commenced with a funding commitment of $300 million and later expanded to $1 billion, creating significant opportunities for Nigerian exporters and businesses seeking access to international markets.
Throughout his career, Prince Idiong has participated in numerous bilateral and multilateral trade negotiations on behalf of Nigeria. These include the United Nations Commission for Europe Trade Facilitation Negotiations in Geneva, Switzerland; the United States-Nigeria Trade and Investment Framework Agreement negotiations in Washington, D.C.; and the Nigeria-China Bilateral Trade Negotiations in Beijing, China.
In recent years, he has continued to play an active role in shaping trade and export policy across Africa. He was a member of the Federal Government delegation to the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) in Egypt in 2018 and South Africa in 2021. In 2022, he participated in the Federal Government delegation to the inauguration of the Nigerian Export Trade House in Nairobi, Kenya.
As a thought leader and respected speaker on international trade and economic development, Prince Idiong has delivered keynote addresses and presentations at major national and international events. In 2023, he served as Guest Speaker at the Central Bank of Nigeria Export Seminars held in Lagos, Kano, and Port Harcourt. In 2024, he was a featured speaker at the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Workshop organised by the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies in partnership with the European Commission in Abuja. He also spoke at the Africa Agri Council Conference, where he shared valuable insights on agricultural exports, regional trade integration, and economic transformation.
As a Speaker at this programme, Prince Joseph Idiong brings a wealth of experience in communications, international trade, economic diplomacy, business development, and public policy. His unique perspective on the intersection of media, commerce, governance, and national development will provide participants with valuable insights into how responsible communication and strategic engagement can contribute to economic growth and sustainable development.
Participants can look forward to learning from a seasoned communications professional, accomplished trade diplomat, and respected business leader whose career has been dedicated to promoting Nigeria’s interests, expanding opportunities for exporters, and strengthening the country’s position in the global economy.
For partnership, sponsorship, participation, and media enquiries, interested organisations and individuals are encouraged to contact the organisers.
Media Contacts: Call: 08034499132; 08165322757 and 09034242439. Email:nomamedia25@gmail.com
In Nigeria’s rapidly evolving construction and infrastructure landscape, professionals who combine technical expertise, leadership, innovation, and integrity continue to play a vital role in shaping the nation’s development. Among such professionals is Engr. Michael Hosea Chihirvwam, a distinguished builder, civil engineer, construction technologist, and entrepreneur whose commitment to excellence has positioned him as a respected figure in the construction industry.
As the Managing Director of Depunz Construction Limited, Engr. Bldr. Michael Hosea is actively contributing to the transformation of Nigeria’s built environment through the delivery of quality construction projects, infrastructure development, project management services, and sustainable engineering solutions. His professional journey reflects years of dedication, continuous learning, and a passion for creating structures that improve lives and support national development.
Born on September 11, 1983, in Kaduna State, Nigeria, Michael Hosea developed an early interest in construction, engineering, and the practical application of technology to solve societal challenges. This passion led him to pursue a strong educational foundation in the built environment, earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Building Technology, a Bachelor of Engineering Degree in Civil Engineering, and a Master of Science Degree in Construction Technology.
His academic background has equipped him with a unique multidisciplinary perspective, enabling him to understand and manage the technical, structural, managerial, and operational aspects of construction projects from conception to completion. This combination of knowledge has become one of his greatest strengths as a construction professional.
A firm believer in professional excellence and ethical practice, Engr. Hosea is a Member of the Nigerian Institute of Building (MNIOB) and is duly registered with the Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria (CORBON) and the Nigerian society of Engineers. These professional affiliations underscore his commitment to maintaining industry standards and delivering projects that meet established regulations and best practices.
Throughout his career, he has gained valuable experience working with reputable organizations and construction firms, including Allied Consultants and Projects, Edil Belmonte Nigeria Limited, the Borno State Ministry of Works and Transport during his National Youth Service, and Eddiliz Nigeria Limited. These experiences exposed him to diverse construction projects, engineering challenges, and project management responsibilities that have significantly shaped his professional competence.
Driven by a desire to provide innovative solutions to Nigeria’s growing infrastructure needs, Engr. Hosea played a pivotal role in the establishment and growth of Depunz Construction Limited, an indigenous building construction and civil engineering company incorporated in 2013. The company was established to respond to the increasing demand for quality infrastructure and development services in Nigeria and other developing economies.
Under his leadership, Depunz Construction Limited has grown into a multidisciplinary construction and engineering firm providing services across several sectors of the economy. The company’s operations cover architectural design, building construction, civil and structural engineering works, project management and planning, electrical power development, water engineering, renewable energy applications, development consultancy, and turnkey project delivery.
One of the hallmarks of Engr. Hosea’s leadership is his commitment to assembling and managing a highly skilled team of architects, engineers, quantity surveyors, builders, and technical specialists. Through this collaborative approach, Depunz Construction Limited has successfully executed a range of projects, including residential developments, institutional facilities, infrastructure works, renovation projects, and engineering installations.
The company’s project portfolio demonstrates its capacity to handle diverse assignments. Among notable projects are the remodeling and conversion of residential buildings into modern duplexes, construction of residential developments in Plateau State and Abuja, renovation of housing units, design and supervision of institutional facilities, and the development of student accommodation projects.
Beyond traditional construction, Engr. Hosea has embraced the growing importance of sustainability in development. Through Depunz Construction Limited, he actively promotes renewable energy applications, sustainable building practices, rural electrification initiatives, water supply infrastructure, and environmentally responsible engineering solutions. His vision aligns with global efforts to create resilient communities and sustainable urban development.
As a practicing professional, Engr. Hosea remains actively involved in project planning, construction supervision, quality assurance, client engagement, and strategic business development. His hands-on leadership style enables him to maintain close oversight of projects while ensuring that client expectations, safety standards, and quality specifications are consistently achieved.
Colleagues and industry associates describe him as a disciplined professional, a strategic thinker, and a results-oriented leader who approaches every project with a strong sense of responsibility and attention to detail. His ability to balance technical precision with practical execution has earned him the confidence of clients, consultants, contractors, and stakeholders.
Beyond business success, Engr. Hosea views construction as a vehicle for national development. He believes that quality infrastructure is essential for economic growth, social progress, and improved living standards. This philosophy continues to guide his professional decisions and inspires his commitment to delivering projects that create lasting value for communities.
Today, as Nigeria seeks innovative solutions to its housing deficit, infrastructure challenges, and sustainable development goals, Engr. Michael Hosea continues to play a significant role in advancing the nation’s development agenda. Through Depunz Construction Limited, he remains dedicated to providing professional expertise, engineering excellence, and practical solutions that contribute to building stronger communities and a more prosperous future.
His story is one of vision, perseverance, professional growth, and purposeful leadership. It is a story that reflects the transformative power of expertise and determination in shaping the physical environment and creating opportunities for future generations.
For Engr. Michael Hosea, every completed project represents more than a structure of concrete, steel, and bricks. It represents a commitment fulfilled, a problem solved, a community strengthened, and another step toward building the Nigeria of tomorrow.
Professional Profile at a Glance
Name: Engr. Michael Hosea Chihirvwam
Profession: Builder, Civil Engineer, Construction Technologist, Entrepreneur
Position: Managing Director, Depunz Construction Limited
Date of Birth: September 11, 1983
Academic Qualifications:
– B.Sc. Building
– B.Eng. Civil Engineering
– M.Sc. Construction Technology
Professional Memberships:
– Member, Nigerian Institute of Building (MNIOB)
– Registered Builder, Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria (CORBON)
Core Areas of Expertise:
– Building Construction
– Civil and Structural Engineering
– Project Management
– Construction Technology
– Infrastructure Development
– Water Engineering
– Renewable Energy Applications
– Development Consultancy
Vision:
To contribute meaningfully to national development through innovative, sustainable, and high-quality construction solutions that improve lives and transform communities.
This article is controbuted by Theresa Moses
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, has approved the appointment of Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Iniedu Aniette Okokon as the new Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO).
The new spokesperson replaces Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Anthony Okon Placid, who was appointed to the role three months ago shortly after Disu assumed office as the 23rd Inspector-General of Police.
The changes were formally conveyed through a Police Wireless Message signed by the Force Secretary and circulated to relevant departments, commands and formations of the Nigeria Police Force, notifying officers of the immediate leadership transition in the Force Public Relations Department, as well as accompanying redeployments affecting other strategic units.
CSP Okokon, until his new appointment, served as Head of the Complaint Response Unit (CRU) at the Force Headquarters in Abuja.
Although the police authorities have yet to provide official details explaining the circumstances behind the sudden reshuffle, sources within the Force Headquarters told THEWILL that the outgoing police spokesperson has been redeployed to the Lagos State Police Command, where he is expected to take up new responsibilities in line with the latest personnel adjustments within the Force.
