₦airaland Forum

Like the proverbial abiku child whose death and rebirth is a recurring sad decimal to its parents, the morbid event of Friday, July 3rd, 2020, is one too many mishaps on the Nigerian Waterways that has left tears, sorrow and blood in their wake. We commiserate with the families and colleagues of the departed and pray for the repose of the souls of those that lost their lives in the mishap.

As always, the Executive Committee and entire membership of United Waterways Passengers Association (uwpa) rise in unison to condemn these largely avoidable incidences and hereby make a passionate call to all concerned stakeholders to brace up to their responsibilities in order to avert a repeat of the ugly event.

While we agree that accidents do happen, it is also very true that they do not just happen; people make them happen through actions or inaction. However, uwpa maintain that it is always best practice for all concerned to drive and maintain accident prevention.

In the midst of this, our Association is further embarrassed by the different press releases by both LASWA and NIWA who both regulate the waterways in the Lagos Area purporting that the ill fated boat departed illegally at 8.00pm. This is not true as the boat according to survivors account, departed at 6:30 from Laswa Jetty at Ebute Ero with attendant Laswa official stationed at the Jetty. Could the official not have been able to prevent the loading and departure at that point?
Also, it was claimed that rescue effort was immediate, this also was not true as calls made to the loading Jetty were all received with pathetic excuses of no rescue boats available at the jetty resulting in the distressed passengers resorting to calling random numbers for close to two hours before the first responders comprising local boat operators showed up.
We feel this position should be aligned in other to set the records straight.

The United Waterways Passengers Association (uwpa) is a registered body made up of people across various walks of life and located pan Nigeria who came together to present a common front in the promotion of safety and comfort of its members as they sail on Nigeria’s inland waterways. This coming together arose out of the increasing reliance by our members on water transportation due to the gridlock experienced on metropolitan Lagos roads. This shift towards water transportation have not escaped the eagle eyes of Lagos State Government, who in pursuit of a vibrant blue economy, committed resources to make room for a better water transport as part of the integrated multi modal transport blue print for Lagos.

However, water transportation is mainly operated by the informal sector fishermen turned transporters who deploy vast numbers of banana boats AKA Pako boats into the Lagos lagoon. Due to growth and potentials in the sector, we have also seen the entrants of a few organized corporate players with studier and more modern boats. We do not intend to mention names as we are not out to advertise any operator but rather to promote the welfare of our members. Our cardinal objectives as a body is to seek collaborative efforts of all concerned- passengers, operators, regulators, etc to ensure safe and comfortable passage based on right pricing at all times.

We are worried that needless accidents have become commonplace especially in the past five years. Prior to the incidence of last week, there was a time the airwaves were filled with news and gory pictures of death by the waterside. We are daily traumatized as we board boats, while our families and loved ones have their hearts in their mouths as they pray for safe journeys. The fear in public space is palpable even to the deaf. It is saddening that after each incidence, investigations always reveal that the immediate and remote causes are usually human errors- carefree attitudes of captains and other chain in the operator’s link.

Apart from these, the records are there that the underlisted factors contribute to the spike in incidence rate and causalities in recent times:
- Laxity on the part of regulators at federal and state level in enforcing extant regulations.
- Complicity of officials charged with enforcement and monitoring operations at the various jetties/ terminals
- Focus of regulators on commercials as a priority in place of service, enforcement and monitoring of extant regulations
- Substandard boats- a laughable contraption in a country of the 21st century
- Lack of navigational tools on the waterways
- Underwater wrecks that cause havocs by cracking boats while in motion
- Dilapidated and abandoned dredgers, some of which are partially submerged underwaters
- Dirt, debris and the menace of water hyacinths
- Etc
Countless lives have been lost in these avoidable accidents. We can no longer act like the Ostrich that buries its head in the sand, thinking all is well and safe with its body. We are by this medium crying out loud and clear to all concerned to take up arm and do the bit committed to their hands as a stakeholder and for governments at all levels to rise and save water transportation from imminent collapse.

We can no longer fold our arms and watch our colleagues, co-journeymen, family heads and breadwinners, father, mothers and vibrant youths lose their lives needlessly while in pursuit of their daily bread. TIME IS NOW.

With particular reference to the event of last Friday, we demand that the erring boat operator be brought to face the wrath of the law. The Captain of the boat should also be made to face the music because what he has done is as good as committing murder. In same vein, we are greatly interested in what becomes of LASWA officials at the loading jetty at Ebute Ero who decided to look the other way as the boat was not only overloaded, but acted in defiance of COVID-19 regulations that stipulates 12 passengers in this abnormal time.

The boat was recorded by survivors to have ferried 25 passengers including the captain and deckhand.
As a concerned stakeholder, we are directing government- federal and state- to focus on the following line of activities which we believe will be beneficial to water transportation not only in Lagos but the entire Nigeria:
- While we appreciate the efforts of Lagos State Government for the introduction of Lagferry, we would like the government to set up a revolving fund for local operators to access through their cooperative association to improve the standard and quality of their vessels overtime.

- It is obvious that the local operators understand the terrain and peculiarities of the business.
- The government could work out a scheme with established boat builders in Nigeria.
- Incentive and other tax holidays should be accorded operators in this sector so that they can grow and add verve to the blue economy.
- It is given that while the likes of Lagferry is a laudable project, the reality is that the government funded operator cannot meet the growing number of boats required to meet need of passengers and cargo transportation in Lagos and to deliver the Lagos State Water Transport dream.
- In addition to the above, we request that a digital platform be created wherein all departing boats will have entry in a database, noting the estimated time of departure and estimated time of arrivals. Any deviation above 5 minutes will be flagged and the captain followed up. This same process can also be used to stem the tide of over speeding.
- Stationed ambulance at major jetties in Lagos with experienced personnel
- Closely related to the above is the establishment of sickbay/mini Accident and Emergency units at the major jetties
- Patrol boats that will be true to its name of patrolling the waterways especially at the peak periods of mornings and evening time rush hours.
- Charting the waterways and equipping them with navigational tools
- All boats to have first aid box on board, functional GPRS and walkie talkie for captains
- Stiffer penalties for those that fouls the enacted laws and regulations, commencing with the culprits of the recent incidence to serve as a deterrent to others.
- There is need for a more visible Marine Police at the jetties. The LASWA coastguards are no longer respected at the jetties. Some have spent years at a particular jetty thus, they have forged friendship with operators and this affect their productivity.
- Drone monitoring services should be established and commence operations without delay. Their deployment should be effected at peak hours.
- We recommend the convening of a standing committee with representatives of all stakeholders that will hold sessions once every quarter to examine operations and advisory on way forward.
- We advocate for the institutionalisation of insurance scheme for passengers as well as operators. This should be made mandatory for all operators and passengers. For us at uwpa, we have an insurance package for our financial members and this has been on for some years. This can become an industry norm
- We also canvass for a united approach between the federal and state agencies for a better water transport system.


CONCLUSION
The United Waterways Passengers Association (uwpa) is committed to safety and comfort of our members on waterways pan Nigeria. We are non-partisan and prepared to partner with all relevant stakeholders in the sector. uwpa envision a vibrant water transport sector fully integrated with other modes of transportation and which affords comfort and safety for our members.
Thus far and in our years of existence, we have had cordial relationships with the likes of LASWA and NIWA and indeed other relevant stakeholders. While we seek deeper and more fruitful conversations in days ahead, we remain resolute in pursuit of our cardinal goal and we will drive it with all the strength and legal tools at our disposal. uwpa say a big NO to defective boats, untrained and uncertified operators, lifeless jackets, overloading and over speeding. Passengers lives matter

Habeeb
08028591063

Estate Surveyors with not less than four years experience in Agency marketing, Valuation and
Property management. Vacancies exist in our Northern and Eastern branches

Degree/HND in Estate Management

Interested and qualified? Mail your CV to estatemix@gmail.com on or before March 10, 2020

Estate Surveyors with not less than four years experience in Agency marketing, Valuation and
Property management. Vacancies exist in our Northern and Eastern branches

Degree/HND in Estate Management

Interested and qualified? Mail your CV to estatemix@gmail.com on or before March 10, 2020

Estate Surveyors with not less than four years experience in Agency marketing, Valuation and
Property management. Vacancies exist in our Northern and Eastern branches

Degree/HND in Estate Management

Interested and qualified? Mail your CV to estatemix@gmail.com on or before March 10, 2020

Estate Surveyors with not less than four years experience in Agency marketing, Valuation and
Property management. Vacancies exist in our Northern and Eastern branches

Degree/HND in Estate Management

Interested and qualified? Mail your CV to estatemix@gmail.com on or before March 10, 2020

Our firm is a top player in the Nigerian real estate sector. Due to expansion, we require the services of an experienced and Resourceful SOFTWARE DEVELOPER
The role holder will be responsible for developing bespoke solutions-Web and Mobile
REQUIRED SKILLS
Knowledge of coding languages- C#, HTML, Java script,PHP, Python
Knowledge of software designs, web development, project management and programming. Working knowledge of hardware maintenance and LAN/WAN
QUALIFICATIONS
HND/BSc. in computer science and related courses
Relevant IT certifications
EXPERIENCE
Minimum of 3 years
REMUNERATION
Attractive
APPLICATION
Interested and qualified candidates should please mail their CVs to estatemix@gmail.com
On or before February 28, 2020

Our firm is a top player in the Nigerian real estate sector. Due to expansion, we require the services of an experienced and Resourceful SOFTWARE DEVELOPER
The role holder will be responsible for developing bespoke solutions-Web and Mobile
REQUIRED SKILLS
Knowledge of coding languages- C#, HTML, Java script,PHP, Python
Knowledge of software designs, web development, project management and programming. Working knowledge of hardware maintenance and LAN/WAN
QUALIFICATIONS
HND/BSc. in computer science and related courses
Relevant IT certifications
EXPERIENCE
Minimum of 3 years
REMUNERATION
Attractive
APPLICATION
Interested and qualified candidates should please mail their CVs to estatemix@gmail.com
On or before February 28, 2020

Our firm is a top player in the Nigerian real estate sector. Due to expansion, we require the services of an experienced and Resourceful SOFTWARE DEVELOPER
The role holder will be responsible for developing bespoke solutions-Web and Mobile
REQUIRED SKILLS
Knowledge of coding languages- C#, HTML, Java script,PHP, Python
Knowledge of software designs, web development, project management and programming. Working knowledge of hardware maintenance and LAN/WAN
QUALIFICATIONS
HND/BSc. in computer science and related courses
Relevant IT certifications
EXPERIENCE
Minimum of 3 years
REMUNERATION
Attractive
APPLICATION
Interested and qualified candidates should please mail their CVs to estatemix@gmail.com
On or before February 28, 2020

Vacancy exist for a Senior IT Officer in a foremost Real Estate Firm Located on Victoria Island, Lagos. The job holder will oversee and coordinate the organization’s IT environment. The role holder will also manage Application Development, IT infrastructure and Service Desk of the firm.

Key Requirements
• First degree in a relevant discipline.
• At least 5 years’ experience
• Professional certification is an added advantage
Competencies:
• Process driven, with strong analytical and planning skills.
• Technical & expert IT proficiency
• Strong coaching and leadership skills
• Excellent customer service orientation.
• Vendor relationship and negotiating skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with relevant areas of the business.
• Proven knowledge and experience on LANS/WANS, Web design, Internet Information Service
Applications
Qualified and interested candidates should send their CVs to estatemix@gmail.com. Applications deadline is February 14, 2020.
Kindly Help to Rebroadcast.

Vacancy exist for a Senior IT Officer in a foremost Real Estate Firm Located on Victoria Island, Lagos. The job holder will oversee and coordinate the organization’s IT environment. The role holder will also manage Application Development, IT infrastructure and Service Desk of the firm.

Key Requirements
• First degree in a relevant discipline.
• At least 5 years’ experience
• Professional certification is an added advantage
Competencies:
• Process driven, with strong analytical and planning skills.
• Technical & expert IT proficiency
• Strong coaching and leadership skills
• Excellent customer service orientation.
• Vendor relationship and negotiating skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with relevant areas of the business.
• Proven knowledge and experience on LANS/WANS, Web design, Internet Information Service
Applications
Qualified and interested candidates should send their CVs to estatemix@gmail.com. Applications deadline is February 14, 2020.
Kindly Help to Rebroadcast.

Vacancy exist for a Senior IT Officer in a foremost Real Estate Firm Located on Victoria Island, Lagos. The job holder will oversee and coordinate the organization’s IT environment. The role holder will also manage Application Development, IT infrastructure and Service Desk of the firm.

Key Requirements
• First degree in a relevant discipline.
• At least 5 years’ experience
• Professional certification is an added advantage
Competencies:
• Process driven, with strong analytical and planning skills.
• Technical & expert IT proficiency
• Strong coaching and leadership skills
• Excellent customer service orientation.
• Vendor relationship and negotiating skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with relevant areas of the business.
• Proven knowledge and experience on LANS/WANS, Web design, Internet Information Service
Applications
Qualified and interested candidates should send their CVs to estatemix@gmail.com. Applications deadline is February 14, 2020.
Kindly Help to Rebroadcast.

Vacancy exist for a Senior IT Officer in a foremost Real Estate Firm Located on Victoria Island, Lagos. The job holder will oversee and coordinate the organization’s IT environment. The role holder will also manage Application Development, IT infrastructure and Service Desk of the firm.

Key Requirements
• First degree in a relevant discipline.
• At least 5 years’ experience
• Professional certification is an added advantage
Competencies:
• Process driven, with strong analytical and planning skills.
• Technical & expert IT proficiency
• Strong coaching and leadership skills
• Excellent customer service orientation.
• Vendor relationship and negotiating skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with relevant areas of the business.
• Proven knowledge and experience on LANS/WANS, Web design, Internet Information Service
Applications
Qualified and interested candidates should send their CVs to estatemix@gmail.com. Applications deadline is February 14, 2020.
Kindly Help to Rebroadcast.

A tastefully finished 2-Bedroom Flat with 2 Toilets all en-suite and a Guest Toilet with 1-Room Boys Quarter.
The property is furnished with air conditioners, refrigerator, gas cooker and microwave oven. The compound is well landscaped with concrete interlocking in open premises with ample parking spaces.
The internal floor is well finished with culture tile, PVC and POP ceiling and state of the art lighting fittings.

Location Malali New Extension, Kaduna North, Kaduna.

07052093167, 07052090253

Rent #1,200,000 Per Annum

Tastefully finished 2 Bedroom flat affording all its rooms en-suite, fitted kitchen, rooms with fitted wardrobes and upscale sanitary wares. The rooms are spacious, as the living room.
The compound is gated and well paved with interlocking stones. The property is located in a serene area and easily accessible from all parts of Kaduna metropolis.

Along Paradise Street, Agwa, Kaduna

Rent N400,000 Per Annum

07052093167, 07052090253

A newly and purpose built office complex in a very commercialized area of Port Harcourt. The complex has a conference hall for meetings and exhibition.

It has a large car park that can hold up to 20 cars. The property is gated and has wide entrance area for ease of turn for big or articulated vehicles.

It is easily accessible from all parts of the Port Harcourt metropolis.
Space available for letting
Ground Floor = 200 sq meter
First & last floor: 70 sq meter
Rent: N10,000/sq

Major Landmarks within the area
- Slaughter Market
- YKC filling Station Woji
- Pepperoni Eatery, Woji

Major location with time of movement to subject property
- About 5 minutes’ drive to the Slaughter
- About 5 minutes’ drive to YKC Filling Station
- About 5 minutes’ drive to Pepperoni

07052090293, 07052090304, 07052090297

A foremost real estate firm in Victoria Island, Lagos, has opening for a Social Media/Digital Marketing Officer. Candidates would have had proven expertise in leading social media campaigns and social media handles with large communities online. He/She will also have skills in website management and graphics design.
Candidates should be graduates of any discipline and not more than 32 years of age with about three years of experience in same role.
Qualified and interested candidates should mail applications/CVs to estatemix@gmail.com before November 8, 2019

A foremost real estate firm in Victoria Island, Lagos, has opening for a Social Media/Digital Marketing Officer. Candidates would have had proven expertise in leading social media campaigns and social media handles with large communities online. He/She will also have skills in website management and graphics design.
Candidates should be graduates of any discipline and not more than 32 years of age with about three years of experience in same role.
Qualified and interested candidates should mail applications/CVs to estatemix@gmail.com before November 8, 2019

A foremost real estate firm in Victoria Island, Lagos, has opening for a Social Media/Digital Marketing Officer. Candidates would have had proven expertise in leading social media campaigns and social media handles with large communities online. He/She will also have skills in website management and graphics design.
Candidates should be graduates of any discipline and not more than 32 years of age with about three years of experience in same role.
Qualified and interested candidates should mail applications/CVs to estatemix@gmail.com before November 8, 2019

A foremost real estate firm in Victoria Island, Lagos, has opening for a Social Media/Digital Marketing Officer. Candidates would have had proven expertise in leading social media campaigns and social media handles with large communities online. He/She will also have skills in website management and graphics design.
Candidates should be graduates of any discipline and not more than 32 years of age with about three years of experience in same role.
Qualified and interested candidates should mail applications/CVs to estatemix@gmail.com before November 8, 2019

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An indigenous marine company in Port-Harcourt is recruiting for an HR Officer with a minimum of 3 years work experience.

Crewing experience will be an added advantage. If you fit the bill, please send your CV and application letter on/before September 20, 2019, to recruiterforjobs2015@gmail.com with the role as the subject.

Please rebroadcast.

An indigenous marine company in Port-Harcourt is recruiting for an HR Officer with a minimum of 3 years work experience.

Crewing experience will be an added advantage. If you fit the bill, please send your CV and application letter on/before September 20, 2019, to recruiterforjobs2015@gmail.com with the role as the subject.

Please rebroadcast.

An indigenous marine company in Port-Harcourt is recruiting for an HR Officer with a minimum of 3 years work experience.

Crewing experience will be an added advantage. If you fit the bill, please send your CV and application letter on/before September 20, 2019, to recruiterforjobs2015@gmail.com with the role as the subject.

Please rebroadcast.

SA

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keep the calls coming

healthserve:
Is it negotiable

Sure! call 07052090709

A 30 hectares matured and high yielding oil palm plantation is available for lease or outright sales in Akwa Ibom State. It is located along a well tarred expressway connecting to other town and cities of the state. The land is covered under the National Electricity Grid and other infrastructures.

Presently, the land has existing palm plantation which is matured and could be harnessed for palm oil production. The land is located in Okobo Local Government Areas of Akwa Ibom State

The plantation is open to the following options

Outright Sales N600m
Leasing for ten years N300m
Partnership on equity contribution N250M

Call Ade on 07052090709 or send a mail to operations@jidetaiwoandco.com

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still available

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