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‎By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
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‎As the 2026 National Convention and Stakeholders’ engagement of the Alumni of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron (AMANO) kicks off November 12 – 14, the
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‎The convention will bring together maritime professionals, policymakers, regulators and shipowners, academics, cadets and other stakeholders for high-level deliberations on the future of the industry.
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‎Speaking during a pre-event briefing in Lagos, Saturday, AMANO President, Mr. Emmanuel Maiguwa described the  conference as a platform for policy alignment, innovation and practical solutions as it is more than a re+union of alumni.
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‎This year’s convention, Maiguwa explained, is deliberately focused on moving from talk to action — with emphasis on reforms that can be implemented in maritime education, shipping, port operations, safety and blue economy development.
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‎The convention will also provide an opportunity to introduce newly graduated cadets of MAN, Oron and their lecturers to maritime companies, institutions and stakeholders thus expanding their exposure to professional and employment opportunities.
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‎Maiguwa had at the Academy’s 2026 Cadets Passing-Out Parade last week, urged graduands to embrace networking, professional development and mentorship as essential tools for building successful careers and invited them to the Lagos convention.
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‎As part of its commitment to excellence, AMANO also announced cash awards of ₦150,000 each for Best HND Graduating Cadet and Best ND Graduating Cadet.
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‎Stakeholders say the 2026 convention is coming at a critical time when Nigeria is pushing to unlock its blue economy, modernise its ports, strengthen its participation in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and translate maritime policies into measurable results.
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‎The three-day event is expected to feature keynote addresses, panel sessions, technical workshops, exhibitions and networking sessions, with recommendations to be presented to government and industry for implementation.
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‎By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
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‎The Nigeria Association of Women in Journalism (NAWOJ), Lagos Chapter has honoured veteran journalist, Hajia Hadiza Omowole, as Iconic Woman of the month for November.
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‎This is contained in a release in Lagos jointly signed by Mrs Jumoke Falayi-Johnson and Mrs Anu Thomas, NAWOJ Chairperson and Secretary respectively.
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‎Falayi-Johnson described Omowole as a true beacon of excellence, resilience and compassionate leadership, noting her selfless dedication to mentoring young journalists, empowering grassroots women and advocating gender equity..
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‎Omowole’s tenacity, she stated, dedication to service and visionary leadership beautify the world. She described her as Mother-General whose pioneering spirit leaves indelible mark on journalism profession and society generally.
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‎”Omowole holds Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Anthropology from University of Benin and Master’s in Media, Culture and Technology from University of Bedfordshire, UK, spanning over three-decade distinguished journalism career.
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‎”The veteran journalist joined News Agency of Nigeria in 1992, rising steadily through editorial ranks serving as Senior Editor, Deputy Editor-in-Chief and now Managing Editor and Head of Lagos Operations,” Falayi-Johnson said.
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‎She noted that beyond editorial leadership, Omowole served two historic terms as National President of NAWOJ from 2014 to 2020, becoming first president re-elected, championing welfare and advancement of women journalists nationwide.
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‎Through community specialist work, counselling and initiatives supporting rural and needy women, Omowole continues to serve as an inspiring pillar of guidance for the association and media industry.
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‎The entire NAWOJ Lagos family celebrates Omowole’s unwavering commitment, pioneering spirit and incredible service to humanity, collectively wishing her more success in journalism, leadership and humanitarian endeavours ahead.
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‎Omowole remained actively involved in institutional engagement, public communication, youth development and advocacy for health, child development and gender equality across Nigeria.
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‎In her remarks, NAWOJ Lagos Secretary, Mrs Anu Thomas, noted that the association proudly recognised outstanding contributions of Omowole to journalism, women empowerment and leadership development in Nigerian media landscape.
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‎Falayi-Johnson reiterated association’s pride in celebrating Omowole, describing her enduring legacy as an inspiration for upcoming female journalists and a testament to excellence in media leadership nationwide.
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‎By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
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‎Acting Controller, Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘A’ of the Nigeria Customs Service, Deputy Comptroller O.O.Afeni has extolled the importance of intelligence-driven enforcement, improved surveillance, risk-based examination, stricter compliance checks and stronger collaboration with relevant government agencies in anti-smuggling operations.
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‎Deputy Comptroller Afeni stated this in Lagos, Tuesday, during his maiden press engagement since assumption of duty.
‎Between September 30 and November 3, he announced, the Unit recovered ₦683.66 million following enhanced compliance checks, stricter scrutiny of import declarations, correction of under-valuations and issuance of demand notices.
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‎195 smuggling attempts involving prohibited and restricted goods with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦6.19 billion, he explained, were foiled following four weeks of intensified enforcement operations
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‎Seizures made, he stated, included 5,986 parcels of Cannabis sativa and indica weighing 3,407.83 kilogrammes, 3,028 bags of imported rice weighing 50 kilogrammes each, 995 bags of 25 kilogrammes, 104 bags of 20 kilogrammes and 207 bags of five kilogrammes.

‎Others were 6,949 cartons of spaghetti, 459 bales and 39 jumbo sacks of second-hand clothing, 23,220 pieces of new matchets, 1,236 used tyres, 21 foreign-used vehicles and 1,250 cartridges of Red Star 12-calibre ammunition.
‎Other seized items included 57 cartons, 37 packs and six pieces of codeine syrup; 400 grammes of cocaine; 100 grammes of methamphetamine; 250 cartons of Lotus sardines without NAFDAC numbers; 173 cartons of imported frozen poultry products; and 8,025 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).

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‎Additional interceptions comprised 101 bags of imported sugar weighing 50 kilogrammes each, 12 bags of Grain Oat products weighing 25 kilogrammes each, eight bags of imported creamer powdered milk weighing 25 kilogrammes each, eight live pangolins, 20 cartons of couscous, 33 used rims and one 40-foot container, number SEG U5347239, containing 2,760 pieces of office chairs in Completely Knocked Down (CKD) form.
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‎Eleven means of conveyance were also intercepted.
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‎Deploring the quantum of narcotics  intercepted and the risk on public health, Afeni cited the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) World Drug Report 2025 which identified cannabis as the most available and widely used drug which accounts for an estimated 42 per cent of drug use disorder cases worldwide.
‎He said the interception had helped prevent the circulation of dangerous substances and their associated social and health consequences.
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‎He gave kudos to the NDLEA, Police, Nigeria Immigration Service, the Army, DSS, NAFDAC, NESREA and other sister agencies for their collaboration.
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‎Afeni assured compliant importers, licensed customs agents and other members of the trading public that the Unit would facilitate legitimate trade but would not tolerate duty evasion, false declarations or activities that threaten national security.
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‎He commended the Customs Comptroller-General, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and the NCS management for the confidence reposed in him, while praising officers of the Unit for their courage, professionalism and commitment to duty.
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‎Members of the public, he requested, owe Nigeria a duty to report suspicious activities and support lawful trade even as he warned smugglers and economic saboteurs that Customs is ever prepared to disrupt their networks for the overall interest of the nation.
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