General
Maritime Workers Insist no Congestion at Onne, Reject e-Call up System
By Bon Peters
Maritime transporters under the auspices of Maritime Workers Union (MWUN) Eastern Zone have rejected the e-call up truck system at Onne and other ports in the Eastern Zone, vowing action if the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and other maritime authorities refuse to adhere to their call for its review.
The association rising from an emergency meeting Wednesday in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where over 700 of their members were in attendance insisted that the e-call up system failed at Lagos ports of Apapa and Tin Can, wondering why such should be experimented in the Eastern ports, which are strongly yearning for port infrastructural development such as good access road and dredging of water channels to accommodate more vessels and increase cargo throughput and vessel turnaround time.
The group lamented that freight differential and high insurance at the Eastern ports have already dealt a big blow on the operators.
Our correspondent reports that some of the truck owners and drivers alike were seen carrying placards with inscriptions such as, there is no congestion at Onne ports, we don’t want e-call up system at Onne, e-call up is to kill the Eastern ports, e-call up didn’t work in Lagos among others insisted that those canvassing for the system are the ones who have put in place their “corrupt mechanisms” waiting to hijack the platform as they did in Lagos, thereby causing unemployment and hardship for people who are already suffering.
They described the system as “hydra-headed monster” that would in the long run stifle the Onne oil and gas business and also cripple the esteem ports which they said was underutilized.
Reminded the one group who goes by the name Association of Maritime Truck owner (AMATO) was alleged to have endorsed e-call up system and expressed their willingness to adopt the system, the Haulage District Chairman Maritime workers union Eastern Zone, Mr Adolphus Ugwu, said, “Such Association is nonexistent here at Onne or only existed on the author’s imagination not here at Onne Port or the entire Eastern ports.”
“The so called AMATO chieftain Adeshina Ajibola in that online publication claimed he came to Onne on invitation, that means he doesn’t operate nor reside here, we don’t even know him.
“The other person who said he is Samuel Ossai, the Coordinating Secretary of Trucker Owners is not our member,” he stated.
People, who know him, said he drives Keke at Onitsha, you can see how desperate some people can be. They went and rented those people to cause confusion at Onne.
“But, having critically examined E-Call up system, my people at Onne and eastern ports have unanimously said No to E-Call up system. No congestion here at Onne, and Onne Port is not ripe for e-call system,” he said.
Speaking further, Comrade Ugwu said we’re not against the policy of the federal government and will never be but we are pleading with the authorities concerned to hear our cries and suspend it for now. There is no congestion at Onne and the cost implication will be much as some people will hijack the system for their selfish gains.”
“Maritime works are law abiding citizens of this country. What we are saying is that they should not bring this system here that failed woefully in Lagos“, he emphasized.
Contributing, District Secretary Truck owners Association, Maritime workers union, Dock workers branch, Comrade Casmir Anukanti quoted a Latin maxim which says vox populi vox Dei, meaning The voice of the people is the voice of God.”
He said, “What you are seeing today is an organic crowd not rented and they have voiced their rejection of the E-Call system in the Eastern Ports and precisely Onne through our resolution.
“Feelers we got from Lagos showed it didn’t work. Onne is not a guinea pig for experimentation. So both the drivers and Truck owners said not to it.
“We are law abiding association and always act within the ambits of the law. What we are saying is that NPA, the Ministry of Maritime and Blue economy as well as the transportation ministry should look into our cries and suspend the e-Truck Call up system for now. “Onne Port and other eastern ports are underutilized.
“We are keenly watching and might take appropriate actions if the need arises” Anukanti assured.
Some of the drivers, who spoke to our correspondent, were unanimous in rejecting the e-call up system which they said would aggravate their suffering.” We don’t want it, some of our drivers go to Lagos when dey launch am but wetin we find go there we no see am” they said in pidgin.
Last week, stakeholders under the aegis of Coalition of Maritime stakeholders have voiced their rejection of the e-call up system saying such would cripple the Eastern ports especially affect businesses at the oil and gas free zone at Onne.
Industry watchers are keenly watching and believing such might not disrupt operations at Onne and other ports at the Eastern Maritime corridors of the country if not properly handled by the authorities concerned.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Executive Director/GCOO of Pathway Holdings Limited, Mrs Dolapo Akanbi-Alade, has called for increased inclusion of Nigerian women in finance as the world marks International Women’s Day 2026.
International Women’s Day 2026 is marked every March 8, and this year’s theme is Give To Gain.
In a statement shared with Business Post, Mr Akanbi-Alade noted that while International Women’s Day highlights the need for gender equality, significant progress requires deliberate policies and systems that expand women’s access to finance and leadership opportunities.
She emphasised that many Nigerian women and women-led businesses still face limited access to finance, highlighting the urgent need for targeted inclusion initiatives.
“At Pathway Holdings, we empower women and give access to investment advisory, asset management, and lending solutions for institutions, high-net-worth individuals, and businesses. Ensuring that women and women-led enterprises can access these opportunities is critical to building a more inclusive financial system,” she added.
Mrs Akanbi-Alade said, “Women’s access to finance is not only a social responsibility but essential for national productivity and economic growth’’. She co-founded the following companies:
Pathway Asset Management Limited is registered and regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission, Nigeria, as a Fund and Portfolio Manager. The product range includes Pathway Fixed Deposit Notes, Privately Managed Notes, Pathway Private Portfolio Management, Investment Advisory, and Mutual Funds, which will be launched soon.
Pathway Advisors Limited is registered and regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) as an Issuing House and financial adviser. Pathway Advisors’ services cover Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A), Capital-Raising, Financial Advisory, Rating Advisory, and Project and Structure Finance.
Fundbox Financial Services Limited is a wholly owned micro-lending company providing short-term personal and SME finance loans to salaried individuals, self-employed personnel, and small businesses. They offer services which include Cars4Cash, SME Loans, Personal Loans, and Group Employee Loans. Fundbox has successfully disbursed a wide range of loans to both corporate and individual clients, supporting their financial needs and business growth.
Pathway Holdings Limited is a notable investment holding firm focusing on private market investments, including private equity, private credit, and infrastructure. Pathway creates customised investment solutions for institutional investors and individuals, leveraging its extensive experience and local footprint.
By Adedapo Adesanya
President Bola Tinubu has approved the postings of 65 ambassadors-designate and high commissioners to various countries and the United Nations, including the former head of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr Lateef Kayode Are, who is to serve in the United States.
The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, disclosed on Friday that 31 non-career and 34 career ambassadors have been assigned to their duty posts.
The Senate had confirmed all 65 nominees in December 2025 following screening by the Committee on Foreign Affairs.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been directed to immediately commence an induction programme for the envoys, who will assume duties after receiving agrément from their host countries.
Below is the full list of postings:
NON-CAREER AMBASSADORS
1. Senator Grace Bent — Togo (Lomé)
2. Senator Ita Enang — South Africa
3. Ikpeazu Victor — Spain
4. Nkechi Linda Ufochukwu — Israel (Tel Aviv)
5. Mahmud Yakubu — Qatar
6. Paul Oga Adikwu — Vatican City Holy See
7. Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas — Philippines
8. Reno Omokri — Mexico
9. Engr. Abasi Braimah — Hungary (Budapest)
10. Mrs Erelu Angela Adebayo — Portugal
11. Barr. Oluwayimika Ayotunwa — Japan (Tokyo)
12. Ifeanyi Lawrence Ugwuanyi — Greece (Athens)
13. Barr. Chioma Priscilla Ohakim — Poland (Warsaw)
14. Aminu Dalhatu — United Kingdom (High Commissioner)
15. Lt. Gen. Abdulrahman Bello Dambazau — China (Beijing)
16. Tasiu Musa Maigari — Gambia
17. Olufemi Pedro — Australia
18. Barr. Muhammed Ubandoma Aliyu — Argentina
19. Lateef Kayode Are — United States
20. Amb. Joseph Sola Iji — Russia
21. Senator Jimoh Ibrahim — United Nations (Permanent Representative)
22. Femi Fani-Kayode — Germany
23. Prof. Isaac Folorunso Adewole — Canada (Ottawa)
24. Fatima Florence Ajimobi — Austria
25. Mrs Lola Akande — Sweden
26. Ayodele Oke — France
27. Yakubu N. Gambo — Saudi Arabia
28. Senator Prof. Nora Ladi Daduut — South Korea (Seoul)
29. Barr. Joe-Kyari Okocha, SAN — Ireland (Dublin)
30. Dr Kulu Haruna Abubakar — Tunisia (Tunis)
31. Hon. Jerry Samuel Manwe — Trinidad and Tobago (Port of Spain)
CAREER AMBASSADORS
32. Ambassador Nwabiola Ezenwa Chukwumeka — Côte d’Ivoire
33. Besto Maimuna Ibrahim — Niger (Niamey)
34. Monica Okwuchukwu Enebechi — São Tomé and Príncipe
35. Ambassador Mohammed Mahmud Lele — Algeria (Algiers)
36. Endoni Syndoph Paebi — Burkina Faso (Ouagadougou)
37. Ahmed Mohammed Monguno — Egypt (Cairo)
38. Ambassador Jane Adams — Jamaica (Kingston)
39. Ambassador Clark-Omeru Alexandra — Zambia (Lusaka)
40. Chima Geoffrey Lioma David — Mali (Bamako)
41. Ambassador Odumah Yvonne Ehinosen — Equatorial Guinea (Malabo)
42. Ambassador Wasa Segun Ige — Lebanon (Beirut)
43. Ruben Abimbola Samuel — Italy (Rome)
44. Ambassador Onaga Ogechukwu Kingsley — Mozambique (Maputo)
45. Ambassador Magaji Umar — DR Congo (Kinshasa)
46. Ambassador Muhammad Saidu Dahiru — India (New Delhi)
47. Ambassador Abdussalam Habu Zayyad — Senegal (Dakar)
48. Ambassador Shehu Ilu Barde — Ghana (Accra)
49. Ambassador Aminu Nasir — Ethiopia
50. Abubakar Musa — Chad (N’Djamena)
51. Ambassador Haidara Mohammed Idris — Netherlands (The Hague)
52. Ambassador Bako Adamu Umar — Morocco (Rabat)
53. Ambassador Sulu Gambari Olatunji Ahmed — Malaysia
54. Ambassador Romata Mohammed Omobolanle — Tanzania
55. Ambassador Shaga John Shamah — Botswana
56. Hamza Mohammed Salau — Iran (Tehran)
57. Ambassador Ibrahim Danlami — Kenya
58. Ibrahim Adeola Mopelola — Benin (Cotonou)
59. Ambassador Ayeni Adebayo Emmanuel — Belgium (Brussels)
60. Ambassador Akande Wahab Adekola — Switzerland (Berne)
61. Ambassador Arewa Esther — Namibia (Windhoek)
62. Ambassador Gergadi Joseph John — Gabon (Libreville)
63. Ambassador Luther Ogbomode Ayo-Kalata — Sierra Leone
64. Danladi Yakubu Nyaku — Sudan (Khartoum)
65. Bello Dogon-Daji Haliru — Thailand (Bangkok)
Mr Onanuga noted that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has already received agrément from the United Kingdom for High Commissioner-designate Aminu Dalhatu, and from France for Ambassador Ayodele Oke.
Nominations of the remaining 62 envoys have been conveyed to their respective host countries pending agreement.
General
In Celebration of International Women’s Month, CANAL+ and MultiChoice Celebrate African Women
Across Africa and beyond, women continue to shape and elevate the stories that define our societies. In celebration of International Women’s Month, CANAL+ pays tribute to the storytellers, athletes, mothers, creators, leaders and icons whose voices inspire millions of households across the continent.
The African entertainment industry is driven by women, actresses, directors, screenwriters and producers who bring depth and authenticity to every production. From captivating telenovelas and popular comedies to powerful drama series, female talent remains at the heart of the stories most loved by viewers on CANAL+ Group of channels. In sport, women redefine competition and excellence – on the field, behind the mic or in leadership. From football to tennis and athletics, women in sport don’t just participate, they elevate the game and inspire the next generation.
CANAL+ and its subsidiary MultiChoice have chosen to celebrate them through a dedicated campaign: “We are… because she is.” A 90-second spot, produced in both French and English versions, will be broadcast on the Group’s channels and social media platforms in more than 35 countries across Africa.
Watch the promo below
Throughout International Women’s Month, DStv and GOtv will spotlight female‑led films, series, reality shows and global cultural moments that reflect the brilliance and complexity of modern womanhood.
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