{"id":36336,"date":"2015-02-24T09:53:15","date_gmt":"2015-02-24T08:53:15","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/pointblanknews.com\/pbn\/?p=36336"},"modified":"2015-02-24T09:53:15","modified_gmt":"2015-02-24T08:53:15","slug":"dgs-speech-press-conference-held-recently-lagos","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pointblanknews.com\/pbn\/pointblanknews-investigations\/dgs-speech-press-conference-held-recently-lagos\/","title":{"rendered":"DG&#8217;s speech at the Press Conference that held recently in Lagos."},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"yiv7512782164yui_3_16_0_1_1424617795873_3776\" dir=\"ltr\" style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-align: justify;\"><b id=\"yiv7512782164yui_3_16_0_1_1424617795873_3957\" class=\"yiv7512782164\"><span id=\"yiv7512782164yui_3_16_0_1_1424617795873_3956\" class=\"yiv7512782164\" lang=\"EN-GB\">AN ADDRESS BY DR. ZIAKEDE PATRICK AKPOBOLOKEMI, DIRECTOR GENERAL, NIGERIAN MARITIME ADMINISTRATION AND SAFETY AGENCY (NIMASA), AT THE WORLD PRESS CONFERENCE HELD ON\u00a0<span id=\"yiv7512782164yui_3_16_0_1_1424617795873_4165\" class=\"yiv7512782164\">SUNDAY 22<sup class=\"yiv7512782164\">ND<\/sup>FEBRUARY 2015 IN<\/span>\u00a0LAGOS<\/span><\/b><\/div>\n<div id=\"yiv7512782164yui_3_16_0_1_1424617795873_3960\" class=\"yiv7512782164\" style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-align: justify;\"><b class=\"yiv7512782164\"><span class=\"yiv7512782164\" lang=\"EN-GB\">\u00a0<\/span><\/b><\/div>\n<div id=\"yiv7512782164yui_3_16_0_1_1424617795873_3963\" class=\"yiv7512782164\" style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-align: justify;\"><b id=\"yiv7512782164yui_3_16_0_1_1424617795873_3962\" class=\"yiv7512782164\"><span id=\"yiv7512782164yui_3_16_0_1_1424617795873_3961\" class=\"yiv7512782164\" lang=\"EN-GB\">PROTOCOLS<\/span><\/b><\/div>\n<div id=\"yiv7512782164yui_3_16_0_1_1424617795873_3964\" class=\"yiv7512782164\" style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-align: justify;\"><b class=\"yiv7512782164\"><span class=\"yiv7512782164\" lang=\"EN-GB\">\u00a0<\/span><\/b><\/div>\n<div id=\"yiv7512782164yui_3_16_0_1_1424617795873_3967\" class=\"yiv7512782164\" style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-align: justify;\"><b id=\"yiv7512782164yui_3_16_0_1_1424617795873_3966\" class=\"yiv7512782164\"><span id=\"yiv7512782164yui_3_16_0_1_1424617795873_3965\" class=\"yiv7512782164\" lang=\"EN-GB\">Introduction<\/span><\/b><\/div>\n<div id=\"yiv7512782164yui_3_16_0_1_1424617795873_3969\" class=\"yiv7512782164\" style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-align: justify;\"><span id=\"yiv7512782164yui_3_16_0_1_1424617795873_3968\" class=\"yiv7512782164\" lang=\"EN-GB\">In recent times, attempts have been made by the All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Organisation (APCPCO) and some misguided elements and individuals to impugn the integrity of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and its management. The vicious campaign is intended to cast aspersions on the activities and integrity of NIMASA as a responsible corporate entity of government.<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"yiv7512782164\" style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"yiv7512782164\" lang=\"EN-GB\">\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<div id=\"yiv7512782164yui_3_16_0_1_1424617795873_4148\" class=\"yiv7512782164\" style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-align: justify;\"><span id=\"yiv7512782164yui_3_16_0_1_1424617795873_4147\" class=\"yiv7512782164\" lang=\"EN-GB\">The attempts consist of a trail of mischievous representations and blatant lies, orchestrated by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to discredit the giant and monumental strides President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has achieved through NIMASA and other Agencies in the Maritime Sector. In the process, important issues of state have been trivialised on the altar of political grandstanding at the expense of the unity of our dear country, Nigeria.<\/span><\/div>\n<div id=\"yiv7512782164yui_3_16_0_1_1424617795873_4149\" class=\"yiv7512782164\" style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"yiv7512782164\" lang=\"EN-GB\">\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<div id=\"yiv7512782164yui_3_16_0_1_1424617795873_4140\" class=\"yiv7512782164\" style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-align: justify;\"><span id=\"yiv7512782164yui_3_16_0_1_1424617795873_4139\" class=\"yiv7512782164\" lang=\"EN-GB\">It must be echoed for record purposes that NIMASA is not a political party. We are a responsible Government Agency trying our best to fulfil the mandate setting us up as an organisation. We will not therefore be dragged into malicious politicking of our accusers, neither would we be intimidated into not parading our achievements nor shy away from our core responsibilities.<\/span><\/div>\n<div id=\"yiv7512782164yui_3_16_0_1_1424617795873_4143\" class=\"yiv7512782164\" style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"yiv7512782164\" lang=\"EN-GB\">\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<div id=\"yiv7512782164yui_3_16_0_1_1424617795873_4146\" class=\"yiv7512782164\" style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-align: justify;\"><b id=\"yiv7512782164yui_3_16_0_1_1424617795873_4145\" class=\"yiv7512782164\"><span id=\"yiv7512782164yui_3_16_0_1_1424617795873_4144\" class=\"yiv7512782164\" lang=\"EN-GB\">APC\u2019s MALICIOUS ATTACKS ON NIMASA<\/span><\/b><\/div>\n<div id=\"yiv7512782164yui_3_16_0_1_1424617795873_4123\" class=\"yiv7512782164\" style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-align: justify;\"><span id=\"yiv7512782164yui_3_16_0_1_1424617795873_4122\" class=\"yiv7512782164\">In what has become a deliberate orchestrated attempt to undermine and rubbish all performing and strategic institutions of the Federal Government of Nigeria, the APC has mounted relentless attack and vicious propaganda, all in the name of politics, to attack the Nigerian Army, Police, Directorate of State Security, NNPC and its latest victim \u2013 NIMASA. Prominent amongst the falsehood perpetrated by APC against NIMASA is the allegation that NIMASA contracted the country\u2019s maritime security to a private firm they claim is owned by Tompolo. I here unequivocally state that this accusation is false. NIMASA neither entered into any such security contract with any private company nor with Tompolo.<\/span><\/div>\n<div id=\"yiv7512782164yui_3_16_0_1_1424617795873_4116\" class=\"yiv7512782164\" style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-align: justify;\"><span id=\"yiv7512782164yui_3_16_0_1_1424617795873_4115\" class=\"yiv7512782164\" lang=\"EN-GB\">These unfortunate allegations have mutated over time culminating in their rather callous and condescending attempts to variously describe NIMASA as the President\u2019s ATM, and now labelling us as the sponsors of hate campaigns against the APC Presidential candidate.<\/span><\/div>\n<div id=\"yiv7512782164yui_3_16_0_1_1424617795873_4117\" class=\"yiv7512782164\" style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"yiv7512782164\" lang=\"EN-GB\">\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<div id=\"yiv7512782164yui_3_16_0_1_1424617795873_4119\" class=\"yiv7512782164\" style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-align: justify;\"><span id=\"yiv7512782164yui_3_16_0_1_1424617795873_4118\" class=\"yiv7512782164\" lang=\"EN-GB\">For the avoidance of doubts, the NIMASA success story which is globally celebrated today is borne out of hard work, visionary leadership and team spirit which cannot be dampened, regardless of the orchestrated attempts to trivialise the giant strides of this administration. No amount of smear campaign by the APC or any other body for that matter will divert us from our committed course and vision of bequeathing a robust Maritime Safety Administration to generations unborn.<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"yiv7512782164\" style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"yiv7512782164\" lang=\"EN-GB\">\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<div id=\"yiv7512782164yui_3_16_0_1_1424617795873_4103\" class=\"yiv7512782164\" style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-align: justify;\"><span id=\"yiv7512782164yui_3_16_0_1_1424617795873_4102\" class=\"yiv7512782164\" lang=\"EN-GB\">It is on record that NIMASA has in the preceding years demonstrated an uncommon sense of purpose which has resulted in the evolution of a bold Maritime Safety Administration and a responsive and visionary Agency committed to growing the potentials of the sector through the creation of capacity, jobs and various opportunities ultimately designed to propel Nigeria to that enviable status of a Maritime Nation.<\/span><\/div>\n<div id=\"yiv7512782164yui_3_16_0_1_1424617795873_4104\" class=\"yiv7512782164\" style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"yiv7512782164\" lang=\"EN-GB\">\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<div id=\"yiv7512782164yui_3_16_0_1_1424617795873_4090\" class=\"yiv7512782164\" style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-align: justify;\"><span id=\"yiv7512782164yui_3_16_0_1_1424617795873_4105\" class=\"yiv7512782164\" lang=\"EN-GB\">The Agency entered into partnership with a competent Nigerian maritime company; Global West Vessels Specialist Limited (GWSVSL) to provide its platforms to patrol the coastline. With the involvement of Global West, the Public Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement now boasts of various categories of boats, contrary to what obtained in the past.<\/span><\/div>\n<div id=\"yiv7512782164yui_3_16_0_1_1424617795873_4091\" class=\"yiv7512782164\" style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"yiv7512782164\" lang=\"EN-GB\">\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<div id=\"yiv7512782164yui_3_16_0_1_1424617795873_4093\" class=\"yiv7512782164\" style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-align: justify;\"><span id=\"yiv7512782164yui_3_16_0_1_1424617795873_4092\" class=\"yiv7512782164\" lang=\"EN-GB\">The PPP project has also made it possible for the Agency to provide suitable platforms to the relevant security Agencies collaborating with us to fight piracy and other sundry security breaches in our waters. Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) have been signed and are being implemented between the Nigerian Navy, the Nigerian Air Force and the NIMASA.<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"yiv7512782164\" style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"yiv7512782164\" lang=\"EN-GB\">\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"yiv7512782164\" style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"yiv7512782164\" lang=\"EN-GB\">Contrary to widespread speculation, Global West did not buy warships for NIMASA, what we have are our routine operational vessels with which<span class=\"yiv7512782164\">\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>the Nigerian Navy and the Agency collectively have successfully carried out the Agency\u2019s mandate as well as tracked, interdicted and arrested vessels engaged in criminal activities in our waters.<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"yiv7512782164\" style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"yiv7512782164\" lang=\"EN-GB\">\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"yiv7512782164\" style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"yiv7512782164\" lang=\"EN-GB\">\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"yiv7512782164\" style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"yiv7512782164\" lang=\"EN-GB\">Mindful of its responsibility to the Nigerian people, the Federal Government has provided the enabling environment for the Agency to enhance our maritime domain awareness. The MoU with the Nigerian Navy and the Nigerian Air Force has enhanced Water patrol and aerial surveillance of Nigeria\u2019s maritime domain.<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"yiv7512782164\" style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"yiv7512782164\" lang=\"EN-GB\">\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"yiv7512782164\" style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-align: justify;\"><b class=\"yiv7512782164\"><span class=\"yiv7512782164\" lang=\"EN-GB\">Capacity development<\/span><\/b><b class=\"yiv7512782164\"><\/b><\/div>\n<div class=\"yiv7512782164\" style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"yiv7512782164\" lang=\"EN-GB\">I am glad to inform you that under the Nigerian Seafarers Development Programme (NSDP) of NIMASA,\u00a0<a class=\"yiv7512782164\" style=\"color: #0069a6;\" name=\"_GoBack\" shape=\"rect\"><\/a>over 2,500 young Nigerians have benefitted or are currently enjoying various levels of scholarship in reputable institutions in the United Kingdom, Egypt, Romania, India and Philippines. The students are studying to become\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"yiv7512782164\">marine engineers, naval architects and nautical scientists.<\/span><span class=\"yiv7512782164\" lang=\"EN-GB\">\u00a0This has gone on successfully devoid of any discrimination; hence we were taken aback by the recent media publications on non payment of the students\u2019 fees, which we believe may have been sponsored by the APC machinery. For the avoidance of doubts, no student of the NSDP programme has been sent out of school for fees and none will be sent out because all fees have been paid by NIMASA till date.<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"yiv7512782164\" style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"yiv7512782164\" lang=\"EN-GB\">\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"yiv7512782164\" style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"yiv7512782164\" lang=\"EN-GB\">We have no doubt that in the next five years Nigeria would have produced a sizeable number of qualified seafarers satisfying local demands and also earning scarce foreign exchange from working on board foreign ships.<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"yiv7512782164\" style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-align: justify;\"><b class=\"yiv7512782164\"><span class=\"yiv7512782164\" lang=\"EN-GB\">\u00a0<\/span><\/b><\/div>\n<div id=\"yiv7512782164yui_3_16_0_1_1424617795873_4053\" class=\"yiv7512782164\" style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-align: justify;\"><span id=\"yiv7512782164yui_3_16_0_1_1424617795873_4054\" class=\"yiv7512782164\">As a forward looking Management, this administration has also tailored a long-term solution to the dearth of qualified professionals in the Nigerian Maritime sector; hence it conceived the Nigerian Maritime University (NMU). The university will produce high level manpower for Nigeria\u2019s maritime\/shipping sector on sustainable basis. It will provide training for seafarers, master mariners, marine engineers, naval architects, nautical scientists and other specialised maritime\/shipping trade skills. The NMU is envisaged to become a Centre for Excellence in innovative research for the maritime sector in the West and Central Africa sub-region when it fully evolves.<\/span><\/div>\n<div id=\"yiv7512782164yui_3_16_0_1_1424617795873_4052\" class=\"yiv7512782164\" style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"yiv7512782164\">\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<div id=\"yiv7512782164yui_3_16_0_1_1424617795873_4051\" class=\"yiv7512782164\" style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-align: justify;\"><b id=\"yiv7512782164yui_3_16_0_1_1424617795873_4050\" class=\"yiv7512782164\"><span id=\"yiv7512782164yui_3_16_0_1_1424617795873_4049\" class=\"yiv7512782164\">PORT SAFETY, SECURITY AND ISPS CODE IMPLEMENTATION<\/span><\/b><\/div>\n<div id=\"yiv7512782164yui_3_16_0_1_1424617795873_4048\" class=\"yiv7512782164\" style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-align: justify;\"><span id=\"yiv7512782164yui_3_16_0_1_1424617795873_4047\" class=\"yiv7512782164\" lang=\"EN-GB\">The improved International Ships and Port Facility Security (ISPS ) Code compliance level in Nigerian ports and terminals has pitched those benefiting from the status quo against the Agency. Since the Federal Government under President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan administration appointed the Agency as the Designated Authority for ISPS implementation in the country, compliance level rose from a paltry 7% to over 83% within two years. This success story in the ISPS Code compliance has ensured a better environment for port operations and eliminated the era of port rats, hawking, and touting within the vicinity of our ports. Unlike in the past, one can now import goods and be sure that the goods arrive intact without the usual dreadful experience.<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"yiv7512782164\" style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"yiv7512782164\" lang=\"EN-GB\">\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"yiv7512782164\" style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"yiv7512782164\" lang=\"EN-GB\">The NIMASA Satellite Surveillance Centre has also assisted in our quest to combat all illicit activities in the Nigerian maritime domain and beyond. The Agency is now able to respond to any distress call on Nigerian waters and even beyond. The new 24-hour Satellite Surveillance equipment has the capability to detect boats, ships and objects of predefined cross-section floating on water and has helped to reduced incidence of piracy and oil theft to the barest minimum.<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"yiv7512782164\" style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"yiv7512782164\" lang=\"EN-GB\">\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<div id=\"yiv7512782164yui_3_16_0_1_1424617795873_4082\" class=\"yiv7512782164\" style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"yiv7512782164\" lang=\"EN-GB\">This achievement of ours has pitched the sponsors of oil theft and piracy attacks against the Agency and hence the numerous mudslinging on NIMASA and its leadership most of which are sponsored by unscrupulous elements.\u00a0<\/span><span id=\"yiv7512782164yui_3_16_0_1_1424617795873_4081\" class=\"yiv7512782164\" lang=\"EN-GB\">Our vision is to transform the maritime sector into an industry that will generate capable local manpower, which will contribute significantly to the nation\u2019s Gross Domestic Product. We will not be surprised if it is these pirates and oil thieves who are using the APC veil to sponsor the attacks on the Agency.<\/span><\/div>\n<div id=\"yiv7512782164yui_3_16_0_1_1424617795873_4080\" class=\"yiv7512782164\" style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"yiv7512782164\" lang=\"EN-GB\">\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<div id=\"yiv7512782164yui_3_16_0_1_1424617795873_4079\" class=\"yiv7512782164\" style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-align: justify;\"><span id=\"yiv7512782164yui_3_16_0_1_1424617795873_4078\" class=\"yiv7512782164\" lang=\"EN-GB\">Let us make bold to state here that the Agency will not be distracted by the activities of persons and institutions seeking to bring important matters of state to a pedestrian level by cheap and baseless propaganda. We remain committed to the ideals setting up NIMASA and resolute in efforts at evolving a responsible and responsive Safety Administration in the belief that the future of our country can only be guaranteed by a focused leadership.<\/span><\/div>\n<div id=\"yiv7512782164yui_3_16_0_1_1424617795873_4077\" class=\"yiv7512782164\" style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"yiv7512782164\" lang=\"EN-GB\">\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<div id=\"yiv7512782164yui_3_16_0_1_1424617795873_4076\" class=\"yiv7512782164\" style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"yiv7512782164\" lang=\"EN-GB\">\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<div id=\"yiv7512782164yui_3_16_0_1_1424617795873_4075\" class=\"yiv7512782164\" style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"yiv7512782164\" lang=\"EN-GB\">\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<div id=\"yiv7512782164yui_3_16_0_1_1424617795873_4074\" class=\"yiv7512782164\" style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-align: justify;\"><b id=\"yiv7512782164yui_3_16_0_1_1424695436997_12411\" class=\"yiv7512782164\"><span id=\"yiv7512782164yui_3_16_0_1_1424695436997_12410\" class=\"yiv7512782164\" lang=\"EN-GB\">Alleged sponsorship of hate campaign<\/span><\/b><b class=\"yiv7512782164\"><\/b><\/div>\n<div id=\"yiv7512782164yui_3_16_0_1_1424617795873_4073\" class=\"yiv7512782164\" style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-align: justify;\"><span id=\"yiv7512782164yui_3_16_0_1_1424617795873_4072\" class=\"yiv7512782164\" lang=\"EN-GB\">Gentlemen of the press, let me reiterate here that we have instructed our solicitors to give our accusers the opportunity of retracting their unfounded allegations failing which we shall take all necessary steps to seek redress.<\/span><\/div>\n<div id=\"yiv7512782164yui_3_16_0_1_1424617795873_4085\" class=\"yiv7512782164\" style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"yiv7512782164\" lang=\"EN-GB\">\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<div id=\"yiv7512782164yui_3_16_0_1_1424617795873_4030\" class=\"yiv7512782164\" style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-align: justify;\"><span id=\"yiv7512782164yui_3_16_0_1_1424617795873_4029\" class=\"yiv7512782164\" lang=\"EN-GB\">I thank you for finding time to attend this event.<\/span><\/div>\n<div id=\"yiv7512782164yui_3_16_0_1_1424617795873_4031\" class=\"yiv7512782164\" style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"yiv7512782164\" lang=\"EN-GB\"><span class=\"yiv7512782164\">\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<div id=\"yiv7512782164yui_3_16_0_1_1424617795873_4032\" class=\"yiv7512782164\" style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"yiv7512782164\" lang=\"EN-GB\">God bless.<\/span><\/div>\n<div id=\"yiv7512782164yui_3_16_0_1_1424617795873_4040\" class=\"yiv7512782164\" style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"yiv7512782164\" lang=\"EN-GB\">\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<div id=\"yiv7512782164yui_3_16_0_1_1424617795873_4041\" class=\"yiv7512782164\" style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-align: justify;\"><b id=\"yiv7512782164yui_3_16_0_1_1424695436997_17048\" class=\"yiv7512782164\"><span id=\"yiv7512782164yui_3_16_0_1_1424695436997_17047\" class=\"yiv7512782164\" lang=\"EN-GB\">ZIAKEDE PATRICK AKPOBOLOKEMI<\/span><\/b><\/div>\n<div id=\"yiv7512782164yui_3_16_0_1_1424617795873_4042\" class=\"yiv7512782164\" style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"yiv7512782164\" lang=\"EN-GB\">\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"yiv7512782164\" lang=\"EN-GB\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<div style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-align: justify;\"><\/div>\n<!-- AddThis Advanced Settings generic via filter on the_content --><!-- AddThis Share Buttons generic via filter on the_content --><!-- AddThis Related Posts generic via filter on the_content -->","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>AN ADDRESS BY DR. ZIAKEDE PATRICK AKPOBOLOKEMI, DIRECTOR GENERAL, NIGERIAN MARITIME ADMINISTRATION AND SAFETY AGENCY (NIMASA), AT THE WORLD PRESS CONFERENCE HELD ON\u00a0SUNDAY 22NDFEBRUARY 2015 IN\u00a0LAGOS \u00a0 PROTOCOLS \u00a0 Introduction&hellip;<!-- AddThis Advanced Settings generic via filter on wp_trim_excerpt --><!-- AddThis Share Buttons generic via filter on wp_trim_excerpt --><!-- AddThis Related Posts generic via filter on wp_trim_excerpt --><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":27509,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[11],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-36336","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-pointblanknews-investigations"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v26.8 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>DG&#039;s speech at the Press Conference that held recently in Lagos. - Pointblank News<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/pointblanknews.com\/pbn\/pointblanknews-investigations\/dgs-speech-press-conference-held-recently-lagos\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"DG&#039;s speech at the Press Conference that held recently in Lagos. - Pointblank News\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"AN ADDRESS BY DR. 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