Niger Delta
Expert Tasks FG, States On Protocol Management
An expert in Global Best Practices for Protocol Management, Mr Julius Lambert Nyananyo, has canvassed the professionalisation of protocol practice in Nigeria.
He stated this in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, during an interview with newsmen, noting professionalism in the protocol field still lacks in the country.
Nyananyo, who is the Deputy Director and Head, Protocol and Information as well as official Master of Ceremonies (MC) with the Bayelsa State Judiciary, noted that Nigeria unlike other parts of the world is far from professionilisation of Protocol Management.
He hinted that while Protocol Management has continued to develop in both advanced and developing countries, it was yet to be professionalised in Nigeria.
He called on the federal and state governments to make and assent to enabling laws that will ensure professionalism in the profession.
Noting that country the order of precedence at events in the has been bastardised, he cited instances where some superior offices and officers in both the state and federal governments were acknowledged after the official acknowledgement of their subordinates due to the absence of a law regulating protocol practice in the nation.
“The prospects and usefulness of Protocol Management today cannot be over-emphasised. Nigeria as a developing country is expected to observe the rules in areas such as diplomatic engagements, investments promotion, event management and so on.
“The concept of protocol profession has developed a vast literature among scholars, diplomats, and individuals who contributed to this field of study.
“The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines professionalism as ‘the conduct, aims or qualities that characterise or mark a profession or a professional person’.
“It also defines ‘profession’ as ‘a calling requiring specialised knowledge and often long intensive academic preparation’.
He added that “Nevertheless, we may accept the definition of Wikipedia that a professional is a member of a profession or any person who earns their living from a specified professional activity.”
“The term also describes the standards of education and training that prepares members of the profession with the particular knowledge and skills necessary to perform their specific role within that profession.
“Like other professions, protocol requires a strict code of conduct, ensuring ethical and moral obligations.
“Over the last seven years the Association of Certified Protocol Practitioners in Nigeria (ACPPN) and the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations have created a community that embraces professionals in the field of protocol across Nigeria.
“It has become crucial to enhance the professionalism of protocol practice in Nigeria. The first and key factor is the need for a legal framework.
“This legal framework will help accelerate a wider approach, especially within the organizations in the public and private sector.
“Law on the Order of National Precedence and other Related Matters will help in professionalising protocol practice.
“Though attempts were made by the Nigerian National Assembly in passing an ‘Order of Precedence of Public Officers and other Person’s bill’, it is yet to receive the consent of the President of Nigeria, due to concerns raised by the Judiciary in 2007 and 2011, respectively”, Nyananyo stated.
Meanwhile Nyananyo has further given instances where other countries, such as Ghana in there constitution have Professionalized the practice of protocol.
He quoted Chapter 8, Section 57 (2) of the Ghanaian Constitution, saying that part of the Ghanaian organic law covers the order of precedence.
He also noted that in the United States of America, the State Chief of protocol goes through congressional clearance before appointment by the President.
By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa
Niger Delta
RSNC Head Charges NAOMEW On Professionalism, Effective Service Delivery

The Head of Rivers State Newspaper Corporation, Mrs Stella Dornubari Gbaraba, has charged the National Association of Ogoni Media House Workers (NAOMEW) World Wide, to be committed to professionalism, patriotism and effective service delivery in the discharge of their duties and rendering of patriotic gestures.
Mrs Gbaraba gave the charge yesterday when the NAOMEW, The Tide Chapter paid her a courtesy call in her office in Port Harcourt.
She expressed deep appreciation for the visit, and assured the Association of her commitment to being a worthy Ogoni Ambassador like late Mr Augustine Nwikinaka, former General Manager of the corporation, to promote the fortunes of the corporation, while counting on their unflinching encouragement, prayers and support to succeed.
“ I am very happy to receive the National Association of Ogoni Media House Workers (The Tide Chapter) today in my office. I am glad you people came to my office, for those that know me in a short while in the corporation, I am a serious-minded person. I heard that the time the corporation was functioning well was under the leadership of late Austin Nwikinaka. Any where I go to, I will rather come down and show working example and that is what the Ogoni person is known for. So I am always proud to associate myself with an Ogoni man, so your support means so much to me,” Mrs Gbaraba said.
She assured them of running an open-door policy in the management of the corporation, and urged stronger partnership between NAOMEW, other unions, interest groups, corporate organisations, institutions and the Rivers State Newspaper Corporation in professional service delivery.
Speaking on behalf of the NAOMEW, The Tide Chapter, the National Secretary of the association, Comrade Taneh Beemene welcomed her into The Tide family and also congratulated her on her very important appointment.
Taneh, who expressed confidence in her experience and abilities to deliver on her assignments, thanked her for the uncommon feats recorded in the corporation within her brief leadership. He said the corporation has been revived from its comatose status that predated her appointment.
“ Within your short time, you have given the corporation a remarkable facelift. We pray that God should give you the enablement to restore the dignity of the corporation. We have come to inform you that we are solidly behind you and will make our untiring contributions to make you succeed, “ he stated.
In his vote of thanks and closing remarks, the Chairman, National Union of Printing, Publishing and Paper Production Workers (NUPPPPROW), Comrade Keyirale Donatus Nwiueh thanked the Head of the Rivers State Newspaper Corporation, Mrs Stella Dornubari Gbaraba for receiving the association in a warm manner, adding that she should count on the support of the association to succeed.
Kiadum Edookor
Niger Delta
OBALGA Sole Administrator Presents Brand New Fire Extinguishers To Council …Commiserates With Traders Over Rumuomasi Market Fire Incident …Commences Desilting Of Drainages

The Sole Administrator of Obio/Akpor Local Government Council, Dr Clifford Ndu Walter has presented 150 brand new fire extinguishers to the council.
Dr Walter who spoke to newsmen at the council premises at Rumuodumanya said the gesture was part of measures by his administration to ensure safety of lives and council property from unforeseen fire incidents.
He urged the staff of the council to ensure the safety of the extinguishers, while promising to engage experts to teach them how to handle and operate the extinguishers.
Meanwhile, Sole Administrator of Obio Akpor Local Government Council, Dr Clifford Ndu Walter has commiserated with traders at the Rumuomasi Market over the unfortunate fire incident that gutted parts of the market.
Dr Walter who visited the market to assess the level of damage caused by the fire, described it as unfortunate
Addressing the crowd of distressed traders and community members, Dr. Walter acknowledged the historical significance of the market, which was originally built under the administration of the former Obio/Akpor Chairman and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief (Barr.) Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, CON.
He noted that preliminary findings suggest the fire may have been caused by an electrical fault, though a full investigation is still underway.
“As a local government, we will constitute a thorough investigation team to determine the root cause of the fire,
“Most importantly, we thank God that no lives were lost. I want to assure our traders that the Local Government will not abandon you.
“We will also work with security operatives to safeguard salvaged goods and prevent further losses,” he said.
He encouraged traders to adopt stricter safety measures, especially concerning electrical appliances in markets prone to fire hazards.
“There are many ways fires can ignite, even without an open flame. Let us all be vigilant and prioritise safety,” he cautioned.
Dr. Walter also commended those who stepped in to assist during the emergency.
“We are grateful to all who helped salvage goods and support affected persons during the crisis. Your kindness embodies the spirit of Obio/Akpor. The forthcoming investigation will help us put preventive structures in place,” he said.
The Chairman of the market, Mr. Prince Adele, who accompanied Dr. Walter, during the inspection, identified K-Lane as the most severely affected area.
A statement by the information officer to the council, Ominini Leslie Wokoma said no incident of death was reported by the traders during the visit.
In another development, the Sole Administrator of Obio/Akpor local government council, Sir Clifford Ndu Walter, has commenced a comprehensive canal clearance campaign with a view to identifying and removal of all blockages including illegal structures hindering the free flow of waters in the area.
A statement from the council Press Secretary, Ominini Leslie Wokoma said during the inspection of key canals in the area, several unauthorised barricades and blockages were discovered and removed.
According to the statement, Dr Walter emphasised that illegal dumping, unapproved structures and poor drainage habits endanger communities and undermine government efforts, adding that his administration is committed to protecting lives and property of the citizens.
It said the Sole Administrator also declared his readiness to ensure that all canals and drainages are cleaned, maintained and functioning effectively.
He also warned against further dumping of waste in waterways, citing impending flooding.