Yemisi Izuora
The Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) Hadiza Bala Usman has said that healthy, motivated and efficient workforce as necessary ingredient for the nation to realise its enormous maritime potentials.
According to the Managing Director, only a healthy and productive workforce is the surest way to realising the maritime potentials of the nation.
Hadiza Bala Usman was speaking in Calabar at a Gala Nite and Award Ceremonies marking the end of the Nigerian Ports Authority Sports Association (NIPOSA) games, Calabar 2018.
She urged all employers of Labour in the nation’s maritime, in both the Private and Public Sector, to make “Fitness for Health” through sports for their employees not only a priority but a compulsory requirement in order to boost their employees’ efficiency and well-being.
The Managing Director expressed the conviction that the Management decision to approve the hosting of the 2018 edition of the NIPOSA game, after a 17 year lull, “was not a misplaced decision” adding that “You will all agree with me that the NIPOSA has remained an effective avenue for sport development, well-being and socialisation amongst the workforce of the Authority”.
She assured that Management will within the limit of budgetary provisions, ensure that the hosting of the NIPOSA games becomes a regular and annual feature in the Authority’s Corporate Calendar of events.
Hadiza Bala Usman commended all sister government agencies, stakeholders and terminal operators who supported and participated in the 2018 edition of the games. She singled out the involvement of NIMASA, Shippers Council, Lagos Channel Management (LCM), Bonny Channel Company (BCC), Eco-Marine Company (ECM) BOA Group, INTELS, PTOL, Africa Circle and General Marine & Oil Services Ltd amongst other for special mention and commendation.
Meanwhile after two days of intensive competition at the just concluded 2018 NIPOSA games held in Calabar Marina Headquarters of the Authority has emerged winner on the overall medals table with 28 medals which include 9 gold, 8 silver and 11 bronze medals and also the overall winner of the giant trophy donated by the Managing Director of the Organisation.
In the 2nd position was Tin Can Island Port, Lagos which has 15 medals breakdown of which are 5 gold, 4 silver and 6 bronze medals. While Rivers Port emerged in the 3rd place with 14 medals comprising of 5 gold, 4 silver and 5 bronze medals.
The host port, Calabar emerged 4th with 8 medals made up of 5 gold, 2 silver and 1 bronze. Calabar had won perhaps the most important gold medal of the football competition when she defeated the HQ team in penalty after 2-2 draw at the end of regulation time.
Additionally, Mr. Osagie Obama of the Headquarter and Mrs. Ann Onyindinepe Bens of the Onne Port both of the Security Division of the Nigerian Ports Authority have jointly emerged the new faces of NPA Male and Female categories respectively at the Gala nite.
A statement issued by A.A.Goje, General Manager, Corp. & Strategic Communications explained that Mr. Obama defeated representative of the Lagos Ports Complex, Onne and Delta Ports respectively in that order to become the reigning face of NPA male while Mrs. Bens edged out the representative of Tin can Island Port in 2nd position while Warri and Calabar came third and fourth in that order.