Q 1. Nigeria has completed 49 years of Independence on October 1, 2009. Please share your views on Nigeria completed 49 years and future plans to enhance bi-lateral co-operation with India?
Ans. Nigeria is a huge and united country. Despite the fact we have so many different ethnic, religious and other groups in the country moulding together 250 plus different ethnic groups with various population somewhere in millions or in hundreds with different religious affiliation Muslim, Christian, those who don’t profess any religion and also the people those who have tradition religion. All these are such a big achievement for us and the fact is that we have been able to stay together as a country. We did that at a cost of a civil war, very costly civil war. But we also proud of our ability after this civil war to reintegrate the country both the Nigerian side and the -------(veteran) side came together as brothers and sisters. But apart from that we had political downfall and very serious military interruption. We see it as a part of throws of development and it held us back and slowed down our march towards democracy. The economy suffered as a result because the military are not meant to lead the Government; there way of doing things is completely different. Since 1960, we had various political experiments before we finally settled with Presidential system, which we now running for last 10 years without any problem. We had back to back elections peaceful transfer of power and that is significant for us. As far India bi-lateral relations are concerned, India shared with us right from the beginning. They shared colonial British rule provided a common platform for us. Also we found it very easy and comfortable to relate with Indian. We are also using same English as a language and also operating the same political system inherited from the British that facilitate little collaboration. Before Independence the British Colonial Tradition took few good things from India and used as a model for Nigeria. For eg. India recruit true the system gets the local leaders to be running the affairs they stay at the top. We borrowed this system from India. After Independence we find it easy to have Indians in Nigeria to work as Indian Teacher, Indian Instructor and Indian Doctors. We also collaborated with certain defence academy in Kaduna and we still maintained that closed collaboration with India and this is an overview of Nigeria since Independence.
Q 2. Nigeria is focusing on developing its mineral wealth special focus on gold, iron ore and coal. How would you see India as a collaborator in revamping this venture?
Ans. We in Nigeria is very fortunate, I think God is been kind to us because we have so much of potential and wealth in the ground and above the ground. Yes, solid mineral is in huge amount in Nigeria like gold, cobalt, tin, mine, precious stones, oil and gas. Before we started exploiting oil in commercial quantity, Nigeria was one of top producer of tin. There are so many different kinds of minerals and deposits of gold in different parts of the country provided with sufficient funds. Unfortunately when oil came everybody found it cheaper and started demanding oil and encouraged all to for it and in the process we started neglecting other resources. Right now the focus of the Government is to develop these resources. We have a special ministry for solid mineral resources which is charged with the responsibility of environment friendly utilization and exploitation of these resources in a environment friendly sustainable manner.
Indian companies have a lot of opportunities in Nigeria. One area which is right now working on is for the development of coal and we are lucky with high quality coal which has low sulphur content and it burns pretty well. We are working with Indian companies to develop power plants in Nigeria and that is another area of priority for Nigeria.
Q 3. What is the future of establishment of heavy industries viz tractors and other connected agricultural machinery in your country? How best India can help Nigeria in establishment of such assembly lines?
Ans. One of the things we are trying to look at India and trying to learn from India and what they have gone through. In the past in Nigeria we had a strategy for the development of these heavy industries. It was mainly funded by the government with collaboration of foreign partners. A number of car assembly plants were set up in Nigeria like Volkswagen, British Lehman group. I think about six major car assembly plants were established. We are also having massive complex of iron and steel in Ajaokuta. We also had number of petrochemical plants apart from refineries. We had a large base of Industrial establishments. Later we came realise that probably this may not be the best way for us because after spending so much money by the Government. We thought Government is not a very good manger for the companies and commercial outfit, so most of this becomes run down and inefficient. Now the policy is to commercialised and privatised most of the sectors. There is no restriction as to foreign ownership in these sectors. Earlier we had a policy which restricts foreigners to participate but now it is open to any foreign company can come and investment in Nigeria. They can do it 100 per cent and have al the incentives. Indian companies, I think have utilized their advantage of being in Nigeria to be participated. I am also aware that some of India companies has participated in petrochemical, iron and steel sector in Nigeria and can do a lot more.
India was also working with us to establish machine tool industry. I think they are still working on it. The opportunities are there and are also active in Nigeria in pharmaceuticals, textiles, petrochemical, iron and steel industry.
Q 4. How independent your country is in the field of healthcare? Many ailing patients from abroad are coming to India for major treatments and surgeries? How do you recommend medical tourism between India and Nigeria? How the person sitting in the remote area in Nigeria?
Ans This one of the area where we are struggling to keep up, By our own shaded in Africa, Nigeria is reasonably is a large country which has a population of 140 million and the fact that the most of the people are provided health care in rural areas. The challengers are providing health care in rural areas. WE have been interested in working with Indian authorities to see again how we can learn from the experience and how to manage such a large population like India to ensure medical care given to them. The development of medicine now has comes so fast with the experiment of technology it is a very hi-tech and expensive venture no other country than India provides such excellent facilities and equipments and still give a low cost medical healthcare and India is been able to do that.
We also have patients coming from Nigeria to Apollo Hospital, Primus and Fortis Hospitals in India. It has been growing and the key is that India is providing treatment in such an affordable rates. The Indian High Commission in Abuja is very active on this issue. I believe some of the hospitals have agents in Nigeria who send patients to India for the treatment but that is unofficial side of the story. The Official side is that we are collaborating and trying to establish relation between hospitals in India and Nigeria. We also had no of Hospitals in Nigeria that are linked with the hospitals in India and Abuja.
So we have a lot of opportunities and lot of things to look upon. I hope to see more of collaboration with the hospitals to share and exchange doctors, consultancy service and probably Indian hospitals to work their in Nigeria coming to India to do training programmes.
Right now there are hospitals which are especially in concern to provide Kidney, liver transplant, neuro sciences, heart surgeries and back bone marrow treatments. We are working on it and able to formularize these medical services. However Nigeria and India have identified as among likely who are not meeting their MDG goals in terms of medical healthcare on the other hand we are making progress in the remote areas in Nigeria to create awareness among Nigerians. The challenges we face are the population how to deal with that. But I am happy that we doing it potentially. I think things will blossom as their already their but there is a need to formularize it. I think we are well on making promises and fulfilling them. Even there are quite no. of Indian doctors they are familiar with the terrain who are there in various parts of Nigeria. I always believe that we have a lot of potential in ourselves.
Q 5. A large quantity of waste is generated leading to unsightly environment in the country? How is the waste handled in Nigeria? What importance is given to waste management?
Ans. This is another worrisome area in Nigeria. I think it is just like India. Some of the cities we have this waste management is a very serious problem. This is a very predominant challenge for the developing countries. The ratio between the income groups is more pronounced and they are people who are local income earners who are struggling with waste management particularly plastic waste which is not biodegradable which causes hazards. In major cities like Lagos there are so many schemes but it is not easier to recycle the waste. In the places like Abuja, the capital of Nigeria it is easy to recycle the waste disposal because Abuja is a very planned and new city and the population is just about 3 million. Waste disposal and management remains a challenge in some of the cities which are filthy and have heaps of waste which are not been removed. We are working on quite cities to how to recycle the different categories of waste in different containers. A lot of people have to internalise the concept of different kind of waste, waste paper and plastic and just mix it. This is another area we are working on it to make people understand how to segregate the waste. In some cities in Nigeria we are also embarking on a pilot project to transform this waste for power generation. Also studies are going to know how to utilize. This is the one way of using it in a productive manner to keep the environment clean.
Q 6. What is the future of small scale industries in Nigeria? How do you setting up incubators cum training centre for employment among youths?
Ans. The small scale industries strategies was focussing on huge industries, we left with huge white elephants which are not productive. The best thing to share about small scale industries is to tell the nature of a society we can encourage small scale units an community to perform and work to in small scale industry India is also encouraging the small scale industry.
Training centres basically the system of education in Nigeria is 6334 that is sixth is till primary school ,third is junior secondary school, again third is for senior secondary school and fourth is the university degrees and diplomas. The primary school provide basic reading and writing skills and they are universal for the child to go to the school by that time if you drop out from that level the child should have enough education to get in to the skilled craftsmanship. Those who don’t want to proceed for senior secondary and for degrees and diplomas, a child can get in training in vocational schools. Apart from the universities we have crafts schools where a child can learn craftsmanship and different areas. We have modified are education systems to provide employment to the teeming youth. The major problem we are facing is that the large number of population is under 20 and to them we have to provide jobs when they start producing there own children. The option is to share the expertise with India especially in the remote areas in Nigeria. Fortunately the development has made it possible to disseminate the information in a remote village where we have small computer and fortunately which does not required much power.
Actually we are running seven Point agenda identified issues such as
1 Power- because we have series shortage of power in Nigeria.
2 Infrastructure- in terms of roads, rails, ports and airports we believe that the private sector maintain these things better.
3 Human Capacity Index -Vocational Education to be given to the unemployed youth of Nigeria.
4 Agriculture- Nigeria has an abundant land, if we scratch the land and grow anything on it will grow.
5 Issue of Niger Delta
6 Issue of Health, (maternal care for rural women)
We are working with the friendliest country specially India to work with open heart.
Q 7. What is the impact of world wide recession on Nigeria? How do you refocus on foreign policy to improve the economy and strengthen its industrial base?
Ans When we talk about this world wide recession, the first thing comes to the mind is that it is the undesirable affect of globalisation because the countries are so inter-twined that if somebody sneezes somewhere then somebody catches the cold somewhere. We are pretty lucky that our exposure was not that much. We do have some negative consequence but we did not have very serious problems or any set back in our economy. The major reduction we may see is in the rate of growth from 7.3 per cent to 6.5 percent but we expected the reduction of six per cent. We also had some problem in the stock market since then there have been policies to sanitize the stock and the banking sectors. Otherwise we did not have much of the negative problem.
The key area of focus is to identify the country to collaborate with us and the countries with whom we are collaborating, we always try to learn new things. We are focusing on Eastern Asia country but our tradition partners are in the west and US. We are still struggling with manufacturing and trading activity the impact of this to make us more eastwards to go long with fellow developing countries.
Q 8. What are the plans of Government to increase tourism and extend and direct travel option?
Ans Tourism Industry in Nigeria is not that developed but we had a lot of tourist sites. But I think probably one of the causes is oil which make the Nigerians lazy and develop their areas to go to abroad and spend their easy money. Nigerians are great travellers and focus is that Nigeria does have tourist potential. We are working a quite number of countries who have success tourism. Regarding direct airline we directly issue 30-50 visas from India to Nigeria on daily basis. Unfortunately there is no direct flight. Earlier Air India was one of the direct flights but it was also stopped. Nigerian airline bell view was flying earlier but stopped due to some reasons. I hope we will be able to bring in direct flight from India to Nigeria. Recently there is one Indian company (Dena) in Nigeria whose doing domestics routes we are suppose to discuss this issue and hope this part of issue will resolve.
Q 9. In your opinion how do CII conclaves and the summit organized by FICCI help in strengthening India-Africa partnership?
Ans Begin of August, Lagos for West African region. The presence of the Indian companies is expanding really fast. I know there are so many Indian Companies who our workings in pharmaceuticals textiles iron & steel apart from those who involved in supplies of machinery like Bajaj& Mahindra and there power invertors and batteries and a lot of new things happing in Nigeria. Nigeria is the centre for whole of African region business not only for the internal population. Most of the countries come to Nigeria do their business and go back. When you talk about CII conclaves Lagos is made as the base. I think it was quite successful also, and more Indian companies will come to Nigeria for their businesses. Since I came to India I got so many letters of the companies to establish their business in Nigeria. We have made Nigeria as a one stop shop where in we brought everything together like central bank, custom to make easy for the companies to get registered with in 48 hours. Major challenges we are facing in Nigeria are power shortage and the negative impression about the Niger Delta. There are quite number of cases where in the businessman tell not to invest in Nigeria because of the insecurity purposes but later they themselves invest their to have less competition in Nigeria.
Q 10. Lastly, as the High Commissioner of Nigeria to India, what vision you hold for strengthening Africa-India relations?
Ans. This is a comment I wanted to make which I left for the last question. I outlined a brief history of our relationship but what I didn’t mention was that there had been a no. of high level exchanges which shows the political view at the highest level. Nigerian presidents have come for here; Indian presidents have been to Nigeria. Now the latest was in October 2007, two years ago when the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh paid a three days stayed visit to Abuja. One outstanding thing about that particular visit was that apart from those agreements, discussions they were able to had, we signed an agreement for strategic partnership between India and Nigeria. Now, the focus of my mission is to work for the implementation of that strategic partnership. And I have to say since I came I see a lot of goodwill and a lot of support from the government and I assure you it’s the same thing from Nigeria. Since that visit we have had so many high level delegations and ministerial visits. Foreign minister was to be here in Abuja next week. So the basis for moving forward for actualising the mission that job is already laid out for me on this solid foundation of long relationship and very close ties. Fortunately it has now covered three pillars of diplomacy i.e. politically, economically and socially I failed to mention who come here I employed Indians in their companies in the cement companies. We already have this basis with Indians and in a meeting with the ambassadors I said that I want to know any person who has no India Teachers or doctors and everyone said yes and start laughing. I think I made my point what kind of relations we have built with India. I also think that our trade industry has crossed 10 billion dollars despite of the global recession.
Also the new area is the Nollywood and it is budding industry after following Hollywood and Bollywood. We are closely following Nollywood and desire to see it as a bigger industry.
Friday, October 30, 2009
The Third Eye
Remember the blasts of the Mumbai, Delhi and London bombings in metro and railways in rush-hour killed several people. This is not the first time that terrorists have targeted public transport systems.
Why do terrorists attack transportation systems? They feel that they catch hold the media attention easily by exploding the public utilities. Certainly, the transportation systems are the power of any nation; attempt to disrupt them are an effective assault. Besides facilitating travel and mobility for the people, a nation's economy hugely depends on the road and transit systems. Even huge money is being spent on city surveillance systems by the Government of India. Closed circuit television video surveillance systems (CCTV) need to be introduced or enhanced in the public transport systems like metro train, buses and local trains in India. It is a vital tool to combat terrorism. Cameras can be placed in the DTC buses and also inside the Delhi metro train.
London has the most extensive surveillance system in world, with about 5, 00,000 CCTV’s in the city, including 6,000 in the underground path. India should move ahead and acknowledge this useful technology. This extensive system was used very successfully in the investigation of the July 2005 terrorist attacks on its subway and bus systems. The effective investigatory use of CCTV is very likely to be a significant prevention to future terrorist activities in India.
It is high time for the nation’s transportation system to focus on and use CCTV systems widely in public transportation.
Why do terrorists attack transportation systems? They feel that they catch hold the media attention easily by exploding the public utilities. Certainly, the transportation systems are the power of any nation; attempt to disrupt them are an effective assault. Besides facilitating travel and mobility for the people, a nation's economy hugely depends on the road and transit systems. Even huge money is being spent on city surveillance systems by the Government of India. Closed circuit television video surveillance systems (CCTV) need to be introduced or enhanced in the public transport systems like metro train, buses and local trains in India. It is a vital tool to combat terrorism. Cameras can be placed in the DTC buses and also inside the Delhi metro train.
London has the most extensive surveillance system in world, with about 5, 00,000 CCTV’s in the city, including 6,000 in the underground path. India should move ahead and acknowledge this useful technology. This extensive system was used very successfully in the investigation of the July 2005 terrorist attacks on its subway and bus systems. The effective investigatory use of CCTV is very likely to be a significant prevention to future terrorist activities in India.
It is high time for the nation’s transportation system to focus on and use CCTV systems widely in public transportation.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Green Eagles Goal Keeper dies of Brain Tumor
Best Ogedegbe, former Green Eagle number one goal keeper was diagnosed of brain tumor and bid adieu to the world on September 28, 2009.
Nigeria’s football community thrown into remembrance following the death of Best Anthony Ogedegbe, one of the nation’s goal keepers at the 1980 African Cup of Nations which Nigeria hosted and won. It was the first time the country won the esteemed football showpiece.
In a condolence visit to his family, the Oyo states commissioner for sports, Joe Makanjuola, on behalf of the Oyo Government expressed grief saying his death was the last thing the nation’s soccer family was expecting at the moment.
Ogedegbe, who played a major role in Nigeria’s moment of splendor with his outstanding vision, courage and charm in all of the Green Eagles’ games, died at the age of 55, due to the problems which take place from an eye surgery at the University College Hospital, UCH, Ibadan.
Best Ogedegbe, a native of Effurun in Delta State, was born on December 4, 1954 and was brought up in Lagos where he attended Eko Boys High School, Adelabu Memorial and Ibadan Grammar Schools. He had said: “I attended three secondary schools because my dad was a civil servant who was normally transferred from one place to the other.”
He took his work sincerely and also very friendly. The entire Green Eagle team is depressing about his death and also prayed that God will give his family the courage to bear the loss.
“Nigeria will miss his wealth of knowledge because he exhibited lots of experience in the area of Goal Keeping, which I feel would still have been useful for the country”, Stanley Eguma who worked with Ogedegbe last season.
Nigerians from all across the country paid homage to the late soccer star. He did a lot for the country including winning the first continental cup for the country. He would be deeply missed.
In reality Ogedegbe’s end will be felt in Nigeria’s sport circle, particularly in the game of football.
Nigeria’s football community thrown into remembrance following the death of Best Anthony Ogedegbe, one of the nation’s goal keepers at the 1980 African Cup of Nations which Nigeria hosted and won. It was the first time the country won the esteemed football showpiece.
In a condolence visit to his family, the Oyo states commissioner for sports, Joe Makanjuola, on behalf of the Oyo Government expressed grief saying his death was the last thing the nation’s soccer family was expecting at the moment.
Ogedegbe, who played a major role in Nigeria’s moment of splendor with his outstanding vision, courage and charm in all of the Green Eagles’ games, died at the age of 55, due to the problems which take place from an eye surgery at the University College Hospital, UCH, Ibadan.
Best Ogedegbe, a native of Effurun in Delta State, was born on December 4, 1954 and was brought up in Lagos where he attended Eko Boys High School, Adelabu Memorial and Ibadan Grammar Schools. He had said: “I attended three secondary schools because my dad was a civil servant who was normally transferred from one place to the other.”
He took his work sincerely and also very friendly. The entire Green Eagle team is depressing about his death and also prayed that God will give his family the courage to bear the loss.
“Nigeria will miss his wealth of knowledge because he exhibited lots of experience in the area of Goal Keeping, which I feel would still have been useful for the country”, Stanley Eguma who worked with Ogedegbe last season.
Nigerians from all across the country paid homage to the late soccer star. He did a lot for the country including winning the first continental cup for the country. He would be deeply missed.
In reality Ogedegbe’s end will be felt in Nigeria’s sport circle, particularly in the game of football.
Nigeria Corporate Banks bailed-out
Nigerian Corporate Banks are in serious state of affairs. Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has bailed-out four more banks and moreover sacked four of their Chief Executives.
The salvage banks are Equitorial Trust, Bank PHB, Spring Bank and Wema Bank has been given 200bn naira ($ 1.37bn) in loans and support. After an audit of their books, the Central Bank said the banks are considered to be in crucial condition.
Central Bank of Nigeria’s Governor Lamido Sansui has been scrutinizing the 24 banks and seeks to clean up the system. Five of the banks are not in the clear situation and have capital inadequacy issues.
The CBN Governor Lamido Sansui wasted no time in sacking the CEOs of the affected banks, amongst them two time winner of the African Businesswoman of the year-Cecilia Ibru of Oceanic Bank and also sealing off their premises with the armed police. The Current Governor of Nigeria is quick in replacing the sacked officials.
The management of the five banks was removed on the basis of the outcome of the audit concluded by the CBN early August. The covering ten banks of which five comprising First Bank of Nigeria plc, United Bank of Africa Plc, GT Bank Plc, Diamond Bank Plc and Sterling Bank Plc were certified fit.
The parameter on which the examination of the banks record based on is capital adequacy, liquidity, solvency and corporate governances.
Also on the advice of the CBN solicitors, the recent audit process of the respective Chief Executive Officers of the fraud banks were forced to go through the reports arising from the audit and give adequate responses.
Four of the Chief Executives have now appeared in the court charged with fraud.
Governor Lamido Sansui told the stockbrokers that the result of an audit of the country’s remaining 14 banks would be announced in early October. He added that they will appear in better health than the already examined.
The Central Bank of Nigeria said that five institutions rescued in August will run as going concerns until new investors can be found to recapitalize them
Governor Lamido Sansui added that the government has no intention of nationalizing any of the banks.
In the tenure of the former CBN Governor Chukwuma Soludo, Bank PHB and Apex bank had tried to secure N50 billion forbearance, but the request have been declined by CBN insisting to both the banks to clear its due diligence before acquiring Spring Bank.
Also the country’s Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) said nearly $300m of bad debt has been recovered, but the billions are still outstanding.
The salvage banks are Equitorial Trust, Bank PHB, Spring Bank and Wema Bank has been given 200bn naira ($ 1.37bn) in loans and support. After an audit of their books, the Central Bank said the banks are considered to be in crucial condition.
Central Bank of Nigeria’s Governor Lamido Sansui has been scrutinizing the 24 banks and seeks to clean up the system. Five of the banks are not in the clear situation and have capital inadequacy issues.
The CBN Governor Lamido Sansui wasted no time in sacking the CEOs of the affected banks, amongst them two time winner of the African Businesswoman of the year-Cecilia Ibru of Oceanic Bank and also sealing off their premises with the armed police. The Current Governor of Nigeria is quick in replacing the sacked officials.
The management of the five banks was removed on the basis of the outcome of the audit concluded by the CBN early August. The covering ten banks of which five comprising First Bank of Nigeria plc, United Bank of Africa Plc, GT Bank Plc, Diamond Bank Plc and Sterling Bank Plc were certified fit.
The parameter on which the examination of the banks record based on is capital adequacy, liquidity, solvency and corporate governances.
Also on the advice of the CBN solicitors, the recent audit process of the respective Chief Executive Officers of the fraud banks were forced to go through the reports arising from the audit and give adequate responses.
Four of the Chief Executives have now appeared in the court charged with fraud.
Governor Lamido Sansui told the stockbrokers that the result of an audit of the country’s remaining 14 banks would be announced in early October. He added that they will appear in better health than the already examined.
The Central Bank of Nigeria said that five institutions rescued in August will run as going concerns until new investors can be found to recapitalize them
Governor Lamido Sansui added that the government has no intention of nationalizing any of the banks.
In the tenure of the former CBN Governor Chukwuma Soludo, Bank PHB and Apex bank had tried to secure N50 billion forbearance, but the request have been declined by CBN insisting to both the banks to clear its due diligence before acquiring Spring Bank.
Also the country’s Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) said nearly $300m of bad debt has been recovered, but the billions are still outstanding.
Telecom Industry in Nigeria catches the attention of $18bn investment
Telecom Industry in Nigeria raised over by US $18 billion in the last eight years due to regulate support and to remove government regulatory control from the telecom industry.
Engr. Ernest Ndukwe, the Chief Executive of the Nigerian Communications Commission said that the country is keen on attracting more investments so as to expand the needed services in the areas of Internet and Broadband services across the country.
He further added that Nigerian government is welcoming the private sector for chipping into the industry, pays generously to keep in mind the current index of the telecom sector.
Nigeria relatively a large country, which is giving liberty to budding investors and also the existing ones and that the nation is strong-minded to provide entirely linked with economic and exceptional services.
Engr. Ernest Ndukwe considered that the decision of the Nigerian government to liberalize was remarkable and also by point to show the current 68 million active subscriber lines to be recorded in the industry over eight years. He also added that the Nigeria telecom industry has enlightened as a revolution.
He further added that the decision taken by Nigeria to execute an unbiased guideline has resulted in investments in both the GSM and CDMA based services and made varied services accessible in Nigeria with the investors energetically looking up the services from various points thus giving choices to the Nigerian customer.
At present Nigeria is doing great in wireless services delivery, not just in the mobile sector but also in the fixed wireless service.
In spite of the success being witnessed in the mobile and wireless sector in Nigeria, the county is putting their feet ahead to improve connectivity through programmes like the Wire Nigeria Initiative, WIN, to make sure that Nigeria is fully connected with optical fibre cable and an initiative said to have become very booming and also the operators have made extensive inroad in connecting several cities across the country with fibre cable facilities.
He further added that Nigeria is changing its prominence from licensing operators to monitoring and improving quality of services and attending to the needs of the consumer. Also Nigeria is trying to focus on the issues of quality of service and affordability with the dynamics of the market.
Engr. Ernest Ndukwe, the Chief Executive of the Nigerian Communications Commission said that the country is keen on attracting more investments so as to expand the needed services in the areas of Internet and Broadband services across the country.
He further added that Nigerian government is welcoming the private sector for chipping into the industry, pays generously to keep in mind the current index of the telecom sector.
Nigeria relatively a large country, which is giving liberty to budding investors and also the existing ones and that the nation is strong-minded to provide entirely linked with economic and exceptional services.
Engr. Ernest Ndukwe considered that the decision of the Nigerian government to liberalize was remarkable and also by point to show the current 68 million active subscriber lines to be recorded in the industry over eight years. He also added that the Nigeria telecom industry has enlightened as a revolution.
He further added that the decision taken by Nigeria to execute an unbiased guideline has resulted in investments in both the GSM and CDMA based services and made varied services accessible in Nigeria with the investors energetically looking up the services from various points thus giving choices to the Nigerian customer.
At present Nigeria is doing great in wireless services delivery, not just in the mobile sector but also in the fixed wireless service.
In spite of the success being witnessed in the mobile and wireless sector in Nigeria, the county is putting their feet ahead to improve connectivity through programmes like the Wire Nigeria Initiative, WIN, to make sure that Nigeria is fully connected with optical fibre cable and an initiative said to have become very booming and also the operators have made extensive inroad in connecting several cities across the country with fibre cable facilities.
He further added that Nigeria is changing its prominence from licensing operators to monitoring and improving quality of services and attending to the needs of the consumer. Also Nigeria is trying to focus on the issues of quality of service and affordability with the dynamics of the market.
Flower Industry at a Boom in African countries generating huge business
The Flower Industry in Africa mainly in Kenya and Ethiopia is the fastest growing sector of the economy of Africa. It ranks fourth in significance to the nation’s export table after tea, coffee and tourism.
Africa’s flower business flourishing at a very high rate, especially on occasions such as Christmas, Mothers day, Fathers day and Valentine day. Flower Industry in Africa generating huge business and top on the list being Kenya and other countries includes Zimbabwe, South Africa, Tanzania and Uganda.
Kenya’s involvement in flower trade had its beginning soon after the end of Second World War where it was started by retired British army officers on a small-scale. Kenya is not only the leading flower exporter in Africa but has also caught up with Israel and Colombia being one of the fastest growing international flower production regions.
The Flower business in Kenya is gifted and one of the promising sectors in Africa in terms of foreign exchange earnings and employment creation. This business employs approximately 50,000 people in Kenya and Uganda to earn their livelihood. Women in Africa especially gained momentum from supplying between 65-75 percent of the total labor force.
African countries has an advanced prospective for flower production which should be extended by Africans themselves. It also has good climatic conditions encouraging for growing flowers round the year in which India is short of.
The growth rate of the flower industry in Ethiopia is also increasing incredibly due to their agro-climatic conditions, business friendly environment and also the strong government support.
Ethiopia exports around 70 tons of flowers daily and employs approximately around 30,000 people out of the population. Because of the boom in the flower business in Ethiopia, it is even believed that one day flower business could overtake coffee.
The major reason of the India companies still in existence because India has improved the quality of their flowers.
All those flower producers who are interested in exporting flower from Africa to India, it falls under the responsibility of the Ministry of Agriculture and Land Affairs.
Africa’s flower business flourishing at a very high rate, especially on occasions such as Christmas, Mothers day, Fathers day and Valentine day. Flower Industry in Africa generating huge business and top on the list being Kenya and other countries includes Zimbabwe, South Africa, Tanzania and Uganda.
Kenya’s involvement in flower trade had its beginning soon after the end of Second World War where it was started by retired British army officers on a small-scale. Kenya is not only the leading flower exporter in Africa but has also caught up with Israel and Colombia being one of the fastest growing international flower production regions.
The Flower business in Kenya is gifted and one of the promising sectors in Africa in terms of foreign exchange earnings and employment creation. This business employs approximately 50,000 people in Kenya and Uganda to earn their livelihood. Women in Africa especially gained momentum from supplying between 65-75 percent of the total labor force.
African countries has an advanced prospective for flower production which should be extended by Africans themselves. It also has good climatic conditions encouraging for growing flowers round the year in which India is short of.
The growth rate of the flower industry in Ethiopia is also increasing incredibly due to their agro-climatic conditions, business friendly environment and also the strong government support.
Ethiopia exports around 70 tons of flowers daily and employs approximately around 30,000 people out of the population. Because of the boom in the flower business in Ethiopia, it is even believed that one day flower business could overtake coffee.
The major reason of the India companies still in existence because India has improved the quality of their flowers.
All those flower producers who are interested in exporting flower from Africa to India, it falls under the responsibility of the Ministry of Agriculture and Land Affairs.
Nigeria: Enjoy Sights of a Lifetime
Nigeria is located in the West Africa and shares land borders with Republic of Benin in the west and Chad and Cameroon in the East. It is officially called as Federal Republic of Nigeria with a land mass of over 356,000 square miles. Nigeria has amazing natural sites with tropical coconuts, mangrove and other seaside vegetation for vacationers and visitors to enjoy the Atlantic.
The history of Nigeria signifies the remarkable incidents that changed and redefined the various aspects of the country. Nigeria art & culture gives a sight of prevalent stone carvings, potteries, different forms of glass work and wood carvings.
The country is appreciable in art, dance, language, literature and music. The major aspect of the Nigerian’s art and culture lies in the insight from the rural traditional folk heritage of the region.
Art & Culture
Nigeria art and culture is well demonstrated with the brass and bronze work of Igbo Ukwu, in Enugu State. The grass weaving is moreover seen in northern parts of Nigeria because there is abundant amount of grass seen, craftsmen and women make beautiful colored grass baskets, fans, tables and floor mats to catch the attention of the tourists.
The places like Benin and Akwa in Nigeria accredited for its wood and ivory carving making figures for shrines, portraiture and masks. Many of the figures made by the carvers are preserved in the Nigeria’s museum. Also the ivory carvings have for many years in Nigeria. These carvings are also used as paper knives, earrings, necklaces, bangles and also the miniature of décor.
Apart from such crafts as bronze casting, wood and ivory carving and weaving, a form of artistic expression that has quietly gained stronghold but has not been given its due recognition in Nigeria in painting. The two groups of rock painting in Kano and Bauchi are the most important so far originated in the country.
The Heritage of Nigeria
The heritage of Nigeria has its vibrant cultural historical background. In fact it provides an astounding glance of the traditional Nigerian Lifestyle and its different aspects well maintained monuments. The City walls and moats are in the Southern Nigeria and its is the most extraordinary walls but unfortunately in the past few years it has been the victim of extensive soil excavation used as a source of building materials.
Nigeria is a country with extravagant sights, a widest range of flora and fauna. The place is sanctified with sensation of nature that flourished in the land. Nature has also gifted Nigeria with several natural resources.
The urbane nightlife of Nigeria magnetizes tourists from different parts of the world. The renowned spots of Nigeria offer delicious multi-cuisine food along with traditional Nigerian dishes.
The history of Nigeria signifies the remarkable incidents that changed and redefined the various aspects of the country. Nigeria art & culture gives a sight of prevalent stone carvings, potteries, different forms of glass work and wood carvings.
The country is appreciable in art, dance, language, literature and music. The major aspect of the Nigerian’s art and culture lies in the insight from the rural traditional folk heritage of the region.
Art & Culture
Nigeria art and culture is well demonstrated with the brass and bronze work of Igbo Ukwu, in Enugu State. The grass weaving is moreover seen in northern parts of Nigeria because there is abundant amount of grass seen, craftsmen and women make beautiful colored grass baskets, fans, tables and floor mats to catch the attention of the tourists.
The places like Benin and Akwa in Nigeria accredited for its wood and ivory carving making figures for shrines, portraiture and masks. Many of the figures made by the carvers are preserved in the Nigeria’s museum. Also the ivory carvings have for many years in Nigeria. These carvings are also used as paper knives, earrings, necklaces, bangles and also the miniature of décor.
Apart from such crafts as bronze casting, wood and ivory carving and weaving, a form of artistic expression that has quietly gained stronghold but has not been given its due recognition in Nigeria in painting. The two groups of rock painting in Kano and Bauchi are the most important so far originated in the country.
The Heritage of Nigeria
The heritage of Nigeria has its vibrant cultural historical background. In fact it provides an astounding glance of the traditional Nigerian Lifestyle and its different aspects well maintained monuments. The City walls and moats are in the Southern Nigeria and its is the most extraordinary walls but unfortunately in the past few years it has been the victim of extensive soil excavation used as a source of building materials.
Nigeria is a country with extravagant sights, a widest range of flora and fauna. The place is sanctified with sensation of nature that flourished in the land. Nature has also gifted Nigeria with several natural resources.
The urbane nightlife of Nigeria magnetizes tourists from different parts of the world. The renowned spots of Nigeria offer delicious multi-cuisine food along with traditional Nigerian dishes.
WELLNESS JOURNEY ACROSS THE BORDERS
Being healthy has its rewards in life. Life is much more than merely pursuing the norms of the society but also trying to have a good health. India not only has the expertise medical expertise but also costs a fraction of what it costs in western countries. Even tele-consultancy is available for expert opinion and transfer facilities for the treatment. There is a growing need for African countries to identify this fact the treatment cost as there is overpriced and the facilities not available.
Medical Tourism in India is a developing concept whereby people from world over visit India for their medical and spiritual needs. Most common treatments are cardiac surgery, joint and keyhole surgery, cosmetic surgery and dental care. The reason for India being a favorable destination is because of its infrastructure and technology in which is in par with those in USA, UK and Europe.
India has some of the best hospitals and treatment centers in the world with facilities matching International Standards. Since it is also one of the most favorable tourist destinations in the world, treatment combines with tourism has come into effect, from which the concept of Medical Tourism is derived.
According to Indian Ministry of Tourism, India’s healthcare tourism market is growing by 25% annually and is expected to become a $2 billion-a-year business opportunity by 2012 in India. India has specialized state-of-the-art hospitals and treatment centers, global healthcare quality standards, competent doctors, skilled nurses and paramedical staff, access to the most modern medical technology, affordable medical treatment, immediate appointment with doctors, easy access to hospital for emergency treatment, Feel at home atmosphere to the medical tourists and patients, holistic treatment and alternative medical therapies like ayurveda, naturopathy, yoga & meditation also available.
India is also the birthplace of Ayurveda and Yoga, have always left with a mystical recollection. Recent trends clearly indicate the acceptance of masses towards naturopathy, yoga & ayurveda treatments for their unmatched benefits as regards cost and health. Alternative treatments ensure positive health, longevity and happiness with supplementing the natural quality of Body, Mind & Spirit. Ayurveda operates on the precept that various materials of vegetable, animal and mineral origin have some medicinal value. Ayurveda treats all types of illness with special emphasis on stress, health and Longevity and Spiritual Healing.
We at Heal & Bliss have hearty endeavors can take you from good health to a blissful living, from advanced surgery to yoga, all in one trip. You just name it, we have all it here.
Heal & bliss aspire patients from Worldwide to provide medical healthcare and also the patients gets eminent doctors and specialist healthcare consultants to give the exceptional treatment. It is a Personalized Healthcare Facilitator for facilitating International & National patients in India, whose ailments are not adequately treated in their place of stay, as state-of-the-art medical services are presently not available in their natives.
Our Primary aim is to provide unparalleled highest standard of quality medical treatment, state-of-the-art, Health and Medical care services, which are cost effective as well as highly specialized, by providing world class healthcare and Medical Tourism facilities.
The team of professionals at Heal & Bliss with worldwide existence in the field of Healthcare work round the clock to provide the best of the services.
Heal & Bliss gives the patient pleasing arrangement from the arrival till the departure from India. Specialist Consultants are listed on our Medical Advisory Board who study and suggest the best treatment to the patient on a case-to-case basis. Estimated costs of treatment, stay & facilitation are provided to the patients before their travel itineraries are made and Medical visas through the Indian High Commissions are co-ordinated. In addition to that before the arrival of the patient, all reports are received and discussed with the assigned doctor to decide the line of treatment to be followed and appointments with them are fixed without waiting lists. Moreover we provide translators to keep away from the verbal communication barrier and the entire patient’s personal and treatment details kept off the record.
Furthermore we intend to give a Healthcare Facilitator as a mediator between the patient and hospitals to provide exceptional treatment to the patients in India and acts as an interface to medical professionals.
Besides that, in Africa we have our Nodal centers in various countries such as Ghana, Zambia, Sudan, South Africa, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda and Oman and are looking to set-up more centers in African countries and have specialist Consultants to communicate to the people in Africa about our services at Heal & Bliss.
We also have specialized doctors to provide possible and optimum medical services to the patients. Moreover we have panel of super specialist hospitals of Delhi such as Apollo Group Of Hospitals, Max Group of Hospitals, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Delhi Heart and Lung Institute, Centre for Sight (A specialist Eye Care Entre), Fortis Escorts Healthcare Limited, Pushpanjali Crosslay Hospital, Sunderlal Jain Hospital and Indian Spinal Injuries Centre.
“Heal & Bliss provided me with the best of its services which were beyond my expectations and aim to give me full time warden who was always there for my help”, said Abed Nego Nyampong, patient from Ghana visited India for his Eye Treatment.
He further added that he will recommend Heal & Bliss to his friends and relatives in Africa.
“The African countries are facing major teenage Obstetric and gynecological problems including sexual health issues, abortion, cancer and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including HIV”, said Dr. Sunita Varma, Consultant Co-ordinator, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Max Hospital Pitampura.
She also added that the treatment cost in India is quite economic as compared to western countries.
* List of the surgeries for which Heal & Bliss provides treatment
Transplant Surgeries
• Bone Marrow
• Kidney
• Liver
• Stem Cell
Cardiac Procedures
• Cardiac Bypass Surgery
• Angiography/Angioplasty
• Valve Replacement
Orthopedic & Spine Surgeries
• Keyhole Endoscopic Spine Surgeries
• Hip Resurfacing
• Knee, Hip & Shoulder Replacement
• Arthroscopic Surgery
Breast Surgery & Cosmetic Surgery
Obstetric and Gynecological Procedures
• Assisted reproductive technique for infertility
• Laproscopic hysterectomy/ Myomectomy for fibroids
• Vaginal surgery for prolapse
• Gynae Endoscopy-Hysteroscopy and many more
Heal & bliss would be pleased to help you. You may revert back to us through calls, letters or emails. For FAQ’S please see the website www.healnbliss.com. You could also contact our corporate office at 91-11-47514751.
Medical Tourism in India is a developing concept whereby people from world over visit India for their medical and spiritual needs. Most common treatments are cardiac surgery, joint and keyhole surgery, cosmetic surgery and dental care. The reason for India being a favorable destination is because of its infrastructure and technology in which is in par with those in USA, UK and Europe.
India has some of the best hospitals and treatment centers in the world with facilities matching International Standards. Since it is also one of the most favorable tourist destinations in the world, treatment combines with tourism has come into effect, from which the concept of Medical Tourism is derived.
According to Indian Ministry of Tourism, India’s healthcare tourism market is growing by 25% annually and is expected to become a $2 billion-a-year business opportunity by 2012 in India. India has specialized state-of-the-art hospitals and treatment centers, global healthcare quality standards, competent doctors, skilled nurses and paramedical staff, access to the most modern medical technology, affordable medical treatment, immediate appointment with doctors, easy access to hospital for emergency treatment, Feel at home atmosphere to the medical tourists and patients, holistic treatment and alternative medical therapies like ayurveda, naturopathy, yoga & meditation also available.
India is also the birthplace of Ayurveda and Yoga, have always left with a mystical recollection. Recent trends clearly indicate the acceptance of masses towards naturopathy, yoga & ayurveda treatments for their unmatched benefits as regards cost and health. Alternative treatments ensure positive health, longevity and happiness with supplementing the natural quality of Body, Mind & Spirit. Ayurveda operates on the precept that various materials of vegetable, animal and mineral origin have some medicinal value. Ayurveda treats all types of illness with special emphasis on stress, health and Longevity and Spiritual Healing.
We at Heal & Bliss have hearty endeavors can take you from good health to a blissful living, from advanced surgery to yoga, all in one trip. You just name it, we have all it here.
Heal & bliss aspire patients from Worldwide to provide medical healthcare and also the patients gets eminent doctors and specialist healthcare consultants to give the exceptional treatment. It is a Personalized Healthcare Facilitator for facilitating International & National patients in India, whose ailments are not adequately treated in their place of stay, as state-of-the-art medical services are presently not available in their natives.
Our Primary aim is to provide unparalleled highest standard of quality medical treatment, state-of-the-art, Health and Medical care services, which are cost effective as well as highly specialized, by providing world class healthcare and Medical Tourism facilities.
The team of professionals at Heal & Bliss with worldwide existence in the field of Healthcare work round the clock to provide the best of the services.
Heal & Bliss gives the patient pleasing arrangement from the arrival till the departure from India. Specialist Consultants are listed on our Medical Advisory Board who study and suggest the best treatment to the patient on a case-to-case basis. Estimated costs of treatment, stay & facilitation are provided to the patients before their travel itineraries are made and Medical visas through the Indian High Commissions are co-ordinated. In addition to that before the arrival of the patient, all reports are received and discussed with the assigned doctor to decide the line of treatment to be followed and appointments with them are fixed without waiting lists. Moreover we provide translators to keep away from the verbal communication barrier and the entire patient’s personal and treatment details kept off the record.
Furthermore we intend to give a Healthcare Facilitator as a mediator between the patient and hospitals to provide exceptional treatment to the patients in India and acts as an interface to medical professionals.
Besides that, in Africa we have our Nodal centers in various countries such as Ghana, Zambia, Sudan, South Africa, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda and Oman and are looking to set-up more centers in African countries and have specialist Consultants to communicate to the people in Africa about our services at Heal & Bliss.
We also have specialized doctors to provide possible and optimum medical services to the patients. Moreover we have panel of super specialist hospitals of Delhi such as Apollo Group Of Hospitals, Max Group of Hospitals, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Delhi Heart and Lung Institute, Centre for Sight (A specialist Eye Care Entre), Fortis Escorts Healthcare Limited, Pushpanjali Crosslay Hospital, Sunderlal Jain Hospital and Indian Spinal Injuries Centre.
“Heal & Bliss provided me with the best of its services which were beyond my expectations and aim to give me full time warden who was always there for my help”, said Abed Nego Nyampong, patient from Ghana visited India for his Eye Treatment.
He further added that he will recommend Heal & Bliss to his friends and relatives in Africa.
“The African countries are facing major teenage Obstetric and gynecological problems including sexual health issues, abortion, cancer and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including HIV”, said Dr. Sunita Varma, Consultant Co-ordinator, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Max Hospital Pitampura.
She also added that the treatment cost in India is quite economic as compared to western countries.
* List of the surgeries for which Heal & Bliss provides treatment
Transplant Surgeries
• Bone Marrow
• Kidney
• Liver
• Stem Cell
Cardiac Procedures
• Cardiac Bypass Surgery
• Angiography/Angioplasty
• Valve Replacement
Orthopedic & Spine Surgeries
• Keyhole Endoscopic Spine Surgeries
• Hip Resurfacing
• Knee, Hip & Shoulder Replacement
• Arthroscopic Surgery
Breast Surgery & Cosmetic Surgery
Obstetric and Gynecological Procedures
• Assisted reproductive technique for infertility
• Laproscopic hysterectomy/ Myomectomy for fibroids
• Vaginal surgery for prolapse
• Gynae Endoscopy-Hysteroscopy and many more
Heal & bliss would be pleased to help you. You may revert back to us through calls, letters or emails. For FAQ’S please see the website www.healnbliss.com. You could also contact our corporate office at 91-11-47514751.
Algeria: The wise getaway
If there is a country that greatly challenges the mind's eye and offered varied opportunities for music and tourism. Algeria is the one place which tenders an array of beautiful spots to possible tourists and also the prospective investors.
The place has the seaside view, all along the Algerian coast, the mountains, the archaeological sites, the prehistoric parks of the Tassili and the Hoggar which has been classified as world treasure by the UNESCO.
The capital of Algeria is EL Djazair which is surrounded by hills and portrayed by two colors, the blue of the sea and the green of its gardens. The meaning of El Djazair signifies ‘the islands’ and also looks like a crown of a contemporary buildings, classy palaces, proud fortress and flawless mosques which add to the beauty of the place.
The city also named as Casbah, the Old city with narrow and twisted streets. It built in Ottoman times and the city is such a web even the natives of the place admit to get lost at times.
The city has an extravagant bay with long sand beaches like Sidi-Frej, Club des pins, Zeralda, Tipaza beach with its beautiful Roman ruins with the footprints of Roman occupation in 146 BC. It also has wide variety of land ranging from snow-white mountain forests to Sahara sand dunes and gives plethora of excitement for sport and leisure activities ranging from Skiing in mountains and in the deserts of Sahara.
The music of Algeria is pure of its tradition and culture and also symbolizes the people with a harmony of stunning voice. A folk music called Sha-bii is broadly famous in which the words are poetic in nature which depicts the everyday life of Algeria. The renowned performers of the Algerian music are El Hajj Muhammed El Anka, Amour Abdenour, Boudjenaa Agraw, Abdou and Algerian Vocalist Khaled and many more.
El Hajj Muhammed El Anka is one of the most creative songwriter and taught many generations of Algeria. He has written over 350 songs and record around 130 songs. Today his music is still prevalent and played and also his swing towards popular culture is as strong as forever.
Amour Abdenour is an Algerian Kabyle singer composer and musician. Boudjenaa Agraw is a key artist of modern Algerian Kabyle music in 1970 and 1980s. Abdou is a well-known live artist and have highly emotional voice in Algeria. He is also known as ‘The Boy George of rai music.
Today there are hundreds of artists and musicians in Algeria who inspire their styles with astoundingly incredible music and can be heard across the world. Within the African community this is the music of choice and people from around the globe enjoy the popularity of the excellent musicianship in Algeria.
Follow and listen the different kind of exclusive and eternal music of Algeria and express the music with full of hope, love and serenity.
The place has the seaside view, all along the Algerian coast, the mountains, the archaeological sites, the prehistoric parks of the Tassili and the Hoggar which has been classified as world treasure by the UNESCO.
The capital of Algeria is EL Djazair which is surrounded by hills and portrayed by two colors, the blue of the sea and the green of its gardens. The meaning of El Djazair signifies ‘the islands’ and also looks like a crown of a contemporary buildings, classy palaces, proud fortress and flawless mosques which add to the beauty of the place.
The city also named as Casbah, the Old city with narrow and twisted streets. It built in Ottoman times and the city is such a web even the natives of the place admit to get lost at times.
The city has an extravagant bay with long sand beaches like Sidi-Frej, Club des pins, Zeralda, Tipaza beach with its beautiful Roman ruins with the footprints of Roman occupation in 146 BC. It also has wide variety of land ranging from snow-white mountain forests to Sahara sand dunes and gives plethora of excitement for sport and leisure activities ranging from Skiing in mountains and in the deserts of Sahara.
The music of Algeria is pure of its tradition and culture and also symbolizes the people with a harmony of stunning voice. A folk music called Sha-bii is broadly famous in which the words are poetic in nature which depicts the everyday life of Algeria. The renowned performers of the Algerian music are El Hajj Muhammed El Anka, Amour Abdenour, Boudjenaa Agraw, Abdou and Algerian Vocalist Khaled and many more.
El Hajj Muhammed El Anka is one of the most creative songwriter and taught many generations of Algeria. He has written over 350 songs and record around 130 songs. Today his music is still prevalent and played and also his swing towards popular culture is as strong as forever.
Amour Abdenour is an Algerian Kabyle singer composer and musician. Boudjenaa Agraw is a key artist of modern Algerian Kabyle music in 1970 and 1980s. Abdou is a well-known live artist and have highly emotional voice in Algeria. He is also known as ‘The Boy George of rai music.
Today there are hundreds of artists and musicians in Algeria who inspire their styles with astoundingly incredible music and can be heard across the world. Within the African community this is the music of choice and people from around the globe enjoy the popularity of the excellent musicianship in Algeria.
Follow and listen the different kind of exclusive and eternal music of Algeria and express the music with full of hope, love and serenity.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
