jsbet casino
The Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Abubakar Dantsoho has projected a 30 per cent growth in trade volume by 2030. He made this known at the 2024 edition of the Association of Maritime Journalists of Nigeria (AMJON) conference and awards, held recently in Lagos. He noted that the ongoing improvements in port infrastructure will create over one million jobs by 2028, and a doubling of the sector’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) contribution from 1.5 per cent to 3 per cent by 2035. Presenting a paper titled: “Nigeria’s Blue Economy and Ports Infrastructural Development: The NPA Perspective” at the national conference, Dr Dantsoho highlighted the vast investment opportunities in Nigeria’s blue economy, which he noted to include areas like the development of inland waterways, expansion of port infrastructure, and maritime technology solutions. The conference had as its theme: “Nigeria’s Maritime/Blue Economy Industry under the Renewed Hope Agenda: What is New?” Dantsoho, who was represented by the Port Manager, Lagos Port Complex, Adebowale Ibrahim, described the blue economy as a pivotal driver of sustainable development, disclosing that the government has created an enabling environment for investments through policy reforms, incentives, and partnerships with international organisations. “The blue economy refers to the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and job creation while preserving the health of ocean ecosystems.” With Nigeria’s 853-kilometer coastline and extensive inland waterways, the nation is uniquely positioned to harness these resources for economic diversification,” he said. Dr Dantsoho emphasised the critical role of ports in facilitating the blue economy. According to him, the NPA is at the forefront of advancing the sector by ensuring efficient port operations, adopting eco-friendly technologies, generating significant national revenue, and enhancing maritime security. The NPA’s strategic focus, he said, aligns with the “Renewed Hope Agenda” to drive growth and sustainability in the maritime sector. Key sectors of the blue economy identified by the NPA boss include maritime transportation, fisheries and aquaculture, energy resources, tourism and recreation, and seabed mining. He highlighted the immense potential of these sectors in driving economic diversification and creating opportunities for Nigerians.. He said the growth would be achievable through strategic investments and partnerships that would drive efficiency, sustainability and innovation in port operations. To achieve the ambitious goals, he said, the NPA is adopting a multi-pronged funding approach, including increased government budgetary allocations for critical port projects, harnessing Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) expertise and funding. Others, he listed, are partnering with development banks and global agencies and channelling revenue generated by ports back into infrastructure and service improvements. He, however, acknowledged the challenges facing the maritime sector, such as infrastructure deficits, funding inadequacies and security concerns. Dantsoho outlined actionable solutions to the challenges to include, accelerated investments in port infrastructure, strengthened maritime security through collaborations with global organisations and policy reforms to attract both foreign and domestic investors. He further reaffirmed NPA’s commitment to driving the Blue Economy forward and positioning Nigeria as a leading maritime hub in West and Central Africa.
500-year-old shipwreck could be São Jorge from Vasco da Gama’s final voyageUber’s Hidden Game? Stock Price Future Lies in AI and Gaming
Sports on TV for Sunday, Dec. 15
NoneEngland's goalless draw with the United States gave a glimpse of Sarina Wiegman's plans for Euro 2025 as they experimented and put in a strong defensive display. Following disappointing performances against Germany and South Africa in October, former England midfielder Karen Carney said she was "praying for a bit of evolution" - and they got some. Changes in formation, tweaks to positions and a return to their "World Cup vibes" helped England keep Olympic champions at bay. While this was by no means a complete improvement, it showed England have progressed in the month since their 4-3 defeat by Germany at Wembley. "We are learning things. This shows where we are at and we need to keep improving. It is November now," said Wiegman. "This is good but we want to be better again. We have to be better again." USA head coach Emma Hayes said they expected a "reaction" from England - and felt they faced one despite Wiegman's side only having one shot on target. In a game of few clear-cut chances, it was the USA who looked more threatening, having a goal disallowed for offside in the first half and a penalty rightly overturned following a video assistant referee check in the second half. But England's defence stepped up to the task and put aside recent criticism after looking shaky this year. Goalkeeper Mary Earps, given the nod ahead of Hannah Hampton in what felt like a show of faith by Wiegman, put in a confident display and made numerous saves. She helped form the defence in a 4-4-2 formation - something Wiegman used during England's run to the Women's World Cup final in 2023, but has largely moved away from this year. "That structure felt a bit World Cup vibes. Some of us have played together for a really long time and we know each other really well," Earps told BBC Radio 5 Live. "Communication is really important. I felt like we were talking the whole game and finding solutions for problems. We kept them at bay. "We don’t want celebrate a 0-0 draw but we'll take it and we're looking to be firing ahead of the Euros next summer." Earps admitted it had been a "tough year" for the Lionesses and they are still "figuring out" how they want to play at Euro 2025 - but this was a step in the right direction, keeping out the USA, albeit in the absence of the visitors' usual front three. Wiegman said in her programme notes she wanted to "experiment" - and changes were made. Alex Greenwood and Jess Carter switched positions from centre-back to left-back and seemed to slot in seamlessly in a strong defence. There was a defensive role given to Tottenham's Jess Naz, who linked up with Lucy Bronze on the right-hand side, while Jess Park was given the nod in midfield. The change in formation to a 4-4-2 also seemed to add more solidity. "If you look at the two games we played last month and now, we are trying to adapt, improve and try new things," said Wiegman. "Against Germany, we were too open. While we tried these things we got information and I felt this [4-4-2] formation was the best against the USA." Greenwood told BBC Radio 5 Live the adaptations worked well "in spells" but improvements can still be made. "We have these games against the best opposition to work on those things. I think we've seen glimpses of really positive signs," said Greenwood. "Playing against one of best teams in the world, I thought we defended really well. We can keep the ball better at times in transition - but that will come." While there were clear improvements in defence and a better structure out of possession, England's lack of attacking threat was evident. The loss of injured trio Lauren Hemp, Ella Toone and Lauren James had an impact but the USA, without their star players, were still able to cause problems. "We looked happy to not concede because of games previously and that's disappointing because there are some players we haven't really seen," former England striker Ian Wright told ITV. "It felt to me like England were happy to take a 0-0. We struggle to have a properly complete performance." But Wiegman was not concerned having clearly focused on their defensive structure and tweaks to the set-up. "We want to go for a win. It was such a high-intense game and you need to deal with the opponent. You can’t go 'OK, now we are going to score a goal,'" said Wiegman. "We tried of course to do that. In the second half, we got more momentum and got towards their goal a little more. In the first half we had less moments like that. "But we didn’t slow down to keep 0-0 - that’s just how the game went."
IPL 2025 mega auction Neel Kamal writes about sustainable agriculture, environment, climate change for The Times of India. His incisive and comprehensive reporting about over a year-long farmers' struggle against farm laws at the borders of the national capital won laurels. He is an alumunus of Chandigarh College of Engineering and Technology. Read More 10 ways to use pumpkin seeds 7 things that boys learn from their moms 10 Indian breakfast dishes loved across the world How to grow onion and garlic on your kitchen window Kid-friendly wildlife experiences in India How to make Chicken Chili Pakora at home 10 types of South-Indian rice dishes and how to make them 10 most beautiful offbeat places for solo travel in India (2025) Persimmon: Nutrients, health benefits of this vibrant orange colored fruit 8 animals that have more than 2 eyesDonald Trump wants pardoned real estate developer Charles Kushner to be ambassador to France