Month: October 2024

In light of the recent changes to the real estate commission structure that took effect on August 17, many agents are grappling with confusion and uncertainty. At the recent California Association of Realtors’ annual conference in Long Beach, which attracted over 7,000 industry professionals, numerous agents expressed their frustrations with the new regulations. Concerns ranged from the rampant misinformation circulating on social media to competitors aggressively pursuing clients during open houses, as well as a general lack of clarity surrounding the new rules.

These updated regulations stem from a settlement made by the National Association of Realtors aimed at addressing several antitrust lawsuits. Notable changes include a requirement for sellers’ agents to disclose any commission offers made to buyers within the Multiple Listing Service (MLS). While commission payments are still permissible, they may no longer be publicly advertised on Realtor-operated listing services. A significant shift also mandates that buyers must sign a contract with their agent prior to viewing properties, acknowledging that if a seller does not cover the commission, the financial responsibility falls to the buyer.

Agents are feeling the pressure to educate their clients about these new guidelines. Barbara Betts, the CEO of The RECollective in Long Beach, referred to this period as the most significant transformation the industry has ever faced.

As the real estate landscape shifts, new dynamics continue to unfold. A federal judge in Missouri has indicated that the regulations will officially commence following a signature in November. Meanwhile, California real estate agents are keeping a close eye on an investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice that could further shape agent compensation in the future.

Interestingly, since the settlement’s implementation, commission rates have largely remained stable. During the conference, Patti Komorita was the only agent to report a decrease in her commission rate, stating she now charges buyers a 2% fee down from 2.5%. The consensus among her peers was that they had not made similar reductions.

Adding to the challenges, agents have reported dealing with misinformation from rival agents who are often misinformed about the new regulations. Seven Gables Real Estate in Tustin noted that since August 17, they have received five offers that did not include buyer’s agent commission requests, four of which were submitted by agents lacking contracts with their clients. Furthermore, the proliferation of misinformation on social media has caused some agents to inadvertently circulate inaccuracies.

At a legal forum hosted by the California Association of Realtors, agents shared their worries regarding an increased workload, highlighting that some competitors are trying to lure clients away during open houses. However, Hutchison stressed that agents have an obligation to inform both buyers and sellers about the new developments. He encouraged agents to take the initiative to clarify the new requirements to buyers and secure written agreements, asserting, “This is a transparent practice that protects consumers.”

As we look ahead, many agents agree that the upcoming months will be pivotal for the industry as they navigate these changes, underscoring the necessity for additional training and vigilance in adapting to evolving regulations.

Unity Bank is teaming up with the Association of Nigerian Women in Business Network (ANWBN) to boost the digital marketing skills of women entrepreneurs. Recently, they hosted a capacity-building workshop designed to empower these women with essential skills needed in today’s digital landscape.

In another noteworthy event, Stanbic IBTC gathered stockbrokers for a breakfast session aimed at mapping out Nigeria’s path to achieving its ambitious goal of a $1 trillion economy.

FCMB took the opportunity to reinforce its dedication to a customer-centric approach, underscoring how this philosophy is woven into its business operations.

In the realm of real estate, REDA 2024 is set to steer industry stakeholders through the evolving landscape, preparing them for future developments and opportunities.

In a groundbreaking moment for women in leadership, Bukola Aluko-Olokun has been appointed as the first chairwoman of the NIQS Kaduna Chapter, marking a significant milestone for female representation in the industry.

Activists advocating for the recognition of Afghanistan’s current situation assert that the challenges faced by women today amount to what can only be described as a crime against humanity. In a recent conversation, Sima Samar, who famously coined the term “gender apartheid” in the 1990s, expressed deep concern over the systematic oppression that has surged under the Taliban regime. “When the first Taliban regime fell, it seemed inconceivable that we would face such severe persecution and systematic repression of Afghan women simply because of their gender,” said Samar, a former women’s affairs minister now living in exile. “Yet here we are in 2024, confronting the same horrors, and it’s more important than ever that we strive for justice.”

At the end of 2023, a campaign was launched aimed at having the United Nations recognize gender apartheid as a crime against humanity. This initiative has been powered by Afghan women living abroad who are resolute in stopping the Taliban’s assault on their rights. “Racial apartheid has been condemned as a crime against humanity since 1973. If we substitute ‘racial’ with ‘gender,’ it starkly illustrates what is happening to Afghan women and girls,” emphasized Samar.

Since the Taliban regained control in August 2021, they have implemented more than 80 decrees that severely restrict the lives of women and girls. These include barring girls from secondary education, prohibiting women from nearly all employment, and denying them access to the justice system and public parks. The Taliban mandates that women cover themselves completely in public, with severe penalties for non-compliance, including stoning for so-called offenses like adultery.

Samar voiced frustration at the global community’s inaction: “There has been no effective condemnation or action to stop the assault on women’s rights; it has fallen to Afghan women to fight alone.”

Mariam Safi, another activist, noted that the experiences of Afghan women living in exile are becoming increasingly ignored by policymakers. “Decision-makers often find it easy to overlook our viewpoints, especially when they challenge their narratives,” explained Safi, founder of the Organization for Policy Research and Development Studies (Drops). “But they cannot overlook the data that reveals the true impact of Taliban rule on women in Afghanistan.”

Safi’s Bishnaw project gathers data through surveys and interviews to provide tangible evidence that supports calls for accountability. Recently, the project surveyed over 3,600 women across 19 provinces, finding that 67% felt that the restrictions were indicative of systemic oppression. Additionally, 60% supported the UN’s use of the term “gender apartheid” to describe their situation.

Another survey indicated that 83% of 2,100 women reported being negatively impacted by the Taliban’s ban on women distributing humanitarian aid, while 69% were aware of girls being married off at inappropriate ages since the regime’s takeover.

While activists remain hopeful that the UN will soon officially recognize gender apartheid in Afghanistan, there are concerns about the ramifications of such recognition, especially concerning humanitarian aid. Nonetheless, Samar maintains that categorizing these violations is essential for holding the Taliban accountable. “We must label these actions so they cannot be brushed aside as cultural or religious issues. Simple condemnation isn’t enough; it needs to be codified into law to end this culture of impunity.”

An online platform recently released an observation report that reveals a fascinating trend among travelers during the National Day holiday: a clear preference for “slow-paced” tourism. This approach emphasizes relaxation and enjoyment, away from the usual hustle and bustle.

This year, travel styles such as “county tours,” “mini getaways,” and “therapeutic trips” really took off, capturing travelers’ desires for a more laid-back vacation experience. When it comes to destinations, major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Nanjing, Chongqing, Xi’an, Shenzhen, and Wuhan dominated the list of the top ten most popular spots. Among the 100 hottest destinations, however, places like Huangshan, Aba Tibetan Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, Datong, Linyi, Zhangjiajie, Kaifeng, Shangrao, Yinchuan, Shenyang, and Hohhot have emerged as the fastest-growing locales.

Interestingly, young travelers are significantly driving the surge in “county tours,” which has resulted in an impressive 40% year-on-year increase in daily orders for this type of tourism. The top ten fastest-growing county destinations include Xixian in Linfen, Ruicheng in Yuncheng, Helan in Yinchuan, Yichuan in Yan’an, Shangnan in Shangluo, Yingxian in Shuozhou, Ning’an in Mudanjiang, Zhijin in Bijie, Qihe in Dezhou, and Renhua in Shaoguan, with each seeing growth rates exceeding four times compared to last year. Notably, three of these counties are located in Shanxi Province, highlighting the growing interest in exploring the region’s rich ancient architecture, a trend boosted by the popularity of certain video games.

On October 8, during the press conference for the 16th China Jiangbei Water City – Lianghe Pearl (Liaocheng) Gourd Culture Art Festival, Xue Zhao Li, Deputy Director of the Liaocheng Municipal Publicity Department, shared exciting news about the festival. “This year, we will delve into the integration of canal cuisine and gourd banquets, creating a dining experience infused with gourd cultural elements to enhance the content of the Gourd Culture Festival,” he explained. New additions this year will include the research, promotion, tasting, and showcasing of canal gourd cultural banquets.

Gourds, recognized as auspicious symbols in traditional Chinese culture, hold significant market value due to their unique shapes and the meanings of “prosperity and good fortune” they convey. “The gourd industry is one of the most representative specialty industries in Liaocheng, with over 30,000 acres of cultivation,” Xue indicated, noting that this sector accounts for 75% of the national market share and generates an annual comprehensive benefit of about 1.6 billion RMB.

Liu Jiqiang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Dongchangfu District Committee and Deputy District Chief, highlighted the rich history of Dongchang gourd carving, which spans over 500 years and is recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage. “Dongchangfu District is the largest distribution center for gourds in the country, earning the title of ‘Hometown of Gourd Carving Culture and Art in China.’”

He further described how gourd artists employ various techniques such as binding, stitching, and molding during the growth of gourds to create diverse forms, transforming them into tea sets, snuff bottles, and artistic lamps. This not only enriches the cultural significance of the gourds but also enhances their market value. Moreover, these artisans combine gourd crafts with local paper-cutting and dough figurine techniques to produce both practical and decorative creative pieces, marking a shift from traditional gourd processing to culturally creative industries.

Liu added that in recent years, the district has been actively promoting the protection, inheritance, and innovation of gourd carving artistry. A new Gourd Culture Park has been constructed to create an immersive experience centered around gourd culture, featuring elements like rural memory, gourmet tribes, and local guesthouses, establishing the park as a unique rural cultural tourism destination. Additionally, the district has developed themed tourism routes such as the “Prosperity and Gourd Culture Journey” and the “Heritage Tradition Tour,” allowing visitors to explore gourd cultivation and processing parks and engage with local craftsmanship, thus paving the way for quality-driven economic growth in the gourd industry.

Hu Ruiheng, Deputy District Chief and a member of the Dongchangfu District People’s Government, stated that a professional cooperative for gourd cultivation and management has been established to unify production and sales, strengthening the industry chain. Currently, Dongchangfu District has over 4,500 registered gourd farmers and more than 1,500 processing businesses, cultivating over 30 gourd varieties across approximately 13,000 acres, with farming bases established in regions like Xinjiang, Shaanxi, and Shanxi.

As Hu pointed out, the district has embraced rapid developments in e-commerce, with more than 2,000 gourd-related online businesses. For instance, Tangyi Town’s Luzhuang Village has adopted an “Internet + e-commerce” model, where nearly every household engages in gourd cultivation and online sales. The village hosts over 300 online shops on platforms such as Taobao, Douyin, and Kuaishou, collectively selling around 7 million craft gourds annually to various international markets, including Japan, South Korea, the United States, and Southeast Asia.

“From September to October each year, numerous merchants from other regions flock to Dongchangfu District, sourcing gourd products directly from farms and markets,” Hu remarked. By leveraging its rich resources, the district is innovating its gourd cultivation, processing, and sales models, driving transformation and upgrading of the traditional gourd industry. It is establishing a comprehensive production and sales system that forms a green, circular industry chain—from seed development to gourd planting, cultural creativity, processing, and ecological tourism—bolstering economic growth in the gourd sector and empowering rural revitalization.

The 16th China Jiangbei Water City – Lianghe Pearl (Liaocheng) Gourd Culture Art Festival will take place from October 12 to October 14, featuring the theme “Discover an Extraordinary Gourd.” A multitude of events will be hosted during the festival, including a showcase of outstanding gourd works, a gourd craftsmanship competition, a cultural innovation design contest, a planting expert competition, a dialogue on high-quality development in the gourd industry, and presentations of canal gourd cultural banquets.

NEW YORK — New York City’s congestion pricing start date is postponed indefinitely, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Wednesday.
The new tolls were scheduled to start on June 30 — less than a month away.
“After careful consideration, I have come to the difficult decision that implementing the planned congestion pricing system risks too many unintended consequences for New Yorkers at this time. For that reason, I have directed the MTA to indefinitely pause the program,” Hochul said in a video statement. Watch her full video statement here.
The governor said congestion pricing was enacted before the COVID-19 pandemic, when commuters were in the office five days a week, crime was down and tourism was booming. She cited concerns about the city’s economic recovery, saying it is “by no means complete.”
“Circumstances have changed, and we must respond to the facts on the ground, not to the rhetoric from five years ago,” she said. “We cannot afford to undercut this momentum, and I won’t allow this delicate recovery to be jeopardized.”

She added she still supports the goals of congestion pricing, but “hardworking New Yorkers are getting hammered on costs.”
“Drivers can now choose to stay home altogether, telling employers they need to work fully remote again. Or they might just change their patterns and skip the visits to the city on a Saturday with their family, and going out to a theater or a restaurant,” she said. “At a time when inflation is still cutting into New Yorkers hard-earned wages, the concern is that many people would do exactly that. Or that one more added cost would make residents rethink living or working here altogether, hurting our recovery even more.”
Hochul said money has already been set aside to “backstop” the MTA Capital Program, and the state is exploring other funding options.
“We remain fully committed to advancing all the improvements that New Yorkers have been promised. That incudes immediate investments in reliability and accessibility — track repairs, new signals, adding more elevators at subway and commuter stations, it means security cameras and other technologies to improve safety for riders throughout the system. And it means moving forward with transformative projects, like the extension of the Second Avenue subway and the Interborough Express,” she said.

The governor is said to be considering a tax on city businesses to make up the money, but it’s unclear if Albany would support it. There’s also the question of the $500 million already spent on installing license plate readers around Manhattan.
According to Sen. Joe Addabbo, who is head of the racing and wagering committee in the Senate, if the licenses for the casinos downstate are issued sometime next year, the MTA will get the licensing fees, which is $3 billion, and once the casinos are up and running, 40% of the revenues go to the MTA.
The politics of congestion pricingSources tell CBS New York’s political reporter Marcia Kramer that House Minority Leader Hakim Jefferies reportedly also raised concerns that congestion pricing would make it more difficult for Democrats to win back control of Congress.
A Siena poll released in April showed 63% of New Yorkers statewide opposed congestion pricing, and just 25% supported it. The plan is wildly unpopular on Long Island and in Upstate, where Democrats are hoping to unseat as many as five freshmen Republicans, including Congressman Anthony D’Esposito.
“The only reason as to why she is reversing course is because she got a call from Hakeem Jeffries, and she knows that this is a disaster in the making, but again, be assured, the moment that the election is over, she is going to go right back to, very bluntly, screwing New Yorkers,” he said. “My personal belief is that either way this goes in November, Governor Hochul will be full steam ahead with congestion pricing once the election is over.”
D’Esposito doesn’t think what he calls a “political ploy” will work, saying that voters know he has been against congestion pricing from the get-go.
Mayor Eric Adams spoke to CBS New York on Wednesday afternoon and said he and Hochul have been in conversations about the plan.

“It’s imperative to deal with congestion. It’s imperative to make sure business continues to thrive in the city, but we have to do it right. We were really concerned about balancing this on the backs of working class people, and I think there’s a way to do it right, but we have to be thoughtful in doing so,” Adams said.
The mayor says the state must now decide where to find the needed funding for the MTA.
When asked if he supported taxing businesses, Adams said, “I support the state lawmakers that must make the determination of how to fund the MTA, that’s what I support. And these are not yes or no answers. I served in Albany. I support the lawmakers in Albany making the determination of how we fill that gap.”
Regarding how to reduce traffic in Manhattan, Adams proposed looking at incentives for overnight deliveries to get trucks off the roads and prevent double-parking during peak hours and incentivizing and better utilizing the subway system.
New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy issued a statement thanking Hochul for pausing the plan.
“Although we have had a difference of opinion with our colleagues in New York on congestion pricing implementation, we have always had a shared vision for growing our regional economy, investing in infrastructure, protecting our environment, and creating good-paying jobs on both sides of the Hudson River,” Murphy’s statement read in part.
State Island Borough President Vito Fosella was a vocal opponent of the plan.

“The bottom line is that congestion pricing doesn’t work, especially for the people of Staten Island. It is a momentary breath of relief that congestion pricing has been put on hold. However, we have to remain vigilant and vocal to continue to sound the alarm on the negative effects of congestion pricing,” Fosella said. “We will continue to pursue our case in the courts, and we will continue to be advocates in opposition to congestion pricing wherever necessary.”
Regarding needed funding for the MTA, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman said, “I think what the governor should do is takethe $2.4 billion that she has in her budget for migrants, people who have been here for 15 minutes, and spend it on infrastructure.”
One person likely taking a victory lap is former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who signed congestion pricing into law in 2019 but thencalled for a halt several months ago.
“I think we have to take a beat and understand what effect it will have today,” he said in March. “Understand the consequences of your actions today and make sure you do no harm, right? First rule, do no harm, and this may do harm.”
Several other politicians and organizations issued statements in reaction to Wednesday’s announcement, with the Police Benevolent Association, United Federation of Teachers and Taxi Workers Alliance coming out in support of the governor’s decision. The Transport Worker Union called the situation a “debacle,” and the Trucking Association of New York said it willcontinue with its lawsuit against the plan.
Congestion pricing advocates slam Gov. Hochul’s postponementAdvocates for congestion pricing are upset by the decision.
“An indefinite pause on congestion pricing will do irreparable harm to the city while undermining public confidence in the program and its purpose,” New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams said. “No version of congestion pricing was going to make everyone happy. No policy ever does. That doesn’t detract from the reasons it was developed – to reduce vehicle congestion, protect our environment, and improve our public transit infrastructure – causes which the governor has now put second to politics.”

“To delay this program at the last moment, after investing millions to prepare for it, is irresponsible and inexcusable,” Williams added.
Proponents of congestion pricing rallied outside the governor’s office in Midtown on Wednesday. Among them was Elizabeth Valdez, who uses a wheelchair to get around.
“We need these elevators and other projects to move forward … It would make it harder for people like me to get around, and break the promise the governor made two years ago,” she said.
Hochul said the $15 tolls could keep commuters away, but Kathryn Wylde, a member of the Traffic Mobility Panel that set the congestion pricing toll rates, insists that 80% of people who work in Manhattan don’t drive; they take mass transit.
“A very small number of people are driving to work in Manhattan, and those who are are the relatively well-paid ones who can afford $50 a day for parking,” she said.
She said she hopes the governor is just pausing the implementation of congestion pricing, and not killing it altogether.
The Riders Alliance released a statement earlier Wednesday, calling it an “outrageous betrayal of our trust.”

“New York City public transit riders gave Governor Hochul her margin of victory in the 2022 election. Stopping congestion pricing before it even starts would be an outrageous betrayal of our trust,” the statement read. “Congestion pricing is the only public policy that can make our subway more reliable and accessible, speed up slow bus service, and help clear the air as wildfire smoke thickens. Governor Hochul must turn it on June 30 as planned.”
NYC congestion pricing map shows the zone CBS2 Manhattan’s Congestion Relief Zone starts at 60th Street and heads south to include the Lincoln, Holland and Hugh L. Carey tunnels on the Hudson River side, and the Queensboro Bridge, Queens Midtown Tunnel, Williamsburg Bridge, Manhattan Bridge and Brooklyn Bridge on the East Side.
People who live within the zone will only be charged if they leave and come back, and some roadways, like the FDR Drive and West Side Highway, will be excluded, as long as vehicles stay off the city street grid.
The MTA was scheduled to start a series of congestion pricing webinars on Wednesday morning, but those have been postponed, as well.
So now when does congestion pricing start?Congestion pricingwas supposed to start at 12:00 a.m. on Sunday, June 30.
New York City would be the first in the nation to implement such a toll. It’s now unclear when it will take effect.
June 30 also happens to be the annual Pride March in Manhattan and leads into the Fourth of July holiday week.

How will congestion pricing work in NYC?Under the plan, drivers will becharged to enter Manhattan at or below 60th Street. Fees will be highest during peak hours, which are 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekends.
For drivers using E-ZPass, passenger and small commercial vehicles will pay $15 during peak hours, motorcycles will pay $7.50, and trucks and buses will pay $24 or $36 depending on size.
Some discounts andexemptions will be available, including the Individual Disability Exemption Plan for those who are unable to use mass transit due to medical conditions.
Officials say the goal of congestion pricing is toreduce traffic and improve air qualityin Manhattan. The money raised from the plan will be used formass transit projects and upgrades.
However, the plan has faced significant pushback, includingmultiple lawsuits in New Jersey and New York.

Interviewer: Can you tell us about the historical significance of Shicheng in Jiangxi Province during the 1934 struggles?

Expert: Shicheng, located in the southeastern part of Jiangxi Province, played a crucial role as the northern gateway to the Central Soviet Area. On August 30, 1934, the nearby area of Guangchang fell into enemy hands, leaving Shicheng as the last line of defense for the Red capital, Ruijin.

Interviewer: What happened during the battle that took place on September 26, 1934?

Expert: The Shicheng defensive battle commenced on that date. Despite being outmatched, the Red Army displayed remarkable strategic flexibility. They engaged in a fighting retreat, bravely resisting the enemy and successfully buying valuable time for the central authorities and the main Red Army forces to regroup and relocate. This effort culminated in a vital seven-day delay, thwarting the Kuomintang’s plan for a rapid advance into the heart of the Central Soviet Area.

Interviewer: How did this battle impact the overall situation for the Red Army?

Expert: The resistance in Shicheng was instrumental. By preventing a swift enemy incursion, the Red Army preserved its central command and laid the groundwork for future operations. This battle not only demonstrated the Red Army’s resilience but was also pivotal in disrupting the Kuomintang’s strategic aims during that critical moment.

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — A historic home in Montgomery County is up for sale and the best part is, its price tag won’t break the bank.
The Historic Hood Mansion in Limerick, Pennsylvania,is up for grabs at no cost at all, just one rather large condition.
The Montgomery County mansion built in 1834 by John McClellan Hood, is free to anyone who can physically move the home to another location.
“Otherwise, she will sadly be reduced to a pile of rubble,” the Eastern Pennsylvania Preservation Society said in a Facebook post back on May 30.
❗️FREE TO ANYONE WHO CAN MOVE HER❗️The Historic Hood Mansion, built in 1834 by John McClellan Hood in Limerick, PA is…
Posted by Eastern Pennsylvania Preservation Society onThursday, May 30, 2024

While the home may be a bit of a fixer-upper in need of some TLC, the house comes with some big spaces just waiting to have the life breathed back into them.

The Historic Hood Mansion has 17 rooms, eight fireplaces and is roughly 5,000 square feet, the Eastern Pennsylvania Preservation Society wrote in the social media post.
Adding to the enticing offer, the Preservation Society said the bones of the home are solid with chestnut floors, oak beams and solid brownstone construction.
So anyone with a moving company on speed dial or a very large truck who is interested in preserving the future of the Historic Hood Mansion is asked to email the Preservation Society at [email protected].

BALTIMORE — Baltimore restaurateur Tony Foreman has faced his share of adversity, whether it’s in the kitchen, in his life, or with his health.
Foreman, owner of restaurants Cinghiale and Johnny’s in the Roland Park neighborhood, was given only days to live before receiving a double heart and kidney transplant last year.
He sat down with WJZ to share what he calls the simple joys of living.
“It doesn’t serve to be scared of it,” Foreman said. “It doesn’t serve to think this is going to be, of course it’s gonna be hard. That’s not the question. What can you do to get past it?”
Foreman who was born with two heart defects, has had three open heart surgeries and has become used to nearly dying.

“You’re going to die, you’re going to be disabled, you’re going to continue, knowing the right one to take care of the people that care about and I had to do that repeatedly,” Foreman said.
Being prepared to die more than once has only replenished Foreman’s perspective about his life and the many restaurants he owns in Baltimore.
But what’s unique about Foreman is his humility and the sharing of his gifts to uplift the lives of others, which was something handed down in his family.
“My grandmother was born in 1890 and she was one of 17,” Foreman said. “And she did for everybody in the family, and in all that, she taught me when I was a little kid and that’s kind of like where my wiring comes from her.”

During a 2018 trip to France, Foreman’s arrhythmia triggered a shock from the defibrillator surgically installed in his chest, which caused him to collapse.
This started yet another journey preparing to die.
With just days to live in 2023, he had a double heart and kidney transplant performed by a renowned doctor at the University of Chicago Medicine.
This high-risk procedure was no match for Foreman’s grit to overcome yet another life-threatening adversity.
Getting past every challenge thrown his way was fueled by his passion for great food, but more importantly, how he can impact the lives of others and leave a legacy.
“That I was a good dad, had sense enough to learn from people around me, you know, those are the important things, and that I care about people,” Foreman said.
To quote the restaurateur himself, “Respect the gifts that you get, respect the opportunities you have and make every day important, but the question ultimately is, what are you going to do with it? The answer, live on purpose.”

One of the primary concerns for the Nigerian Government has been addressing insecurity, especially in areas grappling with militancy, insurgency, and banditry. In oil-rich regions, rising incidents of oil theft, illegal refining, and infrastructure vandalism have posed significant threats to the nation’s oil production goals for decades.

Considering Nigeria’s heavy reliance on oil for economic prosperity, the government has taken a firm stance against sabotage and is committed to tackling these issues through decisive measures. The Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) emphasizes the importance of creating a secure and stable environment for both local and international investors, which is crucial as Nigeria seeks to achieve its target of producing an average of 2.5 million barrels of oil and condensate per day in the near future.

To accomplish this, Nigeria’s security forces have been tasked with protecting critical infrastructure and combatting illegal activities that threaten production levels. Recently, the Nigerian Navy has increased its efforts in this regard, intensifying protective operations in the country’s territorial waters and creeks. Through high-intelligence maritime patrols and teamwork with local security agencies, the Navy has dismantled illegal refineries and thwarted oil theft.

These proactive measures seem to be bearing fruit. Since March 2024, Nigeria’s oil production, including crude oil and condensates, has steadily increased, adding over 130,000 barrels per day as of August 2024. In an ongoing initiative called Operation Delta Sanity, aimed at restoring order and security in the Niger Delta, the Navy has successfully shut down illegal mining operations and apprehended offenders in communities such as Otougbene, Ogboinbiri, Babaragbene, and Igbomotoro in Bayelsa State, as well as in Delta and Ondo states. During these operations, operatives have also intercepted and recovered stolen crude oil, engaging in fierce confrontations with armed ex-militants.

In September, acting on credible intelligence, the Navy intercepted a large wooden boat laden with stolen crude oil originating from Ondo State, leading to the arrest of five suspects linked to the theft. While battling oil theft and illegal mining, the Navy has made significant strides in community engagement, humanitarian efforts, and personnel welfare.

This year, the Navy has accelerated infrastructural projects, nearing completion of new accommodations for its personnel, such as a new housing complex in Navy Town, Ojo. Additionally, a recent renovation of NOWA Primary School in Ojo and modern upgrades at the naval base in Igbokoda highlight the Navy’s commitment to the well-being of its members.

The Navy also prioritizes community outreach. For example, in Esuk Mba, Cross River State, they conducted a medical campaign offering general health screenings and treatments, including dental care and malaria medication. They’ve also provided essential school supplies to students in Rivers State.

However, policing Nigeria’s maritime waters often comes with significant risks. In July, Lieutenant Commander Gideon Yashim Gwaza made the ultimate sacrifice while leading a successful rescue operation that saved 59 individuals from drowning at the mouth of Opobo River.

Despite the challenges and sacrifices, the Nigerian Navy, under the leadership of Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, remains resolute in its mission to enhance maritime security and protect national interests.

In addition to its security responsibilities and community support, the Navy has demonstrated impressive prowess in sports management. The Chief of Naval Staff’s volleyball club, CNS Spikers, has excelled in Nigerian Professional Volleyball since its inception in 2021, with the men’s team enjoying an unbeaten domestic record and the women’s team currently holding the title of 2023 Defending Champions in the Volleyball Female Premier League.

These achievements and the evident dedication of Vice Admiral Ogalla’s Navy highlight the organization as a critical force in Nigeria’s development. With strong leadership and strategic insight, the Navy stands as a cornerstone in Nigeria’s pursuit of long-term security, economic growth, and regional stability. Their multifaceted initiatives ensure that the country’s vision for holistic socio-economic advancement remains within reach, even in the face of complex challenges.