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*Unveils POTMONI To Commemorate 150th Anniversary
Marking the 150th anniversary of the United Nations Postal body, Universal Postal Union (UPU), the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) has joined other 192 countries to launch and issue a single N250 postage stamp.
Wednesday 9th October 2024 is the World Post Day marking the 150th anniversary of the creation of the UPU, which is a specialized agency of the United Nations founded October 9, 1874.
The theme for this year’s World Post Day is: “150 years of enabling communication and empowering peoples across nations”.
In a statement on Wednesday, the PostMaster-General Of the Federation/CEO, NIPOST, Tola Odeyemi, said "The World Post Day is a day set aside to celebrate the establishment of this important union, and an excellent opportunity for Postal authorities in all countries of the world to educate the public of the important and invaluable contributions which the Postal Services makes in the social–economic development of nations.
"As we celebrate the UPU 150-years milestone, Nigerian Postal Service will join other 192 Member Nations of the global postal agency today to launch and issue a single postage stamp to commemorate the 150TH anniversary of the establishment of Universal Postal Union (UPU 150TH ANNIVERSARY COMMEMORATIVE POSTAGE STAMP (1874-2024)) and Post for Planet.
"The stamp is in Two Hundred and Fifty Naira (N250.00K) denomination depicting the Logo of 2023 World Post Day.
"In celebrating, we are also proud to celebrate every milestone that we have been able to achieve so far." he said
According to her, NIPOST and Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) formalized a partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at supporting Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
With the implementation of the partnership, she said, MSMEs can anticipate a 15% reduction in courier service costs, improved market access and enhanced last -mile delivery capabilities, contributing to job creation and economic development across Nigeria.
The Postmaster General also disclosed that NIPOST has consolidated on its partnership with the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) for the implementation of transportation of biological samples within the country.
The project, she said, has entered its final stages for launching in Taraba and Abia States with all facilities in place.
"The initiative is part of the efforts to strengthen the referral of biological specimens in the country using National Integrated Sample Referral Network (NiSRN) approach by leveraging on the expertise of NIPOST effective delivery network.
"National Addressing System is being developed as a strategic infrastructure for national development in collaboration with the National Population Commission (NPoPC) and other partners."
This, according to her, will help facilitate mail handling, identify precise locations, ensure consistency in address related database and enable efficiency services in government agencies, financial institutions and businesses in a consistent manner.
She said that Nigeria as part of the activities to mark this year’s celebration, is unveiling NIPOST Agency Banking Solution (POTMONI).
This, she said, is aimed at bringing accessible, convenient and affordable financial services to Nigerians nationwide and from any location across the globe.
"POSTMONI: An Electronic Money Order Solutions- Customized for NIPOST to connect for the greatness of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the advancement of the Nigerian Postal Service." she stated
To celebrate the day, she said, NIPOST’s State Offices across the country will organize road shows among other activities to mark the day.
The goals, the Postmaster General said, is still the same: to publicize the role of the post and its activities, innovations, new vision as well as its role as a catalyst in the socio-economic development of the Nigeria.
"Together!! let us continue to work towards making that vision a reality and for your undying support and trust in our postal services. Together!! let us collaborate to create a safer, more connected future for us all." she said
She explained that as a fundamental means of communications that is easily accessible to the people, the Post occupies a very unique position in every country.
"To underscore that, the Post continues to serve as an essential instrument of economic and social development in the country, enabling an unprecedented level of connectivity between people, businesses and governments worldwide.
"It also provided a framework for cooperation, ensuring that mail could be sent and received reliably, efficiently and affordably across borders.
"We have come together today to commemorate the incredible journey of communication, innovation and empowerment that the postal service has undertaken, connecting peoples.
"The Federal Government through the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmad Tinubu, (GCFR) has as a matter of priority reiterated its commitments to the evolution of the Nigerian Postal Service leveraging on Technology and ensuring that the postal system remains nationally relevant and globally competitive.
"It is not just to mark an occasion, but to honor a legacy—a legacy that spans 150 years. The theme resonates deeply with our core values. Communication is foundation of progress and understanding." she stated
Continuing, the Postmaster General said, "It speaks directly to the heart of our mission and the profound impact we have made, and continue to make, on the world.
"It is therefore, imperative to state here that postal workers globally need to be celebrated for the exceptional roles they play to continually deliver services and items at post offices and to various homes courageously, not minding the circumstances as it creates a bond between the postmen and the innumerable individuals they interact with daily.
"Today, Post Offices serve as essential hubs for cohesiveness, inclusiveness and connected communities. It encompasses a multitude of services, including express delivery, e-commerce, financial services and logistics support to name just a few.
"The continued relevance and success of postal services demonstrate the adaptability and resilience of this industry, embracing technology innovations while maintaining its fundamental mission of connection—connecting people, ideas, and opportunities bridging the gaps between communities and nations, ensuring that no one is left behind in the march of progress." she said