Bukola Afeni
In commemoration of this year World Post Day, Nigerian Postal Service will join other 192 Member Nations of the global postal agency 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.
The Postmaster-General of the Federation/CEO,NIPOST, Tola Odeyemi disclosed this in a statement on the occasion of the World Post Day on Wednesday, 9TH October, 2024.
She said the organization will also be unveiling NIPOST Agency Banking Solution (POTMONI) -aimed to bring 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.
Odeyemi said the theme for this year’s World Post Day: “150 years of enabling communication and empowering peoples across nations”, is to resonates deeply with our core values, saying, communication is foundation of progress and understanding.
“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,” he said.
She said through the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmad Tinubu, (GCFR) has 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.
On the achievement, the Postmaster said : “ Recently, 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). The implementation of this partnership, 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.
“NIPOST has also 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 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 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.”
In a statement by the Director General of the UPU International Bureau reaffirmed UPU commitment to multilateralism, innovation, inclusivity, and will continue to support global communication and serve future generation for the next 150 years.
The statement read: “Today, the UPU leads efforts to modernize and improve postal services. It provides a space for countries to share knowledge, find new solutions, and address modern challenges. The UPU’s spirit of cooperation helps turn obstacles into opportunities, making sure postal services evolve with the changing world.
“Where once we viewed the rise of digital communication and the decline in traditional mail volumes as a threat, we now see a wealth of possibilities. The UPU’s extensive network has adapted to support a broader range of services – including e-commerce, financial, social and digital services – ensuring inclusive access for people worldwide, including in the most remote areas in order to leave no-one behind.
“Instead of viewing competition as a challenge, the UPU welcomes partnerships with a wide range of stakeholders. This inclusive approach strengthens our ability to address global challenges, like climate change, which requires cooperation across borders.
“As we look to the future, the UPU’s mission remains clear: to connect and empower people around the world. By staying committed to multilateralism, innovation, and inclusivity, the UPU will continue to support global communication and serve future generation for the next 150 years.”
