UPU at 150: NIPOST unveils single postage stamp
By Taiye Olayemi
The Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) on Wednesday joined 192 other countries to launch a single postage stamp in commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the Universal Postal Union (UPU) and 2024 World Post Day.
Ms Tola Odeyemi, Post Master General of the Federation, during the unveiling ceremony in Lagos, said the stamp was in N250 denomination, depicting the logo of 2023 world post day.
She expressed pride to celebrate every milestone that had been achieved in postal services so far.
“NIPOST is joining other 192 countries under the umbrella of the United Nations Postal body, Universal Postal Union (UPU), to celebrate this year’s World Post Day which marks the 150th anniversary of the creation of the Universal Postal Union (UPU).
“UPU is a specialised agency of the United Nations founded October 9, 1874.
“The world post day is a day set aside to celebrate the establishment of this important union.
“It is also 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 socio-economic development of nations,” she said.
Odeyemi noted that the Federal Government through the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, had prioritised reiterating its commitments to the evolution of the NIPOST leveraging technology.
She said that this was to ensure that the postal system remained nationally relevant and globally competitive.
She explained that the post occupied a very unique position in every country, considering its fundamental means of communications that is easily accessible to the people.
According to her, 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 provides 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 people,” she said.
Odeyemi said that this year’s World Post Day was not just to mark an occasion, but to honour a legacy that spanned 150 years.
“The theme, ‘150 years of enabling communication and empowering peoples across nations’, resonates deeply with our core values. 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.
“They do not mind 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,” she said.
Odeyemi hinted that recently, NIPOST and the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) formalised a partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at supporting Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
She said with the implementation of this partnership, MSMEs can anticipate a 15 per cent reduction in courier service costs, improved market access and enhanced last mile delivery capabilities.
She said this would contribute to job creation and economic development across Nigeria.
She noted that NIPOST had 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 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.
“As part of the activities to mark this year’s celebration, is the unveiling of 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 is An Electronic Money Order Solutions- Customised for NIPOST to connect for the greatness of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the advancement of the Nigerian Postal Service,” she said.
The Post Master General noted that to celebrate the day, NIPOST’s state Offices across the country would organise road shows among other activities to mark the day.
She said the goals were to publicise 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 nation.
“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. (NAN)
Edited by Folasade Adeniran
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