Sweeping the conference center before the arrival of VIP guests
Some of the “little things” that define Nigeria were on show at the summit.The just concluded Abuja+12 special summit of the African Union which held in Abuja, was a highlight of beauty and the beast of some sorts.
The conference in which Heads of States and Governments of the African Union Commission attended from July 12th to 16th, presented a string of surprises to local and foreign attendees, and even some of the organizers.
One of the surprises unfolded hours before the commencement of the meeting as the organizers of the summit held at the International Conference Centre, “brushed” aside modern and safe techniques of tidying the facility’s rugged and enclosed interior, and opted instead for local brooms less than two hours before the top dignitaries arrived the venue.
Scores of workers filled up the area early morning Monday, sweeping the rugs with the dried palm fronds, stirring the dust in the enclosed building.
Using local brooms in sweeping a large carpeted enclosed space like the ICC, which is air-conditioned, leaves dust in the air and is apparently unhygienic.
Cyril Chukwu, a Chest Physician with the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, LUTH, Idi-Araba affirmed that concern particularly for asthmatics and people with respiratory medical defects.
Ademola Obatan, Chief Executive Officer of Squeaky Clean, an industrial cleaning firm based in Lagos also expressed surprise at the “anomaly”.
“It wouldn’t have cost them a fortune to hire vacuum cleaners for the few days of the event if they didn’t want to lease the cleaning to an industrial cleaning firm, he said.
One of organizers who refused to be quoted, fearing he may be victimized, also expressed surprise.
“We received so much money for the organizing of this event and using proper, befitting and healthier industrial sweepers would have been appropriate. You know how things happen in Nigeria,” the staff said before hurrying away.
Cleaning the venue with local brooms was not the only wonder of the event. There were tangled cables all over the floor and ceiling of the venue which was unlike other International Conference Centres in other climes.
One of the delegates who simply identified himself as Dr. Osei said “It’s an embarrassing sight. “To think that global personalities will be here seeing all these. You needed to have been here yesterday (Sunday), you would have cringed with shame had you seen the carpenters knocking away to create this makeshift venue,” Mr. Osei, a Ghanaian, said.
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hahahaha....the fact is the broom did the job.... so nofin spoil. lolz
ReplyDeletewellcome to ninja..... were evrytinx gox
ReplyDeleteNo wander, that's Nigeria. May Almighty God grant us good leders.
ReplyDeletepatronize made in nigeria goods.... Dats a sign of patriotism.....
ReplyDeleteThe Nigerian Factor at play! All the same, may be the spirit of ACN's "SUNNAMI" must have informed the organizers to tow the path of using "BROOM" to SWEEP off the "MALADIES" in our leaders mentality.
ReplyDeleteLet us ask questions cos nothing goes for free in this country. This is no sign of patriotism. I know cetain amount of money must have been budgetted for the cleaning of this venue. How much was budgetted? I can smell rat here. This is a clearing case of corruption and overinvoicing at play. May God help this nation.
ReplyDeleteIS BROOM NOT ALSO SWEEPING EQUIPMENT?
ReplyDeleteABEG ALLTINS BN EQUAL.
The power of ACN (APC?) over-rides all. Come 2015, it will be "Broom" all over.
ReplyDeletesometimes. you need broom to get some dust and dirts out. OP get a life and stop acting fake
ReplyDeleteWhat is the big deal in this now? The summit has come & gone, no hiccup. So why all these hullaballo about what was used to clean up. I beg lets find something reasonable to talk about......
ReplyDeleteLet us ask the organizers of the conference how much was budgeted for the cleaning of the facility? May be the amount is so small that local cleaners should be invited to clean the arena, Hum......Nigeria way of life!
ReplyDeleteIt will surprise you that by the time you go to the records you'll see that millions have been taking away by someone as money provided for tidying this venue. I challenge to show us the records of their logistics & finances.
ReplyDeleteThe thing is that some one has already embezzled the money set aside to hire an industrial cleaning company. What was left could only be used to hire a handful of sweepers. or maybe the organizers just co-opted themselves to clean up the place. Shame!
ReplyDeletethieves....
ReplyDelete.....but who cares anyway. Its only Nigeria.
ReplyDeleteDead country.
Nigeria is NOT a dead Country my beloved brother...If you say the country is dead...then what does that make you...and me?
ReplyDeleteThe situation around is not palatable...we all know that...please do your best to contain your outbursts...though it's understandable but words can make or mare a nation further than she already is. God bless Nigeria today and Always
This is by far one of the best places to hang with friends, have great drinks (amazing beer selection), eat some great food, including the great lunch I had there.
ReplyDelete