REGIONAL INTEGRATION THROUGH THE POSTS.

BY ALEX UDOH

The communication sector has witnessed dramatic developments as the years have gone by. While many modern communication methods have evolved, the time tested approaches of the past have not been forgotten. One of such methods, which is the postal services has also evolved in time with the modern trends. Post administrations in Africa are therefore celebrating the Pan African Post Day, a day set aside for authorities of the Post in the continent to mark the anniversary of the establishment of the Pan African Postal Union (PAPU) in 1980. The day is also intended for Postal authorities of member countries to sensitize the public and Government officials on the role of the Post in general and that of PAPU in particular, in the development and improvement of the postal services in the continent. The noble contributions of Postal services to socio-economic and cultural development of African countries MUST BE UNDERSCORED. The Post is undoubtedly one of the most widely USED means of communication for the majority of the world’s population. It is also a crucial, but often neglected force for economic development serving as an intermediary between business organizations and their customers in the exchange of goods and services. The Post is present almost everywhere even in the remotest corners of many countries and serves as a key point of access to the outside world. Its doors are open to all without discrimination thereby making it a fundamentally universal phenomenon and a force of integration. In the fabric of a global society, postal service remains a thread that touches everyone serving as powerful vehicle of communication and agent of social cohesion. The Post is increasingly playing its role as a key communication network in society touching lives at personal and community levels, enabling small and large business transactions within AND between countries, and thus significantly contributing to socio-economic development. Through its famed postage stamps, the Post disseminates the history, national symbols, politics, cultural heritage, and natural features of nations. The Post network moves tones of merchandise in small packets, parcels and bulk mail within and across borders, it facilities money transfer across regions and continents, and in most countries Post offices have become hubs, providing much needed access to communication facilities to large number of people in both the urban and rural areas. In Africa, the Post provides vital communication services to the vast majority of people under the universal service obligations, ensuring that every individual benefits from accessible and affordable services regardless of their location or status in the society.

Thus, the Post plays a catalytic role in cementing lasting ties for regional integration, cutting across cultural, educational, commercial, social and political spheres. The various sub regions in the African continent have established regional economic communities to push the political, social and economic integration agenda forward. This no doubt will ensure rapid expansion of markets and more opportunities for growth and employment creation. In Nigeria, NIPOST under the leadership of Mallam Ibrahim Muri Baba has taken tremendous strides to popularise postal services inspite of the new technology in telecommunication services such as GSM text SMS messages. The Post is part and parcel of these efforts as the sub region Postal Organizations are closely involved in the development strategies of the regional economic blocs. By guiding postal services in Africa, PAPU has become a driver of economic and social development, laying the groundwork to promote positive change in a digital era, especially among underserved communities in rural and urban areas. NIPOST will continue to play a dominant role in Post and Telecommunication sector of the Nigerian Economy as Africa celebrates the 2011 Pan African Post Day.

SOURCE: RECORDED LIVE FROM FRCN DAILY COMMENTARY