184,302 children will be immunised against polio and other childhood killer disease in Birniwa, Kafin-Hausa and Kirikasamma Local Government Areas of Jigawa.
Malam Umar Bello, the Manager, National Programme on Immunisation in charge of Birniwa, said that 38,000 children would be immunised against the disease in the area. He said that the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency had supplied 45,000 doses of Oral Polio Vaccines (OPV), to facilitate smooth conduct of the exercise. In Kafin-Hausa 85,302 children were expected to be immunised against poliomyelitis during the immunisation exercise. The Immunization Officer,
Malam Abdullahi Sarawa, revealed that more than 89, 000 doses of OPV were provided to ensure successful campaign against the disease. He also explained that some 527 health workers were deployed to the eight districts for the exercise in the area.
Mr Adamu Abubakar, the Health Educator, Kirikasamma Local Government, said that 61, 000 children were targeted for immunisation against polio in the ongoing exercise. According to Abubakar, over 61, 000 doses of vaccines have been provided for the exercise in the area. (NAN)
Nigerians watched a tipsy Olamide bring the Grammy Awards of Nigeria (yinmu) ‘The Headies’ to ridicule as he disgustingly pulled off a “Kanye West” on stage because his YBNL ‘rookie’ Kesh (whose lewd songs are meant to be thrashed), didn’t scoop the next rated award. Kesh and Asa can never be on the same stage. It’s like mixing oil and water. It’s an affront!
Speaking after he was given a special recognition award, Mavin Records Boss, Don Jazzy. in reaction to Olamide’s outburst called him out saying: “Egbon, if you want the car, come and collect it. By the way a question for Di’ja – why were you jumping like…?”
This statement stabbed Olamide like a dagger. Of course, Nigerians can’t forget Jega’s subtle “murder of Orubebe”. Like in Mortal Combat, Don Jazzy ‘finished’ Olamide.
The YBNL boss could not swallow his ‘washing’ on stage by Don, he took the brickbat to twitter. Trust the mocking mockers on twitter they jumped on it creating all sorts of hilarious memes. Many definitely had a good laugh reading the tweets and watching the memes about the tweet fight.
The beef, it later emerged, was settled by Dangote whom we thought was too busy to settle a dispute between grown men who acted like children.
Few days later, it was the turn of Dammy Krane and Wizkid. Dammy Krane had accused Wizkid of stealing his song. With no love for each other, they met at Quilox at a party organised by Obafemi Martins.
According to reports, Wizkid broke a bottle of ‘7up’ on Dammy Krane’s head. The latter’s head was smashed and dripped with blood. Twitter was abuzz again.
Is Wizkid a thug, street boy or an artiste? These artistes are meant to be role models to children. They are no different from politicians who have depleted and pilfered the national resources. They do not care about their public image nor do they have an iota of integrity.
Thankfully, unlike the politicians who are ‘irredeemable’ and addicted to corruption, Nigerians still have a role to play in getting an artiste to fall in line. For instance, by requesting brands not to sign-on the artiste as an ambassador, ensuring that radio stations do not play their songs, and finally that Nigerians should not buy their songs.
This said, it is saddening and shameful that many Nigerian artistes tend to be bohemian. They do not meditate about the impact of their actions and inactions on the society. Again, artistes, sports personalities and celebrities are supposed to be role models.
It should be possible for a child to learn something from an artist either through their sterling works or their monastic lives. However, Nigerian artistes do not give a damn as far as the bucks keep coming in. In a saner society, if what Wizkid did is true, he should have been arrested for assault and public disturbance, had his day in court and perhaps sent to do 500 hours of community service at Ojuelegba! Like many say: “We are in Nigeria and anything goes” even when we are in the change dispensation!
Look at America’s favourite dad “Bill Cosby”, the first black man to play a leading role in a television series when he starred in I Spy in 1965, his dexterity and concern for his public image made him ‘cover up’ his alleged sexual harassment of women for years. You can only imagine the sweeping effect of over 30 women accusing Cosby of abusing them in a period spanning decades. His public relations team did an awesome job of selling Cosby to Americans. Many do not still believe he did what he was accused of. Why? because of his “untainted” image.
Recall the diss between Dr Dre and Meek Mill? This is what beef is all about. It revealed the other side of each artiste as it took them to the studio to record diss songs and at the end, Dre clearly flawed Mill.
What about the unpleasant hip hop fight between East coast (Bad Boy records) and West coast (Death Row records) that is Notorious B.I.G and Tu Pac? Both were fatally shot by unknown assailants following a drive-by shooting in 1996 and 1997 respectively, according to Wikipedia. Their deaths were traced to the beef as Notorious B.I.G was alleged to have paid gang members 1 million dollars to kill Tu Pac, according to a 2002 report in the Los Angeles Times.
Beef is normal in the entertainment industry. However, if it is not well managed, it can spiral into a full blown war. Despite this, the image of an artiste earns him goodwill when music eventually leaves him.
What will you remember some Nigerian artists by, aside from their amazing songs? Tu face having children from 4 different women before finally settling down with Annie Macaulay, Davido can’t control is libido, as he tries to settle his dispute with his baby mama, Wizkid behaving like a child, Olamide who goes around with a red plastic cup whose content is predictably alcohol and whatever else. These are Nigeria’s A-list artistes whose images have one issue or the other.
Image and branding is everything. A positive image will endear you not only to Nigerians but also to brands and other corporate bodies. Consequently, with a courteous image, children can reference you as their role model.
It is high time that Nigerian celebrities begin to take what they do in public profoundly serious. This is a social media age where everything they do is in the public domain. Their laundered image will hunt them forever if they continue without regard to their image.
An image built for decades can crumble within seconds. The image of some of our artistes is not helped by the carefree and sensual lyrics they churn out day in, day out. Horrible music, senseless lyrics and craze-inducing dance beats are what Nigerian youths consume. Image is everything, hence Nigerian artistes should do everything that will protect and project their music and public conduct. It is worth it.
Adeniyi Ogunfowoke is a writer/freelance journalist, radio freak, and budding photographer. Follow him on Twitter @sleeksavvy
Chris Low, Letshego Group managing Director; Ms Paulina Nsa, Managing Director of FBN Micro finance and Tom Kocsis, Letshego Group Head of East Africa and Micro finance at a press conference in Lagos announcing Letshego's acquisition of 100% stake in FBN Micro Finance Bank.
Letshego Holdings Limited (“Letshego”), the financial inclusion focused group with consumer, micro lending and deposit-taking subsidiaries across Southern and East Africa, has announced that it has acquired a 100% shareholding in FBN Microfinance Bank (FBN MFB) from its parent, FBN Holdings plc. FBN Holdings plc is the oldest banking group in Nigeria, having been established in 1894, and is listed on the Nigeria Stock Exchange.
The acquisition of FBN MFB marks Letshego’s entry into West Africa, having successfully built a footprint in East and Southern Africa with 265,000 customers across nine countries. This development brings Letshego’s footprint to ten countries, with a customer base of over 385,000; Nigeria, in particular, has been a key target market in Letshego’s diversification plans.
FBN MFB was established in 2009 and is one of only six microfinance banks in Nigeria to have been awarded a national microfinance banking licence. Currently, FBN MFB has 28 branches and over 300 team members. Its core business is lending, savings and transactional financial services to micro and small enterprises (MSEs).
With over 80,000 depositors and over 10,000 MSE borrowing customers, the bank’s operations are directly aligned to Letshego’s financial inclusion agenda. Letshego brings its expertise in payroll deduction lending in the public and private sector, as well as lending to micro and small enterprises, with a focus on agriculture, education and health sectors. FBN MFB will rebrand to Letshego MFB in due course.
“As the leading indigenous BSE-company by market capitalisation and profitability, it is an exciting time for us at Letshego,” said Group Managing Director, Chris Low. “This opportunity to enter the Nigerian market coincides with the expansion of our range of financially inclusive products and services. We believe Nigeria’s growth prospects in our targeted low-and-middle income, and MSE, customer segments have significant upside potential, and that, by bringing our skills to this market we can further financial inclusion and improve lives across Nigeria. We look forward to being able to further improve lives across the continent through this development.”
A Federal High Court says it will on January 29 rule on the bail application by Mr Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People Of Biafra.
At the hearing on monday, Mr Kanu, through his counsel, told the court that the offense for which he was standing trial was a bailable one.
However, the Director of Public Prosecution, who represented the Federal Government, asked the court to refuse bail on the grounds that the offence for which Mr Kanu and his co-accused were standing trial was a serious offense.
He also told the court that if granted bail, the accused would interfere with witnesses and evidence.
Having heard the two parties, the trial judge fixed the ruling on the bail application for January 29.
Last week, a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja ordered that Mr Kanu, who had been on detention, be remanded in prison custody pending the hearing and determination of his bail application.
Justice James Tsoho gave the order shortly after Mr Kanu and two others pleaded not guilty to a six-count charge of treasonable felony and illegal importation of a radio transmitter preferred against them by the Federal Government.
President of the Nigerian Labour Congress, Comrade Ayuba Wabba, has said that the national minimum wage of N18,000 per month is grossly inadequate in the face of the present economic reality and that the organised labour is to present a new demand to the government in February.
The NLC scribe said the issue of the new minimum wage would be definitely resolved before the May Day, as the document on the new minimum wage demanded was ready but was being delayed because the congress wanted to seek the view of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), finalise the figure, so that the organised Labour would not present divergent view and figure to the government.
According to the NLC president, the highest organ of the congress; the National Executive Council (NEC), would meet next Thursday and ratify the document.
He added, however, that the NLC and the TUC would meet first to look at the figure before its presentation to the government. He refused to mention the figure being proposed by the NLC because the process had not been concluded.
He assured that the issue would be resolved before the May Day.
Latest data from the National Bureau of Statistics have revealed that the contribution of the manufacturing sector to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product has increased by N6.616 billion. An analysis of the nine month revenue showed that the sector added N2.141 billion to the economy in the first quarter; N2.125 billion in the second quarter; and N2.35 billion in the third quarter.
The NBS report also indicated that the manufacturing sector surpassed the oil and gas industry in its contribution to the nation’s GDP by N1.93 billon, with the oil and gas sector contributing N4.677 billion to the economy.
Basically, the manufacturing activities noted in the data are the oil refinery, cement, food, beverage and tobacco; textile, apparel and footwear; wood and wood products; pulp, paper and paper products; as well as chemical and pharmaceutical products. Others include the non-metallic products; plastic and rubber products; electrical and electronics; basic metal, iron and steel; motor vehicles and assembly among others.
But the major revenue earners for the sector were given as food, beverage and tobacco, which contributed N3.15bn during the first three quarters of 2015. It further stated that the exploration of petroleum and natural gas was becoming unprofitable due to the fall in the price of crude oil in the international market.
Marketing Head Artee Group, John Goldsmith (fourth from left) flanked by models at the launch of Babyshop, Splash and Lifestyle Stores by Artee Group in Port Harcourt recently.
In line with its commitment to offer quality products and shopping experience to its vast customers, Artee Group, in collaboration with Landmark Group from Dubai has launched a chain of fashion and lifestyle oriented stores in Port Harcourt Mall. The launch event which took place recently was witnessed by business executives and media persons.
In his welcome address at the event, the Deputy Managing Director of Artee Group Mr Prakash Keswani expressed his pleasure at the successful launch of its three leading fashion brands – Babyshop, Splash and Lifestyle in Nigeria.
This Combo store is one of its kind in Nigeria where the three brands are housed under a single roof. Each of these brands – Babyshop, Splash and Lifestyle has different product offerings and caters to a distinct consumer group.
According to him, Babyshop caters to Mothers and to be Moms with fashion clothing, baby basic items, nursery items and toys. The brand houses Products which cater to 0 – 16 age group.
Chioma Okorie Mall Manager, Port Harcourt Mall, John Goldsmith Marketing Head, Artee Group, Reuben Collins, Comedian/ On Air Personality Today FM 95.1 Port Harcourt, and Atanu Mukherjee Business Head, Artee Group at the launch of Babyshop, Splash and Lifestyle Stores in Port Harcourt recently.
Splash is a contemporary fashion apparels and accessories brand, focusing at the youth and the young at heart. The fashion clothing ranges from youth, smart casuals, formals as well as active wear and accessories. Anyone from the age of 18 onwards can fulfill their fashion clothing and accessories needs at Splash.
Lifestyle offers all the luxury one may desire for their homes such as home decor and home furnishings, bath décor and accessories, home and office fragrances as well as gift items, teen accessories and SPA items to name a few. Lifestyle focuses on the modern day women and helps her set up the dream home.
Artee Group also announced the launch of its loyalty program under the name of “Club Privilege” for Babyshop, Splash and Lifestyle customers in Nigeria. Speaking at the launch, company spokesperson, Mr. John Goldsmith said “Club Privilege Loyalty Programme is an exciting reward programme and our way of saying thank you to our loyal customers. As a member, you will earn points with every purchase at Babyshop, Lifestyle and Splash. The accumulated reward points can be used to make purchase from the store” he said.
Also as a way of incentivizing customers, the company announced an inaugural offer of 10 percent off on every product bought at any of the three brands. The price promotion will last till January 31, 2016. He called on shoppers to take advantage of the inaugural promotion.
Some of the guests at the event expressed delight at the arrival of the brands saying it will afford them the opportunity to get all their class leading fashion apparels, home decors and baby items in this store which is truly world class.
The British Council is the world’s leading cultural relations organization and creates opportunities for people in the UK and worldwide to understand each other, to work together and learn from one another. We see this as crucial to building secure, more prosperous and sustainable futures for us all. We build trust and understanding between different countries and cultures and develop strong international links that are of benefit to people in Britain and the rest of the world.
We are recruiting to fill the below position of:
Job Title: Head of Customer Service
Location: Lagos
Region: Sub Saharan Africa
Department: English & Exams
Job Category: Customer Services
Pay Band: 7
Purpose of Job
Ensure the highest quality British Council Customer Experience is delivered consistently across Nigeria.
Regularly evaluate the quality of service provided through customer feedback, recommend and make improvements accordingly.
Lead the Customer Services Team, demonstrating the values, behaviours and knowledge required by Customer Service Professionals.
The following are particularly important in the way we work:
We integrate all aspects of our work regardless of how they are funded
We are entrepreneurial in seeking and exploiting new opportunities;
We focus on delivering excellence to the customer in order to achieve maximum impact;
We work with and through partners to ensure that our work is relevant and to increase impact and sustainability;
We are forward-thinking in our use of new technologies to communicate with our audiences;
We are clear and confident about our offer to partners and customers: access to UK excellence; our reputation as a trusted partner and provider; our ability to work across sectors; our access to international networks;
We put our values – people, creativity, mutuality, professionalism, integrity – at the heart of our work. We are committed to equal opportunity and to the celebration and promotion of diversity and inclusion.
Responsibilities
The post holder will be responsible for evaluating existing and new models of customer service provision in light of the Nigeria exams doubling ambition and various British Council operational and financial change programmes.
The Customer Service team handles approx. 2, 500 enquiries per month and is expected to meet a range of demanding mystery shopping, enquiries into sales, and quality monitoring targets.
The CSM manages a team of 3 Customer Service Officers and 2 Customer Service Assistants located at the Front Office Lagos as well as one in Kano.
The role will also have a working relationship with 3 Customer Service staff in Abuja.
Accountabilities, Responsibilities and Main Duties
Strategy and Planning:
Create a culture of continuous improvement in Customer Services through the development, implementation and communication of a clear strategy.
Assist the English and Exams department in adhering to Exams and Teaching Centre Quality Standards and achieving targets by considering these requirements in the Customer Service Strategy and service improvement decisions.
Refer to guidance from the SSA Regional Customer Management Lead and the UK Customer Management Team when planning and to report back to the Lagos office and the Customer Management team on progress to these.
Use the Customer Management Framework self-assessment, the Customer Service Strategy and the Customer Service Management Toolkit to improve service quality.
Work with Head of Marketing and Communications and Exams management team to agree an annual promotional plan and contribute to the development and delivery of the annual Marketing Action Plan.
Manage data collection for the purpose of understanding our customers and competitors and to provide an evidential basis for critical business decisions.
Team Leadership and Management:
Lead the Customer Service and the cross-SBU Customer Service project team.
Effectively lead, engage and line manage Customer Service Officers and Customer Service Assistants by providing regular and timely feedback on performance in compliance with all aspects of British Council performance management as set out by HR policies.
Recruit for excellence in accordance with corporate recruitment standards and employment law.
To contribute to Nigeria Exams team objectives by attending and contributing to staff meetings.
To substitute for management team members.
Service Delivery and Improvement:
Lead on the implementation of a customer service improvement plan for the Nigeria Directorate.
Manage internal stakeholder relations including implementation of Service Level Agreements with key departments, review and revision of these as appropriate. Agreed standards are met and stakeholders are kept up to date through regular reports and/or meetings.
Day to day running of British Council Customer Services but responsible directly for the Lagos hub.
Manage the team to ensure appropriate staffing levels are maintained at all times in line with customer needs.
Act as a central contact point for departments within the office to ensure British Council objectives are delivered effectively through the CS team and regularly update the Service Level Agreement accordingly.
Ensure the CS team deliver the British Council branded Customer Experience consistently and in accordance with British Council Corporate Customer Services Standards and Policies.
Map the Customer Journey, measuring the Customer Experience regularly to make improvements.
Communicate the branded Customer Experience to British Council Nigeria as a whole. Evaluating service performance and continuous service improvement.
Regularly evaluate the level of customer service being provided and use the results to implement improvements for British Council customers. Evaluate through: Scorecard, customer satisfaction questionnaires, Customer Comments, Net Promoter questionnaires, Mystery Shopping results, customer focus groups EQS and TQS results and conversations with customers.
Continuously improve the level of service by monitoring the quantity and quality of calls, face to face and email enquiries, registrations and conversion to sales rates and missed calls. Use this data to inform ambitious targets in the Customer Services Strategy and CS staff development initiatives.
Communicate improvements and success stories to customers and all staff.
To feedback customer insights and comments into the Exams, MARCOMMS and other commercial services groups customer and advise on channels for maintaining and reaching new markets.
Continuous Professional Development and Performance Management:
Recognise learning gaps and address these with training, coaching or shadowing and address performance issues quickly, effectively and in line with HR policy.
Ensure the continual professional development of Customer Service Officers and Assistants by putting development plans in place and offering quality and CS specific induction, training and coaching required allowing them to fulfil their duties to the highest standards.
Ensure that own professional development and training is continued
Line manage up to 6 members of staff according to essential HR standards.
Manage overtime, time in lieu and annual leave in line with financial control standards and in order to minimise cost.
Staff Management
Direct: Customer Services Team
Indirect: Customer Service Improvement Project team and other relevant working groups
Key Relationships
This list is not exclusive but demonstrates that the range of internal relationships reflects the range of external ones.
Key Internal Relationships include:
Nigeria Senior Leadership Team
Examinations Managers
SBU leads
Examinations Services staff
Marketing and Communications Manager
The UK Customer Management Team and the Regional Customer Management Lead.
Key External relationships include:
Exams Board representatives in the UK and SSA region;
Staff from DFID, FCO
Senior staff from educational institutions
Venue staff
Enquirers
Candidates
Global and regional SBU external stakeholders
CS peers in analogous organisations in Nigeria and worldwide
ICS.
Person Specification
Behaviours
Essential:
Working together (more demanding)
Making it happen (more demanding)
Shaping the future (more demanding)
Creating shared purpose (more demanding)
Connecting with others (more demanding)
Being Accountable (more demanding)
Skills and Knowledge
Essential:
Business Management and Development – Level 1
Computer Skills – Level 1
Marketing and Customer Service – Level 2
English Language proficiency to IELTS band 8.0 in all areas (or equivalent).
Good presentation skills.
Knowledge of the education and qualification systems in the UK and Nigeria.
Analysing data and formulating recommendations.
Presentation skills.
Strong Attention to Detail.
Strong Organisation Skills.
Dealing with Conflict.
Stakeholder Management
Change Management.
Experience
Essential:
Line management and leading a customer service team to meet challenging targets.
Monitoring service to quality standards; devising and implementing improvements to these.
Three years’ work experience in a customer service management role.
Track record of working across departments to drive customer service improvements
Desirable:
Experience of managing a call centre.
Qualifications
Essential:
Education to Degree level or equivalent.
Desirable:
A business-related degree.
A qualification in Customer Service.
Application Closing Date
5th February, 2016.
Start Date
As Soon As Possible (ASAP).
How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should APPLY
Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) is the equity and debt exchange for Nigeria’s leading organizations. In existence since 1960, and with annual volumes of up to 4 billion security transactions, the NSE is transforming to increase the depth of Nigeria’s capital market and improve access to liquidity for listed organizations.
We are recruiting to fill the position below:
Job Title: Graduate Trainee Programme
Location: Nigeria
Description
The Graduate Trainee Programme of The Nigerian Stock Exchange is an 11 months programme geared towards building global talents locally, and raising a new generation of leaders for the Capital Market and Nigeria’s economy.
Programme Details
The Programme is designed to build a talent pool for the capital market capable of bridging the existing skill gaps, and positively contributing to the growth of the Nigerian economy.
Joining the NSE Graduate Trainee Programme is a great way to explore the various career opportunities offered by the Nigerian Capital Market. The Programme offers participants requisite capital market exposure, workplace experience, tools and support for both personal and career development.
Trainees are guided by experts with relevant experience in soft, functional and technical skills. Participants will be exposed to the capital market ecosystem, leadership, social skills, etc.
The NSE Graduate Trainee is expected to be a logical thinker, proactive, have a good attitude, determined, energetic and hardworking. The Graduate shall be a team player and leader with potentials to lead the growth of the capital market in Nigeria, Sub-Saharan Africa and Africa at large.
We will provide the tools, support and opportunities for you to drive your own development, as you learn from professionals and acquire insights into the Capital Market sector.
Requirements
The NSE Graduate Trainee Programme is intensive and applicants shall possess the following:
A high degree of emotional intelligence
Excellent communication skills (speaking, writing and listening)
Enthusiasm about developing a long-term career within the Capital Market
Good knowledge of the Nigerian economy
High morals and ethical standards
Basic Knowledge in the use of Microsoft Office Tools
Social media savvy, etc.
Application Closing Date
5th February, 2016.
Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should APPLY
Vodafone Group Enterprise (VGE) is our Global organisation, committed to providing innovative products and services to enable multi-national organisations to stay agile and competitive – wherever in the world they do business. We are on a journey to pioneer a world of total communications solutions, where fixed, mobile, voice and data will all become one mobility solution and are able to help our clients do ‘more with less’ by empowering employees to work more flexibly and efficiently.
We are recruiting to fill the following vacant positions:
Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria We attract talented individuals. Not only can they give you the benefit of their experience, they also reveal a closer, more personal look at the wide range of global opportunities we offer. At the core of the Group’s people strategy is our focus on employee engagement. Engagement is a key driver of productivity and performance, which creates the foundation of our performance culture. We encourage and focus on the behaviours that bring out the very best from every employee, assessing their performance not just on results but on how those results were achieved. To further embed these behaviours we have a remuneration programme in place, carefully designed to incentivise our employees to live our values every day.
We are recruiting to fill the position below:
Job Title: Manager, Settlements
Job ID: 502185 Location: Victoria Island
Job Function: Technology & Operations
Key Roles and Responsibilities
Direction and control of all service delivery in relation to Securities Services Settlement in the country
To carry out Payment and General Banking activities in line with laid down procedures and all regulatory requirements.
Banking of client cheques for clearing and uplifting to clients accounts on clearing
To achieve established targeted standards of productivity and client services in the Payment area
To plan, direct, and control the effective and efficient
Settlement of equity and fixed income
Registration of shares
Custody management
Registration, tracking and reconciliation of CCIs in respect of Foreign clients investments
Inward and outward for payments
Provide quality client’s service, response to client queries promptly
Be cost-effective
Optimize utilization of resources
To manage the risks of custodial services in the business and to create a positive business environment
To direct and control the day to day Settlement and Payment operations and managed the operations team and provide leadership support for the day to day activities
Ensuring clients’ interest are fully protected and delivering value added services to clients in accordance to established procedures, regulations & laws and also Group business need.
Lead and develop the Settlement and payment team to ensure efficient operations managed in strict compliance with the various local laws and jurisdictions and group risk standards
To manage and drive forward the quality process in country and to maintain standards or any internal/external standards established by senior management
To ensure continuous improvement of team/s performance and effective risk management to protect the Clients’ and Bank’s interest.
To manage service delivery in accordance with the business plan and in close liaison with sales and product partners.
Qualifications and Skills
Applicant should possess relevant qualifications.
Application Closing Date
Not Specified.
How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidate should APPLY
The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria has identified Federal Government’s interference as responsible for the slow growth of the oil and gas sector. It expatiated that the political meddling in the sector affects the capacity of local refineries to function effectively and also hinders the development of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation.
The National Public Relations Officer of PENGASSAN, Mr. Emmanuel Ojugbana, stated that over the years, past governments had too much control over the administration of the NNPC and how its oil facilities were run. He added that the association would want the present administration to depart from the practice of previous governments which he claimed maintained a stranglehold on the refineries.
He also criticised the frequent change of the NNPC’s group managing director, saying such was unhealthy for the growth of the oil and gas sector.
Ojugbana further said if the four existing refineries were properly funded, they would operate at a maximum level, noting that it would not be in the interest of the country to sell them.
According to him, apart from the challenge of turnaround maintenance, lack of adequate and regular supply of crude, which is the main feedstock, is another major impediment to the efficient and effective operation of the refineries.
Some bad roads within the Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo had been repaired barely two weeks after the assumption of office by its new Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Olarenwaju Fagbohun as trucks were seen off-loading sand and granites to cover up the various bad portions of the bad roads on the campus.
Engineers from the university’s works and physical planning unit were seen supervising the workers at the weekend as they put finishing touches to the road rehabilitation.
Prof. Fagbohun on assumption of office on Jan. 11 had said that one of his missions was to improve on the university’s infrastructure.
It was also reported that the former Vice-Chancellor, Prof. John Obafunwa, speaking with some newsmen last year had attributed the bad roads to the ongoing construction within the campus.
He said then that transportation of building materials by heavy-duty vehicles and trucks had contributed to the damaging of the roads, adding then that until construction was completed, nothing could be done.
The National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents, (NCMDLCA), has disclosed that many companies are relocating their businesses from Apapa in Lagos State due to the congestion usually experienced by motorists and commuters on the Mile 2/Tin-Can Island-Apapa Expressway.
President of the association, Mr Lucky Amiwero, in a chat with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Lagos, said that many companies had also closed shops as a result of the `bottleneck’ usually created by the congestion.
Amiwero said that many people had stopped coming to the ports due to the bad roads. “The gridlock is killing the economy. The economy is being affected by the gridlock.
“The gridlock is affecting the going and coming out of the ports. This has also contributed to the high costs of goods in the country,’’ Amiwero said.
Amiwero said that the Lagos ports, consisting of-Tin-Can, Apapa, Brawal, Lilypond and PTML ports, is controlling 80 per cent of the cargo throughput (imports and exports) in the country.
He described Lagos as the commercial nerve centre of the country, adding that the gridlock had critically affected both imports and exports.
Also, Mr Eugene Nweke, President, National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), suggested that there should be a decentralisation of import activities in the Western ports.
The freight forwarder said some categories of cargoes should be diverted to other designated ports in the country.
Africa’s first Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka and the Lagos State Government have commended Diamond Bank Plc for its leading role in championing the intellectual development of children and the growth of art in primary and secondary schools.
Speaking at the Bank’s head office in Lagos, during the unveiling and announcement of the 2016 edition of the Vision of the Child (VOTC) painting and literary arts competition, the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Idiat Oluranti Adebule, stated that Diamond Bank’s initiative and sponsorship of the competition since its inception in 2012, is a testament of the Bank’s strong commitment to the future of children, pointing that such commitment serves as a wake-up call to other corporate organisations to support and participate in various programs aimed at boosting the quality of education in the State.
“The Vision of the Child is an initiative geared towards promoting education through creative thinking, literary arts and painting skills. This vision is in tune with our educational policy in Lagos State and that is why government has participated actively in it since inception. We will continue to do so as long as it provides children the platform to express their understanding of the world they live in, their vision of what it should be, as well as their fantasies and dreams,” the Deputy Governor stated.
Speaking further, she said, “We commend Diamond Bank and we are delighted to note that the VOTC, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, has reached out to over 3,000 schools in Lagos till date. The themes may appear deep and challenging but as we have seen from the exhibitions and literary presentations of the children, Nigeria still has a great future. We also hope to have a good journey in 2016.”
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Diamond Bank, Uzoma Dozie, reaffirmed his commitment to continue to support laudable projects involving the education of children and the growth of art in the country.
“At Diamond Bank, we try to go beyond banking and supporting the VOTC is one of our ways of ensuring that we contribute to the growth, development and nurturing of children”.
He stated that the growing innovations in technology points to a future where machines will play leading roles in business, thereby leaving only individuals who have the ability to give insight and vision to be the drivers of the future.
“We believe that the VOTC is at the forefront of that future by creating this platform for children to create pictures from information around them thereby grooming them to take over the affairs of the business world and the nation as a whole,” Uzoma added.
Prof. Wole Soyinka, the initiator of the VOTC, unveiled the theme for the year to be Sisi Eko at 50: Aging Gracefully or Na So-So Pancake?
According to him, this year’s theme is designed to herald the 50th Anniversary of Lagos as a State. The anniversary is billed to hold in 2017.”
“Childhood is an invaluable time in an individual’s life which should be filled with sweetness and light. However, the past few editions of the competition have revolved around gloomy themes as we realize that life also has its ugliness and pain, and it is in acknowledging these that we can all share in the collective responsibility for good”.
Speaking further, he stated: “This year, we have decided on a lively theme to celebrate with the Lagos State Government as it attains 50 years of statehood. We encourage the VOTC participants to research into the history and character of Eko, which will be reflected in their works.”
The competition is open to school children in Lagos State aged between 8 and 12. To qualify for entry, applicants must submit a poem, essay or short story of 300-500 words on the theme. Professor Wole Osofisan, 90 children from selected primary and secondary schools in Lagos, teachers, representatives of German and French embassies and top dignitaries from Lagos Black Heritage Festival were present.
Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, at the weekend ended speculations that the current administration will revoke contracts awarded under former President Goodluck Jonathan.
Fashola spoke in Abuja at the Nigerian Pension Industry Strategy Implementation Roadmap meeting.
The former Lagos governor lamented how successive governments revoked contracts of previous regimes, noting that the practice destroyed investor confidence in an economy.
The minister stated that if approved contracts must be touched, the best approach was to renegotiate rather than outright revocation.
“We must not play politics with our economy. Investors want continuity,” he said.
Fashola warned against playing politics with economic survival, as investors want continuity of government policies.
The death of two patients at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Asaba over the Lassa fever outbreak has continued to unsettle patients in the hospital as tension grew daily, with many patients and nurses running off from the hospital over fears of the disease which has reportedly killed 55 persons across the country in the last few weeks since its outbreak.
Delta state Health Commissioner, Dr. Nicholas Azinge said “I know some persons have died, I cannot speak further on that because the Federal Ministry of Health is already doing something to sensitize the people and we in Delta State are also sensitising our people”.
The acting Medical Director of the Hospital, Dr. Victor Osiatumeh said “It is not as if Nurses or patients have fled the hospital, as for the nurses and doctors, they are careful with protective measures to ensure they too are not contacted, the situation as a matter of fact is precarious but we are managing it, especially the twenty two persons quarantined”.
Two weeks ago a 65-year old woman from Anambra State died of the disease at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Asaba after being managed for a period of time. Since then there has been panic and fear of the unknown across the State.
The organised labour movement in Nigeria on Sunday said that it will support the proposed conditional cash transfer programme by the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.
Mr Issa Aremu, General Secretary, National Union of Textile, Garment and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria, stated this in Kaduna during the 40th day “Fidau’’ prayer held for his late wife, Hajia Hamdalat.
Aremu said that the labour would collaborate with the Office of the Vice President as directed by the President. The proposed conditional cash transfer is a social security program model after developed nations of the world.
“The Buhari administration deserves commendation for setting aside N500bn in the 2016 Budget currently undergoing the approval of the National Assembly, for direct social transfers.
“The Office of the Vice President as directed by the President, must work with NLC and TUC to realise this objective. “The conditional, legitimate transfers should serve as the basis for a national comprehensive social security program for Nigerians.
“As a worthy investment in our country’s human infrastructure, not stomach infrastructure, it is as important an investment as physical infrastructure,” Aremu said.
He praised President Buhari` s gesture in ensuring that those who are living on less than a dollar per day were able to access national resources as a matter of right.
Aremu also commended the school feeding programmes of some states government including Kaduna.
The federal government has said that Nigeria records about 3,000 new cases of leprosy annually, with children accounting for about 10% of the new cases recorded.
This was made known by the Health Minister, Professor Isaac Adewole at the World Leprosy Day briefing which was organised by The Leprosy Mission, Nigeria. According to him, the ancient disease cannot be said to be over as deficiency of knowledge about the signs and symptoms is lacking as even most health workers do not know the traits.
Professor Adewole disclosed that the federal government has developed a national policy on strategic plan from 2016-2020 which is committed to working with partners towards achieving the Bangkok commitment of 2013 which stipulates that the disease should be addressed by government of highly endemic countries.
It is expected that at the end of 2020, visible and recorded achievements will include “aiming to reach 0.1 case per million population, zero grade 2 disabilities among new child leprosy cases and all states to report less than 1% case.”
The national director of TLM, Dr Moses Onoh, said the Mission is out to create awareness about the disease so that people can understand it’s signs, symptoms, prevention as well as treatment, based on the standard of the World Health Organisation, WHO.
The Lagos State Government at the weekend confirmed the fatal boat collision incident reported at Ibeshe in Ikorodu axis of the state on Thursday January 21, 2016, just as it restated its commitment to continue to improve on safety on the State waterways.
In a statement signed by the Managing Director of the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), Mrs. Abisola Kamson said the incident which occurred at about 8:05am was as a result of the early morning fog which led to poor visibility for the captains of the two boats.
She said the Authority was able to ascertain what led to the incident from its information gathering machinery and onsite water guards.
According to her, one of the boats (MV Cherio) which had 20 passengers on board was operating at high speed and by the time it noticed the second boat (Olaoluwa) which had no passengers on board, it was too late to avoid a collision.
She said the impact of the collision claimed the life of a passenger on board and left three other persons injured.
According to her, the three injured persons were immediately rushed to Ikorodu General Hospital and have since been transferred to LUTH for further treatment.
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