SHOCK!!! From Jan. 2, 2020 Nigerian Teenagers among Million others will not have access to their bank accounts, if they Don't Pay Tax.

It is a shocking news that Nigerians are in for a cracker as the Finance Bill currently passed by National Assembly has amended sections 33, 49 & 58 of the Personal Income Tax Act. Thus, individuals are required to produce their Tax Identification Numbers (TIN) before they can operate existing or new bank accounts in Nigeria.

What this means is that, if you don't have TIN, you will not be able to operate your bank account. This may come as shock to many, but the important thing to do at this point is to ensure you have a TIN as the date for implementation has been set for 2nd of January 2020. The minister of finance, Zainab Ahmed, made this known to the public.

If you run a registered business and have dealings with government, there is a likelihood you already have your TIN, so you should not have issues. The idea of this new law is to get more Nigerians into the tax net.

Obtaining TIN is FREE of charge, you should not pay for it. Also there are no age limits in having TIN as teenagers are obliged to pay Tax if they receive income from a company. The only exemptions are on certain thresholds of income.

If you want to verify your TIN or to know if you have one, you can go to the Joint Tax Board website. https://tinverification.jtb.gov.ng

Or Federal Inland Revenue Website https://apps.firs.gov.ng/tinverification/

NIPOST WORKERS UNDER SSASGOC PROTEST AT NASS OVER ATTEMPT TO MOVE STAMP DUTY COLLECTION TO FIRS

An affiliate of the trade union Congress of Nigeria,  the senior staff Association of statutory Government companies, SSASGOC is raising alarm over 9,000 direct and and about 5 million indirect jobs may be lost  in the Nigeria postal services and related agencies over moves to transfer stamp duty collection to the federal inland revenue service

Ayo Olirunfemi   secretary general of SSASGOC who led protesters to the National assembly on thursday said  the Nigeria Postal industry is about to be made redundant folliwong plans to move stamp duty collection to the federal inland revenue  Service

"...since government created the ministry of communication and digital economy, NIPOST wev went ahead to develop electronic device, which the minister of finance and the FIRS are plotting to take it over.

The bill has passed final reading in the House of representatives and waiting harmonisation of the senate whether or not to transfer stamp duty collection responsibility from NIPOST to  FIRS

"we are saying that if we allow this to sail through in NIPOST the same thing may eventually happend with NPA...and by then we will shutdown the ports for the first time..."

Acting spokesman to the Senate, Senator Godiya Akwashiki and Senator Sulaiman Abdu Kwari gave the workers the assurances of the Senate president that fue deligence will be done in the matter

ILO DG Guy Ryder, ITUC/NLC Global President, Ayuba Wabba And TUC President Qadiri Olaleye call on Africa to work towards a human-centred future of work

In a speech at the opening of the 14th ILO African Regional Meeting in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, the ILO Director-General spoke of Africa’s world of work challenges and opportunities. 

ILO Director-General Guy Ryder addresses the opening session of the 14th African Regional Meeting. © ILO ABIDJAN (ILO News) – International Labour Organization Director-General, Guy Ryder, has called on African countries to seize the opportunities that exist on the continent to advance towards a human-centred future of work.

A Press release in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire  by  Jennifer Patterson Regional Communication and Public Information Officer said

He was speaking at the opening of the ILO’s 14th African Regional Meeting  in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, which brings together the ILO’s tripartite constituents representing governments, workers and employers from 54 African countries. They will be reviewing the progress made in implementing the ILO’s Decent Work Agenda  and charting a course towards a future with decent work in the region.

Ryder referred to projections for economic growth in Africa that are higher than the global average; a ‘demographic dividend’ that will see labour force numbers rising to 60 per cent; the continent’s unique potential for creating renewable energy; and opportunities for development that could be opened up by advances in technology.

‘"Africa has every reason to regard the future with confidence. Young, rich in resources, dynamic and creative, it offers possibilities which in many ways, do not exist in other regions. However, as always, there are challenges.’

"Among these is the need to create twenty-six million jobs every year in Africa to meet the objectives of the UN Sustainable Development Goals . Other challenges, he said, include a social protection financing gap amounting to 68 billion US dollars a year; economic, social and migratory pressures; and the impact of climate change and globalization.

“What we seek is a future of work with social justice as the surest guarantee we can have of peace and prosperity in African and in the world. This is the unfinished business of our 100 year old Organization which we must take forward together.”

During his speech, Ryder focused on the ‘human-centred’ approach outlined in the ILO Centenary Declaration for the Future of Work  that was adopted at the International Labour Conference  (ILC) in June 2019.

This ‘human-centred’ approach is based on investing in people’s capabilities, the institutions of work that ensure that labour is not a commodity, and in decent and sustainable work, particularly in the green, rural and health care economies.

Ryder also outlined particular priorities for Africa:

The formalization of the informal economy, which accounts for 80 per cent of the workforce.

• The structural transformation of production.
• Economic diversification.
• Creating an enabling environment for the creation of decent jobs.
• Tackling inequality.
• Actions to promote full and equal participation of women in the labour force.

He also called for accelerated action to implement the UN Sustainable Development Goals, the Global Compact on Safe and Orderly Migration, as well as promises made by governments to tackle climate change.

‘We should not avert our eyes from the reality that in most aspects, the international community is well off-track in delivering the 2030 Agenda and that the planet is fighting back hard in the war that we humans have abusively launched against it. And because decent work is so deeply involved in all of these challenges, we are, very clearly, called upon to do better.’

Trade union Congress of Nigeria President, Qadiri Olaleye In his reaction to ILO D.Gs report

The report of the Director-General has given us the opportunity to lay emphasis on some salient workplaces and communities, national economies issues that deserve urgent attention for our continent and the global world of work. Chairperson, as we draw the curtains on the ILO 100 Centenary celebration and set agenda for another centenary framed along the contours of the United Nation Agenda 2030 within the Sustainable Development Goals and importantly, deliberations on the mechanisms for the attainment of the African Union Agenda 2063.  

From the above Chairperson, allow me to focus on the workplace, communities and national economies issues that touch on women and their wellbeing and their contributions to work, productivity, wealth creation and progress.  

We want to point out that the care economy is growing and will play a critical role in the future of work. Given the gains from medicine and improved sanitation and health care, life expectancy rates across the globe are improving. What this means is that we will have more old and elderly persons in our economies. Similarly, our continent remains a young one and estimates suggest that it will remain so for another three decades. One of the implications of this population growth will be the need for more children and nursing mothers’ care-givers. Chairperson, the benefit of the care economy cannot be overemphasized – it provides the opportunity for us to have more women in the labour market whilst ensuring their children and elderly ones are well taken care of. The care economy also provides societies and national economies the benefits of caring for the different categories of persons needing care necessary to facilitate work, production and productivity. We must take steps to better account for these contributions and to remunerate for them fairly.  

Chairperson, violence against women in all kinds and forms notably verbal and physical assaults, sexual harassment and rape, which has now been elevated to a weapon of war, as well as the growing rate of femicide are worrisome development that hampers work, productivity and wellbeing of women in the world of work. This 14th ARM must categorically speak out against all forms of Gender-Based Violence and commit to actions on awareness and education, accountability measures against perpetrators and redress remedies for victims, which can include but not limited to psychological counselling, protective shelter provisions, support for economic empowerment.     

 

Finally, Chairperson, we are having this 14th ARM in the same year that the ILO made a loud, bold and commendable statement through the adoption of Convention 190 on Violence and Harassment (in the world of work). Chairperson, we consider the adoption of this convention as a big feat and firm demonstration of the collective will of the ILO to respond to workplace, community and economy issues that touches on the physical integrity, morale and general wellbeing of men and women, especially the latter who is disadvantage given the asymmetry of power relations that is skewed against them. We, therefore, want to call on the African governments to make the necessary commitment to ratify and apply the provisions of this convention in its full letters and spirit. Chairperson, we also want to say we workers in Nigeria fully support the campaign to make this very important Convention to be part of the existing Fundamental Conventions.  

 

Delegates will discuss the Director-General’s report to the Conference on Advancing social justice: shaping the future of work in Africa , with a view to formulating policy recommendations for inclusive growth and social progress.

The meeting takes place as the ILO celebrates its Centenary and it 60th year since it established its first permanent presence on the African continent.

At the opening session Pascal Abinan, Côte d’Ivoire’s Minister of labour and social protection was elected President of the 4-day meeting. Paul Mavimba (Zimbabwe) was elected Government Vice-Chair; El Mahfoudh Megateli, (Algeria) was elected Employer Vice-Chair and Francis Atwoli, (Kenya) was elected Worker Vice-Chair.

Ayuba Wabba, Global president international Trade union Congress, ITUC and President, Nigeria Labour  congress who formed the panelists in discussing presidential approach to the future of work in Africa, call for more function public institutions and the payment of living wages to workers by government and other employers of labour

I’ve Been Sleeping with My Dad Since I Was 18- Married Woman Confesses

A married woman has given a narration on how she has been sleeping with her dad since she was 18 years old.

According to THE CHEER NEWS Online, While speaking on a show Tales from the Powder room hosted by Shirley E.F Tibilla aka Cookie Tee on GHOne TV, the young lady who is 34 years old and married with 2 children, revealed her father as the biological father of all her two children but her husband does not know any of that.

She went on to explain that, her mother found out when she was 22 years old and died shortly after that. She has since had the death of her mother on her conscience.

The young lady went on to explain that, all her past relationship failed because she was never satisfied with any of their sexual prowess; she always preferred her dad’s.

She went on to recount how she sneaks from time to time to sleep with her father and her husband thinks they are just close because of her mother’s death.

The purpose of the letter to Tales from the Powder room is to seek help on how to stop this act since she does not want to lose her husband. She also does not want to hurt her father either.

"No Means No" End RAPE Now' Campaign Get Support of Mrs Osinbajo, Mrs Sanwo-Olu and NANS.

President of National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, Comrade  Danielson Akpan on Wednesday in Lagos spoke in the same vein with wife of the Vice President of Nigeria, Mrs Dolapo Yemi Osinbajo, Lagos State first lady, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu and other dignitaries in mobilizing against gender based violence.

According to THE CHEER NEWS, The event, organized by the United Nations Women was  held at the Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos.

They lamented that our female students are daily confronted with harassment and abuse, even sexually that threatens their academic, psychological and social being.

With the hatch tag, #Stopsexualabusenow, they urged all and Sundry to rise against sexual abuse among girls in our society.

V.C University of Portsmouth, prof. Chris Chang Says Brexit will hahave no effect on Nigerian students in the U.K

The UK government  has dismissed the fear of some Nigerian students that outcome of brexit negotiation could have devastating effect on their studies, in the wake of uncertainties trailing the ongoing Brexit talks

The Pro Vice-Chancellor, Global Engagement at the University of Portsmouth, United Kingdom, Prof. Chris Chang, who spoke to newsmen in Abuja, said that such reassurance and explanation was part of the reason for his maiden visit to Nigeria.

In addition to that, he said his visit was also to strengthen the bond and fraternity among members of the Alumni of the university and to also strengthen partnerships with officials of Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) and Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

He said: "No fewer than 200 Nigerian students enrol each year on undergraduate, postgraduate programmes in our September and January intakes. Majority of them are students sponsored by TETFund, NDDC and other funders.

"We have strong Alumni in Nigeria with prominent people, notably the Inspector General of Police, Adamu Abubakar, the Chief Executive Officer, Centre for Satellite Technology Development, Prof. Spencer Onuh, among several others who could serve as pointers to the academic and non-academic qualities of the university."

He maintained that UK institutions desire cultural and racial diversity, hence the decision of UK government to reopen the post-study work opportunity for foreign students for two years. 

He said: "UK government strongly value relationships and partnership with global community particularly commonwealth countries. So, Brexit should not cause concerns for Nigerian students. There's possibility that it could end in their favour.

"Howbeit, one thing I want to reassure Nigerian students is that Brexit has no negative effect on their academic destiny, because they are in UK to acquire education and skills for global relevance.

"Students from across the world are usually welcomed in UK because we want diversity in UK universities that would create richness in culture and diversity. 

"At the end of day, we are working in a global village and the ability to work across cultures with people of different ideology, believe, social and religious disposition, are some of the major skills we give our graduates. There presence also enrich our concept of global village."

MUSIC: American Rapper, JAY-Z is 50 Today. HAPPY BIRTHDAY BRO!

 

Patrick Abulu Blog is wishing American Rapper, record producer, and entrepreneur Shawn Corey Carter know by his stage name Jay Z a happy birthday to today (born December 4, 1969). He is one of the most financially successful hip hop artists and entrepreneurs in America. 

In 2014, Forbes estimated Jay Z's net worth at nearly $520 million. He is one of the world's best-selling artists of all time, having sold more than 100 million records, while receiving 21Grammy Awards for his musical work, and numerous additional nominations. Consistently ranked as one of the greatest rappers ever, he was ranked number one by MTV in their list of The Greatest MCs of All-Time in 2006.

Happy birthday Jay Z!

FCT Minister Of State, Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu Tasks Auditors-General On Accountability, Transparency

FCT Minister of State, Dr. Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu, has charged Auditors-General for Local Governments/Area Councils in the federation to imbibe the culture of transparency and accountability in the discharge of their responsibilities.  

In a statement signed by   Austine Elemue, the S.A Media To FCT Minister of State, the minister gave the charge at the 24th edition of annual conference of Auditors-General for Local Governments/Area Councils in the federation held in the nation's capital.  

Aliyu, who was represented by the Special Assistant on Area Council Services, Hon. Muhammad Saba, noted that the task before local governments in Nigeria is enormous hence the need for assurance and performance that will ensure transparency, prudency and accountability in management of resources at the third tier.  

Speaking on the theme: "Laying the Groundwork for Nigeria's Public Sector Transformation; the Place of the Auditors-General," the minister stressed that while government is making great effort towards the sustain ability of its policies at various levels including the Local Governments/Area Councils, there was the need to ensure that financial rules, regulations and extant circulars are adequately followed in the application of funds at all levels of government.  

She also called for close monitoring by the offices of the Auditors-General to ensure the provision of dividends of democracy as well as adequate service delivery at the Local Governments/Area Councils level are achieved.

Accirding to her,  "The importance of the Office of the Auditors-General cannot be over -emphasized especially now that the policy of government is geared towards fighting corruption, ensuring good governance, transparency, probity and accountability.  

"This conference is very apt because of the proposed financial autonomy of the Local Governments/Area Councils where financial resource allocations would be channelled directly to them. The Federal Government is interested in the development of the grassroot for overall growth and development of the country"  

The minister therefore charged participants to come up with a communique that  will address contemporary audit issues in line with global best practices as it affects the responsibilities of the offices of the Auditors-General as well as improved public financial management at the third-tier of government.  

On his part, the Chairman House Committee on Public Account, Hon. Oluwole Oke, identifies poor stewardship reporting, administrative interference and inadequate qualified manpower as factors militating against proper auditing of local government accounts in the federation, just as he called on participants to right the wrongs.  

"Local government audit is as important as auditing in every other sector of the economy. This is because the local government being the closest government institution to the people demand adequate financial resources, which if properly controlled would benefit the rural communities," he noted.  

In her address, the Auditor-General FCT Area Council, Hajjiya Kurdirat Abdul-Hamid, noted that more than 2/3 of Nigeria's population are domiciled at the grassroots, stressing that the welfare of the people at this level is paramount and it is the duty of Auditors to ensure that citizens at that level and the nation get what is best for them in terms of providing basic amenities such as infrastructures, education, health, security among others.  

OBASEKI, JAMB REGISTRAR GET NON-ACADEMIC STAFF UNION PERFORMANCE AWARD,

The Edo state Governor Godwin Obaseki has been given an award for excellence performance by the Non academic union of Educational and Associated Institutions, NASU at its 7th Quadriennal National Delegates conference

The governor who declared the conference opened as the Chairman of the event insists that Nigeria should stop building strong individuals and begin to strengthen her public instituions to adequately address her economic woes

..." We must strengthen our institutions...Nigeria Must build strong institutions rather building strong individuals..."

Obaseki was spoke to the theme of the conference; funding education, Health, Research institutions and other social services in a depressed economy", challenged workers on taking government to deliver

On the thirty thousand Naira new national minimum wage, the Edo state governor promised to pay new wage."...we are already paying N25, 000, paying N30,000 will not be a problem.

General secretary of NASU Prince Peters Adeyemi call on other state governors to cut their expenses to accommodate the new wage.

Adeyemi's position was earlier highlighted by NASU president, Chris Ani, The NLC Deputy President, Amaechi Asugwuni, The ASUU President Professor Biodun Ogunyemi among others

Other speakers including the representative Public service international bemoan the poor funding of education, health and other public services sectors 

NASU used the occassion of the 7th quadrienniel delegates conference to also honour,  JAMB registrar, Professor Is-haq Oloyede, the Vice-Chancellor, Imo state University, Professor Victoria Adaobi-Obasi among others

It's another World Dissability Day  and the bill signed by Nigeria's President Muhammadu Buhari comes to light.

The act criminalises all forms of discrimination against people living with disabilities in the country and enforces their rights and privileges to education, healthcare, priority in accommodation and emergencies.

It prohibits discrimination against the physically challenged in public transportation facilities, including seaports, railways and airports, and compels service providers to make adequate provisions for them.

All public organisations are also required to reserve at least 5% of employment opportunities for people living with disabilities.

This year, in June, the UN chief launched a Disability Inclusion Strategy, to raise the Organization’s standards and performance. It provides a foundation for sustainable and transformative progress on disability inclusion across the United Nations.

Through the Strategy, the United Nations system reaffirms that the full and complete realization of the human rights of all persons with disabilities is an inalienable, integral and indivisible part of all human rights and fundamental freedoms.

In addition, the Security Council adopted, for the first time, a resolution dedicated to the protection of persons with disabilities in armed conflict, and almost all Member States have now ratified the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities: Mr. Guterres urged those countries that have not yet done so, to ratify the Convention without delay.

Disability and sustainable development

This year, the focus of the International Day is the link between the empowerment of people living with disability, and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (the UN’s blueprint for a better future for people and the planet).

One billion people around the world – one in seven of the total population – have some form of disability. More than 80 per cent of them live in developing countries, and around half cannot afford health care.

People living with disabilities face stigma, discrimination, and ignorance, as well as a lack of social support for those who care for them. These factors put them at a higher risk of violence, and children with disabilities face a greater than four-fold risk of experiencing violence than children without.

Disability is recognized as an issue that cuts across several parts of the 2030 Agenda. It is referred to in several of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically in the areas of education, growth and employment, inequality, and accessibility of human settlements, as well as data collection and monitoring of the SDGs.

    

DON'T SACK WORKERS, NLC TELLS FIRST BANK OF NIGERIA PLC

The president of the Nigeria Labour Congress(NLC), Comrade Ayuba Wabba has written to the management of firstbank Nigeria Plc to suspend its plan to lay off its staff

In the letter, wabba threatened to implore labour actions against The management of Firstbank  Of Nigeria Plc , over impending plan to lay off its workers 

 In a letter adressed to the management of Firstbank of Nigeria plc which was signed by NLC President Ayuba Wabba and made available to newsmen, the bank is asked to immediately suspend all plans to lay off workers

NLC argues that it is unjust and against the Nigerian labour laws for First Bank of Nigeria to sack workers between the ages of 35 and 55 years old, who have put in minimum of 5 years.

The NLC said the issues were brought before the labour centre by its affiliate; the National Union of Banks, insurance and financial institutions, NUBIFI

The NLC therefore asked the Firstbank Management to re-enact engagements with the Union to resolve pending  issues instead of boosting the unemployment market with sack of workers

Labour is also calling on the federal government to intervene to avert looming crisis in the Banking sector.

FULL TEXT OF LETTER: 

UN Scribe Calls For More Commitment To End @WORLD AIDS DAY by 2030

As the world mark the WORLD AIDS DAY, the UN Secretary General, Anthonio Guterres Says a record 38 million people live with HIV- but resources for the response declined by $1 billion last year.

In a message on his twitter handle, the UN Scribe said "On #WorldAIDSDay let’s reaffirm our commitment to ending this epidemic by 2030 - scaling up access to health services, fighting stigma & ensuring people enjoy their rights. 

UN rights chief calls for dialogue to prevent conflict, ease social unrest in Ecuador

UN News/Daniel Johnson

Michele Bachelet, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. (file)

29 November 2019

Human Rights

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, on Friday denounced the  “high human cost”, of the recent unrest in Ecuador and urged all actors in the South American country to engage in dialogue to prevent new conflicts and forge an inclusive society “with full respect for its multicultural nature”. 

Ms. Bachelet also said that after reviewing the information she has received from a UN Office of Human Rights (OHCHR) mission dispatched to the from 21 October to 8 November, there was a need for an independent, impartial and transparent investigations into allegations of human rights violations and abuses committed during the protests from 3 to 13 October. 

OHCHR mission to Ecuador 

On the findings of the OHCHR investigative team, Ms. Bachelet that according to the data collected, during the 11 days of social unrest (from October 3 to 13), at least nine people died and 1,507 were injured, including 435 members of the security forces. The number of detainees amounted to 1,382. There are allegations that many of these people were arbitrarily detained.  

UN Human Rights

✔ @UNHumanRights

#Ecuador: UN Human Rights Chief urges dialogue to prevent conflict & create an inclusive society. @mbachelet also calls for independent, impartial & transparent investigations into allegations of #HumanRights violations committed during the protests 

“Last month’s unrest had a high human cost,” the High Commissioner said. “People should be able to express their grievances without fear of being hurt or arrested. At the same time, it is important that protestors do not resort to violence.” 

According to OHCHR, the team received reports from victims and witnesses of use of force by law enforcement officials that was not in conformity with international norms and standards, including unnecessary and disproportionate use of force. Law enforcement officials included the police and the military, which was deployed following the declaration of a state of exception. 

Victims and witnesses informed the team that teargas and pellet rounds were regularly shot by the security officers directly at the protesters at very close range, causing hundreds of injuries, and possibly some of the deaths. 

While acknowledging that the Public Prosecutor's Office and the Police have opened 17 and 31 investigations respectively, Ms. Bachelet stressed the importance of investigating the circumstances of all deaths and serious injuries. She added that it is imperative that the internal protocols regarding the use of force for law enforcement officials are reviewed and that the authorities ensure they comply with international standards. 

Crisis ‘triggers’ in Ecuador 

Regarding the triggers of the crisis, the UN Human Rights Office strongly recommends that the Government promote a participatory approach to decision-making, ensuring the enjoyment by people of their right to participate in public affairs.  

Such a strategy of participation should be extended to economic and fiscal measures – including on proposals of austerity measures – and especially with the communities likely to be worst affected. This, Ms. Bachelet said, would be in line with the view of the UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights which recommended that Ecuador ensure that any economic decisions affecting people should be taken in a transparent manner and in consultation with the affected population. 

The historical and persistent discrimination against indigenous peoples should also be a matter of concern and priority for the Government. The High Commissioner urged the authorities to do their outmost to identify effective measures to deal with this problem, and to recognize that it is a barrier to overcoming structural economic inequalities. 

“Social and economic inequality remains a structural barrier for development for vast sectors of society, who have felt left behind for generations and do not see positive prospects for the future,” Ms. Bachelet said.  

“It is of paramount importance that society as a whole, with the Government as a guiding force, embark together in search of paths of mutual understanding with the aim of constructing an inclusive, multicultural and peaceful society.” 

NANS makes case for Air Peace CEO

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has condemned what they described as the unwarranted calls for the prosecution of Chairman and CEO of Air Peace airline, Allen Onyema over allegations of fraud yet to be proven.

According to Nation Online, Speaking to newsmen at a media parley, the National Public Relations Officer, NANS, Comrade Azeez Adeyemi said, “It was important to note that as students, we are not unaware of possible international politics that might be targeted at the CEO of Air Peace especially after giving back to his country by bringing hundreds of Nigerian home free of charge, rescuing them from the hands of animals in South Africa.”He further noted that although the Air Peace boss said he had never laundered any money, adding that he transferred his money for purchase of the aircraft through the Central Bank of Nigeria, he has also called on the American government to contact the receiver of the fund which is an American company, since the company is still in business.

He, however, said that the travails of Mr Onyema will not deter them from identifying and appreciating philanthropists, especially lovers of students.

In a related development, the students body also lauded the humanitarian services being rendered by various people, noting that someone like Dr. Teniola Adesanya, the Group Chief Executive Officer of Oxford Group, who recently bailed out over 85 students and saving them from dropping out of school, was worthy of emulation.

The high point of the occasion was the conferment of award of Youth Ambassador on Dr. Teniola Adesanya in recognition of his outstanding philanthropic gesture over the years.

  

NIGERIAN SEX TRAFFICKERS JAILED IN FRANCE

A French court sentenced 24 members of a Lyon-based sex trafficking ring to prison terms of up to seven years for forcing Nigerian women into prostitution.

Nearly all of the defendants were themselves Nigerian, in the latest case to highlight the growing use of African migrants in the European sex trade.

According to AIT NEWS Online, They include one of Europe’s most wanted women, Jessica Edosomwan, accused of acting as a France-based “madam” to women recruited mainly in Nigeria’s southern Edo State.

Edosomwan was tried in absentia.

Nigeria was the main country of origin for the tens of thousands of migrants who crossed the Mediterranean to Europe by boat in 2016 and 2017.

Many were women and girls lured to Europe with false promises of jobs as hairdressers or seamstresses, only to find themselves selling sex to repay their smugglers.

Seventeen women filed complaints against the defendants but none of the victims attended the trial, with the exception of one former sex worker who found herself in the dock for luring another woman into the trade.

The accused had faced up to 10 years’ imprisonment on charges including human trafficking, pimping, money laundering and helping people live illegally in France.

Prosecutors estimated that the victims, aged 17 to 38, made up to $166 000 a month for the syndicate by selling sex in vans parked by the side of the road for as little as 10 euros.

A French mechanic who looked after the vans was among the 24 defendants.

Last year, 15 members of a Paris-based, female-led pimping ring known as the “Authentic Sisters” – many themselves former trafficking victims – were jailed for up to 11 years for forcing girls into slavery in France.

Similar gangs have also been dismantled in Italy and Britain.

The UN estimates that 80 per cent of young Nigerian women arriving in Italy – usually their first port of call in Europe – are already in the clutches of prostitution networks, or quickly fall under their control.

Most of the women come from Nigeria’s Benin City, a human trafficking hotbed.

Many told investigators they had taken part in “juju” or black magic rituals before leaving Nigeria, during which they had to promise to repay the money for their passage to Europe.

ASUU queries FG: Why are staff of CBN, NDIC, FIRS not on IPPIS?

Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has posed some tough questions to the Federal Government, asking why some federal agencies such as the Federal Inland Revenue Services, Central Bank of Nigeria and the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation are not captured on the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System(IPPIS).

ASUU Chairman, University of Abuja branch, Dr. Kassim Umaru, raised the query while puncturing the insistence of the Federal Government that its members must enrol on the platform.

In a statement on Saturday, Umaru dismissed the payment system as a scam and said ASUU members will not join it.

The Office of Accountant-General of the Federation said that data of university workers and colleges of education be captured on the system between Monday November 25 and December 7.

Umaru said the National Executive Council of ASUU had a meeting and directed its members not to enrol, adding that the chapter will comply with the order from the national body.

Umaru argued that the payroll system is totally in violation of university autonomy and does not have any legal backing.

He faulted the government for resorting to threats whenever there was disagreement between the union and government.

Umaru urged the government to come to the table and discuss with the union instead of threatening to stop their salaries.

“As far as we are concerned in the union, we have worked and we must be paid. Eventually, if the government decides to stop our salary then the NEC will reconsider the decision of the government then appropriate action will be taken,”

“There is massive corruption in IPPIS. Did government care to investigate IPPIS itself? We are saying why is CBN not in IPPIS? Why is NDIC not in IPPIS? Why is Federal Inland Revenue not in IPPIS? But the lecturers who are just collecting stipends to be pulled into IPPIS so that our legal entitlement will not be paid.

“We are not going to allow it. We are not going to be part of the staff that are going to be enrolled in IPPIS. We took a resolution and we are reaffirming the direction of the national, that is NEC. NEC took a decision that we are not going to get enrolled into IPPIS and you know what our union is actually against is that the university has an autonomy and if you look at it clearly, this autonomy we are saying is enshrined in Section 2AA of the University Miscellaneous Provision Amendment Act of 2003 which clearly explained the role of the Governing Council.

“Even the Miscellaneous Act we are saying clearly stated that the power of the council shall be exercised as in the law and that status of each university. So it is clear we have an autonomy. Again, university is the peculiar nature of the appointment of university as academics. Our 2009 agreement which was negotiated by the federal government and our union is also there. So many issues are there and that is why our union is saying we should be allowed to produce a template which will have all these series of issues but not to have a center point of payment.”