WHAT NEXT FOR TRCN, NOW THAT DECEMBER 31ST DEADLINE TO UNQUALIFIED TEACHERS LAPSE

The federal government of Nigeria in 2019 threatened to sack unqualified teachers who failed to register before December, 31, 2019 and it's already two weeks after with no statement from government

The Teachers registration council of Nigeria which has the mandate to set qualification examinations for teachers is yet to make any comment.

A story on ait.live recalls that the Registrar, teachers registration council, Professor Olusegun Ajiboye had in several press conferences and statements said that even though Nigeria needs 250,000 teachers annually to meet the demand, government will not hesitate to sack those who refuse to improve themselves

As schools resume for second term,  it remains to be seen who is leaving and who is qualified to teach in Nigerian schools

U.N @ 75: NO COUNTRY OR COMMUNTY CAN SOLVE WORLD'S COMPLEX PROBLEMS ALONE

As the U.N marks 75 years, secretary general Antonio Guterres says no country or community can solve the world's problems all alone

Guterres said this in a tweet

JAMB STOPS USE OF NATIONAL IDENTITY NUMBER, NIN FOR REGISTRATION IN 2020 UTME

No prospective candidate for the 2020 unifyed tertiary matriculation examinations will be needing the national identity number for registration

This is because  the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board JAMB has suspended the use of the National Identification Number for registration in the 2020 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination UTME.

JAMB registra, professor  Ishaq Oloyede, who announced this while briefing journalists in Abuja on Saturday, said the move was to provide more time for candidates to get their national identification numbers.

The JAMB registrar said the suspension was also to allow for time to address some technical challenges being experienced by candidiates

Professor oloyede asked candidates to disregard the use of NIN and adhere to other means of registration made available by the board

He said JAMB  may consider the use of NIN on the 2021 test

Director General national identity management agency, Engineer Aliyu Azeez who was present at the briefing regretted the suspension blaming it on inadequate capturing centres across the country 

NIMC D.G said instead of about 4000 centres required for the rush they only have just around 1000 

JAMB registrar had uptill the last week of 2019 vowed that it will adhere strictly to the use of NIN which is a federal government policy asking agencies like JAMB  to rely on  the data from the National identity management agency, NIN

JAMB had on December 23, 2019 announced that sale of forms for 2020 UTME will begin on Monday, january 13, 2020 and the test slated for march, the registrar did not however talked about any shift in date for these schedules

NIGERIA ELECTRICITY: Group wants Buhari to call Minister of power to order over disregard of junior minister's functions

A civil society group, Initiative for Leadership and Economic Watch in Nigeria has called on president Muhammadu Buhari to call minister of power to order over alleged disregard for the functions of his minister of state

Executive Dirctor of the group Ambassador Agbonkpolor Aironmwanbor Splendour address a press conference in abuja

 See speech below...

DISREGARD TO STATUTORY LAID DOWN PROCEDURE, ACT AND THE APPOVED SCHEDULE OF DUTIES BY THE HONOURABLE MINISTER OF POWER, ENGR. SALEH MAMMAN, WHOSE ACTION AMOUNTS TO ADMINISTRATIVE RECKLESSNESS AND CORRUPTION IN PUBLIC OFFICE

The civil society Organization, the gentlemen of the press.

I welcome you all to this all-important press conference, being the 10th of January 2020, on behalf of Initiative for Leadership and Economic Watch in Nigeria and allied Civil Society groups present as we set the record straight on the above Subject Matter.

‘‘When a public officeholder feels too complacent and corruption driven over national assignment given to him/her, if not checked, will certainly lead to abuse of confidence reposed on that public officeholder by the nation which  further shows outright desecration of oath of office which he/she swore to and is supposed to hold in trust for

the entire citizenry for the nation’s development and economic voyage’’ 

‘’Rapid economic growth cannot be achieved holistically, if electrification of rural areas in Nigeria is given less priority in the implementation of the Federal government economic industrialization roadmap, which has vast economic potentials cardinal towards fostering institutional frame work and mechanisms for National Development. The above realities brings to mind the hitherto rural micro economic initiatives and programs of the Federal Government that has the capacity to develop rural communities across Nigeria, which can only be made possible, if constant electricity is provided in rural communities, which further underscored the need for the government to take rural electrification as a major priority in delivering  the dividend of good governance to the people, through access to electricity  in rural communities for micro industries within local communities to strive, which in turn, will expand the Nigeria economy and better the lives of the rural dwellers positively, which will further reduce Rural Urban Migration’’

 ‘’The recent turn of event at the Rural Electrification Agency, where the Minister of Power Engr. Saleh Mamman openly bended the rules, undermine his junior minister to whom the supervisory mandate of REA is vested and delegated, as the minister of State for power, by President Muhammadu Buhari, for which the minister over stretched is hands, beyond his mandate to cause disharmony in a peaceful agency like REA, by deploying somebody from his own state to replace vacant position for deputy Director Funds and Procurement, position identified in the organogram of the REA as units, position supposedly billed to be occupied by Deputy Director, for which the immediate Assistant Directors, who are both qualify to step into the units as heads, which follows the statutory operations of the agency viz-a-viz the Rural Electrification Strategy and implementation Plan (RESIP) approved by Mr. President, whereas the honourable Minister  quoted units heads for directorate position , further expresses high level of ignorance been promoted in REA by the Minister of Power, which office  originally is structured for deputy Director, action regarded as pitiable dismal in administrative governance’’

A position erroneously communicate in a letter sent to the agency, signed by honourable Minister, Engr Saleh Mamman, deployed directors to  occupy position met for deputy director as structured in the Act that established REA, whose decision is regarded as misinformation and administrative misfire, with regards to wrongful authorization of deployment into said departments and meddling in the administrative activities, on matters supposed to be handled by Management and Board, which amounts to abuse of office tantamount to sack. It is the highest level of incompetence displayed so far, not having proper understanding of the working document and operations of the agency, not to further fool the present administration and one of the most respected Ministry (Power) among Federal Ministries in Nigeria''

''Rather than borders on the challenges that besets the rural electrification projects and programs in Nigeria, in a bid to fixing the situation squarely, but turns to be abuse of constituted powers of the Junior Minister with total disregard to laid down schedules and duties approved by  commander in Chief of Arm Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Mahummadu Buhari, meets  discountenance, which is openly expressed by Nigerians in different dailies, the Civil Society been the sixth estate of realm, viewed the Minister of Power action inimical to the good governance of the present administration, which will further put the Present Government in a negative light, in the public domain''

To further set the record straight on the presidential approved Schedule of Duties for ministers and Minister of State, which was duly communicated by the Secretary to the Government of the federation, Mr. Boss Mustapha, in order to facilitate effective delivery of their ministerial mandates based on Government Priority.

‘’We want to use this medium to commend Mr. president Muhammadu Buhari, for his pragmatism in fixing the power sector challenges for rapid economic growth, and we applaud the level of priority given to the power sector under his amiable leadership in order to achieve a sustainable power supply in Nigerian, which is billed to provoke micro industrialization both in urban and rural communities. We equally support Mr. President Anti-corruption stance, towards making sure that those who use public office advantage to defraud the nation, are put behind bars, we salute the efforts of the anti-graft Agencies, the EFCC and ICPC in the fight against corruption in Nigeria under the current administration, as Nigeria is gradually winning the war against Corruption’’

The Federal Ministry of Power mandate is to develop and implement policies to achieve and sustain adequate and reliable power supply for the nation and coordinate the activities of the private and public sector operators of the electricity industry.

RESPONSIBILTIES OF THE HONOURABLE MINISTER

1       Provide overall political leadership to the ministry in line with government objective toward the attainment of its goals;

2       Provide overall guidance in the formulation and implementation of policies necessary for the realization of the mandate of the ministry;

3       Promote policies, programmes and projects for the improvement in the efficiency and effectiveness of infrastructure delivery;

4       Advise government on matters relating to the formulation and execution of federal government’s electric power sector policy and ensure consistency of such policies with all other federal government micro-economic policies;

5       Provide oversight to the following programmes/activities of the ministry:

a.      National Integrated Power Project (NIPP)

b.      Supervise the activities of generation and distribution company (GenCos and DisCos)

6       oversees the following parastatals

a. Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN)

b.  Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) 

c. Nigeria Bulk Electricity Trading PLC (NBET)   

D. Nigeria Electricity Liability Management Company (NELMCO)  

THE RESPONSIBILTY OF THE MINISTER OF STATE 

1.      Assist in the formulation and implementation of policies within its scheduled are in a manner that support the realization of the mandate of the Ministry

2.      Responsible for the following programs/ activities of the ministry

A.      Rural electrification programmes

B.      Training and capacity development

3.      Oversee the following Parastatals:

A.      Rural Electrification Agency (REA) 

B.      National Power Training Institute of Nigeria (NAPTIN) 

C.      Nigeria Electricity management Services Agencies (NEMSA)

Disregard to the above laid down rights, procedure and approved schedule of duties by the Honourable Minister of power, Engr. Saleh Mamman, a presidential correspondence communicated to both Ministers by the secretary to the government of the federation, Mr. Boss Mustapha on the  21th  of October 2019, for immediate compliance, difference to that directives amounts to corruption and bending the established rules of engagements and operations.

It on the strength of the above realism that we call on the honourable Minister of power, Engr. Saleh Mamman to retrieve steps, not to jettison the obvious presidential directives that clearly states the responsibilities of senior Minister of power and the Minister of state, not to be seen undermining the powers of the President, as affirmed in the said responsibilities and duties, to further set the records straight.

Bending the established rule of engagements and operation, amount to corruption and abuse of office, not to jettison the obvious facts and undermine the powers of the president of the Federal republic of Nigeria, action, shows administrative rascality. The Honourable Minister allegedly redeployed four of his cronies to the REA, (three from the northeast and one from the northwest) to the Procurement Unit and other department in the Agency.” 

The level of rascality, which characterized public office holders administrative engagements is very alarming, practices which undermine the laid down rules of engagement as to their responsibilities and duties as assigned by  the Federal Government, which is another dimension of corruption that eventually translates into financial resources, thereby stealing from government coffers to satisfy their greed.

‘’We therefore call on Mr. President to call the Minister power, Engr. Saleh Mamman to order, being a very sensitive ministry, we urge the Honourable Minister to honourably call back those persons already wrongly deployed to Rural Electrification Agency (REA) not to continue in the above administrative flaws.

Long live Federal Republic of Nigeria!

Long live President Muhammadu Buhari!!

Long Live Federal Ministry Power!!!

Ambassador Agbonkpolor Aironmwanbor Splendour

Executive Director,

Initiative for Leadership and Economic Watch in Nigeria

UNIVERSITY EDUCATION: ASUU meets President Buhari over IPPIS, may drop strike threat

The controversy rocking the non-acceptance of the integrated payroll and personnel information system, IPPIS by the Academic staff union of universities, ASUU may be having a new twist after a meeting between president muhammadu Buhari and the teachers

 The closed door meeting which held on Thursday with ASUU at the aso rock villa,  may not be unconnected with the faceoff between the accountant generals office and ASUU over IPPIS

 ASUU leadership led by its president, professor Biodun Ogunyemi rejected the presidential directive in IPPIS and asked its members not to allow themselves to be captured in the scheme claiming it has developed an alternative solution called University Transparency and Accountability Solution (UTAS).

It is however not confirmed if the issue will be resolved after a high power meeting of this nature, especially as the federal government delegation and the leadership of ASUU declined to speak with journalists

POLY WORKERS BEGIN STRIKE

The story below dropped on various social media platform this Thursday, please read

*SENIOR STAFF ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA POLYTECHNICS FEDERAL POLYTECHNIC BIDA CHAPTER (SSANIP-BD) COMMENCE INDUSTRIAL ACTION*

The senior staff association of the nigeria polytechnic Bida chapter has from today Thursday embarked on strike actions.

The congress of the union unnanymously agreed to embark on an immediate strike in parcentage of about 92% to 8% .

The Union last week suspended its sit at home directive which was issued to members in November last year.

Our reporter who covered the Congress Meeting at the venue has it that there were serious debates as to why they should go on strike and some of the reasons advanced were that security of members is still threatened under the present leadership of Dr.Abubakar Dzukogi the institution's rector.

That lingering issues the union in November gave the management one week to address have not been met.

The union say some of their duties and functions at the registry are sytematically being taken over by the academics.

And principally they are clamouring to be paid their owed allowances and the salary shortfall should immediately.

There was an allegation that one member simply identitified as Oyinbo was financially influenced by the management to cause caos and distrupt the Meeting but he was controlled and contained by anti-management group.

The Congress came to an end at exactly 11:47am after haven started at about 10:00am with Chief Mrs Bawa the chairperson of the union appreciating the large turnout of members.

There is no end in sight for normalcy as the two unions in the federal polytechnic bida are on full blown strike with the Academics demanding Rector must go.

And in another development the Deans of the 7 Schools that make up the Federal Polytechnic Bida were served a letter to appear before a committee to answer why they did not attend the Academic Board Meeting scheduled for Tuesday 7th January 2020.

The head and the chairman of the committee is one Mr. Ahmed Nasiru a junior in rank to the Deans and an ally of the Rector.

Hassan Bello

hassanbello114@gmail.com

Writes from Abuja , Nigeria

Thursday 9th January 2020.

NATIONAL UNIVERSITIES COMMISSION SET TO RECREATE MORE COURSES FROM AGRICULTURE, ARCHITECTURE AND MASS COMMUNICATIONS

Nigerian students will soon begin to choose from more variety of course of study as the National universities commission, NUC reveals plans of  unbundling Agriculture, architecture and creative arts programmes  

The NUC executive secretary professor Abubakar rasheed said it has become necessariy following the changes in times and the advancement in technology

One other programme being unbundle and which has reached advanced stage is mass communications

According to the national universities commission seven programmes have been created from mass communication which are expected to take effect from 2020/2021 academic session

the NUC says it is also putting finishing touches towards the introduction of totally fresh programmes of study on peace, conflict and research as part of response to globalisation and its demands.

NIGERIAN STUDENTS PUSH FOR ESTABLISHMENT OF 'STUDENT ENTREPRENEURSHIP PROGRAMME'

Nigerian students under the auspices of the National association of Nigerian students, NANS is pushing for the establishment of the 'students entrepreneurial scheme

The student union group made the statement on Tuesday when it paid a visit to  Nigeria's Vice President, professor Yemi Osinbajo at the state house, presidential villa Abuja

President of NANS, Danielson Bamidele Akpan who led the students on the visit, praised the Vice President for his commitment to a better Nigeria and for his loyalty to President Muhammadu Buhari.

 Comrade Akpan in leading the delegation of Nigerian Students and stakeholders said the proposed entrepreneurship programme if established by the federal government will help to raise business capital for students who want to venture into business and other such vocations.

 

The students leadership extolled the Vice President for his exemplary leadership quality, patriotism, loyalty and dedication to the betterment of Nigerians at the grassroot level through the National Social Investment Programme.

 

In responding to the students request  vice president   Prof. Osinbajo thanked the delegation for the visit and commended the initiative of the students, while promising further collaboration between the offiice the Vice President, the federal givernment and NANS.

SOCIAL MEDIA: Zuckerberg names Facebook number ONE.

President Donald Trump boasted Monday that Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg told him at dinner he is “number one” on the global social media platform.

“I had dinner with Mark Zuckerberg the other day and he said ‘I’d like to congratulate you… you are number one on Facebook,’” Trump said.

A post by NAIJALOADED.COM.NG says The president, speaking in a live interview with right-wing radio talk show host Rush Limbaugh, did not specify when the dinner happened.

A spokesman for Facebook said the last such dinner took place in October.

The president noted the importance of social media to his messaging, which depends on bypassing much of the professional news media, which he accuses of bias against him.

Trump, who has nearly 70 million followers on Twitter, told Limbaugh that without the platform, “I think we’d be lost.”

“We wouldn’t be able to get the truth out,” he said.

US social media platforms have come under criticism for enabling misinformation and fake news in the build-up to the 2020 presidential election.

Trump himself has repeatedly used Facebook and Twitter to push untrue statements and conspiracy theories.

Both those platforms have responded by saying they will not attempt to weed out lies from politicians because their statements fall under the category of “newsworthy” content.

Trump is number one on Facebook in terms of political ad spending, leading to accusations that the company is unduly influenced by the Republican.

At the October dinner at the White House, Trump and Zuckerberg were reportedly joined by Facebook board member Peter Thiel.

After, Democratic presidential candidate Senator Elizabeth Warren called for transparency over Facebook’s links to Trump.

BBC study shows a quarter of minimum wage workers are underpaid

A quarter of people aged 25 and over who should be receiving the minimum wage are being underpaid, according to the Resolution Foundation think tank.

The group's research shows the number of firms not complying with minimum wage payments has increased since the National Living Wage started in 2016.

Before then, about one in five workers aged 25 and over was underpaid but this figure is now more than one in four.

The government said it wanted to ensure all those eligible were correctly paid.

A spokesperson told the BBC: "The government is determined that everyone who is entitled to the National Minimum Wage receives it.

"All businesses, irrespective of size or business sector are responsible for paying the correct minimum wage to their staff. HMRC won't hesitate to take action to ensure that workers receive what they are legally entitled to.

"In 2018-19, HMRC completed over 3,000 investigations, identifying over £24.4m, the highest amount in a single year, for more than 220,000 workers.

"Consequences for not complying with paying National Minimum Wage can include fines of 200% of the arrears, and, for the worst offences, criminal prosecution."

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The think tank's study - called Under the Wage Floor - says that most firms want to pay the minimum wage, and that fines are the main deterrent for offending companies.

However, it argues that these penalties are still far too low to stop some firms flouting the law.

What is the minimum wage?

The UK national minimum wage sets out the least a worker can be paid per hour by law.

As of April 2019, it stood at £8.21 an hour for people aged 25 and older - the government refers to this main rate as the National Living Wage. 

There are four minimum wages below this amount for younger workers and apprentices:

• 21-24 years old: £7.70 (£8.20 from April 2020)
• 18-20 years old: £6.15 (£6.45 from April 2020)
• Under-18: £4.35 (£4.55 from April 2020)
• Apprentice: £3.90 (£4.15 from April 2020)

Lindsay Judge, the Resolution Foundation's senior policy analyst, said: "The minimum wage has been one of the UK's biggest policy successes in recent decades, delivering much-needed pay rises to millions of low-paid workers.

Its success is dependent on employers taking it seriously, with those firms paying it not being undercut by a minority that fail to do so.

"The welcome introduction of the National Living Wage in 2016 has led to a worrying rise in minimum wage underpayment. As the government plans to increase the legal wage floor through this Parliament, it is essential to strengthen the incentives for firms to comply."

G20: NLC and ITUC Global president Ayuba Wabba attending

 ITUC Global president and president Nigeri labour congress, NLC, Ayuba Wabba In Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Monday, as part of the G20 meeting

MINIMUM WAGE: Nassarawa state gves 24-man committee 3 days as plateau denies earlier statement

The delay in constituting a minimum wage adjustment committee is throwing up drastic moves in some states

News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has inaugurated a 24-man committed to workout the modalities for the implementation of the new minimum wage in the state.

The committee has Emmanuel Akabe, Deputy Governor of the state as its Chairman, and 11 representatives from the government site and 13 members from the organised labour.

Speaking at the inauguration on Tuesday in Lafia, the governor said that the committee was set up in fulfilment to the promised he had made to improve living conditions of workers through better welfare package.

“This is in line with our determination to improve the welfare of public servants as they are the cornerstone for the implementation of Government policies and programmes.

“We are always in the front burner on the issue of the implementation of the National minimum wage in the country and since the signing into law of the new law, we have continue to make consultation on how to implement it in the state,” he said.

He explained that It is in this connection that the was inaugurated to study the National Minimum Wage (Amendment) Act, make necessary consultations and recommend to Government a workable template for implementation.

The governor charged the committee to be guided by the revenue accruals to the State vis-à-vis its ability to pay the Minimum Wage

He listed the terms of reference of the committee to includes; to obtain and study the National Minimum Wage (Amendment) Act, 2009 and the Consequential Adjustments at the federal level.

Others are; to obtain and study copies of agreements reached between the Federal Government and the Organized Labour in line with the consequential adjustment/increase in all the salary structures.

To liaise with the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment (if necessary) for technical assistance on the implementation of the new minimum wage for the State.

Governor Sule therefore said that the committee has three (3) weeks to complete its assignment and submit Report to Government for prompt action.

The governor also assured workers the committee to consider the implementation of outstanding promotions, arrears and proper placements of the civil servants would be inaugurated on Monday January 13.

Meanwhile in an interview with newsmen after the inauguration, Com. Yusuf Iya, State’s Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), commended the governor for the steps so far.

He however expressed hope that the committee who he is a member would adopt the template used at the federal level in order ensure improved welfare package for workers in the state. (NAN).

Find plateau state press statement below

PRESS RELEASE 

The new minimum wage saga: 

I was quoted out of context – Manjang 

The attention of the Plateau State Government has been drawn to the news making the rounds in the social and conventional media that it was ready to implement the payment of the N30,000.00 minimum wage without recourse to negotiations on the consequential adjustments. 

This statement was purported to have been made by the Honourable Commissioner of Information and Communication, Dan Manjang. 

The commissioner has since clarified the statement saying he was quoted out of context. Reacting in a Press Release which was circulated to the media, Mr. Manjang denied the fact that he said that “there was no need for any negotiation with any group of persons before the implementation” having earlier said a committee to that effect had been put in place and negotiation was going on. That would amount to double-speak and serious contradiction. 

Mr. Manjang maintained that the state government has set up a committee to negotiate with labour about the consequential adjustments as directed by the Federal Government based on the peculiarity, sustainability and capacity of each state. He reiterated that government was committed to the welfare of its workers. Mr. Manjang appealed to workers and the unions to remain calm while negotiations are on and pending the recommendation of same. 

Signed:

Dan Manjang

Hon. Commissioner 

Information and communication

Group to propose increase in minimum wage

Workers assemble parts at Foster Electric Thilawa in the Thilawa Special Economic Zone on the outskirt of Yangon, in August 2019. Photo: EPA

According to post by Myanmar times, Labour organisations will propose an increase in the country’s minimum wage when the National Committee for Minimum Wage holds meeting later in the year.

The Confederation of Trade Unions of Myanmar (CTUM) has conducted a survey on the cost of living and the cost of health of a worker in Yangon, Bago, Mandalay, Magwe and Sagaing regions and Shan and Kayin states.

U Win Zaw, a central committee of the workers’ group, said they are inclined to propose K7200 (US$4.93) for eight hours work or K900 per hour work.

At present, the minimum wage is set at K4800 for eight hours of work despite opposition from labour groups. The current wage is up for review in May this year.

“We have received recommendations from CTUM, labour activists and other federations that the minimum wage should be raised,” U Win Zaw told The Myanmar Times.

The National Committee for Minimum Wage is comprised of 27 representatives from the government, workers, and employers. The committee is tasked to review the country’s minimum wage every two years.

The current minimum wage was approved in May 2018 so it is up for review starting in May this year.

The committee will deliberate on the issue and will have to announce the agreement within 60 days. If no objection is raised to the agreement, it will be confirmed on the day the directive is issued by the Union government.

U Thet Hnin Aung, general secretary of the Myanmar Industries Craft & Services Trade Unions Federation (MICS), said his group is also conducting its own survey and would not want to comment on the labour group’s plan.

"We are still doing surveys. We are thinking of ways to control the rising commodity prices, rather than asking for a raise in the minimum wage," he said.

“It's not certain if the set minimum wage for the entire country would be reset depending on types of businesses or different states and regions,” he added. “It's hard to show support for setting the same rate for the entire country. The committee meeting will focus on setting a reasonable rate and resetting depending on the types of businesses.” -Translated

BREAKING: Sadio Manè wins CAF Footballer of the year

Sadio Mane wins CAF African Player of the

Year award.

 Sadio Mane has been crowned 2019 CAF African Player of the Year. The speedster edged Liverpool teammate Mohamed Salah – winner in 2017 and 2018 – and Algeria attacker Riyad Mahrez to the prestigious award

U.N scribe, Guterres wants world leaders to avoid war by all means possible

The U.N secretary general, Antonio Guterres in his Twitter handle @antonioguterres has challenged the world to avoid war by all means

His tweet "The New Year has begun with our world in turmoil.

My message is clear:  

 

Stop escalation. 

 

Exercise maximum restraint.

 

Re-start dialogue.

 

Renew international cooperation. 

 

Let us not forget the terrible human suffering caused by war. It is our common duty to avoid it.

UNICEF Concerns as Sudan: Intercommunal clashes displace tens of thousands in volatile Darfur region

Peace and Security

Around 40,000 have been displaced in Sudan’s West Darfur State in recent days, following intercommunal clashes, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said on Tuesday, citing Sudanese Government data.

“Violence between communities in and around El Geneina, the capital of West Darfur State, had reportedly killed at least 54 people, injured 60 and displaced 40,000, since 28 December”, OCHA Spokesperson Jens Laerke told reporters in Geneva, adding that humanitarian partners were working to verify the displacement figures.

📍Our latest update on the situation and humanitarian response in West Darfur, Sudan, where violence has displaced 

There have also been reports of attacks on camps for internally displaced people, and homes being burned. Humanitarian partners are closely monitoring the situation and gathering information on needs to respond as soon as the security situation allows.

During the Darfur conflict between the Government, their militiamen allies and rebel groups, which began in 2003, the UN estimated that around 300,000 were killed, and around 2.7 million forced from their homes. Former president al-Bashir was indicted for war crimes including genocide, nine years ago.

“Thousands of people had crossed the border into Chad seeking refuge in villages near the border”, Mr. Laerke said, adding that the displaced within West Darfur had taken refuge in schools and government buildings, while the UN and partners were supporting the government response and that of national partners.

Close to 4,000 flee into Chad: UNHCR

For his part, Andrej Mahecic, spokesperson for the UN refugee agency (UNHCR), added that UNHCR teams had identified at least 3,700 people, including more than 2,000 women and 500 children under-five, who had crossed the border between West Darfur and Chad.

“The conditions were dire, and most refugees were staying out in the open; food and water were urgently needed”, he explained.

According to OCHA, shelter, food, water, health services and non-food items are the most urgent priorities.

Amid security concerns, the African Union-UN Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID) has helped to relocate 32 aid workers to Zalingei, Central Darfur.

“The situation in the affected area was currently calm and seemed to be stabilizing”, concluded the OCHA spokesperson.

(UNICEF)

FOOTBALL: Fans still talking about Ronaldo joining Sanchez in exclusive hat-trick for club

The 34-year-old shows no sign of slowing down as he adds to his ever-growing list of goalscoring achievers, Cristiano Ronaldo continues to write his name in the record books after beginning 2020 with a hat-trick for Juventus in their 4-0 win against Cagliari in Serie A on Monday.

His second-half treble in Turin means he becomes just the second player to score a Serie A hat-trick, a La Liga hat-trick and a Premier League hat-trick this century, after Alexis Sanchez.

Sanchez achieved this feat when he scored a hat-trick for Arsenal in a 5-2 win against Leicester at the King Power Stadium in September 2015, having previously hit trebles for Barcelona and Udinese.

Ronaldo, of course, hit league hat-tricks for Manchester United and Real Madrid prior to his effort for the Bianconeri at Allianz Stadium.

Article continues beloAfter a goalless first half, Ronaldo opened the scoring four minutes after the restart before doubling Juve’s lead from the penalty spot midway through the second period.

The 34-year-old then turned provider by setting up Gonzalo Higuain to make it 3-0 with eight minutes remaining. The former Manchester United and Real Madrid man then completed his hat-trick a minute later to wrap-up a thumping win.

It was the Portugal forward’s 36th league hat-trick of his career - no player has scored more in Europe’s big five leagues since 2008. That includes his great rival Lionel Messi, who is second on the list with 34, while Luiz Suarez is a distant third with 16.

In total, Ronaldo has now scored 56 hat-tricks for club and country, with his ninth treble for Portugal against Lithuania in November equalling the international record for most hat-tricks held by Sweden’s Sven Rydell.

Ronaldo's opening goal also meant he became the first player to score at least one goal in one of Europe's top five leagues in each of the last 18 years, stretching all the way back to his first goal for Manchester United against Portsmouth in November 2003.

There are only two other players currently active who can match this feat - 38-year-old Real Betis forward Joaquin and 41-year-old Werder Bremen striker Claudio Pizarro.

ENTERTAINMENT Nigeria Online News media reports Nollywood actress, Jennifer Omole, is dead

The late Nollywood actress, Jennifer Omole

PREMIUMTIMES reported as saying that a fast-rising Nollywood actress, Jennifer Omole, has passed on.

She died in Spain on Thursday and was buried on Friday evening at Villarejo de Salvanes, Madrid.

She was 33.

Nollywood actress, Uche Ogbodo, broke the news of her death on Instagram on Sunday.

Uche played a lead role in the late actress’ hit movie ‘Stolen Vow’ which premiered in UK, Spain and Switzerland in December 2017. They both executive-produced the film.

The late actress, who hailed from Edo State, spent most of her time in Spain where she was based.

She had a number of movies to her credit including a lead role in ‘Adamu and Eva’, a movie shot in Spain.

Her friends said she recently moved to the United Kingdom where she was more successful and had her movie premiered in London.

In his tribute on Facebook, her manager, Eddyjoe Benson, wrote, “I Don’t Know What To Say…. Or Write. I Wanna Say Rest In Peace (RIP) My Boss, Jennifer Omole. Working with you made me realize that there are still good people out there. Working with you gave me the level of exposure on how to sell movies to Africa Magic etc…

Rest on I can’t question God”.

The late actress was a member of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Spain chapter.

Over 650 CBT Centres get accreditation for 2020 UTME

Over 650 Computer Based Test, CBT centres have been given accreditation for this year (2020) Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, UTME by the Joint Admissions and matriculation board, JAMB

JAMB Head, Media and Information, Dr Fabian Benjamin, told the News Agency of Nigeria on Sunday in Lagos  that every arrangements for the start of the sales of form across the country had been concluded.

JAMB said that it would commence the sales of its registration documents from Monday, January 13, to Monday, February 17.

The board has fixed this year’s examination for March 14 to April 4, while an optional mock examination for candidates is scheduled for February 18.

According to Dr. Benjamin, “We are set to go, Logistics have been put in place to ensure a smooth process.

“Like you may know, over 650 CBT centres have been accredited for this year’s examination and the board expects nothing short of the best practices.

“We have clearly defined the process, just like we have also put mechanism in place that will address any challenge or challenges that may arise before, during and even after the examination.

“We also want to emphasise the fact that there is no going back on the use of the National Identification Number, for the acquisition of the registration documents by prospective candidates,” he said.

He urged candidates seeking to sit for this year’s UTME and who are yet to acquire the NIN to intensify efforts to do so in order to participate in the examination.

“My advice to the candidates ahead of the registration is to ensure that they seek advice or help from officials of the board.

“They should not involve third parties. They should always ensure too that they secure their personal data.

“They should not disclose it to anyone, not even the JAMB officials, because doing so could lead to the mutilation of their records and other implications that could affect them much later in life.

“The board also wishes to state that the sale of Direct Entry forms closes same day as the UTME forms. There will be no extension,” Benjamin declared.

(NAN)

NIGERIAN GOVERNMENT THREATENS TO APPROACH COURT OVER 'FAKE PROFESSORS'

The national universities commission, NUC has threaten to take to court any institution promoting its staff to 'so called' professors without due qualification

According to @officialaitnews reports that the Executive secretary of the National Universities Commission, Professor Abubakar Rasheed gave the warning in Abuja while answering questions on the news over availability of 100 fake professors in Nigerian universities

The NUC esxecutive secretary said hinted that the number of fake professors may be more than one hundred after it completed the ongoing compilation

On the accusation by the national assembly that accreditation of programmes and institutions have been compromised by the National universities commission, professor Rasheed confirmed the suspension and sack of  some staff found culpable in the process

The universities regulatory body says it has started the crackdown on sub-standard degrees and certificates from institutions home and abroad which are issued to desperate students seeking to obtain 'call up' letters from the National youth service corps, NYSC

It assured that a comprehensive list of fake universities in Nigeria is billed to be out in the first quarter of 2020

SUPRISE! All of a.sudden, Nigerian Citizenship Becomes Attractive To American Music Star

A Story Published by PUNCH online says

American rapper and songwriter, Cardi B, has expressed dissatisfaction with the killing of a top Iranian general, Qasem Soleimani, by the United States government.

The songwriter made this known in a tweet, where she criticised the US government.

She also revealed her plans to apply for Nigerian citizenship.

It will be recalled that Soleimani was on Friday morning killed in an air attack in Baghdad.

The US government had claimed responsibility for the attack, saying that Soleimani was ‘terminated’ because he was on the verge of attacking its diplomats.

However, Iran vowed to launch a “harsh revenge” over Soleimani’s ‘termination’. Also, hundreds of Iranians have taken to the streets to protest the top general’s death.

Apart from Iran, other countries, including the United Nations have condemned the attack and declared support for Iran, except Israel.

Reacting, Cardi B tweeted, “Specially being from New York. It’s sad this man (Trump) is putting Americans’ lives in danger. Dumbest move Trump did till date (sic) … I’m filing for my Nigerian citizenship.”

“Picking my tribe,” she added after about an hour later.

The American star recently visited Nigeria for a live performance.

Cardi B, who arrived in Nigeria on December 5, also visited a motherless home in Lagos to donate gifts.

ENTERTAINMENT: Read What Davido Says About US, Iran Rift

A post by online Media DAILYPOST is reporting that Nigerian popular singer, Davido has reacted to the killing of an Iranian General, Qassem Soleimani by the United States backed airstrike.

The strike had killed Soleimani, who is the Revolutionary Guard General and head of the elite Quds Force, at Baghdad International Airport.

The strike also killed Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, the deputy commander of the Iran-backed militias in Iraq, the Popular Mobilization Forces, which recently stormed the US embassy in Baghdad.

Soleimani’s killing sparked rumour of a third world war likely to start between the US and Iran.

However, Davido, whose full name is David Adeleke vowed not to visit the US until the “draft is over.”

In a tweet, Davido wrote: “Not going to America till the draft is over !! Crazy ass Trump trynna have me shouting Shekpe from Iran.”

Trump had disclosed that Soleimani was plotting to kill lots of American citizens but was caught in the process.

In a series of tweets on his verified Twitter handle, the US President had insisted that the late general was responsible for the deaths of thousands of Americans.

(Daily post)

ONE MILLION NAIRA: Nigerian Super star, Davido Fulfills Promise to Fans

According to Naijaloaded and Posted by Mcadioh

No Audio Money! As Davido fulfilled his concert promise by giving the guy, and the girl their 1 Million Naira Cash.

As he always claims to be “A Talk & Do Man”, Davido as yet again proves himself to be a true man of his word.

We can all recall how he promised a Convenat male student and Afe Babalola female student 1 Million Naira each during his “A Good Time” concert at the Eko Atlantic, Lagos.

Na so them these ones become Millionaire Ooo! God When!

OBO! We rise be lifting others!

MINIMUM WAGE: Labour Upholds Threat, Issues 21 Days Strike Notice in Niger As Plateau Begins Talks

Organised Labour in Nigeria has started pulling through its threat not to guarantee industrial harmony in any state which continues to delay consequential adjustment of the National minimum wage

This is coming as the Niger State chapter of the Organized Labour has handed down a 21-day ultimatum to the state government to pay the N30,000 new minimum wage or face an indefinite strike. This was arrived at after it emergency state Executive Council (SEC) meeting in Minna on Friday. 

Labour said it was left with no option than to issue the ultimatum following government’s inability to adequately respond to the issues raised in an earlier letter. 

The labour in a letter, titled “notice of 21 days ultimatum of indefinite strike action” jointly signed by the state Chairman, Comrade Yakubu Garba, state Chairman Trade Union Congress (TUC), Comrade Yunusa D. Tanimu pointed out that “the organized labour in the state has resolved to once more demand from the government the implementation of the N30,000 new minimum wage, consequential adjustment and also payment of the accrued arrears before Monday, 4th February 2020. 

The Niger state government had said that its 2020 budget is based on the payment of the N30,000 minimum wage. 

The commissioners for Planning Alhaji Mamman Musa and that of Finance, Alhaji Zakari Abubakar while giving the breakdown of the budget in Minna recently said like other aspects of the budget the implementation will commence once the fiscal estimates is passed by the house of assembly and assented to by the governor

The commissioners declined to say exactly when the minimum wage payment will commence but said “…everything in the budget will be implemented in 2020.” 

They further submitted that the state will not have difficulty in paying the N30,000 minimum wage because they are already paying N22,500, and that what they need now is N7,500, which has been taken care of that in the budget

Meanwhile a story by NAN says the Plateau Chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), says it is still negotiating with the state government on the consequential adjustments of the N30,000 minimum wage.

Eugene Manji, the state NLC Chairman, made the disclosure in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Jos.

The national secretariat of NLC had issued a December 31 ultimatum to state governments to implement the new minimum wage or face industrial action.

Mr Manji said series of meetings had been held with the government on the consequential adjustments but added that an agreement was yet to be reached on the template.

“We started negotiation with government on Dec. 30, 2019 and they made some offer on what they intended to pay.

“We went and studied the offer and reconvened on Dec. 31, 2019 and we rejected it.

“They asked the salary and wages department to come up with a new offer on Thursday and we are to meet again to look at it,” he said.

He said that outcome of the meeting would determine the NLC’s next line of action.

Mr Manji said that the national body of the NLC had been informed of the ongoing negotiation on the new minimum wage.