Saturday, January 20, 2024

I Pitied My Old classmate

I met an old class mate we had not seen each other for about 30 years. 

When I saw him again, this time at a hotel lobby, he was looking simple. He wore simple clothes. I felt touched.

He walked up to me and was glad to see me again. But deep within me I was not impressed with his status compared to mine and poor me, and I couldn't hide it.

We exchanged contact details and I could see the joy in him as he collected mine.
I told him I would drop him home in my brand new Range Rover and I pointed it to him. He declined and said he had already called for his car. It looked old, a 2001 Honda Accord.

I invited him the next day for lunch at my house. A part of me wanted to impress him, to show off my success and affluence to him; while another was to discuss opportunities and possibly help him.

He drove to Parkview where I lived. He looked impressed with my home. I had taken a heavy mortgage. In fact, I was heavily in debt. We had lunch. He told me he was into small business and particularly real Estate. I brought up more business discussions, but he didn't sound too interested. I asked him how I could help him. He said he was fine. I even told him if he was interested, I could help him secure some loans. He looked at me and smiled.

He told me he would invite me over soon to his place. His old car came for him. I was grateful to God for what I had.  “Fingers are not all equal”, I thought to myself. I was lucky. I worked in a good place.

Two weeks later, my wife and I  went to see him in a remote area. Initially, my wife was reluctant to go because she was not impressed with the man's status as to warrant our visiting him in his house.
I was able to convince her that we were close friends in College.

We saw the Estate. We asked for directions to his home. Those leading us spoke his name with deference.

It was a simple but lovely home. A 4-bedroom bungalow. I saw 4 cars parked in front. We entered his home. It was simply elegant with a touch of class inside. He welcomed us warmly.

Lunch was we
ell served.
His wife called him Papa Onos.

During lunch, he asked about my MD. He said they were friends. I saw a company gift on one of his tables nearby. That company owned about 38% shares where I worked. I enquired from him about it. He smiled. He told me he owned the company. He also owned the Estate.

I did not know when I called him sir.  I was in awe of him too.

I had learnt a lesson in humility, A big one. Appearances are deceptive. He noticed my discomfort.

Driving back home, I was very quiet. My wife was humbled and extremely calm. I could perceive the thoughts in her mind. I looked at myself. Living on loans, heavy loans and showing off while someone who pays my salary is quite modest and living a simple life.

Indeed Deeper Rivers Flow In Majestic Silence.
Adjust your perception towards others this year.
 Read, learn and take a good step of change.
Stop rating people based on physical appearance.

Wednesday, January 17, 2024

Research Dev:Tinubu Approves N5.1 Bn for 185 TETFund Research Grants Proposal

The Nigerian Government In continuation of efforts aimed at boosting Research and Development for economic and technological development in Nigeria, the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Administration has approved the sum of N5,128,180,623.63 for the funding of 185 successful research proposals under the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) National Research Fund (NRF) 2023 Grant Cycle.

Abdulmumin Oniyangi
Ag. Director, Public Affairs in a statement signed on behalf of the executive secretary, Tertiary Education Trust Fund, TEYFund, Arch. Sonny Echonu, in a statement says the statement says the approval which was conveyed by the Honourable Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman followed the report of the TETFund National Research Fund Screening and Monitoring Committee (NRFS&MC) which recommended the funding of the 185 research proposals after a rigorous screening exercise which commenced in March 2023 with the receipt of 4,287 Concept Notes from prospective applicants.
A breakdown of the approval indicates that the sum of N3,784,635,923.00 was approved for the Science, Engineering, Technology and Innovation (SETI) thematic group; N759,875,400.00 for Humanities and Social Science (HSS) while Cross Cutting (CC) received N583,669,300.63 with individual grants ranging between N8 million and over N46 million.

Some of the approved research works under the Science, Engineering, Technology and Innovation (SETI) thematic group include Application of the Hydro-Biogeochemical Framework to Develop a National Rural Water Quality Assurance Plan for Sustainable Water Quality Management In Nigeria; Development and Use of Doubled Haploid Maize Lines for Improved Maize Yield and Tolerance to Armyworm (Spodoptera Frugiperda); Development of an Intelligent Multichamber Evaporative Cooling Preservative System for Post-Harvest Storage of Selected Fruits in Nigeria and Development of Electric Vehicle With Special Tracking Features, among others.

Projects under Cross Cutting thematic group include Utilization of Scrap Tires and Plastic Wastes as aggregate Conductive Material for Renewable Energy Storage System; Development of Appropriate Technology for Production of Aluminum Alloy Sacrificial Anodes for Applications in Nigeria Oil and Gas Industry, as well as Development of an Economical Low Voltage Programmable Electroporator and Investigation of Pulse Electric Field for Wound Healing and Cancer Treatment; etc.

Approved under Humanities and Social Science are Digital Financial Inclusion, Rural Households' Consumption Structure and Well-being in Nigeria; Equity and Inclusion: Creating Access to Library Resources for Students Living with Vision Impairment in e-Learning Environment in Nigerian Universities and Mitigating Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder among Frontline Nigerian Army Personnel using Stress Inoculation Therapy; and others.

The National Research Fund (NRF) Grant was introduced by TETFund to encourage cutting-edge research which explore research areas relevant to societal needs of Nigeria such as power and energy, health, security, agriculture, employment and wealth creation etc., in line with its mandate. The intervention received additional impetus under the Renewed Hope Agenda as a veritable tool to grow the economy and improve the standards of living of the Nigerian people.

Tuesday, January 16, 2024

Didi Walson-jack, ismaila Abubakar Resume As Perm.Sec in Education, Labour

Didi Walson-jack has resumed as Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education from the federal Ministry of water resources. 
Also. Heads of agencies and directors in the Ministry of Labour have also received ismaila Abubakar as the new permanent secretary.

While Walson-jack delivered a long speech capturing her vision and prospects for the ministry, as Ismaila Abubakar gave a short speech, calling for cooperation to achieve the mandate of rhe Ministry 

Find Didi Walso- Jack's text as well as a press release from the Ministry of labour:

ADDRESS BY THE PERMANENT SECRETARY FEDERAL MINISTRY OF EDUCATION, ABUJA, MRS. DIDI WALSON-JACK OON, mni ON ASSUMPTION OF OFFICE ON TUESDAY, 16 JANUARY 2024
PROTOCOL

A CALL TO MORE EXCELLENT SERVICE

It is with great pleasure and a sense of responsibility that I stand before you today as I assume the role of Permanent Secretary at the Federal Ministry of Education, I express my sincere gratitude for the warm welcome the Honourable Ministers. Directors, and the Federal Ministry of Education staff extended to me

2 It is a profound honour to step into the role of Permanent Secretary continuing the legacy of distinguished predecessors who have devoted themselves to out nation's service within this Ministry Among the illustrious individuals who have graced this position. I must spotlight the remarkable Dr Mrs Folashade Yeni-Esan, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation. A proud alumna of our Federal Government Colleges, she served as a Permanent Secretary in this Ministry and is a shining example of excellence and dedication Equally noteworthy is my esteemed predecessor Mr. David Adejo Andrew whose remarkable 35 year tenure exemplifies an unwavering commitment to the betterment of our nation

I join you all again in expressing our heartfelt gratitude to my brother 3. the former Permanent Secretary Mr. David Adejo Andrew, for his 35 years of service to our nation. We who are still in service will continue to serve with the zeal and passion of predecessors like him. On behalf of the Federal Ministry of Water Resources workforce, we wish him a restful retirement and the best in all his future endeavours We also thank Mr. Zubairu Abdullahi the Director Overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary for holding forth on behalt of the Permanent Secretary
FMEA UNIQUE MINISTRY WITH EXISTENTIAL MANDATE

4 I am happy and excited to resume at the Federal Ministry of Education, one of the ministries with a nationwide mandate to Prescribe and maintain uniform education standards throughout the Country. At the heart of the work we do in this ministry must be the eight (8) priorities of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration (2023-2027). The Ministerial Mandate, which the Honourable Ministers and the Permanent Secretary have committed to as key deliverables of the Ministry: the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan 2021-2025 (FCSSIP25),

approved by the Federal Executive Council and the Public Service Rules (PSR). Extant Circulars, Rules, Regulations, Laws, and the core principles and values of the Federal Civil Service as epitomised in the FCSSIP25 being driven by our visionary and indefatigable Head of the Civil Service of the Federation. Dr. Folasade Yemi-Esan also serve as a guide in our work

5. In line with the Strategic Plan, we should aim to improve the quality of public service delivery, providing a more lasting trajectory for the country's progressive development. The six priority areas of the Plan include the acceleration of capacity building and Talent Management. Institutionalization of the Performance Management System, Improvement of the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System Institutionalization of Innovation in the Public Service Digitalization, and Staff Welfare

6. The actualisation of the goals and aspirations of the Strategic Plan would change the narrative associated with the Public Sector as one dominated by poor performance, stagnation, and self-interest in contrast to the values of excellence and productivity.

7 Our ability to achieve these goals would take the Ministry back to the days when Nigerian Public Service workers offered robust contributions. pioneered, and implemented some of the strongest and community. driven Projects and Programmes in the history of our country and the development of significant sectors of the economy.

MODE OF OPERATION

8 We must acknowledge that all the work we do in this Ministry is first for Almighty God and second for the Federal Government and the good people of Nigeria, It follows, therefore, that any inefficiency incompetence, infraction, or dereliction of duty impacts the people directly and increases their suffering. Consequently, we must focus on using education to foster the development of all Nigerian Citizens to their full potential in promoting a strong, democratic, egalitarian, prosperous, indivisible, and indissoluble sovereign nation under God

9 Our most significant duty is to provide the expertise and administrative framework, act as the engine room, and do all within our competence to support the political leadership, the Honourable Minister of Education. Prof. Tahir Mamman, OON, SAN, the Honourable Minister of State, Hon. Dr. Yusuf Tanko Sununu and the Federal Government to achieve the Mandate of the Ministry for the people of Nigeria, as well as fulfil its international obligations. We must work hard in ways consistent with Ministerial and Government's policy directives and handle practical issues and planning with diligence and commitment. Therefore, I implore everyone to work to uphold the wisdom, excelence and good reputation of the Public Service and promote the principles of good governance.

10. We must adhere to the principles of Truth, Honesty, Fairness and Justice in our operations. To this end as your Leader and the Chief Accounting Officer of the Ministry I pledge always to uphold the truth I shall be honest with you all the time. I shall always endeavour to do right to all men and women without fear or favour

11. In the same vein, I urge you to commit to doing the right thing all the time. Whenever you are in doubt about what to do or how to do it, check and seek guidance in the Public Service Rules (PSR) and extant Circulars and if you cannot find the answer, then do The Next Right Thing. Since justice and charity begin at home, I am willing and able to correct all anomalies to ensure we entrench diligence responsiveness efficiency commitment and dedication to duty in all our operations

12. While fulfilling our official responsibility, we must raise our Ministry to greatness in the Federal Civil Service and the Nation by using out knowledge, uriderstanding wisdom and experience to full our obligations and responsibilities. As Civil Servants, we can impact and transform the lives of the citizens with the immense power of public policy within our grasp. in service delivery in this Ministry, we must strive to be responsive and efficient, synonymous with excellent performance

REWARDS & RECOGNITION

13 To encourage excellence and meritocracy and ensure high levels of staff motivation, we would establish a robust performance-driven Rewards and Recognition System, even before it is implemented Service-wide as planned by the OHCSF. This would be our way of institutionalising the implementation of the relevant Public Service Rules on Rewards and Recognition for Outstanding Work and Meritorious Service (PSR060101- 060111) Let me use this inaugural meeting to assure you that I shall do everything within my power and authority to ensure a reward for outstanding performance
LABOUR AND MANAGEMENT RELATIONS

14. As the pioneer Permanent Secretary in the re-established Service Welfare Office in the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, I am conscious of the Federal Government's concern about resolving most of the issues that cause conflict with workers. As a former Chairperson of the National Public Service Joint Negotiating Council for two years, I assure you that attention would be paid to those issues that usually lead to conflict between workers and management to nip them in the bud, so they do not escalate. As Federal Civil Servants, we have a right to a safe and conducive work environment, to conditions of service remuneration, compensation, welfare, and benefits that would motivate us to be productive. To this end, I commit to regular interaction with the union leaders representing the different worker groups and improving the communication line between the unions and management.

15. My message to the unions is loud and clear. We are members of the same executive arm team and play in the same league working to deliver service to the people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria That being the case, the "we" versus "them" era is over. Now is the time to unite to deliver quality service to the nation

CONCLUSION

16. In conclusion. I wish to thank all Directorate cadre staff and Staff of the FME for this heart-warming welcome. I appreciate that this is more than an official welcome: It is indeed a family welcome. I pray that every one of us would be blessed with physical strength, the proper disposition. courage, and a sense of compassion, empathy, fairness and justice for the people we serve to fulfil our duties perfectly and satisfactorily

17 For my family, colleagues, friends, and Directors of various Ministries who have accompanied me to this resumption ceremony. I thank you for your continued goodwill, prayers, support, and Counsel. I am grateful that you have always accorded me this honour

18. I know that I can continue to rely on you. God Almighty will continue providing you with all you need to succeed in your work and other endeavours.

19. For the Staff of the FME, I look forward to a cordial and fruitful working relationship with you. Welcome to a more excellent Service: welcome to a new vista. God bless you all

Mrs. Didi Walson-Jack, OON, mni. Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Education, Abuja.

Tuesday, 16 January 2024.

PRESS RELEASE FM&E:
PRESS RELEASE

LABOUR PERMANENT SECRETARY CALLS FOR UNITY OF PURPOSE AMONG STAFF

The newly deployed Permanent Secretary, Labour and Employment, Ismaila Abubakar, has called for unity of purpose among members of staff for better performance in the delivery of the mandate of the ministry.    

He noted that operating as a united force, in peace and harmony, they would be able to tackle decisively all obstruction in their way to actualising government’s agenda in the Labour sector.   

Abubakar spoke, as he assumed office as the Permanent Secretary, Labour and Employment, following redeployment from the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development.
  
Commending the team work already existing among them, the Permanent Secretary stated, “If you come as a united force, then naturally, all other issues that serve as deterrents against the accomplishment of your goals will be addressed.”

He promised to run an inclusive administration, and encouraged staff members to feel free to share ideas with him on solutions to the challenges of the Ministry. 
Abubakar stated his resolve to provide good working environment for the staff to enhance their performance in the delivery of their functions.

The Permanent Secretary felt honoured to be appointed to contribute his quota to the Labour sector, and  appreciated the warm reception accorded him by management and staff of the Ministry.

Speaking earlier, the Director Overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Chris Amadi, welcomed the Permanent Secretary to the Ministry, and pledged the support of management and staff of the Ministry and its parastatals to the success of his assignment. 

“There's a lot of work to be done, sir. I must tell you and we must be on our guard to be on track,” he said.

Amadi described Labour and Employment as a critical Ministry,  noting that it is also involved in the six priority areas of the agenda of this administration and held a place in its success. 

On hand to receive the Permanent Secretary were the directors of the Ministry, as well as heads of parastatals under the ministry. 


Olajide Oshundun
Director, Press & Public Relations
16th January, 2024