JOHESU, MHWUN Mourn Ciroma Want Him Immortalised

National Chairman of Joint Health Sector Unions, JOHESU  Conrase Dr Ado Kabiru Minjibir says the news of the death of a former president of the Nigeria Labour Congress(NLC), Comrade(Pa) Ali Ciroma, has come to us as a rude shock.

Comrade (Pa) Ali Ciroma stood strong against the military junta in Nigeria between 1984 and 1988 to protect the interest and welfare of the ordinary Nigerian worker.

Comrade Ali Ciroma was a veteran and a quintessential labour leader who worked tirelessly for the liberation of the Nigerian worker. He will be sorely missed by all Nigerian workers. 

Comrade Ali Ciroma's legacies will continue to linger among labour leaders in years to come.

We at the Medical and Health workers union of Nigeria (MHWUN) would want the Borno State  Government and indeed the federal government to consider the late Labour veteran for immortalisation with one of the National Symbolic structures in the federal ministry of labour and Employment or any where suitable.

MHWUN Leadership Condolences with his immediate family, the Borno State MHWUN,  the entire health workers in the country, and the Nigeria Labour  ongress.

MHWUN Leadership also condoles wirh the Borno State Government for the irreparable loss.

We pray that Almigty Allah will forgive his sins and repose His Soul.

Nigeria To Employ Health Workers Over Japa

As part of efforts to improve healthcare delivery in the country, the federal government has set up a committee to look into the issue of accumulated waiver requests for employment of health workers in the various hospitals.

Minister of state for health, Dr. Tunji Alausa, made this known when he paid a familiarisation visit to the University College Hospital (UCH) Ibadan as part of his ongoing over-sight function visits to assess federal government-owned health institutions in the country.

In a statement signed by the ministry’s director of information, Patricia Deworitshe, Alausa said; “This is due to some bottle necks faced by our chief medical and medical directors in the process of getting waiver approvals. We reached out to the Head of Service of the Federation, Dr. Yemi Esan, who has been on top, working judiciously to get these approvals, but we just all decided that it will be easier if the waiver process starts from the ministry. So going forward from January, we are setting up a waiver committee at the ministry that will promptly review and address all waiver requests from all our hospitals.”

Assuring of accountability and transparency in the process, Alausa said each hospital would generate a request for the number of staff needed to the ministry, which would then go to the HOSF for some checks and balances under the establishment law to see what’s budgeted for the year.

“Once the ministry confirms that everything is verified, approval for the waiver will be sent to the budget office were the funds will be made available, there won’t be delays anymore”, the minister stated.

The chief medical director of UCH, Prof. Jesse Otegbayo, highlighted some of the challenges faced as well as achievements which include specialised surgical procedures in partnership with some UK-based charities and other organisations as well as donations of equipment and infrastructure by well-meaning Nigerians.

LOOMING STRIKE: ASUU Begins Nationwide Consultation

The Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU has started a Nationwide consultation from its members on the next line of action, following the failure of government to implement certain agreements.

 ASUU President, Professor Emmanuel Osodeke, made this known at  the Federal Umiversity of Technology, Minna Niver State, at the start of the consultations.

The ASUU President said the federal Government has not implemented all the agreements it reached with the organised labour, particularly between ASUU, since the administration of President Bola Tinubu was inaugurated in May 2023.

Osodeke said the  nationwide consultation with members of the branche union in order to take a decision on the next line of action later in the  month of February.

Professor Osodeke expressed regrets that despite the gentlemen agreement between the union and the Federal Government, no dime had been paid to its members, thereby creating unnecessary hardship for their families.

NUPENG 'Public Goat' Comment On PTD in Good Faith

The National Union If petroleum and Natutal gas, NUPENG says it will always make case for all its affiliates, including the Petroleum Tanker Drivers, PTD.

President of the union, William Akporeha in a statement said, NUPENG will not be cowed by some criminal elements trying to create issues where there is none.

NUPENG President said a comment credit to the General Secretary of the Union Afolabi Olawale, where he described  some persons as  'public goat's a television programme.

NUPENG President said the General Secretary of the Union was only trying to highlight the neglect of Tanker Drivers and their demands, and wonder why persons facing criminal charges would want to twist the truth.

Aporeha asked the general public to ignore sensational reports being peddled by a section of the media, in support of non-recognised group of persons, who are bent on demeaning the majority by  promoting untrue, concerted and manipulated stories, to gain public sympathy.

NUPENG says its relationship with the Augustine Egbon-led PTD leadership remains intact as it is the only recognised leadership with the  Trade Unions Secretariat at the Federal Ministry of Labout and Employment.

ONAIYEKAN @80; Lalong Celebrates

Senator representing Plateau South Senatorial District Simon Bako Lalong has eulogised John Cardinal Onaiyekan, the Archbishop emeritus of Abuja, describing him as an sound advocate for peace, progress, tolerance and unity. 

In a statement,  Dr. Makut Simon Macham 

Special Adviser (Media) to Senator Simon Bako Lalong, Plateau South Senatorial District, said 

Senator Lalong who spoke at the 80th birthday and book presentation in honour of Cardinal Onaiyekan in Abuja said the clergyman has spent the better part of his life facilitating reconciliation and love between men as well as drawing them closer to God. 

He said he has personally benefited from the humility, kindness and mentorship of the Cardinal who has consistently been vocal against injustice, violence and all forms of oppression. 

The Senator thanked the organisers,  Cardinal Onaiyekan Foundation for Peace for documenting the thoughts and works of the celebrant in the book " Religions for Peace, not War" which was launched to commemorate the day.

He wished the Cardinal many more years of good health, peace and divine protection as he continues to serve humanity and work for a better society.

Nigeria Launches New Teacher Dev. Prog.

The Federal Government has launched a new teacher development programme, Teacher Internship Scheme (TIS), designed to support States in the emergence of a new generation of teachers with skills and knowledge needed to excel in the digital age and help in the implementation of smart education in Nigeria. 

The scheme was introduced by Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), to address the dearth of teachers in the field of smart education being championed by the Commission in Nigeria, with the establishment of 37 Smart Schools across the country. 

The execution of smart education programme of Nigeria is being provided technical support by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), and commitment of about $10.4 million to the project. 

Minister of Education, Professor Tahir Mamman, flagged off the teacher Internship scheme on Thursday at the UBEC Digital Resource Centre, located at Kado, Abuja, where he also inspected the facility established to serve as a hub for creating and distributing resources to schools as well as training the school personnel.  

He expressed the commitment of the Federal Government towards provision of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) infrastructure for enhanced teaching and learning in the country. 

According to him, ICT has dominated every spectrum of life and Nigeria must make a paradigm shift from the traditional method of teaching children using blackboard and chalk. 

He commended the Executive Secretary

of UBEC, Dr Hamid Bobboyi and his management team for the initiative, noting that one could not be talking of quality of education without teachers with the right skills and knowledge to drive the process. 

Earlier, the Executive Secretary of UBEC, 

Dr. Bobboyi, explained that participants of the Teacher Internship Scheme, are graduates of education selected based on merit from all the states of the federation and are expected to go through intensive training for two years. 

"It is envisaged that at the end of the two-year programme, the Interns would emerge as a new breed of teachers, equipped with the skills and knowledge to harness the power of technology and transform the learning experience. 

"They would not just be teachers; they will be smart teachers who would be innovators, catalysts for change, and architects of a brighter future for the Nigerian child," he said.

He said this was a significant step forward in the on-going quest to transform Basic Education in Nigeria, adding that the world is changing at an unprecedented pace, with technology impacting on every aspect of our lives, including education. 

Bobboyi further stated that the traditional method of teaching and learning is no longer adequate to prepare learners for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century, hence the need to expose Nigerian teachers to digital platforms and pedagogies for them to rise to the challenge of preparing the next generation of Nigerian children to survive and thrive in a globalized and competitive world.

He added that the COVID-19 pandemic had laid bare the vulnerabilities of the traditional education system, saying it brought to the fore the need to explore an alternative mode that enables learning to take place anytime anywhere, including during emergencies. 

"The Universal Basic Education Commission’s response was the introduction of its SMART Schools programme. This led to the construction of 37 SMART Schools, one in each State and FCT, and the establishment of 109 e-learning Centres. 

He called on all stakeholders in the sector to join hands with UBEC in achieving this laudable goal. 

He particularly urged the Universal Basic Education Boards of States and FCT, who are the major partners in Universal Basic Education (UBE) implementation to commit themselves to the successful implementation of the Teacher Internship Scheme (TIS) and the SMART Schools programme in general. 

Country Director, Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) Nigeria Office, Mr Son Sungil, disclosed that KOICA had secured a budget of $10.4 million to support Nigeria in the establishment of Smart Schools in the country. 

According to him, this support is largely in the areas of digital content development for Mathematics and science subjects, content development Studio for digital content creation, capacity building for teachers, school leadership and high-level education stakeholders, guideline for Smart school operation and monitoring and evaluation. 

While commending the visionary leadership of UBEC's Executive Secretary, Sungil, pledged the commitment of KOICA to continue to work with UBEC and other stakeholders to make future better for the Nigerian children.

The most famous sayings of atheists and tyrants at the time of their death.

The most famous sayings of atheists and tyrants at the time of their death.

  1. César Borgia, Duke of Valentinois:

  “In my life, I was preparing for everything except death. Now I'm dying and I'm not ready to die.»

  2. Thomas Hobbes (English Philosopher):

  "I'm about to jump into the dark.  If I had owned the world right now, I would have gladly paid it for just a single day in my life.»

  3. Thomas Paine (18th century thinker and writer):

  "Please don't leave me alone.  God, what did I sow to deserve this?!!  If I had all of these and another like it, I would have used them to spare myself this torment.  Don't leave me alone, at least leave a child with me.  I am on the verge of hell, because I was Satan's client.  »

  4. Sir Thomas Scott:

  He was an English councilor who died in 1594. During his agony, he said, “Until the last moments, I never believed in the presence of God or that of Hell. But now I truly feel their presence, as I stand on the brink of punishment. It is divine justice. »

  5. Voltaire:

  He was a French atheist philosopher, who died in 1777. Addressing his doctor, he said: “God has abandoned me, as well as people. I give you half of my property if you extend my life by six months. I die and I will go to Hell.»

  6. Voltaire's nurse:

  "If they give me all the money in Europe, I wouldn't want to see an atheist man suffer like him.  He was screaming all night asking for forgiveness.  »

  7. David Hume:

  A Scottish atheist historian who died in 1776. He was seen in his agony crying, "Fire burns me with its flames." He was desperate to the point of pathos.

  8. Napoleon Bonaparte:

  The French Emperor, who killed millions to satisfy his paranoia and his passion to subjugate the world, said: Here I am dying before my time and returning to the bottom of the earth while I am the greatest Emperor. What a difference between the abyss where I fall and the eternal paradise!

  9. Sir Francis Newport:

  He was the Director of the British Atheists Club. During his agony, he said to those around his bed, "Tell me not that there is no God, for I am presently in His Presence and do not tell me that  there's no hell, because I feel like I'm sliding towards it. Shit!!!  Spare me your words, I'm lost.  It is hell, in which I had never have believed, even if I had lived a thousand years, and if millions of years pass, I could never get rid of its torments.  Oh !  Oh !  It's hell. »

  10. King Charles IX:

  He was a French,  Catholic king who killed tens of thousands of Protestant Christians in France in 1572, because of religious differences. During his agony, he told his doctors, “I see those I had killed. They pass in front of me, I see I was wrong and I am forever lost.»

  11. David Strauss:

  He was a German atheist theologian who died in 1874. During his death, he said: “My philosophy has disappointed me. I feel that I am between the jaws of a machine, equipped with teeth, which could crush me at any moment.»

  12. Joseph Stalin's daughter:

  In an interview with the American magazine News week, Svetlana Stalin, daughter of the communist dictator "Joseph Stalin" recounts the moment of her father's death, saying: his death was horrible. At the moment of his death, he suddenly opened his eyes, he threw a mad and grumpy look on all present. He pointed with his left hand at something hovering above us. It was a kind of threat. Then he died.

  13. Anton LaVey:

  He was the founder of the Church of Satan and the author of the Satanic Bible, who died in 1997. Before he died, he was screaming, saying, “What have I done. I made a big mistake!! and he asked for God's Grace and Forgiveness.

Life is an opportunity that will not be repeated. Today that we are alive,  are we making preparations for death? Or we are still indulging in our riotous living,  thinking that we will be here forever? Ponder on this and make  amends as we get into the new year. God bless you really good.

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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.

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.

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

CRD ROCK CITY LUGBE

 CRD ROCK CITY is A residential community inside Federal housing authority lugbe in Abuja, Nigeria's Federal capital territory.

CRD ROCK CITY is actually the A.K.A of CRD Lugbe 1 Layout with registered name at the CAC as CRD Lugbe 1 layout residence association.

CRD ROCK CITY Boast of H5ouses occupied serving and

retired public servants, engineers, media personalities, businessmen and women, a church and yet to be completed shoping plaza

CRD ROCK CITY is bordered on the North by Oil spring Estate, AMAC Market on the East, River Park Estate on the west and a rock on the south.

CRD ROCK CITY is a serene environment and all owners of lands have obtained them authentically from AMAC authorities and Development control.

CRD ROCK CITY officials have said it has no legal issue with any individual or groups except

Wike, Gov Diri's Wife, HRM Biobelemoye Receive Award on Boxing Day

 *GOV WIKE, MRS DIRI,HRM BIOBELEMOYE, OTHERS TO BE HONOURED ON BOXING DAY.* 

Rivers State Governor,  Chief Barrister Ezenmo Nyesom Wike, Her Excellency, Dr Gloria Duoye Diri, wife of Bayelsa State governor, Medical and Health Workers Union president , HRM, King Biobelemoye Josiah, Ogbodo VIII, the amanayabo of opu-nembe kingdom are among several others to be honoured at the fourth Bayesa media network award, 2022.

The organisers of the annual  “Bayelsa Media Network Awards” (BMNA), say the award, which is the 4th in series since it began about five years ago, is a yearly award put together by notable media stakeholders in the state to honour deserving private and public office-holders and others who have distinguished themselves in their chosen careers and professions.

A statement by the Project Manager, Mr. Blessing Ozegbe, says the rationale behind the awards was the need to recognise and further boost the morale of Nigerians who have excelled in their various fields of endeavour and have impacted humanity.

Ozegbe noted that preparations for the 2022 edition of the awards have reached advanced stage, assuring that only credible individuals will be recognised and honoured.

He described this year’s awardees as “hardworking, competent, resilient, visionary and persons that have displayed exemplary leadership qualities and character”.

The Project Manager noted that the recipients were selected after an independent and transparent monitoring and investigative process which was devoid of any form of lobbying.

An elated Ozegbe, who was upbeat about a successful occasion this year, also gave the names of some of the recipients aside the Rivers State Governor, Wife of the Bayelsa State Governor, HRM Josiah; As Bayelsa State deputy Gov., Senator Lawrence Ehwrudjakpo,  Sen. Degi Eremienyo, Senator Representing Bayelsa East Senatorial District and The chief Whip, Bayelsa State House of Assembly;Hon. Ebiowou Koku-Obiyai;.

Others, according to the organisers, are; the Chairman, Bayelsa State Local Government Service Commission, Chief Lambert Ototo; Executive Chairman, Ahoada-West Council area of Rivers State, Hon. Hope Ikiriko; and his Vice Chairman.

Also to receive awards are the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Education, Dr Gentle Emelah, and his counterparts from the Ministries of Health and Culture and Tourism, Dr. Pabara Igwele and Dr. Iti Orugbani, respectively.

The organisers also mentioned other awardees as H.R.H Sunny Jacob, Paramount Ruler, Edagberi/Betterland Community, Rivers State, Pastor Mercy Dan, H.R.H Egbekun Blessing, and ASP. Oguche Emmanuel.

The organizers noted that the ceremony would take place at the Ernest Sesei Ikoli Press Centre, NUJ Secretariat, Azikoro Road, Ekeki, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, on December 26th 2022.

Bill To Establish FCE Bassambiri, Bayelsa State,Scales Second Reading at Senate.

 

Brass and Nembe Local Government Areas, in Opu-Nembe Kingdom of Bayelsa State, yet to have the presence of a federal institution may soon have one, as   Bill Seeking To Establish Federal College Of Education(FCE), Bassambiri passes second reading on the floor of senate

The people of Bassambiri in opu-nembe Kingdom  of Bayesa State will soon be a proud Kingdom home to a federal College Of Education.

This is as the bill for the establishment of FCE Bassambiri scales second reading on the floor of the Nigerian Senate, ON Tuesday, September 21,2021.

Sponsoor of the bill and Senator Biobarakuma Degi -Eremienyo representing Bayelsa East in the red Chamber is optimistic that the people of opu-nembe Kingdom will soon have an institution to further boost education development, especially Teacher Education in the area.

If approved FCE Bassambiri is expected to increase peace and unity for a  people who have just elected A first class king after so many years, the Ogbodo Viii,  Amanayabo Opu-nembe, HRM Biobelemoye Josiah, will be the destination for quality teacher education pursuit  not only in Bayelsa, but in the entire South South geopolitical zone of Nigeria.

Also a bill to establish the federal colleges of Education in Omuo-Ekiti, Ekiti State, sponsored by Senator Biodum Olujimu scaled second reading in

the Senate on Tuesday white lawmakers passed a bill to establish orthopaedic hospital in Dekina, Kogi State and Federal Medical Centre in  Deba, Gombe State.

The Senate’s approval for the establishment of the federal health institution in Kogi followed the consideration of report presented by the Chairman, Senate Committee on Health, Senator Yahaya Oloriegbe.

Oloriegbe in his presentation observed that Nigeria is one of the densely populated countries in the world which “is plagued with poverty and an exceedingly high burden of disease.”

He said Orthopaedics such as musculoskeletal disorders, spine disease, cancers, tumours and congenital defects are suffered by many citizens without adequate care.

He explained that orthopaedic hospitals are important in improving health care in patients, adding that locating one in Dekina would bring healthcare closer to residents of densely populated urban and rural communities.

The bill for the establishment of FMC in Gombe was sponsored by Senator Danjuma Goje and referred to the Committee on Health.

Breaking:Legendary Nigerian Maestro, Sir Victor Uwaifo Dies...Buhari, Others Mourn

Professor Sir Victor Uwaifo, MON was born on March 1, 1941 and was a musician, writer, sculptor, and musical instrument inventor and University lecturer. 

A music legend, first Honorable Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Tourism in Nigeria. He was the winner of the first gold disc in Africa for Joromi released in 1965 and seven other gold discs in Guitar boy, Arabade, Ekassa series and Akwete music. 

He is recognised as the most educated performing music legend, musical instrument inventor, artist, worldwide with a B.A Honors (first class valedictorian), Masters degree and Ph.D in Architectural Sculpture, University of Benin, Nigeria.

Uwaifo, who has a total of twelve golden records to date, has travelled to many countries, including the United States, Russia, Japan, United Kingdom, Bulgaria, Romania, Germany, France, Hungary, Rome, Ghana, Côte d'Ivoire, Togo, Benin Republic, Spain, and Canada.

He died on August 28,

Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari condoles with family, friends and associates of legendary musician and multi-talented artiste, Sir Victor Uwaifo, who passed on Saturday, leaving a legacy of successes in many areas of life, including academia and administration.

Femi Adesina, Special Adviser to the President, Media & Publicity in a statement says the President joins the Nigerian music industry and performing artistes, home and abroad, in mourning the former first Honourable Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Tourism (Edo State), who was also the first musician and instrumentalist to be given National Honours Merit, Member of the Order of the Niger (MON) in 1983.

President Buhari believes the renowned musician, with global appeal and recognitions, lived for many firsts, which include invitation to the State House by four presidents and Heads of State, and winner of a gold disc in Africa for his song, “Joromi’’, released in 1965 at the age of 24.

The President notes the glory that Sir Uwaifo brought to Nigeria through his international tours, and the active role he played in national development, returning to school to get a first degree at age 54 with first class honours, masters degree at 56, and a doctorate at 77.

President Buhari prays for the soul of the departed musician, writer, sculptor, musical instrument inventor and university lecturer, knowing the entire country, particularly the music industry, will sorely miss him.

Nigeria Calls for Increased Cooperation in ARLAC

Nigeria has stated that only improved labour administration through closer cooperation among the member countries of the African Regional Labour Centre(ARLAC) will equip them for  increasing  challenges in the world of work. 

Charles Akpan ,Deputy Director Press and Public Relations, in A statement said the charge is contained in a key note address by the Hon. Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige to the 47th Governing Council meeting of the organization which held virtually, yesterday , 26 August , 2021.

Said Ngige, “Nigeria will continue to push for closer cooperation among ARLAC member States as a way to strengthen the administration of labour and enhance the capacity of the administrators  for the challenges in the world of work. 

“ With closer cooperation and peer evaluation, our quest for better  trained labour administrators, with capacity  in social and economic roles and  equipped with competence to impact on others  becomes easier. 

“ I therefore reiterate Nigeria’s position for the comprehensive evaluation of the progress in the implementation of the ARLAC re-engineering process by the International Labour Organisation(ILO) to ensure that the centre operates in line with the global best practices.” 

The highlight of the meeting included a ministerial symposium termed  “Skills Development and Lifelong Learning” which is an adaptation of an earlier series by the ILO in 2020. 

The symposium  highlights the importance of quality education and training, provision of relevant skills to the young and adult  in order to equip them for the future of work where technological innovation like artificial intelligence, demographic and climate change   will limit skills with attendant negative consequences on jobs.

The meeting also witnessed the election of   the new members of the executive office of ARLAC with Zimbabwe as Chair as well as Ghana, Sudan, Estwatini and Kenya as vice chairpersons for West , North, South and East Africa regions. 

Senator Ngige  attended the virtual  meeting alongside the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Labour and Employment, Dr. Peter Tarfa,  Director General of the National Productivity Centre , Dr. Kashim Akor and the Acting Director of Productivity Measurement and Standard, Juliana Adebambo.

With headquarters in Zimbabwe, African Regional Centre (ARLAC ) is the ILO regional body for the English speaking African nations , providing  platform for their Ministers of Labour and Lmployment as well as  Manpower and Social Welfare to build labour administration in the region.  

    

Ngige Knocks Falana Over Comments Asking Striking Resident Doctors Not To Resume After Case in Court.

The Federal Government  has reprimanded  Human Rights lawyer and Acting Chairman of the civil society coalition,  Alliance for Surviving Covid-19 and Beyond (ASCAB)  Mr. Femi Falana for advising members of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD)  to continue their strike despite the ruling of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria suspending the action.  

 A statement from the Office of the Minister of Labour and Employment, signed by Emmanuel  Nzomiwu said, “ the attention of the Honourable Minster of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige has been drawn to various in media reports in which Mr. Femi Falana (SAN) who  is  the Acting Chairman of the  Alliance for Surviving Covid-19 and Beyond advised striking NARD doctors to ignore the National Industrial Court  Order for all parties  to wit; the Federal Ministry of Health/FG and NARD,  in the dispute before it,  “to suspend all hostilities forthwith,  pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice,” with the matter accordingly adjourned to September 15, 2021  for hearing of the motion on notice and  any other pending application. 

The Minister chided Mr. Falana for offering a very strange interpretation of the court order in which he didn’t  represent any of the parties when the case was first mentioned on August 16, 2021 and  wondered what he stood to gain by using his position  to misadvise  young doctors  in specialist training,  to continue to  ignore or disobey an order of court of competent jurisdiction to stop their strike.   

The Minister said that  in industrial dispute parlance,  strike by an employee is a major form of “hostility” against the employer, in this case, the Federal Ministry of Health/Federal Government as well as the sick in various hospitals across the nation.  

“For the avoidance of doubt , hostility in labour relations in this particular parlance connotes  strike or picketing by the affected employees (Resident doctors) or their employers who can equally use the opportunity to resort to the termination of their employment or recruit new doctors as allowed by the ILO Principles on Strike for essential service workers ( lockout of the striking doctors from their hospitals and loss of employment).”

While noting that Falana is not an expert in  Labour /industrial law , the Minister advised him to concentrate on the areas of law that he is very conversant with  than offering pieces of unsolicited advice to both parties as a Mr. Know-all.  

Ngige observed   that Mr. Falana is not familiar  with what the Federal Government has bent backward to do for the resident doctors to enhance the quality of their training, starting from putting them on a golden  scheme of service (CONMESS) within the period of training as a pensionable career  and the   enactment of the Medical Residency Training Act(MRTA) 2017, including a special Medical Residency Training Fund(MRTF)   put in place by this government to enhance the quality of specialist training .

“ It is certain that Falana is not aware of the 12-point issue resolved at the 20th and 21st August meeting with the Nigeria Medical Association(NMA) and their affiliates.

“ Asking striking doctors to continue the strike is an unpatriotic act against the people who bear the brunt of the strike, otherwise how can the acting chairman of the Alliance for Surviving of COVID-19 and Beyond(ASCABAN)  an alliance professing to assist people survive this pandemic ,  advise striking doctors to continue a  strike which has  so far lasted 21 days and counting ,  in a period of national emergency  . 

“ A patriotic advice to NARD would have been for them to seek  for interpretation or clarification of the order if really there is need for that, after ceasing hostility (strike) forthwith, as directed by the National Industrial Court.  

“ Who are the victims of the abandonment of medical care? Who knows?  May be  some people in some local governments of Falana’s Ekiti State  and possibly, the rural Anambra of Ngige,” the statement said.  

BREAKING: Abducted School children of an Islamic school in Niger Get Freedom After 88 Days in Captivity

APO House  has Learnt that school children kidnapped about 90 days ago from Salihu Tanko Islamiyya School, Tegina, in Niger State, North Central Nigeria have regained Their freedom.

Information from Government circles in Niger State says the school children who were released in the evening of Thursday, August the 26th,  2021, are already on their way to Minna, the Niger State capital.

They are expected to be conveyed to Government House, where they will formally be received by the State Government.

Parents of the school children have  paid ransom to  the abductors pn different occasions, but government would always insist they do not pay any amount to secure the release of kidnapped persons.

Ask what they do for living before opening account for your potential customers - EFCC tells Banks.

The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Abdulrasheed Bawa, has urged banks in the country to investigate the sources of income of their potential customers before opening an account for them.

“I will like to urge you to know your customers, know the kind of businesses they do before opening an account for them because some customers will open an account within a space of two months a huge sum of money is found in the account, So there is need for you to try and query these information including their linked accounts,” Bawa said.

Source: Kwara APC Media

NBC Santions Channels TV over Anti-Buhari interview, Presenters Honour DSS invitation

 

NBC Santions Channels TV over Anti-Buhari interview, Presenters Honour DSS invitation

Confusion in Nigeria Over Alleged Plots By Govt To Shutdown popular private 'Media House Channels Tv' Over Guests' Comments

 

APO House Online read a report on the Social media handle of Omoloye Sowore, the publisher of Sahara Reporters an online platform alleging plots to shutdown Channels TV and arrest its journalist.

Sowore in his post alleged the plot is as a result of comment by guests on the stations early morning programme, accusing president Muhammade Buhari of fronting a fulani agenda which fuels insecurity in the country.

The guest were the out spoken PDP Governor Samuel Ortom and a retired Naval officer, Navy Commodore Kunle.

It is not clear to APO House if the National Broadcasting Commission, NBC the regulatory body for broadcasters in Nigeria will go ahead to withdraw the Licence of Channels TV.

As at the time of this report, no statement from Channels TV, Security agencies or the NBC.