The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • N500b SURE-P funds missing – Senate

    N500b SURE-P funds missing – Senate

    The Senate on Tuesday said that it is investigating the whereabouts of N500 billion Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P) funds.

    The upper chamber said the funds ought to have been released to SURE-P for the implementation of its projects.

    A member of the Senate Committee on SURE-P, Senator Kabiru Marafa, disclosed this at a scheduled meeting with Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Allison-Madueke and Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi.

    Marafa noted that the committee wrote the Ministry of Petroleum Resources requesting the quantity of fuel it supplied for consumption since the inception of SURE-P in 2012 which was 21 months (January 2012 to September 30, 2013.)

    He noted that the Ministry of Petroleum Resources responded that 25 billion litres of PMS (fuel) was supplied within the period under review.

    He said that since N32 was SURE-P component of oil subsidy, the committee multiplied 25 billion litres of PMS the Ministry supplied by N32 which gave about N800 billion.

    The lawmaker added that the leadership of SURE-P had at a meeting with the Senate Committee put the total money released for SURE-P activities at N300 billion.

    He said that SURE-P also told the committee that it receives N15 billion monthly for its activities.

    According to him, “since SURE-P claimed that it received a total of N300 billion, it means that N500 billion that should have accrued to SURE-P is missing.

    “We are curious to know what happened to the N500 billion. We also want to know why CBN has been remitting N15 billion to SURE-P monthly. This is because the releases to SURE-P should have varied according to PMS consumption but we hear that N15 billion is remitted to SURE-P monthly.”

     

  • GTBank launches African Principals Cup

    GTBank launches African Principals Cup

    The GTBank Principals Cup competition  currently being held in Nigeria will be inaugurated in five other African Countries where the Bank has subsidiaries; Ghana, Sierra Leone, Gambia, Cote D’voire and Liberia.

    The GTBank Principals Cup competition is an annual football competition targeted at Secondary School students.

    The  African Principals Cup competition which will be organized in partnership with the Ministries of Education and Sports in the participating countries will involve a total of 1957 Secondary schools in Cote D’Ivoire, Ghana, Liberia, Sierra Leone and Gambia.

    It  will avail the player’s quality football training and development opportunities via interactive sessions with renowned football players and coaches.

    At the end of the tournament, prizes will be presented to the winners in the male and female categories.

    Guaranty Trust Bank will also provide the sporting equipment such as balls, goal post nets and corner flags throughout the duration of the competition.

    The GTBank Principals Cup competition  will also afford the participating students mentorship opportunities during the Bank’s Tournament Ambassador’s Programme (TAP); a medium to expose students to role modelling and mentoring in various professional fields be it football, banking, medical etc.

    According to GTBank’s Head of Communication and External Affairs, Lola Odedina, “the Principals cup competition goes beyond football, it is a veritable platform to mentor youths and encourage them to pursue their dreams with the spirit of discipline and fair play. It has helped students to stay in school and bring back the ones that have dropped out of school. The interaction of the Students has also helped them in gaining confidence in and outside of the classroom, hence the extension of the GTBank Principals cup competition to five other African countries”.

    She also added that “In line with GTBank’s vision of creating role models for the society, the Principals Cup competition will provide a platform for these youngsters to become Africa’s ambassadors to the international community. It will also help in the discovery, career development and economic empowerment of local football talents”.

  • Jonathan mourns Taraba Speaker

    President Goodluck Jonathan on Tuesday mourned the demise of the Speaker of the Taraba State House of Assembly, Mr. Haruna Tsokwa.

    Jonathan, in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, extended condolences to the late Speaker’s family, as well as the government and people of Taraba State.

    He recalled Tsokwa’s commendable role in restoring political stability to Taraba State after recent crises, urging political leaders in the state to honour the late Speaker’s memory by ensuring that peace and order continue to reign in the state after his sad and untimely demise.

    Jonathan also prayed that God Almighty will comfort the late Speakers family, his colleagues in the Taraba State House of Assembly, his friends and political associates as they mourn the peace-loving patriot and true democrat.

     

  • Atiku condemns police invasion of G-7 governors meeting

    Atiku condemns police invasion of G-7 governors meeting

    Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, on Tuesday strongly condemned Sunday’s disruption of the G- 7 Governors meeting in Abuja.

    Atiku, who made the condemnation when the Bishop and Eminent Clerics Forum of Nigeria, Niger Delta Chapter, visited him in Abuja, said the action of the police was despicable.

    The former vice president, who also spoke on the proposed National Dialogue, noted that though he was not opposed to it, the conference is likely to clash with the 2015 electioneering campaigns.

    While decrying the continued harassment and intimidation of the G-7 governors and members of the New Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku said: “I am opposed to what the government has done. I have said it before, there is fundamental freedom of association under our constitution and democratic dispensation.

    “It is totally wrong. I don’t support what the government has done. And I don’t support the government using the police to disrupt peaceful meetings, even meetings in homes.”

    On the proposed national dialogue, Atiku said the present administration lacks the capacity to handle the 2015 electioneering campaigns and the conference.

    He said: “I don’t object to it. But my only problem is that it is timed in such a way that the conference is likely to overlap with electioneering campaign and I don’t see this government having the capacity to handle both events at the same time.”

    Atiku said the visit of the clerics was part of consultations on how to achieve unity, peace and stability in the country.

     

  • Olubadan’s son, five returnees make Oyo cabinet list

    Prince Gbade Lana, who is one of the sons of the Olubadan of Ibadan land, Oba Samuel Odulana, is among the new commissioner designates in Oyo State.

    His name was among the 12 nominees Governor Abiola Ajimobi forwarded to the state House of Assembly for confirmation on Monday evening.

    The governor dissolved the state Executive Council on September 23.

    The five returnee commissioners are – Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, Barr. Adebayo Ojo, Mr. Dapo Lam- Adesina, Princess Adetutu Adeyemi-Akhigbe and Mr. Zacheus Adelabu.

    Prince Lana, who is a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, was until his nomination, the Chairman, Oyo State Library Board.

    Others nominees are – Prof S.O. Olaniyan, Princess Olufunke Oworu, Faruk Umar Alao, Adewale Lawrence Olujide, Abiodun Fatai Atanda and Engr. Deji Akande.

    Reading out the names of the nominees at a plenary sitting on Tuesday, the Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Monsurat Sunmonu, said the lawmakers would peruse the nominees’ credentials, stressing that there would be no “bow and go.”

    The Assembly directed the nominees to appear before it on Wednesday with 40 copies of their credentials.

    A second list containing six nominees is still expected from the governor to complete the 18-member state executive council.

     

  • Jonathan rules out compensation for terror victims

    Jonathan rules out compensation for terror victims

    President Goodluck Jonathan on Tuesday ruled out payment of compensation to victims of terrorists attacks carried out by the Boko Haram sect and other groups in the country.

    Receiving report from the Presidential Committee on Dialogue and Peaceful Resolution of Security Challenges in the North at the Presidential Villa, the President said the government will only look at ways to help the victims get back to their businesses.

    Despite the challenges faced by the committee at its inauguration, he said that it has laid the foundation for follow up action which would lead to the eventual control and end of the crisis.

    Even with the progress made in the fight against terrorism in the north, he maintained that the war is not yet won.

    He said: “We also noted the suggestion about the victims’ support because that is one of the terms of reference; how will government help to see that we can assist. Government is not going to compensate. It is not an issue of compensation but how do we assist people who have suffered to get back to business one way or the other.

    “Government will look into this and other recommendations in your report and see that the right decisions are taken.

    “Incidentally, we have security council meeting because this committee was an offshoot of the security council and we will review some aspects of this report and probably set up a team to look at it and work out a planned programme in terms of implementation of the recommendations.”

    On the challenging assignment, he said: “First, let me on behalf of government welcome you to the State House and indeed, thank you for accepting to serve for the period you have served. Even the day we inaugurated you, we noted that it was quite a challenging job. It is not a ballroom dance because you were asked to meet the kind of characters you cannot even predict their behaviour.”

     

  • Rapist cop dismissed, on trial

    Police Corporal Anthony Onoja who was caught raping a two- year old toddler at Kabayi area of Nasarawa State sometime in September, has been dismissed and is currently on trial, the office of the Inspector General of Police has said.

    A statement issued on Tuesday by Force spokesman, Frank Mba, said Onoja was dismissed on September 13 and charged to a Nasarawa High Court on September 15.

    Mba said the Onoja is being charged for rape, with charge sheet No. NSD/77C/2013.

    He affirmed that the police authorities were not being complacent in the handling of the case.

    The statement added that the suspect was dismissed after an in-house administrative disciplinary panel (Orderly Room) indicted him for the disciplinary offences of discreditable conduct and conduct unbecoming of a police officer.

    “A full scale criminal investigation of the alleged offence of rape was conducted by the Anti-Human Rights Section of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Nasarawa State Police Command.

    “The Case Diary was subsequently forwarded to the office of the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), Nasarawa State Ministry of Justice, for legal advice.

    “Based on the advice of the DPP, Anthony Onoja, was charged to High Court 3 in Nasarawa State. The prosecution of the ex-Police Cpl is being conducted by the Office of the DPP and is on-going. These facts can be verified by any Nigerian or group who wishes to so do, “the statement added.

    The police authorities said they found it rather preposterous that some well meaning Nigerians would insinuate that they were shielding the alleged rapist from justice.

    “Without fear of contradiction, the Nigeria Police Force remains one of the most self cleansing institutions in the country and has always disciplined its erring personnel without any prompting from any quarters,” statement said.

    In the light of this, the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, appealed to the general public to desist from rendering blanket judgment against members of the Force for the singular misdeed of one its members.

    According to him, the Police Force, like any other institution in the country, is made up of persons who individually, might not be perfect in all ramifications, just as there is no perfect institution anywhere in the world.

     

     

  • Cholera kills another person in Lagos

    The outbreak of Cholera that claimed the lives of about three persons in Lagos State has claimed the lives of another victim in Yaba area of the state.

    The female victim simply identified as Blessing died in a Military Hospital, Yaba, after eating an African salad, popularly known as “Abasha.”

    Blessing was rushed to the hospital on Thursday last week where doctors battled to save her life till she gave up the ghost on Monday.

    Blessing’s death brought to four, the reported number of people that have died of Cholera since the outbreak of the disease in Lagos two weeks ago.

    The deceased was said to have been admitted for cholera at the hospital along with another victim who survived while she was unfortunate to have died of the disease.

    A source closed to the deceased said Blessing got married in September and died two months later.

     

     

  • Lagos threatens violators of park regulations with jail

    Lagos threatens violators of park regulations with jail

    Lagos State Government has said that it will no longer tolerate the violation of its parks and garden regulations, saying that defaulters will be fined or made to serve jail term.

    The Managing Director, Lagos State Parks and Garden Agency, Mrs. Titi Anibaba, told journalists in Alausa, on Tuesday that such offences that are punishable by the law include neglect, failure and refusal to landscape and beautify the perimeter area of residents’ properties.

    She listed others as felling of trees without obtaining required permit from the agency, walking on lawns and gardens, urinating and defecating in any parks, garden or open place among others.

    Anibaba reiterated the state government commitment to environmental regeneration in the state, while calling on private sector to get actively involved and support government initiative through partnership in the area of adoption and maintenance of some of the gardens in their area of operation.

    “More importantly, I call on Lagosians to respect the trees, parks, garden, lawns, railings and other properties of the agencies as this belongs to all of us as they were provided with tax payers money,” she said.

    The managing director explained that the state tree planting initiative was conceived and adopted as the cheapest way to combat global warming threatening human survival.

     

     

  • Job of the day

    1. Executive Assistant to the MD at JNC International Limited

    JNC International Limited is a Turnkey Medical Equipment solution company, representing an impressive list of international manufacturers of leading medical technology brands, that are global providers of Medical Technology solutions.

    JNC International is recruiting to fill the position of:

    Job Title: Executive Assistant to the MD

    Location: Lagos

    Job Description:
    The Executive Assistant is a highly visible position providing support for all areas of MD s office and the incumbent must be committed to the development and growth of the company.
    The role provides strictly private and confidential executive assistance to the Managing Director of JNC.
    Manages her workload, assists her in her tasks on hand and act as gatekeeper.
    Main Responsibilities:
    Completes projects and special assignments by establishing objectives; determining priorities, managing time, gaining cooperation of others, monitoring progress, problem-solving, making adjustments to plans.
    Updates job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities; reading professional publications; maintaining personal networks; participating in professional organizations
    To maintain and organize the MD s diary, filing system and all other relevant areas as necessary.
    To support the MD in her projects, proposals, bids, etc. through research, consultation, team-management
    To draft speeches, articles, briefings, and project proposals as requested by the MD
    To professionally represent the organization at sector networking events
    To facilitate meetings, schedule debriefing meetings so follow up action can be implemented. Also by arranging refreshments, seating and taking minutes if required to do so.
    To co-ordinate staff/Board residential and meetings
    To respond to Board member and other stakeholder queries in a timely and professional manner, both orally and in writing.
    To co-ordinate all senior management and Board member travel arrangements
    To compile Board papers and ensure they are sent in good time for meetings. To circulate reports, minutes and agendas for Board and Sub-committee meetings. To liaise with the Chairman and other Board Members on various matters as required.
    To be responsible for receiving enquiries and providing an effective referral service to clients and prospective clients.
    To maintain the complaints file and ensure all complaints are responded to within target timescales.
    To liaise positively and professionally with colleagues and visitors.
    Commit to working proactively to support both the MD s office and the organization.
    To be amiable, professional and approachable at all times.
    Person Specification:
    Must be Female
    Within the ages of 27-37
    Very presentable and charismatic
    BSc and MSc (Added advantage)
    2 years and more experience in a PA/EA Role
    Application Closing Date
    15th November, 2013.

    How To Apply
    Interested and qualified candidates should send CVs to: hr@jnciltd.com

    2. Brand Communications Officer at HReade Nigeria

    HReade is a human resource consulting firm which adopts a collaborative approach in ensuring our Clients build competitive advantages through their people thereby increasing value for stakeholders and customers.

    We are recruiting to fill the position below:

    Job Position: Brand Communications Officer

    Location: Lagos

    Job Description
    Custodian of all internal communication and media/public relations activity. In fulfilling this role, you will help create communication & media plans and implement communication activities, track and analyze their performance while ensuring that the overall branding and strategic objectives of the Company are met. You would also develop and implement communications strategy in collaboration with the company targets, key decision-makers as well as the general public.
    Essential Job Functions
    Corporate Communication, Brand Management & Corporate Services:
    Serves as company brand ambassador and corporate communication manager
    Manages the administration of the company s website ensuring correctness and brand consistency of information thereon
    Responds to enquiries and attends to press releases
    Generates and develops ideas for effective brand placement and enhancement of brand value
    Develops, organizes and manages company events including periodic employee bonding programmes
    Translate company business objectives into creative and executable corporate communications strategies and programs.
    Manages the production of company branded collaterals and corporate gift items, including identification and negotiation with relevant vendors and suppliers, stakeholders and business partners such as director, key clients, industry colleagues
    Composing, reviewing or editing CEO s essays and write-ups for post on company website blog
    Demonstrate strong judgment in understanding key trends and news elements to develop a successful PR program with proactive and responsive media relations activities.
    Demonstrate exceptional strategic thinking and planning abilities.
    Develop and implement marketing strategies and programs to promote the branding as well as products and services of the company.
    Maintain a rigorous and consistent approach to branding, messaging, content, quality and general look and feel throughout all communications and external messaging.
    Manage a comprehensive employee communications strategy and plan that directly supports the business strategy, vision and values and use a range of appropriate tools that are measurable.
    Leads communications for major business initiatives and events.
    Education
    Bachelors degree in Social Sciences/Sciences/Arts/Law from a reputable and accredited University.
    Minimum of 4 years in similar roles.
    Skills
    Working with people
    Adhering to principles and values
    Relating and networking
    Persuading and influencing
    Presenting and communicating information
    Writing and reporting
    Applying Expertise and Technology(Microsoft Office)
    Planning and organizing
    Following instructions and procedures
    Achieving personal work goals and Objectives
    Knowledge Requirement
    Company, business and personal administration.
    Political awareness and socio-economic trend.
    Corporate communication and brand strategy.
    Secretarial administration.
    Skills Required:
    Creative and Innovative
    Ability to work with minimal supervision
    Detail oriented
    Well developed people and interpersonal skills
    Learning and researching
    Ability to produce high quality work under strict deadlines
    Formulating strategies and concepts
    Delivering results and meeting customer expectation
    Writing and reporting
    Planning and organizing
    Excellent oral and written communication and presentation skills
    Advanced research skills
    Analytical skills
    Applying Expertise and Technology(Microsoft Office)
    Good dress sense
    Negotiation skills.
    Application Closing Date
    2nd December, 2013.

    How to Apply
    Interested and qualified candidates should send their CV’s to: recruit@hreade.com using Job Title as the subject of the email.

    3. Team Leader: Quantity Survey in a Group of Companies

    Our client, an Abuja based Group of Companies with subsidiaries in Construction, Oil & Gas, and ICT requires competent Team Leaders in some of their key positions as a result of expansion.

    Job Title: Team Leader: Quantity Survey

    Location: Abuja

    Core Essentials:
    Carry out feasibility studies to estimate materials, time and labour costs
    Negotiate and draw up bids for tenders and contracts
    Monitor each stage of construction to make sure that costs are in line with forecasts
    Provide financial progress reports to clients
    Advise clients on legal and contractual matters
    Assess clients on legal costs of new environmental guidelines, for example, on the use of timber from sustainable supplies
    Prepare in-house estimates, derive cost, evaluate variation order and analyse financial bids.
    Qualification
    First degree, specialised second degree an added advantage.
    Professional Member ship of relevant Institutes, Attendance of Conferences
    Experience
    10 years with the least 5 in similar positions.
    Application Closing Date
    18th November, 2013

    Method of Application
    Interested candidates should send detailed Curriculum Viate to the advertiser: winsomeserve@yahoo.com

    Please Note:
    The group currently operates in most part of the North, knowledge and understanding of the culture / religion of the people is therefore an added advantage.
    Our client has preference for candidates from North Central North East.

    4. Team Leader: Architecture in a Group of Companies

    Our client, an Abuja based Group of Companies with subsidiaries in Construction, Oil & Gas, and ICT requires competent Team Leaders in some of their key positions as a result of expansion.

    Job Title: Team Leader: Architecture

    Location: Abuja

    Core Essentials:
    High level of creativity, imagination and vision.
    A keen interest in the built environment and the dedication to see projects to their conclusion.
    Excellent design and drafting skills and proficiency with computer-Aided Design (CAD).
    A keen eye for the detail of specific tasks, combined with an understanding of how such specific fit in with the  project as a whole.
    Organizational, project management and planning skills, including the ability to juggle multiple tasks.
    An analytical mind with excellent problem-solving ability
    Leadership skills as well as the ability to work well within a team of other professionals.
    Qualification
    NIA + First / Second Degree. Another second degree in another discipline an added advantage.
    Attendance of Professional Conferences, Seminars and Workshops
    Experience
    10 years with the least 5 in similar positions.
    Application Closing Date
    18th November, 2013

    Method of Application
    Interested candidates should send detailed Curriculum Viate to the advertiser: winsomeserve@yahoo.com

    Please Note:
    The group currently operates in most part of the North, knowledge and understanding of the culture / religion of the people is therefore an added advantage.
    Our client has preference for candidates from North Central North East.

    5.Advertising Manager at Globacom Limited

    Globacom Limited is Africa’s fastest growing telecommunications company with over twenty-five million subscribers and subsidiaries in the Republic of Benin, Ghana and other African countries. In its quest to further strengthen its operations and consolidate its market leadership position, the Company desires to engage highly competent, talented and self-motivated individuals for the following senior position:

    Job Title: Advertising Manager

    Ref: AM
    Location: Nigeria

    Responsibilities
    Ability to develop and articulate advertising and creative strategies for the brand as well as its various offerings.
    Develop and execute advertising plans and projects in alignment with overall Sales, Marketing as well as Corporate Objectives.
    Create comprehensive briefs for the purpose of developing advertising, PR, media & event concepts In response to marketing and corporate goals.
    Plan, implement and monitor the effectiveness of advertising campaigns.
    Secure and promote high levels of visibility for the brand through effective management of the media.
    Manage relationships with advertising and production agencies to ensure compliance with international quality standards.
    Requirements
    Minimum of Bachelors degree in Arts, Social Sciences and any other related field.
    MBA or relevant post graduate qualification will be an added advantage.
    Strong organizational skills, ability to multitask and proven project management capabilities.
    Excellent presentation and communication skills.
    Strong competencies in developing communication strategies
    Strong commercial orientation
    Minimum of ten (10) years cognate experience in advertising and or brand marketing with at least 3 years at management level.
    Application Closing Date
    18th November, 2013

    Method Of Application
    Qualified candidates should e-mail their resume, possibly with a scanned passport photograph to: marcom.job@gloworld.com . using the reference of the position as the subject of the email. All applications will be treated in strict confidence and only shortlisted candidates will be contracted.