The Nation Newspaper

Category: Uncategorized

  • NNPC says top management appointments on merit

    NNPC says top management appointments on merit

    The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) says professional competence, adherence to the principle of transparency and accountability informed the recent top management appointment executed in the first week of March.

    Dr Kennie Obateru, the spokesman for the corporation made this known in a statement issued in Abuja, on Sunday.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the corporation in March disengaged some of its staff and appointed new top management staff.

    The appointments elicited criticisms from some Nigerians and some Niger Delta leaders.

    Obateru explained that the principle of federal character was also a factor in the progression of the newly appointees.

    He said many top management officers of the corporation were moved to new positions, while some were promoted based on their verifiable track records of performance.

    “Some Chief Operating Officers, Group General Managers and Managing Directors of subsidiaries were affected in what some industry analysts described as the most objective placement exercise in the recent history of the National Oil Company.

    READ ALSO: CBN, NNPC to spend N1b on returnees quarantine

    Topping the list of the changes, he said, was the re-deployment of the erstwhile Chief Operating Officer (COO), Upstream, Mr Roland Ewubare, to the Ventures and Business Development Directorate as COO.

    He said that under the arrangement, Ewubare, got an additional responsibility of business development, besides managing the group’s ventures.

    NNPC spokesman said Ewubare’s position as COO Upstream was taken over by Mr Adeyemi Adetunji, erstwhile Chief Operating Officer in charge of Downstream directorate.

    He noted that Adetunji was a first-class Mechanical Engineering graduate of the University of Lagos and started his over 30 years career as a maintenance Engineer and later a project Engineer in Lever Brothers Nigeria Limited (Unilever).

    Obateru said that the recent top management appointment also received affirmative action with the re-deployment of Ms Lawrencia Ndupu to the Downstream.

    He said that Ndupu was a Physicists and renowned explorationist and started her working career in NNPC in January 1986, adding that through the years, she has held many key positions.

    Obateru added that Mr Bala Wunti, the erstwhile Managing Director of the Petroleum Products Marketing Company was appointed as the new GGM of the National Petroleum Investment Management Services (NAPIMS).

    “With a chain of experience spanning close to 30 years, Wunti who hailed from the North East, was the initiator of ‘Operation White,’ a system put in place to promote transparency and accountability in the distribution of petroleum products across the country.

    “The list also included Mr Lawal Sade as the new Managing Director of the NNPC Trading Company, a subsidiary of corporation.

    “ Before then he was the MD of NIDAS, a shipping arm of the NNPC. Mr. Sade had been essentially a marketer in the last 20 years with impressive outcomes.”

    Obateru stated that the exercise kept in place Mr Adokiye Tombomieye, from the South-South, as Group General Manager, Crude Oil Marketing, a highly strategic position in the corporation.

    The NNPC spokesperson explained that the new appointments depicted a leadership of the corporation determined on ensuring placement of square pegs in square holes.

    He said this was done while not losing sight of geographical spread, in respect of staffing.

    (NAN)

  • COVID-19: Edo tests 1,367 residents

    COVID-19: Edo tests 1,367 residents

    With the rise in number of confirmed cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) in Edo State, the state government has revved up Active Case Search (ACS) activities in over 542 rural and urban communities across the state, testing 1,367 residents and contact tracing over 933 others.

    Edo State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Patrick Okundia, who disclosed this to journalists in Benin City, reassured that the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration has ramped up measures to contain the COVID-19 pandemic in the state.

    The commissioner noted that the state was making steady progress in the management of the pandemic, adding that Edo has recorded successes in surveillance activities, including contact tracing, Persons of Interest (POI) tracking and active case search in the state’s 18 local government councils

    Okundia, however, reiterated the need for citizens to present or report themselves through the Edo State COVID-19 toll free response lines following any recent travel into the country, travel from high incident states or contact with confirmed cases.

    He noted that since the outbreak, Edo State has recorded a total of 1,334 suspected cases of COVID-19 and 144 confirmed cases spread across 13 LGAs, including Oredo (85), Esan West (4), Egor (17), Ovia North East (10), Ikpoba-Okha (17), Uhunmwode (3), Etsako Central (1), Esan South East (1), Akoko-Edo (1), Esan Central (1),Ovia South West (1), Owan East (1) and Esan North East (1) LGAs.

    READ ALSO: Edo/Ondo poll: All eyes on INEC

    Okundia said, “The Edo State Government has continued to step up measures to contain the coronavirus pandemic, as we are committed to protecting our people.

    “We, however, urge all residents to make themselves available for the ongoing massive screening and testing exercise across the state, as it will complement government’s efforts at curtailing the spread of the virus”

    “Also, we charge you to comply with all government directives. Stay at home and observe social distancing guidelines and other precautionary measures against the spread of the infectious disease, including regular hand washing with soap under running water and the use alcohol-based hand sanitisers.

    “Two new toll-free lines for COVID-19 response have been introduced by Edo State Government to strengthen the initial lines from the State Ministry of Health and the World Health Organisation (WHO) distributed at the onset of the outbreak. If you have any COVID-19 symptoms, please 08001235111 or 08002200110 for assistance”, the commissioner added.

  • Survivalist Mode

    Survivalist Mode

    By Tolu Odigie

    “Am I working hard enough?”
    “I am scared to turn in my timesheets because of a few empty slots.”
    “What if HR finds my skills irrelevant at work this period?”
    “Will I get paid this month?”
    “What if I get fired?”
    “How can I add value to my employer?”
    “What skills can I develop?”
    “We have to start a work from home arrangement.”
    “How do we measure employee performance now?”
    “Can we afford to go digital?”
    “Hope we can make payroll this month.”
    “Does the economy need us? Is my business/company essential?”

    The above may be comments or questions that have boggled your headspace while the COVID-19 pandemic and ensuing lockdown persists. You’re not alone; the questions derived were from a recent survey on employers and employees spanning across different sectors.

    United Nations Secretary-General – António Guterres said in a statement that; “Our world is facing an unprecedented threat,…The novel coronavirus, COVID-19, is having a major impact on us and our work…in many of our field offices and duty stations.”

    The pandemic has propelled many to self-evaluate their purpose in life, their value in the workplace, and contributions to society – Are my services essential? It has, therefore, become crucial for organizations and employees to re-strategize and adapt to the current realities to stay afloat, because – let’s face it, COVID-19 is drowning the global economy and only the adaptable swimmers will survive.

    While many await a “Post-COVID-19” era before adjusting to the “new normal” or in some cases, the old normal, smart business owners are adapting quickly by-going digital and equipping their staff to work from home (WFH).

    WFH is a work style a lot of organizations were indifferent to due to concerns about its impact on productivity; however, the Covid-19 outbreak has left businesses without a choice but to quash the stigma. Currently, About 37% of firms in the US have implemented mandatory, company-wide work-from-home arrangements, forcing digital transformation (Bravery and Tomar, 2020).

    With the high usage of digital applications such as Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and the likes, if these platforms were not profitable before, they are surely breaking even now. Seminars, conferences, meetings, and even training sessions are currently held online.

    According to The World Economic Forum 2020, “prior to COVID-19, companies were envisaging the future as a survival struggle. The early adopters of digitally enabled working are in better shape than others to face the challenges imposed by the coronavirus”. For example, before the outbreak, organizations like Amazon invested significantly in HR technology for new hires; this enabled Amazon to recruit and onboard 1,700 new employees recently in one day.

    Before the outbreak, organizations’ plans for a downturn signaled that they were turning future-of-work strategies into survival tactics. Some of the best enterprises around us today, grew stronger out of the crisis era. Companies like Amazon, Netflix, and Dominos continue to grow stronger and more resilient.

    A survivalist knows the importance of two key traits; preparedness and resilience. Preparedness has three elements; the first is the extent of a company’s digital working practices going into the pandemic. Organizations are now on the digital train, and Nigeria is not an exception. Though, a Talent Trends study in Nigeria shows that progress on digital experience has stalled in recent years, about 2 in 5 companies have gone partially or fully digital. It is vital because digitization transforms how organizations build a diverse workforce, improves team working, analyses performance, and fosters flexible working.

    The second element is Flexible working. According to (Bravery and Tomar, 2020).44% of companies make flexible working dependent on the job rather than a person’s circumstances. Remote working involves trust in employees reliability, capability, and motivation as well as the use of digital infrastructure. Trust is required between the organization and the employee to achieve a flexible working.

    The third element is agility in response to external shocks or stimulus. Having a fluid team and employees with broad skill sets is the most important to companies. Employees who reskill themselves and those with an adaptable mindset can help during a crisis period to wear multiple hats and keep operations going.

    Resilience is dependent on the industry involved, as some sectors such as the health sector, manufacturing, automotive, and mining are experiencing significant impact from the shutdown. These are sectors that are highly people-dependent and hard to digitize. The least affected include sectors such as professional services, education, telecommunication, and technology. In the long run, and depending on how long the pandemic continues, some of these sectors will also feel the effects of limited funding to carry out operations.

    While many businesses today are struggling with the “new normal”, some organizations and employees are merely just playing catch up, because consistent upscaling of skills and work processes were prioritized long before now. Employees have undervalued essential skills such as data analytics, digital skills, digital marketing skills, etc. it is evident now that these skills are essential. COVID-19 is a catalyst for change and innovation; it is shift employees are thirsty for. Are you thirsty enough?

    Questions for thought- What value are you adding to your organization at this time? It is easy to hide behind your team or your workstation in the workplace…but what is your added value now? Remember, it is possible for your organization to “forget” and in some cases deem you non-essential if your impact is not felt. What’s your value proposition? What skills are you sharpening or upskilling? As an organization, how are you ensuring your employees are fully equipped to WFH? How far have you gone in digitizing your operations to succeed in this new normal? Is your business still relevant in the new normal?

    If history is any indication, we will all rebound more robust and more resilient from the crisis. Many successes will be born out of this era.

    Follow up more this kind of articles at askifa.ng

    References

    BRAVERY, K. and TOMAR, A., 28 April 2020, 2020-last update, How companies and employees can make their best coronavirus comeback [Homepage of World Economic Forum], [Online].

    Available: https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2020/04/coronavirus-covid- business-resilience-preparedness-skills/ [May 18, 2020].

    GRAHAM, M., 12 May 2020, 2020-last update, Twitter tells employees they can work from home ‘forever’ [Homepage of CNBC], [Online].

    Available: https://www.cnbc.com/2020/05/12/twitter-tells-employees-they-can-work-from-home-forever.html [May 12, 2020].

    OYEMADE, Z., Sep 3, 2019, 2019-last update, Digital Transformation and its Impact on the Nigerian Economy [Homepage of Medium.com], [Online].

    Available: https://medium.com/@zionoyemade/digital-transformation-and- its-impact-on-the-nigerianeconomy- f998f483ae22 [May 18, 2020].

    VERBEEMEN, E., 9 April 2020, 2020-last update, Why remote working will be the new normal, even after COVID-19 [Homepage of EY], [Online].

    Available: https://www.ey.com/en_be/covid-19/why-remote-working-will-be-the-new-normal-even-after-covid-19 [May 12, 2020].

  • Ondo stakeholders want direct primaries, says Guber aspirant

    Ondo stakeholders want direct primaries, says Guber aspirant

    Osagie Otabor, Bénin

    A governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress in Ondo State, Hon Isaacs Kekemeke, has said that majority of APC stakeholders in the state want the direct mode of primaries in electing candidate of the party.

    Governorship election in Ondo has been slated for October while political parties are expected to hold their primaries in July.

    Kekemeke said the reason direct mode of primaries is preferred in Ondo State was because of controversies surrounding the emergence of party officials at the last congresses in the state.

    In a chat with journalists in Akure, Kekemeke said there has not been cohesive party leadership in the state that is inclusive.

    READ ALSO: Ondo court stops cleric’s forced marriage to teenager

    He stated that there was need to mobilise party members by their participation in the aspirant selection process.

    According to him, “We need to carry along very many interest groups in the party. We need a direct primaries. We can established protocols that enable people in their wards to gather and elect who they want by observing social distancing and making the use of face mask compulsory.

    “I know that direct primaries is the preferable option. It is the inevitable for victory and success of the party.”

  • Opera Mini launches “Opera Mini 50”

    Opera Mini launches “Opera Mini 50”

    Opera, one of the world’s major browser developers, today launched Opera Mini 50. In the major upgrade, the popular browser has fully revamped its user interface to allow its users a more personal and intuitive way to interact with the browser features they love the most.

    Opera Mini 50 is a small, fast and powerful browser. It comes with unique features such as the data compression technology, a download manager with offline file sharing capabilities, and a built-in ad-blocker.

    “Since the very first launch almost fifteen years ago, Opera Mini has provided people with a better browsing experience than what they get with the default browser on their smartphones”. “Now, with version 50, it was time for major upgrade to Opera Mini, with a completely redesigned user experience, where we make the most popular features easier to use”

    Completely redesigned

    In the biggest upgrade for five years, the new Opera Mini 50 integrates a new and versatile status bar located at the top of the browser screen. The new status bar adds a touch personalization to the browser. In Opera Mini 50, users are able to receive welcome messages during their daily browsing sessions with greetings and hints throughout the day when using the app. The status bar also keeps users updated on what’s going around them. It shows notifications with information about the latest news and upcoming updates in the browser or events from partners.

    “With Opera Mini 50, we are reinforcing the connection between the users and the features that they love in multiple touch points.” said Andrzej Czarnecki, Product Manager for Opera Mini. “We introduced new styles, themes and user experiences, to improve the access to the features users need while enjoying superior aesthetics.”

    Data savings have always been important for the Opera Mini users. In Opera Mini 50, the new status bar displays a data savings widget which comes pretty handy in situations where users want to keep control of their data consumption in a glimpse.

    “We know that data compression in Opera Mini is widely used among our users. Our designers have introduced the new data savings widget on the status bar, to give users detailed information about their data consumption. It tells them what they need to know about how much data they are saving without navigating through the settings of the browser.” said Czarnecki.

    More browsing, less data

    Today, Opera Mini is by far the fastest and best data saving browser available on digital app stores. This makes the browser particularly popular among users who want to save data or gain speed for a better browsing experience on limited or congested mobile networks.

    Opera Mini offers its users to activate either high or extreme data savings mode. The extreme mode in Opera Mini is capable of saving on average an impressive 81% of mobile data versus other browsers like Google Chrome, which are only capable of saving on average to 9% of mobile data. This allows Opera Mini users to browse for nine times longer versus using other mobile browsers without data compression capabilities. (source: Data saving test, Q3-19)

    Easier access to offline file sharing

    Opera Mini is the only major browser that allows its users to also share files without the use of mobile data. With its “offline file sharing”, it allows users to transfer images, videos and audio files to nearby devices at super high speeds using a safe Wi-Fi direct connection.

    The freshly added offline file sharing feature works with the popular download manager in Opera Mini. By combining these features, Opera Mini makes it easier for users to share files they have already downloaded from the web to their phones, as they don’t need to navigate through their phone drive to share the files they are searching for.

    Offline file sharing can now be accessed easily in Opera Mini 50 through the shortcut on the new navigation bar located at the bottom of the browser screen.

    Free music everywhere

    Last year Opera Mini partnered with Mdundo, the leading music sharing platform with the largest catalog of independent artists across Africa. Throughout this partnership, Opera integrates Mdundo’s music catalog into Opera Mini 50 providing users with free access to the music they love through their browser wherever they go.

    “Every time users listen to an artist with Opera Mini and Mdundo, they are also supporting local and independent African artists, helping them to increase their chances of being discovered by more people, generate more streams and downloads, and motivate them to keep making their favorite music.” said Czarnecki

    With Opera Mini and Mdundo, users can decide between streaming music or download their favorite songs. Thanks to the hybrid advertising model of Mdundo, users can download their favorite songs for free.

    Cutting the connectivity gap in Nigeria in 2020

    Opera Mini has always been a challenger mobile browser. The fast and small browser is extremely popular across the African continent where it has challenged the status quo of expensive mobile data due to its unique data compression capabilities.

    Since the beginning of 2020, Opera has partnered with MTN and Airtel in Nigeria to bring free browsing up to 50MB to its users and those using MTN and Airtel networks.

    “We chose to work with MTN and Airtel in Nigeria, because they are the major internet service providers locally.” said Jørgen Arnesen, Head of Mobile Browsers at Opera. “The goal is to make mobile data more accessible for everyone, and reduce the digital divide, especially now when online information is vital.”

  • Lagos postpones entrance tests for model colleges

    Lagos postpones entrance tests for model colleges

    Kofoworola Belo-Osagie

    The Lagos State Examinations Board has postponed the screening tests for admission into the junior model colleges and upgraded secondary schools until further notice.

    The screening was scheduled to hold Monday, 25th to Saturday 30, 2020.

    Director of the Board, Supo Gbadegesin, however said in a statement that registration for the examination would continue electronically.

    READ ALSO: Lagos seals 20 Isheri-North GRA buildings

    He said: “In view of the prevailing situation of global pandemic virus called COVID – 19, Lagos State Examinations Board hereby informs the general public, especially all duly registered candidates for the year 2020 SCREENING TEST into Lagos State Model Colleges and Upgraded Junior Secondary Schools, that the conduct of the examination scheduled to commence from Monday, 25th to Saturday, 30th May, 2020 has been postponed till further notice.

    “However, registration is still ongoing via various electronic means such as on-line, WhatsApp or phone calls.”

  • Sokoto to get first private varsity

    Sokoto to get first private varsity

    Adamu Suleiman, Sokoto

    The Aliyu Magatakarda Foundation is set to float the first private university in Sokoto.

    The proposed university, according to a statement by Bashir Rabe Mani, Special Assistant Media and Publicity to Senator Aliyu Wamakko, is expected to take off as soon as the National Universities Commission (NUC) gives the final nod.

    The statement said relevant documents for the institution had been submitted to the NUC by Wammako, who represents Sokoto North Senatorial District in the Senate.

    The documents were received by the NUC Executive Secretary, Prof. Abubakar Rasheed in Abuja.

    The documents included evidence of payment of the processing fees, academic briefs, master plan, environmental impact assessment, subsoil investigations report and the draft university law.

    Senator Wamakko was at the NUC with the Foundation’s Secretary/Legal Adviser (Planning & Implementation Committee), Bello Mohammed Goronyo and an Adviser, Malam Nasir Isa Wasagu.

  • Parents kick as UNILAG Women Society School demands third term fees

    Parents kick as UNILAG Women Society School demands third term fees

    By Kofoworola Belo-Osagie

    Parents whose children attend the University of Lagos Women Society Nursery and Primary School have kicked against the school’s demand for third term fees.

    The demand was contained in a letter dated May 18, 2020 and signed by the school’s head teacher, Mrs. Abimbola Afolabi. The letters were emailed to the parents

    Parents were told the fees were needed to pay workers’ salaries and should be done by June 5, 2020.

    The letter reads in part: “On 4th of May, the school commenced the online teaching of the 3rd term scheme of work and we are already in the third week of teaching and by the grace of God, we intend to continue for as long as it requires.

    “However, in order to sustain our obligation to our staff, it has become necessary at this juncture that we appeal to you – our dear parents to please pay the school fees of our pupils, as this is needed to keep up with the school’s statutory obligations, most especially teacher’s salary for the Month of May as well as sustaining the online learning support.

    “We are not being insensitive to the current economic situation but will appreciate if all payments can come in latest by Friday, 5th June, 2020.

    “Should you be unable to meet up with this deadline kindly get in touch with the headmistress for a payment plan.”

    The letter also specified the amount parents are expected to pay for the term. Playgroup/Nursery pupils are to pay N49,000 (if the parent is a staff of the University of Lagos), or N82,800 (for non-members of staff of UNILAG).  Kindergarten pupils are paying N62,500 (members of staff); and N96,300 (non-staff); while Year 1-4 pupils are to pay N63,250 (members of staff) and N108,100 (non-staff).

    FRead Also: COVID-19: Unilag produces Ambuvalent ventilator

    Reacting to the letter, a parent (names withheld) described it as insensitive, especially as many parents have lost income as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic.

    “This is unfair.  My salary has been halved and the school comes up with this?,” the parent said.

    Another parent, who is a staff of the university, accused the school of not carrying parents along.

    “The problem with the school is there is always highhandedness on the part of the management.  Most times they don’t carry parents along.

    “When this whole thing started, they started elearning with WhatsApp.  Later they told us there would be a break and we started using the school’s website.  Only for us to get emails three days back that we should pay third term fees – more than the expected amount.  When we rejected it, it was reviewed but we are told to pay over three-quarters of the fees for online classes alone,” the parent said.

    When reached for comments, the head mistress, Mrs. Afolabi said: “I don’t know what you are talking about.  I am on sick leave.”

  • BSU gets new governing council

    BSU gets new governing council

    Uja Emmanuel, Makurdi

    Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom has inaugurated the seventh Governing Council of the Benue State University (BSU), Makurdi with a charge for members to reposition the institution to attain greater heights.

    The governor, while performing the ceremony at the New Banquet Hall of Government House in Makurdi, charged the council to ensure the university produces entrepreneurial-minded graduates.

    He said BSU, with students’ population of 25,000, was a great centre of learning in the country, saying he was passionate about its development and other state-owned tertiary institutions.

    Ortom noted that BSU comes first among universities in the country in terms of payment of Earned and Academic Allowances, which underscores his administration’s commitment to workers’ welfare.

    The governor also noted that with the desired attention and renewed efforts by his administration, the medical school of the institution  graduates high quality medical doctors, pointing out that the Schools of Nursing and Midwifery had been renovated and fully integrated with the College of Health Sciences of BSU.

    According to him, BSU had hired new workers to strengthen its faculties and improve quality of learning. He added that he had also directed that retired professors who were still active be employed on contract to improve research, teaching and supervision.

     

     

  • Cervical Cancer: Expert advises regular Pap smear test for women for early detection

    Cervical Cancer: Expert advises regular Pap smear test for women for early detection

    Dr Lydia Ogbalor, a gynecologist in Calvary Hospital, Warri in Delta has advised women to go for Pap Smear (Papanicolaou) test to avoid cervical cancer.

    Ogbalor who disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Tuesday in Benin, defined Cervical Cancer as “a malignant tumour of the cervix, the lowermost part of the uterus”.

    “It’s malignant tumour of the lower-most part of the uterus (womb) that can be prevented by Pap smear screening and a HPV vaccine.

    “Cervical cancer can often be prevented by having regular screenings to find any precancers and treat them, as well as receiving the HPV vaccine.

    “Cervical cancer tends to occur during midlife. It is most frequently diagnosed in women between the ages of 35 and 44. It rarely affects women under age 20, and more than 15 percent of diagnoses are made in women older than 65.

    “Mothers should give their girl children HPV vaccines from the age 9. Majority of people with cervical cancer today, were not aware of the HPV vaccine.

    “Vaccinate 9 to 13-year-old girls with two doses of HPV vaccine to prevent infection with the Human papillomavirus (HPV), the virus responsible for most cases of cervical cancer,’’ she said.

    READ ALSO: Stop smoking or risk cervical cancer, public health physician urges women

    Ogbalor advised women to talk with a healthcare provider about the appropriate schedule for vaccination because it may vary based on many factors, including age and vaccine availability.

    She said some factors that could help prevent cervical cancer included delaying first sexual intercourse until the late teens or older age, limiting the number of sex partners, practicing safe sex by using condoms and dental dams.

    Others are avoiding sexual intercourse with people who have had many partners and also avoiding sexual intercourse with people who are infected with genital warts or show other symptoms.

    Ogbalor said there might be no symptoms, but in a few cases, there may be irregular bleeding or pain, pain in the pelvis, pain during sexual intercourse.

    The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the World Health Organization recommends that all women receive at least one HPV test to screen for cervical cancer in their lifetime. Ideally, women 25 to 65 years old should receive an HPV test once every five years.

    Women 65 years and older or who had a hysterectomy may stop screening if their HPV test results have been mostly negative over the previous 15 years.

    Sometimes, women who are 65 and older and who have tested positive for HPV may continue screening until they are 70.

     

    (NAN)