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Tag: focused

  • ERGP: Building competitive economy through focused laboratories strategy

    ERGP: Building competitive economy through focused laboratories strategy

    In this analysis, Cecilia Ologunagba of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) writes that the Federal Government is adopting the Focus Laboratories option to stimulate investors’ interest in power, agriculture and manufacturing to drive its Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP).

    The medium term Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) 2017 to 2020, inaugurated by President Muhammadu Buhari to address the country’s economic challenges, will be one year old in April.

    Integral to the ERGP is an ambitious roadmap to return the economy to the path of growth and achieve seven per cent growth rate by 2020.

    The driver of the ERGP is the Focus Laboratories on power, agriculture and manufacturing recently inaugurated by the Vice President Yemi Osinbajo. The laboratories have been designed to fast track economic growth.

    According to Prof. Osinbajo, the Focus Laboratories would further boost economic growth and ensure continuity in Nigeria’s determination to build a competitive economy.

    The vice president said: “The labs will operate by bringing together all private and public sector officials to achieve the ERGP’s objective of reaching seven per cent economic growth by 2020.

    “The Focus Labs are being conducted in three selected areas to accelerate investment and job creation.

    “These specific areas are agriculture and transport, manufacturing and processing and finally power and gas sector.”

    Osinbajo explained that the laboratory groups were meant to bring private/public sector participants and potential investors together to think through the implementation of the specific areas of focus.

    “We believe that working together as a group, we will be able to achieve these specific objectives that have been set out for us,” he said.

    Budget & National Planning Minister Udoma Udo Udoma said the government would improve power generation and its operational capacity to 10 gigawatts by 2020.

    But two years to the deadline, the Federal Government has only succeeded in generating four gigawatts.

    The former senator has however expressed optimistic that the laboratories will eliminate the bottlenecks that hinder private sector investment in key sectors of the economy.

    He listed the sectors critical to economic growth as agriculture, manufacturing and power.

    The minister said the removal of the bottlenecks has become imperative because $245.1 billion would be required to implement the ERGP, out of which $195.98 billion would be sourced from private sector and $49.15 billion dollars from the public sector.

    Udoma said the three main objectives of the initiative were to create new investment opportunities for critical projects, job creation and resolution of complex inter-agency problems that inhibited private sector investment.

    In continuation of the executive/legislative engagement on critical plans and activities of the ministry, Udoma at the National Assembly on February 21 to brief a joint session of its leadership on the economic recovery focus laboratories.

    The minister explained that they were aimed at driving the critical sectors of the economy to achieve the strategic objectives of the ERGP.

    The objectives are restoring economic growth, investing in the people and building a globally competitive economy.

    Udoma said the ministry established the labs because of government’s determination to actualise the strategic objectives of the major enabling sectors of the ERGP.

    According to him, they would unlock investment potentials stalled due to bureaucratic bottlenecks and in the process, fast track the projects to enable investors to mobilise their investments.

    The labs therefore, he said, are aimed at fast-tracking the attainment of the set objectives and to deliver quick and fast results to the citizens.

    He said this would be achieved by identifying actionable projects and removing roadblocks that had been impeding their implementation.

    Udoma, however, told the legislators that since government alone could not shoulder the provision of critical infrastructure and provide investment capital needed to drive the process, it decided to create an enabling environment.

    The minister said: “It has decided to not partner with the private sector for investment funds, but also make the environment attractive to investors.

    “To achieve its goal, the government must target its investment drive significantly at investors with the capacity to boost the economy and create jobs for Nigerians.

    “That is why it is embarking on the labs to fashion out a strategic direction and then conduct a mass crowd sourcing of ideas to mobilise resources into the focused areas.”

    The minister said that labs would also identify catalytic Entry Point Projects (EPPs) that would mobilise private investment projects to spearhead investment and job creation in the specific sectors.

    The labs are being executed in three phases: Pre-lab expected to take place from January 15 to March 4; Main lab, from March 5 to April 15 and Post lab, April 15 to May 13.

    Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu who represented Senate President Bukola Saraki at the session, commended government’s move at ensuring the implementation of the plan, and that government had become serious about developing the economy.

    He urged Nigerians to stop de-marketing the country through unnecessary criticism and pessimism, making it difficult to find solutions to problems besetting the economy.

    He said Nigerians should put their acts together and think patriotically.

    Ekweremadu suggested that some structures of government should give way and allow funds to be put to proper and more beneficial use to the people.

    He called on the Federal Government to reinforce its security architecture and power infrastructure to ensure a conducive environment that would attract investors.

    House of Representatives Speaker Yakubu Dogara commended the executive for ensuring the objectives of the ERGP were realised.

    Dogara, however, urged the Federal Government to do something about the interest rate regime as Nigerians might be unable to effectively participate in the investment programme because of funding constraints.

    Dr Idris Jala, the Head of the Malaysian Performance Management Delivery Unit (PEMANDU) briefed the leadership of the National Assembly on the Malaysian experience.

    According to Jala, the Malaysian economic history has a lot of semblance with the Nigerian experience.

    He said at a point the Malaysian economy took a downward turn and he had to warn that unless there was a fundamental way of managing the economy, the country would go bankrupt.

    Dr. Jala recommended transformational leadership at all levels, which entailed taking actions that might be painful in the short-term but beneficial in the long-run to the people.

    He said that Malaysia also used the lab process with great success as a tool for the transformation of its economy.

    Nevertheless, analysts note that the level of commitment from the government and private sector would result to generating $24 billion worth of investment for the country from the labs.

  • Award-winning Nigerian schoolkid urges students to be focused

    Award-winning Nigerian schoolkid urges students to be focused

    Award-winning Nigerian schoolgirl Katerine Eta has challenged students not to see failure as an excuse to quit.

    Katherine of Childville School, Ogudu, Lagos last week took the third place in the keenly contested 2017 Microsoft Office Specialist World Championship (MOSWC) held in Disneyland, California, USA.

    Organisers of Nigerian competition that gave her the platform to compete at the World Championship, ReadManna, is targeting more schools in order to provide opportunities for more students.

    Katherine, who spoke at the Murtala International Airport on arrival from the United States at the weekend, said: “You shouldn’t see failure as a reason for you to quit, failure should be a reason for you to work harder to do more of what you have already done”.

    Katherine, who received support from Zenith Bank Plc, was the only African Champion in this year’s championship. The bank had partnered with ReadAmana, since 2007 and sponsored Nigerian winners’ participation in the World championship.

    She said: “Last year I went for the world championship and I came tenth in the world and I decided that I was going to go again this year doing a different programme and this year because I work harder and because I was more determined, I came third in the world.”

    On what she planned to do with her newly acquired expertise in the Microsoft application, Katherine said she intended to get better still at using it and then help use the knowledge to help others.

    Chairman of ReadManna, Mrs. Ednar Agusto, said the organisation planned to expand the Nigerian competition so as to give more students the chance to acquire competencies in Microsoft applications.

    Agusto said she was motivated by the reality that competence in the use of the applications could help to increase productivity and improve self-esteem in students.

    “You know you will be able to stand and be able to do more things, it is a solid foundation in this ICT world because today, digital literacy is the language of the economy, so if you don’t know how to speak this language you are at a disadvantage, so we decided to start at the grassroots, work with the schools so that these children can have the right foundation and from there, they can move on to more advanced computer certification and knowledge,” she said.

    She promised that the organisation will invite more public schools to participate in the competition, saying that only one public school, Lagos State Model College, Meiran competed in the Nigerian championship, with fifteen students representing.

    For her effort, sixteen-year-old Katherine, received $1,500, a NuVision Solo 10 Draw Tablet at the world championship and another N750,000 ReadManna Chairman’s Prize. Wai Feng Cheng (Hong Kong) and Chi Kei Leong (Macao) came first and second respectively.

  • Plateau Utd’s Danladi urges teammates to remain focused

    Plateau Utd’s Danladi urges teammates to remain focused

    Plateau United goalkeeper, Isa Danladi has disclosed that the Jos outfit will remain focused till the end of the season, otherwise risk falling down the table.

    Danladi, who has been an important part of Plateau United’s amazing form, said that the players have continued to motivate themselves.

    Currently placed 11th on the NPFL  log, Plateau United have recorded three successive wins, an achievement that  has not been seen in over a decade.

    “The competition in the Nigerian league is very tough. To survive you just have to remain focused all through the season else you may be found wanting at the base of the table,” Danladi told Goal.

    “We have consistently motivated ourselves as no player loves to play in a team that will go down to the lower division. We have had a super performance in recent times but the challenge now is to maintain that flow which i do admit is very tough.

    “God has been the reason why you saw that movement. We won three matches in a row which hasn’t happened in years at this club. It’s not easy but we just have to maintain this form till the end of the season.

    “We can’t afford to in any way lose concentration or get carried away because of what we have achieved lately.”

  • KPMG names Citi Most Customer Focused Bank

    KPMG names Citi Most Customer Focused Bank

    Citi has retained its position as the Most Customer Focused Bank in the wholesale banking category, the  KPMG 2016 Banking Industry Customer Satisfaction survey (BICSS) has shown.

    The survey stated that the quality of banking experience remains the reason customers chose to bank with Citi. The KPMG BICSS was first launched in 2007 to heighten the consciousness of service delivery among Nigerian banks.

    This year, KPMG expanded the scope of the survey to 29 locations across the country covering over 28,000 customers across segments. Customer selection in the wholesale banking segment was driven by a need to ensure inclusion of companies in each major business sector. The survey was based on five factors – Convenience; Product/Service; Executional Excellence; Value for Money and Customer Care.

    CEO for Citi Nigeria, Akin Dawodu, said “We are very proud to be recognised, again, as the most customer-centric bank [in Nigeria]. We are constantly looking at ways to improve services for our customers and make their lives easier. Great customer service can set us apart from our competitors and it has been, and will continue to be, one of our top priorities.”

    Total Nigeria also worked with Citi to develop the Electronic Bill Payment Product (E-Billspay) solution, and won the prestigious Adam Smith Best Treasury solution in Africa award with the E-Bills Pay solution.

  • Nasarawa shall remain focused, says Gbadebo

    Nasarawa shall remain focused, says Gbadebo

    Nasarawa United defender, Gbadebo Samson has stated that the club will not give up on their quest in the CAF Confederation Cup to make Nigerians proud.

    Against all odds, the Solid Miners breezed past Senegal’s Generation Foot in the preliminary round of the competition and the defender said he never had any doubt his team would progress.

    “Yes, we knew we were going to qualify based on the fact that if they came here and scored a goal we could as well go to Dakar and get the needed result,” Gbadebo told Goal.

    “We have always taken each match as they come, having in mind that no two matches are the same.”

    Samson also spoke about Nasarawa United’s home loss to NPFL debutants, MFM FC.

    “Basically, I wasn’t surprised that we lost our first match in the NPFL because a football match must end with three results; a win, draw or a loss. The best team in the world can lose to any team if they fail to convert their chances,” he said.

  • Enyimba remain focused for Sunshine tie

    Enyimba remain focused for Sunshine tie

    Enyimba FC Coach Kadiri Ikhana has stated that celebrations for the league victory sealed last weekend will be put on hold as the Champions-elect will resume preparation for the final League match away to troubled Sunshine Stars.

    Ikhana who led Enyimba to their seventh league crown is poised to finish the season on a high as the Aba giants return to a good ground at the Teslim Balogun Stadium,where Sunshine Stars have been banished to Lagos by the LMC.

    “Bringing the cup back to Aba after a long six-year wait is a good development. Everybody is happy but at the same time the players will have to cut short their celebrations because we still have a game to go,” he said.

    “We know the team we are playing and they are a very good side, so we have to train very hard and be ready to go.”

  • Be focused and decisive, lawmaker tells students

    Member of the Lagos State House of Assembly representing Lagos Mainland 2 constituency, Moshood Oshun, has admonished youths to set their priorities right in life.

    Oshun lamented that youths are losing focus and drifting into social vices such as cultism which tends to be the norm these days.

    The lawmaker stated this while addressing a group of students under the aegis of ‘The Lagos State tertiary institutions speakers forum’ comprising of speakers from students parliament in all the tertiary institutions in Lagos state who paid him a courtesy visit and gave him an award for being the most youth-friendly lawmaker in the state at the Assembly.

    “Everything we do now, there is a price we have to pay later in life,” Oshun warned.

    Hesaid since becoming a lawmaker in 2007, he has provided between 60 and 80 jobs for youths in the state.

    The lawmaker, however, expressed worry that in the face of rising unemployment, some youths in the country no longer want to work because but are only interested in cutting corners.

    According to him, the get-rich-quick mentality has enveloped many young men and women resulting in an increase in social vices and criminal activities.

    “Youths are losing focus and what should be priority is no longer there. We are losing what should be our pride,” he said, while recalling how he grew up with focus on education and the spirit of competition between him and his mates  in school. “Today, youths now compete with smoking and drinking,” he continued, “Now, the youths only think of driving the best cars and living in the best houses, but they don’t want to work hard. And when you are not ready to work hard, then you would steal. That was how social vices came into existence.

    “I once had an opportunity to get someone a job that six people had already rejected because they were not comfortable with waiting for the end of the month to get paid. They also did not want to be seen wearing uniforms. It was the seventh person who picked the job.

    “The sky is the limit for this forum of yours, but that is when you decide that the sky would be your limit. Being serious does not mean you should not catch fun; but be very responsible,” he advised.

    Chairman of the forum, Ibrahim Oladimeji from Federal College of Education (Technical) Akoka, Yaba said they decided to visit Oshun and present the award following all his contributions especially to students of the tertiary institutions within his constituency.

     

  • NFF focused on upcoming programmes, says Umeh

    NFF focused on upcoming programmes, says Umeh

    Acting President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Mike Umeh at the weekend assured Nigerians that the Federation is focused on the plethora of upcoming qualifiers and tournaments at hand and will not permit any distractions.

    The Under 20 Women’s National Team, nicknamed ‘Falconets’, will take part in the 7th FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup finals starting in Canada on Tuesday, while the U-20 boys have a 2015 African Youth Championship final qualifying fixture against Lesotho this month.

    There is the Super Eagles’ Head Coach’s matter to be sorted out, with the qualifying race for the 2015 African Cup of Nations starting in early September, and the Super Falcons’ preparations for the 9th African Women’s Championship in Namibia to think about, alongside the responsibility of steering a seamless transition to a new NFF board.

    “The programmes and activities at hand and those that are close by, are enormous. But we have everything within focus and we are making adequate arrangements for each of them,” Umeh said in Abuja.

    The one–time Team Manager of the senior national team disclosed that he is in regular contact with the camp of the U-20 girls in Moncton, Canada, and is impressed with reports of improved form of the players.

    “I have been in communication with the team’s camp and the Head Coach (Peter Dedevbo) has spoken of his delight at the great form of his players. I am confident we will have a great championship,” said Umeh.

    Nigeria finished as runner–up in the 5th FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup finals in Germany four years ago and reached the semi finals in Japan in 2012.

    “I have arranged to meet with the technical crew of the Flying Eagles this week to know how they are faring in camp ahead of the clash with Lesotho, and we are also on the issue of Mr. Stephen Keshi continuing as Head Coach of Super Eagles.

    “I can assure that we are not losing sight of anything. The Executive Committee is focused and we have competent and energetic officers in the secretariat who are working diligently on all areas.”

  • I’m too focused to be tempted by women

    I’m too focused to be tempted by women

    For almost three decades, Funsho Adeolu has devoted his whole life to his first love: acting. No wonder, he is one of the celebrated crossover actors in the nation’s movie industry, otherwise called Nollywood. The father of two, who is also a singer, shot into the limelight after he featured in a soap opera titled Palace. In this interview with DUPE AYINLA-OLASUNKANMI, he talks about his career and marriage, among other issues.  

    WHAT have you been doing lately?          I’m an actor and I am also into directing. I am not a producer; so, basically, I have been acting. I do more of professional stuff.

    Most of your colleagues are also into movie productions. So, why are you different?

    It is only in the Yoruba movie genre that this happens. I am a professional. But because most of them do not understand the difference between an actor and a producer, everyone goes into production. Some think that is the only way they can be recognised, while others feel they can make more money through it. I was brought up from the scratch. The training I had then is: if you want to be a producer, it is a different thing.  And if you want to do all the three, it shouldn’t be because everybody is doing it. They don’t even make as much money as we make as actors.

    Are you saying that for one to be a producer, one has to quit acting?

    No. I’m only saying that if you want to be a producer, you have to be a trained person. If you are not trained, then, you must have a purpose for wanting to do it. It should not be a case of everybody is doing it and then you also want to do it. In the English movie sector, you will notice that everybody is not doing that. But it is majorly in the Yoruba movie genre because they want to be known or the producers are not featuring them in their movies. Also, they believe that if you don’t produce, you have not got to the big level. Somebody like me can’t be producing because I can’t do something below my standard; I can just spend money on a project and it does not go well. The industry now is not conducive for me to produce a movie. So, if I end up spending big money on a movie and the marketers tell me any ‘story’ then, it is bad market.

    If we have the new ones producing in the name of fame, what are people like you doing to retain the dignity of the industry?

    I only get to talk to the ones who are close to me. It is unfortunate. But because I have those who look up to me, I try to make them understand the rudiments of the job. Our association is not encouraging at all and it is sad because they feel that you must be a producer to be recognised. They see it as a child going through the stages of life: going to the secondary school, going to the higher institution and then getting married. So, it is like that here. There is no platform for them to understand those things.

    Why has the association not provided an academy for them to train these young ones?

    There is no such thing and that is the reason we have them churning out rubbish as movies. The only way they can understand that they are part of the industry is to produce a movie someday. Even abroad, some do these things together, but it is not compulsory. But the major thing is we do not have an association right now that can tackle such a problem.  What I am saying, in essence, is that we don’t have an umbrella.

    But there is a new association now…

    (Cuts in) What is the new association about?  It is just the break-away of the same set of people in ANTP. So, we still have the same set of people in the new association.

    Are you saying you do not belong to any association?

    I am an actor. I was part of the ANTP when it was still in existence. I am also a member of LAMTAP, AGN and I did not disassociate from them. It is not compulsory for me to be a member of the ANTP. For some people, if you are an actor and you can speak any language, you can belong to any of the associations. I am a member of the AGN, though I speak Yoruba. We have some people in the AGN who are also acting in Yoruba movies too. What we need is a body that will cover Nigeria. All these associations will not help. The more they emerge, the more trouble. So, that is the reason nobody wants to be under anybody; rather, they all want to be oga on their own. Yet, they are all doing the same thing.

    There was a period you seemed to have stayed away from the Yoruba movie sector. What happened during that period?

    But I am sure you are still seeing me in soaps. My job is to act and I am doing that. It does not really matter the ones that I appear in. People are always saying that. But I am on location every week and there is no month I don’t get work, even now that I have decided to do more of soaps.

    Why the decision to do more of soaps at this stage of your career?

    For me, soaps are greater education and are more rewarding, in terms of finance.

    Having spent many years in the industry, how have you been able to stay out of scandals?

    Well, I really can’t say. I am a very flexible person. I am also someone who does not believe in the present, but the future. I cannot do something now that I know will affect my future 10 years from now. My name is more important than fame and money. I also cannot do something that will affect my children’s future. I want them and my other generations to look back and be able to be associated with the name when I am no more. I don’t think of what I want to gain now in everything I do. Rather, I consider what I intend to do now.

    With your looks, are you saying there have not been temptations from the opposite sex?

    The temptations do not come from my own side; it can only come from the women. But I don’t know what they can offer me that will make me fall. I am too focused to allow such things catch my attention. If you are giving me something or offering me something, then it must be what I am working for and not just on a platter of gold. I am not the materialistic type, so you cannot entice me with money. I am satisfied with what I have worked for. Even before I got married, I was principled. Coping with advances from female fans is a regular event in everybody’s life. But God has been helping me to scale through. I don’t get carried away because all that glitters is not gold. They either stay as fans and friends or they go away.

    Having been married for a decade, what would you say is the secret of your successful union?

    I would say God and understanding. Maybe because before I got married, we started with God. So, that is the reason we have been able to sustain it this far. I think it is the reason one expects what is happening in the industry now. So, I am really not surprised when I hear of them. I am not saying I am happy it is happening, but how can you marry someone you don’t know? Somebody comes from abroad with money and then you just go ahead and marry such a person, when you don’t know what he is doing over there. And most times, these guys make a bet that they will get a particular lady. It is not as if they are in love. Even outside the industry, it is like that. Marriage is a learning process. But in all, it is God.

    Marriage is like a training ground and you learn every day. It is a school, where you are taught so many things like perseverance and the ability to understand people, most especially your wife. It has the ability to change your outlook and behavioural pattern. One has to be very careful and hold on to one’s marriage, no matter the situation. You should know that whatever happens is just temporary; the resolution comes with compromise and understanding. Couples should endeavour to communicate because it is very important. If you feel bad about something, discuss it with your spouse and let it go.

    Have you been in a situation where your wife quarrelled with you over a female fan?

    Never! She is used to that. Besides, I had been acting before we met. She is also a popular person. So, such things do not really get to her.

    I know you are also into music. But have you considered doing it professionally?

    It is just a hobby; I just love to sing and dance. Even if I plan to do something with it, it is not for the monetary gain. So, it is just for fun. If I wanted to do it since, I would have made more money in it than acting. But I can’t do two things at a time.

    Your role in the movie, Cobweb, has been described as outstanding. What makes that role different?

    Well, as an actor, when you are given a script, you want to do your best. It was the director who called me and not even Foluke (Daramola), the producer of the movie. He insisted that he saw something in me. You know, when somebody has so much confidence in you, you don’t want to go below his expectations. That was what happened in that movie. And again, any role I am being given, I do it to the best of my ability because I don’t know who will be watching. It might be the first time of seeing me, so I must do it right.

    Aside acting, are you into other engagements?

    I do anything entertainment, from MCing to presenting; so, I am booked every weekend.

    What is your opinion on artistes who have been linked to one scandal or another being appointed brand ambassadors?

    They are just acting with the way Nigeria is at the moment. Everybody is a thief and fraudster. As somebody said: “A truthful person cannot survive.” You just have to join them before you can be given a chance. But for somebody like me, I have decided to be good for myself and not Nigeria. This is because I know that someday, Nigeria will see the good in the people doing good.

    For those getting endorsements with such qualities, maybe the companies feel they are the people that the public read about; so, they prefer to use them. All I know is that if you know how to do good, just continue. You see, endorsements will come and you will spend the money. But the good life will always come from God.

    Is any of your children taking after you?

    Well, my first boy loves singing and dancing and he is doing pretty good at it. But if he wants to be an actor, he can go ahead.

    But would you encourage him, with your opinion about the industry?

    If the industry was not good, I would have quit. So many things are happening in the industry and I can say it is one of the best things that can happen to you as an actor because you will be there forever if you are good. The bad time will be there and when the good times also come, you will still be there, except you are not good. So, I will encourage him to go into it, if he likes it.

  • Maigari to golden Eaglets: Remain focused

    Maigari to golden Eaglets: Remain focused

    Aminu Maigari, President of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), has told the Golden Eaglets to remain steadfast on giving their best at the FIFA Under-17 World Cup in the UAE.

    Nigerian football has witnessed huge boom under the watch of Maigari, especially with the qualification of the Golden Eaglets for the African cadet championship in Morocco for the first time since 2007 from where the youngsters eventually secured a berth to the World Cup since Nigeria hosted in 2009.

    “You guys should please do your best for the country and we know what this team is capable of doing. I want to believe everything is going well in camp as well as the training schedule,” Maigari said in a telephone conversation even as he asked after the general welfare of the team at their Dubai training camp.

    “We have absolute confidence in this team and all Nigerians including President Goodluck Jonathan (GCFR),want you to go out there and give your best,” added Maigari who is eagerly being expected in the UAE to support the team.

    Incidentally, Maigari’s early morning goodwill message coincided with recording of a routine video with Eaglets striker, Kelechi Iheanacho who in turn pledged the team’s unflinching commitment in the UAE.

    “Everything is on course with our preparations here in Dubai and by the special grace of God, we shall be ready for the World Cup challenge. Our coaches have been telling us to keep our calm and be focussed. My teammates and I have been waiting for this opportunity; and we know we are privileged to be picked by the coaches,” said Iheanacho, five-goal scorer at CAN U-17 last April.

    “We are being trained to handle the pressure and we want to assure Nigerians that we are going to be ready for the World Cup. There is no rivalry between Success and we are all united in this team. I also want to assure Nigerians that we are going to give our best,” added Iheanacho as he looked forward to a dream partnership with Success Isaac.