The Nation Newspaper

Tag: jobs

  • Deji seeks federal jobs for kinsmen

    Deji seeks federal jobs for kinsmen

    The Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade, has sought the assistance of former President Olusegun Obasanjo for Federal Government appointments for his kinsmen.

    The monarch lamented that since the exit of former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Olu Falae, no Akure indigene has been appointed at the federal level.

    He spoke when he led a delegation to Obasanjo’s hilltop mansion in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

    On the entourage were Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Ifedayo Abegunde, Kemisola Adesanya, former Commissioner for Sports Dayo Awude, Tunji Light and Tunji Adekanmbi, among others.

    Obasanjo said the monarch’s concern was valid and should be supported by everyone.

  • Lagos church offers members homes, jobs

    Lagos church offers members homes, jobs

    When Mrs. Funmilola Adebowale left her 62, Lamina Street, Egbe, in Ejigbo Local Council Development Area for the hospital, her mission was to find out why she could not get pregnant.

    She was shocked by the result – fibroid, kidney and ovary problems.

    Her inability to afford the medical bills, even in government-owned hospitals, forced her to seek help elsewhere and The Saints Gospel Church of Christ (a.ka. The Hand of Fire) was her first bus stop.

    Mrs. Adebowole was just one of those battling with life-threatening ailments that got spiritual succour at the Church.

    They all relived how they traversed many hospitals, spending their life-savings without getting the desired relief.

    She said: “I have to abandon my home because the doctors have told me that that one of my kidneys had gone bad and that the second one was also affected.

    “After weeks of sleeping and praying in the church without paying for my feeding and accommodation, God healed me. I went back to the hospital for another test which showed that my kidneys, ovaries and fibroid problems had gone.”

    Mrs. Ayo Ajayi, a resident of 21, Alagbelebu Street, Kudeinbu Estate, Ijegun, was in tears as she recounted how she relocated to the church after her family discharged her from the hospital where she was receiving treatment from acute diabetes.

    Her words: “After sometimes, the diabetes led to swollen legs to the extent that doctors recommended the amputating of my two legs. I rejected the doctor’s verdict and opted for spiritual solution.

    “Before I took that decision, I was admitted at a highbrow hospital in Lagos where I paid N500, 000 to do the registration apart from the heavy medical bills that I was paying.

    “It was when the hospital management insisted that that my legs would be amputated after paying N3.5 million that I settled for a spiritual solution. I was healed after intensive prayers in the church.”

    ‘Terribly ill’ Mrs Ade Omojuwa was rushed to the church. The people’s verdict was that she was going to die.

    She explained how she has been living in the church for 18 years with access to the basic things of life.

    Mrs. Abigail Onabanjo from Ibadan in Oyo State narrated how she was brought in to the church blind after paying over N4 million in conventional hospitals and spiritual homes without regaining her sight.

    ”It was an herbalist who could not restore my sight that brought me here. I give God the glory because it was four days after I got to the Hand of Fire. I had even brought a ‘dead relation’ here who was instantly raised.

    Wife of an Islamic cleric, Adejoke Olarinoye, relived how hard he tried to have a baby without success.

    She said: “It was the same month that I relocated to the church that I became pregnant and gave birth to a baby boy.”

    The issue of barrenness also brought Mrs. Rachael Ige to the church. She explained how she got pregnant and the trauma she went through, thanking God for perfecting her miracles.

    ”Today, I am a proud mother of children,” Ige said.

    Pastor Jacob Sodeinde, who returned from the United Kingdom (UK) on August 14, 1992 to found The Saints Gospel Church of Christ, described church leaders living big on the tithes and offerings of their poor congregation as ungodly.

    Those who reside within the church premises confirmed that indigent members of the congregation live in the chalets free of charge.

    Many of them have been helped to secure jobs, either within the church or elsewhere with some women given free shops and take-off grants to start petty trading.

    Their children also enjoy scholarships from a scheme initiated by Pastor Sodeinde, who is the General Overseer.

    According to the cleric, his divine call and return from the UK was used by God to avert what he called “a 30-year civil war” that would have engulfed the nation after the June 12 1993 presidential election logjam.

    The Saints Gospel Church of Christ (a.k.a. Hand of Fire) may be demonstrating how the early missionaries applied church funds by attending to the physical and spiritual needs of members at its Lagos headquarters in Igando, a Lagos suburb.

  • World Bank: Nigeria must create 40m jobs by 2030

    World Bank: Nigeria must create 40m jobs by 2030

    • Ambode advises APC SSGs on responsive governance

    Nigeria must create about 40 million jobs by 2030 to enable her recover from the present economic recession, the World Bank Group, has said.

    Its Country Manager, Mrs. Eme Essien Lore, who spoke yesterday in Lagos at the inaugural meeting of Secretaries to State Governments (SSGs) of APC States, in Alausa, Ikeja, however said the bulk of the jobs will come from the public sector.

    She stressed the need for government at all levels to streamline policies so as to create enabling environment for the growth of the private sector.

    She said these jobs must be productive and produce higher income than what is obtainable in the labour market today, stressing that if properly handled, it will reduce and tackle social unrest.

    “When we look at the need for job creation, what we checked was the number of young people entering the work force annually. And when we examine the number and look at Nigeria’s population today, we realised that Nigeria is a very young country, adding many more young people to the job market than any other African country.

    “The country population is growing fast and in it is estimated to have the third largest population behind India and China in few years. Due to that, the country will need to create huge number of jobs to correspond with the population,” Lore said.

    She said the World Bank is also looking at the economic recovery plan launched by the Federal Government of Nigeria, and will align its objective with the plan.

    While inaugurating the forum,  Governor Akinwumi Ambode, urged the SSGs on the need to be committed to the vision of their various governments by providing accountable, responsible and responsive leadership to the people.

    Represented by his Deputy, Mrs Oluranti Adebule, he said despite the dire financial and logistical straits confronting states as a result of the declining growth in the economy, the burden rests on government to devise ingenious ways and means of meeting the expectations of the people.

  • 3.67m Nigerians lose jobs in one year, says NBS

    3.67m Nigerians lose jobs in one year, says NBS

    The harsh economic situation facing the country may have forced about 3.67 million Nigerians into the employment market between October 2015 and last September, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has said.

    According to the Bureau’s analysis of the unemployment in the country, the number of unemployed Nigerians rose from 7.51 million in the beginning of October 2015 to 11.19 million at the end of last September.

    The report for the fourth quarter of last year, which is still being prepared by the NBS, is due for release on March 29.

    The report stated that while the number of those employed rose from 55.21 million in the beginning of the fourth quarter of 2015 to 69.47 million as of the end of last September, the labour force population rose from 75.94 million to 80.66 million.

    A breakdown of the 3.67 million unemployed Nigerians showed that about 522,000 people became jobless within the fourth quarter of 2015; while 1.44 million people joined the labour force in the first quarter of 2016.

    For the second and third quarters of 2016, further analysis of the report showed that about 1.16 million and 550,000 people entered the market.

    The report explained that unemployment rate was highest for persons in the labour force between 15-24 and 25-34.

    For instance, it said the unemployment rate was highest for those within the age group of 15 to 24, rising from 17.8 per cent in the beginning of the fourth quarter of 2015 to 25 per cent as of the end of last September.

    For the 25-34 age group, the unemployment rate, according to the report, increased from 10.8 per cent to 15 per cent as of the end of last September, adding that unemployment and underemployment were higher for women in the third quarter of last year.

    It said while 15.9 per cent of women in the labour force were unemployed as at the end of the third quarter of last year, a further 22.9 per cent of women in the labour force were underemployed during the period.

    On the other hand, the report said 12 per cent of males were unemployed in the third quarter of last year, while a further 16.7 per cent of males in the labour force were underemployed during the same period.

    “Given that the nature of rural jobs is largely menial and unskilled, such as in agriculture, unemployment is more of a concern in urban areas where more skilled labour is required.

    “The unemployment rate in the urban areas was 18.3 per cent compared to 11.8 per cent in the rural areas, as the preference is more for formal white-collar jobs, which are located mostly in urban centres,” the report said.

    On the unemployment rate in the country, Institute of Productivity and Business Innovation Management President, Mr. Remi Dairo, said the harsh operating environment might have been responsible for the development.

    He said: “The huge number of unemployment is a reflection of the economic realities as only few businesses are growing and employing while many others are shedding jobs.

    “The lack of productive skills in both the private and public sectors is one of the major reasons for the country’s underdevelopment and there is need for a comprehensive education policy that would help to address the skill gaps in the country.

    “To close the gaps in skills between the programmes of educational institutions and the requirements in the industry, the government needs to restructure the educational system to meet the present and future needs of the country.”

  • ‘Creat jobs for youths’

    ‘Creat jobs for youths’

    The National Directorate of Employment (NDE) has urged Nigerians to encourage business initiatives to create jobs for the youth and boost the economy.

    Speaking at the 38th Kaduna Trade Tair in Kaduna, the agency’s Acting Director-General, Mr Kunle Obanya, called for more collaboration between the private and public sectors to tackle the challenge of unemployment.

    Obanya said the  government could not effectively shoulder the burden of employment creation, especially  in the economic situation facing the nation.

    He, therefore, called on all other stakeholders to support the directorate in resettling beneficiaries of its programmes and schemes who, due to paucity of funds, might not enjoy any start-ups from the NDE.

    He said: “ I urge all categories of  the unemployed to embrace the great opportunities for self-reliance as presented in all states through the National Directorate of Employment. Let me equally re-affirm the commitment of the NDE to the continual provision of innovative employment creation models that will always compliment the micro economic policies of the Federal Government.

    “In the NDE, collaboration towards employment creation is a model that we keep fine tuning in order to meet the ever changing dynamics of mass unemployment. I am glad to state here that our collaboration with other stakeholders in the employment sector is yielding the desired results and we remain committed to expanding the scope of our operations in this regard.’’

    He recalled that in the last one year  12,457 unskilled and unemployed persons benefited from the various employment creation initiatives of the directorate.

  • 350,000 graduates to get jobs under N-Power scheme

    No fewer than 350,000 graduates are to be employed this year under the N-Power Volunteer Corps, the Presidency disclosed last night.

    The scheme is part of the Social Investment Programmes (SIP) introduced by President Muhammadu Buhari administration to reduce unemployment.

    According to a statement by Laolu Akande, the spokesman to Acting President Yemi Osinbajo, President Buhari has requested for the appropriation of N157.75 billion in this year’s budget estimates for the N-Power scheme.

    “The N-Power is just one of the many SIPs that has so far drawn the interest and praise of Nigerians across board. A lot more is to come, especially this year”, Akande said in the statement.

    The statement urged Nigerians to take advantage of the different schemes.

    It went on: “Out of the N-Power 2017 N157 billion 2017 budget,  350,000 unemployed graduates more would be hired and trained, alongside 50,000 non-graduates youths to be engaged as artisans and in other creative ventures.

    “Under the N157.75B also, a sum of N4.5 billion has been earmarked for the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) programme to support young Nigerians in building skills in those disciplines.”

    Stressing that the SIPs’ budget proposals for 2017 are currently being discussed at the National Assembly, he urged Nigerians to expect more especially in the area of implementation as virtually all the SIPs are now undergoing different stages of implementation.

    “While we were able to engage 200,000 unemployed graduates last year, we will do 350,000 more this year,” he assured, adding that some of the teething problems are giving way to lessons that would smoothen implementation under the 2017 budget”, the statement said.

    The statement also disclosed that about N75 billion has been allocated for the National Homegrown School Feeding Programme in the budget, which will provide one meal a day to five million primary school pupils.

    It explained that it would be an improvement on how far the feeding programme has been implemented so far under the 2016 budget which has so far attained the feeding of about one million pupils.

    Also in the 2017 budget, N112.2 billion has been allocated for the Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP) aimed at providing interest-free loans to up to 1.2 million market men and women, traders, artisans, youths and farmers.

    Under the GEEP, beneficiaries will receive between N10, 000 and N100, 000 loans with a one-time five per cent administrative fee.

    More than 20,000 Nigerians in 14 states benefited from the GEEP in last year’s budget.

    “Similarly, the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) which has kicked off in nine states would be further expanded under last year’s budget and it will reach more states and much more Nigerians.

    “The target in the 2016 budget was one million poorest and vulnerable Nigerians. And in the 2017 budget an additional N54.98 billion been allocated for the continuation of the N5000 monthly social safety net payments to the poorest Nigerians”, the statement added

    President Buhari has approved another N500 billion this year for all the SIPs, out of which N100 billion has been allocated for the Family Homes Fund, which was announced by the Ministry of Finance.

  • Who says there are no jobs?

    Sir: I strongly believe that saying there are no jobs in Nigeria is a fallacy. How can one say there are no jobs in a country riddled with so many problems begging to be solved? Or are we unaware that wealth is created by solving problems?

    So why would any right thinking person sit at home and hinge his source of livelihood on handouts from the government or family members, when there are problems waiting to be solved?

    Yes unemployment is a reality many are faced with but it really does not have to be that way if people will just stop and think; stop chasing mirages and apply themselves to work. You see, with a proper combination of critical thinking, creativity, and excellent work ethic, anyone can leave the unemployment quagmire and pursue worthwhile endeavours that will bring not just financial independence but also fulfilment and self-actualization.

    Critical thinking, the first ingredient for success in this economy is important because to be a problem-solver and meet people’s needs in exchange for their money, you will need to wear your thinking cap and critically assess the following: things that cause you pain in your environment; what you are good at doing; and what you can do to solve the problems you identify. Almost every Nigerian can tell you the things that are wrong with our country but most of us fail to task ourselves to be the solution to those problems. Meanwhile the jobs we say are non-existent are embedded in the solutions to this myriad of problems.

    The next step to ponder is how you can develop unique approaches/products to solve the identified problem in a manner that adds value to all involved. Creativity matters at this point because in business your unique selling proposition represents the value you intend to provide to your clients. Creativity is the tool that will help you deliver that unique value on a consistent basis.

    Young people must learn the wisdom in doing that undesirable job while holding on tight to their dreams for the future. Keeping busy and learning new skills are all part of the process of self-actualization, and who knows, that job may turn out to be a gold mine if you immerse yourself in it (like many Nigerians who have made a fortune in the US by starting out as social workers then launching large agencies that provide services for the aged and ill).

    What many Nigerians lack, and what has kept them incapable of rising to the challenge of unemployment is the sheer lack of life skills; skills for life success. The truth is those crying “unemployment is high” need to be jolted out of their slumber so they can begin to think, work, and contribute to Nigeria’s growth and development. Let us not continue to shy away from the problems plaguing our nation. Rather let’s put all hands on deck and make Nigeria great again.

     

    • Ukot Umezinne,

    Abuja.

  • Govt eyes 250,000 from fertiliser plants

    •Fertilizer to cost N5,500

    The Federal Government is eyeing  250,000 jobs from the revived of fertilizer blending plants in the country.

    Only six out of 38 such plants in the country are currently operational.

    Director-General, Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (Sovereign Wealth Fund), Mr. Uche Orji, disclosed this in Benin City during a visit to the moribund Edo State owned fertilizer plant and the new fertilizer line at Okpella.

    Mr. Orji said SWF was in the state as part of the Presidential Initiative on Fertilizer (PIF) to see how Edo Fertilizer Plant could be revived.

    He noted that the purpose is to ensure that farmers in the country buy fertilizer at N5,500 before the next planting season.

  • ‘Ban on vehicle import through land border ’ll cost 3m jobs’ 

    About three million people would lose their jobs following the Federal Government’s ban on the importation of fairly–used vehicles through the land borders, the Association of Motor Dealers of Nigeria, has said.

    Making this known in Gusau, the Zamfara State capital, its National Organising and Social Secretary, Alhaji Bashir Idris-Ataka, warned that the policy would further worsen Nigeria’s unemployment problem.

    Na’ala Motors Company Managing Director, Gusau, Idris-Ataka, said those likely to lose their jobs as a result of the policy include dealers, middlemen and drivers. “We are appealing to the government to look at the policy again and change it  to  a better alternative, considering its effect on the economy,” he said.

    Idris-Ataka advised the government to reduce the customs duty charges, saying the high charges were responsible for the high cost of fairly used vehicles being imported into the country.

    His words: “We have met with the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service and the House of Representatives Committee on Customs Service. And we have laid our complaints before them. We are hoping it will yield positive results”

    Idris-Ataka said that government should look into the complaints carefully and see the problems that the policy may cause and provide possible solutions to them.

    He described the association as a law-abiding one that had been contributing immensely to the economy by providing employment opportunities to millions of Nigerians.

    “We are ever ready to cooperate with government at all levels to improve the socio-economic development of the country. We also contribute to the nation’s income, as we pay revenue to government at all levels. We are, therefore, appealing to government to listen to our complaints,” the auto dealer said.

  • Jobs tools for youths in Ebonyi

    Jobs tools for youths in Ebonyi

    The Speaker of Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru has presented over 50 motorcycles and tricycles to the youths and women in Izzi Local Government Area of the state as part of his poverty alleviation intervention for his constituents.

    The Speaker made the presentation at his country home, Oferekpe  Agbaja in Izzi Local Government Area of Ebonyi state.

    Over 500 pieces of cloth and customised bags were also distributed to the women by the Speaker’s wife  Mrs Uzoamaka Nwifuru.

    The distribution of the motocycles and tricycles with other gift items were to, among other things, address the challenge of unemployment and re-direct the attention of young individuals from crime and criminality to employers of labour.

    For the people, it was a rare opportunity to witness such an event which according to them was the first of its kind since the creation of the state.

    During the event the speaker remarked that there could be no level of empowerment from him that would be commensurate with the mandate given to him by the people.

    He stated that 63 per cent of all he gets from the Assembly will be channeled to changing the face of his constituents.

    The Speaker emphasised that he has drilled over 30 boreholes for the people, built culverts and bridges, provided streetlights in addition to the ongoing housing projects for two widows in the area initiated by his wife.

    The lawmaker outlined the multi-faceted achievements of Governor Dave Umahi in the constituency to include construction of 25Km access road and 18km road connecting Amaechara, Ogbagharu and Ededeigwe all in Izzi West constituency and declared that 2019 general elections is  already secured by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

    The wife of the speaker, while distributing the cloth to the women praised Governor’s Umahi’s wife, Mrs Rachael Umahi for building two houses for indigent widows from the area and encouraged the women to vote for Peoples Democratic Party in the upcoming elections.

    Mrs Nwifuru expressed joy for the judicious use of the mandate given to them by the people and submitted that something good must come from Oferekpe.

    The caretaker chairman of Izzi Local Government Area, Hon. Richard Idike said the gesture was made possible by the young and brilliant categories of persons under Governor Umahi’s administration and assured of his constant partnership with the Speaker.

    The traditional ruler of Agbaja Autonomous community, HRH Eze Emmanuel Nwojiji said that since the inception of government such gesture has never taken place.

    Eze Nwojiji used the medium to call on other public office holders in the area to toe the same part with the speaker to uplift their people from the sharkles of poverty.

    One of the beneficiaries of the gesture Mr. Paul Offia whose shop was said to have been burnt by opposition party elements recently thanked the speaker for the gift of the motocyles and prayed for more political positions for him.