The Nation Newspaper

Tag: leaders’

  • Union leaders inspect projects

    Members of the Students’ Union Government at the Federal Polytechnic, Ado Ekiti (ADO POLY), have conducted an inspection on various students-centred projects in the institution.

    The team, led by the union president, Olaide Ajibola, comprised the Vice President, Micheal Akinfolarin, Senate President, Akintunde Olawoye, General Secretary, Ifeoluwa Filani, Welfare Director, Samuel Ajitaramu and Public Relations Officer, Temitope Yakubu.

    They inspected the on-going renovation of the Students’ Union Central Common Room, construction work at Lagos Female Hall, renovation of toilets, Students’ Union Arcade and fumigationof hostels.

    The contractor told union leaders were told that the Central Common Room would soon be completed. At the Madam Tinubu Block, Olaide praised the management for assenting to the demands of the union, urging students to imbibe maintenance culture.

    Ajitaramu said students’ welfare remained the union’s priority.

    He said: “We now have two good buses that can travel to any part of the country. The management just donated a new bus to us and had equally refurbished the old one.”

     

  • ‘Town leaders have sold women’s farmlands’

    ‘Town leaders have sold women’s farmlands’

    The men have had their way but one woman, at least, is speaking out against their action. Since leaders of Amankwo Eke Town Union in Udi Local Government Area, Enugu State, sold 20 acres of land to an industrialist, Chief Loretta Aniagolu, an activist and politician, has continued to oppose the sale. Aniagolu, a two-time governorship aspirant in the state, argues that the sale has denied women their right to farmlands, considering that in the community it is mostly women who farm. The men mostly tap wine from palms. She also believes the land sale underscores the aged practice of overlooking women’s inheritance rights.

    The executives of Amankwo Town Union sold off the land to an industrialist for the purpose of building a factory. Aniagolu questioned the logic and propriety of selling the vast land without considering that majority of the women of the Eke community directly depend on land for sustenance.

    She said she was not against establishing an industry in the area, only that selling off such a vast area would deprive the women of the community of their source of livelihood.

    Her protest was dismissed by the leaders of the community on the grounds that women in Igbo land have no say in matters relating to land. They advised her to “shut up” and mind her business as the community had already taken its decision.

    She went to court, not to challenge the sale of the land but for the court to declare whether or not females have a say in matters relating to land in Igbo land, particularly Amankwo Eke in Udi. The case came up on Monday for Judgement at the Enugu High Court.

    At the court, a group of women led by Mrs. Joy Ada Onyeso, president of Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom were conspicuous in their red T-shirts with the inscription “Bring Back Our Girls”. .

    Onyeso spoke to our correspondent, saying: “This is a very interesting case because the case borders on the relevance of women in the society.  The case involves one of our partners, Chief Lorreta Aniagolu.  The thing about the case is that it is about the executives of the town union selling land to a man that wants to build a factory in Udi and they sold to him 20 hectares of land. Probably she is saying that…for prosperity case.  The critical thing for that case is because of the argument that she is a woman and she has no right to bring the case to court and she has no right to be in the decision making body of the community and that is very critical.

    “There was recent ruling by the supreme court that women have a right in whatsoever community to inherit both at common law and traditionally and for us, it is very very critical for a woman to be deprived of such right, and that’s why we are here in solidarity to hear what the judge has to say.  The case has been going on for a while now and today was supposed to be the final judgement.  However, the court could not sit today; it was postponed to the 30th of this month. So, on the 30th, we will be here again to listen to what the judgement will be.

    “This is a very interesting case because the case borders on the relevance of women in the society.  The case involves one of our partners, Chief Lorreta Aniagolu.  The thing about the case is that, it is a case about the executives of the Town Union selling land to a man that wants to build a factory in Udi and they sold to him 20 hectares of land. Probably she is saying that …for prospecting.  The critical thing for that because she is a woman she has no right to bring the case to court and she has no right to be in the decision making body of the community and that is very critical.

    “There was a recent ruling by the supreme court that women have a right in whatsoever community to inherit both at common law and traditionally and for us it is very, very critical for a woman to be deprived of such right, and that’s why we are here in solidarity to hear what the judge has to say.  The case has been going on for a while now and today was supposed to be the final judgement.  However, the court could not sit today; it was postponed to the 30th of this month. So, on the 30th we will be here again to listen to what the judgement will be.”

     

  • Trailing the leaders

    Trailing the leaders

    How can we ever catch up with the advanced countries?  Is the Vision 2020, the hope that Nigeria would be named among the top 20 economies of the world by Year 2020 really achievable at this point?

    If we really hope that the Vision 2020 will not go the way of Vision 2000 and the other development plans then we should be concerned about what is happening today.  Already, there are many reasons that show we may likely not get there: We have not been able to deploy local solutions to problems such as poor power supply, dilapidated infrastructure, inadequate housing, waste management, inadequate food and insecurity.

    Two pupils who represented Nigeria at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair in the United States, recently, understood how far Nigeria is from this vision when they returned home recently.  They saw that though we are only six years away from the deadline, our journey is farther than what we can cover in that period.

    When Jeffery Jude and Glory Ibanga of Air Force Comprehensive School, Uyo saw the projects their peers from other countries presented at the competition, their Nonapiece, a multi-purpose furniture item which can perform nine different functions, paled in comparison.  Their invention won second place in the 2014 National Festival of School Sciences (NAFESS) competition earlier this year.

    However, when they travelled to the U.S., they saw the youngsters they competed with on the world stage in future had produced futuristic devices using technology.  Jeffery concluded thus: Nigeria is nowhere to be found in the league of technologically-developed nations.  He suggested that the government should invest in revamping the laboratories in schools so that learning can be more practical.

    What else can the youth tell our leaders?  They are asking for opportunities to learn.  They are asking to be prepared and empowered for the challenges ahead.  In six years, Jeffery and Glory will be in their early 20s, and hopefully, in the university.  What kind of institutions will they learn in?  Will their schools be shut for months because of strike?  Will their laboratories be with filled with obsolete equipment?  Will they be forced to postpone laboratory sessions because there is no power?  Will they be told to write alternative to practical because there are no equipment to test their skills in the workshops?  These are the questions that need to be addressed now.  It is what we do now that will determine how the future will be for Jeffery and other youngsters. If they are not well trained today, they will not be able to take care of us tomorrow.

    Let us remember that while we are trying to meet the Vision 2020 mark (if indeed we are trying), the countries currently among the top 20 are not napping.  We should not expect to wake up in six years time and find ourselves among them.  We may wake up and find we are still many many spots behind – perhaps not far from where we are now.

    Presently, we are not among the top 100 of the highly competitive countries though Nigeria was declared the largest economy in Africa only last month.  If it is really true, because the common man on the street does not believe the economy is healthy, then there may be light at the end of our tunnel.  It means, we must really begin to live up to our potential to be the true giants of Africa.

    Let us check corruption and waste by plugging the loopholes through which government officials and civil servants fritter away public funds.  Let us invest that money in equipping our schools and laboratories, training our teachers, and creating an environment for innovative learning.  When we begin to do this, then we can say we have joined the Vision 2020 race.  However, if we are only talking about it now, and it has not become as fervent a passion as engulfed the United States of America to launch the first man on the moon in the 60s, then we are only dreaming and would be in for a rude shock when we wake up in the Year 2020.

  • Education students elect leaders

    Education students elect leaders

    The Nigerian Universities Education Students Association (NUESA) at the Delta State University, (DELSU), Abraka, has elected new executives for the 2013/2014 academic session.

    The election, which was held at the Site II of the main campus, witnessed a large turnout of students.

    Pandemonium, however, broke out when students of the Continuous Education Programme (CEP) were prevented from casting their votes without a reason. This led to a protest by the students. Some of them, who spoke to CAMPUSLIFE, wondered why the school management would not allow them exercise their fundamental rights to vote, noting that they paid the same  dues as the regular students.  It took the intervention of security operatives and the Dean of Students’ Affairs, Prof Timi Akporunor, to calm them. CAMPUSLIFE investigation revealed the CEP  had produced the Vice president of the association in the last two sessions.

    Julius Asuai, a 400-Level student of the department of Physical and Health Education emerged president. He beat his rival, Emmanuel Iyoma, 400-Level,  Guidance and Counselling, by 26 votes. Others included Faith Benson, 400-Level Library and Information Science, Vice President; Callous Nwoel, Secretary General; Chinwendu Ofoeke, Financial Secretary and Alex Eriga, Social Director.

    Julius thanked his fellow students for choosing him as their leader, urging  those who lost  to join him to take the faculty to a higher level.

  • Students’ leaders sworn in

    Members of the Students’ Union executive of the Kogi State University (KSU) in Ayingba, who were recently elected, have been sworn in.

    The Vice-Chancellor, Prof Hassan Isah, who chaired the swearing-in ceremony, congratulated the students’ leaders and advised them to work as a team to promote the interest of students.

    John Idachaba, the union president, said his agenda was to promote the welfare of students, stressing that his office would be open to suggestions from progressive-minded persons to facilitate growth of the union.

    “Let me put it on record that we shall pursue our mandate with vigour and remain consistent to the delivery of our promises, which include fighting for the rights of students. I know quite well that the best way to appreciate students is to implement the social contract between us,” he said.

    The event was attended by Prof Z. O. Apata, Deputy VC (Administration), Prof Steve Metiboba, Deputy VC (Academics), Mr J.A Zhizhi, Registrar, Benjamin Ogwo, Dean of Student Affairs and students.

  • Unilag swears in new students’ leaders

    Unilag swears in new students’ leaders

    The Vice-Chancellor of University of Lagos, Prof. Rahamon Ade Bello has expressed the management’s willingness to lift the ban on students’unionism soon.

    He made this known at the swearing-in of students’ representatives for the 2013/2014 session, who were elected from faculty associations, departmental associations and halls of residence.

    He said: “The university management is fully committed to the realisation of an ideal students’ unionism in the nearest future. We are poised to work with you to finalise the model. The way and manner you the present students’ leaders conduct and organise your affairs will to a large extent, also pave the way for this.”

    Rahamon, who was represented by his Deputy (Management Services), Prof Duro Oni, congratulated the students, urging them to be diligent, responsible and selfless in the discharge of their duties.

    “I used this medium to congratulate you on your election as the president and executives of your respective faculty students’ associations. You have to put yourself forward to serve colleagues, and you had been popularly excited.

    “Please do serve diligently and with utmost sense of responsibility. The general interest of the students should be your priority. By your election into these executive positions, you are now the link between the students and the management. It is expected that you maintain decorum in all your dealings,” he said.

    Earlier, the Dean of Students’ Affairs, Prof Olukayode Amund, urged the students to be exemplary, accountable and feel free to approach the DSA Unit for complaints.

    Amund, who said he looked forward to working with the students’ leaders, also advised them to follow the right channel of communication when lodging their complaints.

    He said: “As leaders, you are enjoined to be exemplary in your disposition and carry your fellow students along due to the confidence they reposed in you to have elected you as leaders. There must be financial accountability and probity. Please feel free to approach the Dean of Students’ Affairs Division on any matter of our collective interest for dialogue so that together, we can take the university to the Promised Land”.

    Listing some of the achievements in the last one year, the out-going chairman, Council of Faculty Presidents, Nelson Emmanuel, said the council was able to organise a peaceful protest to control and regulate prices of commodities on the campus, reduce fares and ensure financial accountability in the students’ associations, among others.

    “If we want SUG, we have to be level-headed; we should not make unguarded statements and ensure that we repose confidence in the school authorities,” he advised.

    President, Faculty of Arts Students Association (FASA) Mr. Fatunbi Olawale Jimmy sought cooperation from members.

    “I feel elated because it is a privilege to be called upon to serve in this association, and at the same time it is challenging because you will not want to fail those who have confidence in you.

    “I expect cooperation and support from students, because one cannot become a leader until your followers are ready to be led. I therefore solicit for their support and cooperation towards the success of this administration,” he said.

     

  • Poly elects union leaders

    James Ayepada of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic (RUGIPO), Owo, Ondo State has been elected president of the school’s Students’ Union Government (SUG).

    The election, which held on the school’s main campus last Friday, saw Ayepada polling 177 votes to beat his opponents Oluwole Ajimosun, who had 129 and Evidence Chibogu, who had 150 votes.

    The exercise, which was held amid tight security, was marred by low turnout of voters. Many students did not participate in the election because of examination, which will start in a few weeks.

    Others elected included Christiana Jegede, Public Relations Officer, Adeola Adaramoye, Welfare Director and Olanrenwaju Adeyemi, Treasurer. Positions such as General Secretary, Assistant General Secretary, Financial Secretary, Social Director and Sport Director were contested unopposed.

    The part-time students also elected their president, Oluwole Adegboro, and other executives unopposed.

    The election, which was supposed to have been conducted last session, was delayed by the management because of non-payment of school fee by students.

    The management was, however, forced to allow the students go ahead with the exercise, following a protest on the campus by the students.

    The Rector, Prof Igbekele Ajibefun met with students last week, urging them to pay their fee. He said only 15 per cent of students had paid.

    Students congratulated the elected leaders, urging them to promote their interest before the management.

     

  • Rotaract inaugurates leaders

    Rotaract inaugurates leaders

    The Rotary International Club, Federal Polytechnic, Oko (OKO POLY), in Anambra State, has inaugurated its new leaders.

    The event, which took place at the school auditorium, was attended by Rotary members across the country, including the Charter President, Rotary Club of Nnewi Central District 9140, Onuegbu Fabian.

    Chairperson of the Installation Committee Justina Umezulike thanked them for making the programme a success, saying: “Today, another journey in the quest for service to humanity is just starting with a clarion call to engage our community in order to change lives. No doubt, you have demonstrated your commitment in saving the human race.”

    The outgoing president, Chinyere Uzuegbu, thanked God for the successful completion of her tenure, saying leadership was not an easy task.

    Uzuegbu called on the new executive to develop team spirit, noting that it would enable them to achieve the objectives of the association.

    In his acceptance speech, the 29th president of the club, Fabian Egwu, thanked God for the honour bestowed on him to lead the club, adding that he would do his best to promote the affairs of members.

    Highlights of the event were presentation of awards to deserving persons and the inauguration of the board of directors of the club.

     

  • Obolo students get leaders

    Obolo students get leaders

    The National Association of Eastern Obolo Students (NAOES) has elected new leaders.

    Victoria Lambert a 200-Level Civil Engineering student of Rivers State Polytechnic, is President and Felix Sampson, Vice President.

    Others are Eminye Idante, General Secretary; Dandy Azu, Assistant General Secretary; Stone Simeon, Financial Secretary; Marcus Tallick, Director of Information; Jackson Mfon, Provost.

    The inauguration was attended by the Chairman, East Obolo Local Government Council, Dr Francis Charles and his deputy, Mr Ukomkpa Bernard, Mr Blessing Isotuk; Students Affairs to the Chairman on Students Affairs, Mr Tamuno Timothy.

    In her acceptance speech, Victoria said her administration would be innovative.

    Dr Charles advised the new executive to be objective and transparent warning them to shun vices and take their studies serious. He promised to give the executives grant that would enable them to run the administration effectively.

  • Association gets leaders

    Members of the National Association of Okpekpe Students (NAOS) have elected new executives of the union. The election was held penultimate week at the Celo House, Okpekpe in Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State.

    Donatus Itsunoya, HND II Mass Communication student of the Federal Polytechnic in Auchi (AUCHI POLY) emerged as president and Doris Okhumode, Vice President. Others included Samson Agiamah, Secretary-General; James Emalumhe, Assistant Secretary-General; Emmanuel Figbe, Financial Secretary; Matthew Emuekpere, Director of Socials and Vera Abubakar, Treasurer.

    The outgoing president, Benjamin Masagbor, urged the new executive to work as a team and promote the welfare of members.

    The association also held the launching of its maiden publication, Akugbe Magazine. Speaking on the topic: Mentorship and the Nigerian youth, former Secretary to the Estako East Local Government Council, Dr Adams Oshiobugie, urged the students to choose their role models carefully, saying that mentorship was crucial to the personal growth of every youth.

    The traditional ruler of the community, HRH Peter Osigbemeh, said the youth play a vital role in the development of every community and charged members of the association to embrace peace, dialogue and mutual understanding.

    The event was attended by Hon. Abubakar Momoh, a member of the House of Representatives; Sylvester Imhanobe, Senior Lecturer at the Nigerian Law School, Abuja; Mrs Joyce Imhanobe from Igbinedion University, Okada; Princess Jummai Idonijie, Head of Training, National Centre for Women Development, Abuja; Mr Boniface Alokwe, Councillor Ward 10, members of Okpekpe Clam Development Union, Abuja (OCDU) and Sixtus Omokhagbor, board member of Bendel Insurance Football Club, among others.

    Itsunoya promised to revitalise the association and called on members to support his administration.