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  • Thoughts on a new cabinet

    Thoughts on a new cabinet

    Is a cabinet shake-up imminent?

    The media have so reported  a couple of times, with some quoting “authoritative sources” as saying that President Muhammadu Buhari has made up his mind to either reshape his team or disband it.

    It took the President months to set up the cabinet. He took his time. Critics and advocates of today’s popular fast food-style of doing things, no matter how serious or sacred, scorned him for being “Baba Go-Slow”. He would not be stampeded. He stood firm.

    Less than two years into his four-year tenure, the speculators, manipulators and self-appointed regulators are on song again. Will Buhari succumb to pressure and disband this team in whom he seems to be so pleased? If  he does, will the new team include familiar names or relatively unknown men and women? Will he just move people around? Will he have a complete overhaul?

    Here are a few suggestions as to who should make the cabinet, were the President inclined to take another look at his team. It is all in the spirit of the patriotism for which “Editorial Notebook” is well known.

    Zamfara State Governor Abdualaziz Yari remains unrepentant over his comment on the lethal meningitis outbreak that has hit his state and some others in the North. That is the way it should be. The chairman of all governors should never be seen as a weakling who will suddenly disavow his pronouncements on any issue, no matter how sensitive, just to dodge a fight.

    What did His Excellency say to provoke the huge outrage that greeted his simple and logical comment, which, according to a reliable State House source, was made after a thorough research involving an army of religious giants and top-flight scientists, who remain anonymous because of the ethics of their trade?

    “What we used to know as far as meningitis is concerned is the type A virus. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has carried out  vaccinations against  this type A virus not just in Zamfara, but many other states.

    “However, because people refused to stop their nefarious activities, God now decided to send type C virus, for which there is no vaccine. People have turned away from God and He has promised that ‘if you do anyhow, you see anyhow’. That is just the case of this outbreak, as far as I am concerned.

    “There is no way fornication will be rampant and God will not send a disease that will not be cured.”

    They, those fellows who usually hide under some dubious nomenclatures, such as analysts, stakeholders and critics, descended on Yari. They said his theory had no scientific backing? How about its logic? They tore at the messenger and dumped the message. When did God start discussing with our governors?  Is Yari a philosopher or an exponent of theocentric edification? They asked scornfully.

    Minister of State for Health Osagie Ehanire, apparently without any proof, dismissed Yari’s theory. He said the outbreak had nothing to do with Nigerians’ moral and spiritual lifestyles. Not to be left out, the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi, hit Yari for his “not Islamically correct statement”.

    The fact remains that Yari has brought a new perspective to our health issues. The nation can gain a lot from His Excellency’s newly acquired expertise, no doubt.  I nominate him enthusiastically for the health portfolio?

    Asked how the anti-corruption war can get more muscle, former President Olusegun Obasanjo suggested that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) should hire ogbologbo lawyers to prosecute its cases.

    What a timely piece of advice, coming when High Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN), once popular for his rights advocacy, is celebrating a rare feat of defeating the EFCC thrice in one month.

    A brief background. One of  Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose’s bank accounts was frozen by the EFCC. Ozekhome went to court and got the account unfrozen. Then the EFCC checked Ozekhome’s bank account Nestling in there was a hefty sum of money, about N75m. The EFCC impounded it. The lawyer cried out. He said it was a deposit from his client, the governor, for services rendered.  Outrage. But when has a lawyer’s professional fee become the subject of a public debate in beer parlours and soccer viewing centres? Do doctors disclose their fees?

    There is no doubt that Ozekhome is the kind of  ogbologbo Obasanjo had in mind.

    Interestingly, he is also defending Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chief Raymond Dokpesi, who is charged with alleged corruption for collecting about N2.1billion from the Office of the National Security Adviser. How about the  garrulous SAN for Attorney-General  for the anti-corruption war to hit a new phase?

    Until his academic records became the subject of public scrutiny, nobody knew that Dino Melaye, the distinguished senator representing the good people of Kogi West, had a third class degree.

    The other day when the Senate was discussing how to encourage patronage of made-in-Nigeria goods, Melaye stood up, gathered his agbada, cleared his throat and urged Nigerians to shun foreign spouses. Only a genius could have found the link between these seemingly dissimilar subjects.

    In the heat of the probe of his academic records, Melaye stormed the Senate in a doctoral degree holder’s gown. How he pulled this off remains a mystery till date. The busybodies, who always think everybody’s business is theirs, went to town. They excoriated the distinguished senator for no just cause: “Does he have no shame? Where did he get the gown from? Isn’t this wilful denigration of scholarship? Did he hire it? Why is he celebrating a third class?” They went on and on, lampooning the ingenuity of this inventive fellow.

    For Dino, I think Minister of Education will not be a bad idea. His talents will find full expression and blossom like  daffodils in spring. Our youths, many of who are said to be enjoying his scholarship, will know that with a third class, you could be on your way to fame – and fortune – faster than ever thought.

    Solomon Dalung should retain his job as minister of Youths and Sport. Instead of his great achievements, many talk only about his dressing,  his military police beret and khaki shirt and trousers. Some describe him as an ex-soldier-turned- Lagos Island hotel doorman. To others, he is a Nigeria Civil Defence Corps (NCDC) recruit awaiting his first set of uniforms.

    The other day when the honourable minister told a House of Representatives panel that the money allocated to the Olympic Games was “well spended”, his critics protested. It was as if he had committed a murder. Trust Dalung; he took it all on the chin.

    For weeks, some youths were in Lagos preparing for the ITTF African Junior Championship in Tunis. They were sent home last weekend when the ministry could not fund the trip. Again, the minister is the whipping boy.

    There is no doubt that contrary to the popular opinion that sport is dying, and  our youths are more interested in reality shows, such as the just concluded Big Brother Naija,  all is well. Dalung should retain his job – for his calmness in the face of a clear storm.

    Many are impressed by the tactical way Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Babachir David Lawal fended off questions over the Presidential Initiative on the North East (PINE) contracts, among them the controversial N1.3billion grass-cutting job he was said to have awarded to a company in which he had an interest. A well organised man, Lawal has since dissociated himself from the scandal. An attempt by the House to summon him over that matter was rejected because it was the subject of a legal dispute. Besides, he was expressly cleared by the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF).

    It has been suggested in some circles that Lawal should be minister of Works and Due Process. I concur.

    Ben Murray Bruce (where in the world is he?) periodically issues videos in which he comments on matters of national interest. He once said civil servants and politicians were stealing because they had no hope of ever owning a home.  The distinguished senator recently advocated that government officials should be jailed for bad behaviour. And many were asking: “Are senators included?” “Is taking money from banks and not paying  good behaviour?” They taunted the urbane senator – all because the Asset Management Company of Nigeria (AMCON) sealed off his movie houses, an action that lasted just a few days.

    I have heard some perceptive observers say Murray-Bruce will do well as minister of Tourism, when his skill as a beauty pageant organiser is pressed to service. They have a point, considering the government’s desperation to diversify the economy.

    The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi, was once quoted that all he wanted in life was to sit on the revered throne. He has achieved that.  An Islamic scholar of no mean stature and a finance expert of immense energy, Sanusi does not suffer fools gladly.

    In doubt? Ask the Goodluck Jonathan administration, the Seventh Senate and, most recently, Yari and other leaders of the North.

    There is the rumour that the Emir would not mind being president. That seat being not vacant, would he like to be Finance minister, even if it is just a rehearsal for the real show?

    The nominations continue.

  • Landlord to insure old, new buildings

    Lagos State government is  to introduce mandatory insurance for all existing and new buildings in line with the Insurance Act 2003 provisions.

    Lagos State Safety Commission, (LSSC) Director-General Mr. Hakeem Dickson,  said henceforth, it was mandatory for house owners and new ones under construction, to insure their property as stipulated by law.

    He said Dickson was addressing reporters on ‘’naija safe Awards 2017.”He said in the event of disaster, victims would be able to access compensation from the insurance companies instead of having to wait on government every time.

    Dickson said the state was already talking to a consortium of insurance companies through the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) and that the measure, which is proactive, was to bring the state at par with developments around the world.

    To ensure success of the exercise, Dickson said the commission has been reorganised and its members of staff reassigned to ensure innovative approach and better delivery of service to the public.

    Speaking on the “naija safe awards 2017”, he said the event was meant to recognise, encourage outstanding performances and initiatives of organisations, individuals and groups towards promoting and raising safety consciousness among workers and citizens.

    The Chief Coordinating Officer, naija Safe Awards 2017, Mr Femi Da-Silva, further explained that the award was aimed at promoting health, safety and environment (HSE) best practices in the workplace and generally raise safety consciousness.

    Da-Silva said over 170 industry professionals attended the maiden edition of the award in 2015, while nominations were received from 15 states across the nation with 345 nominees from different sectors of the economy.

  • New minimum wage

    Trade unions in their New Year message to workers and other Nigerians demanded good leadership from the federal government and a new National Minimum Wage to avoid a nationwide industrial unrest.

    Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC, Trade Union Congress, TUC and the National Union of Textile Garments and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria insisted that the new wage structure is the only remedy for workers to cope with the high cost of living occasioned by the current economic recession.

    They cited the “astronomical increase in the pump price of petroleum products, the massive and continuing devaluation of the Naira, the rise in inflation and the 43 per cent increase in electricity tariff” as factors that have combined to worsen the living standards of workers and teeming millions of ordinary Nigerians.

    In the absence of the wage increase, the unions have promised a nationwide industrial action that is bound to ground economic activities with deleterious consequences for an economy that is already in serious straits. That is the warning signal organized labour has left for us in the New Year.

    The issues raised by the labour unions especially as regards the debilitating living conditions of a vast majority of our people in the last one and a half years can only be ignored at a great peril. Workers in both the public and private sectors have had to contend with a mixed grill of retrenchment, salary arrears and salary cuts in the face of spiralling inflation never witnessed in this country for almost two decades now. The value of their take home pay has been drastically reduced as they now pay more for basic goods and services with many of them unable to access the basic things of life anymore.

    And in a milieu where the average worker has had to contend with the challenges of catering for his extended family, the reality of the situation becomes more glaring. There are hardly new job openings for the teeming army of our unemployed graduates and sundry school leavers.  It is therefore to be expected that the fastest way to ameliorate the debilitating living conditions of those who are lucky to still have jobs is through wage increase.

    That is the view of organized labour. And they have left nobody in doubt that they want the national minimum wage which now stands at N18, 000 to be reviewed upwards to lighten the burden of living and enable workers access the basic things of life. That sounds very plausible. But the government has not been forthcoming.

    With the dwindling revenue accruing to federal coffers on account of the drop in the price of oil in the international market resulting in the inability of most governments to pay salaries and allowances, the foot-dragging by the current regime can be understood. The government appears not to have come to terms with the rationale in wage increase when states are unable to cope with extant wage structure.

    The big puzzle is do you increase salaries when most governments are unable to meet the current wage regime?  And if such increases are made, are they not going to worsen the burden which the various governments are currently facing such that the federal government had to bail them out with some funds not long ago? That is the main issue to contend with.

    Labour unions believe the various governments should be able to pay and not hide under the drop in the price of oil to starve workers to death. They seem to be contending that given the lifestyle of some of these governments, they should be able to pay if only they make the necessary adjustments. This point cannot be discountenanced also.

    The way some of the state governors conduct themselves, the number of cars in their fleet, observed wastages and their ostentatious lifestyles do not seem to convey the impression of leaders who make judicious use of the resources available to them. If organized labour insists on wage increase, it cannot be faulted. Even with the current campaign against graft in public offices, the reality on the ground is that many public functionaries are yet to align themselves with the realities of the time. Corruption has eaten so deep into the nation’s social fabric that it would amount to wishful thinking to nurse the feeling that the malfeasance will disappear overnight. That is the sad reality on the ground and the toiling masses of this country are not under any illusion about it.

    That is why the rationalization about the dwindling revenue of the country does not seem to impress them. That is also why they have been strident in their demands for wage increase to cushion the biting effects of the economic downturn; the inability of the government to keep faith with the current wage regime notwithstanding.

    The situation therefore presents a dilemma of sorts. Workers are on the right path to route for wage increase as they have had to pay more for all goods and services. It is getting increasingly difficult, if not neigh impossible for them to survive in the face of the astronomical cost of living. Wage increase therefore appears to be the short term solution to the spiralling inflation that has made nonsense the current earnings of the working population.

    But the government is not entirely out of order in exercising utmost caution in approving a new national minimum wage that will not be implemented by state governments given their current defaulting profile in the payment of salaries and allowances.

    That is how bad the situation is. What to do? It would seem that even with the hardship encountered by workers on account of the difficult economic conditions, a wage increase may not be the soothing elixir out of it. We say so because various governments have not been up and doing in their payment of the current wage regime.

    Many of them have had to sack workers while some others had to evolve very questionable formulae to reduce the take home pay of public servants. Pensions and gratuities are in several months in arrears in many states with no respite in sight. What guarantee is there that a wage increase will not compound the already hopeless situation and precipitate a major labour crisis? That is the uncanny dilemma brought to the fore by the situation. What are the options in the circumstance?

    The way to go is for the government to embark on a comprehensive social intervention measures to cushion the effects of its debilitating economic policies. In saner climes, such policies would have been immediately followed up with social security measures that will enable the people have access to basic food items, healthcare and other social services that are now out of their reach at relatively affordable prices. We would have seen the government in conscious and concerted efforts to create jobs, accelerate investments in mass transit programmes and others that will have the net effect of reducing the cost of transportation and by the same logic that of goods and services.

    But we are yet to see much progress in that direction. All we have been treated to are promises that there will be bountiful harvest this year. We have also been treated to claims of self-sufficiency in rice production; a projected capacity to export the same commodity in a matter of months and such other political talks. Yet, the commodities have remained largely beyond the reach of the vast majority of our people. We would have seen governments subsidizing certain goods and services to cushion the effects of some of its policies. That has not happened.

    The government must take immediate steps to ensure that its current economic policies do not suffocate our people to death. Wage increase, as attractive as it is, only affects those in gainful employment. The answer lies in a multi-faceted approach that captures the demands of the workers and those of other citizens that do not have jobs but are equally exposed to the vagaries of the biting economic situation.

  • DAWN of a new day?

    •Governors of the South West states close ranks to get out of recession and work for a brighter tomorrow

    The decision by governors of the six states in the South West to put aside personal, partisan and political differences in designing a common economic integration effort is commendable. Following a meeting attended by leaders of all the states in the region, it was resolved that the current economic challenges in the country call for a new approach if the states are to survive and resume their pace-setting role in the country.

    This would not be the first time that the political leaders would deliberate on the imperative of unity. In 2012, similar meetings were held in Ibadan, Ado-Ekiti and Abeokuta and similar speeches were made upon presentations by the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN). The efforts failed as impolitic statements made by some of the leaders led to serious disagreements.

    We hope the correct lessons have been learnt from previous failed attempts. Two significant developments tend to suggest that the governors could be sincere in the new move. First, more than ever before, a recession is biting in the country. The only state in the region that has been able to pay its bills efficiently is Lagos. Others are struggling with payment of workers’ salaries and are thus unable to embark on capital projects. The governors must have realised that unless they come together, they could sink.

    Second, the admission of Lagos to the fold would be of immense benefit to all. Lagos is the most populous of the states in the region. It is also the most economic developed. The population advantage has provided a large market into which the others could tap. Recently, the state had to go into strategic business partnership with Kebbi State in the production of rice. There are many similar opportunities in the region that could have been of mutual benefit to the partners. Food consumed in the state now officially described as the fifth largest economy in the continent has been estimated at N3 billion. This is huge and the needed capital to cultivate food crops in any of the other states in the region could be supplied by Lagos.

    Lagos State is overcrowded, thus, the pressure on available infrastructure is unbearable. Many who live in the city are unable to afford decent accommodation and that has created slums. If the states could come together as they are proposing to boost linkages, the mega city could be decongested as workers there could live in contiguous states.

    We agree, therefore, with the resolution to “jointly embark on collaborative programmes in areas of common cooperation identified as needing immediate attention in the region, including security, education, transportation infrastructure, including roads, rail and water transportation, trade and commerce linkages, agriculture, and sports, and that the DAWN Commission should be vigorously strengthened to coordinate the regional development process.”

    We call on the Federal Government to support the Western Nigeria integration effort. It could serve as a catalyst for the development of the various regions of the country. Whereas it has become difficult to revert to the regions we had in the First Republic, it is obvious that collaboration and integration among states of common historical and cultural ties has become inevitable. It is in the interest of the Federal Government to support the move. In the same way that it avoided legal niceties to cede some power to the states in electricity supply and solid minerals exploitation, the regions could be encouraged to boost rail transportation and other items on the exclusive list of the constitution.

    If all the regions could adopt this model of development, Nigeria would soon truly resume the status of the giant of Africa. Healthy competition as was the case in the First Republic would be the order of the day once again and the people would be the better for it. As the governors observed, “all politics must be politics of development and regional cooperation; synergy and economics of scale is important to move the region forward, and good intentions must be backed by sincerity of purpose.”

    Rhetoric is certainly not enough. The people need to see sincerity in these declarations and resolutions.

  • Edo: New Oba, new governor

    Today, Thursday October 20, the ancient kingdom of Benin and indeed the good people of Edo State are making history. A new dawn beckons as the 39th Oba of Benin is being crowned. Twenty-one days from now, that is on November 12, a new governor, elected after a fierce gubernatorial election of September 28 will be inaugurated to steer the ship of the state for the next four years.

    By any standards, the two events, with their promises of new beginning, are historic as they are auspicious. While both Prince Ehenede Erediauwa and Godwin Obaseki come to office in the atmosphere of great expectations, the good news of course is that both, young in age and at heart, possess not just the vitality, but come fully prepared for the burden of service to the good people of Edo State. It is truly a new dawn for the people of the state.

    Talk of answers to prayer, the emergence of Godwin Obaseki as governor-elect, could only have come as personal testimony to the countless prayers offered by the new monarch to his ancestors –prayers for a peaceful poll, and the emergence of a credible individual to pilot the affairs of the state in the next four years. In the heat of the tension that enveloped the governorship election, one recalled the Oba as saying: “We all went down to our knees…We prayed harder and honestly, our ancestors and God Almighty answered all we prayed, that He should give us a peaceful election and a governor that will keep food on the table for our people and respect the traditional institution”.

    Today, it is unlikely that anyone will still doubt that the prayer has been answered hence the Oba is thankful to “God and our ancestors for hearing the fervent prayers we prayed before the election and for bringing out somebody that will uplift our people and respect the tradition”.

    Never one to miss the import of the mandate and the burden it carries, the Oba would not fail to admonish the governor-elect: “I will tell the governor-elect, keep to your promises, keep your words, put food on the table of our people, respect the traditional institution and ensure you build on what Oshiomhole has done”.

    In this, the Oba of Benin is not alone; it was the same refrain from other traditional rulers from Edo Central and Edo North who, aside offering their unanimous in the support for Godwin Obaseki have also expressed their willingness to partner with the government, to safeguard investment that will improve on the economy and well-being of their subjects.

    Not that Obaseki’s loyalty to the royal family and the Benin tradition is ever in doubt. For guidance and advice, Obaseki has stated that he would be counting on the Oba to succeed just as the governor-elect has spoken of his vision of Edo State where the famous cultures and traditions will be reinvigorated as part of economic growth strategy and harnessed to the greater benefit of our people.

    Said Obaseki, “I see an Edo state where our people will leave in peace, equanimity and where social justice, equity and fairness shall prevail at all times”.

    On a day like this, the two great men not only have reasons to celebrate each other. Together with the entire people of Edo State, they have enough reasons to be proud of the new dawn. For Obaseki in particular, it must come as something of pride not only to witness the milestone in the Great Benin Kingdom, but as a major participant. Moreover, the import of the partnership between the palace and the in-coming government can only forebode greater strides in a state ordinarily hungry for development.  For the good people of Edo State, it is time to tap into Obaseki’s formidable personal and leadership skills garnered in the course of a sterling career in private and public life – a factor which has now propelled him to become the first banker to be governor in the state. Surely, the people cannot wait to see him deploy these managerial skills to end the socio-economic gridlock that the opposition PDP has plunged the country to build a better, prosperous and economically sustainable Edo State based on cultural cohesion and ethical values.

    Little wonder  the mood, across the state today, is one of great excitement. The city centre and its environs are wearing a new look while all traders and drivers carrying out commercial activities around the Urhokpota Hall have been found a new arena for their business are they welcome their new monarch. Visible on the horizon is the huge tent – the temporary abode for the Crown Prince erected at the Urhokpota hall premises – the place called Eko-Ohae (bachelors’ camp) where Prince Erediauwa is expected to stay for three days immediately he leaves his Palace at Uselu.

    Once again, Edo people have shown that we can never be more hopeful about our future; indeed, we’ve never been more hopeful about Edo State and the progressive government and virile traditional institution as we are about to experience. And this hope, Edo people will sustain under our new Oba and our new governor.

     

    • Mayaki writes from Benin City.
  • FCE Obudu gets new provost

    FCE Obudu gets new provost

    The Federal Government has appointed Dr James Bassey Ejue as the new Provost of the Federal College of Education (FCE), Obudu, Cross River State.

    Until his appointment, Ejue was the Provost of the College of Education (COE), Akamkpa where he is reputed to have made immense contributions to the growth and development of the institution.

    Dr Ejue, who is from Idum-Mbube in Ogoja Local Government Area of Cross River State, had his first discipline in English Education from the University of Calabar in 1987. He obtained his M.Ed. in Guidance and Counseling in 1992 and a Ph.D. in 2003.

    A pioneer lecturer of COE, Akamkpa, Ejue taught at Cross River University of Technology where he attained the status of associate professor between 2002 and 2009. He was the Head, Special Education Unit of the university between 2003 and 2004.

    Ejue was appointed deputy provost of COE, Akamkpa, in 2011 and in 2014 he became substantive provost. Besides, he is a prolific writer with prominent books to his credit.

    He is happily married with three children.

  • Tourism, creative industry ‘new oil’, says Lai Mohammed

    Tourism, creative industry ‘new oil’, says Lai Mohammed

    THE Minister of Information, Culture and National Orientation, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has said that tourism is very important for Nigeria in the prevailing period of economic diversification as it, with the creative industries, represents the new oil for the nation’s economy. He described tourism as the low-hanging fruit that the nation could develop to help  the economy fight recession.

    He made the statement during the national celebration of the World Tourism Day (WTD) in Eko Atlantic City, Lagos. He said: “As the federal government works day and night to pull Nigeria out of recession and put our economy on the path of sustainable growth, it is becoming increasingly clear, like President Muhammadu Buhari admonished, that we must think out of the box. We must find other sustainable means of earning foreign exchange outside of oil, to grow our country’s GDP and create jobs for our people. Agriculture and mining are viable options but tourism is the low-hanging fruit in this regard, and we must not hesitate to pluck it.”

    Speaking on the Eko Atlantic City, the minister said: “The venue we have chosen for this year’s celebration, Eko Atlantic City, attests to this fact. While I will like to reiterate Nigeria’s readiness to explore and exploit tourism for the benefit of its economy, I can confidently add that Eko Atlantic City has what it takes to drive tourism in Nigeria. And this is just as well, because while the role of the government will be to provide the enabling environment, the private sector will drive the growth of tourism. This is a win-win model for the government and the private sector, and I commend Eko Atlantic for being in the forefront of actualising this mode.

    “For those who may not know, Eko Atlantic, when completed, will be a tourist haven. The city will boast of 450, 000 residents and 300, 000 commuters, which is a boon for the myriad businesses to be located in the city. In addition, it will have a registered Free Economic Zone to encourage economic activities.

    “As you are also aware, shopping malls attract tourists the way bees are attracted to honey. The shopping mall here in Eko Atlantic will be the largest of its kind in Sub-Saharan Africa. The 10 million square metres of space in the city will also boast an impressive retail layout for shopping, vast amenities for entertainment such as food courts, cinemas and playgrounds, an ample parking space and a canal that can be used for water transportation and water sports.

    “Nigerians who are looking for relaxation spots and exquisite shopping malls will no longer need to jet to Dubai and similar destinations, because Eko Atlantic City will be a better destination than Dubai. This is not a joke! Whereas you can only comfortably soak in the sights and sounds of Dubai for a maximum of four months every year due to the prevailing inclement weather there, Eko Atlantic City offers, in addition to the massive shopping mall, 365 days of sunshine and clement weather.

    “This is an added incentive for foreign tourists. In short, the city will have everything you need for tourism to thrive: security, modern infrastructure, good weather, uninterrupted power supply, potable water supply, etc.”

    The World Tourism Day is an annual celebration by the United Nation’s World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) slated for September  27.

  • Obi Ohakim expects new baby

    Obi Ohakim expects new baby

    Since handsome Obinna Ohakim got married to his pretty lawyer wife, Obiageli Anunobi, in late 2013, good tidings have become frequent visitors to the couple’s home. Just a year after they consummated their union, the happy couple welcomed a baby boy into their home. And while other high profile marriages were hitting the rocks left and right, the Ohakims quietly continued on their path of marital bliss.

    Their approach is certainly paying dividends as the couple recently took to popular social media site, Instagram, to show off Obiageli’s baby bump alongside cute pictures of the family.

    Obi and Oby — as they are fondly called — expect the baby to land anytime soon. The couple, who first met six years ago, are no doubt eagerly awaiting the baby’s arrival.

  • CAANU elects new leadership

    Mr Ahmed Tijani Mora of the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) has emerged Chairman of the Conference of Alumni Associations of Nigerian Universities (CAANU).

    The group’s election was held during its yearly convention at 100-capacity theatre hall of the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ABTU), Bauchi, last week from Thursday through Sunday.

    Other executives that emerged as published in a communiqué issued at the end of the convention, are: Tajudeen Olusegun of Tai Solarin University of Education (first vice chairman); Ifaluyi Isibor of University of Benin (second vice chairman); Muhammad Sani Wada of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (secretary);  Usman Tabari of Kaduna State University (Assistant Secretary)); and Godwin Akpan of University of Uyo (treasurer).

    Others are: Kenneth Ereke of Ebonyi State University (PRO); Billy Onotue of Delta State University (financial secretary); Stephen Ijoh of Benue State University (auditor); Madueke AdiZue of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (Social/Welfare Secretary);  Ramatu Liman of University of Jos (legal adviser); as well as first, second and third ex-Officios-e Bola Ajayi of Federal University of Technology Akure; Akinloye Akande of University of Agriculture (FUAM), Makurdi; and. Ayiwulu Baba Ayiwulu of Nasarawa State University, Keffi respectively.

    the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Ugochukwu Achebe, and the Chancellor, Kogi State University and Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, delivered the keynote address, while Bauchi State Governor Muhammed Abdullahi Abubakar who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Alhaji Nasiru Yelwa, declared the convention open.

     

  • Workers demand new salary scale implementation

    Workers demand new salary scale implementation

    Workers of the Federal Polytechnic in Ado Ekiti protested against management for alleged non-implementation of a new salary scale.

    The protest, which started at about 6 am lasted till about noon. The workers accused management of fraud and called on the Federal Ministry of Education to investigate the allegation.

    The workers blocked the main gate and prevented movement into the campus.

    The action was carried out under the auspices of the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Polytechnics (SSANIP) and Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU).

    The protesters said they won’t resume work until they are paid. They urged the management led by the Rector, Dr. Taiwo Akande, to place them on the same level with their counterparts in Federal Polytechnics in Ilaro, Idah, Ile Oluji, Auchi, Unwana and Yaba.

    Led by ASUP Chairman Tunji Owoeye, the workers who carried placards and chanted solidarity songs, said the sanitations’s academic staff were still on Consolidated Tertiary Institutions Salary Scale (CONTISS) 7 instead of CONTISS 8 as approved by the Federal Government.

    Students also joined the protest – complaining about what they called obnoxious charges.

    Owoeye said: “We have taken steps. We have met the management several times about this. We have written letters of warning to the management to implement this as is done in other federal polytechnics.

    “We have given 21 days notice, 14 days notice without any move by the management. We have also written our national body. In fact, let me tell you, that my own national body has given approval that by the end of 14 day ultimatum from now, we should have the institution closed down and go back home.”

    Reacting, the Deputy Registrar (Information and Public Relations), Ade Adeyemi-Adejolu said:  “Very sorry that I’m not in a position to talk to you or any of our other colleagues on the protest. Government had forbidden us from externalising the issue. Thanks.”