The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Nigeria

  • Any Hope for Young Nigerian Tech Graduates after Massive Andela Sack?

    We read in disbelief that Andela, an Africa-focused company that build talented software engineers has disengaged 400 junior engineers in Uganda, Kenya, and Nigeria.

    Still more shocking is the fact that the company stated that the reason for the disengagement was to align its talent pool with global market demand.

    So, does it mean that companies no longer want junior software Engineers? I mean, so starting a career in IT right now is totally useless? Since no company wants to risk employing a young tech graduate with no experience.

    Or, is it that gradually, the tech sector is becoming like others, where experience plays a greater role, instead of technical abilities?

    A friend said he was happy that he didn’t waste his time acquiring any ICT skill – because it is clear that the ICT field isn’t lucrative again.

    Is this true?

    Now we have to understand what really happened at Andela.

    Were those junior software engineers really fired from the company due to the fact nobody wants them again?

    The answer is NO!

    “What then happened?”

    You have to understand that Andela runs a unique business model. They train a regular guy with some tech skills and mold him into a professional software engineer.

    In a bid to help improve the African tech sector, they increased the number intakes which exceeded the regular number. Unfortunately, TOP COMPANIES who could afford them were not coming for the excess junior engineers at Andela’s disposal.

    Instead of wasting talents and getting them underpaid, they were asked to seek for opportunities outside Andela.

    According to Andela’s Nigeria Country Director, Omowale David-Ashiru, he said;

    “We have reached an inflection point that has required a change in strategy, which is why we are announcing these changes to our talent strategy.”

     

    What next for Tech Graduates?

    The tech field is still one of the highest paying sector in Nigeria, with Junior Developers/Engineers earning a good income in regular companies. So don’t think the sky is falling after 400 graduates were relieved of their job with Andela.

    Here are some points you should take away;

    Andela isn’t only the Tech Company in Nigeria

    Yes of truth, working with Andela is a dream come true for most tech developers – because of the high salary structure. But with the recent disengagement, many other companies have opened up their doors to poach available Andela talents they could lay their hands on.

    Andela had hardly finish typing the tweet before various firm started showing interest in picking up these junior developers. Majority of them that showed up at Flutterwave Developer Job Fair got placement at other tech startups.

    What does this show?

    Tech Talent is Scarce in Nigeria

    With lots of tech guys working for Andela, it is causing a lot of shortage for other establishments. Most Developers/Engineers prefer working for Andela, due to their high salary structure.

    Companies are looking for Tech talents to come work for them, but the supply is very low. It means that if you have a good knowledge of tech, you are already a hot product in the job market.

    Most Tech Guys don’t work for Companies

    Isn’t it surprising that ONLY 400 interns were disengaged from a total of FIVE countries?

    The last time a company disengaged its staff in Nigeria alone, we counted THOUSANDS of people.

    This shows that most of these TECH guys prefer having their own business than working for another person – because it is more lucrative.

    Any hope for Beginners in Tech?

    Looking at all these, any hope for beginners who are just getting started in the tech field or interested in starting a career in tech?

    The simple answer is YES!

    No sector beats the tech sector, and it is one of the highest booming sectors in Nigeria. If you think you have a flair for technology, here are some reason to get started immediately.

    A booming industry

    Every company in Nigeria needs tech graduates, which means that there are more than enough jobs for everyone with a tech skill. Well, it now becomes a question of “how much salary”.

    Low competition

    Most tech guys prefer to work for themselves or collaborate with each other to launch a big idea. So if you decide to work for a company, you won’t have competitors looking to take your job away from you.

    A good side hustle

    Even when you work for a company, your massive idea can be your side hustle. Once it starts paying, you can then leave and set up yourself fully.

    Are you now interested in making waves and earning high in the tech industry?

    We can help you get started; click here to contact us.

     

  • Lagos-Ibadan train goes into operation in November, says Amaechi

    Commercial activities may begin on the Lagos-Ibadan Standard Gauge train this November, the Minister of Transportation, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi, has said.

    Amaechi spoke on Monday, when he and the Minister of State for Transportation, Gbemi Saraki, led other stakeholders on tour of the project.

    He said the Federal Government would also begin a free trial train service between Lagos and Ibadan for commuters.

    ”Our ambition is that by November we should begin trial of train services between Lagos and Ibadan for free,” the minister said.

    He, however, admitted that the pace of the project had been slow, adding that there was the need for the contractor to increase the pace of the project.

    Amaechi said: ”They (contractor) need to increase their speed. They reduce their speed within the period that the government dissolved the last cabinet.

    Read Also: President to unveil Transportation varsity, rail factory in September, says Amaechi

    “Now that we are back, my colleague, the minister of state, and I resolved to push back the pressure to ensure they stick to the completion timelines.”

    The minister disclosed that the double lane speed tracks had been laid up to kilometre 155, adding that where the project was recording challenge now was the completion of the stations, which according to him was impeded because the cabinet was not in place.

    “The tracks are no longer the problem, the problem now, is how to get them to finish the stations on time,” he said.

    Amaechi disclosed that the contractor, CCECC, had promised to complete all the minor stations in three months, but six months after, they had yet to do so.

    The minister added that he would continue to put pressure on the contractor to ensure that all the minor stations were completed in due course.

    “We know that by January next year, they are going to finish both the minor and major stations so that we can move on,” Amaechi said.

    Speaking on the Railway University and the manufacturing factory projects, Amaechi said while the Ministry of Transportation had secured a date for the factory’s ground breaking ceremony from the Vice President, it was waiting for the President to return to the country to give a date for the ground breaking ceremony for the university project.

    He also said the government was waiting on the Chinese government and the China EximBank for the loan for the Ibadan-Kano standard gauge line.

    The minister said the Federal Government was ready with its own counterpart funding, but would require the ChinaExim Bank to grant the facility for the project to begin.

    Saraki expressed happiness that the Ministry of Transportation was delivering on the vision of President Muhammadu Buhari to make the train the backbone of the nation’s economy.

    She said once the speed train fully come on stream, it would be able to unlock the huge potential of the sector to create jobs for teeming Nigerian youths.

    Saraki, who supervises the maritime sector of the transportation ministry, said she was determined to work with other stakeholders to unlock the potential and opportunities of the maritime sector.

  • Edo 2020: Okunbor yet to be approached, says aide

    Edo business mogul and billionaire Captain Hosa Okunbor has denied reports he was approached to contest the 2020 governorship election.

    Capt. Hosa said he had never muted the idea to contest for governor, neither had he been approached for same.

    His aide, Sir Solomon, who spoke to reporters in Benin, said the state’s development remained uppermost to him.

    Solomon said the reports in the social media were attempts to drag his boss into the political mess in the state.

    According to him, his boss was concerned about the development and advancement of the state, and described those behind the lies as busybodies.

    Read Also: Edo 2020: Will Ogie contest against Obaseki?

    He said: “His major preoccupation is how to manage his growing business interests across the globe, and not the issue of governorship. He is always ready to contribute his quota to the development of the state anytime he is called upon, without necessary being political.

    “I am sure you all know the kind of man Captain is. He will not come out to address this issue but has confided in me …on it. Being a man who is very close to him, and from our discussions over time on the same subject matter, nobody has actually approached the Captain to vie for the governorship in 2020.

    “Whatever information, especially in the social media, you hear about him, are all figments of the writers’ opinion and meant to arouse ‘silly’ political discuss.

    ‘’Okunbor, who remains committed to the development of the state, is more concerned with managing his expanding business interests.”

  • Warri/Benin highway reopened

    The Delta State government has reopened the Warri/Sapele/Benin highway. The road was shut for reconstruction.

    Commissioner for Information Charles Aniagwu, who announced the reopening at the weekend, said: “As earlier promised, the Governor Ifeanyi Okowa-led administration has continued to show concern for the pain road users experience following the road’s deplorable condition. It is to the glory of God that we announce the re-opening of the road today, September 20, as against September 21 earlier promised.

    Read Also: Still on the nation’s hell highway

    “This is in fulfilment of our avowed commitment to ameliorate the sufferings of road users. I must hail the contractors, Obakpor J. U. Construction, for their resilience and sacrifice to deliver on target.

    “The government hails Deltans and other road users for their patience and cooperation while the road was shut. Work will now begin on the other side of the road.”

  • Navy holds retreat for medical personnel in Kwara

    The Nigerian Navy (NN) has held the first medical retreat for its heads of medical services.

    The retreat, which took place in Offa, Offa Local Government Area of Kwara State, was organised by the Directorate of Medical Services (DMS) of the navy.

    At the event, Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok Ette Ibas hailed President Muhammadu Buhari for investing in the medical services of the Navy.

    Vice Admiral Ibas also charged heads of departments and units of the medical services on performance.

    Represented at the occasion by Head, Administration, Policies and Planning of the Nigerian Navy, Rear Admiral Bec-Ibe Enwo said as a result of the resources made available by President Buhari’s administration, the Navy has been able to upgrade its medical equipment, train many of its medical personnel and employ 11 consultants for a start with plans to make further employment of them.

    Read Also: Nigerian Navy showcases local ship building ability

    He said the retreat illustrates the commitment to capacity development of medical personnel in the Navy, adding that all the investments made on his watch are aimed at improving the capacity of medical personnel, and providing the right tools as well as the enabling environment to work to improve productivity.

    He said the long-term strategic goal is to emplace a fully functional medical service with the right mix and number of medical personnel capable of delivery safe and efficient health care services to personnel.

    Ibas said,  “It is pertinent to state that a lot is expected of the medical services in the delivery of safe and quality healthcare in the Nigerian Navy.  Improving the quality of care has to be a priority for each medical personnel especially the heads of the medical units. It has been noted that where there are no consequences when heads of units and departments are found wanting, there is usually no impetus to make added effort.

    “Consequently, it would no longer be business as usual.  Going forward, heads of units and departments, many of whom are represented at this retreat, are going to be held responsible when it is evident that their units or departments are not performing despite resources provided.

    “Therefore, you are all enjoined to pull up your sleeves, utilise resources efficiently and improve services in your various units and departments. You are also encouraged to think, be innovative, proffer solutions and make recommendations to the Directorate of Medical Services, even after this retreat, on ways of moving the medical services beyond the 21st Century. A working and vibrant Nigerian Navy

    Medical Services providing safe and quality healthcare services would be of tremendous benefit to us all in the long run,” he stated.

  • 15 Akwa Ibom towns get N135m

    Fifteen communities in Akwa Ibom State have received N135 million from the government and the World Bank to enhance development.

    The cheque was presented on Monday by the Commissioner for Economic Development (Deep Seaport), Akan Okon, during the second batch of training for the  Community Project Management Committee (CPMC) and other stakeholders in Uyo.

    Okon said the funds would beb used to execute micro projects in the communities, adding that the government would enhance the socio-economic wellbeing of the poor and less-privileged.

    He advised the communities to utilise the funds effectively as misappropriation of funds would not be tolerated.

    Read Also: Akwa Ibom moves to combat flood

    Okon said: “His Excellency’s robust commitment has deepened the government’s penetration into rural communities … Each of the benefiting communities have signed an MoU…as a financial agreement with the Community and Social Development Project Agency (CSDP) to guide them in their expenditure…

    “This project has zero tolerance for corruption and misapplication of funds; funds not utilised effectively and prudently will be refunded by the communities. It, therefore, becomes imperative for participants to take this training as very important.”

    The commissioner noted that the government had contributed its counterpart fund before the World Bank released the money. He warned members of the CDCs to be prudent.

    The communities are Ikot Esen Oku and Mbioto Ekpene Ituen (Etinan council); Ibam Edet, Mbiafun Ikot Abasi and Nkwot Etok (Ini council); Nto Uso (Ika council); Offot Ikot Abasi Esu and Ibesit Okpokoro (Oruk Anam council).

    Others are Ikot Obom (Nsit Atai council); Ikot Ukana and Okpo Eto Edem Idim (Obot Akara council); Ikot Udo Obobo (Ukanafun council); Ukana Ikot Ide, Ikot Ono and Ukana and Ikot Akpabio (Essien Udim council).

  • Dickson ‘not worried about defection threats’

    Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson has said the party’s leadership is not worried about defections.

    Dickson said although no party would want to lose any member, the defections would not affect the chances of PDP in the poll.

    The governor, in a live media chat in Yenagoa, recalled that the defections were a child’s play compared to the mass exodus of PDP leaders to APC in 2015 when he sought a re-election.

    According to him, over 150 PDP leaders dumped him and the party to identify with APC when the Minister of State, Petroleum, Chief Timipre Sylva, contested against him.

    He said most of the people who defected then, including his commissioners and special advisers, lost their units and wards in the election.

    Read Also: Dickson in romance with Sylva for soft-landing, says APC stalwart

    The governor noted that the defections were neither based on the election of Senator Douye Diri as the party’s candidate, nor the rancour over the running mate slot, but anchored on politics of survival.

    Dickson said he was yet to hear that core members of his Restoration team were among persons defecting to the opposition.

    He said: “This is a season of defection. If politicians don’t defect now, when will they? Is it when elections are over. The defection has been blown out of proportion.

    “In 2015, over 150 prominent leaders, including the chairman, defected. You have not seen any defection like in 2015. Commissioners defected. I am not aware of prominent Restoration members defecting now.

    “The other side has no qualified candidate for this election and they will find out very soon. The other side has nothing to offer our people, they know that already. We don’t want to lose anybody but most of what is going on is politics of blackmail. Those who could not get ticket are sponsoring people to say if they had won people would not have left the party. When I was contesting in 2015 and they defected, was it because Senator Diri was a candidate. I, an incumbent governor, was a candidate. There was no issue with deputy governor but people were defecting.

    “What is happening is normal Bayelsa politics of belle …when during election people look for where they will be offered something better. A number of these names were not really part of our success story. Maybe one or two worked with us in the last election.”

  • Katsina police recover stolen car, arrest Indian hemp dealer

    The Katsina State police command has announced the recovery of one Toyota Highlander 2008 model in Danja Local Government Area of the state

    The spokesman of the command, Superintendent Gambo Isah said the recovery, which was carried out by the patrol team attached to Danja Division, was based on a tip off.

    He said, “The patrol team attached to Danja Division was   alerted that armed robbers in possession of dangerous weapons attacked the residence of one Mr. Emmanuel Ayni of Graceland Quarters, Zaria, Kaduna and robbed him of Toyota Highlander 2008 Model Jeep, Ash in colour, with registration number RBC 434 JA.’

    Read Also: Police arrest dismissed soldiers, 81 others for armed robbery, cultism

    “The police team blocked the road and waited for the hoodlums. On sighting the police the hoodlums abandoned the said vehicle and escaped into the bush. The police team recovered the said vehicle and other incriminating items in the vehicle. Investigation is ongoing.”

    In another dvelopment, the state command has also arrested a notorious Indian hemp dealer and recovered forty six wraps of dried leaves suspected to be hemp.

    The Command spokesman further told newsmen that the arrest was based on a tip off and succeeded in raiding a criminal hideout at Masanawa village, Dandume LGA of Katsina state

    He said, “We arrested one Abdullahi Lawal, aged 18yrs of the same address in possession of forty-six wraps of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp”.

    “The Suspect confessed to the commission of the offence and will be arraigned in court.”

  • 14 passengers abducted in Osun freed

    The 14 Abuja-bound passengers kidnapped at Ajeokun Junction between Otan Ile and Imesi Ile in Obokun Local Government Area of Osun State, have been rescued by the police and local vigilante.

    The Commissioner of Police, Mrs. Abiodun Ige, said all the victims abducted on Sunday evening by unknown gunmen were rescued unhurt.

    The bandits suspected to be herdsmen were said to have boarded an Abuja-bound bus from Osogbo before forcing the bus to a halt at Ajeoku Junction around 5pm.

    An eyewitness, Chief Saka Adelu, said the hoodlums  whisked away 14 of the 18 passengers to an unknown destination.

    According to him, the four remaining passengers reported the case at a nearby police post.

    Two minors were said to be among the four lucky passengers left to go by the gunmen.

    The Odua People’s Congress (OPC) in Osun State mobilised its members in the area, pledging to comb the forest until they found and freed the abducted passengers.

    The announcement of their release generated excitement among resident.

    police in the state are yet to confirm the incident as the state command’s spokesperson, Folasade Odoro said she was yet to be briefed on the matter.

  • PDP’s N950m campaign fund: Shekarau, others face money laundering charges

    A Federal High Court sitting in Kano on Monday urged former Kano State Governor Ibrahim Shekarau to defend himself against the alleged N950 million money laundry levelled against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    Former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bashir Aminu Wali and former Director General of ex-President Goodluck Jonathan’s campaign organisation in the 2015 election, Ahmed Mansur, were also accused of committing same.

    The court, presided over by Justice Lewis Amburus Allagoa, said the “no case” submission by the accused persons was not cogent enough to make the court grant their request for the dismissal of the allegations against them.

    According to the court, the prosecution does not need to tender “adequate evidence” to convince the court on the prima facie of the case.

    Read Also: PDP and the return of long knives

    Justice Lewis said having heard the submissions by the prosecution and counsel to the accused persons, the court noted that a case of prima facie had been established against Shekarau and the two others.

    The EFCC had sued the trio on a six-count charge bordering on money laundering and violation of anti-graft laws.

    The anti-graft agency told the court that the accused persons, during the 2015 presidential elections, collected N950 million from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    It said the money, which was collected in cash tranches, violated the provisions of anti-graft law.

    The prosecution also alleged that Shekarau, in the company of the other accused persons, disbursed the money through channels that allegedly contravened the provisions of Nigeria’s Money Laundering Act.

    Shekarau, Wali and Mansur denied the charges against them.

    The accused persons prayed the court to admit their pleas for a “no case” submission.

    The court also ordered the accused persons to return their international travelling documents that were earlier released to them on health grounds to be immediately transferred to the jurisdiction of the court.

    Justice Lewis adjourned the matter till November 18 and 19 when the accused persons will begin their defence.