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Tag: part-time

  • ‘There’s nothing like part-time pastor’

    ‘There’s nothing like part-time pastor’

    Pastor-in-Charge of Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) Lagos Province 59, Pastor Funso AyinOluwa, who clocked 60 recently, has passion for soul winning.
    He tells Associate Editor, Sam Egburonu, the origin of his deep interest in foreign missions and insider story of how the first model parish of the church survived with less than 10 remnants after the pioneer pastor left with almost the 1,000-strong parish. Excerpts:

    There are churches in almost every available space in Nigeria but people are worried in spite of the proliferation of churches and the fact that almost everyone claims to be a born again Christian, wickedness seems to be in the increase. What is happening?

    It is a confirmation of the fact that we are in the end time. These are the last days and understandably, the devil is mad. He is doing everything within his power to deceive men and women. But thank God because His grace abounds. Yes, the devil may be mad but our Lord Jesus Christ is winning.

    If you listen to astounding testimonies of God’s blessings, the healings, transformations and the stories of conversions today, you will agree that we are winning.

    How did RCCG and some other churches reverse the trend of Christianity by using resources from local churches to plant churches and nurture mission fields abroad, including in very rich western countries?

    The scripture teaches us about sacrifice, including financial sacrifice. If you believe in a course, you must be willing to make sacrifices to achieve it. Our Father’s business, which is soul winning, is a serious business that requires sowing of seed. The little seed we sow, the owner of business will make to germinate, grow and blossom.

    As you said, some people made the initial sacrifices to bring the Good News to us here in Africa. We have seen the light and as children of God, we have the duty to share what we have with the rest of humanity. That is the secret behind the policy to take the Gospel to the ends of the world.

    How did you develop this passion for foreign missions?

    It started several years ago, especially because our father in the Lord, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, kept sharing with us the vision of the church, the thing that God told the founder of the church, Baba (Rev.) Josiah Olufemi Akindayomi, that this church will take the gospel to the ends of the world.

    Daddy GO started to put this vision into practice when we were still very young. I remember that it was in 1988 that the GO himself led us to a foreign mission trip to Ghana. I believe it was the first foreign mission outreach carried out by the RCCG.

    In that outreach, God moved. I saw a mad man, touched by one of the senior pastors in the team, receive instant healing. So, it was at that early stage that I caught the vision and I joined the team. Since then, we have, by God’s grace, taken the scripture to many lands.

    God has been faithful and used us, our leaders and many of our children as vessels to win souls in many parts of the world and to set up churches there, churches and mission fields that are doing very well today.

    For example, in 1995, we went to South-Africa when God just spoke and asked three of His children to go to that city and establish a church. The experience was awesome because we found out that even before we got there, God had prepared a helper, in the person of Pastor Slabbert.

    In 1996, God used a female journalist here, who was slated to attend a programme in Manchester, to set up a house fellowship there. That house fellowship grew to become a great church. She just came to me to pray for her and through God’s leading I just told her that when you get there, you will set up a house fellowship.

    She said, “Me, set up a house fellowship?” I said yes, you will start a house fellowship? So, she went and indeed started a house fellowship, which has today not only become a church but has given birth to many churches.

    So, you see, when God gives a leading He gives the grace to accomplish it. All our young ministers worried over how to fund foreign and local missions must always realise that He that has called is able.

    You were one of the less than ten pioneer members of the First Born Family of the RCCG after Pastor Tunde Bakare left. How did the church survive the tsunami?

    What happened then was very demoralising. At first, we were all discouraged but it got to a point that we said ‘wait a minute, who grew the church in the first place? Who called us all from different backgrounds?’ By this time, the remnants were just about five or six families. We were under 12. So, with this new feeling, we encouraged ourselves that the same God that called us in the first place; the same God that grew the church, will do it again.

    We were further encouraged when we had the opportunity of moving over to and holding our services in the home of the late General Mamodu. The family was very accommodating. We lacked nothing. We felt welcomed. It was a wonderful experience, worshipping in that atmosphere. Also, when Daddy GO sent one of the very senior pastors, an Assistant General Overseer then, Pastor Ojo, to come and encourage us.

    The church in General Mamodu’s house was great. The Mamodu’s family members were wonderful people. We later went back to Ladipo Oluwole and continued there and the one that owns the church grew it to what we have today.

    This is your second year as the Pastor-in-Charge of RCCG, Lagos Province 59, how has it been?

    We call this province a Peculiar Province. Here, God has given us grace to overcome challenges. In these two years, we have seen God’s grace working. For example, God gave us a place in Ghana, a land measuring 250 acres on a big express road.

    We have formally notified RCCG mission. God has also helped us to birth parishes here and about nine foreign mission parishes.

    As a top accountant and auditor, how do you combine the work of God with your professional engagements and family?

    There is nothing like part time pastor in the real sense of it. Your family needs to see God in you and be encouraged. They will be encouraged when they see the God you serve standing up for you. You need to win your family. You need to spend time together to pray.

    As a minister, you have to create time of bonding with your family. Let them also associate with your God. Let them see that God is first and foremost your father. Once you understand it and you succeed to make the feel the same way, it becomes easier.

    Did you meet your wife in the church?

    No! We did not meet in church; we met at the place of secular work. We are both accountants and auditors.  I was at KPMG (Formerly Peat Marwick Ani Ogunde & Co), Nigeria and she was with Egunjobi Adegbite and Co. Chartered Accountants. We first met at a First Bank joint audit.

    Were you born again then?

    As at that time, she was already born again. In fact, she was born again at 13. But at that time, I was not born again yet. After I became born again, we met again when I went to visit a client in the office. The client said I should meet their auditors, who were auditing their books then. It turned out to be her. So, we met while in the course of our professional careers.

    So, how would you describe your marriage and family?

    Oh, its heaven on earth.

    As you celebrate this landmark birthday, what message do you have for the church and Nigerians?

    It won’t be long before our Lord Jesus Christ returns. Christ is coming back soon. It won’t be long, we would be going home. So, we should not rest on our oars. We should not rest but continue to win souls.

    Even at old age, we must continue to win souls for Christ. If we have been witnessing, let us witness more.

  • NFF to hire national coaches on part-time

    NFF to hire national coaches on part-time

    The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) will now engage assistant coaches of the various national teams on part-time basis so as to lessen the financial burden the salaries of the coaches have caused them.

    A top official disclosed: “The assistant coaches will now be on part time, strictly for when there is a tournament concerning their respective teams.

    “They will therefore be free to work with the clubs when they are now with the national teams.

    “We have to be realistic, we have been paying many people for many years without doing anything and the financial obligation caused by just salaries of the coaches is just too huge.

    “There is one of the Eagles assistant coaches who has insisted he is owed over N18million from salaries and what have you over the years.”

    It was also revealed that one of the Eagles assistant coaches has not been paid for the past nine months.

    The NFF have already decided that developmental teams from U-17 downwards will no longer be entitled to match bonuses as they save on costs.

  • Full-time or part-time legislature?

    The debate over full-time or part-time legislature is gathering momentum. Assistant Editor LEKE SALAUDEEN examines the pros and cons of the options and their implications for governance.

    Nigerians are sharply over the proposal that the country should adopt part time legislature. The debate was prompted by the huge remuneration paid the legislators without commensurate productivity. The proponents cited the N13 billion collected by the members of the eighth National Assembly as salaries and allowances for the month of June and July without initiating or passing a bill. It has been argued that Nigeria is already toeing the line of part time legislature due to the number of time the National Assembly goes on recess in a year. Analysts observe that the national legislature, in most cases, sits for about six months in a year; they sit for three days in week, they enjoy a two month annual recess, four weeks for Christmas and New Year festivities, two weeks for Easter, three weeks for end of session and four weeks for Islamic festivals. Added to this is the truancy of the legislators, during plenary, most of the seats are empty as the law makers are usually busy attending to their private business at the expense of the legislative work.

    Analysts have faulted the argument put forward by the leadership of the National Assembly that the House will reconvene when the President forward the list of ministers or issues of national interest that require the legislature approval. Are they in the parliament to deliberate on the executive bills or matters alone? Can’t they initiate bills and motions that will benefit their constituents and keep them busy? The long term recess embarked upon by the National Assembly suggests that there is no much to be done and that legislation can be done on part time.

    But, former Deputy Minority Leader Senator Olorunnimbe Mamora has hit back at the proponents of part time legislature, saying the proposal was not the answer to the impunity in the system. According to him, “part time legislature is not and can never be the answer to corruption in the country”.

    Mamora said: “I don’t think part time legislature is desirable because legislation has become somehow sophisticated; people tend to make mistake that all what the legislators do is to legislate. The major roles of legislators include: representation which cannot be done on part time basis; law making which must pass through a process like public hearing, research and personal inputs to come up with good legislation. There is also oversight function which cannot be done on part time basis”.

    He listed others as “confirmation hearing on those recommended for appointment by Mr President. The President can make appointments at any time. The Senate has to engage in confirmation hearing. How do you achieve that when you have part time legislature? There is also consensus building when there is crisis and the National Assembly has to summon people; you can’t predict when crisis will erupt. Remember, it is the duty of the National Assembly to scrutinise and approve budget. There is what is called policy incubation which is a function of the legislature. Issues brought before the legislature at the plenary have to be examined over a period of time before being forwarded to the executive for consideration as government policy. The National legislature also perform legitimising role. That is to say that the executive actions cannot become effective without legitimacy conferred by the legislature”.

    Reacting to the proposal on part time legislature, a stalwart of the Peoples Democratic Party in Sokoto State, Alhaji Shehu Dangiwa said it was a welcome development, noting that the present crop of legislators both in national and state Houses of Assembly are already working pastime.

    “Imagine the current situation where a legislative House only sits for two or a maximum of three days a week, and go on recess for several weeks in a year. What do you call that? It is part time but they are only wasting public funds on the pretence that they are doing full time legislative business. Look at the current national legislature that have sat two or three times since its inauguration in June is yet to pass a single law, yet members had withdrawn several millions of naira as salaries and allowances for doing nothing.

    “I have been an advocate of part time legislature since 1999. This was because in all developed countries Nigeria was trying to emulate, members of the legislature have their professions and they don’t resign their appointments to become lawmakers. Part time legislature would be good if the Federal Government wants to attract high-calibre people to politics. There is nothing stopping an accountant, lecturer or banker from venturing into politics and do it part time. This would enable them to still hold on to their jobs and do politics. It will be beneficial because all these people are coming with skills and experiences from their own professions. So why can’t we use these skills and experiences in shaping our country?

    But, Senator Chukwuka Utazi  (Enugu North) has described the call for part time legislature as unnecessary. He said the argument that it would reduce cost of governance by paying legislators sitting allowance is baseless.

    “Those making such calls were ignorant of the workings of the National Assembly. The legislature is one of the active arms of government and the law makers work all through their stay in the National Assembly, including holiday periods. Law makers engage in oversight of agencies and parastatals as well as committee meetings even during recess.

    “As a growing economy, Nigeria should be allowed to run a full time legislature to avail law makers the opportunity of contributing to its development. You cannot do this job on part time; the people saying we should run on part time are either ignorant or have a dislike for us. They said we fight and throw banters instead of carrying out our duties as lawmakers but that perception is wrong.”

    Gender rights activist, Hajia Raliat Ibrahim argued that the notion of part time legislation will reduce cost of governance in Nigeria. But she warned that unless corruption is fought and reduced to the barest minimum, the part time legislators who are ideally to receive less than full time legislators, will find a way to allocate a large amount in the budget to make up for their reduced salary.

    Ibrahim noted that the Nigerian Parliament is too costly and constitute a drain pipe on the nation’s economy. The current situation where a legislative House sits for two or three days a week and go on recess for several weeks in a year is unacceptable. The legislature should be made to attract people are committed to the service of humanity, she stated.

    President, Nigeria Voters Assembly (VOTAS), Comrade Moshood Erubami opined that the current agitation by the people for part time legislature stem out of the growing impunity, which start from late arrival in the House, outright truancy and low turnout, which translate to not doing enough to merit the high emolument being paid to the legislators.

    Erubami said: “If legislators arrive to time, and are present at all appointed time to do the job of legislation, oversight of the executive and truly represent the people, nobody will be against the status quo but many Nigerians are of the right opinion that many of the legislators are short changing the country and the House with regular absenteeism, irregular and untimely arrival at work which result in low productivity.

    “Pitiably, Nigerians watch with dismay how members stroll into the legislative chamber when the proceeding in the House is almost concluded without visible respect for the time schedules in the House, yet these are leaders whom we are expecting to lay good examples, serves as models for emulation.

    Making a case for full time legislature, Erubami said the duties of legislators are tasking and numerous and require moving of daily motions, initiating and supporting bills that seek  the good welfare and security of the people, focusing the betterment, growth and sustainable development of the constituencies where the legislators come from and the country in general. All these can be achieved under a full time arrangement. Full time will be the time allocated for participation of the legislators in the activities of the hallowed chamber of the legislature.

    Mamora said that part time legislature can only work in parliamentary democracy, not in presidential democracy. He explained that in parliamentary system, members of the cabinet are appointed from the legislature. Major decisions are taken at the party caucus. I don’t know of any country that practices presidential system and adopt part time legislature, he said.

    He noted the clamour for part time legislature stemmed from low productivity of the legislators; there is need for increase productivity.  “But the low productivity is across board. There is low productivity on the side of the executive and the judiciary. If there are issues, let’s find solutions to them and not demonising the legislature. The legislature defines democracy. If you remove legislature, you will have autocracy”.

    Erubami explains why people are calling for part time legislation is because of the fact that they do not by their attendance justify what they earn. “Legislators work less but are paid huge salaries at the expense of the growth and better welfare of the state they represent and the nation. However, as it is now we are operating a full time legislature, hence all legislators must arrive to time set for the business of the day, contribute to budget debates or discussion and initiate legislative dialogue, initiate and support bills, move motions on issues of national importance, participate in committee oversight activities and truly represent the people at the constituency and national levels.

    On what should be done to increase productivity of the legislators, Mamora asked the electorate to assess the quality of people being elected into the legislature in terms of their competence, capacity, educational background, ability and pedigree. It is not the amount a candidate can afford to win election but the quality of his personality that matters most.

    He said the electorate should monitor the performance of their representatives in the legislature. “They should ensure he is not a bench warmer. Watch his level of participation at the plenary and at the committee level. Many legislators are truants.

  • A memorable day for part-time students

    A memorable day for part-time students

    The part-time members of the National Association of Computer Science Student (NACOSS), Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH) chapter have marked their annual day of activities. It featured a seminar, a marathon and the election of a new executive. OMOLARA OGUNWALE (ND II Journalism, Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Lagos) reports.

    Unlike full-time undergraduates, part-time students rarely have time for social events on campus. But this was not the case last Friday when part-time students of Computer Science Department of the Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH) held their day.

    It was an event that featured several activities. All part-time members of the National Association of Computer Science Student (NACOSS) moved round the Ikorodu campus of the institution to announce the event. They were clad in purple polo Tshirts with their names and logo of the department boldly inscribed on the materials.

    The event also featured the swearing in of a new executive elected a week earlier. Staff and students gathered at the department to witness the inauguration.

    The outgoing president, Robert Uwemedimo, in his opening remark, praised his colleagues for giving him the opportunity to serve them, saying the office gave him a chance to acquire attributes of leadership. He described his fellow executive members as devoted and honest students.

    Listing his achievements, Robert said his administration improved on students’ welfare and academic pursuit through organisation of seminars and tutorials for freshers, free training in Oracle database administration, web designing and networking, and increased access to the Computer Science laboratory. He said he achieved this because of students’ contribution.

    He advised his successor to improve on his administration’s achievements, saying the essence of leadership is to service the followers.

    During the lecture organised to mark the day, the guest speaker, Mr Abiola Oshodi, a partner at Hezedge Consulting, spoke about the opportunities in the world of Information Technology (IT).

    He told the audience to acquire trendy IT skills to remain relevant. He urged the students to explore Digital Marketing, which he described as a lucrative vocation. “Always go on the Internet to learn new skills and devote your time to read things that will help your career, then, put it into practice,” he said.

    The association also held a marathon on the school field.  However, a drama played out when a female student collapsed during the race. The standby medical team immediately took her off the track and gave her first aid.

    Bamidele Akinola, an HND II student, won the marathon, while Abiodun Bamidele, an ND 1 student, came second. They were rewarded with 4GB Flash Drive and notebooks.

    Students with the highest Cumulative Grade Points Average (CGPA) in the last session were called out for honour. They were presented with award and prizes such as Nokia 105 phones and notebooks.

    The highpoint was the swearing in of the incoming executive members led by Joseph Omijie.

    Others are Ufoma Emiaka, Vice President; Peter Elegah, General Secretary; Ijeoma Isika, Social Director; Alli Yahaya, Public Relations Officer; Olusegun Ogunbowale, Welfare Director; Riliwan Lawal, Financial Secretary; Folahan Olaleye, Treasurer; Thomas Adejoh, Auditor and Sodiq Awodero, Sport Director.

    The outgoing Vice President, Goodnews Ofoegbu, gave the scorecard of the outgoing executive and urged the incoming members to sustain the growth of the association.

    Omijie, in his acceptance speech, said he was ready to take the association to a greater height and promote its vision. He hinted that he would embark on constitution amendment to give all members the opportunity to contribute to the development of the department and association.

    He said: “I feel excited after being declared the president. The outgoing members of the executive did a lot to improve the visibility of the association. I am lucky that I was involved, so I know what we need to achieve to further develop the association. I am ready to work in line with the vision and mission of the association. We will embark on constitution amendment that will make every member of NACOSS to work for change.”

     

  • ACN chieftain calls for part-time legislature

    ACN chieftain calls for part-time legislature

    Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) chieftain prince Tajudeen Olusi has called for a part-time legislature at the federal and state levels, saying that it is cost ffective. The former member of the House of Representatives said that the move will encourage professionals to participate in elective politics.

    Olusi spoke in Lagos at the media parley organised by Senator Oluremi Tinubu, who represents the Lagos Central in the Senate. He said: “We need to return to part-time legislature. We have monetised everything. The main desire of the people now is to acquire wealth. During the colonial era, there was a Lagislative Council. It was part-time. In the First Republic, the House of Representatives was part-time.

    “In the 50s, we had councillors-Adeniran Ogunsanya, MacWeen, Itwas part-time. I was a part-time councillor. I was working with an oil company. I served as a councillor on part-time basis”.

    The politician alleged that cases of absenteeism are rampant among the legislators, maintaining that full-time legislators are not more effective than part-time legislators. He said that, if the part-time parliamentary method is restored, it will give room to more professionals, including lawyers, architects, town planners and others, to serve the country.

    Olusi also advocated for pensions for legislators as it is done in Canada, Brazil and Australia. he alleged that public officials steal money because of the fear of the future. He doubted, if a former legislator can be employed anywhere after leaving the parliament.

    The former legislator also spoke on the state of emergency in some northern states, stressing that it would not produce the desired result because, as he put it, “the problem is in the mind”.

    Olusi, who is a former commissioner in Lagos State, said that the state deserved a special status. he stressed: “Nigerians collectively have continued to oppress Lagos. A substantial part of the revenue from the port, which is our oil in Lagos, should accrue to us. Lagos was the Federal Capital Territory from the colonial days. During the colonial era, Lagos Town Council got two million pounds from the colonial government. All Nigerians dwell and trade here. Lagos deserves special status”.