The Nation Newspaper

Tag: programmes

  • NOA to communicate government policies, programmes to grassroots – DG

    NOA to communicate government policies, programmes to grassroots – DG

    The Director-General, National Orientation Agency, Dr Garba Abari, says the local government assembly, a feedback platform, will enable the agency to communicate government policies and programmes to the rural dwellers.

    Abari made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Wednesday.

    According to him, most of the activities of government are communicated through electronic and print media, which many rural dwellers cannot afford.

    “As a result, many Nigerians are left in the dark about government policies and programmes, thereby hindering feedback.

    “It is therefore with the consciousness of these realities that NOA, in view of its mandate of sensitisation, orientation, awareness creation and harnessing feedback from citizens, has deployed several platforms to reach out.

    “The local government assembly is one of such platforms created and positioned to explain the rationale behind government activities to rural dwellers,” Abari said.

    He said that government had several policies and programmes that were of huge benefit to the citizens who were not aware of such programmes or do not understand the procedure to access the benefits.

    “We will use this assembly platform to disseminate information to and get feedback on government activities from the rural dwellers.

    “It is also a tool to fight corruption. When they know what is due to them, they will be able to enquire from their representatives in order not to be short changed,” he said.

  • Airport co-op initiates programmes

    Airport Fire & Safety Co-operative Multipurpose Society Limited (AFSCMS) has resolved to initiate  programmes geared towards the welfare of its members.

    Among such programmes is encouraging members to buy into the land and house ownership scheme organised by the society.

    Members’ involvement in the house ownership scheme was part of the outcome of its Annual General Meeting (AGM), which held last week in Lagos, where the leadership declared  dividends across board for members.

    The meeting ended a successful turn out for 2016 financial year for members of the society, which cut across the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA)  Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) and other aviation agencies.

    Speaking at the AGM, President of the Society, Mr Gbade Richard Tella, said the society had assisted its members in its 16-year existence, providing welfare for its members.

    Tella acknowledged that the  recession affected activities of the society in 2016, which were put in place to enable members overcome the harsh times.

    He said: “We have done a lot to help the people in terms of welfare. Those, who ordinarily could not own a house have been assisted. We have been able to provide new cars for our members. We also have estates in our housing scheme. We have at Iyesi, two phases at Isheri Olofin and people are already residing there. Today, we are giving stewardship of our activities for the past one year,”Tella said.

    Assuring members of plans the society has for 2017, Tella said: “The feelers we have received confirmed that majority of our members would be so delighted in acquiring properties  through the society. In line with this tendency, we have actually inspected some prospective landed properties, while also ensuring that we carry out our due diligence in the cause of this.

    “With the level of work so far, we can assure you that by the next AGM, some reasonable number of members will become proud land owners as we have made this a top priority”.

    Tella pointed out four major challenges, which he listed to include panic withdrawal due to change of executive, recession, software application issues and special savings crisis.

    He said an attempted defrauding of the Society to the tune of N929, 775.00 was amicably resolved.

    In his remark, AFSCMS Vice President, Mr Michael Aturu, appealed to new members of staff of aviation agencies to take advantage of the society to acquire property.

    He said: “We want to encourage them and our next target is to acquire acres of land very close to Lagos; if we are unable to get in Lagos, we will find somewhere near Lagos so that some of our members could own their houses.”

  • Why we hold programmes on Sundays —NASFAT Chief Missioner Sheik Akinbode

    The Nasrul-Lahi-l-Fatih Society of Nigeria (NASFAT) recently marked its 21st anniversary. The Chief Missioner of the society, Sheik Abdullahi Gbade Akinbode, spoke with SEGUN AJIBOYE on the achievements the body recorded in the last two decades. He also spoke about his childhood and other issues of interest.

    There is the widely held belief that NASFAT is generally a gathering of the elite. How true is this?

    NASAFAT is a society with different people from different backgrounds and different connectivities. But the majority of the members are elite, that is, they are people who can read and write.

    What brought about NASFAT?

    It is the drive to set up a house where people will rub minds between the elite and people who truly belong to the Islamic world, that is, the scholars of Islam and the elite. It is a forum where discussions could be held and where things of common interest would be discussed.

    Would you say those objectives have been met?

    We thank God that we have met some of the objectives. We had the intentions, we started it and we met the objectives.

    Recently, NASFAT marked its 21st anniversary…

    We formally started in 1985, and it is a fast-growing organisation. Within that period, we were able to record remarkable success in the area of education, in the empowerment of members and in creating awareness and enlightening the people.

    In those 21 years, what particular thing would you regard as a milestone achievement?

    One of our biggest achievements is having a private, faith-based institution; a university where education is combined with morality. Previously, it used to be education that was devoid of morality. But now, going through Fountain University, you would have good education and also have God added to the education. The school is based in Osogbo and we are focused on producing graduates that will combine intelligence with the fear of God.

    At a point, the society also went into business…

    Yes, that is true. We are into cottage business in order to generate funds, because we didn’t want to be fully dependent on people’s donations and offerings. We must be strong financially to carry out our programmes. We were into beverages and tourism. We arrange Hajj travels for those going to Mecca. We also do ticket reservation and other forms of tourism arrangements. The business is owned by the society and all the proceeds go to the society.

    Your malt drink, Nasmalt, is no longer in the market. What happened?

    That’s true. We had some problems along the way. You know that business is a risk, and if one is not willing to take that risk, there is no likelihood that one will remain in business.

    Can you be a member of NASFAT and still belong to another Muslim organisation?

    Yes, you can belong to NASAFAT and still belong to another Muslim society.

    In the past, Muslims didn’t really hold activities or Asalatu on Sundays. But things have changed now. Most Muslim societies hold their activities on Sundays. Is it that you fear losing your members to Christianity?

    The Creator of life is Allah and all things belong to Him. So, you can call on Him any time and any day. Gathering on Sundays have two reasons. The first is that we can call on Allah at any time. The second reason is that Sunday is a free day in Nigeria, and for that reason, we decided to choose Sunday because the people will be free to attend whatever programme we organise.

    But some people believe the reason you organise programmes on Sundays is because of the fear of losing your members…

    Yes, you cannot rule that out. We need to make sure that our children are engaged too. So, when the Christians are doing their own, we too are doing our own. It is simple.

    Recently NASFAT marked its 21st anniversary. Where do you see the society in the next one or two decades?

    It is Allah that can decide that.

    But you must have plans for the future…

    That is true. We have good plans. One of our plans is to make our university one of the best; a university of distinction and one that would stand like the Harvard University in the US. We also want Muslims to be enriched spiritually and knowledgeable so that they will know their religion better and they would attain excellence.

    You were a musician. How did you come about singing?

    Yes, I was an Islamic singer. You see, poetry is an inbuilt talent. And when you have the talent for something, you cannot just hide it away or allow it to waste. Again, music is said to be the food of love, so you just have to share it. It was an innate thing that I had to develop.

    And you had albums to your credit…

    I recorded 21 albums.

    For how long did you sing?

    I sang for less than 20 years.

    People like you propagated Islamic songs. How does this make you feel?

    I am still working. At least, old age has not come yet. But I would be happy and fulfilled when the time comes. And until I reach that point of self-actualisation, I will keep working.

    Are you saying you are not fulfilled yet?

    Of course, fulfillment does not come until old age. As a matter of fact, fulfillment does not come until the last point of a man’s life. The Koran says do not say a man is fortunate until you see his end. The end of life may not even mean when one is dead. It may mean when one has reached the age of senility, when one is waiting for death to come. At that point, when you look back and say you have done well in your youth and your old age, it is then that you can say you are fulfilled.

    What makes you happy?

    I am happy that I have God. I am happy whenever I see myself doing things according to the commandment of God. That is the only time I have fulfilled happiness. When I do what pleases God, I feel very happy, honoured and elated.

    In the course of this interview, I observed that your phones have been ringing. Do you have time to rest?

    I try to rest. I do try to rest whenever the opportunity presents itself. I don’t really sleep for long, but I always seize the opportunity to sleep whenever I can.

    There is the saying about uneasy lies the head that wears the crown. What are the challenges attached to your responsibility as the Chief Missioner of NASFAT?

    The journey has been rough, but it is not beyond Allah’s control. But when you are educated and you know the ethics of leadership, the process of delegation and control, the problem would be less. I do delegate responsibilities and I give commensurate authority. After that, the only thing is to wait for result, and we are getting good results.

    There is the belief that the elite are perhaps the most difficult people to lead. How difficult is it leading the elite in the society?

    The elite are not difficult to lead once you know the principle of management. And when you manage according to the principle of admin, definitely, you will get result. But you must not trample on people’s rights. No matter the level of elitism of the members, you will still scale through. It is even better to deal with the elite than the uninformed people. The elite will share your opinion and share your vision.

    Who are your parents and how was your childhood?

    I was born close to 60 years ago in Ibadan. I had my primary and secondary education in Ibadan and my university education at the University of Lagos. I also had my master’s degree in International Law and Diplomatic Studies from UNILAG. After my A-level, I worked briefly as an Islamic teacher in a secondary school before I went to the university.

    Where are your parents from?

    My parents are from Ibadan.

    Were they educated?

    Dad was educated. He was a mallam, and my mother was a trader.

    You said your father was a Mallam? I thought it is only people from the north that are called Mallam.

    No, he was a teacher. It is called Mualim, which means a teacher. So, Mallam is an adulterated way of calling Mualim. I grew up in the Isale Afa area of Ibadan. It is where you have the largest concentration of Mualims in Ibadan. That is where my parents are from. In those days, the primary job of the people was to teach about Islam and to organise programmes that would lead people to Islamic religion.

    You also went to a Koranic school like many of your peers…

    My father was my first teacher. After that, I was sent to other Arabic schools, though at informal level, because they were either friends or in-laws to my father. So, it was like leaving my home for another home. It was very simple for me all through, and I didn’t really see myself as a pupil in those other schools.

    Was it a polygamous home?

    Yes, my father had many wives. We were many in the family.

    Any particular lesson your father taught you?

    It was a communal life. It was an avenue of caring and sharing among all of us.

    Perhaps education will not permit someone like you to take after your father with respect to number of wives…

    Well, education has its own place and the law of Allah has its own place. Having more than one wife is Allah’s injunction, though it is not mandatory. It is an injunction regulated by Allah that a man can take more than one wife.

    And you chose to obey Allah’ injunction?

    Yeah, I chose to follow Allah’s injunction.

    But it came from your heart.

    Yes it did.

    What particular thing did you take away from the way father managed his wives that you are now applying?

    My father was a cool-headed person. He had wisdom and was very strict to the unruly but very meek to the simple. He was a caring father and a father who was very concerned about the welfare of his children. He would wake us up early in the morning for prayers before going to school. And early in life, he prepared all of us to love one another. All these things I am now applying in my own life.

    You said you are about 60 years old now. How do you handle the older people in your society?

    You give them the honour that they deserve. And what they come for is the spirituality, not the age. And that has its guide to all behaviours.

    How do you unwind?

    I do rest. But I cannot have a long stretch of rest because I have so many things to do.

    So many things are happening around the world, leading the people to say the world may be coming to an end. What is your take on this?

    That has been the thought from time immemorial that strange things would be happening around the world. But a man who is conscious of God and also conscious of the environment will know that the only way out is to train men to be conscious of God, so that whenever anything happens around them, they will know the meaning and how to cope with it. But in a situation where they don’t know the meaning, they will continue to grope in darkness and ignorance. But with wisdom that God grants His servants, they will always understand the meaning of whatever happens.

    As a singer, you must love going to social functions. When was the last time you went to a party?

    It is over 20 years since I went to a party.

    You mean that there is no owambe party or aso ebi for you?

    You know that with my calling and education, I won’t subscribe to owambe and aso ebi party.

    So you won’t attend if I invite you to a party?

    I will attend as long as what you are doing is Islamic and meaningful. I will be there and multiply your joy.

    What particular message do you have for the world?

    My message is for the world to be conscious of God and about everything in life. They should practise justice and their conscience should always guide them in whatever they do. In a just society, there will be peace, progress and harmony. In a just society, there will be development and growth. We should always emulate the teachings of God as they are taught in their synagogues, because all prophets of God are one.

    What is your fashion sense like?

    I love simple dresses.

    You mean you don’t wear stuff like agbada and other big clothes?

    I wear agbada once in a while, but I prefer simple dresses that I can easily move around in.

    Does that mean you are not stylish?

    Mine is about clothes that are not too ostentatious or luxurious. Like I said, I love simple clothes.

  • UNILORIN tackles delayed completion of programmes

    The Postgraduate (PG) School, University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) has instituted additional mechanisms to check the challenge of students overstaying on their and doctorate  programmes at the university.

    The Dean of the Postgraduate School, Prof Badmas Yusuf, said the university had introduced a prototype design and attendance register for PhD candidates.

    He said the initiative was a measure to ensure that the programme is well planned and progress could be monitored.

    Yusuf, however, said despite this, the Postgraduate School had discovered that many students do not graduate as scheduled.

    This, he noted, had prompted the school to introduce a questionnaire,  designed to monitor the progress of students on postgraduate programmes and identify challenges they may be facing in the course of their programmes.

    The questionnaire was made available from September 14 at the postgraduate School and is due for submission by Friday.

  • UNAIDS partners StarTimes on anti-AIDS programmes in Africa

    UNAIDS and StarTimes are discussing a roadmap targeted at delivering anti-HIV/AIDS TV content for increased awareness and positive reorientation to Africans through the StarTimes network on the continent.

    UNAIDS Executive Director and Under Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN), Michel Sidibé, said UNAIDS may establish  a deal with StarTimes to build a new bridge between Africa and China during a meeting with China-Africa Business Council in Beijing.

    Sidibé said: “I can just confess that all the interventions were so pertinent and relevant. Collaborating with StarTimes is also for me very important because what we are going to project is a new vision, which is to reach more people and create social reorientation, which will also ensure that everybody can benefit from the digital revolution. StarTimes technologies, innovations, creativity and international stature can help expand access to information and aid Africans to live healthier.”

    He continued: “For me, this is the only way to build a new bridge between Africa and China, through our partnership for the future to come.”

    UNAIDS Director  for Communications and Global Advocacy, Annemarie Hou said UNAIDS and StarTimes could work together to deliver anti-HIV/AIDS TV content to Africans.

    “We are working with OAFLA (the Organisation of African First Ladies against HIV/AIDS) and First Ladies and we are doing an excellent work on content, and they are also asking for more TV content. So, if we can work together, let’s think about things that will really help their message to be delivered to everyone in Africa.”

    “At a high-level meeting in New York in June, global leaders committed through a Political Declaration to double the efforts to end AIDS by 2030,” said GuoZiqi, Vice President of StarTimes Group, adding that StarTimes is ready to join the campaign of anti-HIV/AIDS and StarTimes would contribute its efforts to help achieve the goal of zero-AIDS in 2030.’’

    StarTimes is the leading digital-TV network operator and content provider in Africa, covering 90 per cent of the continent’s population and having 8 million subscribers in Africa. As a responsible media group, StarTimes has made great efforts through various initiatives to support the African people in areas including management of epidemics and deadly diseases like Ebola Virus in 2014.

  • Reveling in loyalty programmes

    Reveling in loyalty programmes

    Shoppers want loyalty benefits such as discounts and free products. They think these would increase their happiness and retain them as customers, but how true is this? Asks TONIA ‘DIYAN

    Loyalty programme is a reward programme offered by a company to customers who frequently make purchases. A loyalty programme may give a customer free merchandise, rewards, coupons, or even advance released products.

    This has been in existence for decades in developed countries like the United States  (US) and Europe where it has become more relevant by personalising offers, rather than just rewarding bulk spending, and by embracing new technology. In these countries, it is logical to predict that instead of shoppers handing over a plastic card at the till, their smartphones will recognise that they are in the store and ping over an electronic voucher for their favourite brand. Retailers in this part of the world are also trying to imbibe same in their businesses, but how far can this go?

    Recalling how she started with her first loyalty card, Rita Banks, a regular shopper at a Lagos health shop, said loyalty cards have added value immensely to her life as she has been able to rack up a ton of points, which translates into discounts and coupons. She said the little loyalty card, as she called it, has grown to help her save over the years.

    “Loyalty programmes can be really fantastic. You can usually join for less than five minutes of your time and if you’re a frequent shopper the deals can be really worth it,” she told The Nation Shopping.

    Banks said: “If you’re a regular shopper and you do not have the loyalty card, you’re just throwing away money. Even if you’re an irregular CVS shopper, it’s worth signing up for.”

    She said the card tracks what one spends on and provides people with coupons geared towards shopping habits, adding: “To sweeten the deal even further, after certain amounts of spending, a shopper can also be entitled to cash rewards, though little.”

    The Nation Shopping visited some stores in Lagos that are  rolling out reward programmes. It was observed that a particular store in one of the Lagos malls rewarded ice cream lovers. For example, if one stops by at the store anytime in the week, the 13th cup of the day  is on the store management, but only if the 13th shopper has the rewards card. The shopper would use it like a gift card that keeps refilling and each drink or food item is worth a star. Once the shopper collects 12 stars, the next item is free. The store said it also often offers discount codes received when signed up for its rewards system and offers double stars on some items at certain times, to help the shopper get to his 12th star quicker.

    Some stores would give freebies not only when a shopper patronises them, but also on his birthday every year.

    For some stores, every 200 points earned gets the shopper a free reward, and every naira is worth five points.

    For Makeup Mavens, the Beauty Insider card is worth it. Some beauty shops can be pricey, but have excellent coupons one can take advantage of throughout the year.

    Additionally, rather than gift cards, the points racked up through purchases allow access to exclusive items and a coupon for a free item on birthdays each year.

    Some shoppers also told The Nation Shopping what they feel. Lucky Edehor said: “Loyalty cards make an awful lot of sense for the retailers, but they are less attractive for card carriers like me because I haven’t benefited in anyway since I was introduced to it.”

    Loretta Ede said: “Loyalty programmes are meant to break down barriers between customers and businesses. By identifying the factors that may cause customers to leave, a retailer can customise a fee-based loyalty programme to address those specific obstacles, but in this country, greed won’t let it work like that.”

    Bukola Adebayo said she has Loyalty card from Justrite, a neighbourhood grocery store, but was recently rewarded with a diary after six months of purchase. She said she is not impressed.

    Another shopper, Jackson Olatunji, got two pens for being loyal to Park ‘n’ Shop and has decided not to patronise the shop for sometime. “I was given the pen during a raffle and I left the place so disappointed. A shop like this should do better,” he said.

    According to experts, understanding customers means understanding their values and sense of worth. Depending on the business, some customers may find more value in non-monetary or discounted rewards. To them, while any company can offer promotional vouchers and discount codes if they want to, businesses that can provide value to the customer in ways other than Naira and Kobo have a unique opportunity to connect with their audience.

    Some business owners, however, partner another company to provide all-inclusive offers. They engage in strategic partnerships for customer loyalty, which is also known as coalition programmes. This, they are aware, can be super effective for retaining customers and growing their company.

    For example, a dog food company, could partner a veterinary office or pet grooming facility to offer co-branded deals that are mutually beneficial for the business and customer. When customers are provided with value relevant to them, but goes beyond what your company alone can offer them, they understand that their needs are cared for. Apart from that, the business network will grow to reach the partners’ customers too.

    Others have turned their loyalty programmes into games to encourage repeat customers and solidify their brand image. In this case, customers enjoy having little fun, but frequent purchases. This type of programme, they say, can make the buying process both fun and engaging.

    Casey Winters, a member of an online food ordering and delivery website called GrubHub, advised her colleagues on LinkedIn that: “You should strive to think of your programme as constantly evolving to stay interesting to your users. This will make your programme stay effective for longer as well as give you the flexibility to weak elements to make them more interesting to you as business. I have seen many companies stuck with a programme they no longer think is effective, but too afraid to shelve it because of potential user backlash.”

    At her store, once customers place three unique orders, regardless of price, they get to play a game for a chance of winning free gifts. Shoppers choose one of four cards and have a 25 per cent chance of winning a free dessert, drink, GrubHub credit, or other items.

    Considering how many businesses offer loyalty programmes in this part of the world, experts have advised that business owners should build loyalty by providing first-time users with awesome benefits, hooking them in, and offering those benefits with every purchase they make.

    Some store owners, who have implemented a customer loyalty programme, shared with The Nation Shopping the tactics worked and the one that did not. Some of them were able to measure the effectiveness of their loyalty programme.

    Casabellla Beauty Store Branch Manager, Funke Alarape said the loyalty reward started in her store few years ago and was introduced to appreciate loyal customers. She said for every item purchased from the store, shoppers get discounts  which accumulate whenever they shop.

    Her words: “We give the card to our customers as they step into the store and patronise us, and for every purchase made, 2.5 per cent given which can be used to buy from us and Health Plus, who we are into partnership with on the reward  programme. Our cards do not have duration, our customer can use them for a long period.”

    She added that aside the discount giving, they notify their card holders first if there are promotions on ground.

  • ‘Inadequate funds affecting our programmes’

    ‘Inadequate funds affecting our programmes’

    Prof Gbemisola Remi Adeoti assumed office about six months ago as Dean, Faculty of Arts, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State. Before the appointment, he was Director, Institute of Cultural Studies, at the university where he distinguished himself. Under him, the institute hosted the first-ever Conference of Nigerian Playwrights in collaboration with Emeritus Prof Femi Osofisan. Few days ago, Adeoti hosted the revived Faculty of Arts Guest Lecture Series with Minister of Information and Culture Alhaji Lai Mohammed as  lecturer. In this interview with SOLA BALOGUN, a lecturer at the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti in Ekiti State, Adeoti speaks on his mission and vision.

    Sometime last year, you became Dean, Faculty of Arts of the great Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. Can you reflect on the journey so far?

    I resumed duty on  August 1, 2015. Of course, I had some preparations for that office, especially in terms of administration. From 2010-2012, I was the President of the Staff Club. In 2011, I was appointed as the Acting Director of the Institute of Cultural Studies. In 2012, I was confirmed as the substantive Director, which means effectively, I became the Head of the Institute for four years. The Institute of Cultural Studies is part of the Faculty.  I also worked with the previous Deans so I knew some of the challenges and prospects of the Faculty. Settling down was not so difficult, although by the time I got to the office, I had greater insight, especially of such challenges as funding. Funding has always been a critical problem and I was assuming office at a time when the resources were dwindling. During this period, the resources came from within. They were little and we still did not get them on time. This meant, apparently, that one was left with one’s creativity or ingenuity. So right from the beginning, I knew that we had to look outside the University to source for funds. So that was what we started with. Fortunately, we got one of our own who donated funds to improve the lighting system, and by extension the security system around the Faculty premises at night. So we started that, lit up the place, and completed the first phase of the lighting so that whenever you come to the Faculty at night, you are pleased with what you see. We are beginning the second phase very soon. The Faculty is located in three places; here, the Humanities Building, the Institute of African and Cultural Studies Building, and then the several buildings occupied by some of our staff, which were recently vacated by the Administrative staff of the University.

    What are the programmes you have in mind as the head of the faculty.

    One of the programmes that we revived was the Guest Lecture Series but we repackaged it so that whenever we invited eminent personalities to give lectures, we identified three or four alumni whom we honoured and gave awards to, in the hope that they, in turn, put in something to support their alma mater.  We did that last November. We invited Chief Bayo Akande; founder of Splash FM, who gave the guest lecture, and in support of the faculty, he promised us a bus and fulfilled his promise. So, you can see this worked. We hope to follow this up. We have reenergised the Distinguished Guest Lecture series with the aim of inviting alumni in order to raise funds from them.

    Also, the faculty had a website but after a while, it stopped functioning. When we came on board however, we revived it and it is on now and gets regular updates. We have equally inaugurated different committees. We will have the Faculty conference next May or June. Eventually, what we tried to do these past six months was to bring back some of the good things the Faculty was known for and then sustain those that are on ground, e.g. the Faculty seminar series. We are also on the lookout for other innovative ideas that would enable us to get funds.

    How does the university authority support the faculty in all of these?

    We have support from the University, led by the Vice Chancellor, but there is a general constraint about funding and also the way the system works. Between that time and now, this Single Account System was imposed on everyone and this has limited us and it became difficult for us to access even our own legitimate funds. This put much pressure on us and led us to seek funds from other sources. The funds we receive from the university, no matter how little, would help launch us to achieve our set goals. We enjoy the cooperation with the university, up till when the issue of PSA came on board.

    With the enormity of your administrative duties as Dean, do you still have time for literary and scholarly works?

    Yes, I still have time for my literary work, although this has been drastically reduced. I still teach courses at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. I also supervise the Masters and PhD candidates. But I have not been able to attend to my creative writing which I have suspended for now till after my term in office. I still engage in a lot of academic writing. There is a monograph I am working on and I still edit books.  I serve as external examiner to other universities. My hands are full for now.

    For the remaining part of your tenure, what are your dreams for the Faculty and things you hope to realise?

    Yeah, one of it is, if the bus comes, then we have a functioning vehicle for our students. If they want to go for excursions or they want to go for research or they have things to do, you know, it would be easier to access a bus from the faculty rather than to be at the mercy of the larger ones at the university level. So that will be a dream realised. Apart from that, we have challenges with office spacing. Some of our colleagues, they don’t have conclusive offices to work in. Sometimes we have about three people sharing an office.  We were hoping that some of the people that would be involved in the Guest Lecture Series would be kind enough to build a structure that can be named after them but they should make available offices. So I am hoping that at least one structure will be realised towards settling some of the space constraints. It would also include lecture rooms for our students. So I would be happy if that is realised too. Apart from that, I want improved Internet access within the Faculty so that our colleagues can access Internet at any point in time. I want to bring back the wireless system to make it work. It has been on before but it is down now so we want to restore it. We also want to link up with the former students in Diaspora who can give us aid so that we can give them a sense of belonging. We want to create a forum whereby we can meet up with them.

    A former colleague of yours, Professor Ogunleye died recently. She was a member of your faculty and her funeral was done not too long ago in Ile-Ife and Ibadan. Can you give us your  comments about her?

    Professor Ogunleye was a wonderful colleague, sister, senior and person in all our lives. She has always been a serious source of inspiration, especially in terms of scholarship. She never thought of the constraints or impossibilities when it came to achieving goals or tasks. It was my participation in her International Paint Festival in 2008 that motivated me and gave me the courage to organise scholarly conferences, not just for your benefit but for also for others.  She was always smiling. Even if she got angry at somebody, after a short while, the smile would return. She was a fine scholar. She never placed too much on perfection. She was always concerned about the beneficiaries of scholarly work. That is why I am not surprised that all her many works are still living on after her. She also rekindled my interest in the practical aspect of the theatre. She acted and directed plays showing that it is not enough to be a critic but one can also show practically one’s criticisms. I learnt that from her; don’t just interpret other people’s works, also create. You can also act and do creative work.

  • IDPs, others to benefit from ITF’s programmes

    IDPs, others to benefit from ITF’s programmes

    The Industrial Training Fund (ITF) said it has concluded plans with relevant agencies to train beneficiaries of the Presidential Amnesty Programmme, and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) around the country and sustain their reintegration into the society.

    According to the ITF, training and skills acquisition programmes for both the IDPs and beneficiaries of the Federal Government’s Amnesty Programmes will be tailored and structured to ensure that the beneficiaries speedily commence contributing towards national development.

    The Director-General/Chief Executive of the ITF, Dr. Mrs. Juliet Chukkas-Onaeko, said these when she visited the Coordinator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Brig-Gen Paul Boroh in Abuja, during the week.

    She said the primary function of the ITF, having keyed into the job creation of President Muhammadu Buhari, was to build on indigenous capacity and provide world class certification for youths and artisans.

    She explained that the ITF recently commissioned mobile training units/trucks will take specialised training and skills acquisition to all parts of the country, particularly the north east. The ITF DG said the programme is also aimed at ensuring sustainable reintegration of the Amnesty beneficiaries and IDPs, while ensuring that government’s vision of eliminating unemployment was achieved swiftly.

    She pointed out that over 800 training centres of the ITF would be opened to the beneficiaries and IDPs for training in areas like oil and gas, telecommunications and agriculture, solid minerals, alongside other trade and skills acquisition areas.

    She noted that ITF would also partner with and collaborate with other agencies of government to carry out skills study in the North East, the Niger Delta region and other parts of the country that would encourage employment of local, rather than foreign employees in the oil and gas, solid minerals, agriculture and other sectors of the economy.

    She added that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will see to the smooth execution of the training and skill acquisition programmes is already being worked out.

    On his part, Brig.-Gen. Boroh said the office sought partnership with the ITF in order to develop the skills of the amnesty beneficiaries by ensuring their sustainable reintegration. He said the focus of his office was to ensure the complete and sustainable reintegration of all beneficiaries, and ensure that they contribute towards job creation and poverty elimination.

    “The Presidential Amnesty Programme is anxious to work with organisations like the ITF and strategic partners, including international ones to achieve the objectives of the Amnesty Programme,’’ Boroh added.

  • Ikeja Electric rolls out programmes for efficient service delivery

    Ikeja Electric rolls out programmes for efficient service delivery

    The Ikeja Electric has begun the roll out of two vital programmes – Advanced Meter Infrastructure (AMI) and Customer Enumeration, Technical Audit and Asset Mapping (CETAAM), aimed at ensuring that customers are metered, and get quality service.

    The Advanced Meter Infrastructure (AMI) targets the metering of all customers with smart meters and the Company targets installation of 300,000 meters in the next three years.

    Chief Executive officer, Ikeja Electric, Mr. Abiodun Ajifowobaje said the roll out of the smart meters, which started last month, represents a remarkable step in the company’s quest for redefining service delivery in the sector. This development resonates with our new spirit, new drive and new energy identity, as we strive to create value for our customers, he added

    Ajifowobaje told reporters in Lagos that the meter roll out started in September with the installation of 6000 meters after the successful completion of the pilot scheme of the advanced meter installation phase which began in June this year. The Ikeja Electric is set to commence with the second phase of the project; the mass roll out of the meters. These meters are designed to enhance efficient energy usage and transparent billing in real time, he added

    According to him, the company aims to install 10,000 meters this month, and will be able to attain the peak monthly installation of 15,000 meters by December. He said the scope of the metering project is to deploy approximately 300,000 electric meters for Ikeja Electric’s residential, commercial and industrial customers between September 2015 and December 2016 in mapped out areas in all the Business Units of the Company.

    Ajifowobaje noted that Ikeja Electric’s Advanced Meter Infrastructure (AMI) is a state-of-the-art technology that enables utilities to read, disconnect and connect meters remotely and to detect individual customer outages quickly using a wireless communications network. The metering project will replace today’s meters with “next generation” electronic meter technology that improves customer service and enables customers to proactively manage their energy use and save money by giving them the power to control how much electricity they use against how much electricity they pay for.

    According to the Ikeja Electric chief, the scope of the metering project is to deploy approximately 300,000 electric meters for Ikeja Electric’s residential, commercial and industrial customers between September 2015 and December 2016 with installation of about 12,000 meters monthly in already mapped out areas in all the Business Units of the Company. With the metering project, the issue of estimation will be totally eradicated through improved billing. The customers will also be able to track the usage of electricity and eliminate energy wastage, he said.

    To also improve quality of service, Ikeja Electric has started Customer Enumeration, Technical Audit and Asset Mapping (CETAAM) project across its network .The project is slated to run from October 2015 to April, 2016.

    The project will involve mapping the location of each of the electrical network entities from the 132KV/33KV and 11KV systems to the distribution transformers and poles.  Ajifowobaje said: “It is going to be a thorough project that will ensure a solid foundation for efficient, equitable and transparent power supply to the esteemed customers of Ikeja Electric.

  • ‘NGA’ll execute its programmes’

    ‘NGA’ll execute its programmes’

    Despite the scarcity of funds, the management of National Gallery of Art (NGA) has resolved to keep faith with the implementation of its progammes and activities, which were initiated to promote the visual art sub-sector.

    The gallery will also push the Art Embellishment and Artist Royalty Act through at the National Assembly.

    NGA’s Director-General, Mr. Abdullahi Muku, who spoke with Arts Editors in Lagos, said: “If enacted the act will make it mandatory for every public building and bridges in Nigeria to have some kind of embellishment especially art works with a percentage of the construction cost set aside for this purpose.’

    He said apart from the money that would be made avalable to the artists to access through the sale of their works, to make them sit up and bring out the best in them.

    “With Artist Royalty entrenched in the Act, if an artist sells his work to somebody and that person resells it, a percentage of it will go to the artist or his/her family. This is a residual income that will benefit artists just like the royalty that performing artists enjoy for the playing of their musical works in any medium,” he noted.

    Three years ago, an Act aimed at promoting embellishment and artist royalty could not go beyond the first reading at the Seventh National Assembly. But, Muku assured that the NGA is hoping to reopen the bill through private sponsorship. “This is a dream we are hoping to realise with this eighth Assembly,” he added.

    Leading the programmes is the proposed Abuja Biennial, which has been in the works since 2013. Also, on the priority list of NGA is a proposed-bill to repeal and reenact the Act that set up the agency over 20 years ago.  According to Muku Abuja Biennial is an event, which the agency would continue to push for as it has a lot of economic benefits for Nigeria. “The Abuja Biennial is a programme we are committed to, both for its economic benefits to the country generally and the artists in particular,” Muku said.

    “For 14 days, renowned artists from Nigeria, Africa, the Diaspora and the world would gather in Abuja to showcase the best of the best of the their works with art collectors, art dealers and art lovers buying these works.”  Earlier scheduled for this year, the event has been rescheduled to hold in 2017.

    The decision to initiate the event, he said, was informed by the experience of NGA’s participation at similar events within Africa and overseas.

    He cited the Dak’Art in Dakar, Senegal as an example of a biennale that inspired the event. “Having participated in the Dakar Biennale almost from inception, we discovered that they have been able to make good money from organising the event compared to what they spend. We are hoping to do the same by getting the private sector fully involved and other key stakeholders,” he said, adding that the biennale would start even on a low key.

    Reacting to questions on how public-private partnership (PPP) can drive the gallery’s events, Muku said:  “We are open to the input of the private sector.  In fact, the coming in of Art Galleries Association of Nigeria (AGAN) was meant to promote government’s policy of public-private partnership (PPP) which was used to run the now rested Art Expo, Lagos.

    He did not fail to s the economic viability of the Abuja Biennale, saying: “The Abuja Biennial is an art market that will bring together artists, art and culture administrators, art collectors/connoisseurs, political leaders and administrators, tourists and tourism practitioners. It is so named to identify with the world standard as every biennial is named after its host city. Abuja being the capital city of Nigeria is chosen for its economic vantage position and is keying into Mr. President’s vision of diversifying the economy.”

    Other events of the gallery include Nupe Art Conference/Exhibition, Art of Friendship, Children Funfair, Children Funfair, Art Fair and National Visual Arts Competition.

    He, however, blamed the inability to host the National  Visual Arts Symposium and the distinguished lecture series last year on logistics, hoping that they would take place this year.