The Nation Newspaper

Tag: shut down

  • Edo Govt House shut down

    ACTIVITIES at the Edo State Government House have been temporarily shut down over Saturday’s convention of the All Progressive Congress (APC).

    Top government officials and party chieftains have relocated to Abuja to support for Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole, who is contesting for the position of APC national chairman.

    Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu, who spoke to reporters before leaving for Abuja, said they temporarily relocated the seat of power from Edo to Abuja to give support to Oshiomhole.

    State APC Chairman Anselm Ojezua said the party need a warrior because it is going for a battle.

    Ojezua said: “You know when you have a good product you really have no much marketing to do. From the onset, I have always maintained the fact that the party needs Comrade because we are at a time when so much has happened in the past four years and by reason of our constitution, this is a good time for us to prepare because next year we are going to elections.

    “The party must radiate trust and confidence of the people. And the best person to occupy that position is a man that already has the trust and confidence of generality of Nigerians. And Comrade is the best person.

    “Therefore, I expect that we have been able to achieve consensus on account of the support that he has been able to acquire across the country.”

     

     

     

  • How Wizkid, Tiwa Savage, others shut down Gidi Fest 2018

    The fifth edition of the annual concert, Gidi Culture Fest held sway recently, featuring pulsating performances by top rated artistes like Adekunle Gold, Brymo, Aye, Ycee and Dj Spinall.

    Gidi fest 5 succeeded in providing a platform for local Nigerian artists with the introduction of the Next Gen Stage. Twenty year-old Tay Iwar shone through as a breaking act on the main stage, demonstrating the festival’s impressive spread of artists and a strong receptive crowd. 2Face’s amazing show also resonated with the young Nigerian audience – a testament to his legendary status and catalogue of timeless classics.

    As the event picked up steam, special guest Tiwa Savage, mounted the stage to give a superlative performance. During WizKid’s headline performance the pair got cosy, sparking a relationship rumour that is still trending.

    Organisers of the show revealed that this year saw a marked increase in visitors from outside Lagos, as attendees flew in from London, New York, LA, Kuala Lumpur, Berlin, Johannesburg, Accra, Dar es Salaam, Taipei and more.

    Excited that the Gidi Tribe is going global, its cofounder, Chin Okeke states that; “This year was definitely the best so far. From the performances to the experience, everything was elevated. I’d like to apologise of the delay in programming caused by technical issues… and thank the Gidi Tribe for their patience. We continue to learn and strive to deliver a world class experience for our guests”

    As well as running more concerts throughout the year, Eclipse Live is already looking at 2019 with plans to continue innovating experiences for the Gidi Tribe.

    “We aim to finally realise the dream of expanding to a 2-day event with increased programming around the festival, and look forward to welcoming even more international travellers. Now that we’ve settled in to our new home, #Gidi2019 promises to be a blow out,” Okeke adds.

  • MI Abaga, Terry Apala, others shut down Basement Gig

    The March edition of The Basement Gig was a massive success with MI Abaga headlining the show which held last Friday at Alba Lounge, Victoria Island, Lago.

    Mr Incredible entertained the guest with songs off the ‘Rendezvous’ album as well as hit songs from his previous albums.

    The show also saw performances from Terry Apala, Straffitti, Blaq Bonez, Ckay, Chillz, and Joules da Kid who performed their featured songs from the Rendezvous album with MI.

    Hosted by Kemi Smallz, the event which saw a high turnout of people had industry big names like Reminisce, who gave a surprise performance, Aramide, Samantha Walsh, Ehiz, Sess, Boj, Bolly Lomo, Bizzle and others who came to support the movement.

  • Workers threaten to shut down NIGCOMSAT over alleged victimisation

    Workers threaten to shut down NIGCOMSAT over alleged victimisation

    The Senior Staff Association of Statutory Corporations and Government Owned Companies (SSASCGOC) has accused the management of Nigeria Communications Satellite (NIGCOMSAT) of victimising workers. It warned that unless the victimisation and promotion were addressed, it would have no option than to disrupt activities at the agency.

    In a letter to the Minister of Communication, Adebayo Shittu, the union said it may be forced to embark on a three day warning strike unless the issues of promotion and victimisation, of its members in the company is addressed.

    The letter, dated  January 10, signed by the president, Mohammad Yunusa and the General Secretary, Comrade Ayo Olorunfemi, alleged that one of its members is being victimised by the management for refusing to take part in corruption related activities.

    The letter entitled: “Re: Operational Modalities in NIGCOMSAT-Our Demands,” the letter read: “Under the directive of the Central Working Committee (CWC) of the Association we refer to our letter No SSASCGOC/HM/FMCT/1/2017/ of 9th Oct 2017 on the above subject matter and observe with dismay the non-response to any of the issues raised.

    “We are most concerned about issues that bother on the rights of our members; particularly the issue of promotion. As we speak, one of our members is being victimized  for  refusing to participate in activities that promotes corruption in the workplace.”

    “We shall be left with no other choice than to embark on a ?3 day warning strike to drive home our points, if nothing is done to address all the issues raised in our letter under reference within 21 days from the date of receipt of this letter.”

    Speaking with newsmen, Comrade Olorunfemi, condemned the promotion exercise done by NIGCOMSAT management after a long pressure from the union, adding that the promotion was lopsided as important issue of seniority was lost due to earlier embargo and delayed in the process.

    He said the union would not accept a situation whereby some senior officers have to forfeit one year due to no fault of theirs but just because the management decided to place embargo on promotion.

    “The essence of promotion is to motivate, but when promotion is becoming a de-motivational factor, there will be reduction in productivity and the union would not accept that.”

    On the victimization of its member, he explained that an officer, who is the head of account refused a directive from an executive director to pay a money which was not approved and was being victimized.

    Comrade Olorunfemi said the present government came into power on the mantra of corruption, saying that the minister should conduct an investigation into this case and ensure that workers who stand up against corruption are not punished.

  • Bayelsa to shut down 250 schools

    Over 250 private primary and secondary schools have been slated for closure by the Bayelsa State government, following reforms in the educational sector.

    Education Commissioner Mr. Jonathan Obuebite, who spoke in Yenagoa yesterday, said the schools failed standard test conducted by his ministry.

    He said their environment, location and infrastructure fell below the minimum standard for qualification.

    Obuebite said the government earlier gave the indicted schools a period of grace to upgrade their facilities, but their owners disregarded the directive and were only interested in collecting outrageous fees from the public.

    He said the schools would be denied accreditation and stopped from writing external examinations, while others already registered would be de-accredited.

    The commissioner said the decision was not taken unilaterally by the government, adding that it was communicated to the school owners during a meeting between them and the government.

    He said the move to look into the activities of over 500 private schools was informed by the desire of the government to ensure all-round qualitative education and justify the massive investment in the sector by the Governor Seriake Dickson administration.

    Obuebite said: “We have gone round. It has been investigated and we have compiled the schools that are not qualified to be private schools. Their names will soon be published.

    “We don’t want our people to be victims because we are going to deny these schools accreditation to write Junior Secondary School Certificate Examinations conducted by West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and National Examinations Council (NECO).”

  • United States visa appointments to hold despite govt shutdown

    United States visa appointments to hold despite govt shutdown

    United States visa  processes across the world may not be disrupted  following government shut down at the stroke of midnight Friday.

    All but the most essential operations of the US government are affected including the one-year anniversary of President Donald Trump’s inauguration.

    There were fears that all US offices overseas handling visa issuance and federal regulatory agencies, including those overseeing grants and contracts will remain closed while the shutdown lasts.

    However, the spokesman of the US Embassy in Abuja, Russell Brooks, told The Nation last night scheduled visa appointments would hold.

    He said: The State Department has informed the public on travel.state.gov that scheduled passport and visa services in the United States and at posts overseas will continue during the lapse on appropriations as the situation permits.

    Earlier yesterday a State Department official said:

    “We are expected to still show up for work on Monday and figure it out from there,”

    In an email sent to State Department employees Friday morning, acting Director General William Todd said:  “a number of government activities would cease due to a lack of appropriated funding, and that a number of employees would be temporarily furloughed,” if a government shutdown were to occur.

    He did not specify which activities would stop or which employees should stay home next week.

    Heather Nauert, a spokesperson for the State Department, on Thursday said that the department had yet to make any decisions about which services it could provide during a shutdown but that “we will be prepared for all contingencies.”

    The shutdown was sparked by the Senate rejection of a short-term spending bill to keep the federal government running.

    A few Republicans joined Democrats in blocking the crucial measure, which would have provided short-term funding for the Pentagon and other federal agencies.

    The bill to fund the government until February 16 did not receive the required 60 votes.

    The Senate voted 50-48 to block the stopgap funding measure.

    The short-term spending bill was passed by the House on Thursday.

    This is part of the Democrats strategy to force President Trump and the Republicans to negotiate with them on illegal immigrants who are facing deportation.

    Trump, in a series of tweets,  accused the Democrats of  being more concerned with illegal immigrants than the country’s armed forces and “holding the military hostage over their desire to have unchecked illegal immigration”.

    Spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said the Democrats’ insistence that the interim measure include protection for undocumented immigrants who arrived as children killed the deal.

    “Senate Democrats own the Schumer Shutdown,” she declared, referring to the minority leader, New York Senator Chuck Schumer, who met with Trump earlier Friday.

    “Tonight, they put politics above our national security, military families, vulnerable children, and our country’s ability to serve all Americans.”

     

     

  • Lagos to shut down Oba Akran Road for carnival

    The Lagos State Government yesterday said it is set to stage this year’s edition of the Lagos Street Carnival scheduled to hold on December 3 on Oba Akran Avenue in Ikeja.

    The Special Adviser to Governor Akinwunmi Ambode on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Hon Adebimpe Akinsola, in an interview with reporters, said the venue of the carnival would be shut down but adequate preparations have been made for alternative routes to mitigate the impact of the road closure on motorists and residents.

    Dubbed: “Lagos Street Party” in its maiden edition last year, the event has grown into a carnival to mark the  beginning of the Ministry’s end of the year activities.

    It is also designed to celebrate the multi-cultural nature of Lagosians and reposition the State as a formidable cultural destination.

    Speaking on security arrangements already put in place, Akinsola said: “To this end, several adjoining roads would be closed on the day of the carnival while alternative routes could be accessed by road users.

    “We like to assure Lagosians and visitors that efforts are in place to ensure that the venue and environs are safe and incident-free.

    “We expect more visitors this year and a lot more will be coming. In terms of security and crowd control, the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture is not working alone. We are working with the police, Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Fire service, LASAMBUS and the Lagos State Waste Management Agency (LAWMA). All of them are onboard and people are not going to see Oba Akran on Monday in a dirty state,” Akinsola said.

    Giving details about the carnival, Akinsola said: “Last week, we rolled out our end of the year programme. The Lagos street carnival is to herald the yuletide season. When you talk of carnival, it is to showcase all the diversity of cultures in Lagos State.

    “There is going to be an overflow all through Oba Akran; people dancing, eating, showcasing diverse cultures from different local governments and other estate groups that are resident in Lagos State.

    “That was how it was done on the Island and this year we are bringing it to the mainland and of course next year, we would be looking at another location because the aim of government is to take this carnival all round Lagos. It is not a programme that would be static, but would move round across Lagos State, why because the Governor in his acceptance as the helmsman  promised Lagosians that he is going to run an all inclusive government where no one would be left behind, not in infrastructure alone, but in every sense of governance and he has been doing that systematically since he assumed office,”  Mrs Akinsola said.

  • Verse out with ‘Shut Down’

    Verse out with ‘Shut Down’

    Young African Nation signee, Verse, is out with a new number titled Shut down.

    The 3.11 minutes long high tempo afro-pop track from the Jos-based act is going viral and getting massive airplay; no doubt one of those songs that will add colour to the year-end season of merriment.

    Verse is rumoured to be the next big thing in music, given his talent, versatility, age, experience and origin.

    Inspired by the Holy Bible, the singer, Chuwang Junior Gyang said he chose Verse as his stage name. Afterwards, he formed a musical group called D Ben-J Square along with two other artistes – a relatively successful group while it lasted, before the 19-year-old put pen to paper with his Record Label in November 2016. Young Africa Nation [YAN] made Verse its very first signing, after he won the “Abuja Rap Battle of the Year” competition in a manner that thrilled the label executives.

    On the YAN platform, Verse has released two Singles and a mixtape. First of the two singles released is Si Mba, a track which was released unceremoniously to water the ground for the new Single, Shut Down, which has been adjudged by music critics as a potential club banger.

    The reception for the Verse project has been totally impressive, as he works hard in galvanizing his fan base which is most dominant in Jos and Abuja, and taking them along as he goes mainstream eventually.

  • Workers threaten to shut down OML 42 operations

    Workers under the aegis of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), have threatened to shut down Neconde Energy Limited (NEL) for alleged breach of agreement. They accused the firm of not complying with the agreement to transfer 25 workers to Warri.

    Neconde, an indigenous oil and gas company, operates OML 42 in partnership with the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria (NPDC), a subsidiary of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC.

    PENGASSAN blocked the entrance to NEL offices on Victoria Island, Lagos, on Monday, and picketed the company’s offices in Lagos and Warri. It said actions would continue if the company did not accede to workers’ demands.

    Addressing the workers, who sealed the company’s corporate head office in Lagos over alleged violation of an agreement between the leadership of PENGASSAN and Neconde, the Lagos Zonal Chairman of PENGASAN, Abel Agarin, said the union had written several letters to the company to resolve the issues but to no avail.

    He stated: “Our demand is that we want a communiqué in place that will address the transfer issue of these 21 employees that are affected.” According to a communiqué issued by the union members in PENGASSAN Neconde branch, they alleged “forceful restructuring, alignment, harmonization of structure and condition of service and policies of NEL across other non- exploration and production subsidiaries of the Obijackson Group.”

    Neconde is one of the subsidiaries of Obijackson Group.

    As part of their grievances the union stated: “Unprocedural, immediate and forceful transfer (including pregnant women/nursing mothers) of Staff from Lagos to Warri; nonpayment of outstanding field allowance of staff from August 2016 till date. No evidence (Tax clearance certificate) of remittance of Employees’ tax (PAYE) to Lagos and Delta State Governments since 2012, to name a few.”

    NEL reaction Reacting to the allegations, NEL’s Corporate Communication Manager, Olusegun Micheal, said “We are currently in talks with the leadership of PENGASSAN to ensure that we reach a mutually beneficial agreement on some of the demands presented by the association. So far, management and the company have enjoyed their co-operation and hope that the association will continue to abide by best in class labour union practices by exploring negotiation and collaboration as labour relations tactics.”

  • Itsekiri youths to shut down Chevron facilities, if…

    The National Association of Itsekiri Graduates (NAIG) has urged its compatriots who are VTP5 and VTP6 trainees of Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL) to prepare to shut down the company’s operations at Escravos and other fields, if the company fails to give them permanent jobs before their contract runs out next month.

    In a statement at the weekend by its President/CEO, Edema Collins Oritsetimeyin, NAIG said: “It is an insult on the Itsekiri nation to keep our graduates as trainees for four years without employment.”

    The group urged the trainees to ensure that “Itsekiri graduates under VTP5/OTP2 and VTP6/OTP3 are staffed without further delay”.

    It said the OPITO certificates of the affected trainees were in custody of Chevron to purportedly keep them tied to the company.

    NAIG noted that such treatment was “not being done in Richmond, Angola or those trainees in ‘national’ the programme”.

    The group said the excuse of cutting cost, as adduced by Chevron for non-regularisation of the trainees, “is not only a fallacy but a dent on the integrity of CNL”.

    It said the company “recorded a profit of $1.2 billion in the just concluded fiscal year” and “the EGTL train 1 and 2 are fully operational. Pure diesel, naphtha and LPG are constantly being exported daily”.

    NAIG said the Itsekiri host over 75 per cent of Chevron’s onshore/offshore/swamp fields under the Olu of Warri.

    The students’ body decried the attitude of House of Representatives Speaker Yakubu Dogara and Majority Leader Femi Gbajabamilia for their position on the Presidency’s directive for IOCs to relocate their corporate headquarters to the Niger Delta.

    It noted that the actions of the lawmakers “only buttress our long-held belief that the treatment meted out to the Itsekiri by Chevron is because some people in the corridors of power, especially of the Yoruba stock, are aiding Chevron to marginalise us without recourse to the fact that we host Chevron Tank Farm at Ugborodo”.