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  • UNILAG team wins UN crime hackathon

    A team of three University of Lagos (UNILAG) students has won the Hackathon4Justice competition organised by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in partnership with Facebook and AfricaTeenGeeks.

    The trio of David Popoola, Eyitayo Ogunbiyi and Chukwudumebi Onwuli beat 47 other students from nine institutions shortlisted for the final at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel in Lagos last weekend.

    The students were challenged to employ technology to solve problems relating to achieving the rule of law in the areas of corruption, integrity and ethics; crime prevention and criminal justice; organized crime; human trafficking and terrorism and violent extremism after a 29-hour coding marathon.

    They winning team developed a software, ‘Let’s Fight Trafficking’ (TFL), to unmask traffickers.  It features an e-learning planning platform on human trafficking; a facial recognition system that matches feed from webcams and other images to determine existing case with similar images in the database; a portal for victim’s close friends to file reports about trafficking in their area and a heat map, generated from report data to let users know where trafficking is most prevalent and take preventive measures.

    The feat gives the winners a ticket to the Global Hackathon for Justice event to hold at the Google Headquarters in Silicon Valley in August, where they will participate as mentors.

    Read also: 77-year-old graduates from UNILAG

    A team of four students from the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso came second.  They designed ‘Athena’ a mobile application that allows people to report crime, emergencies and detects location of users and composes a report.  It also helps users learn about their rights and provides anonymity for whistle blowers.

    Students from Caleb University, Covenant University, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Obafemi Awolowo University, University of Benin, Babcock University, and the Yaba College of Technology also participated in the final.

    The students were mentored by were Iyinoluwa Samuel Aboyeji, Co-founder of Nigerian startup Andela and founder of Flutterwave and a number of Software Engineers from Facebook.

    Commenting on their win, David said the Hackathon was a learning experience.

    “So many thanks to the organisers, mentors and sponsors at the Hackathon4Justice for their time, attention and the opportunity to be a part of the event.  The hackathon gave us the opportunity to test our skills and learn even more.  This is not the end.  We will keep the same energy and continue providing solutions to the problems of our world,” he said.

     

     

  • Olubadan to Obas: remove your crowns and return to palace

    THE Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji, Aje Ogungunniso 1 , yesterday replied to the allegations levelled against him by the estranged members of his council.

    The high chiefs, led by the Otun Olubadan, Oba Lekan Balogun, accused the monarch of denigrating the Olubadan institution by what they described as “illegal practices and apparent lack of regards for the council”.

    But, the Olubadan, in a statement signed by his spokesman, Mr. Adeola Oloko, said there was no truth in the allegation raised against him by the Obas.

    The foremost traditional ruler said he has no objection to the return of his embattled high chiefs to the palace once they remove their “illegal crowns”.

    According to him, the statement credited to the embattled chiefs lacked substance.

    The Olubadan said contrary to the allegations, he was not responsible in the first instance for their desertion from the palace and by so doing, abdicating their responsibilities to Ibadanland.

    He also stated that rather than engaging in blame game, the embattled high chiefs, who, he alleged, were afraid of what is likely to befall them after May 29, when power would have changed hands, should have been bold enough to apologise to the people of Ibadan  and Yorubaland for allegedly undermining their customs and tradition.

    Describing the crowns of the high chiefs as offensive to the customs and tradition of Ibadanland, the Olubadan said there was nowhere in Yorubaland, where two kings sit inside a palace.

    He added that “it is always the king and his chiefs”.

    “Apart from violating our customs and tradition, there is no law that backs the wearing of illegal crowns in Ibadanland,” he said.

    REad also: Olubadan: new Iyalode to be installed soon

    Oba Adetunji noted that he had expected the high chiefs to comply with the Oyo State High Court judgment, which declared the state government’s reform that produced the crowns as illegal, null, void and of no effect.

    The royal father accused the high chiefs of lobbying to approve through the backdoor the crowns that the court had out-rightly rejected.

    Oba Adetunji stated that if the people of Ibadan had signified their preference the crowns, he would have long ago approved them.

    He said contrary to allegation by the high chiefs, he had done no wrong nor acted illegally.

    The monarch added that despite efforts made to hinder the smooth-running of the palace by the high chiefs and their promoters, they must begin to wonder why the palace had begun to grow from strength to strength.

    Oba Adetunji stated that the high chiefs exhibited little or no knowledge of Ibadan custom and tradition, when they accused him of installing Mogajis and Baales without recourse to them.

    According to him, Section 22 (2) of the Chiefs Law, Cap 28 Law of Oyo State 2000 makes the Olubadan the prescribed and consenting authority on all chieftaincy matters in Ibadanland.

    The first class monarch argued that the Olubadan-in-Council is merely an advisory council without any power whatsoever.

    According to Olubadan, “if anybody should be castigated for denigrating our institution, it is the embattled high chiefs with inordinate ambition to become monarch without domain that should examine themselves. It is those who commit crime against Yoruba customs and tradition and do not repent that deserve to be castigated.

    “It is those who run away from the palace and turn round to say they are not carried along. It is those who flagrantly disobey court orders. It is the chiefs who are sent to represent the Olubadan at the Local Government Traditional Councils but seize Olubadan’s salaries that have violated our customs and tradition.”

  • Lagos committed to making the state work for all, says Ambode

    LAGOS State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode yesterday inaugurated the state’s Resilience Office (LASRO), restating the administration’s commitment to making the state work in spite of challenges of urbanisation.

    He said the state’s mega city status has brought with it growing challenges such as traffic congestion, shortage of affordable housing, poor power supply and high rate of unemployment.

    The event, which took place at Protea Hotel, Ikeja, also signposted the state’s inauguration of activities as a member of Resilience Cities 100, an initiative of the Rockefeller Foundation, which started 20 years ago. Lagos was listed a member of the RC100 in 2017.

    Ambode, who was represented by Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Akinyemi Ashade, said in spite of its limited land size, Lagos is home to 23 million inhabitants, with a growing challenge of developing capacity to accommodate future growth.

    The governor, who opened the Resilience Lagos Week 2019, said LASRO has the mandate of making Lagos better, through the promotion of the wellbeing of the citizenry and building their resilience by helping people, community and institutions to prepare for, withstand and emerge stronger from acute shocks and chronic stress that comes with living in the state.

    Read also: Ambode lauds NYSC for election role as 2,568 corps members swear oath

    “Indications are that Lagos is by nature susceptible to some challenges, which could be best overcome through knowledge-sharing with developed world countries that had encountered similar challenges in the past, but have surmounted them,” he said.

    Ambode said the government would keep aggressively pursuing the transformation of its environmental challenges into opportunities such as waste to wealth, conversion of crime zones into beautiful areas, tree planting and greenery to mitigate climate change and the provision of affordable housing for all.

    He stressed that the partnership with the Rockefeller Foundation through the RC100 programme would help Lagos amplify their city resilience framework, which would help the state prepare for the increasingly unpredictable future.

    According to him, statistics have shown that despite its small geographic size, Lagos State, the country’s economic and commercial nerve centre, is home to a highly skilled workforce, with the greatest concentration of industries, key markets, financial and an information technology hub.

    The state, Ambode said, is growing 10 times faster than any other major metropolis of the world.

    President of RC 100/Rockefeller Foundation Mr. Michael Berkowitz said the admittance of Lagos State as a member of 100 resilient cities, which started in 2015, with the state’s application for membership, was concretised in February 2017.

    Berkowitz, who was represented by RC 100 Deputy President Nse Umo Esema, praised the state for coming up with the Lagos City Resilience Strategy (Lagos CRS), aimed at tapping into the deep resources and natural resilience of the people, with the hope of making the city more resilient to the current and future challenges.

    According to Berkowitz, “with a growing population, environmental challenges, and the burden of poverty as well as huge infrastructural gaps, Lagos needs to be resourceful, flexible, robust and adaptable in meeting its growing challenges, in spite of its dwindling resources”.

    The state’s Director, Development partnership Department in the Ministry of Economic planning and Budget Mr. Olalekan Bankole, said the RC 100 membership would help develop a pragmatic response to the needs of megacity Lagos, even as it grows into becoming a giga city (cities with 100 million population) by the end of the century.

    Among other lead presenters expected to speak at the four-day event, which would be rounded off on Friday are; former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Lagos State, Mr. Supo Sasore, SAN; a lawyer and poet Aduke Gomez;  Vassily Oye Barberopolous; Dr. Andrew Nevin; Weibei Boer; WaterAid International Director John Garrett and others.

     

     

  • ‘Life as Amazon of Nigeria’s petroleum industry’

    They call her the “Amazon of the oil and gas industry who successfully blends brain with fashion”. For over three decades, she operated in a male-dominated terrain and got to the pinnacle of her career. Meet the woman who became a force in the industry, Mrs Patience Maseli. For 35 years, she served in various positions, heading several committees, such as the first steering committee of Women in Geosciences and Engineering (WiGE). Maseli has just retired as a Deputy Director at the Directorate of Petroleum Resources (DPR). The highlight of her career was the christening of a drillship West Capella in South Korea on which her name is inscribed. In this conversation with EVELYN OSAGIE, she speaks on voyage into the oil industry, her work and family life.

    My journey into oil and gas industry

    My journey in the industry began in 1982 after my graduation from the University of Benin.  I was sent to Rivers State for the mandatory National Youth Service Programme. My primary assignment was in NNPC Research and Development Division where I worked as a palynologist within the geology laboratory.

    My performance earned me employment into the organisation in 1983, and I was deployed to the Petroleum Inspectorate Division,  which today is the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR)

    With a career spanning 35 years, through diligence, hard work and grace of God, I rose through the ranks from Petrophysicist in 1983, Senior Geologist in 1992, Chief Geologist 2003, Assistant Director 2006 to occupy the position of Deputy Director and Head, Upstream in 2017 up till November 2018 when I attained the mandatory retirement age.

    Upon my promotion as an Assistant Director in 2006, I was responsible for the Resources Management branch of the Upstream Division of DPR.  In 2014, I was redeployed to the Exploration branch which also doubled as the National Data Repository (NDR) where all oil and gas industry data is kept in safe custody. It’s actually called the industry data bank. One of the remarkable achievements is that under my leadership, the standard of the facility was raised to international level. In 2015, I was deployed to the Domestic Gas Obligation branch of the Gas Division to strengthen the regulation and monitoring of the domestic gas sector. During this period, the domestic sector went through a commendable level of gas revolution in alignment with the seven big wins programme. This gave rise to the Nigerian Gas Flare Commercialisation project, which will be a big leap towards actualising the flare down programme by the Petroleum Minister.

    Having effectively established the Domestic Gas Branch, I was then redeployed to Head the Upstream Division in 2017.

    Within these periods, I represented DPR at many forums, locally and internationally, travelling to  Norway, France, UK, US, South Korea, Italy and other places.

    It’s been an interesting experience.

     

    Challenges women

    in the field

     

    Getting a female mentor was a challenge since women were few and had to cope with challenges with having male mentors.

    Women had to work twice as hard as the men to get to the top. That was tough because as a woman you had to take care of the home as well.

     

    My nugget for reaching the peak in a male-dominated field

     

    To get to the peak in a male dominated industry, glass ceilings had to be broken down. When I was recruited, women hardly went to the rig because the infrastructure was not gender sensitive and we were relegated to the office. This was disadvantageous as young engineers and geologists were expected to be in the field and build capacity. We pushed for change, and today women are in there with men. Modern rigs have been built to accommodate both genders.

    I was at the drilling site when Shell’s Agbada 59 and 60 wells were drilled, and did one week on and off in the late 80s. That experience helped me a lot in my career.

    Navigating to the top required hard work, DPR sent me for several trainings locally and internationally, in addition to self-development.

    I belonged to several professional bodies like the Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists ( NAPE) where I am a fellow, Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society (NMGS), American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG) and Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE). I also served as the first steering committee chairperson for Women in Geosciences and Engineering (WiGE). A lot of capacity is built from participating in the technical meetings of these associations and attending international conferences as well.

     

    My advice to women

    aspiring for the field

    For students in secondary institutions, they have to take some of the STEM subjects. Those already in the field, I will advise, must be hardworking, professional, focused, dedicated and committed, and also develop themselves without relying solely on the organisation. They should make their voice heard, contributing at meetings, putting their opinions across and not allowing themselves to be relegated to the background.

    Balancing family and work

    It took effective planning, family support, especially from my spouse, my mother and domestic wards, and the grace of God.

    Being 60 and looking young, dashing and very energetic

    It takes a lot of discipline to be healthy and fit. The secret lies in eating fresh foods, fruits and vegetables, exercise, avoiding frizzy drinks and packet juices. Being active for God has also helped tremendously. It brings a lot of refreshment to the body. For instance, I have been singing in the choir right from primary school till date; from the Church of God Mission (the late Archbishop Benson Idahosa’s church) and the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Promised Land Parish. Also, to God be the glory, being happily married takes a lot of stress off me.

    My life after retirement

    I am retired but certainly not tired. I’m still full of energy and have a lot more to contribute to the petroleum industry. I do more of consulting and taking care of my grandchildren (Laughs). For now I will like to take a break and get recharged for the next phase and catch up on things I could not do because of my hectic work schedule – living a relaxed life and exploring the world and places that hitherto I couldn’t see. I am also spending time with my family who are spread over the world. Above all. I plan to continue with the service of the Lord.

  • Woman accused of squeezing manhood

    A 31-year-old woman, Jennifer Ola, has been arraigned before an Oredo Magistrates’ Court in Edo State for allegedly squeezing Mr. Luis Adjuya’s manhood.

    She was alleged to have committed the offence with Israel Idowu, 29, on March 29, at 8, Akali Street, off Ekenwan Road, Benin City.

    Israel was also accused of punching Luis.

    They pleaded not guilty.

    Read Also: Police arrest herbalist for killing woman

    Prosecuting Inspector Shaibu Mohammed said the offences were punishable under Section 351 of the Criminal Code Cap 48 Vol II Laws of the defunct Bendel State, now applicable in Edo State.

    Magistrate J. O. Uwushiren granted them N100,000 bail each and one surety in the like sum, who must be employed.

    The case was adjourned till April 15.

     

  • Four HND graduates die in well in Kogi

    Four Higher National Diploma (HND) graduates were drowned in a well they were engaged to evacuate on Monday night in Kabba, headquarters of Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State.

    It was gathered that the four graduates, whose names were given as: David, Sunday, Ayo and Ogbekedo, with two of them from the same parents,  specialised in digging wells.

    A witness said the tragedy occurred at Zango quarters in Kabba, where a primary school mistress, whose name was given as Mrs. Agnes Baiyere, had contracted them to dig the well in the front of her newly constructed four-bedroom apartment.

    The woman, a teacher in St. Mary’s Primary School, was said to have contracted one of them, David, who invited the others to join him in digging the well.

    Work was said to have been completed, when two of them returned Monday evening, to evacuate some broken blocks that fell into the well.

    Read Also: 7 die as truck plunged into river in Kogi

    However, when one of them entered into the well, he was said to have complained of dizziness, following which another came to his aid.

    The two were said to have been trapped in the well and could not come out.

    As the news filtered round, the two other workers , who were said to have made for the site to rescue their colleagues, were also trapped and could not come out.

    Personnel of the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC), Kabba office were later contacted to evacuate the remains of the four workers.

     

  • Academics must return to the academia, says Babalakin

    The Pro-Chancellor of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Dr. Wale Babalakin (SAN), has said academics must return to the academia and universities must be driven by merit.

    Speaking yesterday at the 50th Convocation Ceremony of UNILAG, Babalakin said he believed strongly that the most important area in any nation’s development is the quality of its education because that is where training happens and leaders are produced.

    He explained that no effort must be spared in improving the educational system, noting that the time had come to create an environment that would attract the best scholars to universities and this can be done by enhancing the remuneration of teachers.

    Remembering with nostalgia the time when UNILAG was full of scholars like the late Prof. Teslim Elias; Prof. Clifford Olawoye; Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo; the late Prof. Adeyemo Elebute; Prof. Alexander Eyimofe Boyo; the late Prof. Akin Adesola; Dr Sunny Kuku; the late Prof. Ayodele Awojobi; the late Prof. V.O.S.  Olunloyo; Prof. Oye Ibidapo-Obe and Prof. Ifedayo Oladapo, who made the university stand out, Babalakin said: “We must put an end to those who come here because they have no other option. This is a citadel of learning and we must achieve this goal. It will be tough and there will be resistance, but that is the only way out. Universities must be driven by merit. Only academics should find themselves in the academia. We must create an environment that would attract the best scholars.”

    Read Also: Babalakin eulogises ex-Total director Jegede

    The lawyer said while he believed that education should be substantially free to the extent that a nation can afford it, if we had to choose between quality education and free education, we must choose quality education.

    He said he supported the idea of universities being buoyant enough to afford the resources they require.

    Noting that we must take immediate steps to improve education, Babalakin said: “We cannot afford to wait until we have the resources to support quality education, so I support the government’s position that government alone cannot fund education. It has to be funded by all stakeholders in the country.  We must have universities that can attract the best academics and the universities should have the resources to keep those academics.”

    The lawyer said he was convinced that the President Muhammadu Buhari-led government intends to reposition education appropriately, adding that the Minister for Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu, had reiterated this position on many occasions.

    Citing the example of England, Babalakin said: “When education was facing a challenge in England, Prime Minister Tony Blair created a policy for refocusing education by enhancing remuneration in such a way that teaching became one of the most financially attractive propositions. We must find a way to get back to those days.”

    Urging the graduating students to join the campaign to reposition education and become leaders of thoughts; Babalakin said: “The greatest gift you can have from God are ideas and the greatest disservice you can do to God is not to spread the ideas. What is the value of knowledge that is not disseminated? “We want to see you disseminate knowledge with great conviction. Those who create breakthroughs in the society are thinkers and usually, they are never popular at the time they are making their propositions. You have a choice between seeking the popularity of the unthinking populace or making yourself available to driving the thought process in this country. I believe you’ll choose the latter.”

     

  • Micro Pension: Informal sector workers seek subvention, others

    Following the launch of Micro Pension Plan by President Muhammadu Buhari, workers in the informal sector have urged the Federal Government to provide at least 50 per cent contributions as subvention under the plan for the workers.

    They are asking that workers who are 60  and above, who cannot join the pension plan, should be entitled to social pension as it is done in developed and developing countries.

    The workers, under the auspices of the Federation of Informal Workers Organisation of Nigeria (FIWON), spoke while reacting to the Micro Pension launch.

    FIWON Secretary-General Gbenga Komolafe said the Federal Government’s initiative to capture the sector was good. He however noted that the Federal Government through the National Pension Commission (PenCom) did not look into their demands.

    He said: “The launch of micro pension is a welcome development but the Federal Government is yet to meet our demand. We are demanding an old age care support system for workers under the informal sector who are above 60 years and cannot join the pension plan.

    Read Also: The coming of micro pension plan

    “We also want the government to part-fund the contributions required in the scheme. It is not enough for the government to say we should contribute to pension; it should also part-fund the scheme for us. Even if it is not 50-50 as we have in the formal sector, but at least, it should encourage the informal sector.

    “If government part-funds it, the money will still be in the system while it encourages participation and helps to obviate the effects of inflation. The categories of workers in the informal sector that contribute to the economy is huge, but they do not enjoy the benefits that the working people in the formal sector enjoy. It is in the interest of everybody that the government invests in the informal sector.

    “The government’s attitude and the need for it to create space for the people to carry out their trade activities is very important. The government is talking to us about pension, but sometimes they destroy our spaces where we engage in trade. Where are we going to get money to save for the future?”

    Komolafe stated that FIWON, which was launched in 2010 with about 24 organisations of former workers, has about 170 organisations across 21 states.

    He said the association ensures that the members benefit from mortgage care and support, maternal care and support and other basic amenities.

    He called on its members to stop playing lottery with their hard earned money and participate in the pension scheme to secure their future.

  • BIU gets new Vice Chancellor

    Governing Council of the Benson Idahosa University, (BIU) Edo State, has approved the appointment of Prof. Sam Guobadia as the institution’s Vice-Chancellor.

    Prof. Guobadia’s appointment was approved at the council’s 92nd Regular meeting. He would be the sixth Vice-Chancellor.

    Until his appointment, the don was the Acting Vice-Chancellor. He previously served as the University’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor under the Vice-Chancellorship of Prof. Ernest Izevbigie.

    Read Also: BIU students hold Business Fair

    He is a Professor of Economics and a fellow of the Institute of Policy Management Development (FIPMD) and Institute of Corporate Administration (FICA).

  • UNIPORT honours Azikel chief for job creation

    The University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State has honoured the President, Azikel Group, Dr. Azibapu Eruani for contributing immensely towards a better society, creating jobs and accelerating the industrial growth in the Bayelsa State, the Niger Delta and Nigeria.

    Eruani, an alumni, bagged the ‘’Distinguished Alumni Award’’ in Port Harcourt, while other recipients of the prestigious award are Dr Alex Otti and Ezinne Mrs. Joy Akate Lale.

    Presenting the award at 32nd Convocation Ceremony/fifth Chancellor’s Dinner and Award Night 2019 at the University  Auditorium, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ndowa Lale said Dr Eruani has made the institution proud by improving the lives of the people of the Niger Delta and Nigeria.

    Read Also: UNIPORT to graduate 9,452

    The Group’s Media Assistant, Mr. Austin Ebipade, in a statement yesterday, explained that Prof Lale said Eruani’s  rise to  the President of Azikel Group, with subsidiaries in dredging, power generation, aviation and petroleum made him a celebrity, adding that through the advisory board, Eruani has contributed to the infrastructural development of the institution.

    “Though not many would return to improve infrastructure as worthy alumnus of their institutions, Dr Eruani, a distinguished alumnus has continued to support the growth of the institution.

    ‘’Dr Eruani, upon completion of  MBBS degree in the University of Port Harcourt, further trained in the United States and became a member of the American Society of Family Medicine Practitioners, just as his diversification into business saw him bag further certifications at the Lagos Business School and Wharton Business School, University of Pennsylvania,” Prof Lale said.