The Nation Newspaper

Tag: training

  • Customs will soon embark on mass training, retraining – Comptroller-General

    Customs will soon embark on mass training, retraining – Comptroller-General

    The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) will soon embark on mass training and retraining of its personnel, Retired Col. Hameed Ali, the Comptroller-General of custom, said on Monday.

    Ali made this known during his visit to the headquarters of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) in Lagos.

    He said that the bulk of the customs’ budget for 2017 was earmarked for the training and retraining programme aimed at building the competences of the officers.

    Ali said that training and retraining of the officers became imperative in order to equip them to meet the challenges of modern customs’ operations.

    “This year, the bulk of customs’ budget will be spent on the training and retraining of officers.

    “We must all realise that in the Nigeria Customs Service and indeed customs all over the world, things are dynamic.

    “Things keep changing, new protocols come up; the laws are amended and new equipment also comes up.

    “So, without the training and retraining, there is no way we can meet the best practices expected from us,’’ he said.

    The customs chief said that the service had installed Information Communication Technology (ICT) tools in all its offices to ease the operations of personnel and improve efficiency generally.

    Ali said that he had received assurances from the Federal Government on the delivery of scanners and other equipment to further ease the operations of the service.

    The customs chief said he was committed to transforming the service, adding that plans were underway to reduce the bureaucracy and protocols involved in clearing goods at the ports.

    Ali said that his visit to NAGAFF was to interact with the freight forwarders and build a strong synergy between the association and the customs.

    He said that a good working relationship between the association and the customs was necessary to interface on some of the issues affecting maritime industry and arrive at “a win-win situation’’.

    Ali urged NAGAFF to help customs in the fight against corruption by exposing and reporting corrupt personnel for appropriate sanctions.

    “However, just as there are bad eggs in the customs, there are also bad eggs among the freight forwarders. Really, it takes two to tango.

    “For example, the 661 pump action guns that we seized had the connivance of some customs officers as well as some freight forwarders.

    “Six hundred and sixty-one guns in the hands of wrong people can cause instability in a state.

    “So, I want to appeal to freight forwarders to do their business with the security and interest of the nation on their minds, “ he said.

    The comptroller-general urged freight forwarders to avoid false declaration of consignments, saying that the practice posed danger to the country`s security and undermined customs revenue.

    He assured NAGAFF that customs would from time to time interact with it to ensure that their operational challenges were surmounted.

    Earlier, the acting President of NAGAFF, Mr Increase Uche, thanked the comptroller-general for his visit.

    He urged Ali to put in place appropriate mechanisms to improve professionalism among the freight forwarders and implement policies that would improve efficiency at the nation’s ports. (NAN)

  • Training coming for Abia rural women

    Training coming for Abia rural women

    Prof. Nkechi Agwu, a professor of Mathematics who hails from Alayi in Abia State and teaches at Bronx College, New York City in the United States of America, is bringing in a three-woman delegation led by Bishop Ebony Kirkland and leader of Worldwide Association of Churches to train rural women in the state.

    In an interaction with The Nation in Umuahia, Prof Agwu said that Bishop Kirkland who is a member of three chambers of commerce will be coming to teach the rural women on how to be self-dependent through making use of things around them to make money.

    Agwu said that the delegation which will be visiting Africa and Nigeria for the first time will also be seeking ways to ensure that women at the rural level will be taught things that will make life easier for them especially the widows, the girl-child and women who are looking for things to do for themselves.

    The mathematician said that they will meet with different chambers of commerce in the state including Aba chapter and Ikwuano business community to see areas they can partner with her group in America to make life more meaningful to people.

    She said that the delegates will also embark on humanitarian work including visiting the school of the blind in Afara, Umuahia.

    “I have passion for blind people as I was briefly blind, so I know what it means to be blind, so we will visit them to encourage and bring succour to them,” Prof Agwu said.

    She said, “The delegation will also visit the Abia State University (ABSU) to look at a solar energy which was built by a Rev Sister and we will see how we can partner with her on the way forward”.

    She said that they are going to look at ways to partner with the state government in any area they will show interest in so that the people of the state will have a sense of belonging in their place of birth.

    The mathematician said that the group will also encourage women to go into the study of mathematics and science which women in Africa have been found wanting, unlike what is obtainable in the developed world.

    Agwu said that members of the delegation who are mainly ordained women of God will also minister to the people to inculcate the words of God to the people as it is the bases the success of people.

  • Lagos workers get leadership training

    The Lagos State Commissioner for Establishments, Training and Pensions, Dr Benson Akintola has tasked public service officers to be visionary leaders.

    He said this during the opening of a three-day leadership and business communication training for selected officers of the State’s public service.

    Akintola said: “Only strong and trained leaders can envision the right and appropriate future for organisations. Where leaders do not possess the attitude, aptitude and skills that are relevant for the times, they become fundamentally flawed in any attempt to craft a beneficial and compelling vision for their organisations.”

    He called on the officers to develop excellent communication, listening, among other skills, to inspire their followers to build excellent institutions in the public service.

    “I agree with the facilitators of this training that an effective leader must be able to act as a communication champion and a sense giver rather than just as an information processor; must be able to use key elements of effective listening; utilize candor to appropriately improve communication effectiveness and recognize and apply the difference between dialogue and discussion; be equipped to incorporate metaphor and storytelling into leadership communications; select an appropriate communication channel for the message and effectively use social media and non-verbal communication. Furthermore, and perhaps, most essentially, he or she must be able to effectively communicate during times of stress or crisis,” Dr Akintola noted.

    He was optimistic that Dr Olaniran Fafowora and Mrs Shade Odebiyi, who led the facilitation of the training, would adequately coach the workers.

    “At the end of the day, our primary duty, as public servants, is to deliver value for the people of this state. His Excellency, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode is passionately dedicated to this purpose. The Ministry of Establishments, Training and Pensions under my leadership is irreversibly dedicated to enlarging and expanding the scope of trainings for the people who can help deliver this value and I call on you all to open your hearts and minds to learn the skills that are vital and indispensable for this purpose,” he said.

  • Plateau partners U.S., U.K. investors on agric research, training

    The Fertiliser Blending Plant, Bokkos in Plateau State is partnering with United States and United Kingdom investors for research works to boost the quality of its products.

    Mr John Mallo, Chairman, Bejafta Group Nig. Ltd, managers of the company disclosed this on Sunday in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Bokkos.

    The chairman also disclosed that part of the partnership agreement included intensive training for prospective farmers in the state toward mass food production.

    He said: “All these are in response to the Federal Government’s diversification policies and programmes toward boosting the nation’s economy.

    “Our ultimate goal is to see how we could give our clients and customers the best of quality products that could boost food production in Nigeria and across the border, which also necessitated the research and training programmes.

    “We have already employed an Indian and still interviewing a Romanian, who will work with us in our drive to build the capacity of the blending plant for maximum results.”

    Mallo further disclosed that the blending plant, which has a production capacity of 300,000 metric tons has began a test run production of NPK 20-10-10 which is being supplied to farmers.

    “Farmers here in Nigeria, and even in our neighbouring countries, like Niger and Chad, have tested our production and testified that it’s very good,’’ according to him.

    The chairman said that the equipment his firm installed at the plant could produce 50 metric tons per hour.

    However, Mallo said the plant runs only one shift instead of three because of the challenge of availability of raw materials and “more so that our products are just new in the market’’.

    “By the time the public get to know about our quality products, I am assuring you that more orders would be placed, and before you know it, we shall reach our maximum production capacity, ’’ he assured.

    Mallo called on farmers in the state and the country at large to take advantage of the products of the plant to boost farming and food production as part of government’s agricultural policies and programmes.

     

  • Egwin to resume light training February ending

    Egwin to resume light training February ending

    • Rangers’ striker grateful to Enugu Governor, others

    Recuperating Enugu Rangers striker, Ifeanyi Egwin has told SportingLife that by the end of February he would be free to return to football after another check-up by doctors.

    Egwin broke his leg on the final day of the season against El Kanemi Warriors when he was chasing a goal bound ball but the elated forward was seen walking normally with the aid of a stick and he also disclosed that he has started driving his car and also riding the bicycle at the gym.

    The former Dolphins’ striker revealed that he thought he won’t be able to play football again immediately after the incident but that he was grateful to God, the Governor of Enugu State, Ifeanyi Egwin and Enugu Rangers for standing by him throughout his trying periods.

    He said the assurances from the doctors that performed the surgery and the fact that he could now walk about with the  aid of a walking stick speaks volume of the perfect work God has used the doctors to do in his life and that he won’t do anything that would jeopardise his recovery process.

    Egwin said his prayer is for him to bounce back and recover from the unfortunate event so as to contribute his quota to Enugu Rangers’ quest to retain the league and also play on the continent next year.

  • 100 youths get JABU enterpreneurship training

    Over 100 youths nationwide are undergoing entrepreneurial skills acquisition training at Joseph Ayo Babalola University (JABU), Ikeji- Arakeji, Osun State.

    Those who excel after the exercise will get start-up capital, courtesy of the Christ Apostolic Church (Worldwide), in collaboration with the Bank of Industry (BoI).

    The trainees were selected after going through spiritual and capability screening, CAC Director of missions, Pastor Caxton Fasuyi said.

    Fasuyi said the empowerment programme which is expected to be continuous after the completion of the first batch, will no doubt help eradicate poverty in the church.

    He added that CAC Missions have invested over N10 million on putting together facilities at the training, adding that more would be spent, as every aspect of the exercise is expected to be provided free including feeding and monthly stipends, throughout the duration of the programme.

    Fasuyi also congratulated participants who scaled through the rigorous screening exercise to be among the first batch of the laudable project.

    Nonetheless, he warned them to adhere to the rules and regulations of JABU, saying the varsity would not condone indiscipline.

    The Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof Sola Fajana, urged participants to take their training serious as the graduation would confer on them the studentship of JABU.

    Its Registrar, Pastor Wale Aderibigbe, Acting Bursar, Mr. Oladiran Ajayi, Dean of Students Affairs, Dr. Solomon Owolabi and the Senior Manager, the Centre for Entrepreneurship Mr. Ade Oladele  also addressed participants.

  • Bol, firm partner on entrepreneurial training, funding

    Bol, firm partner on entrepreneurial training, funding

    •Equip youths, others for export market on precious stone

    The Bank of Industry (Bol) is collaborating with Laurel School of Mines (LSM) to produce gem stones for export.

    At the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between BoI and LSM in Lagos on Monday, BoI’s Acting Managing Director Mr. Waheed Olagunju said that the partnership would facilitate entrepreneurship and employment in the solid minerals sector.

    He said the collaboration was the boldest initiative the Development Finance Institution (DFI) has taken so far in the solid minerals space in the country.

    Olagunju said: “We have lots of agricultural resources, solid minerals and oil, but solid minerals are the lowest hanging fruits. With gem stones, you do not have to wait like agriculture where you plant to harvest and process. We have gem stones where we can pick them up, add value and within few weeks make thousands of dollars.”

    According to him, the partnership is also coming on the heels of Nigeria’s quest to diversify its revenue base, saying that the gem stones industry is capable of earning the much needed foreign exchange for the Nigerian economy.

    ‘’The turnaround time is faster in precious stones, unlike what we have in agriculture or the petroleum sector. We are going to generate a lot of entrepreneurs in this sector. We will be training 1,600 in each location and 200 per location across the country spanning the six geo-political zones, including Lagos and Abuja.

    The BoI boss said that those who are trained and show signs of becoming potential entrepreneurs will be supported by the bank. “We will give them concessional facilities to enable them trade and export gem stones to earn foreign exchange, which would go a long way to help Nigeria diversify the economy while also earning foreign exchange for the country,” he added.

    Olagunju said there would be four batches of 50 each in the locations to ensure that the training is effective. He also stated that the training is expected to last for three days, adding that the course curricular of the training programme will include picking the gem stones, adding value and trading for export.

    On the versatility of the firm in partnership, the Bol boss said LSM is a global player and is currently operating in some parts of Africa successfully as well as in countries in Asia such as Sirilanka, Thailand, Mali and Senegal among others.

    “We are dealing with a reputable institution that is Nigerian and the MoU we are signing is also in sync with BoI’s operation strategy. We operate and collaborate with domestic and foreign development partners. LSM happens to be a domestic development partner in the private sector and the first in the solid minerals space,” he stated.

    Also, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr. Tope Adebanjo, said if Nigeria channels the required efforts towards gem stone development, the industry is capable of turning the fortunes of the economy around. He maintained that the industry has transformed many economies of the world.

    ‘’It is sad that foreigners are dominating the gem stone business and there are millions of unemployed youths in the country. The industry is a multi-billion dollar industry. We can make Lagos and Abuja another Las Vegas in Nigeria,” he said.

    According to him, Nigeria is tapping next to nothing in the global share index of the industry. He maintained that almost half of the total population of Thailand, which is about 60 million, engage directly and indirectly in gem stone production.

    He, however, listed factors affecting investment in gem stone development in Nigeria to include lack of capital, market, technology, mineral resource and entrepreneurs. He stressed the need to develop entrepreneurs in Nigeria to take advantage of the enterprising sector.

    “The training we are embarking on is about $277 per person for three days, which is less than $100 a day. Selection will be done diligently together with the BOI. Basically, the whole idea is to engage the youth to take over what belongs to them. Nigerians are intellectually sound, ready and willing to work, but the problem is who will lead them to work,” he said.

  • ‘Promasidor training broadened my knowledge’

    ‘Promasidor training broadened my knowledge’

    The first runner-up in the Promasidor Quill Awards, Olatunji Ololade, has commended Promasidor Nigeria Limited for the Thomson Foundation Summer Convergence Course, which is part of the prize for the yearly competition.

    Ololade, who just returned from Britain, after attending the course, gave the commendation during his visit to the company’s Managing Director, Olivier Thiry, in his Isolo, Lagos office.

    He said before he attended the course, he was a complete print journalist who had limited experience in contemporary journalism.

    However, Ololade described the course as unique because it gives a rare experience that does not come regularly.

    “I am seizing this opportunity again to express my heart-felt appreciation to Promasidor Nigeria Limited for giving me the privilege to attend the course. The training really broadened my horizon, which has practically changed my orientation to journalism,”he said.

    According to him, the course has widened his perspective beyond traditional journalism as he has been equipped to face competition from across the world.

    His words: “Before I travelled, I had limited experience about online journalism. I was a complete print reporter, but I discovered during the Summer Convergence Course run by Thomson Foundation and propelled by Promasidor that there was a lot more in today’s journalism profession.”

  • Youths undergo leadership, mentorship training

    Youths undergo leadership, mentorship training

    In a bid to help youths discover their potential, the Herbert Onyewumbu Wigwe (HOW) Foundation has organised a leadership and mentorship seminar for students of secondary schools.

    Speaking at the event entitled “Be the Best” held at the Intercontinental Hotel in Lagos, the Guest Speaker, Joshua Ajitena, a United Kingdom-based Nigerian motivational speaker and the founder Genero Living, noted that Nigeria is approaching the peak of its creative edge. However, he noted that the youth who are the leaders of tomorrow, lack good platforms where these creativities and innovations would be adequately built and harnessed.

    Speaking on qualities of champions, Ajitena said: “Champions are committed; they believe in themselves and they never give up. I enjoin young ones not to be lazy; for lazy people always give away the best in them.

    “Know that nothing good comes easy. Develop the right work ethics, have the right mind-set and be ready to face challenges. Challenges are supposed to bring out the best in you.

    “The young people are the answers to the Nigerian problem; we should sit with them, give them a voice and understand them. Only then can we compete favourably with the rest of Africa and the world.”

    Also speaking, the Chief Executive Officer of the Foundation, Ms. Antonia Ally said the foundation is poised to help young people understand their type of leadership potential as well as develop their skills from a tender age.

    “We are helping the young ones to develop their skills. We want to enlighten them about how to direct these skills into something that would help to make them great in life. We want to impart in them the characteristics that good leaders possess which would make our country greater if properly utilised,” she said.

    The foundation has partnered with national and global organisations that share the same passion and drive in areas such as malaria, prostate cancer and youth empowerment. The focus around malaria is to help educate them on the possibilities of malaria eradication in Nigeria and assist in providing tools/resources that help to fight against and prevent malaria. The attention on prostate cancer is to raise awareness and aid in the provision of tools which would enable professionals to erase the stigma about the disease in Nigeria.

    The foundation also empowers youths with leadership and mentorship programmes, developing various seminars and schemes aimed at providing them with support to push them closer to achieving greatness.

    In a chat with Southwest Report, one of the participants, Debo Oluwadarasimi of St. Gregory’s College, Lagos said the programme was an eye opener, pledging to be more studious and to take care of his environment in a better way. Over 12 schools were represented at the event.

    The foundation had carried some events in the past, some of which were with Dr Save a Life Foundation, Visit to Isiokpo, in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State, (The Home of the Founder) to hand out 1 million free malaria nets to the community, performed rapid malaria tests, distributed 1 million malaria prevention and treatment drugs to women and children and educateed them on how to use these kits. Visit to Arrow of God Orphanage to hang out back- to school materials for children.

  • SMEDAN, ITF partner on youth training

    Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) Director-General  Mr. Dikko Umaru has said it is collaborating with the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) and Bank of Industry to provide entrepreneurship and vocational skills for youths.

    Umaru made the disclosure in, Abuja at the graduation of trainees of the first batch of the 2016 National industrial Skills Development Programme (NISDP).

    Umaru, represented by Mr David Ozigi, Director, Engineering, Technology and Infrastructure, said the programme was to build a bridge over the gap between employers and job seekers.

    “The various skills you have acquired are in consonance with the priority sectors needed to rejuvenate the economy and help us intensify the “Made in Nigeria’’ campaign.

    “These include agri-business, fabrication, Information Communication technology, wood-work, building technology, electrical and electronics, leather work, textile, garment, fashion designing, hospitality business, among others,’’ he said.

    Umaru advised the participants to practise what they learnt and build on it by seeking business advice at any of the agency’s offices.

    He said the knowledge required to kick-start and manage a successful business was provided for the participants.

    According to him, the agency will  link them up with credible partners and mentors that will impact positively on their proposed businesses.