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NYSC is working to improve the digitalization of Work Environment

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January 21, 2022

NYSC is working to improve the digitalization of Work Environment

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has reaffirmed its commitment to providing an enabling work environment and ICT infrastructure deployment for maximum productivity.

It also said the scheme would not tolerate unethical practices that could compromise its operations or tarnish its image.

Major General Shuaibu Ibrahim, the Director-General of NYSC, stated this today in Abuja during a Training Workshop for Heads of Corps Discipline and Reward, with the theme: “Enhancing the roles of Corps Discipline and Reward on the NYSC Integrated Platform.”

The workshop, according to General Ibrahim, was designed to teach participants about current trends in information technology and to better prepare them for their responsibilities as it relates to the NYSC Integrated Platform’s operations.

“Without doubt, the introduction of ICT in the NYSC has resulted in better work efficiency, improved processes and productivity, as well as effective service delivery.

In sustaining these gains therefore, the NYSC Management is determined to continuously equip our officers with relevant skills and providing the enabling environment to ensure full participation in the digitalization process,” the DG explained.

He also stated that Management was working on making it simple for absconded Corps Members to make online refunds of allowances previously collected without having to travel back to their original deployment states.

Among the advantages of the new NYSC remobilisation module, he mentioned proper tracking of all absconded cases, prompt availability of accurate details of refunds of allowances previously collected by remobilized Corps Members, and seamless and harmonious processing of all activities relating to absconded/remobilized cases at the State Secretariats.

The Director-General stated that Management would continue to ensure that Corps Members have a stress-free service year, and he encouraged workshop attendees to take advantage of new technological trends, particularly in the areas of data integrity and security.

Make the most of its accomplishments

Mrs Christy Uba, Director of Information, Communication and Technology, stated that the Scheme would continue to build on its successes in ICT solutions and achieve even more.

Read also: Reps order an investigation into the alleged theft of 178,459 police firearms

She stated that the introduction of the NYSC Integrated System into NYSC operations over seven years ago has greatly unified, simplified, and ensured effective digitization of critical NYSC Departments, State Secretariats, Zonal Offices, and Local Government Areas operations as it affects Corps Members’ activities throughout the service year.

Mobilization, deployment, Corps monitoring, relocation, pre-camp clearance of foreign-trained graduates, printing of Certificates of National Service, and remobilization, all of which take place on the NIS platform, according to Uba, have boosted the NYSC’s efficiency and transparency.

Reps order an investigation into the alleged theft of 178,459 police firearms

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January 21, 2022

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Reps order an investigation into the alleged theft of 178,459 police firearms

The Nigerian House of Representatives has decided to investigate the Nigeria Police Force’s alleged failure to account for 178,459 firearms as of January 2020.

The move comes in response to the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation issuing audit queries against the NPF.

According to one of the eight queries issued against the NPF by the office, by the end of 2019, the Force Headquarters could not account for 178,459 firearms, of which 88,078 were AK-47 rifles.

The questions appear in the ‘Auditor-General of the Federation’s Annual Report on Non-Compliance/Internal Control Weaknesses Issues in Ministries, Departments, and Agencies of the Federal Government of Nigeria for the Year Ended 31st December, 2019’.

The report was presented to the Clerk of the National Assembly, Ojo Amos, by the Acting Auditor-General of the Federation, Adolphus Aghughu, on September 15, 2021, while the Senate and House Committees on Public Accounts are looking into the issues.

Read also: Reps seek Trust Fund for NYSC

The House mandated an ad hoc committee to “establish the veracity of those allegations and conduct due diligence of the control processes of the Nigeria Police Force’s armoury; and report back to the House within four weeks” during plenary on Thursday.

The House also demanded that Usman Baba, the Inspector-General of Police, take immediate action to apprehend those responsible for the NPF’s armoury being depleted.

Toby Okechukwu, the Deputy Minority Leader, had introduced a motion of urgent public importance titled “Need to investigate the alleged missing firearms and ammunition of the Nigeria Police.”

The House was aware of the report’s findings that the police high command failed to keep track of unserviceable and expired firearms and ammunition due to non-compliance with the NPF’s internal control system, according to Okechukwu.

“The House is concerned that the value of the stolen firearms cannot be determined because no document relating to their acquisition cost was presented for inspection,” he said.

“The House is concerned that the missing arms may have ended up in the wrong hands due to the country’s deteriorating security, kidnapping, and banditry.”

“The House also recognizes that Nigeria has not fought a war in recent years.”

The Auditor-General stated in a query titled “Loss of Firearms and Ammunition” that “the total number of lost firearms as reported as of December 2018 stood at 178,459,” based on a review of the arms movement register, monthly returns of arms and ammunition, and the ammunition register at the Armoury Section.”

“Of this number, 88,078 were AK-47 rifles, and 3,907 assorted rifles and pistols across various police formations could not be accounted for as of January 2020,” it continued. Formal reports on the loss of firearms, such as Treasury Form 146 (Loss of Stores), were not presented for inspection.

“Records obtained from Force Armament at the Force headquarters revealed that 21 Police Mobile Force Squadrons in Abuja did not report a single case of missing firearms, whereas a schedule of missing arms obtained from the same PMF revealed a total of 46 missing arms between 2000 and February 2019, and the value of the lost firearms could not be determined because no document relating to their cost of acquisition was presented for examination.”

The “anomalies” were attributed to “weaknesses in the internal control system at the Nigeria Police Force Armament,” according to the office.

Reps seek Trust Fund for NYSC

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January 21, 2022

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The House of Representatives is seeking the establishment of a special trust fund for the National Youth Service Scheme (NYSC), as a Bill to that effect was given a second reading on Thursday.

Leading debate on its general principles, its sponsor, Hon. Samuel Akinfolarin, recalled that in the early years of its establishment, the NYSC was able to carry out its objectives diligently under its establishment Act, instilling patriotism and the spirit of nationalism in Corps members.

He argued that the current Entrepreneurship Development Programme of the NYSC “is not total and comprehensive enough, to harness the endowed potential, skills, and chosen fields of Corps members,” adding that the Fund, if established, would provide sustainable sources of funds for the NYSC.

Pointing out more objectives of the bill, the lawmaker said the fund would enhance training and retraining of Corps members, develop NYSC camps, and build skills and entrepreneurial training centres across the country.

Read also: Those declaring presidential candidacy will back Tinubu, says group

Also, he said, there would be improved general welfare of the Corps members, as well as working in collaboration with government ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) to improve Corps members’ human capital development.

“I am very mindful of the skills development training of Corps members during their camps before they are deployed to their various places of assignment”, he stated, noting that if enacted, the Bill will reduce the impact of COVID-19 on the economy and provide jobs for more youths.

Those declaring presidential candidacy will back Tinubu, says group

Politics

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January 13, 2022

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Those declaring presidential candidacy will back Tinubu, says group

On Wednesday, Progressives Solidarity for Tinubu, a support group for former Lagos State Governor Bola Tinubu, said that other presidential aspirants would later back Tinubu.

Tinubu is the only candidate with “a penchant for impactful deliverables,” the group said at a press conference in Abuja.

Read Also: 2023: Amaechi will be dragged into the presidential race by coalition

Ibrahim Emokpaire, the group’s convener, who was represented by Ibrahim Idris, one of the executive members, went on to say that Nigerians abroad and in the diaspora yearned for Tinubu.

“Nigeria requires an unrepentant progressive, a visionary with a penchant for high-impact deliverables,” he said. Nigeria needs a builder, and Asiwaju’s credentials and accomplishments are undeniable.

Read Also: Onuesoke: FG Delay in Naming Terrorism Sponsors Has Negative Security Consequences

“He possesses the political will and ability to transform our land into an Eldorado in a short period of time. Nigerians, both at home and abroad, are hoping for a Tinubu-led administration to bring relief to the people.”

Onuesoke: FG Delay in Naming Terrorism Sponsors Has Negative Security Consequences

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January 13, 2022

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Onuesoke: FG Delay in Naming Terrorism Sponsors Has Negative Security Consequences

Senator Ali Ndume, Chairman of, Senate Committee on the Army, has called on the Federal Government to name and prosecute those financing terrorism in Nigeria. Chief Sunny Onuesoke, a PDP chieftain, and former Delta State governorship aspirant have said he supports Senator Ali Ndume’s call.

It will be recalled that Ndume asked the Federal Government to name and prosecute those financing terrorism in the country during an interview last week.

Read also: Ekiti 2022: Fayemi’s former campaign director joins Bamidele, praises APC contributions

In response to Ndume’s demand, Onuesoke said on the sidelines of a security workshop in Lagos that “it is high time the Federal Government names and prosecutes those financing terrorism in the country if we are to take the fight against terrorism seriously.”
If the financials are identified and prosecuted, he claims, it will go a long way toward reducing terrorist activities, saving lives, property, and improving Nigerians’ socio-economic status.

“Mr Malami told the Nigerian News Agency (NAN) in New York that the federal government had identified and detained “high profile individuals” who were funding terrorist activities in the country.

“In May, the AGF also announced that the Nigerian government was about to begin prosecuting about 400 suspected Boko Haram financiers, as well as profiling some high-profile Nigerians suspected of financing terrorism.” “However, nothing has been heard in over six months about the prosecution of the 400 suspected Boko Haram financials,” he bemoaned.

Onuesoke stated that the delay in revealing and prosecuting the suspects is not only endangering the nation’s security but is also responsible for the deaths of people and the hyperinflation of food prices in the country.

Read Also: 2023: Amaechi will be dragged into the presidential race by coalition

“Farmers are afraid to go to the farm for fear of being attacked by terrorists.” They are afraid of being attacked, killed, or kidnapped for ransom if they transport their food to the market. Massive human resource losses and their consequences, as well as the government’s lackluster response to various forms of crime, do not inspire confidence that the country will meet its short and long-term economic goals,” he said.

2023: Amaechi will be dragged into the presidential race by coalition

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January 13, 2022

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2023: Amaechi will be dragged into the presidential race by coalition

Under the auspices of the Southern Mandate Group, a coalition of socio-political groups has decided to drag the Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Amaechi, into the presidential race.

It stated that the minister’s leadership experience in various administrative positions qualifies him for the nation’s top political position.

Read Also: Ekiti Governor: God has anointed me, and I won’t resign for N200 billion – Popoola

Following an emergency meeting in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, on Wednesday, the groups representing 11 states in the South-South and South-East declared that the minister possesses all of the qualifications to succeed President Muhammadu Buhari (retd.) in 2023.

“Having studied his performance in various positions as a two-term Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly; governor for two terms; Chairman, Nigerian Governors Forum; Minister for over six years, we in the coalition of Southern CSOs have declared and affirmed support for Mr Amaechi,” SMG President-General Chibuikem Asuzu told reporters shortly after the endorsement.

“We have resolved that the Southern block should support someone who has the capacity to lead the country with inner love for its development and capable of fostering national cohesion,” Asuzu added.

It was past time, he said, for voters to “rise above petty ethnicity, nepotism, and other discriminatory factors to sustain the tempo of development as engineered by President Buhari since 2015.”

Read Also: Ekiti 2022: Fayemi’s former campaign director joins Bamidele, praises APC contributions

We firmly support Amaechi, and we hope that the presidency is zoned to Southern Nigeria for the sake of equity, fairness, and justice.

“In terms of Nigeria’s unity, Amaechi has demonstrated his commitment to the country’s oneness and unity through his advocacy for Nigeria’s indivisibility.”

In the first nine months of 2021, the UK and S/Africa jointly account for 65% of Nigeria’s capital inflow

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January 13, 2022

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In the first nine months of 2021, the UK and S/Africa jointly account for 65% of Nigeria’s capital inflow

Between January and September 2021, the United Kingdom and South Africa topped the list of source countries for Nigeria’s capital inflows, accounting for 64.9 percent of the total capital importation recorded by Nigeria during the period under review.

According to the National Bureau of Statistics’ capital importation report, this is the case (NBS).

Read Also: Finally, Nigerians can now tweet without the use of a VPN: Twitter ban

Nigeria received $4.51 billion in capital inflows during the first nine months of 2021, a 48 percent decrease from the $4.61 billion received during the same period in 2020. Capital imports have decreased by 78 percent compared to the pre-pandemic era, with $20.19 billion recorded in the same period of 2019.
Meanwhile, the United Kingdom and South Africa brought the majority of the funds into the country, accounting for 64.9 percent of the total. During the review period, Nigeria received $2.16 billion from the United Kingdom, accounting for 47.9% of total inflows.

Similarly, South Africa, a fellow African country with the continent’s second-largest economy and home to a number of large corporations with operations in Nigeria, invested $768.4 million in the country during the same period.

However, their investments in the African giant’s economy have decreased in recent years, partly due to the economic downturn brought on by the covid-19 pandemic, which has created uncertainty around investments and caused Nigeria to attract fewer foreign investors.

Other country sources include the United States ($357 million), Singapore ($241 million), the United Arab Emirates ($227 million), and the Netherlands ($182 million).

According to a more detailed analysis of the capital importation report, foreign direct investments fell from $414.79 million in January to September 2020 to $340.55 million in the following year.

Read Also: Ekiti Governor: God has anointed me, and I won’t resign for N200 billion – Popoola

In addition, foreign portfolio investment (FPI) fell by 46% year on year during the review period, from $5.1 billion in 9M 2020 to $2.74 billion. Other investments fell to $1.43 billion in 2017 from $2.73 billion the year before. Loans totaled $1.3 billion during the period, accounting for 29% of total capital inflows.

Only 9 states have received funding, with Lagos receiving the lion’s share.
Only about 9 states received foreign inflows during the period under review, with Lagos State receiving the lion’s share, accounting for 85 percent of the total inflow with $3.84 billion. Abuja received $662.85 million, or about 15% of the total inflows during the period.

Notably, Lagos State and Abuja accounted for nearly all of the investment destinations recorded in the 9-month period, accounting for 99.8% of the total inflow.

According to the number of states that received foreign investments during the period, 28 states did not receive any. This depicts the attractiveness of some of the country’s states to foreign investment.

It now appears that the majority of funds entering the country are directed to Nigeria’s economic hub and capital, thereby depriving other states of foreign investment, further impeding their development.

What you need to know
A Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) is the purchase of a stake in a company by a company or investor from outside the country. FDIs are preferred by most economies because they have a greater direct impact on the economy than other types of foreign inflows.

Read Also: Ekiti 2022: Fayemi’s former campaign director joins Bamidele, praises APC contributions

Meanwhile, Nigeria is expected to see an increase in FDIs as a result of the global giant Equinix’s acquisition of Nigeria’s telecommunications company, MainOne. The deal is reportedly valued at $320 million.

Foreign Portfolio Investment (FPI), on the other hand, refers to the purchase of securities and other financial assets by investors from outside the country. Stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and exchange-traded funds are all examples of foreign portfolio investments.

Ekiti 2022: Fayemi’s former campaign director joins Bamidele, praises APC contributions

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January 13, 2022

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Ekiti 2022: Fayemi’s former campaign director joins Bamidele, praises APC contributions

Bimbo Daramola, the former Director-General of the Kayode Fayemi Campaign Organisation, collapsed his political structure on Wednesday to support Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, a member of the National Assembly, in his bid for the governorship in the 2022 election.

Read Also: How Genuine Is APC’s Reconciliation in Goje, Inuwa

This came as Bamidele reassured that he was not aligned with some APC elements who wanted to rock the boat and prevent the party from winning the election on June 18.

Daramola, a former member of the House of Representatives who represented Ekiti North I in the House of Representatives, said Bamidele’s governorship ambition in the APC was a legitimate demand, noting that the Senator’s contributions were greater than those of other aspirants seeking the party’s ticket.

Former Fayemi campaign director-general, who spoke in Ado Ekiti while formally joining Bamidele to ensure his emergence as a candidate in the APC primary on January 27, described the Senator as the right man for the top job, citing his contributions to the party.

“A man of history in the Ekiti progressive fold that nobody could erase,” he said.

“To me and those of us who are familiar with the APC’s history in Ekiti, Senator Bamidele’s demand is a legitimate one, because he has paid his dues.” We should allow him to succeed Governor Fayemi, given where we are now.
“The APC primary is 17 days away, and if we don’t get it right this time, the consequences will be dire and grave.” Let us rally behind the person who knows the way; if we don’t, we’ll be in grave danger,” Daramola said.

Read Also: Finally, Nigerians can now tweet without the use of a VPN: Twitter ban

Bamidele stated on the occasion that many powerful politicians would still join his structure, as Daramola did, and that many Ekiti’s illustrious sons and daughters were eager to join his campaign train in order to give the state a new lease on life.

Ekiti Governor: God has anointed me, and I won’t resign for N200 billion – Popoola

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January 13, 2022

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Ekiti Governor: God has anointed me, and I won’t resign for N200 billion – Popoola

Otunba Demola Popoola, a candidate for governor of Ekiti State in the June 2022 governorship election, has ruled out any suggestion of withdrawing from the race, saying that he would not step down for anyone, even if they offered him N200 billion.

Otunba Popoola, who returned his forms to the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Secretariat in Abuja, said he is still the most popular aspirant across all political parties in the race and questioned why anyone would even consider it.

Read also: How Genuine Is APC’s Reconciliation in Goje, Inuwa

He promised that Ekiti would experience massive industrialisation, agricultural revolution, and infrastructural development under his leadership, and urged the people of Ekiti to reject any imposition of an anointed candidate.
“Ekiti State has a lot of potential that is currently untapped as I speak with you, and that potential is what I will investigate.” If it is in the field of industry, I intend to establish industries and establish contacts with foreign financial gurus and businessmen who have expressed an interest in supporting Ekiti State.

“They plan to invest $2.1 billion in agriculture as soon as I take over the reins of the State because they believe their investment will be secure.” It’s not that they aren’t safe under Governor Kayode Fayemi, but it’s all about relationships. They plan to construct roads in all of Ekiti State’s nooks and crannies to allow agricultural produce to enter the city. They also plan to construct warehouses and mechanized factories so that farmers can store their produce in the warehouse while they purchase it from them. This money will not be borrowed. It is a financial commitment. The people’s lives will be improved.

“Secondly, in order to address the unemployment problem in Ekiti State, I am confident that we will establish some cottage industries.” Ekiti State is rich in gold. We can set up cottage industries where they can work on the gold and be paid by the Chinese, increasing our revenue in the process. We intend to plug the holes that are causing our revenue to leak.

Read also: Finally, Nigerians can now tweet without the use of a VPN: Twitter ban

“Ekiti is without a doubt the best in terms of education. I’m working with my people, and I believe that if Ekiti can provide free education, that will be a good thing. How are we going to do it? Increase revenue while giving back to our community.”

Popoola said the governor and party leaders, including Niyi Akande, have not said anything about one of the aspirants claiming he has been anointed by Governor Fayemi to succeed him.

Finally, Nigerians can now tweet without the use of a VPN: Twitter ban

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January 13, 2022

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Finally, Nigerians can now tweet without the use of a VPN: Twitter ban

Nigeria shut down Twitter in June after a comment by Buhari was deleted, sparking an international outcry over freedom of expression.

Since then, the government and Twitter have been in talks about restoring the service on the basis of a set of conditions, one of which is that Twitter registers its operations in Nigeria.

According to a statement from the country’s information technology development agency, “the Federal Government of Nigeria directs me to inform the public that President Muhammadu Buhari… has approved the lifting of the suspension of Twitter operation in Nigeria effective from 12am tonight.”

According to an AFP journalist, Twitter was still unavailable in Lagos, Nigeria’s capital, as of 12:30 a.m. local time (2330 GMT).

Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, the agency’s director general, who was also on the committee negotiating with Twitter, said the social media giant had agreed to regulations to restore service.

Establishing a legal entity in Nigeria, appointing a country representative, and adhering to tax obligations were among them.

A request for comment from Twitter was not immediately returned.

However, it has stated that the block is extremely concerning and that free and open internet access is a fundamental right.

The ban surprised many in Nigeria, where Twitter played an important role in political discourse, with hashtags like #BringBackOurGirls after Boko Haram abducted nearly 300 schoolgirls in 2014 and #EndSARS during anti-police brutality protests in 2020.

‘UNSCRUPULOUS ELEMENTS’ is a term used to describe elements that are not strictly regulated.

Nigerian officials chastised Twitter for deleting Buhari’s remark, accusing the social media platform of allowing activities that endanger the country’s existence.

That was a reference to comments made on social media by separatist agitators from the country’s southeast, where a civil war killed one million people five decades ago.

“The continuous use of the platform by some unscrupulous elements for subversive purposes and criminal activities, propagating fake news, and polarizing Nigerians was the immediate and remote cause of the suspension,” Abdullahi said.

When Buhari mentioned Nigeria’s civil war in the context of a warning to those responsible for recent unrest in the country’s southeast, Twitter deleted a comment.

Read also: Nigeria awaits FG decision on Twitter ban, which hits six months

Following the ban, officials also mentioned then-Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey’s support for the #EndSARS anti-police brutality protests in Nigeria last year.

According to local researchers, about 40 million Nigerians, or about 20% of the population, have a Twitter account, and many of them use the platform for business.

The United States, the European Union, and Canada were among those who joined human rights organizations in condemning the ban as a threat to freedom of expression in Africa’s most populous country.