The Permanent Secretary, Career Management Office (CMO) in the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, OHCSF, Dr Fatima Mahmood has promised to build on the already laid foundation by her predecessor, Mr. Adeoye Adeleye.
Mahmood, who was recently appointed as a Federal Permanent Secretary by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, was received by the outgoing Permanent Secretary Mr. Adeleye Adeoye along with the Directors and staff of Office during the handing over ceremony, on Monday, in Abuja.
The new Permanent Secretary, while soliciting the cooperation and dedication of staff, promised to run an open-door policy, and hit the ground running to deliver and consolidate on the gains of the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan 2021-2025 (FCCSIP-25) to civil servants and Nigeria at large.q2
“To make the Service more innovative, challenging and competitive, we need to invest in Human Capital to improve the growth trajectory we aspire to achieve”, she added.
Mahmood on a lighter note stated that she is a “Technology Junkie” and as such she promised to expose Civil Servants to modern technological skills that are fit for purpose.
She urged staff to work assiduously as a team and have the right mindset to deliver quality service to the Public in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the present Administration, as well as contribute to the development of the Service and the country at large.
Dr. Fatima praised Mr. Adeleye Adeoye for his relentless efforts in moving the Career Management Office forward and promised to always consult him in moving the Office to greater heights.
The high point of the event was the presentation of a letter of credence by the Emir of Katagun, Bauchi State, Alhaji Muhammadu Umar to Dr. Fatima Mahmood.
The Emir was represented by a 3-man Committee from the Emirates Council.
Earlier, the outgoing Permanent Secretary of Career Management Office, Mr. Adeleye Adeoye who has just been redeployed to the Federal Ministry of Transportation, expressed satisfaction and self-fulfillment serving in the OHCSF, which he termed the engine and coordinating room of the Service.
Mr Adeoye stated that as Permanent Secretary CMO, he has learnt some useful techniques, skills, and innovation, thanking President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, GCFR and the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Dr. Folasade Yemi-Esan, CFR given him the platform to serve the nation.
He urged the new Permanent Secretary to give her best because the task ahead is enormous, assuring that his doors will remain open.
Earlier in his welcome address, Director of Learning and Development, in the OHCSF Mr. Atabor Ademu applauded the outgoing Permanent Secretary for pushing staff under his Office out of their comfort zone for better performance.
The ceremony was well attended by a number of staff from the Bauchi Emirate Council, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, where the new Permanent Secretary served as a Director before her appointment, colleagues, family members, friends, and well-wishers.
Mahmood resumes office as Permanent Secretary, promises to build on existing foundation
Mahmood resumes office as Permanent Secretary, promises to build on existing foundation
Zone LG ticket to Ado-Odo/Igbesa, Ogun youth group tells Abiodun
The Coalition of Ado-Odo/Igbesa Indigenous Youths on Tuesday lamented the longstanding dominance of the Ota axis in the running of the Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government at the expense of the people of Ado-Odo/Igbesa.
They claimed that for fairness and equity, the election of the chairmanship of the local government should have revolved between the axes of Ota and Ado-Odo/Igbesa that make up the council area.
The youth group therefore urged Governor Dapo Abiodun to ensure that this error is corrected in the forthcoming LG elections in the state by ensuring that the chairmanship ticket is zoned to Ado-Odo/Igbesa.
The group disclosed this in a statement signed by its Coordinator, Comr. Temitope Taiwo and made available to our correspondent.
The statement read, “Since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999, In Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government, the Ado-Odo/Igbesa state constituency has had minimal representation in the local government council, with only two instances Hon. Musefiu Olatunji Lamidi and Hon. Abayomi Tella.
“This contrasts starkly with the Ota axis, which has enjoyed prolonged dominance, as evidenced by the tenures of the Late Dr Salami elected, Hon. Rotimi Rahmon Arúgbó elected, and Hon. Wasiu Lawal as caretaker Chairman, among others. Most recently, Hon. Sheriff Musa Adewale (Sam 20) elected further solidified this imbalance.
“The Ado-Odo/Igbesa state constituency has also suffered from unequal distribution of developmental projects and resources. Under Hon. Sherif Adewale Musa’s leadership, 12 projects were commissioned, with only two allocated to the Ado-Odo/Igbesa state constituency area one at Alapoti ward and the other at Lusada.”
It added that the disparity calls for urgent attention to enable everyone to benefit equally from the dividends of democracy.
“This striking disparity underscores the urgent need for a more balanced approach in resource allocation, ensuring that all constituencies benefit equally from the dividends of democracy.
“Community leaders and citizens are now collectively urging Governor Dapo Abiodun and other party leaders to acknowledge the gravity of the situation.
“We appeal that the LG chairmanship candidate for the upcoming council polls should be nominated from Ado-Odo/Igbesa. This would not only help address past inequities but also pave the way for a more inclusive and representative local government”, the statement added.
Stanel boss: Ex-President Jonathan congratulates Dr Stanley Uzochukwu on 40th birthday
Nigerian former president, Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR, GCON, has felicitated the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Stanel Group, Dr Stanley Uzochukwu, CON, on his 40th birthday.
This is contained in a statement personally signed by the former President titled: “Goodwill Message On Your 40th Birthday.”
The statement reads, “Happy 40th birthday to my son Stanley.
“I am pleased that God has kept you alive these four decades and have shaped you into the amazing person you are today.
“I commend you for your uncommon ability, and innovation in business, especially in the area of Oil and Gas, and, lately, in the hospitality industry where you already hold sway In the luxury hotel segment with the recently opened The Delborough Hotel Lagos.
“As one of Nigeria’s youngest business leaders, you have been inspiring many other young entrepreneurs across the country with your hard work and doggedness which has seen you rise from humble beginning to now leading the multibillion-naira enterprise, as chairman and CEO of stanel group.
“I am also impressed that you have been using your God-given abilities and potentials to touch and impact others through works of charity. In this regard, I congratulate you, also, as you launch the Stanley uzochukwu foundation which, I am told, will focus on improving the lot of women, youths and children.
“I am quite pleased with your achievements as a young entrepreneur.
“Happy birthday Stanley. Keep it up!”
Goodwill Message (2)
Stanel boss: Ex-President Jonathan congratulates Dr Stanley Uzochukwu on 40th birthday
Why Igbo youths won’t join hunger protest
The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Wing has explained the reason why Igbo youths will not participate in the upcoming nationwide protests which have been scheduled from August 1 to 10, 2024.
Addressing journalists in Enugu on Monday after an Emergency Convention of Igbo Youth Leaders and Stakeholders 2024, titled “State of the Nation,” Ohanaeze said the South East region has ample reasons to protest, including widespread economic hardship, massive youth unemployment, and poor representation in governance.
Reading their resolutions, the acting National President, Chukwuma Okpalaezeukwu, said Ohanaeze youths aligns with the decision of their fathers that Igbo should not join the protests rather they will engage the government in a constructive dialogue to address their peculiar challenges.
However, after consulting with youths across the region, the group has opted to engage in dialogue with the Federal Government and South East governors to address the region’s unique challenges and work towards finding lasting solutions.
This approach, according to them, seeks to foster constructive collaboration rather than confrontation, aiming to yield more effective and sustainable results for the region’s youth.
Okpalaezeukwu maintained that while the hunger protest is within the constitutional rights of the people and also justifiable owing to the current state of affairs of the country, it is feared that the protest could result in the loss of lives and property of Igbo citizens that characterised the Endsars protest of 2020.
He said, “We need one more state to balance the South East with other zones. We have many of our young people, including Nnamdi Kanu who are held across different detention centres unjustly.
“But we don’t want a repeat of the destruction of our investments across the country because we will become the targets anywhere the protest holds.”
“We will engage in meaningful dialogue to ensure that our voice is heard, moving forward and that equity, fairness and a sense of belonging is guaranteed.”
He regretted that the protest had not started yet, adding, “Igbo businessmen and their businesses both in Abuja, Lagos, and other major cities are being threatened. We don’t want the killing and destruction of our people’s property across the country.
“We demand that Igbo youths be appointed into political positions in the country to be part and parcel of the government.
“We hope that since the government has ended the civil war in the South East, with continued constructive dialogue all the things that are agitating the South Easterners would be addressed.”
Abia vows to intensify efforts against criminals
Abia State Government has vowed that it will not allow criminal elements to destroy the modest achievements made so far under the administration of Governor Alex Otti.
The Commissioner for Information and Culture, Prince Kanu, made this known on Monday while briefing journalists on the outcome of this week’s Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti.
He said that the state government has zero tolerance for criminal activities and would not condone it, explaining that armed criminal elements Monday morning engaged security personnel at Aba.
“Earlier today, criminal elements engaged the security personnel in a gunfight at Umuode community, along the Port Harcourt -Enugu Express Road, and later at Umuojima in Osisioma where they were overwhelmed by the superior firepower of the security forces.
“In the ensuing gunfight, one of the gunmen was neutralized, while others escaped with varying degrees of gunshot injuries”
The commissioner further said that one of the vehicles belonging to the criminal elements, a Highlander vehicle was abandoned by the fleeing gunmen and is now under the custody of the security agencies.
He said that credible intelligence reports showed that the hoodlums were on the prowl to cause mayhem in the state and urged members of the public to be vigilant.
Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the governor on Security Matters, Navy Commander MacDonald Uba (retd.) said the state government has reviewed its strategies in the fight against crime and criminality.
“So my assurance is that going forward, it’s going to be a different ball game in the fight to rid our state of all kinds of criminal elements.
“There was no loss on the side of the security agents.”
He assured that the game has changed as it is no longer business as usual, adding that the security agencies were on the trail of the fleeing criminals.
Recall that in an effort to curtail crime associated with motorcycles and tricycles in the state, the state had announced plans to enumerate and re-register tricycles and motorcycles in the state.
The government noted that the essence of the registration and restriction was to secure lives and property of innocent citizens and residents of the state.
HARDSHIP: Tinubu is also protesting on behalf of citizens —Information minister, Idris
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris has stated that President Bola Tinubu is already protesting the economic hardship in the country by addressing food availability and affordability.
He stated this during a press briefing at the presidential villa in Abuja on Monday.
According to him, “the president has listened to the voices of all those who are planning this protest. And the message is that there is no need for it,” he said.
“Indeed, the president is already protesting on their behalf by doing those things that they want a government to do. For example, the effort that the government is making in ensuring that food is being made available.
“The last council meeting here at the briefing, we announced that a number of trucks, 20 precisely, had been given to the state governors for onward distribution to those who actually are in need of them to the poorest of the poor in society and those who are actually in need. Food being made available.
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“But the government did not stop there, there is also rice that is being sold at about 50 percent of its cost — a bag of rice is being sold as we speak now.
“This rice has been taken to various centres across all the states of the federation and is being sold at N40,000. Centres have been created so that those who need this rice can go there and buy this rice at N40,000.
“In the first instance, about 10 trucks have been made available to each of these states and indeed this is just the beginning. I know that some of the comments you hear are that it is never enough.
“The government has not pretended that these supplies are indeed enough. But these are necessary first steps that are being made, and more of such interventions are being made in the interim.”
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N70,000 minimum wage demonstrates Tinubu’s love for Nigerian workers – Lado
The Special Adviser to the President on Senate Matters, Sen. Basheer Lado, has said the signing into law the recently passed new minimum wage reflected President Bola Tinubu’s feeling for the plight of Nigerians.
Lado noted this in a statement made available to TVN in Abuja on Tuesday, stressing that the expeditious passage and assent to the minimum wage bill demonstrated that President Tinubu was a man of his words.
He added that it was a promise kept for the Nigerian workers and the citizens too, adding that, “with time, the people-centric governance model would turn the fortunes of this nation.”
The presidential aide recalled that Tinubu promised Nigerian workers a living wage during his electioneering campaign, hence, the signing of the bill into law was a word kept, adding that the provision for upward review of the wage for workers every three years against the former five years was a good development.
He said: “This shows that workers take home pay will continue to take them home under the present administration.
“The President deserves the commendation of all for staying true to his promise.”
Lado also commended Nigerian workers for their resilience and contribution to nation building over the years.
He urged them to put in more effort in the delivery of effective services for the growth and development of the nation.
He further commended the Organised Labour Movement led by President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joe Ajaero and President of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Comrade Festus Osifo.
He lauded their painstaking, mature and peaceful negotiations that led to the over 100 per cent rise in workers’ wages from N30,000 to N70,000.
Lado equally commended the National Assembly, led by President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abass for the swift passage of the Minimum Wage Bill.
N70,000 minimum wage demonstrates Tinubu’s love for Nigerian workers – Lado
Ghana president, Mahama felicitates with Dr Stanley Uzochukwu at 40
Former Ghanaian President, John Dramani Mahama has sent a message of felicitation to Nigerian young businesses leader, Dr Stanley Uzochukwu on his 40th birthday.
President Mahama acknowledged and highlighted the successes of Dr Stanley in his 30s and wished he could replicate his investments in Ghana.
He said, “Stanley, you are more than a friend to me. I consider you more like my younger brother. It’s four (4) decades (forty years) since you came into this world and yet you’ve achieved far more than somebody else will achieve in a lifetime.
“I wish you all the best on this happy day. I wish you good luck; I wish you long life, good health and may God continue to prosper you.
“You are doing well in your business in the Oil and Gas sector and may more opportunities open up to you.
“Aside from that, your iconic investment which is The Delborough Hotel is such a wonderful place to stay. I consider it a home away from home and you have hosted me several times there.
“You hosted other important dignitaries and that shows the standard of The Delborough. Prince Harry, Meghan and the Angolan President and many other people have found it very comfortable to live in The Delborough.
“I’m looking forward to you duplicating The Delborough here in Ghana in the future as I told you already.
“Your philanthropy is also renowned and your work especially in the education space is going to be very beneficial to the children of Nigeria. May God continue to prosper you so that you can continue to share your kindness to others who are not as fortunate.
“Happy birthday my brother Stanley and God bless you.”
Ghana president, Mahama felicitates with Dr Stanley Uzochukwu at 40
TETFUND mulls learn to work scheme in varsities, others
The Tertiary Education Trust Fund has expressed readiness to establish a “learn to work” scheme in Nigerian campuses in collaboration with industry partners to provide outsourcing employment opportunities for Nigerian students while studying in schools.
The scheme which will link qualified students with industries globally, could guarantee their employment as soon as they graduate from tertiary institutions.
According to a statement, Tuesday, signed by the Fund’s Director of Public Affairs, AbdulMumin Oniyangi, the Executive Secretary of TETFund, Sonny Echono disclosed this at a meeting with the leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students in Abuja, on Monday.
He described the scheme as “A big programme coming to you on campus.”
Echono added, “This programme will ensure that while you are doing your own academic programmes in various subject areas, you would be given an opportunity to be trained in various areas of ICT, and technology, and also be attached to global companies so that you can get outsourcing work while you are in school and you will earn significant income.
“So for the students who are going to key into this programme which will be launched very soon on a national scale. We are supporting all the institutions to be able to create the conditions where these students are learning.”
According to him, students from countries such as Vietnam, India, Cambodia, China and others were already enjoying the programme, adding that 24 million Indian students were earning these funds while in school.
He continued, “Learn to work will provide opportunities for Nigerian students to be able, even in the course of their work, earn a living and to be guaranteed employment immediately they finish their school.
“It’s happening in Africa, it’s happening in Tanzania, Rwanda, it’s happening in South Africa, it’s happening in Egypt, Morocco and Algeria.”
The TETFund boss also noted that the government recently launched the student loan scheme because it felt that no Nigerian student should drop out of school because of the economic circumstances of the parents.
He further stated that once the scheme is launched, the partners will visit institutions and administer aptitude tests on students to select those who can meet their criteria for selection before engaging them in training.
According to him, the training will be on over 40 disciplines, where they have designed curriculum standardised and tied it to the needs of the particular sector and industry, adding that many companies around the globe today are having issues around hiring.
He further stated that the engagement will be spread to all tertiary institutions across the country and not only limited to Abuja and Lagos.
Speaking on universities’ revenue, he described the education sector as a social sector and not a revenue-generating sector, stressing that “when you say Institutions: universities, polytechnics and colleges of education should start contributing of 50 per cent IGR, they really don’t have IGR.
“These are just service charges that are far less than what is required for them to operate, and if you try and take that one from them too, invariably, you are asking them to begin to charge our own students and to transfer that burden.
“So again our father has said we should not charge that to the schools. So we are very thankful again to Mr President for that. There are so many things he is thinking and doing for the students.
On the provision of electricity on the campuses, he said TETFund has commenced conversations, with relevant stakeholders such as the Ministry of Power to find a way to address the issue of power supply in its beneficiary institutions.
“It’s going to be one of the major issues we are going to look at when we call our major stakeholders meeting of all heads of schools. We have to put our heads together to see how we need to have alternative power sources that will reduce the burden.
“As I speak, some universities are getting N300 million, N400 million bill for electricity in one month. How can they cope? Some are even rationing; they have light for only four hours a day.
“So all these things we are talking about improving your learning experience, being able to access the internet, being able to access learning resources, educational content. If you don’t have power how can you do that.
“We are working assiduously to ensure that the issue of power on campuses is addressed. We are looking at all the options on our table,” he said.
He also called on the students to watch their campuses, should there be a national protest, to avoid hoodlums infiltrating them to cause havoc.
Also speaking, the National President of NANS, Comrade Lucky Emonefe, noted that the association has received President Bola Tinubu’s message on his love and dedication to education and resolved not to engage in the national protest.
Emonefe said the commitment of the government towards ensuring an uninterrupted academic calendar was obvious in its negotiation with the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, which has brought stability to the institutions in the last year.
He noted that people were agitated and thinking of using Nigerian students, mobilising them in their various campuses for national protest. Still, NANS will not be drawn to the protest as it has no good result in the offing.
“We’ll pass the message to our people about what this administration is doing through the world-class intervention agency, TETFund,” he said.
NACCIMA, OPS call for dialogue with FG
The Organised Private Sector of Nigeria, including the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, and the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, have disclosed their stance on the planned nationwide protest scheduled for August 1, against the hardship and rising inflation in the country.
In a statement jointly signed by the organisations and sent to According Online on Monday, the OPS reiterated the need for dialogue and engagement between the government and concerned citizens.
Other members of the OPS include the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association, the Nigeria Association of Small and Medium Enterprises, and the Nigerian Association of Small-Scale Industrialists.
The statement reads, “The Organised Private Sector of Nigeria, encompassing the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association, Nigeria Association of Small and Medium Enterprises, and Nigerian Association of Small-Scale Industrialists, has carefully considered the planned protest by certain citizens in response to current challenges affecting public welfare.
“As an apolitical umbrella body representing major business membership organisations in Nigeria, the OPSN prioritises the importance of dialogue and engagement between the government and concerned citizens. We firmly believe that open and constructive dialogue is the most effective tool for addressing the nation’s challenges and encouraging the desired changes. We urge all parties to embrace this path of dialogue to achieve meaningful and lasting solutions for the benefit of our country.
“However, should the decision to protest be made, we earnestly appeal for it to be conducted in a peaceful and orderly atmosphere. A peaceful protest will ensure that citizens can express their concerns without infringing upon the rights of others or disrupting legal and lawful activities. It will also allow the government to respond appropriately and facilitate a productive engagement that could lead to future collaboration on the outcomes of such engagements.
“As representatives of the business community, we are acutely aware of the potential economic impact of mass protests. Our members are crucial drivers of economic growth and job creation; therefore, any disruption to business operations could have significant repercussions on the economy and the livelihoods of the people.”
The OPS added, “We have continuously engaged with the government at various levels to find lasting solutions to the economic challenges facing our nation. It is crucial to remember that many businesses are still recovering from the substantial losses incurred during the hijacked #EndSARS protests a few years ago.
“We call upon security agencies to ensure the protection of lives and property during this period. The OPSN remains steadfast in its commitment to collaborate with all relevant stakeholders to promote a peaceful and prosperous Nigeria for all its citizens.”