NLC, Ngige trade words over minimum wage

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Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Chris Ngige.

Pensioners seek payment of 33% increment
The declaration of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) that the Federal Government is stalling the commencement of the new minimum wage has drawn the ire of the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Chris Ngige.

While speaking at the women commission delegates’ conference in Abuja, the President of NLC, Wabba Ayuba had accused the Federal Government of deliberately foot-dragging on the convocation of a committee for the negotiation of a new minimum wage citing rising inflation and devaluation of the Naira as developments that fuel the need for a fresh wage for Nigerian workers.

His words: “… As you must have had we have also submitted a request for an upward review of the National Minimum Wage which was signed into law in 2011 by President Jonathan, to the present administration, Despite the fact that the minimum wage was due for renegotiation after five years, the current administration is dragging its feet in constituting a tripartite committee as is the practice to negotiate a new minimum wage. Against the background of the harsh economic times and the impact on the working people, we cannot wait indefinitely for government to respond at its own time.

Though we have been told by the administration that the panel will be constituted, we enjoined the government to urgently sort out whatever is the constraint it is facing and act on the matter before we are forced to take actions that may be unpleasant.”

Ayuba held that in the last 12 or more months, the inflationary trend in the economy has gone over the roof, and the salaried and the teeming millions of the unemployed, are facing very difficult times.

He further lamented: “Amidst these difficulties we have contended with a number of state governments that have misplaced priorities and have regularly refused to pay workers in the State pay roll, their salaries as at when due. Similarly pension, of retried public servants have gone for several months, and in some cases, years un-paid. We have over the last 15 months fought these State governments to pay up these outstanding wages and pension liabilities they owe workers. We will continue to do this till all salaries and pensions across the country are fully paid up.”

But to Ngige, the allegation of the non-composition of the tripartite committee on the minimum wage by both NLC and Trade Union Congress (TUC) is unfounded, saying, “the statement is false and misleading as the Federal Government has demonstrated its commitment to improving the welfare of the Nigerian workforce by holding series of meetings with stakeholders on the subject matter, while the final meeting of the technical committee on new minimum wage was slated for 23rd February, 2017 but could not hold as scheduled, as both the Nigerian Labour Congress and its Trade Union Congress counterpart requested for a postponement of the meeting, in order to attend the delegate conference of National Union of Civil Engineering Construction/ Furniture and Wood Workers (NUCECFWW), at Asaba Delta State.”

While also confirming the allegation of the two labour centres, Ngige unwittingly hinted that the committee that is in place is the technical committee, which is different from the tripartite committee on the negotiation of the new wage.

Indeed, the technical committee Ngige said is in place was raised after the fuel price increment in 2016, whose mandate was to discuss the basis for the negotiation.

Ngige, in a statement signed by Deputy Director, Press, Samuel Olowookere, said a meeting of the technical committee on minimum wage is scheduled for Tuesday 14th March 2017 (today) at 2pm at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF).

A source in the labour movement bemoaned lack of understanding on how minimum wage negotiation works and decried the consistent identification of a technical committee to that of substantive negotiation committee.

Again, in his continued misunderstanding of the difference between minimum wage negotiation team and technical committee, Ngige accused Wabba of mischief, saying, “the allegation as ascribed to the Nigeria Labour Congress is mischievous and unfounded as the President of NLC, Ayuba Wabba is fully aware of the rescheduled meeting and the reason for the postponement of the earlier meeting which was at the instance of the Labour Centres.”

There is still no record that the Federal Government has empanelled the negotiation committee on the minimum wage almost one year after the fuel price was hiked from N87 per litre to N145 per litre since May 2016.

In the meantime, the President of Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), Dr Abel Afolayan, while welcoming President Muhammadu Buhari back from his medical vacation in the UK, has urged the Federal Government to implement the 33 per cent increment on pension.

Vía The Guardian Nigeria http://ift.tt/2nhZNfP

CIBN certifies 4000 microfinance banks’ top officials

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Prof. Segun Ajibola, President and Chairman of Council of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria.

No fewer than 4000 management staff of the nation’s microfinance have been certified by the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN).

The move, which is aimed at ensuring that professionals with ethical mindset are found in the country’s financial sector, as well as sanction erring ones, is part of the mandates of CIBN.

It also stepped up capacity building in for banks’ officials in treasury operations, extending its reach to mortgage banking, while it currently has enlisted 45 universities and polytechnics to strengthen financial education in the country.

The President and Chairman of Council, CIBN, Prof. Segun Ajibola, who made the disclosures at World Press Conference to announce the forthcoming World Conference of Banking Institutes, said the institute is collaborating with several local and international bodies to achieve it goals.

He said the institute is saddled with a role in the country’s Financial System Stability 2020, where it has the responsibility of developing qualified professionals to meet the defined standards and attracting talents to Nigeria, hence it has raised its bar in capacity building.

According to him, the institute, by law, is to determine the standards of knowledge and skill to be attained by persons seeking to become members of the banking profession; and the establishment and maintainance of register of members of banking profession in various categories.

It is also to ensure the furtherance, maintainance and observance of ethical standards and professionalism among practitioners of banking in the country.

The CIBN chief said the biennial conference has become a forum that brings together professionals from the financial services industry and stakeholders engaged in banking, education and training to brainstorm on topical sector-issues.

Meanwhile, on the sidelines of the forum, the Global Banking Standards Board (GBEStB), which CIBN is part of its initiators, would be launched with its prospectus, as world’s pacesetter in banking standards.

It would be responsible for developing and promoting global education standards for banking industry, with more than 21 countries already a signatory as founding members.

Former CIBN chief and Chairman of the conference organising committee, Dr. Segun Aina, noted that no fewer than 49 high profile speakers and facilitators across continents, will address issues at the event

He said the conference, which is the 22nd in the series and the first in West Africa, will explore management issues in the financial institutions and its impact on national and global economies.

It will also help to understand the impact of technology and globalization on the financial services sector and how it can be effectively applied to in service delivery for both banks’ customers and banking education/training.

Also, the conference aims to expand participating organisation’s international network and recognition, offer opportunities to explore development collaborations.

Vía The Guardian Nigeria http://ift.tt/2mlX7Zy

The president returns

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Nigerian President Mohammadu Buhari (C) shakes hands with state officials upon his arrival at the Nigerian Airforce base in Kaduna, on March 10, 2017. Buhari arrived back in Nigeria on March 10 after nearly two months in London receiving treatment for an undisclosed ailment. The 74-year-old landed at the airport in the northern city of Kaduna at about 7:40 am (0640 GMT) and was flown by helicopter to the capital, Abuja. PHOTO: STRINGER / AFP

After some 50 days away from his beat as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces and President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari returned to his seat last Friday. Genuine patriots were naturally disturbed by his prolonged absence and were glad he returned walking on his feet. The de ja vu feeling was not healthy for the nation. Added to it was the confusion caused by the contradictory statements by some of his aides on the reason for his prolonged absence. In an attempt to protect their boss (which is their legitimate duty) some went overboard. Our President was neither hale nor hearty. He was not simply vacationing. He had succumbed to the adversity of ill-health which could befall anybody, young or old. As a forthright person, the President immediately declared his health condition publicly: he had never been that sick as he was while in the UK. He even reportedly mentioned a blood transfusion experience. That struck a chord with sincere, genuine people. In my view, it is a chord that his handlers ought to have deployed in his absence.

President Buhari is a mortal being like all of us. At 74 years, he could fall ill. He could be susceptible to ailments that come with age. Indeed from Age 50, the human body begins to experience some challenges ‘naturally’ or usually associated with aging. Added to this is the stress of office. The President’s official work schedule and the rigours of public office are not a tea-party. They could make a 40-year old man look 60. Ask ex-President Barack Obama why gray hairs suddenly took over his head. It is thus uncharitable for anybody to dance in the streets of social media and wish the President evil, conjecturing all wicked scenarios and concocting fake news reports about his transition. It is evil. It is devious. It has its consequences. How did we as a people degenerate into this cultural malfeasance?

The President’s absence showed that our institutions could work. To show trust and confidence in the machinery of the State, the reins of authority were constitutionally transferred to the Vice President, who became Acting President. We thus avoided a repeat of history. When he needed an extension, the President sent a written request to the National Assembly. However, this was not enough for cynics. On the contrary, it fueled their theory of indefinite incapacitation. How did we lose the trust between the governed and the governors? Some even mischievously called for his resignation!

If the truth must be said, the lacuna of a failure to give a true situation report fuelled doubts in the country. Fortunately, the President candidly said he is likely to return to the UK for more tests and treatment. The best we can do is to pray for him. Whatever the situation, the country needs Buhari, the nation needs a Buhari. His physical presence at Aso Rock or his physical shadow while being treated outside the country is necessary for the current spirit in the country. It takes courage to confront the issues which he has routinely faced in the short time in the Presidency. He may not be perfect, he is not perfect, we are not perfect too; Nigeria is not perfect; things are certainly extremely difficult in the country for most people. But Buhari is not the cause. He is part of the process of national healing. And this we must recognise.

In times of crisis though, leadership takes the blame. Prophet Moses who led the Jews out of captivity was insulted while the journey was still on. They even abandoned the God who brought them out of slavery and created a god for themselves. In all extant literature on the subject, leaders who take bold steps could also become targets of insults. Bob Marley’s “How long shall they kill our Prophets/ While we stand aside and Look” is very instructive here. That is the reason the President’s aides should take the insults, tirades and cries in their stride. When people are frustrated they look for the head of the place and vent their anger.

The real reaction is to confront the dominant issues head on. Inflation. Hunger and anger in the land. The value of the Naira. Restiveness in the Niger Delta. Power supply. Boko Haram. In the physical absence of the President, his surrogates drove the vision of the Presidency. That should be the dominant narrative. Without a Buhari there would be no Osinbajo in the Presidency. It is a joint ticket. So we must wish them well. No one should drive a wedge. ‘I will rest this weekend and resume on Monday”, the President said. Good gesture. Frank. Truthful. Necessary. A successful leader is a man with trusted and dependable associates. It’s not the man who does everything by himself.

In all of this the infantile menace of social media brings to question the very essence of communication. How did we as a world create a channel in which LIES could pass for TRUTH? What can we do about obvious distortions and outright fabrications being transmitted in the open space? If this challenges the very essence of our culture, how can we as a country deal with it? Control? Regulation? How do we deal with our teenagers watching pornographic films in class while classes are on? How do we deal with a site that deliberately sets out to tell lies about the health condition of the President of the nation in order to create insecurity? It is true that some schemers would be calculating how to make political gain out of the President’s health condition. Let such people remember the story of late Chief R.B.K. Okafor and the great Zik of Africa!

Mr. President, I welcome you back home. Like your aides, disregard the truly sick ones who peddled false stories in your absence. They remain your children though, your constituents. You mean well for the country; that is what matters. But in your next rip, let the true narrative get into the public space. It is my view that there are more people who want you alive and well than those who think otherwise. May your health be fully restored! May your aides carry out your vision whether you are physically present or not. Your name is now synonymous with the grand effort to raise the country out of the quagmire of unethical behaviour and corruption. Saanu!

Vía The Guardian Nigeria http://ift.tt/2nhREIi

‘Big Bang Theory’ sparks new prequel series

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Big Bang Theory'

CBS announced on Monday it has given the green light to “Young Sheldon,” a prequel of its award-winning ratings smash comedy, “The Big Bang Theory.”

Created by “Big Bang” executive producers Chuck Lorre and Steven Molaro, the half-hour single-camera comedy series will premiere later this year, although the number of episodes has not been announced.

It will star Iain Armitage as a nine-year-old version of nerdy genius Sheldon Cooper — one of the main “Big Bang” characters played by Jim Parsons, who narrates the new show as the adult Sheldon.

Jon Favreau (“Iron Man,” “The Jungle Book”) will direct and executive produce the first episode from a script written by Molaro, while Zoe Perry takes on the role of Sheldon’s mother Mary Cooper, played by the actress’ real-life mother Laurie Metcalf in “Big Bang.”

Armitage, the son of Shailene Woodley’s character in HBO’s “Little Big Lies,” will play socially awkward Sheldon as a super-intelligent student who is already in high school despite his tender age.

“Big Bang,” now in its 10th season, has been the biggest comedy ratings draw on broadcast television for years, and CBS is considering another two seasons. The show has won multiple Emmys.

Vía The Guardian Nigeria http://ift.tt/2mm2Uyb

Eschew indiscipline, participants urged at Ibile Youth Academy

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Vice Chairman, Lagos chapter of the National Youth Council, Rashidat Yusuf (left); Pharm. (Mrs.) Uzamat Akinbile-Yussuf and chairman, Comrade Olayinka Oresile at the parade to mark the International Youth Day.

The Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Princess Uzamat Akinbile-Yussuf, has enjoined participants at the just concluded Ibile Youth Academy (IYA) to inculcate discipline in order to become better members of the society.

Akinbile-Yussuf offered the homily during a visit to Ikeja Youth Centre, one of the five centres of the leadership training programme in company of the Special Adviser to the governor on Civic Engagement, Mr. Kayode Joseph.

She said: “I urge you to embrace discipline and punctuality in all your endeavours as well as value team building as an integral part of social interaction because undisciplined persons cannot contribute meaningfully to the society.”

Meanwhile, it was a busy week at the major centres of the leadership academy as facilitators engaged and trained participants on various topics and development skills.

At the Oto-Awori Youth Centre in Badagry Division, a media practitioner cum motivational speaker, Goke Ilesanmi, taught participants on necessary skills to attract employment while a development expert, Ezekiel Soleji, spoke on the importance of good representation in the society.
 
Mrs. Taiwo Fibisile, a Youth and Health Officer, sensitised participants at the Ikorodu Centre on the effect of sexually transmitted diseases and necessary precautions to prevent the diseases.Epe Youth Centre witnessed a fitness exercise to enhance physical and mental alertness of participants in the programme.
 

Vía The Guardian Nigeria http://ift.tt/2nkjD70

Past administration was extravagant, says Soludo

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Charles Chukwuma Soludo

•Experts call for consensus as way out of recession as Oshiomole, Soludo bicker over economy

From experts and economic actors, came a verdict that collective efforts are the requisite to turn the ailing economy back to the path of growth. The consensus was reached at the Vanguard Economic Discourse tagged, “The Hard Facts To Rescue Nigerian Economy”.

Starting the discourse was former Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Prof. Charles Soludo, who said that Nigeria is a fragile state that needs the private sector’s involvement in getting it out of the challenge. Citing experts opinion, he said that the economy is now in dire need of rescue and was still at the same point where the colonial masters left it more than fifty years after independence.

He said there was no doubt that the Federal Government inherited debts by May 2015, which was further compounded by insecurity issues, corruption and disruption in the Niger Delta. He admitted that the previous government had an unprecedented rate of debt accumulation, even at a time of unprecedented oil boom, yet the foreign reserves was depleting instead of doubling.

The former banker said all these had wrecked havoc on economic confidence as well as private investment.However, he blamed the present administration for the worsening situation, saying that since two years, foreign exchange controls have wreaked havoc on business confidence and private investments, with massive capital flight and have driven the macro economy into recession.

On fiscal policy, he noted that the Federal Government has continued to spend over 100 per cent of its revenue on recurrent expenditure, just exactly as it was done by the previous government.

While commending the government for the release of the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan, he queried whether it is scripted as a post-oil economy. But the former Governor of Edo State, Adams Oshiomhole said that Soludo’s claims are more of paper work, as growth can only be useful if it impacts the lives of many.

He queried: “CBN was borrowing money at 12 per cent where as the interest rate was cheaper outside Nigeria. Soludo promised seven million jobs to Nigerians and never delivered. How do all these translate to improving the life of an average Nigerian?”

He concluded by alleging that Nigeria’s challenge started from the time Soludo was in governance and could not offer any solution to it.Reacting, Soludo accused Oshiomhole of lying against him, adding that he had little or no knowledge of what happened then.

Minister of Solid Minerals and Development, Kayode Fayemi in a panel discussion said that plan was to ensure the sustainability of development, admitting that planning has never been Nigeria’s problem, but implementation.

Former Deputy Governor of CBN, and co-panelist, Obadiah Mailafiya, stated that some major problems of Nigeria were the absence of a national consensus, as it is now divided more than ever, with lack of regional and town planning, poor involvement of youths in national matters, as well as unemployment.

Former Managing Director of Diamond Bank, Alex Otti, said recession was not a major threat to Nigeria, but advised that Nigeria needs to review the current leadership framework.

“We cannot afford 109 Senators, 360 House of Representatives members, 744 idle local government chairmen that do absolutely nothing. My support for restructuring Nigeria is not to divide it, but I still believe six governors are enough to rule Nigeria,” he said.

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Dealing with malaria in children

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A child with severe malaria Photo: William Daniels

Malaria is a common mosquito borne disease in most part of the world, which is more severe among children between the ages of six months to five years. Dr. Gbemisola Boyede, a Consultant neuro-developmental paediatrician at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) tells GERALDINE AKUTU about malaria in children and how parents can deal with it.

What causes malaria in children?
Malaria is caused by the malaria parasite, known as Plasmodium falciparum, which is usually injected into the blood of children by bites from infected female Anopheles mosquitoes.

What signs and symptoms should parents look out for?
Malaria’s most common symptom is intermittent high-grade fever (High Body Temperature). Other symptoms include poor appetite, weakness (malaise), vomiting, diarrhoea, cough, bitter taste in the mouth and so on. There are other serious symptoms in children with severe type of malaria, such as convulsions, yellowness of the eyes, reduction in urine output, etc.

How is it transmitted?
Malaria is transmitted through mosquito bites. When the mosquito bites someone with malaria, he sucks in the malaria parasites and when it bites another person without malaria, it releases the malaria parasites into the blood of the new victim, who will now develop malaria after nine to14 days period (incubation period), where the malaria parasite undergo some changes and multiplication. The malaria parasites multiply in the red blood cells of infected children and then burst, releasing certain substances, which often lead to the high fever and other symptoms of Malaria.

Who is at risk for malaria?
Everyone who lives in malaria endemic areas, such as Nigeria is at risk of malaria. However, children below the age of five, pregnant women, children with sickle cell anaemia and non-immune persons or travellers from malaria-free countries are at risk of having the severe type of malaria.

What are the treatment options?
There are readily available and effective malaria drugs. What is recommended, as the first line treatment, is the Artemisinin Based Antimalarial Combination Therapy (ACT). These medications are over-the-counter drugs and have the green leaf logo. Malaria treatment using just one drug, such as Chloroquine, Fansidar, Halfan, etc., are no longer recommended, as I still see parents doing this, which is wrong.You are also not to treat every fever as malaria. The diagnosis of malaria should be confirmed first by the malaria parasite blood test. Now, we have rapid malaria tests that will give you results in 15 minutes and can be done by anyone, and not necessarily a laboratory scientist.

Parents should endeavour to go for and do the Rapid malaria test first and if confirmed that the child has malaria, should give the three-day course of the ACT malaria treatment, which are usually available for all the age/weight ranges of the children for easy administration.

What measures should parents take to protect their child from malaria?
Measures to prevent malaria are many. The most important one for children is the use of long-lasting insecticide treated nets (LLITNs). Children and, indeed, the entire family should sleep under the LLITNs. These are more than just the ordinary nets, because they have been impregnated with chemicals that can kill the mosquitoes, which perch on them. Additionally, the children should wear long sleeve clothing outdoors in the evenings and early mornings, which are the peak period of mosquito bites, to reduce as much as possible mosquito bites. The environment should also be kept clean and free from mosquito breeding sites by regularly clearing bushes and drains.

Vía The Guardian Nigeria http://ift.tt/2m7jqUk

Babayaro queries Rohr’s choice of Osimhen over MFM’s Odey

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Flying Eagles’ striker, Victor Osimhen

Former junior international, Emmanuel Babayaro, has questioned Super Eagles Coach, Gernot Rohr’s choice of Wolfsburg’s Victor Osimhen, over MFM FC striker, Stephen Odey, in the team list released for the friendlies scheduled for England this month.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) had sealed two tune-up matches for the Super Eagles against Senegal and Burkina Faso in London, in preparation for both the Africa Cup of Nations and World Cup qualifiers coming up later in the year.

Osimhen was the highest goal scorer at the 2015 U-17 World Youth Championship in Chile, but he is yet to find his feet at his club in Germany. Odey currently sits on top of the scorerers’ chart with six goals in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).

According to Babayaro, Osimhen should be left alone to find his feet at Wolfsburg, instead of inviting him. He added that Odey should have been a superior choice after taking the NPFL by storm this season.

“I cannot understand the thinking behind Osimhen’s invitation, yet it appears everyone is silent because the decision was taken by Rohr, a coach who can do no wrong in the eyes of some people.

“Rohr is human and can make mistakes as well, and to me the decision to leave Odey out for Osimhen is pure injustice. The outcry would have been at its peak if the decision had been taken by a Nigerian coach,” Babayaro concluded.

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Nigerians lost N18 billion to Ponzi scheme operators, says NDIC (Read full details)

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The Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) has said three million Nigerians lost N18 billion in the Ponzi scheme, popularly called Mavrodi Mundial Movement (MMM).

Speaking yesterday during the NDIC day at the 38th Kaduna International Trade Fair, the Managing Director, Alhaji Umaru Ibrahim, said despite repeated warnings by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the NDIC on the activities of the fraudsters, Nigerians still patronised the MMM.

Ibrahim, who was represented by the Deputy Director, Corporate Affairs, Alhaji Hadi Suleiman, warned against trading in Ponzi schemes or virtual currencies, such as Bitcoin, Ripples, Monero, Litecoin, and others, which are not authorised by the CBN due to the risks involved in their operations.

The NDIC boss argued: “The scheme is the phenomenon of illegal fund managers, otherwise called ‘wonder banks,’ which have continued to defraud unsuspecting members of the public of their hard-earned money.”

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Sheriff’s rejection of resignation option threatens peace deal (Read full details)

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Ali Modu Sheriff. PHOTO: channelstv

National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ali Modu-Sheriff, has rejected calls for his resignation as a condition for a new peace deal in the party.

Sheriff had on Tuesday agreed to the political solution to the crisis at a meeting between PDP governors and former President Goodluck Jonathan.

He, however, said yesterday that the suggestion that he and Caretaker Committee Chairman, Ahmed Makarfi would resign as the necessary sacrifice for the party, was never considered.

He made the clarifications in a statement issued by the Acting National Publicity Secretary of the party, Bernard Mikko. Sheriff was reacting to reports that Jonathan had advocated the exit of both men as solution to the crisis.

He noted that his resignation has never been part of the deal to resolve the crisis in the party, adding that all his traducers would work with him to ensure a free and fair National Convention where a new executive would be elected for the party.

He, however, restated his resolve not to vie for the chairmanship position at the convention, pointing out that he would merely preside over it and allow new leaders to emerge.

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FG’s intervention in Arik belated, says Senate

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PHOTO: Arik Air

AMCON rules out airline as national carrier
The Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance and Other Financial Institutions yesterday reviewed the ugly details that crippled the operations of Arik Air and submitted that the intervention announced by the Federal Government last week was late and belated.

The committee, which however expressed support for the intervention noted that the airline could have averted the unfortunate situation if it had paid attention to issues of financial management and applied best practices fiscal management.

Chairman of the committee, Rafiu Ibrahim said the Senate had always stood in support of policies that would promote the welfare and living standards of Nigerians.

This was just as the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) informed the committee that government’s intervention in the affairs of the airline was not intended to acquire and convert it to a national carrier but to protect the workers from losing their jobs.

AMCON’s Managing Director, Ahmed Kuru, revealed that contrary to earlier claims, the troubled airline is owing AMCON N147 billion and other local banks to the tune of at least N165 billion adding that the foreign debts of the airline stood at $81 million.

The AMCON boss also told the committee members that the airline is owing over 2,000 staff seven months salary arrears. He said negotiations were currently ongoing on how to immediately resolve the arrears.

Kuru also revealed that of the 30 aircraft owned by Arik, only 10 were operational. According to him, the airline frequently relied on collection of ticket fees from passengers before they could buy aviation fuel. He partly blamed the incessant cancellation and delay of flight on its inability to buy aviation fuel.

Kuru, while dismissing claims that the Federal Government was planning to make the airline a national carrier, said it was too problematic for any government to handle.

He said within the next two to three weeks, the new management of the airline will put 15 to 16 aircraft back to the 18 nationwide routes.

He said: “Within the next two to three weeks, Arik Air should have up to 15 or 16 aircrafts flying. Arik Air cannot compete internationally.

They do not have the kind of services other airlines have.

“Despite all the things we have done to ensure that Arik Air stays in business, they have not done their part in meeting their own obligations.

“They have refused to pay salaries and also refused to ensure that their loans are repaid. We could not just sit back and allow an important airline with about 30 aircrafts and covers 55 per cent of all routes in Nigeria to go down. From the records, Arik makes over N7 billion annually.’’

Newly appointed chief executive officer of the airline, Mr. Roy Ilegbodu, who described the state of the airline as alarming disclosed that its performance stood at 15 per cent as against 25 per cent minimal requirement in the aviation sector.
Apart from AMCON, Arik is also currently indebted to Standard Chartered, Zenith Bank, Ecobank and Access Bank.

Vía The Guardian Nigeria http://ift.tt/2lTfJjF

Police arrest Isheri North kidnap ‘kingpin’ in Ogun

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The suspect

• Epe abductors demand N50m ransom for farm workers
The alleged mastermind of the kidnap of Lagos Isheri North Estate Secretary, Dayo Adekoya, Joseph Omoni, has been arrested. He was arrested by operatives of the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Intelligence Response Team (IRT), led by Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), Abba Kyari.

The 38-year-old suspect, who hails from Ajapa community, Ese in Ondo State, was arrested in Century Village, Ogijo town, in Ogun State. The suspect was alleged to have also participated in the kidnap of the Nigerian Turkish school girls and officials and also the December kidnapping operation at Ikorodu, where a popular TV presenter, Aisha Ali-Balogun, was killed.

The suspect confessed that he only got N250,000 from the ransom paid for the release of the Isheri North estate secretary. “I got N250,000 from the ransom because the sum paid was too small, but for the Nigerian Turkish International College, I got N2 million. I was also involved in the kidnap on Ikorodu Road, where Aisha Balogun was killed. We didn’t know her until we read in the papers that she was a TV presenter. I got about N1 million from that ransom.

“I cannot say what really happened during the Isheri North kidnap. Though we exchanged fire while escaping with the man, but we read in the papers that three security men were killed. Well, I cannot say that I regret everything because I was able to build houses with the money I got from the Nigerian Turkish school. I bought tiles, windows and other accessories to complete my house at Century Village, in Ogijo community,” he said.

In another development, abductors of the two members of Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) and five farm workers of Eliasa Livestock farm, who were kidnapped in Igbodu area of Epe on Tuesday have demanded the sum of N50 million as ransom from families of their victims.

His house where he was arrested

The gunmen, it was learnt, contacted the manager of the farm using the phone of one of the victims yesterday and asked for a whooping N50 million for their seven victims.

According to the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 2 command, Mr. Kayode Aderanti, “we are going to rescue the victims alive. We are doing everything to police that area; but the major problem in that part of the state is that the area is porous. It gives room for kidnapping to thrive.

“We will police that area 24 hours every day but my advice to business owners and school operators is that they should be security conscious and do their background checks on anybody they want to employ. We are also going to do our own job to see to the release of the victims without paying a dime to the abductors,” he said.

A senior police officer, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said: “On February 14, around 4a.m. after unrelenting follow up by IRT with technical intelligence unit, one of the Isheri Estate secretary and Turkish school kids kidnappers, Joseph Omoni, was arrested.”

The police officer said one kingpin simply identified as ‘chairman’ has also been identified to be hiding in the same Century Village at Ogijo, but assured that he would soon be arrested as detectives has condone off the area. He said the police were making effort to apprehend other members of the gang.

Vía The Guardian Nigeria http://ift.tt/2lTpnCR

‘We won’t accept all manner of sponsors in 2018’

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All Kenyans….First set of marathoners racing towards the Eko Atlantic finish point in the second Access Bank Lagos City Marathon last weekend. Photo: Ayodele Adeniran

With the euphoria over the 2017 Access Bank Lagos City Marathon still spreading, the event’s Main Organising Committee (MOC) has said that its doors for more partners would only be opened to corporate bodies that can complement its effort in keeping the event world-class.

The second edition of the marathon, which attracted over 55,000 runners from different parts of the globe, took place last weekend with Kenyan athletes sweeping the top prizes in both male and female categories.

While many companies are already jostling to be part of the 2018 edition, some are said to be embarking on what an official described as ‘ambush’ marketing.

However, the Executive Director, Personal Banking of Access Bank, Mr. Victor Etuokwu, who headed the MOC for the marathon, told The Guardian that as much as they want more sponsors to be part of subsequent editions, they would continue to thread with caution. “We are mindful of the standard we have already set and where we are going. The second edition of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon was a remarkable improvement on the first edition, and we hope to keep the momentum. It will be much better in 2018, and one of the ways is to make sure that only those who can make it a world-class marathon will be involved. The kind of partners we need are those who can ‘run the race’ in accordance with our laid down procedures.”

Speaking further, Etuokwu said that organizing a world-class event like a marathon race usually comes with its big challenges. “Governor Ambode made it clear from the beginning that our aim is to make the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon among the top 10 in the World. It has the potential to promote sports as well as tourism, fitness, competitiveness and healthy living.

“Lagos, being the Center of Excellence, should be emulated by other states. I want other state governors and political leaders in Nigeria to take a cue from Governor Ambode and arrest unemployment, solve problems of criminality and generally engage our youth with road races and marathon.

Etuokwu also spoke on the challenges of organizing the marathon: “You cannot organize something of this nature without having one or two challenges. The major challenge, especially in this part of the world, is being able to have the right tools and equipment to organize a world-class event. Most of the equipment is not easy to find, and if you find them, they are a bit expensive to organize.

“The second is funding, although the sponsors answered the funding question, while the third is just having to educate the people about it, how to prepare for the marathon and how to organize yourself for a marathon. So, a lot of effort was put in planning from the start point to the finish.

“The massive turn out of runners comes with huge logistics, and the right people to manage it. It was nothing really out of the ordinary, but we thank God that we had the right people, the right partners, and we had the right host, the Lagos State Government and especially the governor, who was personally involved and personally interested in ensuring that Lagos made the best out of it. As you know, the governor is keen on making Lagos a travel destination and making Lagos the best city in the world. That can only happen when you have the right partners and the right people working with you either as a committee or directly,” he stated.

According to a study by the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign’s Regional Economics Applications Laboratory, in 2013, the Chicago Marathon generated $253.49 million in total business activity to the Chicago economy, which is an equivalent of 1,742 full-time jobs and $85.94 million worth of wages and salary income.

The 119th Boston Marathon of April 20, 2015, and surrounding Marathon-related events, including the John Hancock Sports & Fitness Expo and the B.A.A. 5K, was estimated to have enriched the city with $181.9 million (USD), according to reports.

The London Marathon generated £110.1 million worth of economic activity in the United Kingdom last year, while spending in the capital by marathon runners, spectators, organizers and visitors was worth £31.7 million, according to a report.

For Etuokwu, however, the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, though still at infancy, has a lot of economic benefits for the state and the people, particularly the health implications of the marathon.

Etuokwu said: “Health they say is wealth. A healthy nation will definitely be productive and by extension prosperous. We want Lagosians to always stay healthy. By organising this marathon, Governor Ambode is not only promoting sports and tourism but also ensuring he governs a healthy community of people.”

Vía The Guardian Nigeria http://ift.tt/2lTzTdr

Ministers’ aides treated me like common criminal, says Bash Alli

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Bash Alli receiving treatment in hospital

‘He is seeking attention’
Former World Cruiserweight boxing champion, Bash Alli, has accused Sports Minister, Solomon Dalung, of luring him to his office to assault him and treat him like a common criminal. But the office of the minister has denied the allegation, saying Alli is seeking attention.

Alli had in a text message to The Guardian alleged that the minister lured him to his office to conclude plans with officials of the Bank of Industry (BOI) on his pet project, the Guinness Book of World Record boxing bout to be staged in Nigeria.

“After waiting for over three hours, I and six members of the LOC went to remind his personal assistant that we were still waiting when a European identified as an ambassador came and was ushered in,” Alli said.

He alleged that when he tried to find out why the European was being given preferential treatment, rather than educate him on the procedure, “the police behind hit me in the head with the butt of his gun and the other police hit my back. I collapsed and was revived at the ministry’s clinic.

“Now, I am on admission at the Trauma Ward, National Hospital, Abuja.

All he is pleading is for Nigerians to find out from the minister or his aides what offence he has committed to warrant such treatment.

Reacting to Alli’s allegation yesterday, the Special Assistant on Media to minister, Nneka Ikem Anibeze, described the text message as an unsubstantiated claim with intent to deceive the public.

According to the SA Media: “Ali came to see the Minister and was told to wait at the minister’s waiting room with the 10 people who accompanied him.

She said: “The Hungarian Ambassador to Nigeria, Prof. Gabor Ternak who had an earlier appointment for 2.00 p.m. arrived a few minutes later and was ushered in by the Protocol officer. Bash Ali barricaded the entrance to the office of the minister with the men who accompanied him as he questioned why the ambassador would be allowed to see the minister while he, who came earlier was not given access.

“The uniformed security tried to persuade Alli and his men to leave the minister’s secretary’s office but to no avail. The boxer who was carrying a file and mobile phone carefully went to the secretary’s table to drop his valuables and then fell flat on his back across the doorway.

“Bash Ali was neither touched, shoved nor manhandled by security operatives of the minister. He feigned that he had been beaten up but we challenge him to produce physical evidence of assault, gun butt bumps, and bruises, swelling or otherwise as being presented to the public.

“He has a record of such antics following his despair to defend a world boxing title at over 60.

“In 2013, he alleged that he was beaten up by security operatives of the then Minister of Youth and Sports, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi.  In 2015, the WBF cruiser weight boxing champion was detained in Kuje prison following an altercation with the MD of a bank over funds for his title fight.”

Anibeze described Ali as an attention seeker who would stop at nothing to get funds for a purported World Guinness book of records fight.

“He needs to find alternative means of raising money for this World Guinness book of records title fight as government is finding it difficult to sustain programs on the sports calendar of sports federations at this time of recession let alone a title fight by a professional boxer.

“His allegation of assault by security personnel of the minister is cheap blackmail and won’t fly. Moreover, his forceful attempt to stop the Hungarian ambassador from gaining entry to the minister’s office is a national embarrassment by a legendary boxer like Bash and he should tender an unreserved apology for his public misbehavior,”Anibeze said.

The incident has already been reported to the police while other security agencies have been duly notified.

Vía The Guardian Nigeria http://ift.tt/2lk1dVJ

Niger Delta communities seek 50% oil bloc from government (Read full details)

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• Okowa tasks U.K over unemployment in region
• NGO chides govt over failure to stop gas flaring

Host Communities of Nigeria Oil and Gas Producing areas (HOSTCOM) have demanded 50 per cent of oil blocs awarded in the Niger Delta region.

Speaking through the Urhobo ethnic nationality chapter of HOSTCOM, chairman, Festus Pemu also asked multinational oil companies to relocate to their operating communities as demanded by the local content law.

Pemu said: “At present no oil bloc is owned by an indigene of oil producing communities. This is unfair and needs to be corrected.”

He also called for the immediate approval of pipeline surveillance jobs to the host communities, as they are most suited to do it effectively.

To consolidate on the existing peace, Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa has urged the United Kingdom and other countries, which have stakes in the region to invest in employment generating ventures.

Speaking when the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Paul Arkwright paid him a courtesy visit in Asaba, Okowa said: “Anything that will create more job opportunities for the youths should be encouraged.”

The governor said cases of pipeline vandalism were limited to the creeks of the state.

Arkwright in his speech said he was in the state to explore areas of economic benefits for the U.K., declaring that Delta was one of the key states in the country

Meanwhile, a non-governmental organization group, Kovenium/mmalah Foundation (KIF) in Delta State has chided government over its failure to stop gas flaring in oil communities.

Executive Director of the NGO, Faith Nwandishi, told journalists in Asaba, yesterday that gas flaring had wreaked havoc in Ndokwa East, West, Ughelli, Ogwashi-Uku and Ozoro, with no fewer than 132 persons feared killed in 2015 and 2016.

The Udefi Oba Oloye of Warri Kingdom in Delta State, Chief Clement Maleghemi has urged Acting President Yemi Osinbajo to fulfill all the promises he made during his meeting with youths.

Maleghemi made the appeal while speaking on the significance of Udefi Day celebration at Ugbolokppso, Uvwie Local Government Council at the weekend.

Vía Uzomedia http://ift.tt/2lzTp2A