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Showing posts with label News. Show all posts
Showing posts with label News. Show all posts
Sunday, 14 February 2016
Saraki: Senate President reportedly seek Buhari, Tinubus favour
According to a report by Punch Newspaper,
following the Supreme Court judgment on his trial at the CCT, the Senate
President had began moves to seek favours from the President and
Tinubu.
Though
the moves by Saraki are said to have been indirect, he is rumoured to
be desperate to reach a favourable agreement with the top political
figures before the hearing of his 13 counts charge of false asset
declaration resume on March 10, 2016.
To reach the
President, Saraki had allegedly sent a delegation led by Senate leader,
Ali Ndume and Dino Melaye to meet with the Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo while the President was on a six days vacation.
Though
Ndume denied discussing Saraki's trial with the Vice President when he
met with him, it is believed that the Vice President had clearly stated
that the president would not mix personal tribulations with the national
issues.
While the Senate President keeps seeking
other means to reach out to the President for favours, he's reported to
have sent out emissaries to Tinubu, who sources say have cut all ties
with the Kwara State ex-Governor.
Tinubu, sources
disclosed, has decided to wash his hands and will not say a word again
regarding Saraki, thus, all efforts to reach him has been blocked.
He
has been visiting other African countries preaching the gospel of
Democracy and become unavailable for the delegates led by opinion
leaders and clerics that Saraki had sent to his Bourdillon home in
Ikoyi, Lagos.
The Supreme Court had on February 5,
2016 ruled that Saraki’s trial should continue at the CCT. The apex
court had affirmed the propriety of Saraki’s trial at the CCT on 13
counts of false asset declaration.
Saraki and
Tinubu fell out in June 2016 when he defied the directive of the APC and
became the Senate President under controversial circumstances.
Meanwhile,
the Senate President's media aide had reiterated that Saraki meets with
the President when national issues arise, thus, it would be wrong to
say he's seeking favours or contact with him.
Reports
further pointed to the fact that what might have necessitated Saraki's
moves to seek favours from Tinubu and Buhari might not be unconnected to
the renewed energy by the Ahmed Lawan faction to force Saraki to resign.
Saturday, 13 February 2016
BREAKING: Nigerian govt. sacks 13 University Vice Chancellors
The Federal Government has sacked the Vice Chancellors of 12 federal
universities established by the Goodluck Jonathan administration.
Also affected by the sack is the Vice Chancellor of the National Open University of Nigeria, Prof. Vincent Tenebe.
In the statement announcing the sack, the government gave no reason for the action.
A short statement by the Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu in Abuja,
on Saturday, simply said President Muhammadu Buhari, had approved the
appointment of new Vice Chancellors for the Universities.
But the decision is already generating ripples, with some members of
the intelligentsia claiming that it is only the Governing Council of
NOUN of which Mr Tenebe is a member, that could only remove him.
A human rights organisation, Coalition of Civil Society Groups has
protested against the sack in a letter to Buhari, demanding the reversal
of the decision in which the NOUN VC was replaced with Prof. Abdalla
Uba Adamu of the Department of Mass Communication, Bayero University,
Kano.
The substantive Vice Chancellor of the Federal University, Dutse,
Jigawa State, Prof. Mohammed Kundiri, was transferred to the Federal
University, Wukari, Taraba State.
The CCSG in its protest letter to Buhari signed by its President,
Etuk Bassey Williams and Secretary-General, Ibrahim Abubakar, said the
action contravenes the provisions of the Universities (Miscellaneous
Provisions) Act No.11 of 1993 (as amended) by decree No.25, 1996 and
further amended in 2003 and 2012 respectively and other agreements as
contained in the 2009 FGN staff union agreement.
The petitioners said that four out of the twelve appointed VCs are
from Kano University, an action they said, was a clear violation of the
federal character principle.
“While this does not come as a surprise owing to the influence of one
of the Special Advisers to the Minister of Education in orchestrating
the appointments of his friends and cronies without following due
process, we are however concerned about the constitutional breach and
the resultant litigation battle this action may cause, which in turn may
generate unnecessary distractions to your focused administration”,
tcoalition said.
The petition reads, “We are compelled to call your attention owing to
the illegality in the removal of Vice Chancellors of 13 Federal
Universities including the National Open University of Nigeria and the
hasty appointment of friends and cronies in place of those illegally
removed from office.
“While we are not unmindful of the fact that you would have acted on
the recommendation of the Minister of Education in approving their
removal, it is pertinent to know that in the pursuit of ambition driven
by unguided passion and greed, impunity becomes inevitable as the end
irrespective of the means is all that matters and in this case, the
removal of these Vice Chancellors is the outcome of an unguided passion
and greed by the Minister of Education and his Special Adviser.
“The constitution is quite clear on the procedures to be followed in
the appointment and disengagement of Vice Chancellors and none of these
procedures were followed in the above case.
“The appointment of Vice Chancellors is a tenured appointment, which
presupposes that every appointee is expected to serve the prescribed
number of years as stipulated by the Acts governing the institutions.
The organisation regretted that none of the Vice Chancellors were
allowed to complete their tenures and were all removed without following
due process of the law.
The CCSG said that in the event that a Vice Chancellor was to be
removed from office before the expiration of his tenure, it is the Board
of the Governing Council that is empowered to recommend or effect that
removal of an erring Vice Chancellor before the completion of his term
in office.
The group said, “In the above case, the Minister already dissolved
the Board of the Governing Council with the statutory powers to
recommend or effect the removal of a Vice Chancellor from office thereby
making the removal of these Vice Chancellors illegal, null and void.
“In appointing new Vice Chancellors or any public officer for that
matter, it is an offence and a breach of the Federal Character principle
for one third of the total appointees to come from a particular State.
“The action of the Minister is greeted with sadness as it is
considered a breach of the provisions of the University Amendment Act or
legislation and to a large extent a gross violation of the laws of the
Federal Republic of Nigeria which guarantees universities autonomy in
Nigeria.”
According to the public statement conveying the sack of the VCs, a
former Head, Department of International Relations at the Obafemi
Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Prof. Kayode Soremekun, who was said to be
on Sabbatical in NOUN is the new Vice Chancellor of the Federal
University, Oye-Ekiti, Ekiti State.
While the Federal University, Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State has Prof.
Auwal Yadudu of the Faculty of Law, Bayero University, Kano as its new
VC; Prof. Fatima Batoul Muktar of the Department of Biology, North West
University, Kano, is the VC of Federal University, Dutse, Jigawa State.
A lecturer in the Department of Pharmacy, Ahmadu Bello University,
Zaria, Prof. Haruna Abdu Kaita is the new VC of Federal University,
Dutsin Ma, Katsina State, while Prof. Andrew Haruna of the Department of
Linguistics, University of Jos will now function as VC, Federal
University, Gashua, Yobe State.
While another lecturer in the Department of Pharmacy, ABU, Zaria,
Prof. Magaji Garba, will now be VC in Federal University, Gusau, Zamfara
State, Prof. Alhassan Mohammed Gani of the Institute of Maritime
Studies, Federal University, Kashere in Gombe State has been elevated to
the position of VC in same University.
A lecturer in the Department of Physics, Federal University, Lafia,
Prof. Muhammad Sanusi Liman will henceforth be VC of same institution.
For Prof. Angela Freeman Miri of the Linguistics Department, UNIJOS,
her new portfolio is the Federal University, Lokoja where she will now
be VC.
The Federal University, Ndifu-Alike, Ebonyi State, now has Prof.
Chinedum Nwajiuba of the Post-Graduate School, Imo State University,
Owerri, as its VC, while Prof. Seth Accra Jaja of the Department of
Management, University of Port Harcourt is now the VC of Federal
University, Otuoke, Bayelsa State.
Afe Babalola University University alumni condemns students protest
The Alumni Association of Afe Babalola University has spoken against the actions of the students following the crisis that rocked the school, causing the destruction of properties worth millions of naira.
The
alumni denied allegation that the students were being treated like
'kindergarteners'. They applauded the school management for not shutting
the institution, despite the destructive actions of the student.
17
students have been remanded in prison in connection to the violent
protest and are being tried at the Chief Magistrate Court in Ado Ekiti.
Addressing newsmen in the university on Thursday, February 11, the National President of the Alumni Association, Miss Tope Sobajo,
said such violent attack was not in the culture of the university,
advising the students not to destroy the citadel of learning known for
academic excellence and moral uprightness.
Sobajo
added that the University was only trying to maintain discipline among
students when they made rules such as disallowing aimless wanderings and
leaving campus without reasons. The students were urged not to see it
as being treated like kids.
The
President, a masters’ degree student of the university, said she
neither witnessed nor noticed any case of rape or drug peddling during
her four years in the university, describing the allegations on social
media as unsubstantiated and targeted at reducing the respect the
university commands.
"The malicious damage of
27 cars , offices and FESTO Mechatronics laboratory worth N350m, is
certainly uncalled for. If students have issues, they ought to pass
through the proper channels.
“We, the
Alumni Association, condemns in very strong terms the act of burglary,
stealing and deliberate and willful damage of property as well as
attempts to kill with a knife and inflicting bodily injuries on
policemen and other security agents by protesters.
“We
also condemn in strong terms the breaking into the VC’s office ,
cafeteria and may other offices as well as the boutique where the
rampaging students away valuables worth millions of which were later
found in their possession,” the statement said.
3 UNILAG students arraigned over theft of phones worth N506,000
Three students from the
University of Lagos, UNILAG, have been charged before Yaba Chief
Magistrates’ Court in Lagos for robbery.
According to NAN, the suspects were accused of robbing their fellow students of N10, 500 cash and phones valued at N506, 000.
The students — Micheal Onwuameze (27), Henry Ngene (22) and Adetayo Adekoya (25) – did not have their addresses stated.
They
are reportedly facing a two-count charge of conspiracy and
stealing. The prosecutor, Insp. Roman Unuigbe , told the court that the
offences were committed on Jan. 25 at about 8:40 p.m. at the Sport
Centre Pavilion, University of Lagos, Akoka, Yaba, Lagos.
He alleged that the accused entered into the Pavilion and attacked the students using axes to rob them of their valuables.
“They forcefully collected N10, 500 cash and cell phones valued at N506, 000.
"The accused were apprehended at the second gate of the campus and the items and cash were recovered from them,’’ Unuigbe said.
The prosecutor said the offences contravened Sections 285, 295 and 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.
The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the two-charge preferred against them.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Section 285 provides for a term of three -year imprisonment for convicted offenders.
OAU Students ask EFCC to probe VC
Students of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ife have reportedly appealed to Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, to arrest and prosecute their Vice Chancellor, Prof. Bamitale Omole.
They allegedly accused the VC of mismanaging the university’s resources.
This is following the protest staged by the Alliance of Nigerian Students Against Neo-Liberal Attacks
where they asked the university authority to reinstate the students
union leaders suspended for seeking better welfare for the students.
The protesting students led by the Coordinator of the ANSA, Wole Olubanji
stated that many petitions had been written against the vice
chancellor, saying they had enough evidence to back their allegations
against him.
According to Olubanji, “We are
calling on President Muhammadu Buhari, the National Assembly, EFCC, ICPC
and the Code of Conduct Bureau to probe Prof. Bamitale Omole’s
administration.
“Prof. Omole
administration has earned over N30bn from subventions, more than N1.5bn
from school fees, billions of naira from ore-degree program besides
funds received from special agencies such as World Bank, TETFUND etc and
money from internal sources including donations from corporate bodies.”
The
students further claimed that despite the funds that were received,
their hostels were in very poor condition; their lecture rooms
overcrowded with epileptic power supply becoming the order of the day.
Sunday, 17 January 2016
Pres. Buhari arrives UAE for World Future Energy Summit
He is in the United Arab Emirates on a three-day official visit to join Secretary General of the United Nations, Ban Ki Moon, Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan of Abu Dhabi and other participants as a special guest of honour at this year’s edition of the World Future Energy Summit.
Wednesday, 6 January 2016
Winifred Oyo-Ita sworn in as Head of Civil Service
Mrs Winifred Oyo-Ita took over as the Head of Service in October 2015 when the immediate Head of Service, Danladi Kifasi proceeded on terminal leave.
She attended the Queen’s College Yaba, Lagos and graduated with a B.Sc: University of Lagos and M.Sc Nasarawa State University.
Tuesday, 3 November 2015
Medical Courses Now 7 Years In Nigerian Universities – NUC
This comes with the extension of the duration of medical programme to seven years.
According to the Executive Secretary of NUC, Prof. Julius Okojie, who presented the reviewed curriculum to the stakeholders at a three-day capacity development programme for staff of medical schools in Nigerian universities, the new benchmark minimum academic standard was competency-based and would substantially address most of the challenges faced the institutions in the training of doctors in the country.
Okojie noted that those that people trust their lives must be adequately trained and competent to discharge their responsibilities efficiently.
He said, "The curriculum review was necessitated by the fact that the frontier of knowledge in all academic disciplines had been advancing with new information generated as a result of research.
Other compelling reasons included the need to update the standard and relevance of university education in the country as well as to integrate entrepreneurial studies as essential new platforms that would guarantee all graduates from Nigerian universities the knowledge of appropriate skills, competences and dispositions that would make them globally competitive and capable of contributing meaningfully to Nigeria’s socio-economic development."
Tuesday, 27 October 2015
World Bank Says Abacha Loot is “Too Huge” to Handle
In response to the inquiry, World Bank representatives said, “In response to your request, we would like to inform you that we are still considering your request and we will need additional time because the money involved is too huge for us to handle,” Channels reports.
The
report further states that it typically takes 20 working days to
respond to such requests, however; under special cases it could take
much longer time.
World Bank has asked for more time to be able to supply comprehensive information on how the recovered Abacha loot was spent.
PHOTOS – Pres. Buhari Arrives in India
President Buhari has arrived in India for the India-Africa Forum, the official platform for the advancement of mutually beneficial relations between India and African nations.
He has had some preliminary discussions with some officials in the country.
We will bring you further updates about his trip as they are revealed.
Photo Credit: Femi Adesina/Facebook
Thursday, 22 October 2015
BANDELE IS NEW EKITI VARSITY VC
Governor Ayo Fayose of Ekiti State has approved the appointment of Prof. Samuel Oye Bandele as the new Vice-Chancellor of Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti.
This is contained in a statement signed by Mr Idowu Adelusi, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, in Ado-Ekiti on Thursday and released to newsmen.
The statement said that the governor acted on the recommendations of the Governing Council of the university.
According to the statement, Prof. Bandele emerged first out of the three candidates who were interviewed for the job.
It said that the appointment of the new VC takes effect from December 2, 2015 as the tenure of the outgoing Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Oladipo Aina, expires on December 1, 2015.
Fayose, while congratulating the new vice-chancellor for coming first in the interview and for being appointed for the job, urged him to improve on the good work of his predecessor in office and take the university to a lofty height.
The governor also thanked Prof. Aina, who he said had contributed immensely toward the growth of the university physically, socially and economically.
The statement prayed God to be with the outgoing VC in his new endeavour after leaving office.
Four UNILAG students bag national honour for exemplary service year
Receiving the ex-students, the VC, Prof. Bello told those present, that the award is a testament that something good can come from the institution as out of over 60 recipients of the national awards, four came from the university.
In his words."This is coming at a time when everybody believes that nothing good can come out of the university system and particularly the University of Lagos that has received negative information in recent times as out of over 60 recipients nationwide, four emerged from this institution."
While presenting the students to the VC and senior staff of institution, the DSA expressed praised for the students in distinguishing themselves from the crown and bringing honours to the school. He also gave brief summary of what the ex-students did to receive the president honour awards.
According to him, Kehinde, a Batch B 2012 corps member was deploy to Kwara State and posted to a rural community in UBE Junior Secondary School He did extra mural lessons for the students and built a corpers lodge in the school to solve the problem of accommodation and enhance the security of corps members.
For Opeyemi, the Prof. said, her desire to make an impact started at the camp where she was a member of the Camp Quarter Guards. And after, the orientation exercise, she was posted to Gifted Prime Secondary School, Gurara, LGA in Niger State where she was deployed. There, she did the following: Renovating and painting of the Local Government Corpers Lodge, Donation of well equipped first Aid Boxes to public schools in the areas.
Donation of 20Dual Desks and Chairs to Day Secondary School in Gawa Babangida; De-worming of more than two thousand pupils of Primary School in the area; Free distribution of exercise books to students; Donation of waste bins to churches and mosques in the area;Distribution of sanitary pad to students in the area.
The DSA also noted that Chukwunwike, a Batch A 2012 corps member, who was absent during the presentation, was deployed to Ebony State and posted to Community Secondary School,Omehe Echara Ikwo LGA .
In his words, "Chukwunwike described as a spirited public servant by his state coordinator, organised extra- mural lessons for students preparing for GCE and SSCE examinations and in addition did the following : Renovation of Science Laboratory at the community; Renovation of a physics Lab; Printing and donating of 500 copies of MDG notebooks with its goals to three (3 ) schools;Organised ICT, Fire Safety and HIV/AIDS awareness trainings for students; Donated National flags, First Aid Boxes, marker board and installed wall and scientific charts among several projects within the community; and initiated the building of the first corpers lodge in the community.
For Dr. Ajoke who also was absent during the presentation , Prof Babalakin said, she was a 2011 Batch A corps member who was posted to Gombe State and posted to NYSC Health Clinic in Malala as a Medical Officer did the following; Training of Seventy (70) antenatal clients on exclusive breast feeding and home management of diarrhoea in Malaria, Mass de-worming of 650 pupils , Practical training on preparation of fortified pap( used to curb malnutrition) to 159 women from Malala, Lafia and Burari communities; and Donation of fully stocked 14 first- aid boxes to schools in Dukku wards.
The VC who congratulated the recipients of the awards , pledged that the institution will assist them in attaining more heights for making it proud. He however, advised the students to keep the niche they have created for themselves and to see the school as a stepping stone to greatness.
- Vanguard
Wednesday, 21 October 2015
FUOtuoke Looking For A New Vice Chancellor
Internal and External Advertisement for the Position of Vice-Chancellor
The position of Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Otuoke in Bayelsa State will be vacant with effect from 17th February, 2016. In this regard, and in accordance with the Provisions of the Universities and the approval of the Council, the University wishes to commence the processes for the appointment of a Vice-Chancellor.To this end, applications are hereby invited from interested and suitably qualified candidates for the post of Vice-Chancellor of the University.
1. ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY:
The Federal University Otuoke is one of the nine universities established by the Federal Government on February 11, 2011, with a mandate to increase access to University education in all the States of the Country, promote quality tertiary education and have a focus on regional issues in education and research. It is located in Otuoke, Ogbia Local Government Area in Bayelsa State. It commenced academic activities in October 2012, offering courses in the Arts, Social Sciences, Life and Physical sciences and Management Sciences. Its Faculty of Engineering and Technology is to come on stream soon. It will graduate its pioneer students in July 2016. It has a student population of about 2000 under-graduate students and a staff strength of 1700.
The Institution is fast-growing and aspires to be a world-class University through curriculum innovation, good teaching, research, infrastructural development and attracting and retaining experienced academic and administrative personnel.
2. RESPONSIBILITIES AND REQUIREMENTS FOR THE POSITION OF THE VICE-CHANCELLOR:
The Vice-Chancellor is the Chief Executive and Academic Head of the University; and is also the Chairman of Senate, Congregation and member of the Governing Council. The Vice-Chancellor shall exercise general supervision over the activities of the University and have general responsibility to Council for the maintenance of law, order and peace in the University by ensuring that the Law, Statutes and Regulations of the University are enforced and observed.
The Vice-Chancellor shall among other duties:
a. give academic leadership by promoting academic excellence;
b. be competent at all times to advise the Council on all matters affecting the policy, finances and administration of the University;
c. regulate the admission of students, subject to the guidelines and procedure approved by the Senate and other statutory bodies;
d. be responsible for staff and student discipline and welfare in the University.
Applicants for the position of Vice-Chancellor, Federal University Otuoke, must be distinguished scholars with outstanding academic and administrative records and must be proven manager of human and material resources. Specifically, the candidate:
- must be a full professor of normally, not less than ten (10) years standing with ability to provide dynamic academic and administrative leadership for the University and should have held sufficient academic and administrative positions to prepare the candidate for the position of Vice-Chancellor;
- be able to uplift the academic stature of the University;
- should have a good understanding of the vision and mission of the University;
- should be able to attract research grants and complementary funds from local and international agencies, for the development of the University;
- should posses personal integrity in the management of funds and be able to deploy financial resources as appropriate in the context of Strategic Plan of the University;
- must demonstrate inter-personal and team building skills and possess the ability to build bridges between staff, students, and other members of the university community and stake-holders;
- should have a demonstrable ability to establish and maintain partnerships with local, national, international, governmental and non-governmental agencies and organizations;
- should be an individual who, judging from his/her track records, is likely to earn the respect as well as the loyalty of members of staff, students and the University Community;
- should be able to demonstrate ability to attract, motivate, and retain highly skilled and talented staff in all categories of staff (teaching and non-teaching);
- should be able to exhibit entrepreneurial drive and ability to attract extra-statutory funds and mobilize other resources for the development of the University;
- should have excellent written and spoken communication skills;
- should be in a position to ensure the enforcement of the University Law and Regulations;
- should be information and Communication Technology (ICT) proficient and be committed to the development of ICT into the University programmes and services;
- must be of excellent physical and mental health and of unassailable integrity;
- must not be more than 65 years of age by February, 2016, when the position is scheduled to be occupied.
The Vice-Chancellor shall hold the office for a single term of five (5) years.
4. REMUNERATION:
The remuneration and condition of service for the post of Vice-Chancellor are as applicable in all Federal Universities and as determined by the Federal Government of the Country.
5. SUBMISSION OF APPLICATIONS:
Interested candidates are required to submit thirty copies (30) of their application letters and curriculum vitae in an envelope addressed to the Registrar, Federal University Otuoke not later than six weeks from the day of the advertisement and the post applied for must be clearly written at the top right hand corner of the envelope.
A one-page of candidate’s vision statement for the University during his/her tenure if appointed should be attached to the application. The applications must include academic and professional qualifications, Birth Certificate or Statutory Declaration of Age, list of publications, verifiable evidence of work experience and curriculum vitae that includes the following among other information;
- Full Name (Surname, First Name, Middle Name)
- Post Applied for
- Place and State of Birth
- Nationality
- State of Origin
- Permanent Home Address
- Correspondence Address (if different from permanent home address)
- Mobile Phone Number
- E-mail Address
- Marital Status
- Number and Ages of Children (if any)
- Educational Institutions Attended with Dates
- Academic Qualifications Obtained with Dates
- Professional Qualification Obtained with Dates
- Work Experience Including Full Details of Former and Present Posts
- Community Service(s) Rendered (including dates and locations)
- Full Details of Teaching and Research Experience
- List of Publications and Dates where Applicable
- Honors/Awards
- Extra-Curricular Activities
- Names and Addresses of Three Referees One of whom must be from the last or Current Place of Employment.
Candidates should request their referees to send under confidential cover their independent reports to the Registrar with full details of the applicant and the post applied for, not later than the closing date of this advertisement. The reference letters should be marked CONFIDENTIAL on the right hand corner of the envelope.
7. ELIGIBILITY FOR INTERVIEW:
Only candidates whose applications are short-listed will be invited for interview.
Signed: The Registrar & Secretary to Council,
Federal University Otuoke,
P.M.B. 126
Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
Date: October 06,2015
Tuesday, 15 September 2015
President Buhari & President Francois Hollande meet at Élysée Palace | Promise to Fight Boko Haram
According to sources, topics covered during the closed door meeting included plans for France to assist in the fight against Boko Haram mainly via the provision of intelligence operations.
In addition, economic relations and investments by French companies in Nigeria were discussed.
Photo Credit: Bayo Omoboriowo for the Presidency
France Promises to Invest €130million to Develop Infrastructure in Nigeria
French President François Hollande has pledged that his administration will assist the Multinational Joint Task Force (MJTF) with intelligence gathering and equipment to check the activities of insurgents in Nigeria and beyond.
Hollande announced this on Monday at the Elsee Palace in Paris after a closed door bilateral meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari, who is on a three-day official visit to France.
The
French President, who was addressing a joint news conference, said that
his government was concerned about the increasing spate of insecurity
in Nigeria and the entire West Africa sub-region.
According
to him, his administration is ready to render support and assistance to
Nigeria to enable the country to tackle insurgency and all forms of
extremism in the country.
He said
himself and President Buhari discussed new strategies of partnership
that would enable Nigeria and its neighboring countries of Cameroun,
Chad, Niger and Benin Republic, through the joint action of the MJTF, to
fight the insurgency and restore peace.
President
Hollande explained that as an intervention approach to assist in the
fight against terrorism, France last year, hosted a Regional Summit on
Security in Paris, which brought together the neighboring countries to
chart the way forward.
“We provide
all of the support to the countries in the region which are affected by
this cult and in Nigeria, we want to provide support and solidarity,’’
he added.
He thanked President Buhari
for his recent actions such as the movement of the military command
centre to Maiduguri, which he said, had helped tremendously in weakening
the insurgents.
According to
Hollande, France has concluded arrangements to invest a total of
€130million in the development of infrastructure in Nigeria for
rebuilding of roads, provision of electricity and water supply.
He
noted that in spite of the fall in the price of crude oil in the
international market, which had affected Nigerian expected revenue, the
country’s economy still remained strong.
“The Nigerian economy remains strong so, France wants to be doing business in the country,’’ he said.
Hollande said that France intended to increase the visibility of its investors more in Nigeria.
In his remarks, President Buhari thanked the French president for his administration’s interest to assist Nigeria.
He expressed the readiness of his administration to partner with France for the overall development of both countries.
President
Buhari noted that with commitment from France, Nigeria’s next shopping
list regarding support would move to other members of the G7.
‘’We have to depend on France and the other G7 countries for support to fight piracy,’’ he said.
“Our
next shopping list is going to G7 in terms of intelligence and
training. Another problem is the problem in the Gulf of Guinea, from
Senegal to Angola; that area is endowed with resources like petroleum
and other minerals but surrounded by piracy and theft. We are going to
depend on France and G7 countries to flush these criminals out of the
region.’’
On Nigeria’s problems,
President Buhari lamented that more than 67 percent of youths, most of
them under their youthful age, were unemployed.
“We
are finding best way in agriculture and mining to address this
challenge before sophisticated infrastructure and security are provided.
We want to make sure we feed ourselves and provide security before
other things are also tackled.”
Photo Credit: Bayo Omoboriowo
Aisha Buhari Calls for Enforcement of Law on Rape to Protect Women & Children
The Wife of the President, Aisha Buhari, has urged government at all levels to enforce the law on rape, to protect women and children in the country.
Aisha stated this when she received some staff of the Ministry of Womens Affairs, UNICEF and National Population Commission, led by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Ezekiel Oyemomi.
The staff came to brief her on the plan to launch an action to end violence against children, slated for Sept. 15.
“We are aware of the national law on rape passed this year on May 25 (Prohibition Act 2015) which states imprisonment ranging from 12 to 20 years. I advocate for the enforcement of this law at all levels. Unfortunately, children are the most vulnerable, being exploited at different stages of their lives,’’ she stressed.
Aisha
said it had become necessary for government and international
organisations to pursue policies and laws to protect women and children
against the act.
“A number of cases on violence against women and children are being reported on daily basis with the most alarming one of those happening in higher institutions of learning. These include sexual harassment and assaults of female students by lecturers as a result of lack of laws and appropriate actions against the perpetrators,’’ Aisha said.
She
said the issue of the violence against children was dear to her heart
and would do every possible to salvage the disadvantage situation of
children and other vulnerable groups in the society.
“It is my hope that with this renewed commitment by agencies, necessary steps will be taken to end violence against women and children particularly where this is rampant.’’
Monday, 14 September 2015
Pres. Buhari to Embark on 3-Day Official Visit to France
President Muhammadu Buhari is set to leave Abuja for Paris, France today on a three-day official visit.
French President, Francois Hollande, invited Buhari, Vanguard reports.
The report further states:
Buhari will be accompanied on the visit by the National Security Adviser, Major-Gen. Babagana Monguno (retd.); Permanent Secretaries in the Ministries of Defence, Finance, Agriculture, Foreign Affairs, Industry, Trade and Investment as well as the Chief Executives of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission and the Nigerian Export Promotion Council.Upon his arrival in Paris, President Buhari will hold talks with President Hollande and other senior French Government officials on bilateral cooperation between Nigeria and France in the areas of defence, security, trade and investments.
Sunday, 13 September 2015
See President Buhari at the NDA Passing Out & Convocation in Kaduna Yesterday
President Mohammadu Buhari who served in the Nigerian Army and ended his military career as a General, was at the Passing Out and Convocation of Cadets 62 Regular course and short service course 43 of the Nigerian Defence Academy in Kaduna yesterday.
President Muhammadu Buhari Saturday in Kaduna reaffirmed his administration’s total commitment to the rule of law and warned that proven acts of human rights violation by the Armed Forces will be punished under his leadership. Addressing officers, troops and newly commissioned cadets at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), President Buhari reminded them that the rule of law applied to the Armed Forces as much as any other institution in the country.
I wish to remind you of the Federal Government’s commitment to overhaul the rules of engagement and improve operational and legal mechanisms so that disciplinary steps are taken against proven human rights violations by the armed forces. We are committed to a thorough investigation of recent and any future occurrences of human rights violations by elements of our Armed Forces. While I applaud the integrity and sterling record of the Armed Forces as an institution, this administration will insist on the rule of law, and deal with any proven cases of deviation from laws of armed conflict, including human rights abuses. In operational conduct Nigerians expect our Armed Forces to keep law and order, and not to behave like bullies. Let me reiterate this administration’s commitment to due process, merit and total observance of the rule of law as central pillars of a prosperous and democratic society. Rule of law as an element of good governance applies to the Armed Forces as much as any institution in our country. It is therefore gratifying that all three Services have recently taken steps to emphasize strict adherence to rules in recruitment, promotions, procurement, project executions and civil-military relations,” the President said at the passing out of Officer Cadets of the NDA’s 62 Regular Course and Short Service Course 43.
Observing that security remains the most important challenge in his Administration’s “Change” Programme, President Buhari said that the nation expects exemplary conduct and professionalism from officers and men of its Armed Forces at all times and in all situations.
The objectives our fight against terrorism cannot be realized without a credible and effective military. You must avoid any behavior that will tarnish your honour and dignity as commissioned officers. Your commitment and loyalty to the Armed Forces and the nation must be total. I urge you to take your roles in the on-going process of rebuilding our Armed Forces very seriously,” President Buhari told the newly-commissioned officers.
Declaring that the Federal Government was pleased with the Armed Forces’ resolve to end the insurgency facing the country once and for all, President Buhari assured them of his Administration’s determination to ensure the speedy provision of platforms and equipment they require to win the war against terrorism and meet their long term needs.
Garba Shehu
SSA to the President
(Media & Publicity)
Photo Credit: Bayo Omoboriowo
MOUAU VC Hails TETFund Impact
Conducting journalists round some TETFund projects in the institution, Edeoga said that the Fund had cushioned the effects of dwindling capital allocation to the institution.
He said that TETFund had committed billions of naira into projects in the institution in the past four years, adding that the Centre for Gender, which is one of the projects, had been completed.
“Throughout last year, our capital allocation was over N300 million, but we did not get up to N100 million.
“In fact, we got N68 million; but if you go outside, you will see completed buildings constructed through TETFund.
“I do not know what would have happened to public universities in Nigeria without TETFund.
“We have not received any money as capital allocation since the beginning of this year; that is why we must commend the Federal Government for establishing TETFund,” the VC said.
According to him, the massive infrastructural and academic development of the institution is because of transparent deployment of TETFund allocations and Internally Generated Revenue.
He said that over 100 academic staff of the institution had benefitted from TETFund sponsored training and scholarships in the past three years.
The TETFund projects in MOUAU include, classroom blocks, laboratory equipment, furniture, ICT department, lecture theatres, post graduate building, auditorium, piggery building, among others. (NAN)
UNICAL Gets New Vice Chancellor
Until his appointment, Prof. Akpagu was the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration) in the university.
In a statement signed by Mr Effiong Eyoh, the institution’s spokesman, Akpagu is the second Vice Chancellor to emerge from the Faculty of Arts, after the short-lived tenure of Prof. Solomon Unoh in 1995.
He will take over from Prof. James Epoke, whose tenure ends on November 30,’’ it stated.
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