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Tag: staff

  • Presidency administers oath of secrecy on staff, bars them from divulging classified information

    Presidency administers oath of secrecy on staff, bars them from divulging classified information

    The Permanent Secretary, State House, Mr Tijjani Umar, has cautioned members of staff against divulging classified and unauthorised information.

    Umar handed down this warning on Tuesday in Abuja during the Administration of Oath of Secrecy to some members of staff of the State House.

    No fewer than 42 members of staff took the oath which was administered by Justice Hamza Muazu of the FCT High Court.

    The permanent secretary warned that such unauthorised disclosure was a breach of the law and would attract consequences.

    “I want to begin my remarks by saying that this exercise for me is the beginning of doing what is right in our respective offices.

    “Breach of classified information and documents is inimical to the delivery of service.

    “Therefore, we found it necessary to assist this segment of staff who are directly dealing with classified information.

    “This is a very peculiar environment and, therefore, it is important to us to remind them about their duties, their oaths, their responsibilities in all those things they are handling and then the consequences of mishandling such kind of responsibilities.’’

    According to Umar, those taking the oath are staff of the C-in-C Secretariat; that is, Secretariat of the President; staff from the Registry of the Vice President, staff from the Registry of Chief of Staff to the President and the staff of the Registry of the Permanent Secretary.

    He said that others were staff of the Secret Registry of the State House and the Open Registry.

    “Cumulatively, these members of staff are the ones that from day to day handle some of the most sensitive information going back and forth in our offices and in our environment.

    “It is very important to us to discharge our responsibility and our obligations and to let them understand that we are going to apply the rules.

    “Government as an institution is held together by laws, by rules and by regulations and those laws, rules and regulations are there to be respected, to be enforced and any breach of that will always carry a consequence.”

    He said that earlier lecture was to properly sensitise the members of staff to official secrets laws and regulations and how to avoid deliberate breach of classified information.

    Umar said that the exercise would be continuous and expressed delight that so far the State House had not recorded any breach of information.

    “We have not had any breach; we don’t anticipate having any breach.

    “But then it is our duty to let them understand that if there is any, there will be consequences after investigations and that also includes after they have retired from the civil service,’’ he said.

    Earlier in his remark, Tukur Yahaya, Director, Special Duties, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, said that the essence of the event was to ensure the safety and security of government information, documents and facilities.

    He said that secrecy was binding on every government official.

    The oath taking featured a lecture on the Official Secret Act which expects patriotism, passion, truthfulness, integrity, loyalty, reliability dedication to duty among others from government officials.

    State House Counsel Geraldine Longsten also attended the exercise which was held at the State House Auditorium.

  • No student, staff died of COVID-19 complications in UI – Managemnt

    No student, staff died of COVID-19 complications in UI – Managemnt

    The management of the University of Ibadan, Oyo State, says no member of staff or student of the institution died of COVID-19 complications as being purportedly reported in some quarters.

    Mr Olatunji Oladejo, the university’s Director of Public Communications, made the clarification in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Ibadan.

    Oladejo said the Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Adebola Ekanola, had only said at a zoom session, that the university could have recorded up to 10 deaths, arising from the third wave variant, if necessary precautions were not taken.

    “The acting vice-chancellor said if we had not been proactive enough on the compliance with the COVID-19 protocols, we could have recorded up to 10 deaths arising from the third wave variant,” Oladejo said.

    According to him, the university management had earlier stated in the university’s periodic Bulletin of July 19 that there was need to adequately observe all the necessary COVID-19 protocols in the campus.

    He said: “The management also urged members of the University of Ibadan community to keep to safety protocols.

    “Where were the families and names of those who are dead, either members of staff or students arising from COVID-19 difficulties, complications, confusions, and barriers, even if the acting VC actually said it ?”

    Oladejo said that in the university’s bulletin the management emphasised that observing the COVID-19 safety protocols were imperative now more than ever.

    “The fact that University of Ibadan Health Services has not recorded any confirmed case of COVID-19 or an increase in flu-related/flu-like symptoms (for this season/time of the year) in the last three months, suggests that if we are proactive in observing all health safety protocols, we can effectively prevent and spare UI community from the third wave/new variant of the COVID-19 pandemic.

    “Hence, it is important that we fully implement all recommended precautions at all levels.

    “Because, it has been observed that though, level of knowledge of necessary precautions is high, level of implementation/compliance is low.

    “All hands must be on deck, especially in the Halls of Residence, in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. Each person must take direct responsibility of his/her health safety,” Oladejo said.

    Also, the Coordinator, UI COVID-19 Emergency Response Committee, Prof. Victoria Adetunji, told NAN that the acting vice-chancellor never said we lost 10 people to COVID-19.

    “We use this medium to debunk the story that UI lost 10 persons to COVID-19 complications and the reporter who first reported it has pulled it down,” Adetunji said.

  • Kidnapped Kaduna polytechnic staff, students freed

    Kidnapped Kaduna polytechnic staff, students freed

    The six students and two staff members of Nuhu Bamali Polytechnic in Zaria Kaduna State, who were kidnapped by bandits have been released.

    They were released on Thursday night at an undisclosed location in Kaduna.

    The Public Relations Officer of the Polytechnic, Abdullahi Shehu, who confirmed the development to said the kidnapped students and staff members regained their freedom after their parents and relatives negotiated with the bandits.

    He, however, did not say specifically if any ransom was paid or not.

    The school authorities will receive the students later in the day at a location where they were kept after their release, he added.

    TheNewsGuru.com, TNG reports that bandits had attacked the polytechnic on June 11, 2021, kidnapping the victims from their hostels and staff quarters.

    They also killed one student during the operation.

  • Why we organised shooting training for our staff in Borno, French NGO suspended by Gov Zulum breaks silence

    Why we organised shooting training for our staff in Borno, French NGO suspended by Gov Zulum breaks silence

    The French international Non-Governmental Organization (iNGO), ACTED has said that it organized a shooting training for its staff in Borno state in order to get them prepared for safety emergencies they may encounter in the course of executing their duties.

    In a statement on Sunday, the organization said the shooting practice put together for its staff became imperative because over the past year while providing critical humanitarian assistance to the people in the Northeast and other parts of Nigeria, staff of ACTED and its partners have found themselves in very dangerous situations where their safety and security were severely compromised.

    “In May 2020, an ACTED contractor was abducted between MaiduguriMonguno road, and tragically killed while in service; in March 2021, ACTED staff faced imminent danger during an attack while providing humanitarian assistance in Dikwa; in April, the ACTED office and warehouse in Damasak were attacked by armed groups, and large stocks of humanitarian supplies meant for the people in need were destroyed,” the organization disclosed in its attempt to create context.

    Speaking further about the shooting practice, the iNGO said “ACTED must exercise its duty of care for staff, and make every effort to ensure the safety and security of its staff.

    “This includes regularly organizing training and simulation exercises, such as the one held on June 26, in order for them to be prepared to cope with unexpected security incidents”.

    ACTED said it complies with relevant laws in Borno and in Nigerian in carrying out its humanitarian works in the northeast, adding that these simulation exercises are standard procedures for many NGOs globally.

    The organization further held that and in no way, neither during those exercises nor during the delivery of assistance, does ACTED carry weapons, in line with international standards and its dedication to upholding principled humanitarian action.

    This response from ACTED is in reaction to the decision of Babagana Zulum, Borno Governor, to suspend its operations in the state after it was found to be organizing a shooting training in the capital, Maiduguri.

    Following the incident, an investigation was launched while the hotel where the training held was sealed.

    In further pleading their case, ACTED stated that it remains committed to cooperating with the Nigerian authorities as well as ensuring “the highest levels of transparency towards the authorities and the people we serve.”

    The iNGO also presented its compliments to the Governor of Borno, His Excellency Prof. Babagana Zulum, noting that his leadership and guidance to the humanitarian community and particularly to ACTED, in providing support for the successful implementation of humanitarian activities in the Northeast over the past years, are highly appreciated.

    The group said it relies on the support of the Nigerian Government and all its departments at both Federal and State levels, to facilitate the humanitarian assistance they are providing to the Nigerian people in line with humanitarian principles and government priorities.

  • Court remands man over alleged assault on EKEDC staff

    Court remands man over alleged assault on EKEDC staff

    A Badagry Magistrates’ Court on Friday ordered that Kazeem Ismaila, 29, be remanded in a correctional facility for allegedly pushing a staff of Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC).

    Ismaila who pleaded not guilty is facing a three-count charge of assault, breach of public peace and obstruction.

    The Prosecutor, ASP Clement Okouimose, told the court that the defendant committed the offences on June 22, at about 3:00p.m. at No 42, Alhaji Jafani Street, Etegbin, Ajangbadi, area of Lagos.

    Okouimose said the defendant pushed off, one Oketekun Olugbenga, EKEDC staff, from a ladder while performing his lawful duty .

    The prosecutor said the defendant conducted himself in a manner likely to cause breach of public peace by pushing off the ladder of which Oketekun used to climb the electric pole while performing his duty.

    He said the defendant also obstructed the EKEDC staff from performing his lawful duty.

    Okouimose said the offences contravened Sections 230, 168 and 112 of Criminal Law of Lagos

  • Insecurity: INEC expresses worry over staff safety ahead CVR exercise

    Insecurity: INEC expresses worry over staff safety ahead CVR exercise

    Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mahmood Yakubu has raised concern about the safety of staff and equipment of the commission ahead of the commencement of the Continuous Voters Registration (CVR) exercise, next week.

    Yakubu disclosed this during a briefing on Thursday in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

    He said the commission will now embark on the registration in phases, with the online portal opening on June 28th, followed by scheduled appointments with those who have concluded their online process before the physical capturing of prospective voters.

    INEC plans to deploy 5,346 staff and equipment to various centers across the country for the exercise.

  • Come forward with proof that any of my current staff earns thirty,ninety thousand- Mary Remmy Njoku dares Nigerians

    Come forward with proof that any of my current staff earns thirty,ninety thousand- Mary Remmy Njoku dares Nigerians

    Mary Remmy Njoku has dared Nigerians to come forward with proof that her company, IROKO TV, underpays their staff.

    Njoku’s reaction was triggered as a result of her husband’s recent statement on how much he pays as school fees for his 3-year-old daughter.

    He said: “Most Nigerians don’t realize but most things in Nigeria are actually super cheap by African (forget global standards),” he wrote.

    “For tier 1 education in Africa (forget about globally) this for boarding school is cheap. I pay more for my 3-year old Montessori school.”

    Nigerians slammed him for making such a statement, adding that he pays his graduate staff 30 to 40,000.

    His wife, Mary Remmy Njoku also defended him by saying that people who offer 10,000 services should not expect to be paid more than 10,000 just because they are graduates.

    Mary Remmy Njoku however stunned many when she said anyone who has a proof that she undervalues her staff will be gifted one million naira.

    According to her: “I want to apologize for speaking about meritocracy.
    For speaking up for smart people who work hard but underpaid cos they couldn’t afford to further their education.
    I apologize.
    I run ROK. And we value our employees irrespective of their educational qualification.
    So come forward with proof if you know any current ROK staff who earns 30k 70k or even 90k. Graduate or illiterate. And get 1m naira.
    Come forward PUBLICLY Pls”.

     

  • NOVA Merchant Bank Promotes Staff, Flags-Off Executive Trainee Scheme

    NOVA Merchant Bank Promotes Staff, Flags-Off Executive Trainee Scheme

    NOVA Merchant Bank, a leading merchant bank in Nigeria, began 2021 on a high note as it announced several promotions for its employees who excelled in the performance of their responsibilities.
    The Bank announced on Monday that the promotions are in line with its goal of building a high performance culture, adding that they cut across most grade levels including General Manager subject to approval by the Central Bank of Nigeria.
    Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Bank, Mr Nath Ude, explained that the Bank set out to reward its deserving staff who had in the last few years put in a lot of effort to ensure it achieved its goals of providing premium services to its growing clientele at every opportunity.
    “These promotions, given the current operating context, represent a strong commitment by the Bank to put the right incentives in place to drive performance across the organisation,” he stated.
    On his part, the Chairman of the Board, Mr. Phillips Oduoza, pointed out that the management of the Bank was involved in continuous training and retraining to ensure its highly qualified staff are equipped with the needed tools to surpass customer expectations.
    “The Board remains committed to ensure the Bank has a deep talent pool aligned to the achievement of its strategic objectives. We will continue to support the management team to ensure this is realised,” Oduoza explained.
    As a fast-growing new business with the resultant need for expansion in all frontiers, the Bank has painstakingly ensured that key positions are occupied by well-grounded professionals through a combination of internal promotion and careful recruitment of good talents.
    It is interesting to note that only recently, the Bank launched the NOVA Executive Trainee Scheme (NETS) programme where “best in class” fresh hires are trained for six to nine months in a state-of-the-art training school in an effort to develop its pipeline of leaders. The annual programme, which commenced with the first stream on the 4th of January 2021, is expected to turn the trainees into well-rounded bankers by its conclusion. This substantial deployment of resources further highlights the Bank’s dedication towards training and developing talent.
    NOVA Merchant Bank Limited is a licensed, investment grade rated merchant bank in Nigeria. It offers an integrated suite of financial solutions covering Wholesale Banking, Investment Banking, Asset Management, Securities Trading, Wealth Management, Trade Services, Deposit Taking, Lending Activities, Transaction Banking, Cash Management and Digital Banking.
  • NCC mourns loss of staff, family in road accident

    NCC mourns loss of staff, family in road accident

    The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has expressed shock and deepest grief over the loss of its staff, Mr. Nuhu Hamman’Gabdo in a road accident.

    Hamman ’Gabdo died alongside his wife, four children, his niece and driver in an accident that occured on Saturday, January 9, 2021 along Nasarawa-Abuja Expressway while the deceased and his family were returning from his country home, Serti in Gashaka Local Government Area of Taraba State.

    Until his death, Hamman ’Gabdo was a Principal Manager in the Human Capital and Administration Department of the Commission.

    The entire Board, Management and staff of NCC express their deepest grief over the incident and commiserate with the entire family, relatives and friends of the deceased.

    We pray that the Almighty grant the deceased eternal peace in His bosom and that the entire NCC and the deceased family find the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.

  • Staff, student, four others contract COVID-19 in another Lagos boarding school

    Staff, student, four others contract COVID-19 in another Lagos boarding school

    Lagos State Government says it has confirmed more positive COVID-19 cases in another secondary boarding school in the state.

    The state Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, disclosed the new infections in a statement on Friday in Lagos.

    Abayomi said that a staff of the school fell ill, received first aid treatment at the school clinic, but later tested positive for COVID-19 at the Lagos State Biobank on Nov. 2.

    He noted that contact tracing revealed that a student and four contacts of the staff member were positive for COVID-19.

    “Most of the infected persons are predominantly asymptomatic, while some have mild symptoms,” Abayomi said

    The commissioner said that the state COVID-19 Incident Command System through the Emergency Operation Centre (EOC) was investigating the incident

    “We would like to assure members of the public and stakeholders of the school that the situation is completely under control.

    “Steps are being taken to contain the spread within the school and reduce exposure to the outside community.

    “All parents are being contacted first through the PTA and a family zoom call is being arranged to further allay their fears,” he said.

    According to him, COVID-19 presents with very mild symptoms in children and teenagers, compared to other age groups.

    Abayomi, however, warned that there was risk of infected children transmitting the disease to adults who they interact with daily, and who might be at higher risk of severe disease and death.

    “Students who test positive are to be isolated in the school premises and, if unwell, will be admitted in one of the accredited isolation centres in Lagos.

    “Students are discouraged from going home to avoid infecting members of their families,” he said.

    According to him, the Ministry of Health and NCDC are working closely with the Ministry of Education through a joint approach to manage the outbreak in the school.

    He said that members of the state EOC, NCDC and their counterparts in the Ministry of Education had been deployed to the school to provide strategic interventions and support.

    Abayomi said that the support include psychosocial, infection prevention control, medical monitoring and risk communication experts to further enlighten affected people.

    “COVID-19 is still very much with us and we must strive to prioritise the safety of all, including students and teachers, by adhering strictly to prevention protocols and guidelines issued by the government to prevent its spread,” he said.

    He advised residents to observe and practice high standard of personal and environmental hygiene by using face masks in public places, hand washing and maintaining physical distance to help prevent the spread of the infection.

    Abayomi advised residents to call the 08000EKOMED or 08000356633 toll free line, if they notice any sign or symptoms of COVID-19, which include fever, cough, sore throat, fatigue or loss of taste or smell.

    Recall that Lagos State had on Oct.16, disclosed that 181 students and staff of a boarding school in Lekki, tested positive to COVID-19 infection.

    The cases were discovered after a 14-year-old SS1 female student fell ill on Oct. 3, was sent home after receiving first aid at the school clinic, and tested positive to COVID-19 on Oct. 6 in one of the accredited private labs in Lagos.

    COVID-19 surveillance and case investigation in the school detected 181 positive cases among students and staff out of the 441 population in the school.