Dickson, Wike Truce: A strength for BRACED

Commentary@ITRealms:

Last week delivered drama aplenty in the country. There were very interesting and occasionally, distressing news items. We had the appointment of a young woman, a not very familiar name,  Mrs Zainab Ahmad as  Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria  (CBN); the almighty feud between Dr. Ibe Kachiukwu,  Minister of State for Petroleum Resources and Mr. Maikanti Baru, Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and the unfortunate outbreak of monkey pox in Bayelsa State, among others.

Of considerably bigger interest to me, however, was the reported truce between the Governor of Rivers State, Chief Nyesom Wike and his Bayelsa State counterpart, Mr. Henry Seriake Dickson.    It was a huge surprise to many Nigerians, last Thursday, when Wike, in company of the former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Acting National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus, stormed the Government House, Yenagoa. 

After the customary photo ops, Governor Dickson and his guests met behind closed-doors for about three hours. Both governors emerged from the meeting hugging each other right before the inquisitive Government House correspondents, whom they later addressed.

Wike, beaming with smiles as though he had just found a long lost brother, said his meeting with Dickson was very successful and expressed willingness to regularly compare notes with the Bayelsa helmsman.  He also praised Dickson for putting Bayelsa State on the path of rapid development.  "I am not surprised because Dickson prepared for the office and so you can see the result. You know once you prepared for an exam, certainly you will pass very well and that is why Dickson has done very well for his people and for the Ijaw nation. What I have seen today has made PDP proud; it has made the people of Bayelsa, the Ijaw nation ‎and the Niger Delta proud,"‎ gushed the Rivers State Governor.

He particularly commended Dickson for building an iconic Governor’s Office Complex, jokingly saying that he thought his office was grand before visiting Yenagoa and adding his colleague's office will make him return to Port Harcourt and do something about his own office.

Wike expressed his desire to partner with Governor Dickson in the area of political and economic development of the region as well as develop and share common ideas for the overall good of both states‎. He expressed confidence that his relationship with Dickson will consolidate the unity in the South-South zone.

Dickson thanked Wike for the visit and the kind words he showered on him, saying he looks forward to working with him more closely to help propel regional integration.

"We talked about a whole lot, including security and developmental matters within our region‎ and in our respective states. As we progress, you will see all of this unfold and we will do so at the regional level in conjunction with all our brother governors," Dickson said.

The meeting came after a protracted cold war between the two governors. For long, the relationship between both men was frosty-and all fronts. The situation nearly shredded the People's Democratic Party (PDP) and South-South development initiative known as BRACED Commission. The commission was conceived to foster regional integration and economic development among Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa-Ibom, Cross River, Edo and Delta (BRACED).

Their feud climaxed when Wike failed to invite Dickson and Bayelsa State to the recent Golden Jubilee celebration of the creation of Rivers State, an event that should have had both states playing prominent roles, given that Bayelsa was carved out of Rivers State.

Curiously, while the feud persisted, former President Goodluck Jonathan made no effort to intervene despite being viewed as a leader to the rowing governors.

Indeed in some quarters, the belief is that Jonathan and his wife, Patience, were happy at the spat between the two governors and actively encouraged its continuation. While there is no confirmation yet that Jonathan and his wife caused the feud, no one is in doubt that Jonathan’s inability to reconcile the two governors puts a huge question mark on his personality and leadership of the South-South zone. Could Jonathan have been deriving some benefits from the quarrel?  Perhaps.

My take from the truce is that Wike realised the need to mend fences with Dickson, did so with flourish and deserves commendation for placing the interests of the region above personal political interests. The cessation of the feud gives many of us and of course, the PDP and the Niger Delta, the chance to breathe more easily. It is only if the two states are at peace that the Niger Delta region will have peace.  It is when the two Governors are on the same page that Rivers and  Bayelsa states will strengthen the opposition - PDP and use it as a platform to checkmate the ruling- All Progressives Congress (APC). For how long will the new-found peace last? Nobody knows exactly, but I hope it endures for the overall good of the Niger Delta region, and the PDP which is the platform of the two governors.

*Dr Cletus Akwaya contributed this piece from Abuja.

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Sri Lanka: Asian wonders set to lead tourism world

Travelogue @ITRealms: 

When the tourism and hospitality world gathered in Dubai, UAE for the Arabian Travel Market, participants at the high profile event were unanimous that the annual event provides them enabling environment to advance their hospitality businesses.

One of such participants was Sri Lanka. On its 14^th consecutive outing since 2003 at an expo which witnessed a gathering of the best in hospitality and tourism businesses, the Asian country’s team was led by her Assistant Director Tourism Promotion Bureau, Mr. Ajantha Rathnayake, in an encounter with KASIE ABONE, who attended the expo recently, explained why tourists should look to Sri Lanka is the global destination of choice and why the country is tagged Wonders of Asia.

Arabian Travel Market offered the Asian tourism and hospitality world an opportunity to showcase their travel and tourism potentials not only to that region but to the rest of hospitality world. And so the A list event had countries from different parts of the world in attendance showcasing innovations in their various hospitality businesses. 

One of such exhibitors was Sri Lanka. With screaming, ambitious tagline “Wonder of Asia” caught the attention of this reporter who also attended the expo. Why on earth tiny Asian island should make such bold claim, our correspondent wondered. The Assistant Director in the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, an arm of the Ministry of tourism Development and Christian religious Affairs, Mr. Ajantha Rathnayake, was on hand at the exhibition stand to provide answers to our curious minds.

A paradise of culture, wild life and outdoor adventure, Rathnayake explained that Sri Lanka adorned its tag because of its “pristine beaches, lush tropical nature, rich cultural heritage, diverse wild life and unlimited options for sports and outdoor activities.

Giving further insight into the exotic island, he said “Sri Lanka is consisted with millions of natural advantages by having the highest bio diversity in Asia backed by a strong culture, historical artifacts, exotic beaches, green environment and friendly people. As an island, Sri Lanka tourism promotes authenticity, compactness and diversity as its unique selling propositions.”

All these combine to make Sri Lanka an ideal destination for a perfectly balanced holiday of relaxation, leisure and excitement. These features no doubt accounted for the achievements recorded by the country’s tourism industry in 2016 when it recorded the highest tourist arrivals in history. With over two million visits accounting for 22.1 percent  rise compared to 2015 figure of about one million seven hundred visits, the industry has continued to experience a steady growth rate year on year since 2011 with 855, 975 visits. With an estimated growth rate of 26 percent, the beautiful island which is home to both the blue whale, Asian elephant, several national parks and eight UNESCO World Heritage sites Sri Lanka is positioned to hit 2.4 million visits this year.

To achieve this mark, Rathnayake explained that the Sri Lankan government is committed to diversifying tourism offering through efficient connectivity across the island, enhancement of products and elevating service standards. This is in addition to the introduction of a new zonal development to tourism with special emphasis on preservation of cultural, religious and natural resources.  

As other nations in the region are also upping their game as an alternative revenue stream Sri Lanka is not resting on its oars. To this end the Assistant director said his country has devised an eight point agenda to make the country remain highly competitive as a destination of choice.

Some of the unique selling points which the country continues to build on include as a destination strategically located at the cross roads of both East and West routes which serves as the point of entry to South Asia, major international lines like Emirates, Qatar Airway, Oman Air, Sri Lankan, Etihad, etc  operate frequent flights from Sri Lanka to major cities in the Middle East; the island offers a safe destination to tourists across all parts of the country as well as easy access to visa which is available online; while the Eastern part of the country offers an exciting experience in the finest of beaches, surf and whale watching, the North boasts of historical temples, beaches while the central and Southern parts wows with games sanctuaries.

For a business minded Nigerian traveler, the country presents not only exotic experiences but also a preferred destination for global trade. For instance Sri Lanka is known for preferred ethical sourcing capital of the world for apparel with key apparel companies. The country is also noted for ethically manufactured cleanest tea as per ‘Kyoto Protocol’ and a global leader in black tea. 

Additionally, Sri Lanka is known as the world’s blue sapphire capital with Princess Diana’s wedding ring generous Ceylon sapphire. It also reputed to supply 90 percent of the global demand for cinnamon.

With the development of high mobility networks and intense focus on creating a business friendly especially with the tourisms ‘One Stop Shop’(a centralized promotion and facilitation centre created to assist potential tourism investors in investing a minimum of $2 million) environment, there is no doubt that Sri Lanka is ready to take on the hospitality and tourism world.

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Pix: Assistant Director Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, Mr. Ajantha Rathnayake presenting a gift to Kasie Abone at Sri Lanka stand during Arabian Travel Market held in Dubai recently

In Memory of ICT University

Weekend Salvo@ITRealms: 

"The Minister of Communications, Barrister Adebayo Shittu has received in his Office the report of the Committee on ICT University Implementation Committee with thanks, adding that  the report would be studied and that within three weeks, a MEMO would be raised for the approval of the Federal Executive Council (FEC).

He added that as soon as FEC gives approval, the University would take off by September, 2017 and he would recommend to the FEC some of the committee members to be considered as Foundation Staff of the Proposed University, adding that recommendation would also be sent to the FEC to appreciate members of the Committee by issuing letters of recognition for their contribution." - Federal Ministry of information and Culture reporting on its website, July 19, 2017.

Imagine, the mindset of people planning a University and the kind of statements sneaking out of their mouths! The report excerpted above was published by a government agency, not social media. 

Tell me which private sector mind would invest in a project that is so conceived! 

It is understood that the MEMO was recently put where it belonged by the Federal Executive Council last Wednesday. Good riddance, if you ask me. 

*Courtesy of Titi Omo-Ettu Observatory @www.titiomoettu.com 

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For stealing laptop @gunpoint, Judge says Izuma must die

ITRealms:

A male hairdresser, Izuma Ajaere, 25, has been found guilty of stealing laptop with a Judge ruling he must die, reports ITRealms.

Justice Kudirat Jose of Ikeja High Court in Lagos, ruled Wednesday that for stealing a laptop and a mobile phone at gunpoint, Ajaere has been convicted.

ITRealms reports that Ajaere was found guilty as charged and ordered that to be hanging.

The Judge in her judgment noted that the evidence of Mr Uchenna Ukah, the victim was overwhelmingly convincing to nail Ajaere.

Ukah in his testimony was ‘clear and emphatic’ about the series of events of the armed robbery, and from his conduct, while giving evidence, the court found the complainant to be ‘cogent and believable.’

The prosecution led by Mrs A.B Awosika had told the court that the Ajaere committed the offences at 9.30pm on June 22, 2012, at No. 12, Vincent Eze, St., Ajao Estate, Lagos.

Awosika also said that the convict alongside an accomplice had accosted Ukah at gunpoint outside his flat.

“Ukah led them to his flat where they stole a laptop, a modem and a blackberry mobile phone.

“Ajaere and his accomplice after the robbery, locked the complainant in his apartment with the intent to also rob his neighbours.

“The complainant managed to get out of his apartment to raise an alarm leading to Ajaere and his accomplice being apprehended.

“Ukah’s laptop and modem were recovered from the duo, however, his blackberry mobile phone was never recovered,” Awosika said.

In giving evidence in his defence during the trial, Ajaere had denied robbing Ukah, claiming he only went to Ajao Estate for hairdressing work and was arrested during a police raid in the area.

The convict, also said, he was falsely charged with conspiracy and armed robbery by officials of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).

But in delivering her judgement, Justice Jose reportedly declared that the evidence of the prosecution witness proved that the defendant was one of the armed robbers, “therefore, all the ingredients of the crime of armed robbery has been shown.

In addition, “The prosecution has proved the charge of conspiracy to commit armed robbery and armed robbery beyond a reasonable doubt.

“The defendant is hereby sentenced to death for conspiracy to commit armed robbery and sentenced to death for armed robbery. He is to be hanged by the neck till he is dead, may the Lord have mercy on his soul,” the judge said.

Ayo Midele/GEE

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'Why FEC rejected memo on ICT University'

ITRealms:

Some reasons have been adduced to why the Federal Executive Council (FEC) rejected the memo seeking to establish the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) University by the Minister of Communications, Barr. Adebayo Shittu, reports ITRealms.

According to the Minister in a recent chat with newsmen, although the President, Muhammadu Buhari was reportedly full of commendations on the initiative, yet, the position of the government was hinged on the enormous fiscal demands it will place on government at a time such as now, when existing higher institutions where in scarcity of fund.

As said by Shittu, the Federal Executive Council believes that the proposed partnership funding by the private sector and other international donors should be more evident before any government commitment can be asserted.

“For me, maybe the Federal Government did not see what I saw but since we are in a democracy, I cannot force my ideas on the majority because it is a game of minority have their say but majority have their way,” he declared.

Shittu said he is not relenting on the ICT University initiative, as there are plans to continue to explore the good will within the ICT sector in order to rally more private sector to buy into the vision.

 

He emphasized that since there is no need for fresh built out of campuses from the scratch, “but run on existing currently used by the Digital Bridge Institute, I believe we can revisit the initiative.”

ITRealms recalls that the proposed ICT University has been massively opposed by some parts of the ICT sector who believe Nigeria has enough universities that require ICT upgrading across board than diversion of attention in the name of ICT University initiative.

Chuks Egbune with additional report from Digivision/GEE

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Pix; Shittu with Lai Mohammed and  Prof. Adewale at FEC meeting recently

Trafficking: UNICEF facilitates release of 527 children, others

ITRealms:

The United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) has facilitated the release of 752 persons including 527 children, reports ITRealms.

According to the UNICEF Nigeria Representative, Pernille Ironside, the children were specifically released from administrative custody.

Ironside said, UNICEF welcomes the release of 752 women, children and elderly men from Giwa military barracks in Maiduguri, Borno State.

“They had been held for screening after previously having been under the control of Boko Haram militants. The release is a demonstration of the Nigerian authorities’ commitment to better protecting children and helping families to rebuild their lives.

“These 527 children are first and foremost victims of this horrific conflict.

“UNICEF is working closely with the Borno State Ministry of Women’s Affairs and Social Development and other partners to support the children in their recovery and return to their communities.

“Medical personnel are assessing the condition of the women and children. Counselling services are on hand and social workers are helping to trace parents or guardians, so that they can reunite children who have been separated from their families. Children will also have an opportunity to start learning and playing again.

This is the first important step on a long road to recovery and normalcy for these children and women who will require ongoing support to reintegrate with their families and communities.”

Chuke Egbune/GEE 

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3D Printing: US-based Beta Ventures advances funding to Elephab Nigeria

ITRealms:

A United States-based Beta.Ventures, has advanced undisclosed funding to Nigeria’s Elephab Company, to facilitate the Third Dimension (3D) print towards reproducing parts almost instantly as an alternative to importing them, reports ITRealms.

The investment, ITRealms gathered, would help ElePhab.Co quickly establish themselves as the first major source of 3D printed replacement and emergency parts for various industries across Nigeria.

Regarding the investment, co-founders: industrial designer and engineer Anjola Badaru and Damilola Akinniyi, said, they will use the funds to prove the business model in Nigeria before exploring expansion to other African countries.

“We truly believe the future of manufacturing for products used in Africa is in Africa. We can’t keep importing parts from overseas and then wonder why our economy is struggling,” they were quoted as saying, pointing out that power is no longer a barrier to entry for manufacturing in Africa.

“The 3D printers we use consume about 100 watts when printing, which is about as much energy as a few light bulbs. We could run 2 printers off one solar panel if we wanted to,” Akinniyi said.

Co-founders and the general partners of Beta.Ventures, Ike Eze and Ovo Emorhokpor said they believe that the potential for scaling manufacturing companies in Africa is immense.

“When you remove power and access to raw materials as barriers to entry, suddenly manufacturing in Africa looks attractive to investors,” Mr. Eze said.

The company and product idea came out of the GE Lagos Garage advanced manufacturing training program. Mr. Badaru was able to refine his business idea, come up with his first fully functioning replacement part, build a pitch deck and gain access to investors through the program designed to train individuals on advanced manufacturing using 3D printing and other advanced manufacturing techniques.

Patricia Obozuwu, Director Communications and Public Affairs for GE Africa, which created and funds the GE Lagos Garage program said, ”In demonstration of GE’s commitment to skills development on the continent, the GE Garage program was conceived to produce a new wave of African innovators and entrepreneurs, by equipping them with modern technologies and business development skills. It is a springboard for Africans to compete in the fast-evolving work environment of the future”. She added, “we are particularly delighted and proud of the progress made by Anjola in turning his idea into a venture in a short time. His is another of the over forty commendable success stories recorded since the inception of the Lagos Garage in November 2016.“

The advanced 3D printing machines the company will use were purchased from Germany and the US, and are capable of much larger build volumes, speed and a higher finish quality than household 3D printers. “3D printing is not just for prototypes anymore. With these professional-grade machines, we can print fully functional parts in minutes, that now rival the original parts in quality, durability, and strength,” Mr. Badaru said.

Nonye Dom/GEE

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FG to SetTop Box Manufacturers: Give Nigerians multi-purpose TV

ITRealms:

The Federal Government (FG) has urged the SetTop Box manufacturers to give Nigerians multi-purpose television, reports ITRealms.

 Making this call on behalf of Federal Government, the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, challenged the manufacturers of Set Top Boxes/Decoders in the country to produce a multi-purpose television set that will help in transforming the TV experience of Nigerians.

Speaking in Calabar on Thursday during the commissioning of the ultra-modern Digital Set Top Box manufacturing plant, owned by the Gospell Digital Technology.

Also, he said the transition from analogue to digital broadcasting in the country is aimed at giving Nigerians a total television viewing experience that will transform their lives and change TV viewing forever.

''I have continued to reiterate, and the quality of the service we launched goes to confirm, that our objective is not to just move Nigerians from analogue to digital in a simple technical sense, but to improve the viewing experience and give them increased variety of channels and services.

''The average home today - in order to have access to the various types of entertainment - will require a television, a Set Top Box and a VCD/DVD player. This era is about to end. I am challenging the industry to move to one device in the home - the television. Give us a TV with a built-in decoder and the requisite middle-ware inside it, being able to access Nollywood releases with or without the internet, and with a remote control that can convert the TV into a computer.

''And please not for the rich, but for every Nigerian home. With that we will have succeeded in the reduction of the cost of access to television, information and education,'' he said.

The Minister hailed Gospell Digital Technology for building the country's largest electronic manufacturing and assembly plant, saying the investors and the managers of the manufacturing plant have exhibited absolute confidence, ''first in the future and economy prosperity of our beloved country, and of course in the Digital Switch Over (DSO) programme.

The plant, situated in the Calabar Export Free Trade Zone, has the capacity to produce 2.4 million Set Top Boxes annually, and has already provided 500 jobs.

''Going by its achievements in so short a time, the company's vision of becoming the leading manufacturer of household electronic video, home entertainment and electrical appliances in Africa is very much within its reach,'' Alhaji Mohammed said.

Also present at the commissioning were the Executive Governor of Cross River State, Prof. Ben Ayade; the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Information, Senator Suleiman Adokwe; Senator Shehu Sani, Senator Samuel Anyanwu; Senator Mao Ohuabunwa and the Director-General of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Mala, Is'haq Modibo Kawu.

Uboshe Uboshe/GEE

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Pix: From left - Cross River State Governor, Senator Ben Ayade (left); Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed (middle) and the Group Managing Director of Gospell Digital Technology Electronics Manufacturing and Assembly Company, Sir Godfrey Ohuabunwa, at the commissioning of the production plant of the company in Calabar on Thursday.

Fidelity Bank: Let my people go!

Commentary@ITRealms: 

This is to call on people of goodwill and friends of Fidelity family to prevail on the current Management of Fidelity Bank to pay its ex-staff their entitlements.

 It is callous and wicked to be paying Senior Advocates to argue in favour of not paying the ex-staff their entitlements after decades of hard work.

This call is also to the Catholic Church of Nigeria which has been one of the greatest beneficiary of donations from Fidelity Bank and the core owners of Fidelity Bank either in personal capacity or as the former Governor Peter Obi and present Governor Willy Obiano both from Anambra State.

The Catholic Church over the years has exerted some considerable influence within the institution. Now is the time for it to exert for fairness, equity and justice.

The men and women of the Church should prevail on the bank to pay the entitlement due to the ex-staff including that of many sons and daughters of the SE states.

I went through this institution when it was at its greatest glory so I know the facts of the matter.

Fidelity bank has a staff policy that allows two kinds of retirement. A staff must compulsorily retire at the age of 55 years or he can choose to retire at the end of 15 years of continuous service. The second option is voluntary as the staff can choose to stay on till age of 55 years if the 15 years of service arrived first.

It is not a secret that Fidelity bank pays slightly lower over the years compared with its peers. But staff doesn’t worry because they know they have a day of harvest on retirement.

Last December, the Management decided to stop the retirement policy and paid only people that have achieved 15 years of service their entitlements. But there were some who were in their 10th year, 11th years, 12th and 13th years etc. There were even people who were few days and months from that important day of 15th year.

That retirement bonus is not earned at 15th year. It is earned on daily basis but paid when the person has clocked 15 years in service.

 The Management decided not to pay them and that the policy has caught up with them. These staff and their families had an uncertain and sad Christmas celebration. That shows how callous the decision was. Those were one category of affected staff.

The other category were those who started careers as contract staff and were later converted to full staff. As contract staff, they were employed under a subsidiary of the bank called Fidelity Union Securities Ltd, an action that was then rooted in the wicked aspect of capitalism.

They were employed to do the work of core staff but were paid contract salaries in order to declare huge profit. Many were converted as full staff few years later after meeting the condition for conversion. Majority never got converted.

 Meanwhile Fidelity bank was the payer of all staff salary regardless of the cadres. Many contract staff never knew FUSL  beyond what was on their offer letter.

Please note that when these staff got to the benchmark of 5th, 10th and 15th year anniversary, Fidelity bank not the subsidiary FUSL paid the bonuses for those milestones of years.

 When it now got to payment of retirement benefits, Fidelity bank was first reported to be saying they were not paid because they spent some years as contract staff regardless of its own record that acknowledged those milestones with bonuses and congratulatory letters/cards.

 In fact many have retired in the 30 years of Fidelity bank existence using their employment date with FUSL to get their entitlements.

 It was argued when the ex-staff petitioned the CBN – Central Bank of Nigeria - earlier that since Fidelity bank did not give those  staff new employment letter on conversion , then continuation of the previous contract was implied. So Fidelity lost at that level yet refused to pay the staff.

At the court of law now because of this position, Fidelity bank is claiming they were never its staff. The bank is also claiming all those who were paid in the past were in error. That those milestones of years of services were in error on its part. That all promotion letters in the letterhead of Fidelity bank were all in errors.

If you minus the 15 years from 30 years, you will see that these core of staff were those who worked to see the bank through the turbulent years.

For a person who joined Fidelity bank when it was just four branches and  left when it has over 200 branches, it is painful to see friends and colleagues that i have worked with go through the psychological trauma when they are supposed to be reaping the fruit of years of dedication, selfless service and unparalleled loyalty.

 I know not just few of the people who were being sought ten years ago with mouthwatering offers by competition but the love for Fidelity bank was most paramount to them.

Fidelity bank of today is a good example of how loyalty does not pay in the corporate world and a classic example of how an institution can be destroyed within a short while. Fidelity bank today is a microcosm of what the whole country is. The notion that when you are a part of a family, you don't destroy it has been lost due to the insensitivity of the Management.

Fidelity bank, that our place and institution of pride suddenly became place where drivers publicly demonstrated against corporate mistreatment. Fidelity a name synonymous with "Trust" had become a name that is seen on very industrial infraction and where a Managing Director had become a courier for money launderers.

Nebolisa Arah, the man who conceptualised the bank and led it through the first 15 years of its existence must be having his head down to see the institution he build from scratch become a place of ridicule and litigations.

Fidelity bank should pay my people their pro-rated entitlements so they can move on to their next stage of life with full optimism.

*Yomi Agbetola, 

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Cisco Connected Women, intent to promote diversity inclusion in technology, business

ITRealms:

Worldwide leader in technology solutions, Cisco Systems Incorporated, has continued to recognize the need diversity and female participation in the traditionally male high-technology industry, under the aegis of Cisco Connected Women (CCW), reports ITRealms.

This, ITRealms gathered from the company has lead it to deliberately promote diversity inclusion in technology and business, especially as it affects the female gender.

Speaking recently on female participating in the technology industry, the Country Manager Cisco Nigeria, Olakunle Oloruntimehin, noted that “In the context of a male-dominated industry, Cisco is making intent-based decisions to promote inclusiveness, diversity and overall female participation in the industry.”

According to the Manager, the technology giant has programmes and resources to help women develop their skills as individual contributors, managers, and executives, including an internal employee resource group dedicated to the development of women.

Over the last ten years, he pointed out that CCW at Cisco, has grown to over 38 chapters, offering more than 4000 global members opportunities for development, networking and generating new business.

CCW, he said, has contributed to a strategic effort to enhance Cisco's success in attracting, developing and retaining talented female employees. Cisco Systems Nigeria also participates in the CCW, allowing female Cisco employees to meet and discuss their involvement in the ICT industry and how the participation of women is on the positive rise.

“In the context of a male-dominated industry, Cisco is making intent-based decisions to promote inclusiveness, diversity and overall female participation in the industry,” he declared.

The manager emphasized that CCW Nigeria has over 15 employees as its members, which accounts for 50 per cent of employees in Cisco’s Nigeria office. The CCW Nigeria activities are strategically executed by core team of volunteers lead by the CCW leads, with the guidance of executive sponsors and thought leaders. The volunteers develop programmes in line with the Cisco’s business guidelines, employee network directions and needs as per the local culture.

As a high technology company which believes in the power of the ‘human network’, Cisco recognises the importance of a very diverse work force and the value of employee mobility. In addition, in line with its inclusive organisational culture, Cisco has a number of employee networks to support the development, and growth opportunities of staff. The Cisco Sales Associates Program (CSAP) is one of such opportunities. 

In addition, he said, CSAP is the most highly coveted early-in-career development programs designed specifically for top university graduates from around the world who aspire to become the next generation of sales leaders at Cisco. This year long program provides world class, hands-on educational and experiential training that will prepare Associate Sales Representatives (ASR) and Associate Systems Engineers (ASE) to become successful Account Managers and System Engineers in the Cisco Sales Organisation.

The CSAP allows Cisco employees the chance to travel to work in various Cisco offices across the world allowing them the opportunity to garner knowledge and different perspectives. In Nigeria, Cisco CSAP aims to empower men and women alike helping them realise their dreams of being ICT leaders.

Tolulope Ogundipe a female Cisco employee expressed her views on the CSAP program stating that it provided her with tremendous growth experience that stretched her skills and abilities over the elastic limit.

She said: “The entire experience for me has been exhilarating. Having and working with colleagues from over 12 different nationalities and forming life time friendships is priceless and I am grateful for the opportunity. Aside this, during my time with the Cisco Amsterdam office, Cisco employees participated in trainings and workshops and Nigerian Cisco female employees got a chance to be a part of the Cisco Connected Women’s Amsterdam and the girls in ICT programmes, which train and educate girls on the roles and potential career paths present in Cisco Systems and the ICT industry as a whole.

Cisco’s commitment to championing women in their own organisation makes Cisco Connected Women’s program the perfect opportunity to demonstrate diversity and inclusion in technology and business. By developing a network that specifically enrolls and mentors girls and women, Cisco redefines the technology space.

Ogo Nebenanya/Ed, Ops

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9mobile targets Lagos SMEs for Market Access Forum

ITRealms:

Celebrated customer-friendly telecommunications company, 9mobile is targeting to empower Small and Medium scale Enterprises (SMEs) in and around Lagos at its quarterly business networking and empowerment platform, Market Access, reports ITRealms.

The forum, ITRealms gathered is in furtherance of 9mobile commitment to the growth of small businesses in the country and the latest has been scheduled for Thursday, October 19, this year.

Also, ITRealms gathered that Market Access organised in partnership with the Enterprise Development Centre of the Pan Atlantic University, and serves as a platform for SME owners to interact with large corporations with the objective of sharing knowledge and strategies that could enable the growth of start-ups and small businesses.

The Lagos edition will hold at Zone Conference Centre, Plot 9, Gbagada Industrial Scheme, beside UPS, Gbagada Expressway, Lagos. The theme of the Lagos Market Access forum is, ‘Access to Sustainable Market for SMEs: Challenges & Opportunities.’

Speaking about the forum, the Director, Enterprise Market Segment, 9mobile, Plato Syrimis, said 9mobile Market Access empowers potential entrepreneurs by facilitating opportunities for them to network and share knowledge/ideas as this is an important driver towards achieving their individual goals.

“SMEs are enablers of national economic development and one of the ways that we can help them to fulfil that role is to empower them with the essential knowledge and strategies they require to nurture their businesses. 9mobile is an innovative network and we are delighted to continuously be at the forefront of empowering SMEs across Nigeria through the Market Access platform,” he said.

Syrimis added that Lagos, popularly referred to as the ‘Centre of Excellence’ is also Nigeria’s economic nerve centre.

Therefore, he said, hosting SMEs in the cosmopolitan city has a much wider reach and impact.

“One of the major benefits of bringing entrepreneurs together under one roof to interact and share ideas is to empower their burgeoning businesses at no cost to them. This is another demonstration of how 9mobile delivers qualitative service in keeping with its Naija spirit,” he said.

ITRealms recalls that since 9mobile launched services into the Nigerian market nine years ago, it has supported enterprises across various sectors through the development of innovative solutions and platforms which include the SME Arena, MoreBusiness 2.0, Millionaire Hunt, KwikCash, 9mobile Prize for Innovation and 9mobile Prize for Literature amongst others.

Chuks Egbune/GEE

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Airtel reiterates commitment to quality primary education

ITRealms:

Telecoms operator, Airtel Nigeria, has reiterated commitment to quality primary education across the country under its Adopt-a-School programme, reports ITRealms.

Airtel’s Adopt-a-School programme, ITRealms gathered, offers underprivileged children access to quality education in conducive environment, providing kids with all the materials for learning and study.

The Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Airtel Nigeria, Segun Ogunsanya, gave this assurance at the recent commissioning of the newly adopted school in Kaduna, Yahaya Hamza Primary school, Zaria, Kaduna, stressing that access to quality primary education is a fundamental right for every child.

“We believe good education is a human right. It is a ticket to prosperity. It creates a level field for everyone to succeed.

“In recognition of the role education plays in the development of a community, Airtel Nigeria has decided, as part of our Corporate Social Responsibility vision, to adopt Yahaya Hamza Primary School in Zaria,” said Ogunsanya.

Yahaya Hamza primary school joins the five other Airtel adopted primary schools spread across Nigeria, namely Oremeji Primary School II, Ajegunle, Lagos; St. John’s Primary School, Oke-Agbo, Ijebu-Igbo, Ogun; Community Primary School, Amumara, Imo; Iyeru Okin Primary School, Ilara-Mokin, Kwara and Presbyterian Primary School, Ediba, Cross River State.

Before now, ITRealms gathered that Airtel has brought notable transformation to these schools by providing ultra-modern blocks of classrooms, borehole for portable water, classroom furniture and also donating items such as uniforms, bags and educational materials like books, textbooks and pens on a yearly basis.

As said by Ogunsanya, Airtel’s school adoption is a long term partnership to nurture and empower underprivileged kids. “It is a complete package. Not a one- year wonder but a continuing partnership,” he said.

Nonye Dom/GEE

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Pix: Emir of Zazzau, Alhaji Shehu Idris; Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director of Airtel Nigeria, Segun Ogunsanya and Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, during the commissioning of Airtel Adopted school, Yahaya Hamza Primary School, Zaria, Kaduna, recently.

Kachikwu’s Leaked Memo: Procedural for efficiency, transparency in oil & gas

ITRealms:

The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Ibe Kachukwu has reacted to the leaking and eventual publication of his memo to President Muhammadu Buhari, lamenting the attendant misunderstanding between him and the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, Dr. Maikanti Baru, reports ITRealms.

His reaction was contained in a press statement by the Director of Press in the ministry, Mr. Idong Alabi and made available to ITRealms, described the leaked memo as a normal procedural correspondence by the Minister to the President to enthrone efficiency, transparency.

According to Alabi, “It is most distressing to the ministry of petroleum resources that a confidential communication to the President on the performance of one of its parastatals can be made public.”

“The focus of the communication was on improving efficiency and deepening transparency in the oil and gas sector for continued investor confidence.

“It is noteworthy that the President has been fully supportive of the efforts of the Ministry to entrench good governance and accountability in the oil and gas sector.”

Alabi further said the Ministry of Petroleum Resources remains focused on achieving measurable progress in the implementation of the ongoing oil sector reforms in line with the mandate of Mr. President.

Kachikwu's letter to PMB:

Uboshe Uboshe/GEE

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VAIDS: Oyedele tasks Nigerian media on tax education

ITRealms:

The Nigerian media has been tasked to take tax education seriously by engaging on the concerned subjects to make their role meaningful to the society, to facilitate the right conversation leveraging on the Voluntary Assets and Income Declaration Scheme (VAIDS), reports ITRealms.

The Partner and Head of Tax and Regulatory Services at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) Nigeria, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele gave this charge at the 2017 one-day PwC Capability Enhancement Workshop for Journalists at Grand Junction, Landmark Towers, Oniru, Victoria Island in Lagos on Tuesday.

Dwelling on “The Media and Tax Payment – Focus on VAIDS” alongside Tax Partner, PwC Nigeria, Mr. Kenneth Erikume, Mr. Oyedele noted that media must educate itself, so as to educate others, especially the populace who look up to media for right direction.

He also said that Nigerian media should educate the public and encourage them to take advantage of the Voluntary Assets and Income Declaration Scheme (VAIDS), stressing that would propel more citizens engagement in the demand for accountability and transparency.

VAIDS, he said is a scheme introduced to change the narrative of tax challenges and inadequacies in the country, which could be declared either online or offline, pointing out that those desirous of using online, should visit www.vaids.gov.ng and those for offline could visit any tax office nearest to them.

Earlier in his presentation on “VAIDS in a nutshell and overview of requirement,” Mr. Erikume, noted that investigations have revealed that trust in government and transparent usage of tax revenue remain largest concerns of citizens, especially among tax payers.

He listed some of the benefits of participating in VAIDS to include “there is no interest, no penalties, no tax prosecution and no tax audit.”

Erikume, pointed out that the scheme which runs from July 1, 2017 through March 31, 2018, describing it as a time-limited opportunity for tax payers to regularize their tax status, relating to previous tax periods.

According to him, in exchange for fully and honestly declaration of previously undisclosed assets and income, the Federal Government through this VAIDS is offering this amnesty, which guarantees that declarants would not face any criminal prosecution for tax offences or become subject for tax investigations.

In the longrun, he said, VAIDS ushers in an opportunity to increase the nation’s general tax awareness and compliance and urged Nigerians to embrace the scheme.

Remmy Nweke/ED, Ops

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