Nation
FG Assures Nigerians Of Reliable, Affordable Electricity
The Minister of Power, Engr. Saleh Mamman, has reiterated his commitment of the present administration to solve the challenges in the power sector in order to provide reliable and affordable power to Nigerians.
Mamman, who stated this weekend in Abuja during the 2020 end of the year seminar organized by the Joint Negotiation Council (JNC), chapter of the Ministry of Power, said government efforts at improving the state of electricity supply top the citizenry was unwavering.
Speaking at the seminar with theme, “Covid-19 pandemic strategic thinking for optimal performance”, the minister noted, however, that, achieving the determined milestone in the power sector of the economy would be a mirage without the total support and commitment of the staff of the ministry of power.
Represented by the Acting Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mr. Otun Emmanuel, the minister lodged to give priority to the issues of salaries and welfare of the staff of the ministry to ensure that they are fully prepared to contribute their quota towards development of the sector.
Mamman, who particularly pledges to carry every staff member of the ministry along, however, charged the union leaders to engage in useful dialogue and communication that would strengthen the relationship between the management and the staff of the ministry.
He said, “There is need for dialogue and communication because they are very crucial and key elements that fast tract development in any organization”.
In his address, the Chairman of JNC/ASCSN, Comrade Bala Mohammed, said the seminar was intended to unite the staff and management of the ministry.
According to him, “It is so important considering the fact the management and the staff are like a bird with two feathers of which if one of the feathers develops problem, the bird cannot fly.
“This is imperative at this juncture to appeal on behalf of the ministry staff to the minister’s representative to convey our request to the Ministry of Power to please liaise with the Head of Service of the Federation for a better and proper replacement of the out gone Permanent Secretary”.
He argued that such a better replacement for the immediate past Permanent Secretary, Sir Chinyeaka Christian Ohaa, will go a long way in boosting a better environment and harmonious working relationship in the ministry.
“I wish to appeal to the staff to be dedicated to their duties at all times. Let me also use this auspicious occasion of today to urge you all to pay attention to all aspects of the tasks required to move the ministry forward and most, especially to deliver its mandate to Nigerians.
“We are gathered today with our staff today, like a kind of come together and have a better understanding, better thinking on how to move the ministry of power forward.
“Otherwise, we call this programme strategic thinking in Covid-19 for better performance. So, we are doing this in order to get ourselves together, inform together so that we look at the way forward so we can do better in the ministry and the areas we need to improve in order to provide service for Nigerians.
“Like you are aware, we have power challenge of power supply in the country and Mr. President is doing everything possible to ensure that power is available, stable and quality and as well affordable to all Nigerians. So, to that direction, we that are at the helm of affairs at the Ministry of Power, we need to get ourselves prepared in order to work towards achieving those goals”.
Mohammed, who lamented the negative impact of the Coronavirus pandemic on the ministry, said the deadly dampened the morale of the workforce, which also to some affected production and performance at the ministry.
The chairman noted that the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic was a very trying period for staff of the ministry, most especially when the government releases a circular forbidding some category of staff from coming to the office, which according to him resulted in encumbrance on many of the senior personnel.
Nation
Anglican Bishop Urges Politicians To Lead With Integrity
The Bishop of Anglican Diocese of Niger Delta, Dr Emmanuel Oko-Jaja, has called on Nigerians, especially those in positions of authority to uphold moral standard and integrity.
Oko-Jaja said this at a thanksgiving service to mark the 90th birthday of Prof. Sylvanus Cookey at Saint Paul Anglican Church in Opobo Town, Rivers yesterday.
The Tide’s source reports that Cookey was the second Vice Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) in 1982.
Oko-Jaja advised political leaders to always be self-aware and avoid actions that could damage their reputation.
“In today’s Nigeria, hardship has changed how the people behave, as lies have become more popular than the truth.
“We now live in a country where injustice is now celebrated and lowering moral and social standard have become the new normal.
“Leaders must follow the exemplary legacies set by our forebears by becoming upright and live a life that would not bring shame to their family and community,” he said.
He attributed the country’s current economic challenges and declining living standards to leaders failing to prioritise the well-being of citizens.
“The younger generation should emulate the virtues of our predecessors like Prof. Cookey, who prioritised integrity over material gain.
“Good reputation was the norm back then, and I hope that God will restore it to Nigeria, where leaders’ goal will be to have good names.
“If anyone wants to commit evil, they should remember that their actions can bring a bad name to their family and community,” he cautioned.
Addressing the celebrant, the King of Opobo Kingdom, HRM Dandason Jaja, praised Cookey for his impact on society and described him as a mentor and philanthropist.
He said that the celebrant was a distinguished academic, who had impacted numerous youths through vocational training, leading to their successful employment in different sectors.
Speaking earlier, Cookey expressed gratitude to God for attaining 90 years and acknowledged the support of his family and friends.
Reflecting on his contributions to the country, he encouraged leaders to leave behind positive legacies for future generations to celebrate.
Nation
Senators, Reps To Resume Plenary In Remodelled Main Chambers
Nineteen months after federal lawmakers movement to temporary chambers, the Nigerian Senate and House of Representatives would finally resume sittings in their newly remodelled main hallowed chambers tomorrow
Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Hon. Akin Rotimi Jnr, and the Clerk to the Senate, Barrister Chinedu Akubueze confirmed the planned movement to the main chambers in separate written announcements made penultimate week on the change in resumption date by lawmakers from their ongoing recess.
Hon. Rotimi, who is the chairman, House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, in the official announcement dated April 4, 2024 to the honourable members, cited the need to resume plenary at the renovated and reconfigured main chamber, as reason for the postponement in line with the general wish of the lawmakers.
“The House of Representatives wishes to inform the public and stakeholders of the rescheduling of the resumption date from the ongoing recess, originally slated for Tuesday, April 16, 2024, to Tuesday, April 23, 2024.
“This adjustment is necessary to accommodate the completion of renovations to the main chamber of the House of Representatives to ensure its readiness for plenary sessions, henceforth,” he stated.
Two days after, the Clerk to the Senate also issued a statement, postponing resumption of plenary by the Senate from April 16 to 23, 2024.
Akubueze ‘s statement reads in part: “Distinguished Senators are hereby invited to note that the resumption of the plenary sitting of the Senate, which was scheduled for Tuesday, 16th April, 2024, has been postponed to Tuesday 23rd April, 2024”
It would be recalled that ahead of the projects delivery, the Site Engineer of Visible Construction, Tajudeen Olanipekun, had early last month informed journalists covering the Senate, that the two main chambers, would be ready for use by both the Senate and the House of Representatives in April this year.
Olanipekun’s assurance on delivery of the fully transformed and reconfigured hallowed chambers to management of the National Assembly, coincided with call by the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, to the Clerk to the National Assembly, CNA, Alhaji Sani Magaji Tambawal that both the Senate and the House of Representatives, want to move to their main chambers as soon as possible after close to two years of using temporary ones.
In carrying out the subtle marching order, the construction firm in the last five weeks has carried out the required finishings on
the upgraded and reconfigured hallowed chambers fixed with state-of-the-art chairs, parliamentary equipments, appliances and extended sitting terraces.
Physically, the entire ambience of the space in and around the hallowed chambers have been transformed, just as barricades used to restrict movements at the foyer have been removed.
The Federal Capital Development Authority, FCDA, had in March 2021 awarded a N30billion renovation contract to Visible Construction Limited to rehabilitate critical segments of the National Assembly complex.
The law makers had in September 2022 vacated the main chambers to enable the Contractors; handle the renovation work of both chambers
Some of the critical segments are the office buildings housing the office accommodation for the senators and honourable members, watertightness of the roof of the complex, the cooling system, replacement of lifts that are inoperable in the White House as well as in the House of Representatives and in the new Senate Wing among others.
By: Nneka Amaechi-Nnadi, Abuja
Nation
Police Commence Recruitment Process In Anambra, Enugu
The Zone 13 of the Nige- rian Police Force, comprising Anambra and Enugu States, has announced the venue and time for both General Duty and Specialist Constable recruitment medical screening in the two States.
This is contained in a statement issued yesterday by the Zonal Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Ihunwo, yesterday in Enugu.
Ihunwo said that prospective candidates from Zone 13 should note that the exercise would take place at Police Hospital, Awka.
She said that the medical screening would commence simultaneously nationwide on Tuesday, April 16, and end on April 30, 2024.
“Candidates are advised to visit the recruitment portal: https://apply.policerecruitment.gov.ng to know their status, specific time, date and other mandatory requirements.
“So also, qualified applicants are to appear in clean white T-shirt and short with the following requirements;
“National Identity Card/Slip; Print Out of Medical Examination Slip and all necessary documents.
“The Assistant Inspector-General of Police Zone 13 Command, AIG Godwin Aghaulor, wishes all prospective candidates success as they embark on this exercise,” he said.
-
Maritime3 days ago
Fall Off Container Crushes Woman To Death
-
Opinion3 days ago
Electricity Tariff Increase: Problem Or Solution?
-
News3 days ago
Fubara Inaugurates Health Centre At Ndoni, Commends Odili
-
Business3 days ago
NIPCO Gas Reduces CNG Price To N200/Scm
-
Rivers3 days ago
ASALGA Team Donates Kits To Private Security Outfit
-
Sports3 days ago
NOC Applauds NFF, Falcons Over Olympic Games Qualification
-
News3 days ago
RSG Decries Rot In Education Sector
-
Environment3 days ago
‘Proposed Expansion Of Indorama Detrimental To Our Environment’