Information Minister Wonders Why Nigerians Don’t Trust Their Leaders

October 5, 2023

Minister of information and national orientation, Mohammed Idris has expressed wonder why Nigerians would put up the leadership structure they still don’t trust.
He said that when he assumed office, the first thing he assured Nigerians was that he would tell them the truth about the activities of the government of Bola Tinubu.
The minister, who addressed members of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers GOCOP today, October 5, at its 7th Annual Conference which ended in Abuja today, said that the first reaction he got was for some social media to say that it was the beginning of lies.
“You have to trust the person you have elected, and that’s the only way you can hold him accountable when he goes overboard.”
He called on members of GOCOP to be the vanguards of promoting positive reports on Nigeria on social media, saying that it is crucial to the Socio-Economic growth and development of the country.
The minister said that one strategic component of the roadmap for socio-economic recovery and sustainability should be the projection of the country in a good light.
He said that by so doing, foreign direct investment and other developmental plans of the country would be achieved.
“If you say you want foreign direct investment, you want Nigeria to grow, and you want every good thing that happens to all great countries in the world to happen in this country, you must be prepared to project your own country; nobody else will do it for us.”
The Minister asked GOCOP members to carry out their responsibility with patriotism and professionalism.
He said that the good things happening in the country far outweigh the bad things, and that they should be projected.
“As Guild of Corporate Online Publishers, you have this great responsibility to ensure that you report only the truth and to help government officials to also tell the truth; it is your responsibility and you have to uphold it.”
The minister urged the Guild not to relent in its quest to sanitize and get rid of fake news carried by online media but to continue to sustain its peer review system and disciplinary measures against erring members.
Mohammed Idris reiterated the government’s commitment to return credibility to the business of government in the country while urging Nigerians to be optimistic with the present administration of President Tinubu.
The president of the Guild, Maureen Chigbo said that the Guild will continue to ensure that it upholds professionalism which its members are known for.
She said that not all online publishers are members of the Guild due to its insistence on a strict mechanism to check and sanction erring members who do not play by the rules.
“We will continue to work towards making sure that our members are professionals because professionalism is our watchword.”
The event had in attendance Special Adviser to the President on Policy Coordination, Hadiza Bala Usman; Registrar JAMB, and many others.

JAMB Boss, Prof. Oloyede, Suggests Urgent Review Of Wages, Compensation Structure

Greenbarge Reporters

October 5, 2023

The Registrar of the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Professor Is-Haq Olanrewaju Oloyede has suggested the review and overhaul of wages and the compensation structure in the public service.
“Unless we are pretenders, we all know that some things do not just add up in the compensation of public servants and most of the public office holders.
“For example, the minimum wage, as a take-home pay, cannot take anyone home at this time in our economic history.”
Professor Oloyede, who spoke today, October 5, as Chairman of the 7th Annual Conference of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP), noted that with the ever-increasing price level and the national currency devaluation, both of which have led to a spiral inflationary level, “wages at all levels have become inadequate to meet the provision of basic needs of life for so many.”
He said that even at the highest level for top public servants and political office holders, “the compensation structure is such that we all know that it is difficult for top level public officers and political appointees to rely on their pay to sustain their living conditions and the requirements or dictates of their offices.
“Due to low salaries and emoluments, some misguided public servants at all levels are encouraged to look for sources within government to meet the elevated financial demands expected of their offices and status. “The effect of this is the sacrifice of transparency and accountability in the administration of most government offices and agencies.
“In fact, the situation is so bad that salaries and allowances of Ministers and heads of some agencies are lower than the salaries of middle level officers in a typical private enterprise. “Curiously, there is also a wide gap in the compensation and salaries of some government departments and agencies compared with some others.
“The juicy agencies and government departments have become a hub and attraction for appointments of connected individuals and families of connected individuals.”
Professor Oloyede took a look at what he called “another dimension,” where there is a wide gap in the compensation structure between the public and private sectors in Nigeria.
“While private sector executives are well remunerated in line with their output and dictates of their offices, the same thing cannot be said for public officers.
“In fact, salaries of most chief executives of the publicly quoted companies and some government agencies in Nigeria are higher than the emolument of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. “Similarly, salaries of some Ministers are lower than those of the chief executives of some agencies and institutions under their supervision.”
The JAMB Boss stressed that these phenomenal has been encouraging corruption and brought about lack of accountability.
He said that it also gives room for malpractices, financial impropriety, and malfeasance.
“When officers and executives are not well paid and they are entrusted with huge resources of the state, some may resort to helping themselves.”
He said that there is a lot to do to rejuvenate the economy, and said that one way of doing so is to pay a commensurate remuneration for a commensurate work. “With good, adequate and competitive compensation structure in the public sector, the system can attract good hands.
“I believe that paying the right wages in the public sector is one way to improve productivity of workers.”

I Was Exhausted, Balarabe, Who Collapsed At Senate Ministerial Screening Opens Up

Greenbarge Reporters

October 5, 2023

One of the ministerial nominees at yesterday’s Ministerial screening in the Senate, Balarabe Lawal, has said that he Collapsed because he exhausted.
Reacting to the trending news about his collapse
during the screening exercise at the Senate, Balarabe stressed that it was a result of exhaustion but that he is “alright now.
“I’m alright now. I’ve been treated, and I’m alright now. It was basically exhaustion,” he told journalists.
Balarabe, a native of Kaduna State, was screened alongside other nominees, Jamila Ibrahim (Kwara) and Ayodele Olawande (Ondo), to join 45 ministers previously approved by the Senate in August this year
The screening came after President Bola Tinubu forwarded their names in a letter read on the floor of the legislative chamber on Tuesday, seeking its confirmation of the nominees.
As the screening went on yesterday, Balarabe, who was the second to be called up after Ibrahim, collapsed after concluding his introduction, causing several people present to rush to his aid.
About an hour later, the nominee exited the chamber wearing a wry smile.
His nomination was later confirmed alongside his fellow nominees.

Nigerian Content Development Boss Angry With Indigenous Oil Operators For Escaping Tax

Greenbarge Reporters

October 5, 2023

The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Engr. Simbi Kesiye Wabote

The Executive Secretary (ES) of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Engineer Simbi Wabote is angry with the indigenous oil operators for not complying with the Nigerian Content Act by paying the necessary tax.
Speaking at a breakfast meeting with members of Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP) in Abuja on Tuesday, October 3, lamented the increasing number of the indigenous operators who are working across purpose with the board’s Act by non-compliance.
According to Wabote, the NCDMB Act enables the board to protect indigenous producers especially in the oil and gas sector.
He decried the current state of indigenous producers lack of compliance, describing it as act of sabotage.
“We fought for you but you now sabotage the oil economy” and urged those harbouring a sense of entitlement to desist.
He noted that the indigenous operators try to save costs and care for profit more than national interest.
“They want to be exempted from the Law Content Act. We have made it clear that the law is for all.”
Wabote said it is wrong for a local contractor to win a job and employ 90 per cent expatriate experts, thereby causing job loss to Nigerians.
He accused them of project execution without getting approval and non-registration of their foreign workers in the expatriate ledger.
“They find it difficult to pay the one per cent levy stipulated by the Act. That is why the EFCC (Economic and Financial Crimes Commission) is now after some of them.”
The Executive Secretary said Nigeria has moved from three per cent local content value in the oil industry to 54 per cent.
He warned that if indigenous operators do not arrest the growth path by capturing the regulatory system, Nigeria will hit the 70 per cent target.
Wabote encouraged indigenous oil producers to comply with the board Act in their own interest and that of the nation.

We’re Professional Online Publishers, Entrepreneurs, GOCOP President Tell Stakeholders

Greenbarge Reporters

October 5, 2023

President of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP), Maureen Chigbo has assured stakeholders that members of the Guild are professional journalists and mediaprenneurs.
“We are mediapreneurs, not just journalists,” adding that the Guild used to screen intending members well before admittance.
She emphasized that there is a peer review process within GOCOP that disciplines erring members.
Maureen Chigbo, who spoke yesterday, October 4, at a pre Annual Conference luncheon of GOCOP with the stakeholders in Abuja, said that the Guild is made up of seasoned journalists of thoroughbred practitioners.
She said that the luncheon is an opportunity for the stakeholders and Nigerians to meet GOCOP members one on one.
“We cherish the relationship we share with you people and we want it on sustainable or long-term basis.”
Maureen Chigbo, who was later re-elected for another two years, said that online publishing has come to stay.
“You need to know that we are not quacks but seasoned professionals. Some of us have managed the regular media houses successfully.
“You have a chance to tell us what worries you have in engaging with the media. You can put a face to the online organisations you interact with you.”
She emphasized that the Guild would continue to bring professionalism to play in all their roles.
She explained that the business luncheon with media managers is aimed at getting feedback from media managers, advertisers and sponsors of the yearly conference.
“You always invite us, so today, we invite you. You cant have this number when you invite us.

Wage War On Fake News, Stakeholders Challenge Guild Of Online Publishers

Greenbarge Reporters

October 5, 2023

Stakeholders have challenged members of the Guild Of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP) to take the lead in the war against fake news in Nigeria, especially in the online space.
Leading the charge at the pre Annual Conference luncheon of GOCOP in Abuja yesterday, October 4, the Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Alamutu, stressed: “my singular message to GOCOP is a charge to them to help in the fight against fake news.”
He said that newsmen must learn to confirm any information at their disposal before going to town.
He said that he recently suffered the poison in fake news.
This was even as the Nigeria Customs Service through its National Public Relations Officer, Abudullahi Aliyu Mai Wada, said that most public relations divisions in the armed forces and beyond knew very much about the integrity in GOCOP.

“We hold GOCOP on high esteem and we congratulate you on your first AGM in Abuja, the nation’s capital,” he declared.
From the Air Force, Group Captain K. Ali, the Deputy Director, Public Relations & Information, Nigerian Airforce Headquarters, Abuja, said that the Nigerian Airforce leadership reserved huge respect for online publishers.
“The leadership of the Airforce Public Relations Division is keen on this conference.”
Deputy Commandant of the Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Ndukwu Chidi, representing Director, Media & Advocacy, NDLEA, Femi Babafemi, said that GOCOP members are the great allies of the Agency.
He stressed the need for the citizens to be able to differentiate between publishers and mere bloggers or quacks.
He pledged continued collaboration, saying: “We continue to work with GOCOP.”

Mrs. Ndidi Mbah, GM, Public Affairs, Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), who was represented by Eric Ephraim Ene, said that they too respect GOCOP members a lot.
“We respect you people a lot. Some of you that we have interacted with at events conduct yourselves creditably.”
Officials from SEPLAT added their voice by disclosing how some GOCOP members had helped to groomed many other media practitioners.
“As said by the Manager, Corporate Communications (External affairs and Sustainability) at Seplat Energy, Stanley Opara, “Media has helped us a lot. We will do our best to support you.
“Let us sustain the relationship.”
The Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Leke Bayewu, said that mentorship is very important.
“Many media executives act only as bosses, not mentors, but in GOCOP there are many mentors.”
From Nestle, Victoria Uwadoka, Corporate Communications, Public Affairs and Sustainability Lead, made it clear that media people have emerged as the unelected representatives of the people.
“You are the voice of the ordinary people. You people are big stakeholders in the society, whereas GOCOP members stand out.”
Special guests, partners, top media managers and sponsors attended the pre-conference luncheon.

Police Man Who Raped 16-Year Old Female Detainee Dismissed

Greenbarge Reporters

October 5, 2023

A police constable, Belasa Iyangedue, who allegedly confessed to have raped a 16-year-old girl while in detention has been dismissed by the Benue State Police Command.
The state Commissioner of Police, Batholomew Onyeka, who made this known at a news briefing in Makurdi, said that the Nigeria Police Force, as a disciplined organisation, would not tolerate such infraction on the ethics of the profession.
He said that the dismissed constable committed the crime at Tse Agbaragba Divisional Police Station in Konshisha Local Government Area of the state and that he is already facing prosecution.
“The police is a disciplined organ of government and being the statutory organ for crime fighting and crime management, people of such character cannot be allowed to be in the system. He was not only dismissed, he is facing prosecution.”
The victim was said to have been detained at the police station on August 15 over an offence bordering on defamation of character.
The case was reported against her by one Ngunan Iorhaa.
A First Information Report, (FIR) at the Magistrate Court Makurdi said that the constable committed the crime on August 16, 2023, around 2pm.
It said that while in detention, the constable went into the female cell and took her into an office where he forcefully had sexual intercourse with her.
The victim, after her release on bail the next day, reported the incident to the Divisional Police head.
The FIR indicated that during investigation, Iyangedue was arrested and he confessed to committing the offence, which is against Section 284 of the Penal Code Law of Benue State 2004.

Content Development Board Boss, Wabote Addresses Online Publishers

Greenbarge Reporters

October 3, 2023

The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Engineer Simbi Kesiye Wabote, addressing members and leaders of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP) today, October 3, at the Abuja Continental Hotel, at a Breakfast Meeting, as part of the activities for GOCOP’s two-day Annual Conference.

Members of GOCOP

Labour Suspends Nationwide Strike Planned To Commence Today

Greenbarge Reporters

October 2, 2023

Organised Labour in Nigeria has suspended a nationwide strike it planned to commence today, October 3 after a day long meeting with representatives of the federal government that dovetailed into late hours last night.
In a fifteen-point Memorandum emanating from the meeting, the Labour force, represented by the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) agreed “to suspend for 30 days, the planned Indefinite Nationwide strike scheduled to begin Tuesday, the 3rd of October, 2023.”
The Memorandum, which was duly signed by representatives of the federal government and the leadership of the two labour unions shall be filed with the relevant Court of competent jurisdiction within one week “as consent judgment by the Federal Government.”
The content of the Memorandum goes thus:
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING REACHED BETWEEN THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT OF NIGERIA AND THE NIGERIA LABOUR CONGRESS (NLC) AND TRADE UNION CONGRESS OF NIGERIA (TUC) AS A RESULT OF DISPUTE ARISING FROM WITHDRAWAL OF SUBSIDY ON THE PRICE OF PREMIUM MOTOR SPIRIT (PMS) ON MONDAY, THE 2ND DAY OF OCTOBER, 2023
Arising from the withdrawal of subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) by the Federal Government and the resultant increase in the price of the commodity, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) issued a strike notice which had elapsed and they were poised to embark on a strike billed to commence on Tuesday, the 3rd of October, 2023.
Consequently, a meeting was called by the Federal Government to avert the strike and after much discussion, the following agreements were reached:
1. The Federal Government grants a wage award of N35,000 (thirty-five thousand Naira) only to all Federal Government workers beginning from the month of September pending when a new national minimum wage is expected to have been signed into law.
2. A minimum wage committee shall be inaugurated within one month from the date of this agreement.
3. Federal Government suspends collection of Value Added Tax (VAT) on Diesel for six months beginning from October, 2023.
4. Federal Government accepts to vote N100 billion for the provision of high capacity CNG buses for mass transit in Nigeria. Provisions are also being made for initial 55,000 CNG conversion kits to kick start an auto gas conversion programme, whilst work is ongoing on state-of-the-art CNG stations nationwide. The rollout aims to commence by November with pilots across 10 campuses nationwide.
5. The Federal Government plans to implement various tax incentive measures for private sector and the general public.
6. On the leadership crises rocking the NURTW and the purported proscription of RTEAN, the Federal Government commits to handling Labour matters in line with relevant ILO Conventions and Nigerian Labour Acts. A resolution of the ongoing impasse is expected by or before October 13.
7. The issue of outstanding Salaries and Wages of Tertiary Education workers in Federal-owned educational institutions is being referred to Ministry of Labour and Employment for further engagement.
8. The Federal Government commits to pay N25,000 per month for three months starting from October, 2023 to 15 million households, including vulnerable pensioners.
9. The Federal Government will increase its initiatives on subsidized distribution of fertilizers to farmers across the country.
10. The Federal Government should urge State Government through the National Economic Council and Governors Forum to implement wage award for their workers. Similar consideration should also be given to local government and private sector workers.
11. The Federal Government commits to the provision of funds as announced by the President on the 1st of August broadcast to the Nation for Micro and Small Scale Enterprises. The MSMEs beneficiaries should commit to the principle of decent jobs.
12. A joint visitation will be made to the refineries to ascertain their rehabilitation status.
13. All parties commit to henceforth abide by the dictates of Social dialogue in all our future engagements.
14. NLC and TUC accept to suspend for 30 days the planned Indefinite Nationwide strike scheduled to begin, Tuesday, the 3rd of October, 2023.
15. This Memorandum shall be filed with the relevant Court of competent jurisdiction within one (1) week as consent judgment by the Federal Government.
Signed:
NLC:
Comrade Joe Ajaero Comrade Emmanuel Ugboaja, mni
President NLC General Secretary
TUC:
Comrade (Engr) Festus Osifo Comrade Nuhu A. Toro
President Secretary General
Federal Government:
H.E. Simon Bako Lalong
Honourable Minister of Labour and Employment
Hon. Dr Nkeiruka Onyejeocha
Honourable Minister of State for Labour and Employment
Mallam Mohammed Idris
Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation

At 63, Nigeria Needs Collective Actions To Foster Nation-Building, By Tony Elumelu

Greenbarge Reporters

October 2, 2023

As we celebrate another year of independence, it is time to reflect, to look in the mirror, for our nation and ourselves.
We know Nigeria, we love Nigeria, Nigeria is one of Africa’s most diverse and dynamic countries. We are a nation that excites, beguiles, and dreams. Yet, amidst our diversity and that potential that we all feel, we have faced so many challenges. These challenges ask us to answer a fundamental question: What is our collective responsibility in nation-building?
The destiny of Nigeria lies firmly in the hands of its people – you and me. I am an optimist and I believe strongly in the potential of our nation. We must work together to create the progress we so desire through innovation, and with unity in diversity.
In August, I spoke to the Nigerian Bar Association Annual General Conference in Abuja. At the time of a new administration – and without doubt some of our toughest times economically, I spoke about our collective responsibility as Nigerians, and what we must do to foster nation-building.
My prescription, my advice, my philosophy is simple:
1. Unity.
We must set our differences aside and be united with one ambition, and one duty – nation-building. Whatever our backgrounds, geographies, religions, and experiences let us ensure that our country experiences a true renaissance.
2. Celebrate our Global Success.
We know the potential of Nigeria.
We know the resources, human and natural, that Nigeria has at her disposal. We must learn to champion the successes of Nigerians globally – in international leadership positions at the WTO, at the UN, at the African Development Bank, at the Afreximbank, in technology, in music and entertainment, in business, in arts and in media, in film, in sports.
We see these replicated at home – what we need to do is unleash our potential, create that enabling environment in Nigeria.
3. Business Excellence.
The Nigerian private sector is showing globally our capability, our ingenuity, our institutionalisation. We have global businesses with Nigerian origins. For instance – UBA, the United Bank for Africa, the only African Bank that operates in the USA, as a deposit-taking bank. We are now in Dubai, Paris, and London – and just as importantly 20 other countries in Africa. Who would have thought 20 years ago, that Nigeria would be home to Africa’s global bank!
The private sector must continue to surpass its own achievements and continue to put Nigeria on the map.
4. Shared Responsibility
Nation-building is a call to arms – a vital task – a necessity.
At its core, nation-building is the intricate process of forging a cohesive, harmonious, and united society, out of diverse individuals, cultures, and ideologies. It is the art of constructing a shared identity.
Transforming Nigeria is a journey that demands our collective dedication, building across political affiliations, ethnic differences, and socioeconomic differences.
One that is not the responsibility of our government alone. Great nations start with great people, not just great leaders.
5. A Shared Ambition Across Our Society.
Our private sector, our philanthropies, our civil society, all citizens must be brought together and be empowered – as real, valued and executing partners for this national renewal, this nation building.
6. Love For Country.
Let Nigeria be at the centre of our hearts. Let us invest in the brand Nigeria.
We have no other place, no other motherland than Nigeria. We must begin to show and share a sense of pride in Nigeria. We must begin to rekindle our hope and have confidence in Nigeria and in our leaders. Let us be proud of Nigeria.
The responsibility of nation-building falls upon each and every one of us. To truly build a strong and prosperous nation, we must be more conscious and dedicated in our efforts.
Let us be inspired by the lessons of history, motivated by the sacrifices of our forefathers, guided by the wisdom of our elders, and energised by the aspirations of our youth.
Together, we can build a nation we can all be proud of.
Celebrate 63!

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