Exodus Of Nurses From Nigeria: 7,000 Leave For Other Countries Annually – Registrar

September 14, 2021

The Secretary-General/Registrar of the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, Dr. Faruk Abubakar has said that over 7,000 professional nurses leave the country for greener pastures in other countries annually.
According to him, this is a clear testimony that Nigeria has competent, efficient and hardworking professional nurses who he said, are among the best in the world.
Dr. Faruk Abubakar spoke when he led members of the council to the Delta State Commissioner for health, Dr. Mordi Ononye, in Asaba shortly before a five-day workshop for examiners engaged in nursing and professional examinations held in the state.
The secretary-general/registrar said: “In that respect, the council felt it is necessary that we maintain that standard and this is why in every two years, we organise this workshop and make sure that the examiners that we assign and appoint to conduct professional examinations have updated knowledge in line with global practices.”
It would be recalled that Nigeria has witnessed increased migration of nurses to developed nations due to push factors such as low remunerations, poor governmental policies, poor working conditions and pull factors such as good working conditions, better pay which are offered by developed countries.
The Delta health commissioner, Dr. Ononye, however, decried the high rate of migration of Nigerian nurses to developed countries as worrisome, saying that it must be urgently looked into with the view to checking its threat to Nigeria’s health system.
“We have a situation where human resource experts, trained and skilled at great cost to the nation are lost to our health system by migration to already developed countries.
“This is worrisome to stakeholders in the health sector and we welcome practical suggestions for finding solutions to this problem.”
Dr. Ononye commended the council for the good job it has been doing through its rigorous training programmes for nursing students and professionals which is the reason behind the competence displayed by Nigerian nurses in and outside the country.
“I commend the council for organising the examiners’ workshop and the inclusion of assessment of participants as part of its training activities which no doubt has made the workshop to be more than a mere paper exercise.
“By this the council no doubt has set the pace for other health players in the health sector to emulate.”
Source: Nigerian Tribune.

Job Seekers End Up In ICPC Detention Over Alleged Forged Papers

Editorial staff

September 14, 2021

Nigerians who turned up for job interview at the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) have ended up in detention over alleged forged certificates and academic records.

They were said to have presented the forged papers during the on-going recruitment interview exercise today, September 14.

A statement by the Commission’s spokesperson, Azuka C. Ogugua said that some of the false documents presented included declarations of age, school certificates and other documentation that showed evidence of tampering.

“This is contrary to and punishable under Section 25 (1) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000.

“The suspects have been detained and are being investigated by the Commission.”

Dangote Refinery Partners Content Board On Oil Sector Research, Development

Editorial staff

September 13, 2021

Dangote Oil Refinery has gone into partnership with the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) to promote the critical issue of Research and Development (R&D) in the oil and gas sector of the country.

Only recently, Dangote Petroleum Refinery sponsored the second Edition of the NCDMB Research and Development Fair and Conference 2021, which took place in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

Information reaching us said that Dangote Oil Refinery management had selected six graduates across the six geopolitical zones in conjunction with NCDMB to take the MSc and/or PhD programmes at the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria for Research and Development in Zeolites ZM5in.

Dangote Refinery at a recent workshop, themed: “Creating Sustainable Collaboration in Research and Development for the Energvvvvvvcvy Sector,” said the conference created a convergence of researchers, industry players, investors, finance enterprises and manufacturing companies to identify patentable or commercially viable products resulting from R&D activities.

The workshop afforded Dangote Oil Refinery the opportunity to showcase its 650,000 barrels-per-day single largest train refinery project and what the company has done in terms of Research and Development during the construction of the refinery.

Speaking during his visit to the Dangote Oil Refinery exhibition booth at the fair and conference, Executive Secretary, Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, Engr. Simbi Wabote, commended the company for showing support to the board by participating in the fair.

He expressed the need for companies in the Nigeria oil and gas sector to start nurturing the growth of the country’s home-grown technology rather just being wholesome consumers of other people’s innovations.

In his opening remarks, he said: “Analysis of global practices of Research and Development revealed that the combined R&D spend of just five countries makes up 63.5% of the entire global R&D spend. These five countries, namely USA, China, Japan, Germany, and India were also observed to have accounted for over 50% of the global Gross Domestic Products.

“Africa, on the other hand, accounted for less than one per cent (1%) of the global R&D spend while its GDP is only 3% of the global GDP. You will agree with me that there is a nexus between the spend on Research and Development and economic prosperity.”

The Executive Secretary said that from time immemorial to the current age of global connectivity, R&D always played a crucial role in opening up new chapters of modern life.

He listed some of the accomplishments of the board to include the establishment of the Nigerian Content Research and Development Council to advise the Board on matters relating to research and development in the oil and gas industry and the Development of R&D 10 Year Strategic Roadmap.

The minister, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Nasir Sani-Gwarzo, also called on industry stakeholders and youths across the country to take advantage of the NCDMB R&D center to bolster adaptation of existing solutions and also come up with new ones to address major challenges in the industry.

The Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, represented by his deputy, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, said the theme for the fair captures stakeholders’ collective commitment to aggressively drive innovation and position the oil industry on the path of an integrated energy sector, where field development and production solutions are sourced tbbnnmmm nhrough local capabilities.

He emphasized the need for private sector operators to invest in research and development. “It is important, however, to clear up a certain misconception: The funding of research is not the sole responsibility of National Governments; rather, big spenders on research and development globally come from the private sector,” he added.

Beyond financial intervention, he urged the oil and gas industry players to challenge the local academia with its research problems, to ensure the development of homegrown technology and the retention of oil and gas spend in the economy.

Farooq Kperogi’s Reckless Attack On PRNigeria, By Yushau A. Shuaib

Editorial staff

September 13, 2021

My attention has been drawn to a social media post by Farooq Kperogi, who happened to be my junior at Bayero University Kano, where he referred to PRNNigeria, rather than PRNigeria, as Prof Isa Ali Pantami’s PR firm, amidst other untoward, if not reckless and unproven insinuations.

I had never thought my relationship with Kperogi would lead him to question the integrity of PRNigeria, yet I will refrain from joining issues with him, as this would constitute a poor reflection of my upbringing and training as a PR person, whose calling is essentially about the building and nurturing of relationships. Yet, he is free to fact-check my reputation and that of PRNigeria in the past decade of our unparalleled interventions in the public space.

To help him, he should even go farther into the past from the days of the Mass Communications department at BUK, to the NYSC, and then professional memberships and affiliations in NIPR, APRA, IPRA, and others. I had always thought that the sacred act of public commentary is one that is grounded in truth-telling and the respect for boundaries of others, and not some flippant pandering to the impulse of seeking to rubbish well-built reputations in some spurious act of self-righteousness, which seeks to feign a holiness that’s above everyone else.

And to whom it may concern, my relationship with Prof Pantami is more of that of a brother and respected peer, than that of a client or employer, yoked together in a transactional crucible. I would have it no other way. Thank you.

Yushau A. Shuaib wrote in from Abuja.

What President Buhari Said And Didn’t Say In Imo State, By Femi Adesina

Editorial staff

September 13, 2021

We have observed that President Buhari’s concluding remarks at the meeting with South East Leaders during his one-day visit to Imo State is being deliberately contorted and twisted out of context.

The purveyors of disinformation want Nigerians to believe that the President bluntly told Governor Uzodinma, ‘‘I’ll be careful with your future invitations.’’

They have adduced different meanings to the phrase, contrary to the context wherein the President spoke during his successful dialogue with leaders of thought from Igbo land.

When he arrived at the banquet hall of Imo State Government House for his last assignment in Owerri, the President was welcomed by over 50 leaders from the South East who had waited patiently for him for a Town Hall engagement, after commissioning strategic projects in the State.

The President began his extempore speech by acknowledging the caliber of personalities present at the dialogue, including the President-General of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Prof George Obiozor, former Chief of General Staff, Commodore Ebitu Ukiwe (Rtd), former Senate President Ken Nnamani, former Military Governor in old Imo State, Senator Ike Nwachukwu, the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Achebe, Chairman of the South East Governors Forum and Governor of Ebonyi State, Dave Umahi, Deputy Governors of Abia, Anambra and the SSG of Enugu State, who represented the Governor, the Anglican Archbishop of Owerri Province, Most Rev David Onouha and his brother Bishop of Enugu, Archbishop Emmanuel Chukwuma, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, Ahaejiagamba Ndigbo, just to mention but a few.

An elated President Buhari made it clear that he was expressly overwhelmed by the reception and galaxy of personalities that travelled from the five South Eastern States to have a heart-to-heart discussion with him in Owerri, the Imo State capital.

His words were clear: “I am overwhelmed by this reception, overwhelmed in the sense that when I accepted the invitation by the Imo State Governor, who wants to justify investments the government has done to the people of Imo State, I thought I would see the bridges, the roads and a few renovations.

‘‘He didn’t tell me he was going to get the whole Igbo leadership here. So in the future when he invites me, I’ll know what to do. But I think he has done what the military didn’t like. He has achieved surprise. He has surprised me beyond description.’’

Later, in his concluding statement at the same event, the President made reference to his earlier remarks on the ‘‘surprise’’ action pulled by the Governor. On a lighter note, he quipped:

‘‘Governor of Imo State, I cannot thank you enough, but I will be careful with your future invitations.’’

The President’s historic visit to Imo State was very successful and the Igbo leaders who met him shared the same enthusiasm that his coming to the Eastern heartland would bring peace, foster unity, encourage good and better understanding among the citizenry.

Archbishop David Onuoha, who is the Anglican Archbishop of Owerri Ecclesiastical Province, must have summed up the mood in the words of the prayer offered at the event: “Thank You dear Lord for our nation Nigeria and her people with diverse backgrounds, nationalities and cultures. Surely You did not make any mistakes in bringing us together.

‘‘Your purpose is for us to harness our potentials/strength to build a strong and virile nation. May this purpose never be defeated.

‘‘Glory be unto You for bringing Your servant and our dear President, His Excellency Muhammadu Buhari, safely to this State. Blessed be Your name for his life and the giant strides he is taking for the wellbeing of our nation.

‘‘Thank you for the huge infrastructural development that is taking place in various parts of the country.

‘‘Lord, Nigeria is a great nation with numerous challenges. We pray that you endue our President with heavenly wisdom, grace and strength. In his resolve to serve this nation, he will not fail, fall or falter. He will end his tenure strong and well to the glory and honour of your name and the good of our people.

‘‘May his visit today bring peace, foster unity, encourage good and better understanding among the citizens of this great nation; may it bring prosperity and restoration.’’

Femi Adesina is Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity.

Soldiers Kill Score Of Bandits Fleeing From Their Camp

Editorial staff

September 11, 2021

Scores of armed Bandits fleeing in confusion, from the ongoing Military operation in Zamfara and Katsina states, met their Waterloo in the hands of soldiers at Maganda village near Allawa in Shiroro local government area of Niger state yesterday.

The bandits who were escaping through the notorious Allawa forest in their hundreds, ran into the Military camp stationed at Alawa, and engaged the soldiers in a serious gun battle for several hours.

At the end of the gun battle, one soldier was said to been missing while scores of the bandits were killed and several others escaped into the forest with bullets injuries.

Those who escaped with serious bullets wounds are still being trailed by the soldiers as the entire forest is being combed in search of the escaped ones.

About six machine guns and a number of AK 47 riffles and bags of ammunitions were recovered from the bandits.

According to a source close to Allawa community, who spoke to our correspondent on the condition of anonymity, most of the bandits killed all look like foreigners as they have no resemblance of Nigerians.

“In fact from the dead bodies that we saw, they are not Nigerians, these are foreigners, all of them are carrying long hair like women.

“They don’t have resemblance of Nigerians and they don’t know the terrain that was why they ran into the soldiers because they did not know that there is soldiers camp there”, our source said.

He disclosed that though one soldier was killed by the bandits, the soldiers recorded a huge success by killing several of them, stressing that “as I speak with you the bodies of the bandits killed are still littered in the bush”.

This is one of the major breakthrough recorded by the Military in its war against armed bandits in the state in recent time.

However, it could be recalled that the bandits had in April this year, invaded the Military Base in Alawa, and killed five soldiers and a mobile Policeman.

The entire Military camp was razed down by the armed bandits who invaded the base at about 3:00am when soldiers had just returned to their base from area patrol.

After the invasion of the Military base, the bandits moved to the community where they killed seven People and abducted a number of villagers.

How Multinational Companies Evaded N5.4 Trillion Tax In 10 Years – EFCC Boss

Editorial staff

September 11, 2021

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has said that about N5.4 trillion has been lost to tax evasion by multi-nationals corporations operating in the country from 2011 to 2021.

It also said that the Nigerian government has, in the last 13 years, spent about N6 trillion in its fight against terrorism.

The Chairman of the Commission, Abdulrasheed Bawa, made these known in a paper, entitled: “Combating of Crime, Corruption and implication for Development and Security”, at the 38th Cambridge International Symposium on Economic Crime, organized by the Center for International Documentation on Organized and Economic Crime (CIDOEC), Jesus College, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom.

The Chairman, who was represented by his Deputy Chief of Staff, Sambo Mayana, called on leaders across the world to rise to the challenge of fighting corruption to enhance global economic development and security.

He said: “The ‘spoiler’effects on countries’ development processes are diverse, and particularly severe for fragile states: economic crime, including illicit financial flows, diverts much needed resources needed to rebuild countries’ public services, from security and justice to basic social services such as health and education.

“Over N6trn has been expended so far on the war against terrorism in Nigeria since 2008 while about N5.4trn was lost to tax evasion by multi-nationals corporations operating in the country from 2011 – 2021. This is aside the theft of resources in the nation’s oil and gas sector.

“The incidence of illegal mining, smuggling of goods, tax evasion, illegal oil bunkering, illegal arms deals just to mention but a few does not allow the government to receive the full accruals from the continent’s vast resources that are needed for development.

“The revenue generated are embezzled by government officials and their collaborators in the private sector. This does not allow for economic growth and by extension a hindrance to development.”

Bawa, however, noted that all hope is not lost as the country, under the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, has demonstrated commitment and political will in dealing with the issue of economic crimes through a number of legislative and institutional reforms.

At the level of the EFCC as the central agency coordinating the fight against economic crime in Nigeria, Bawa said the agency has been up front in tackling the malaise with tremendous successes.

According to him, records show that as at August 2021, the EFCC has well over 3,408 convictions

“From the time I took over as the Executive Chairman, on the 5th of March 2021, we have recovered over N6bn, over $161m, over £13,000, €1,730, 200 Canadian dollars, CFA 373,000, ¥8,430 and 30 Real Estates. We have arrested over 1,500 internet fraudsters, many of whom are being prosecuted.”

My First Reaction Was That “I’m Dead” – Survivor Of 9/11 WTC Attacks

Editorial staff

September 11, 2021

One of the survivors of the September 11, 2001 World Trade Center Collapse, Tom Canavan has narrated how he felt when the incidence occurred.

Tom Canavan is one of the few persons that came out from the rubbles of the collapsed of the complex in the United States, following a coordinated terrorist attack by Al-Qaeda.

On that day, four commercial airliners were reportedly hijacked by terrorists and diverted to hit the large complex of seven buildings leading to the death of about 2,977 victims.

Tom Canavan said he was lucky to live to tell the story haven been in the South Tower of the World Trade Centre when it fell.

He told CNN that he initially thought he was dead because everywhere around was dark.

“All of a sudden, I felt this rush of air coming down and heat, a thumping noise. And I remember yelling or trying to yell. I don’t even know if I got it out of my mouth to one of the women who was ahead of me to head for a doorway.

“But I don’t — again, I don’t know if I got it out of my mouth before I was just smashed to the ground like a bug. And then it got real quiet. I heard just some — what sounded like sand trickling and just complete darkness and no sound at all. And my first reaction was, I’m dead.”

According to Canavan, he encouraged himself that he needed to go and see his wife and he gradually began to pull himself through till he came out.

“There was a slab of concrete that had fallen at an angle and hit me on the top of the head, pushed me down. I didn’t know all this at the time — I just felt something on top of me. So I felt for the edge, and I said: “I can’t stay here.” Things around me — it was just so hot. There were little pieces of paper just starting to burst and a male voice said to me, Don’t leave me.

“And I said, “Well, I’m leaving. If you stay here, you’re gonna burn and suffocate. And my wife at the time was pregnant. And I said, I have to see my daughter born. My son’s turning 3 next week. So I’m leaving. And I just started digging. And the guy came behind me and we moved like snakes. You couldn’t even get up onto your knees, that’s how congested it was. All I remember is concrete,” he said to CNN.

September 11 is set apart in the US as a memorial for those who lost their lives in the said attack.

The US President, Joe Biden and former presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton and top military and governments officials gathered to observe 9/11 ceremony for the victims.

Speaking at the remembrance ceremony at the Flight 93 memorial, Pennsylvania, former US president, George Bush urged Americans to remember those who died and to stand united and focused in the face of challenges.

“This is not mere nostalgia. It is the truest version of ourselves. It is what we have been and what we can be again. 20 years ago, terrorists chose a random group of Americans on a routine flight to be collateral damage in a spectacular act of terror. The 33 passengers and seven crew of Flight 93 could have been any group of citizens selected by fate. In a sense, they stood in for us all. The terrorists soon discovered that a random group of Americans is an exceptional group of people,” he said.

JO Omuya Foundation Sponsors 33 Indigent Students To Higher Institutions

Greenbarge Reporters

September 11, 2021

The Chief JO Omuya Foundation, scholarship section has, for the 2021/22 academic year, sponsored 33 indigents but brilliant students in the Kogi State Central Senatorial District to various tertiary institutions across Nigeria.

The students, at a ceremony recently, received between N20,000 and N100,000 each from the Foundation to support their education.

Chairman of the Foundation, Chief Dr. Joshua O. Omuya said at the occasion held at Afims Hotel in Okene, Kogi State that the total amount disbursed to the students, including the newly selected and existing ones was N2,190,000.

“Four other beneficiaries will collect Sewing Machines towards the Foundation’s Skill Acquisition efforts, worth about N240,000. Altogether, the total cash outlay for this year is therefore, N2,430,000. In its seven years of existence, the Foundation has made over N10,000,000 disbursements to over 100 new and continuing beneficiaries.

“We have put up a structure that only requires some little support so that the kind gesture can be sustained in future.”

He said that from a modest capital base of N10 million in 2014 when it all started, the Foundation’s capital fund has been increased to N20 million, adding however that the dwindling rate of returns from investment of the funds has not made it possible to earn commensurate income to match the 100 percent accretion to the capital fund.

“Our hope and plan are to continue increasing the capital fund as God blesses us, in the hope that before we pass on, we would have built up a robust capital base to sustain the Foundation in perpetuity.

“Your token support, therefore, will go a long way in realizing this lofty goal and dream.”

Chief Omuya recalled that the annual scholarship award was launched in February 2014 when he clocked 60 years of age and thanked God that it has been sustained.

“Our modest gesture is to give the little we can afford back to the society in appreciation of God’s benevolence on us. “Our prayers all along has been that others that are far better endowed more than us will be encouraged by our modest gesture to set up similar Foundations.

“By the time five, ten, 20 and more of this type of Foundation is established across Ebiraland, then hopefully many of those deserving of this type of support would have been touched and in over 20 to 50 years’ time, the impact would be felt.

It is our expectation that a few of those who have benefitted over the years will also see the need to help others when they grow up.

“For now, I appeal to all sons and daughters of our Fatherland who God has blessed, to try and set up similar Foundations to help the needy.

The quality and essence of our living are not measured by the money and properties that we have acquired but more on the lives of people that we have touched in positive manner, no matter how small. It is more blessed to give than to receive. Let us cultivate the habit of giving.

Chief Omuya called on the beneficiary students to put all their efforts and mind to their studies and ensure that they come up in flying colors.

“Continue to be of good behavior. Eschew all cultism and evil acts. Do not join bad gangs. Do not be involved in drugs as all these will ruin your life. Education without good character is a waste.”

Go Back To Work, Buhari Tells Striking Doctors

Editorial staff

September 10, 2021

President Muhammadu Buhari has called on medical doctors who have been on nationwide strike for over a month now and other health workers to return to their duty posts immediately.

He also advised others contemplating strikes to opt for settlement of issues by negotiation, no matter how long it takes.

“The lives of citizens that could be lost or damaged when doctors withdraw services, are precious enough to be worth opting for peaceful resolution of differences.’’

President Buhari who spoke today, September 10 while receiving members of Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) at the State House, assured that all outstanding benefits owed medical doctors will be cleared after verifications.

He said that embarking on industrial action at a critical health period for the country and citizens is not a good option.

“Protecting our citizens is not to be left to government alone, but taken as a collective responsibility, in which especially medical professionals play a critical role. Let me speak directly to the striking doctors. Embarking on industrial action at this time when Nigerians need you most is not the best action to take, no matter the grievances.

“This Administration has a good track record of paying all debts owed to government workers, pensioners and contractors and we have even revisited debts left by past administrations, once due verification is done. Debts genuinely owed Health workers will be settled.

“I learnt that some of the 12 points demand in the ongoing strike were already addressed. Though the Review of a new Hazard Allowance has not been fully negotiated because of the sharp and deep division within the ranks of the striking doctors.’’

President Buhari said that the outstanding issue of an Establishment circular issued by the Head of Service, removing House officers, NYSC Doctors from scheme of service had an addendum circular from National Salaries and Wages Commission to clarify that they will continue to earn the wages attached to them on their present wage structure.

“I request that the agreement reached in the meetings of 20th and 21st August captured in the MOU which I have seen be religiously implemented.”

Buhari said that to further improve the health sector, budgetary allocations had been increased and a Health Sector Reform Committee, under the Chairmanship of the Vice President, had been commissioned to identify and address weaknesses in the Health System and align with global best practices that raise public confidence.

“We are also supporting initiatives to expand health insurance coverage and bring more resources to health financing. We have many more challenges ahead and much more to do, for our large population.

“In this respect, it is important to remind you that, as senior medical personnel and representatives of one of the most respected professional groups in the world, your responsibility for the health and wellbeing of Nigerians are clear.

“It does not end only with the welfare of your members, but continues with a sense of responsibility for the entire country and its sociopolitical health and national stability.”

President Buhari noted that Nigeria’s source of revenue over many years was dwindling, with a rising population.

“The global economy has been seriously affected by the pandemic, and despite recent pleasing news of more than five per cent economic growth of Nigeria in the last quarter, we are still having fiscal challenges to deal with, like most other countries.

“The source of revenue that Nigeria has depended on for so long experienced global decline, our population is rising fast and the tension arising from both, is fuelling agitation among our youth. Organizations like the NMA could play a very useful moderating role in society.”

The President commended the positive role Nigeria Medical Association has been playing, as the apex professional medical association in Nigeria, especially with regard to the ongoing industrial action.

“This is a befitting role for the NMA, as a mature organization, led by responsible members with long experience.

“I am proud also to learn of various feats that have been achieved in our hospitals, like the separation of conjoined twins and also the valiant efforts of our health personnel in handling the Covid-19 pandemic, much of which has earned us recognition at home and abroad, and the recent appointment of one of your colleagues as Assistant Director General of the World Health Organization. We again warmly congratulate Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu for his elevation.’’

President Buhari admonished that the course of Covid-19 in Nigeria is not yet entirely clear, and response to it must be collective.

In his remarks, the Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, said the NMA has been playing a critical role in development of the health sector, particularly in tackling pandemics, participating in policy formulation and population health.

President of the NMA, Professor Innocent A. Ujah, thanked the President for the appointment of members into strategic positions in government, assent to the Medical Residency Act and immunization coverage.

Ujah said that the association is concerned with the industrial action embarked upon by doctors, and had been doing its best to alleviate the suffering of patients across the country.

The NMA president thanked President Buhari for takeoff grant for first Federal University of Health Sciences in Otukpo, Benue State, Azare, Bauchi State and Ila Orangun, Osun State. Ujah suggested an appropriate funding module for the new institutions.

He assured the President of the continuous support of members of the association to improve health in the country.

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