By Fred Nwaozor
Even a dummy in the Nigeria’s polity cannot afford to claim ignorance of the ongoing melodrama being acted by the Federal Government (FG) and the organized labour comprising mainly the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC).
The aforementioned scene, informed by the organized labour’s quest for an upward review of the national minimum wage of the Nigerian workers from the current N18,000 to a more reasonable and tangible figure, has been on the centre stage for several months now.
It would be recalled that the N18,000 currently enjoyed by the workers was effected by the FG in early 2011. The International Labour Organization (ILO) stipulates that the national minimum wage of any nation ought to be upwardly reviewed every five years. This implies that reviewing the country’s minimum wage is long overdue.
Considering how the ongoing melodrama has lingered thus far, a keen onlooker might boldly insinuate that the FG is playing some pranks on the organized labour, though various financial experts comprehend that the apparent inaction displayed by the government is necessitated by fear of the unknown.
As Nigerians perceive that the governments at all levels possess the financial muscle to bear the burden to be occasioned by the proposed N30,000 as new national minimum wage, concerned analysts have feared that even if the FG ends up fulfilling its own part of the bargain, other sectors involved such as the state governments and private investors might still suffer a severe setback. The truth is that the FG is presently uncertain over its capacity to fully implement the said amount as agreed by the tripartite committee, if signed into law.
This could be the reason the President Muhammadu Buhari-led government has delayed the transmission of the bill regarding the newly proposed minimum wage to the National Assembly (NASS) for onward constitutional deliberations. This apathy on the part of the FG has been against the wishes of concerned Nigerians who hoped that the bill would be transmitted to the NASS before the end of 2018.
As their hopes were dashed penultimate year, at the wake of the 2019, the NLC led by Comrade Ayuba Waba tendered a strong New Year message, informing the citizenry that there would be a total shutdown across the federation by 8th January 2019 unless their demands were met by the government prior to the stipulated date.
Owing to the above threat, the FG further engaged the organized labour in rigorous meetings with a view to averting the intended strike. The outcome of the harmonized discussions was an ultimatum issued to the government to transmit the money bill to the NASS on or before January 23, 2019. This doesn’t override the fact that the FG is still jittery over the anticipated implementation of the amount in question.
In regard to the anxiety, President Buhari on Wednesday, 9th January 2019 set up a 30-man Technical Advisory Committee to work out modalities on how the proposed N30,000 new minimum wage could be implemented smoothly and successfully. The committee was given thirty days from the inauguration date to submit its report.
Since the 30-man committee is charged with a feasibility study, or the responsibility of aptly advising the government on how best to source the funds for implementation of the proposed figure, a discerning mind would like to advise the members of the committee to tactically stick to the needful as they carry out the consignment.
With all due respect, I want to scold the relevant authorities for coming up with the concept of setting up an advisory committee at the late hour. It’s worthy of note that even if the motive is lofty, the Fire Brigade approach accorded to it has the tendency of negatively affecting the foreseen laudable outcome of the entire idea.
The organized labour has already warned decisively that the deliberations of the constituted committee shouldn’t in any way alter the January-23 ultimatum. This strongly signifies that the ultimatum is sacrosanct, hence must not be seen as a mere threat as it has played out in the past.
Since the labour is hell bent to shut down the country if the government failed to transmit the money bill before the expiration of the given deadline and considering that the general elections are around the corner, the FG is expected not to shun the frantic request of the workers.
Let’s assume the government eventually adhered to the demand of the organized labour and the advisory committee submitted its comprehensive report after 23rd of January, what then becomes the fate of the FG if the committee asserted that the proposed N30,000 isn’t feasible? This mind-boggling question is enough reason the committee is meant to tender its report before the controversial bill is transmitted.
Among all the suggestions cum advices to be given by the committee, it shouldn’t forget to mention the compelling need for the governments to cut down bureaucracies and excesses. All forms of leakages related to taxation must be duly blocked. Also, on no account should borrowing be suggested for recurrent expenditure.
Similarly, an advisory committee ought to be set up for the case of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) who embarked on an industrial action since 5th November 2018 and had vowed never to resume until the FG fully implements the agreement reached with the union.
We can’t fold our arms and claim that all is okay while in the real sense, all is actually not well. Think about it!
Comrade Nwaozor,TheMediaAmbassador, is the
National Coordinator, Right Thinkers Movement
Tuesday, 12 February 2019
Sunday, 27 January 2019
Analysis I Making New Year Resolutions Amid Challenges
By Fred Nwaozor
The long awaited 2019 has eventually arrived. Just like an odyssey, the beginning of every year is invariably accompanied with influx of fresh dreams, concepts, anticipations, plans, or what have you.
It’s imperative to acknowledge that towards actualization of these wishes, the bearer is expected to inculcate reasonable resolutions into his or her life to enable him/her stick to the rules as the journey progresses.
The resolution would serve as a viable guide as you pursue the dream vigorously. One thing we must take into cognizance is that two major factors – altitude and attitude – determine the realization of any plan at all times.
The former, which literally means the distance you are meant to cover during the journey, cannot be actualized if proper planning is taken for granted; secondly, you must follow the apt route for you to get to the anticipated destination. The latter, which signifies the lifestyle or policies of the plan bearer, is needed to enable him do the right thing while relating with his fellow humans whilst the odyssey is on.
One’s attitude indeed speaks volumes when pursuing anything whatsoever. Your attitude or character would make your partners – benefactors, colleagues, or associates, as the case may be – give you the required support or attention when need be.
It would equally put you in a form that would enable you apply the overall needed strategies adequately. For instance, if you are used to drinking indiscriminately, such attitude could ruin your plans, because it can make you not to concentrate, or do the right thing, as well as make your intending partners detest your person, thus wouldn’t like to work or cooperate with you.
A bad attitude would make the journey crash along the line owing to your inability to relate well with your fellow travellers. A bad attitude is simply like a flat tyre; it can never go anywhere until you change it irrespective of the circumstance.
In view of this, a sound resolution serves as a recipe to a viable plan or concept. Having initiated a plan in accordance with your dreams or wishes, courtesy demands that you draw good resolutions that would help to reshape your attitudes.
The proposed resolutions must be in respect of your flaws, and not that of your relatives or friends. Hence, you must design a resolution that would suit your person. Don’t make resolutions in line with what others are making. It ought to be done to address your shortcomings, and not that of others.
Since a dream/wish is expected to beget a plan, it’s needless to state that a dream without adequate resolutions is seemingly meaningless or would remain futile. So, as every year often unveils a distinct dream, it is worthy of note that the dream might suffer a severe setback in the process if its bearer fails to summon good resolutions prior to implementing the strategies begotten by the plan.
In other words, without a resolution, a dream is virtually useless, and vice-versa. It suffices to say that dream and resolution are interwoven. But it takes only a sound resolution for a dream to excel as expected.
Though making a resolution is very crucial, it’s noteworthy that sustaining it is a different issue entirely. Several factors – including influence, environment and idleness – serve as a deterrent toward the sustenance of any resolution. The company you keep can jeopardize your chances of maintaining your resolution due to influence. So, as you make a resolution, you ought to endeavour to delete some names from your friendship list.
In the same vein, in his words, the great philosopher, Karl Marx stated that ‘Environment determines the action of the mind’. I strongly concur with this ancient assertion. Where you live or the place you found yourself at a given time plays a key role in keeping a resolution.
Among all, idleness on its part can also contribute negatively to the sustenance of a certain set of resolutions. The saying that ‘An idle mind is the devil’s workshop’ is enough reason to worry. A well conceived concept can be bedevilled by idleness.
It’s noteworthy that all forms of challenges can pose threat to any kind of resolution regardless of the level of determination of the bearer. This implies a certain challenge can constitute nuisance in the long run, thus can destruct the wholesomeness of the journey in question. In some cases, such a circumstance makes it so difficult for one to make a resolution let alone sustain it.
Making resolutions amid challenges might seem very tough but there’s need to comprehend that such a challenge can be subdued if the needful is done. In a situation of this kind, one who truly intends to make as well as keep a resolution is required to be resolute and resilient at all cost.
Inter alia, you are required to be deeply prayerful and faithful. You must build your spiritual life to the core and never depart from your faith. Prayer is as powerful as faith, but always note that the latter is arguably more powerful.
However, it’s worth noting that a certain challenge might be to your advantage. Those whom their flaw is about debauchery ought to see a challenge such as financial incapacitation as a blessing in disguise. This condition would enable such persons to go only for their needs, not wants. Think about it!
Comrade Nwaozor (TheMediaAmbassador)is the
National Coordinator, Right Thinkers Movement
The long awaited 2019 has eventually arrived. Just like an odyssey, the beginning of every year is invariably accompanied with influx of fresh dreams, concepts, anticipations, plans, or what have you.
It’s imperative to acknowledge that towards actualization of these wishes, the bearer is expected to inculcate reasonable resolutions into his or her life to enable him/her stick to the rules as the journey progresses.
The resolution would serve as a viable guide as you pursue the dream vigorously. One thing we must take into cognizance is that two major factors – altitude and attitude – determine the realization of any plan at all times.
The former, which literally means the distance you are meant to cover during the journey, cannot be actualized if proper planning is taken for granted; secondly, you must follow the apt route for you to get to the anticipated destination. The latter, which signifies the lifestyle or policies of the plan bearer, is needed to enable him do the right thing while relating with his fellow humans whilst the odyssey is on.
One’s attitude indeed speaks volumes when pursuing anything whatsoever. Your attitude or character would make your partners – benefactors, colleagues, or associates, as the case may be – give you the required support or attention when need be.
It would equally put you in a form that would enable you apply the overall needed strategies adequately. For instance, if you are used to drinking indiscriminately, such attitude could ruin your plans, because it can make you not to concentrate, or do the right thing, as well as make your intending partners detest your person, thus wouldn’t like to work or cooperate with you.
A bad attitude would make the journey crash along the line owing to your inability to relate well with your fellow travellers. A bad attitude is simply like a flat tyre; it can never go anywhere until you change it irrespective of the circumstance.
In view of this, a sound resolution serves as a recipe to a viable plan or concept. Having initiated a plan in accordance with your dreams or wishes, courtesy demands that you draw good resolutions that would help to reshape your attitudes.
The proposed resolutions must be in respect of your flaws, and not that of your relatives or friends. Hence, you must design a resolution that would suit your person. Don’t make resolutions in line with what others are making. It ought to be done to address your shortcomings, and not that of others.
Since a dream/wish is expected to beget a plan, it’s needless to state that a dream without adequate resolutions is seemingly meaningless or would remain futile. So, as every year often unveils a distinct dream, it is worthy of note that the dream might suffer a severe setback in the process if its bearer fails to summon good resolutions prior to implementing the strategies begotten by the plan.
In other words, without a resolution, a dream is virtually useless, and vice-versa. It suffices to say that dream and resolution are interwoven. But it takes only a sound resolution for a dream to excel as expected.
Though making a resolution is very crucial, it’s noteworthy that sustaining it is a different issue entirely. Several factors – including influence, environment and idleness – serve as a deterrent toward the sustenance of any resolution. The company you keep can jeopardize your chances of maintaining your resolution due to influence. So, as you make a resolution, you ought to endeavour to delete some names from your friendship list.
In the same vein, in his words, the great philosopher, Karl Marx stated that ‘Environment determines the action of the mind’. I strongly concur with this ancient assertion. Where you live or the place you found yourself at a given time plays a key role in keeping a resolution.
Among all, idleness on its part can also contribute negatively to the sustenance of a certain set of resolutions. The saying that ‘An idle mind is the devil’s workshop’ is enough reason to worry. A well conceived concept can be bedevilled by idleness.
It’s noteworthy that all forms of challenges can pose threat to any kind of resolution regardless of the level of determination of the bearer. This implies a certain challenge can constitute nuisance in the long run, thus can destruct the wholesomeness of the journey in question. In some cases, such a circumstance makes it so difficult for one to make a resolution let alone sustain it.
Making resolutions amid challenges might seem very tough but there’s need to comprehend that such a challenge can be subdued if the needful is done. In a situation of this kind, one who truly intends to make as well as keep a resolution is required to be resolute and resilient at all cost.
Inter alia, you are required to be deeply prayerful and faithful. You must build your spiritual life to the core and never depart from your faith. Prayer is as powerful as faith, but always note that the latter is arguably more powerful.
However, it’s worth noting that a certain challenge might be to your advantage. Those whom their flaw is about debauchery ought to see a challenge such as financial incapacitation as a blessing in disguise. This condition would enable such persons to go only for their needs, not wants. Think about it!
Comrade Nwaozor (TheMediaAmbassador)is the
National Coordinator, Right Thinkers Movement
Sunday, 20 January 2019
BREAKING: Buhari Appoints Adamu Mohammed Acting IGP As Idris Bows Out
President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the appointment of Adamu Mohammed, a former commissioner of police in Enugu state, as acting Inspector General of Police (IGP).
The new IGP before his appointment was serving at the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, near Jos.
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The Acting IGP Mohammed, who hails from Nasarawa state, was “transferred out of relevance”.
Mohammed was a deputy commissioner of police in Ekiti state and had served at the Interpol before he rose to the rank of Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG).
His appointment will douse the tension surrounding the tenure elongation of Ibrahim Idris, outgoing IGP.
There had been reports on the plots to extend Idris’ tenure but opposition parties kicked against it.
Idris will retire on today after reaching 60 years as he born on January 15, 1959 and after completing the mandatory 35 years in service.
Friday, 4 January 2019
Analysis I WAEC's Impending Electronic Mode For Certificates
By Fred Nwaozor
Education has in recent times been arguably regarded as one of the greatest investments anyone could lay his hands on. It’s so, because, is an area of life that breeds the mindset towards attaining a remarkable level.
The aforementioned perception could be the reason discerning individuals cum families do not hesitate to sacrifice virtually their entire treasure in their tireless and endless quest for sound education upon their wards.
The Nigeria’s education sector cannot be holistically discussed by any thinker or group without mentioning the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), which has over the decades been a household name in the sector.
Owing to the above fact, most times in the contemporary Nigerian society, rather than mention the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE), which encompasses the various forms of examining bodies, people find it easier to say ‘WAEC’ while discussing external examinations even when they actually mean the umbrella acronym – SSCE.
This signifies that the overwhelming popularity of WAEC has made it possible for the body to relatively overshadow the relevance of the other existing examining bodies such as the National Examinations Council (NECO) and National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB), among others that equally speak volumes in the country’s education sector.
Hence, no one seems to take any issue pertaining to WAEC for granted, especially when it concerns the overall interest of the concerned public. It suffices to say that whenever the revered exam board comes up with any proposed innovation, people don’t delay in cross-examining the real content and service value of the impending initiative.
It is on this premise that the recent avowal made by the WAEC has triggered mixed feelings among the teeming Nigerians. The Nigeria’s section of the council disclosed, three weeks back, its unflinching intention to, henceforth, start issuing candidates’ certificates via electronic mode otherwise known as e-mode.
According to the statement, which was tendered precisely on 13th December 2018, through the intended e-mode, the concerned candidates would have the access to apply as well as receive their certificates via an online portal.
It further informed that the proposed method became imperative as a result of the backlog of certificates currently available in their quarters domiciled in the country. The notice indicated that there were thousands of printed certificates, involving numerous years, yet to be collected by the supposed owners. The incoming pattern, therefore, would ensure that certificates are only prepared upon request of any affected candidate.
Acknowledging that the human society at large is now conspicuously tech-driven, it’s preposterous to assert that the impending e-mode is a laudable concept that ought to have been born long ago. This implies that the emergence of such an idea is long overdue.
Over the years, prospective candidates of the WAEC have been registering for their intended exams via the online platform, having noted by the council that this is the fastest and easiest way to seamlessly apply for such test of knowledge compared to the manual system that was previously in vogue.
And the online application has hitherto recorded tremendous success, if not a few technical hitches that have overtime posed a threat to the exercise. Aside the electronic application towards sitting for either the May/June or November/December batch of the WAEC’s exams, the Statement of Results of the test can equally be accessed through online.
The target beneficiaries have reportedly been enjoying this systematic approach as some would say that the initiative, since inception, has made it possible for them to get closer to the WAEC irrespective of their respective localities or places of residence.
Now that the WAEC has thought it wise to inculcate another initiative into the existing e-mode of application cum receipt of documents, it’s pertinent for the management of the body to comprehend the rudiments of the awaited exercise with a view to ensuring that all needed parameters are duly considered toward averting possible hitches thereafter.
First, the impending e-site must be a well tested and trusted one devout of any form of barrier as regards online activity. Thus, the portal ought to be foolproof that it wouldn’t give room for any operational anomaly regardless of the circumstance.
Any software to be deployed in the process should be of standard cum latest version and ought to be regularly managed by the personnel with the requisite skills who must be staff of the council. In addition, a special unit that must be willing to work round the clock is expected to be established to handle the A-Z operations and intrigues of the exercise.
Inter alia, world-class anti-hacking softwares are meant to be utilized and maintained as the journey progresses to ensure that internet hackers do not hijack, or have access to, the portal at any time. The WAEC needs to take into cognizance that creating any lapse that could warrant the site to be hacked by any cyber criminal would definitely jeopardize the lofty motive of the body.
Against this backdrop, the council is required to boast of well-experienced anti-hacking professionals in the proposed special unit. Hence, some of the personnel in the unit must, from time to time, undergo in-house workshop and training on ethical hacking terminology towards updating their expertise. So, a reliable entity should be contracted or engaged in respect of this measure.
One of the major good news concerning the latest development is that, if duly implemented, people can from anywhere across the global community apply for and have access to their WAEC certificates without involving themselves in any rigorous processes and what have you, thereby averting any kind of stress or inconvenience.
In view of this, the body needs to ensure that the target beneficiaries don’t spend longer period than anticipated while assessing the e-mode site from any locality. They need to enjoy the services they paid for.
Hence, efforts should also be intensified to ensure that the initiative becomes cost effective so that it won’t end up constituting further financial nuisance to the prospective certificates’ bearers, or the council in particular. Thus, the e-application card is expected to be affordable by all concerned. The site is required to be easily assessed or uploaded to avoid exhausting hundreds of Gigabytes (GB) of data in the process.
As the WAEC is apparently determined to decongest the ‘traffic’ usually constituted by pile-up of printed certificates by introducing an e-mode, it must equally be genuinely ready to guarantee its labour and cost effectiveness so that it wouldn’t in the long run be seen as a menace by the supposed beneficiaries. Think about it!
Comrade Nwaozor, National Coordinator of Right Thinkers Movement
writes via frednwaozor@gmail.com
Education has in recent times been arguably regarded as one of the greatest investments anyone could lay his hands on. It’s so, because, is an area of life that breeds the mindset towards attaining a remarkable level.
The aforementioned perception could be the reason discerning individuals cum families do not hesitate to sacrifice virtually their entire treasure in their tireless and endless quest for sound education upon their wards.
The Nigeria’s education sector cannot be holistically discussed by any thinker or group without mentioning the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), which has over the decades been a household name in the sector.
Owing to the above fact, most times in the contemporary Nigerian society, rather than mention the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE), which encompasses the various forms of examining bodies, people find it easier to say ‘WAEC’ while discussing external examinations even when they actually mean the umbrella acronym – SSCE.
This signifies that the overwhelming popularity of WAEC has made it possible for the body to relatively overshadow the relevance of the other existing examining bodies such as the National Examinations Council (NECO) and National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB), among others that equally speak volumes in the country’s education sector.
Hence, no one seems to take any issue pertaining to WAEC for granted, especially when it concerns the overall interest of the concerned public. It suffices to say that whenever the revered exam board comes up with any proposed innovation, people don’t delay in cross-examining the real content and service value of the impending initiative.
It is on this premise that the recent avowal made by the WAEC has triggered mixed feelings among the teeming Nigerians. The Nigeria’s section of the council disclosed, three weeks back, its unflinching intention to, henceforth, start issuing candidates’ certificates via electronic mode otherwise known as e-mode.
According to the statement, which was tendered precisely on 13th December 2018, through the intended e-mode, the concerned candidates would have the access to apply as well as receive their certificates via an online portal.
It further informed that the proposed method became imperative as a result of the backlog of certificates currently available in their quarters domiciled in the country. The notice indicated that there were thousands of printed certificates, involving numerous years, yet to be collected by the supposed owners. The incoming pattern, therefore, would ensure that certificates are only prepared upon request of any affected candidate.
Acknowledging that the human society at large is now conspicuously tech-driven, it’s preposterous to assert that the impending e-mode is a laudable concept that ought to have been born long ago. This implies that the emergence of such an idea is long overdue.
Over the years, prospective candidates of the WAEC have been registering for their intended exams via the online platform, having noted by the council that this is the fastest and easiest way to seamlessly apply for such test of knowledge compared to the manual system that was previously in vogue.
And the online application has hitherto recorded tremendous success, if not a few technical hitches that have overtime posed a threat to the exercise. Aside the electronic application towards sitting for either the May/June or November/December batch of the WAEC’s exams, the Statement of Results of the test can equally be accessed through online.
The target beneficiaries have reportedly been enjoying this systematic approach as some would say that the initiative, since inception, has made it possible for them to get closer to the WAEC irrespective of their respective localities or places of residence.
Now that the WAEC has thought it wise to inculcate another initiative into the existing e-mode of application cum receipt of documents, it’s pertinent for the management of the body to comprehend the rudiments of the awaited exercise with a view to ensuring that all needed parameters are duly considered toward averting possible hitches thereafter.
First, the impending e-site must be a well tested and trusted one devout of any form of barrier as regards online activity. Thus, the portal ought to be foolproof that it wouldn’t give room for any operational anomaly regardless of the circumstance.
Any software to be deployed in the process should be of standard cum latest version and ought to be regularly managed by the personnel with the requisite skills who must be staff of the council. In addition, a special unit that must be willing to work round the clock is expected to be established to handle the A-Z operations and intrigues of the exercise.
Inter alia, world-class anti-hacking softwares are meant to be utilized and maintained as the journey progresses to ensure that internet hackers do not hijack, or have access to, the portal at any time. The WAEC needs to take into cognizance that creating any lapse that could warrant the site to be hacked by any cyber criminal would definitely jeopardize the lofty motive of the body.
Against this backdrop, the council is required to boast of well-experienced anti-hacking professionals in the proposed special unit. Hence, some of the personnel in the unit must, from time to time, undergo in-house workshop and training on ethical hacking terminology towards updating their expertise. So, a reliable entity should be contracted or engaged in respect of this measure.
One of the major good news concerning the latest development is that, if duly implemented, people can from anywhere across the global community apply for and have access to their WAEC certificates without involving themselves in any rigorous processes and what have you, thereby averting any kind of stress or inconvenience.
In view of this, the body needs to ensure that the target beneficiaries don’t spend longer period than anticipated while assessing the e-mode site from any locality. They need to enjoy the services they paid for.
Hence, efforts should also be intensified to ensure that the initiative becomes cost effective so that it won’t end up constituting further financial nuisance to the prospective certificates’ bearers, or the council in particular. Thus, the e-application card is expected to be affordable by all concerned. The site is required to be easily assessed or uploaded to avoid exhausting hundreds of Gigabytes (GB) of data in the process.
As the WAEC is apparently determined to decongest the ‘traffic’ usually constituted by pile-up of printed certificates by introducing an e-mode, it must equally be genuinely ready to guarantee its labour and cost effectiveness so that it wouldn’t in the long run be seen as a menace by the supposed beneficiaries. Think about it!
Comrade Nwaozor, National Coordinator of Right Thinkers Movement
writes via frednwaozor@gmail.com
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