[{"id":1687,"post_id":"90ca3ce4-9f2c-4eae-bdab-e05e7d71c156","title":"Ngelale and the Occasional Obstacles of Occupation ","category":"Opinion","subCategory":"","description":"

By Bala Ibrahim<\/strong><\/p>


<\/p>

In every profession, there is the permanent probability of work incident. It is a dangerous event that can occur in the course of an employee's activity, or time of service. It carries different names, depending on the nature of the work and the conditions in which the work activity is carried out. <\/p>


<\/p>

Some call it a professional risk, while others refer to it as a job threat. However, the generally adopted title for such professional problems or obstacles that occur in the course of duty is, occupational hazard. These hazards are classified into categories that vary according to the nature of the job. It can be biological. It can be chemical. <\/p>

And sometimes, it is a physical hazard. No matter the nature or type, it always comes with a consequence, the consequence of a setback.<\/p>


<\/p>

Up until yesterday, Saturday, 07\/09\/2024, Ajuri Ngelale was the Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Media and Publicity. But, effective from that yesterday, he announced that he was proceeding on \u201can indefinite leave of absence from office\u201d. I put the indefinite leave of absence from office in inverted commas on purpose, because I believe, not too far from now, the story would expatiate further. <\/p>


<\/p>

Something sensitive may follow. And the incident may dovetail with the platform of occupational hazard, encountered by the person that has resigned.<\/p>


<\/p>

Although Ajuri had solicited the cooperation of everyone, to accord him the respect of privacy, in order to permit him pay attention to pressing family health challenge, by virtue of the position he held, and the volume or magnitude of attention it carries, such privacy may not necessarily come, particularly from his colleagues in the media, one of whom is, yours truly. <\/p>


<\/p>

Being a journalist, and having served at the Presidency, the peak of political interest, it would be extremely naive of him, to forget the action of paparazzi, whose assignment, mostly freelance, is to aggressively pursue celebrities for the purpose of taking candid photographs. <\/p>


<\/p>

And regardless of the situation, or the delicate nature of Ajuri\u2019s problems, a paparazzi is primarily obligated to the calling of his assignment, which is sensationalization. Yes, theirs is to present information in a way that tries to make it as shocking, or exciting as possible. And they often do it with photographs.<\/p>


<\/p>

Indeed, no sooner than Ajuri\u2019s appeal came out, and despite the time he spent explaining how he sent the memo of his resignation to the office of the Chief of Staff to the President, alongside his plea for privacy, some of his colleagues, commenced communicating with conflicting contents. Some said they have carried out some checks, and the checks have revealed the reverse of what Ajuri wants the public to swallow, as his reasons for exiting the Presidency.<\/p>


<\/p>

They said, right from the day he took up the appointment on 31st July 2023, his reign was faced by turbulent attacks from some members of the cabal that are very close to the President, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. This means, that contrary to his submission, Ngelale did not resign. He was fired. By definition, he was dismissed.<\/p>

<\/p>

He said he resigned, to earn the sympathy of the public, but some of his colleagues have put out a hostile story to rubbish him. That is a jeopardy, and it falls in line with the meaning of occupational hazard. <\/p>


<\/p>

When you resign from an appointment, you have time to plan for your employment transition. This can take time. But when your employer terminates your appointment, depending on the circumstances, you may not have as much time to prepare for your next steps. The situation becomes disastrous for you, and falls in line with the definition of occupational hazard.<\/p>


<\/p>

Indeed every profession has its job hazards, but I think, probably because I am more familiar with it, public relations advisers, pollsters, or media consultants, particularly those working with high profile politicians, suffer the hazard of humiliation most. <\/p>


<\/p>

This is because, while on the job, they are made to sometimes develop, deceptive, or misleading messages as damage control, which are referred to as, spin doctoring. Yes, there is always the need for expert professional advisers at the heart of government, because government functionaries need to hear an alternative opinion to that of the civil service, especially from highly experienced media handlers. But on a number of cases, such spin doctors end up with terribly bad names. <\/p>


<\/p>

They are called experts in wheeler-dealing, shoot-from-the-hip political spin doctors, that earn a living from the taxpayers money.<\/p>


<\/p>

And when the bubble bursts, they are clandestinely fired, while another one gets hired. That\u2019s an occupational hazard, to which many have suffered such fate at the Nigeria\u2019s seat of power, the Aso rock villa.<\/p>


<\/p>

I don\u2019t envy whoever is coming next, because the job does not have a bed of rosses. It always carries the keg of political problems, that have adverse consequences on the title holder. <\/p>


<\/p>

One of such consequences is being silently dismissed, but asked to openly say, you have resigned. Which is the occasional obstacle of occupation.<\/p>","slug":"ngelale-and-the-occasional-obstacles-of-occupation","picture":"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/duclel6gj\/image\/upload\/v1725806751\/eho1i5fe3uibvqfdnlof.jpg","added_by":"Editor","tag":"","date":"1725806766"},{"id":1686,"post_id":"703d6ba5-5a52-4f12-b7d5-948a949aa240","title":"Edo Delays Schools Resumption Over Petrol Price Hike","category":"Civil Society","subCategory":"Education","description":"

Edo state government has announced an indefinite postponement of the resumption of all schools in the state over the increase in petrol price.<\/p>


<\/p>

Ojo Akin-Longe, Permanent Secretary (PS) of the State Ministry of Education, disclosed this in a memo on Saturday.<\/p>


<\/p>

Akin-Longe said the resumption, scheduled for September 9, is postponed until further notice.<\/p>


<\/p>

The memo reads;<\/p>


<\/p>

\u201cThe Edo State Government hereby announces the postponement of the resumption of all public and private schools in Edo State, originally scheduled for Monday, 9th September 2024, until further notice.\u201d <\/p>


<\/p>

 \u201cAn official statement from the government has directed that schools remain closed due to the tension arising from the recent increase in fuel prices and the challenges faced by parents and guardians.<\/p>


<\/p>

\u201cThe government urges parents, guardians, and caregivers to monitor the activities of their children and wards closely, given the current situation and the rising tension caused by the fuel price hike.\u201d<\/p>","slug":"edo-delays-schools-resumption-over-petrol-price-hike","picture":"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/duclel6gj\/image\/upload\/v1725781813\/u7c9umg4abpy5rskmsxu.jpg","added_by":"Editor","tag":"Edo, Schools, Resumption, Postponed","date":"1725781918"},{"id":1685,"post_id":"c8164055-583f-431e-9a92-60463d4be257","title":"OPay to Charge Customers N50 for Electronic Transfer","category":"News","subCategory":"","description":"

Payment Service Bank (OPay), has announced a new charge on electronic transfers into personal and business accounts in compliance with Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) regulations.<\/p>


<\/p>

In a notice to its customers on Saturday, Opay announced that from Monday, 9 September 2024, it will charge a one-time fee of N50 on transfers of N10,000 and above.<\/p>


<\/p>

OPay clarified that the charges are requirements from the government and not a source of revenue for the payment platform.<\/p>


<\/p>

The notice read; <\/p>


<\/p>

\u201cDear valued customers, please be informed that starting September 9, 2024, a one-time fee of N50 will be applied for electronic transfer of N10,000 and above paid into your personal or business account in compliance with the Federal Inland Revenue Service regulations.\u201d <\/p>


<\/p>

\u201cIt is important to note that OPay does not benefit from these charges in any way as it is directed entirely to the Federal Government.\u201d <\/p>


<\/p>","slug":"opay-to-charge-customers-n50-for-electronic-transfer","picture":"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/duclel6gj\/image\/upload\/v1725775599\/sbodytezjjszpg2gfgop.jpg","added_by":"Editor","tag":"","date":"1725775613"},{"id":1684,"post_id":"e17a8c95-f555-46bb-adf6-e754b3950fbf","title":"NAFDAC Signs MoU With Counter Terrorism Centre","category":"Peace and Security","subCategory":"","description":"

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Counter Terrorism Centre to tackle counterfeit drugs.<\/p>


<\/p>

The signing of the MoU is contained in a statement issued by the director-general of the agency, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye.<\/p>


<\/p>

The National Counter Terrorism Centre is domiciled in the Office of the National Security Adviser.<\/p>


<\/p>

Adeyeye said the move was part of the National Action Plan to prevent the distribution of medicines used for terrorism, banditry, and violent extremism in the country.<\/p>


<\/p>

According to the NAFDAC boss, the MoU signed between the two agencies is significant in reducing deaths among youths.<\/p>


<\/p>

Adeyeye said the MoU would ensure that potential hazardous chemical threats that could have adverse effects on lives were adequately managed.<\/p>","slug":"nafdac-signs-mou-with-counter-terrorism-centre","picture":"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/duclel6gj\/image\/upload\/v1725774806\/mxgj7wop0hdlhzh01xar.jpg","added_by":"Editor","tag":"NAFDAC, MoU, Terrorism Center","date":"1725774820"},{"id":1683,"post_id":"e77d2a1c-6f12-4d8b-88cb-1831ed80f7bb","title":"Kano postpones Schools Resumption Date","category":"Civil Society","subCategory":"","description":"

Kano State Government has postponed the resumption date of both Primary and Post Primary Schools for the commencement of the 2024\/2025 academic session.<\/p>


<\/p>

This was contained in a statement signed by the Director of Public Enlightenment of the Ministry, Balarabe Abdullahi Kiru on Saturday.<\/p>


<\/p>

Kiru quoted the Commissioner of Education, Umar Haruna Doguwa saying the decision is compelled by urgent reasons.<\/p>


<\/p>

The Commissioner disclosed that another day for the schools' resumption would soon be announced.<\/p>


<\/p>

\u201dI wish to inform pupils, students, and parents that the announcement earlier made for school resumption on 8th and 9th September 2024 is now being postponed due to some urgent reasons that would help in improving conducive learning atmosphere for our children. <\/p>


<\/p>

\"Another day for the resumption will be announced in due course \u201d the commissioner stated.\"<\/p>


<\/p>

The statement however appealed to the people concerned especially Students and Parents\/Guardians to bear with any inconvenience that may be caused due to the postponement.<\/p>","slug":"kano-postpones-schools-resumption-date","picture":"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/duclel6gj\/image\/upload\/v1725774202\/qxaw7oqghh11arvnbzu0.jpg","added_by":"Editor","tag":"Postponed, Schools, Resumption, Date","date":"1725774480"},{"id":1682,"post_id":"ee0451f7-d1f1-4cc3-8fca-066a9e43d576","title":"FG Conducts Clearance Operation on Illegal Mining Site in Kogi","category":"News","subCategory":"","description":"

The federal government has conducted a clearance operation at an illegal mining site in the Jaguna community of Yagba East local government area of Kogi State.<\/p>


<\/p>

Solid minerals development minister Dele Alake, in a statement by his media aide, Segun Tomori, said the exercise was part of efforts to combat illegal mining and sanitize the sector.<\/p>


<\/p>

He said mining marshalls, a special security unit established to secure mining sites, recently conducted the clearance operation to enforce compliance with the government\u2019s directive for the miners to vacate the area.<\/p>


<\/p>

The minister on 19 July stated that an operation was conducted in the community to dislodge the armed illegal miners.<\/p>


<\/p>

According to the minister, Jaguna, an area surrounded by forest, was raided by the mining marshals, resulting in the arrest of seven suspected illegal gold miners.<\/p>


<\/p>

\u201cLabourers on-site were given a directive to vacate the area within five days.<\/p>


<\/p>

\u201cInstead of complying, the miners mobilized additional workers and fortified the site with armed protection.<\/p>


<\/p>

\u201cThe illegal miners also ignored appeals from traditional rulers and other community leaders to vacate the site to allow licensed mineral titleholders unhindered access to the area for legitimate operations.<\/p>


<\/p>

\u201cTheir activities have prevented lawfully authorized miners from accessing the area covering four cadastral units, for 16 years.<\/p>


<\/p>

\u201cReports indicate that the nefarious activities have gone unhindered for more than 20 years,\u201d the statement said.<\/p>


<\/p>

It added that the situation necessitated the latest follow-up operation by the mining marshals.<\/p>


<\/p>

\u201cFor over 16 years, the rightful mining license holders have been unable to access the location due to the activities of armed illegal miners.<\/p>


<\/p>

\u201cActing on intelligence reports suggesting that the illegal operators had remained defiant, the Mining Marshals, last week, stormed the site, neutralized resistance from the armed gangs, and successfully cleared the area,\u201d it added.<\/p>","slug":"fg-conducts-clearance-operation-on-illegal-mining-site-in-kogi","picture":"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/duclel6gj\/image\/upload\/v1725773507\/zpppojzrzu6on142hiwk.jpg","added_by":"Editor","tag":"","date":"1725773520"},{"id":1681,"post_id":"00a1d120-ad21-4e2c-8542-18291f873dd3","title":"Katsina Pledge Support For Transportation Varsity","category":"Civil Society","subCategory":"Education","description":"

Katsina State government has pledged to encourage infrastructure development projects at the Federal University of Transportation, Daura.<\/p>


<\/p>

Governor Dikko Radda stated this during a courtesy visit by the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Umar Adamu-Katsayal.<\/p>


<\/p>

Radda said his administration would support the contracting firm to undertake additional viable infrastructure projects in the school.<\/p>


<\/p>

He commended the university\u2019s management for its commitment to maintaining a fair and transparent policy in recruitment and student admission.<\/p>


<\/p>

\u201cOur administration recognizes the pivotal role of specialized education in driving economic growth and technological advancement. We are committed to providing the necessary support to ensure the University of Transportation, Daura delivers on its mandate effectively,\u201d he said.<\/p>


<\/p>

He also lauded the Minister of Transportation, Sen. Sa\u2019idu Ahmed-Alkali, for the establishment of the university given its importance in Nigeria\u2019s educational landscape.<\/p>


<\/p>

Earlier, Ahmed-Alkali, while presenting a progress report on the institution\u2019s academic activities, said that it had admitted 600 students in 14 programs.<\/p>


<\/p>

He said arrangements had been concluded to matriculate the students for the 2024\/2025 academic session.<\/p>


<\/p>

The vice-chancellor commended the state government over the donation of a bus and an ambulance to the university.<\/p>","slug":"katsina-pledges-support-for-transportation-varsity","picture":"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/duclel6gj\/image\/upload\/v1725773239\/bbybwqsxt79f6avxxjtv.png","added_by":"Editor","tag":"","date":"1725773255"},{"id":1680,"post_id":"951bf993-6c52-421a-b665-c22d03f40659","title":"SSA to PDP National Chairman Cheers Military Action Against Bandits in Northwest","category":"Peace and Security","subCategory":"","description":"

Musa Na Allah Sokoto <\/strong><\/p>


<\/p>

A Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Media and Communications to the National Chairman of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Yusuf Dingyadi, has publicly praised the recent military action against banditry and Kidnapping for ransome in the northwest region.<\/p>


<\/p>

Dingyadi praised actions by the military in an appearance on the Garkuwa FM Radio breakfast program, \"Karin Kumallo.\"<\/p>


<\/p>

He commended the federal government's renewed commitments to addressing the challenges of insecurity in the region, citing the recent relocation of the state Minister of Defence, Bello Mohammed Matawalle, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Christopher Musa and other military chiefs to Sokoto as a significant gesture.<\/p>


<\/p>

Dingyadi emphasized the importance of setting aside political differences to support the nation's troops, stating, \"Security matters should not be politicized. <\/p>


<\/p>

\"Must recognize and commend the bravery and dedication of the nation's military personnel, despite our political inclination.<\/p>


<\/p>

He advocated for bipartisan support for the military, stressing that security should be above politics.<\/p>


<\/p>

Dingyadi however suggested that the Nigerian Military higher command should engage with Ulama (Islamic scholars) and social media influencers who were critics of their performance, to gain firsthand of the challenges faced by troops on the ground.<\/p>


<\/p>

He noted that many citizens who underestimate the military's efforts are unaware of the threats and challenges encountered during the war against bandits. <\/p>


<\/p>

He called on patriotic Nigerians to support Senior Special Assistant, (SSA) on Media & Communications to the National Chairman of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party PDP, Alhaji Yusuf Dingyadi, has publicly praised the recent military actions against banditry in Nigeria's northwestern region.<\/p>


<\/p>

During an appearance on Garkuwa FM's breakfast program, \"Karin Kumallo\" Dingyadi commended the federal government's commitment to addressing insecurity challenges in the region, citing the recent relocation of the Minister of State Defence, Bello Mohammed Matawalle, Chief of Defence Staff, and other military chiefs to Sokoto as a significant gesture.<\/p>


<\/p>

Dingyadi emphasized the importance of setting aside political differences to support the nation's troops, stating, \"Security matters should not be politicized. <\/p>


<\/p>

He added that they must recognize and commend the bravery and dedication of the nation's military personnel, despite their political affiliations.<\/p>


<\/p>

He urged bipartisan support for the military, stressing that security should be above politics.<\/p>


<\/p>

Dingyadi also suggested that the Nigerian Military should engage with Ulama (Islamic scholars) and social media influencers who have criticized their performance, allowing them to gain a firsthand understanding of the challenges faced by troops on the ground.<\/p>


<\/p>

Dingyadi noted that many citizens who underestimate the military's efforts are unaware of the threats and challenges encountered during the war against bandits. <\/p>


<\/p>

He called on patriotic Nigerians to support security agencies with useful intelligence reports that would assist the military in the fight against security threats.<\/p>


<\/p>

\"PDP as a responsible political party in the country will not become a burden to the federal government towards achieving a milestone in the fight against banditry and other insecurity challenges facing the country.\"<\/p>


<\/p>

\"This rare show of support from an opposition party member has been seen as a positive step towards unity in addressing Nigeria's security challenges.\"<\/p>","slug":"ssa-to-pdp-national-chairman-cheers-military-action-against-bandits-in-northwest","picture":"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/duclel6gj\/image\/upload\/v1725745890\/xgamosxsjschh07iskri.jpg","added_by":"Editor","tag":"","date":"1725745927"},{"id":1679,"post_id":"d5f01e79-7b6d-452a-892a-cc4d47538231","title":"Kano PDP Faction Holds Parallel Ward Congress","category":"Politics","subCategory":"","description":"

The Kano State chapter of the People\u2019s Democratic Party (PDP) held a parallel ward congress today, orchestrated by a faction led by Ibrahim Al\u2019amin Little and Sadiq Wali. <\/p>


<\/p>

The faction accused the group led by Malam Ibrahim Shekarau and Bello Hayatu Gwarzo of conducting improper actions within the party, calling for immediate intervention from the national leadership.<\/p>


<\/p>

The congress was described as an effort to ensure transparency and uphold the principles of fairness within the party\u2019s democratic processes. <\/p>


<\/p>

The Little-Wali faction expressed concerns that key decisions affecting the state party are being manipulated by certain leaders jeopardizing the unity and electoral success of the PDP in Kano.<\/p>


<\/p>

In a statement, Ibrahim Al\u2019amin Little and Sadiq Wali emphasized that their faction\u2019s congress adhered to the party\u2019s guidelines and that their actions reflect the growing frustration with the leadership style of Shekarau and Hayatu.<\/p>


<\/p>

\u201cWe are committed to ideals of democracy and justice within the PDP. <\/p>


<\/p>

\u201cWe cannot stand by while certain individuals act as if they are above the party\u2019s rules and procedures. <\/p>


<\/p>

\u201cWe call on the national leadership to intervene and bring order to the Kano State chapter before this crisis escalates further,\u201d Al\u2019amin Little said.<\/p>


<\/p>

The faction expressed its willingness to work towards reconciliation and stressed that this would only be possible if the party leadership in Abuja took decisive steps to address the alleged imbalances. <\/p>


<\/p>

The national leadership of the PDP is being urged to convene and take necessary actions to prevent the situation from undermining the party\u2019s preparations for upcoming elections.<\/p>


<\/p>

The parallel congress is yet another development in the ongoing internal struggles within the Kano PDP, with fears that it could impact the party\u2019s electoral prospects in the 2024 general elections if not properly managed.<\/p>


<\/p>

The faction concluded by reaffirming its commitment to the PDP and its principles while cautioning that failure to address these issues could lead to further divisions within the state chapter.<\/p>","slug":"kano-pdp-faction-holds-parallel-ward-congress","picture":"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/duclel6gj\/image\/upload\/v1725726674\/huq4eejghrnjerojdwij.png","added_by":"Editor","tag":"PDP, Kano, Congress, Parallel","date":"1725726753"},{"id":1678,"post_id":"3b6a28a2-50bd-4a5d-bbd5-ac043ab89191","title":"First Lady Distributes Bags of Rice to 1,200 Vulnerable Women in Jigawa","category":"News","subCategory":"","description":"

Muhammad Garba <\/strong><\/p>


<\/p>

The Nigerian First Lady, Senator Mrs Remi Tinibu, has distributed 25kg bag of Rice each to over 1,200 physically challenged and old age women as palliative in Jigawa state.<\/p>


<\/p>

Speaking at the distribution ceremony held at Banquet Hall Government House Dutse, Senator Remi Tinibu said, the selection of vulnerable women for the presidential palliative is part of the agenda broader aspect of \"Renewal Hope\" designed for all inclusion programs.<\/p>


<\/p>

Remi Tinibu represented by the wife of Jigawa State Governor, Hadiza Umar Namad, reiterated her commitment to champion the implementation of policies and programs that will improve the socio-economic life of Nigerian women.<\/p>


<\/p>

\"This food palliative we are distributing is specifically for vulnerable women, we paid this priority for the compassion we have for the group, and we will continue to accord them priority for a sense of belonging and humanity.\"<\/p>


<\/p>

\"Empowering and assisting women is equal to empowering the family and we do hope this palliative will help the beneficiary's families in this trial period of social and economic challenges\" she stated.<\/p>


<\/p>

Speaking at the occasion the state Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hadiza Abdulwahab said, the beneficiaries were selected in collaboration with stakeholders from across the 27 local government areas of the state.<\/p>


<\/p>

In their remarks during the occasion, the beneficiaries thanked the wife of the president, the Jigawa state governor, and his wife for the kind gesture and promised to reciprocate the love and sense of concern before and beyond 2027.<\/p>","slug":"first-lady-distributes-bag-of-rice-to-1-200-vulnerable-women-in-jigawa","picture":"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/duclel6gj\/image\/upload\/v1725725088\/rv3v5mahqkfmjtiqb99r.jpg","added_by":"Editor","tag":"First Lady, Jigawa, Vulnerable, Beneficiaries, Rice","date":"1725725362"}]