Home Blog Page 265

CBT EXAMS: WAEC REACTS TO YOUTH FORUM’S REJECTION OF PLANNED CB-WASSCE.

By
blacktalker
-
0

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) says its attention has been drawn to a media report stating that a youth forum has called for the rejection of the planned Computer Based West African Senior School Certificate Examination (CB-WASSCE) for Private Candidates-First Series, 2024.

In a statement issued by the Public Affairs Department and signed by the acting Head of Public Affairs, WAEC, Moyosola Adesina, the Council said the examination will be conducted by WAEC Nigeria and is scheduled to hold between January 31 and February 17, 2024.

It noted that the agitation for the rejection of the CB-WASSCE was in response to an earlier media report in which WAEC purportedly announced that it had ditched the Paper and Pencil Testing model and had adopted the Computer Based Testing model for the conduct of the School Candidates’ Examination.

”For the avoidance of doubt, the West African Examinations Council hereby states unequivocally, that it had never announced the adoption of the Computer Based Testing model for the conduct of the WASSCE for School Candidates, 2024; therefore, the media report under reference is false and misleading.

“Recall that a Press Release was issued in November 2023 stating that plans had been concluded for WAEC Nigeria to conduct its first-ever examination using the Computer Based Testing model in the upcoming WASSCE for Private Candidates- First Series, 2024” the statement read.

The statement referenced an interview published by Punch Newspaper on November 30, 2023, where the Head of National Office, WAEC Nigeria, Dr Amos Josiah Dangut, confirmed that the Computer Based Testing model would not be applied to the WASSCE for School Candidates just yet.

He stated that there was still a lot to be done to equip schools with the needed infrastructure, resources, and adequately trained manpower to engage and cooperate with WAEC for the conduct of CB-WASSCE for School Candidates.

Dangut also clarified that the introduction of CB-WASSCE is currently exclusive to the First Series of the Private Candidates’ examination which, since its inception, has been conducted in urban areas.

”WAEC has on several platforms, outlined the mode for taking the upcoming CB-WASSCE and put measures in place to ensure that candidates, the examination environment, and the general public are adequately sensitised on the requirements and outlay for the examination.

”Candidates are hereby reminded that all Multiple Choice (Objective) questions will be delivered (posted) and answered on the computer while Essay (Theory and Practical) questions will be delivered (posted) on screen, for candidates to answer questions of their choice in provided Answer Booklets” it noted.

WAEC also said it is not unaware of possible challenges that may be encountered by candidates during the conduct of the examination.

”To this end, a trial test and a free mock examination have been scheduled to take place on WAEC’s designated platforms for prospective candidates, whether secondary school students or out-of-school individuals, to familiarise themselves with the testing environment, before the commencement of the WASSCE for Private Candidates – First Series, 2024.

”Notification for the mock examination will be sent to prospective candidates through their emails, while announcements for the scheduled mock examination will also be made through mainstream and new media.

”In addition, candidates are also advised to visit WAEC Nigeria’s website and social media spaces for relevant information and guidelines on how to navigate the CB-WASSCE platform”.

DANGOTE ADDRESSES STAKEHOLDERS CONCERNS OVER EFCC’S VISIT TO ITS HEADQUARTERS

By
blacktalker
-
0
S&P Identifies Dangote Refinery as Major Driver of Nigeria’s Economic Recovery









The management of Dangote Industries limited has doused the concerns of stakeholders following the visit to its Head office in Lagos by officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission,EFCC saying it is ready to assist the Commission in its investigations.

The foremost indigenous conglomerate in a statement said it received a letter from the EFCC on December 6, 2023, requesting for details of all the foreign exchange allocated to it by the Central Bank of Nigeria from 2014 to the present.

Describing the request from EFCC as not being peculiar to Dangote Group, the Company management said’ “we understand similar letters were sent to 51 other Groups of companies requesting for same information spanning same period.”

According to the statement, Dangote Group responded to the EFCC to acknowledge receipt of the letter whilst seeking clarification on the subsidiaries or companies within the Group that they required information on. It also requested for additional time to compile and properly present the extensive documentation spanning ten years.

“However, the EFCC did not provide the clarification sought and also did not honour the request for an extension and insisted on receiving the complete set of documents within the limited timeframe. The management of Dangote Group stated, “Despite this constraint, we assured the EFCC of our commitment to providing the information and pledged to share documents in batches as we complete the compilation.”

According to Dangote Group, “On 4 January 2024, our team delivered the first batch of documents to the EFCC. However, officers of the EFCC did not accept the documents, insisting on visiting our offices to collect the same set of documents directly

Whilst our representatives were still at the EFCC’s office to deliver the documents, a team of their officers proceeded to visit our offices to demand for the same documents in a manner that appeared designed to cause us unwarranted embarrassment. Worthy of note is the fact that the officials did not take any documents or files from our Head office during their visit as these were already in their office.

“We must emphasize that, to our knowledge, no accusations of wrongdoing have been made against any company within our Group. At present, we are only responding to a request for information to assist the EFCC with their ongoing investigation.”

Stating its resolve to continue to play its key role in stimulating the domestic economy, Dangote Group declared, “As a law-abiding and ethical corporate citizen, we remain committed to providing the EFCC with all necessary information and cooperation. We have already delivered the first batch of documents and are actively working to compile and submit the remaining documents, in good time, to aid their investigation.

“Our Group is a key contributor to the national GDP, the largest employer in the private sector, one of the largest groups listed on the Nigerian Exchange and one of the highest taxpayers in the country. We remain steadfast in our belief in Nigeria’s commitment to the rule of law and its dedication to fostering an environment conducive for investment and value creation for both local and foreign investors.”

Blacktalker reports that the Company called for the understanding and patience of all stakeholders and promised to inform them of any further developments.





ISSUP Nigeria Chapter Appoints Theresa Moses as Member of Editorial and Webinar Team.

By
blacktalker
-
0

The Nigerian Society of Substance Use Prevention and Treatment Professionals, ISSUP Nigeria Chapter, a distinguished body in substance use prevention and treatment has announced the appointment of Ms. Theresa Moses as a member of its esteemed Editorial and Webinar Team, alongside other outstanding professionals.

The appointment, approved by the President of ISSUP Nigeria Chapter, Dr. Martin Agwogie, signifies Ms. Moses’s dedication to promoting substance use prevention and treatment initiatives.

The Editorial and Webinar Team, under the leadership of Mr. Ejikeme Mcbishops Ogueji as Head, comprises:
Mr. Mitchell Jarikre Ofoyeju as Member, Mr. Emmanuel Akpan as Member, and Dr. Emeodu Elijah Nwabueze as Member aim to organise local and international webinars and design the ISSUP Nigeria Chapter Quarterly Newsletter.

Ms. Moses, an Ambassador Extraordinaire, Journalist, Publisher at Gatmash News, and ardent advocate for Women and Child Rights, brings over a decade of invaluable experience across print and new media in Nigeria. Her passion for impactful storytelling and advocacy aligns seamlessly with the goals of the ISSUP Nigeria Chapter.

General Secretary of the ISSUP Nigeria Chapter, Prof. Gboyega E. Abikoye, congratulated Ms. Theresa Moses and the entire team on their appointments. The tenure, initially for two years, is renewable based on merited performance.

Blacktalker reports that the Nigerian Society of Substance Use Prevention and Treatment Professionals, ISSUP Nigeria Chapter is dedicated to advancing substance use prevention and treatment efforts through education, collaboration, and advocacy.

2024 IS THE YEAR OF AMPUTEE FOOTBALL IN NIGERIA- NAFF PRESIDENT

By
blacktalker
-
0


President of the Nigerian Amputee Football Federation (NAFF), Paul Maduakor has officially declared 2024 as the “Year of Amputee Football” in Nigeria, marking a pivotal moment for the sport’s growth and development within the country.

In a press release, President Maduakor extended heartfelt New Year wishes to all Nigerians while highlighting the significance of the upcoming year as a period brimming with opportunity for amputee football in Nigeria.

He expressed excitement for the journey ahead and emphasized the vast potential awaiting the NAFF, calling upon corporate entities to join hands in harnessing and leveraging these prospects.

“A key highlight on the calendar for the male amputee team is the Amputee Nations Cup scheduled for April in Egypt.

“This tournament stands as a crucial qualifier for the World Cup, holding immense significance in the team’s pursuit of global recognition” he said.

Furthermore, Maduakor proudly announced Nigeria’s representation at the inaugural Female Amputee World Cup in Colombia this November, showcasing the expanding scope and inclusivity of Nigerian amputee football.

As the popularity of amputee football continues to soar, he urged corporate entities to seize the burgeoning enthusiasm surrounding the sport and become part of its inspiring journey.

The NAFF President also expressed gratitude to all supporters of amputee football, inviting them to join in this remarkable journey.

“This is the time for you to come and support us, and in the process, there is something for everyone—players, coaches, and board members,” he stated.

Concluding with blessings for the New Year, Maduakor extended prayers for continued divine guidance and special blessings for all, setting the stage for what promises to be a dynamic and transformative year for amputee football in Nigeria.

Blacktalker reports that the Nigerian Amputee Football Federation (NAFF) is the governing body for amputee football in Nigeria, dedicated to promoting and developing the sport while advocating for inclusivity and empowerment through football.

Federal Government suspends accreditation of degree certificates from the Republic of Benin and Togo.

By
blacktalker
-
0

The Federal Government has announced the suspension of evaluation and accreditation of degree certificates from the Republic of Benin and Togo.

In a statement on Tuesday signed by Augustina Obilor-Duru on behalf of the Director of Press and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Education, the government lamented that “some Nigerians deploy nefarious means and unconscionable methods to get a Degree with the end objective of getting graduate job opportunities for which they are not qualified”.

It followed an investigative report by Daily Nigerian Newspaper titled “UNDERCOVER: How DAILY NIGERIAN reporter bagged Cotonou varsity degree in 6 weeks”.

According to the Federal government, the suspension persists pending the outcome of an investigation involving the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Education of Nigeria and the two countries as well as the Department of State Security Services (DSS), and the National Youths Service Corps (NYSC).

It said the Education Ministry has set up a panel to “commenced internal administrative processes to determine the culpability or otherwise of her staff for which applicable Public Service Rules would be applied”.

The statement called on Nigerians to cooperate with the committee and provide useful information that will assist in finding lasting solutions to the menace of Nigerians obtaining half-baked certificates from foreign universities.

“The issue of degree mills institutions, i.e. institutions that exist on paper or operate clandestinely outside the control of regulators is a global problem that all countries grapple with. FME has been contending with the problem including illegal institutions located abroad or at home preying on unsuspecting, innocent Nigerians and some desperate Nigerians who deliberately patronize such outlets.

“Periodically, warnings have been issued by the Ministry and NUC against the resort to such institutions and in some instances, reports made to security agencies to clamp down on the perpetrators. The ministry will continue to review its strategy to plug any loopholes, processes, and procedures and deal decisively with any conniving officials.

“The Ministry had always adopted the global standard for evaluation and accreditation of certificates of all forms which relies on receipt of the list of accredited courses and schools in all countries of the World.

“The Ministry wishes to assure Nigerians and the general public that, it is already putting in place mechanisms to sanitise the education sector, including dissuading the quest for degree certificates (locally or from foreign countries) through a re-invigorated focus on inclusivity, reliance on all skill sets as directed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR.

“The Federal Ministry of Education is committed to collaborating with stakeholders, including civil society organizations, to consistently enhance the Nigerian education system and we value the public’s understanding and patience as we strive to address these issues.”

EGO Foundation Spreads Christmas Cheer on the Streets of Surulere and Ijora.

By
blacktalker
-
0

EGO Foundation, a non-profit organisation dedicated to community development and social impact, has marked this year’s festive season with a heartwarming celebration, spreading joy and kindness on the streets of Surulere and the Chosen Child Orphanage in Ijora, all in Lagos.

On Christmas Day, the EGO Foundation embarked on a mission to express gratitude to the hardworking women of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) who tirelessly sweep the streets, ensuring cleanliness in the community. EGO Foundation team members took to the streets of Surulere, distributing food items and spreading festive cheer to the dedicated LAWMA workers.

The spirit of giving continued on Boxing Day, with the EGO Foundation hosting a special celebration for the children at the Chosen Child Orphanage in Ijora. The Foundation transformed the orphanage into a festive wonderland, complete with fun games, laughter, and the magic of Christmas. Santa Claus made a special appearance, delighting the children as he distributed more than enough gifts, creating unforgettable memories for the young hearts.

Executive Director of EGO Foundation, Toluwase Olaniyan said the holiday season is a time for joy, compassion, and coming together as a community.

” The EGO Foundation is honored to have had the opportunity to share the spirit of Christmas with both the hardworking LAWMA workers and the wonderful children at the Chosen Child Orphanage

“We remain committed to making a positive impact on the lives of individuals and communities. The organization extends its gratitude to all those who supported and contributed to the success of these festive initiatives” he said.

TIMILEHIN LEUKEMIA FOUNDATION CELEBRATES CHRISTMAS ON THE STREET.

By
blacktalker
-
0

A Non-Governmental Organisation, the Timilehin Leukemia Foundation, has fed many street children and adults in the Iyana-Ipaja axis of Lagos State as part of efforts to put smiles on the faces of people especially the less privileged.

Members of the Organisation amid music and fun, celebrated with children and residents through their programme tagged ‘Christmas on the Street’.

Its Founder, Modupeoluwa Bamidele, charged everyone to make every day Christmas by always giving out to the needy and less privileged.

“Today is a remarkable day for me. It’s the day I lost my only child to leukemia. Today makes it nine years that I’ve lost him.”

“So the NGO is registered in the loving memory of my child to touch the life of people on the streets and people in the hospital.”

“Christmas is a day to touch lives, to give back. It’s a day to show love, to share love with people. And I want us not ever to be doing this on a Christmas day alone”. she noted.

Bamidele also urged parents not to relent in the discharge of their duties to their children despite the economic downturn.

“If we are not caring for them or having feelings for our children, how will they be tomorrow’s future? We don’t need to scare them away. We want to draw our children close to us so that is what brought us here today to feed people and to give some items out to the children”.

She called on government at all levels to provide quality and affordable healthcare services, education, and shelter for the citizenry.

“As I’m talking to you today, I’m in partnership with the Lagos State Ministry of Health. I still want them to do more in the sense that let’s have more healthcare facilities. I know we have a large number of them in Lagos.

If people are on the street, they cannot eat. Let’s go back to feeding our children in school. A well-fed child would love to go to school.” she added.

DJ POWER TO BEGIN AFRICAN TOUR FROM NIGERIA, MULLS COLLABORATION WITH MUSIC STARS TO SHOWCASE AFROBEAT.

By
blacktalker
-
0

Canadian entertainer, Derek San Vicente, popularly called DJ Power, has expressed his readiness to explore the rich music culture in Nigeria and establish meaningful collaborations with music stars in the Country.

The Music Producer, who stated this at the media parley on Friday, said the goal was to create groundbreaking tracks that would resonate with audiences worldwide, showcasing the essence of Afrobeat in Nigeria and Africa at large.

DJ Power said his target was to collaborate with other music superstars in Nigeria and Africa to produce Afrobeat music, stressing that he looks forward to his first performance in Nigeria on 29th December at the Good Beach.

While noting that it was his first time visiting Africa with Nigeria being the flag off of the memorable groundbreaking African tour, Vicente said he recognized Nigeria’s pivotal role in shaping the global music landscape.

“I firmly believe in the unifying power of music and am honoured to work alongside Nigerian artists to create innovative and genre-defying tracks that celebrate Afrobeat., he stated.

He said in addition to Nigeria, his African tour will include stops in other musically renowned countries such as Ethiopia, South Africa, Uganda, Botswana, and Tanzania among others, stressing that this extraordinary tour will not only showcase but also serve as a bridge between global music communities, fostering exchange and collaboration.

“My commitment to afrobeat extends beyond collaborations with Nigerian artists.

“By infusing my signature style and expertise into Afrobeat production, i aim to introduce this vibrant genre to new listeners and expand its global reach.” DJ Power noted.

“My visit to Nigeria and subsequent African tour signified an exciting chapter in my growing career.

”This dedication to celebrating African music and my passion for Afrobeat will undoubtedly result in remarkable collaborations and unforgettable musical moments” he said.

The Disk Jockey also noted that his tour would focus on the #rocktheclimate campaign.

Also, Founder/Chief Executive Officer, Keter Africa Energy Limited, DJ Power Africa Manager, Prosper Egeonu said the #rocktheclimate campaign was all about using the creative industry to bring awareness about climate change using climate action.

“As we all know, we are having a global challenge which is climate change. It’s been one of the crises we have all over the world. There are a whole lot of challenges we have because of climate change.

“We are all climate advocates because we are trying to save Mother Earth and it is part of the things that are dear to our heart. We are trying to give back to Mother Earth using entertainment and the creative industry.

“We decided to fly this campaign so that the world will know that we are going green,” Egeonu said.

Rock the climate means that we are trying to use entertainment while we are having fun we are creating awareness about climate change, taking action, and bringing solutions to climate change, but we want to focus on bringing solutions so that people will start to get to know how to solve the problem of climate change with this campaign here in Lagos, across Nigeria and Africa. He added.


Yuletide: Consumers’ Preference for Amo Farm’s Noiler Chicken Brand Soars as Rural Women Empowerment Drives Its Protein Availability

By
blacktalker
-
0


Group Managing Director, Dr. Ayoola Oduntan.

With the Yuletide season around the corner, consumers’ choice for the Noiler bird of Amo Farm Sieberer Hatchery Limited [AFSH] has continued to rise phenomenally as a preferred product for celebration during the period, considering its protein and essential nutrients that help in body-building.

Noiler’s popularity and preference stem from the over 1.3 million smallholder rural farmers initiative and its characteristic as a dual-purpose bird (for meat and eggs) that is similar in appearance and taste to the native chicken.

As a product of several years of research and development, the Noiler chicken is more resistant to field diseases and produces four times more eggs and three times more meat than native chicken, which makes it a wise choice for poultry farmers.

According to Olawale Ahmed, an Oyo State-based agriculturalist, and a consumer of the chicken brand, the Noiler bird stands out as it is more nutritious with a unique taste and satisfactory appeal.

Another from Ondo State, Babatunde Adebola, said it surpasses other breeds with its size, coupled with its healthy condition that makes it more delicious.

Other consumers of poultry farming affirmed that it helps boost the human immune system with its nutrients that are essential for body-building, while also applauding Amo Farm’s innovation in chicken production.

This comes on the heels of the various empowerment projects championed through the Noiler brand within the wider agriculture space by some organisations, as well as the commendation by the Oyo State government of the company’s agricultural advancement in the State.

The distinctiveness of the Noiler breed, as gathered, prompted the recent partnership between the Bauchi State Government with a non-governmental organisation (NGO) where 300 women were empowered with 20 pieces of five-week-old Noiler chicks to enhance their business enterprise.

Blacktalker reports that the company which is headed by the Group Managing Director, Dr. Ayoola Oduntan, produces over a million chicks a week and plans to increase the figure by over 30 percent on a year-on-year basis

CHRISMAS CAROL: USE THE YULETIDE TO REFLECT ON GOD’S GOODNESS OVER LAGOS, NIGERIA-TG/PS DISTRICT TWO.

By
blacktalker
-
0

Lagosians have been urged to use the yuletide celebrations as a period of reflection, thanksgiving, and retrogression of God’s goodness over the affairs of the State.

Tutor-General/Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Education District Two, Anike Adekanye, made the call at a Christmas Carol of Nine Lessons and Festival of Music in commemoration of Yuletide, held at District Two’s headquarters, Maryland.

Adekanye, who expressed optimism towards the continuous transformation of the State and Nigeria, noted that the essence of the season which is purification of the heart and showing love to one another is in line with the instructions in the holy scripture.

“We are celebrating the season of Love according to John 3:16. It shall be well with Lagos and Nigeria”.

While reading the ninth lesson from Luke two verses eight to sixteen, she thanked the students and staff of the District for their unflinching support towards the success stories recorded by the District in the outgoing year.

“Education District 2 has been blazing the trail in different competitions, even as the District has produced the best teacher in Nigeria, Mr Bello Oladimeji.

The Tutor-General/Permanent Secretary also appreciated Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Head of Service, Bode Agoro; Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Jamiu Ali Balogun, and other stakeholders in the Lagos Education family for providing an enabling environment.

She appreciated Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu for approving the program while commending the Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat; the head of the service, Mr. Bode Agoro; Commissioner for Education, Hon. Jamiu Ali Balogun, and other stakeholders in the Lagos Education family.

Blacktalker reports that prayers were offered for Lagos State, Nigeria, the Education District 2 workforce, Students, Parents, and other stakeholders.

1...264265266...269Page 265 of 269