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  • Shippers’ Council, transport agencies move to eliminate corruption in maritime

    (Flowerbudnews.ng) Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) is collaborating with agencies under the Ministry of Transportation to develop strategies to curb corruption in Nigeria and Africa.

    The Executive Secretary of NSC, Hassan Bello, said this in a statement made available to News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Wednesday.

    ”The maritime and transport sectors are strong catalysts for socio-economic development of any nation, particularly as it concerns businesses, markets, countries and people/citizens.

    ”Despite the gains recorded in the fight against corruption in all sectors of the economy, the maritime transport sector has remained vulnerable to unwholesome practices.

    ”Capital flight and fiscal leakages that have plagued sector are worrisome.

    ”Therefore, NSC, agencies of Ministry of Transportation in collaboration with the Economic and Financial crimes Commission (EFCC) is organising a One-Day Summit.

    ”The theme of the summit is, “Zero Tolerance for Corruption in the Maritime sector.

    ”And it aims at highlighting the areas of corrupt practices in the sector and collectively develop strategies to curb the menace threatening the economies of most African nations,” he said.

    Bello expressed optimism that a road map that would reduce considerably corrupt practices would be generated at the end of the Summit and sustainable structures that would guarantee predictability, efficiency and transparency in the industry achieved.

    NAN reports that the Summit, scheduled for Dec.  9 will have in attendance President Muhammadu Buhari, Ghanaian President, Nana Akufo-Addo, legislature, financial institutions and critical stakeholders in the Maritime Industry.

    The Summit will begin with a road walk at 7 a. m.  at the EFCC Zonal Office,  Wuse 2 and begin  proper at the Banquet Hall, State House, Aso Rock

  • S/Sudan to mediate new peace talks between Sudanese gov’t, rebels

    (Flowerbudnews.ng) A South Sudan delegation has arrived in Khartoum to mediate in a new round of peace talks between the Sudanese government and rebel groups.

    The delegation, led by Tut Gatluak, South Sudan’s presidential adviser on security affairs is expected to provide consultation and look into the final arrangements for a new round of negotiations slated for Dec. 10.

    Spokesman for South Sudan’s mediation team Dio Matok made this known in a statement.

    South Sudan has been mediating between the Sudanese government and the armed groups from Darfur, South Kordofan, and Blue Nile regions.

    On Oct. 14, South Sudan hosted a round of peace talks between the Sudanese parties in its capital Juba.

    Sudan’s Justice and Equality Movement, the Sudan Liberation Movement /Minni Minnawi faction, and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/northern sector took part in the talks with the government. (Xinhua/NAN)

  • News Analysis: How FBN Holdings is strengthening gender inclusiveness in boardrooms

    (FLOWERBUDNEWS) Educated women are widely acknowledged as having the potential to be great leaders.

    Indeed, in developed countries, the average educational levels achieved by women are, at least, as high as those of men. 

    However, higher qualifications attained by women have not translated to an improvement in their representation on the boards of most corporate organisations.

    Even in advanced economies such as Britain, the number of women holding the most senior jobs in the boardrooms of the country’s biggest companies has fallen over the years.

    An analysis by Cranfield University, as part of its 20th FTSE Women on Boards Report, shows a sharp drop in the number of women occupying chief executive (CEO), chief financial officer (CFO) or other executive roles on FTSE 250 boards, and static numbers at the FTSE 100 companies. 

    In Nigeria, progress in achieving gender balance has also been slow because of the patriarchal nature of the society. Infuenced by culture, women are mostly under-represented at the managerial and board levels.

    A 2016 survey conducted by DCSL Corporate Services Limited indicates that between  2013 and 2015, women accounted for only 14 per cent of the 915 directors on the boards of the 132 companies quoted on the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

    Two main factors are responsible for having fewer women at the top: the first being that women have family responsibilities, and there are not enough women to fulfil the requirements for membership of a board. 

    This is so because females devote more time and commitment to the domestic sphere, especially in their thirties; the best time to cater for children, but also to strive for promotion at work. 

    Similarly, lack of an adequate work-life balance makes many women with potential give up on their careers. 

    Experts, therefore, believe the presence of women on boards needs to be reinforced not only for the sake of creating more equality, but as a way of making corporate governance better and more inclusive for firms.

    It is said that if women are neglected, even with their worthy investment in education and expertise, the economy will lose a core group of interested, talented, and highly qualified workers.

    The society is also changing its values and corporations need to represent these changes as part of their implicit agreement with stakeholders.

    The FBN Holdings, parent company of FirstBank, is leading the way in representing the change, thus redefining the Women in Business trajectory with women occupying various leadership positions. This positions the financial powerhouse as a leading institution in driving Gender Balance in the board room.

    Mrs. Ibukun Awosika leads other women on the boards of FirstBank and its subsidiaries, FBNQuest and FBNInsurance. She has been Chairman of FirstBank since 2016. 

    Otunba Debola Osibogun, is Non-Executive Director; Cecilia Akintomide (OON), Independent Non-Executive Director; Oluwande Muoyo, Independent Non-Executive Director, all at FBNHoldings.

    While Dr. Omobola Johnson, is Non-Executive Director and Oyinkansade Adewale, Non-Executive/Independent Director at FBNQuest Merchant Bank.

    Others are Kehinde Adenrele, Chairman, FBNInsurance, Folake Ani-Mumuney, Chairman, FBNInsurance Brokers; Ijeoma Agboti, Non-Executive Director, FBNQuest Capital; Funke Feyisitan Ladimeji, Non-Executive Director, FBNQuest Asset Management; Titi Adebiyi, Independent Director, FBN General Insurance and Margaret Dawes, Non-Executive Director, FBNInsurance.

    FBN Holdings’ recognition of the impact of women in its business operations at the management level no doubt sets the tone for other institutions across other industries to promote women inclusiveness in management. 

    This has helped to shape gender balance in the business atmosphere, thus influencing ethical practices in a cultured way worthy of consistently reiterating the recognition of females as impacting the economy and national income as a whole. 

    Commenting on the development, Mr Moses Igburde, Publicity Secretary, Independent Shareholders Association of Nigeria, said the general concept of women empowerment was a good ideology.

    “It’s is a concept based on the fact that all human beings are equal and able regardless of their sex and equal opportunity should be given to all humans to aspire to any position wherever they are or work. 

    “While the concept is to encourage them, on their part women should make efforts to achieve personal development that will enable them to perform when they get into position of authority,” Igburde said.

    He noted that women should develop personal character of humility, integrity and the spirit of service to encourage and draw more sympathy and support from all stakeholders.  

    “It is good to bring more qualified women on board of companies and I sincerely appeal to those privileged ones to be of good behaviour.

    “They should use their positions to leave exemplary life to inspire more women and the society will continue to support them,” he added.

  • Food For Thought, A Wedding in London

    (FLOWERBUDNEWS) An expatriate Lebanese man, who comes from a Lebanese Muslim family, wanted his father’s permission to marry an English Christian girl.
    The father refused.
    Then he said to his father that he will marry her if she becomes a Muslim, and the father agreed to this suggestion.

    The son went to the Islamic Library in the Islamic Center in London, and got some books about Islam.
    He said to her: “My father refused to consent to our marriage unless you convert to Islam.”
    She agreed and demanded to be given four months to study books and understand Islam.

    When she finished, the son invited her to come to their house to meet his family.
    He was surprised when she came to them wearing a hijab.
    She said: “I converted to Islam and I am happy to have taken this decision, but I will not marry you, because you are not a Muslim.
    Because what I know about your behaviour, is contrary to my understanding of Islam. Your behaviour with me violates your religion.
    You drink alcohol, eat pork, and chase girls. I have visited you before in your home, and I found you all drink alcohol. Also your mother and sisters do not wear the Hijab.
    I came to invite you and your family to participate in my wedding ceremony, at the Islamic Center. I am going to marry a young Moroccan man who is committed to his religion of Islam.
    I want to thank you for making me know the truth about Islam.”

    This situation reminds me of the saying of that old American man, when he said to the young scholar who was telling him the beauties of Islam.
    He said to this young man: “We in the West know
    Islam, that it holds supreme values, and sublime principles, and we know that it prevents the abuse of alcohol, and prevents harassment of women.
    But when we come to your countries we see you drinking alcohol, chasing women, lying, stealing, and circumventing laws.
    We do not want speeches and lectures about your religion. Apply them in your life first. We want to see Islam behaviour existing in your life style.

  • Power: FG taking steps to address challenges —‘ minister

    (FLOWERBUDNEWS) Alhaji Saleh Mamman, the Minister of Power has reiterated Federal Government’s determination to address the country`s power challenges.

    Mamman gave the assurance while commissioning of a 47.5 solar energy system at the Doka Rural Hospital, in Doka, a community in Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

    He urged  members of the community to protect the facility.

    News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the project was funded by the European Union and implemented by the UKAid in partnership with the Kaduna State Government.

    The minister said the project was particularly unique because it was conceived under the technical assistance programme through the Nigerian solar programme.

    He added  the project demonstrated how partnership and collaboration among stakeholders could lead to concrete results.

    “In this case, the Department for International Development (DFID) partnered with Kaduna state government to develop this project, providing reliable electricity supply.

    “This will improve the lives of the people through improved health care, education, water and job creation.

    “Our being here today, reflects a deliberate demonstration of the importance both the state and Federal Government attached to the provision of electricity in remote and underserved communities across the country,’’ the minister said.

    He said that government intended to use distributed power generation with locally available resource such as solar to achieve the feat, saying that the support received from development partners was appreciated.

    Mamman noted that the Federal Government would continue to provide enabling environment in the form of policy and regulatory frameworks and basic infrastructure to ensure the provision of affordable electricity across the country.

    The minister said that the Federal Government had developed the required policies and regulatory instruments that allowed for close working relationship with development partners and the private sector.

    This, the minister said, was to lay a solid foundation upon which Nigerians would have access to reliable and sustainable electricity supply at affordable prices.

    He listed some of the policies to include Rural Electricity Strategy and Implementation Plan, Mini-Grid Regulations, and Sustainable Energy for All.

    The minister said new programmes had also been initiated to support off-grid power which included Renewable Energy Micro-Utility, Energy Education Programme and Energising Economy Programme.

    He said that at least, 20 new mini-grid projects had been commissioned across the country between 2017 and 2018 which were mostly developed through public private partnership.

    “Our grid power generation capacity today is over 7,500 MW, the transmission capacity has also improved to 7,000MW.

    “This development is responsible for the improvement in power supply witnessed by customers all over the country recently.

    “ Distribution remains the weak link within our system and is receiving the desired attention at optimising her operations for the good of all.

    “ It is my believe that with these efforts, we will soon address the problems of power supply to our teeming population, creating new economic and social development for our people,’’ the minister said.

    Speaking at the event, Mr Ketil Karlsen, Head of European Union Delegation to Nigeria and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), said affordable reliable energy was key to the development of every society.

    He said that it would be impossible to build any economy without energy, saying that renewable energy was part of solution of most of the challenges confronting the country.

    Karlsen said the European Union would continue to work with the Federal Government to build a better society for the ordinary citizen.

    Dr Hadiza Balarabe who represented the Kaduna state governor at the event, thanked development partners for the project, noting that no society could function without a healthy people.

    She said the provision of energy was critical to providing good health and improving health care facilities in the state and across the country generally.

    “Solar energy has provided for us a much needed solution to the issue of access to universal basic healthcare for all citizens of Kaduna state.

    “Since the installation of the first Kaduna solar for health system in 2017, we have been recording substantial increase in patient attendance at the affected hospitals when compared to others without solar,”  she said. (NAN)

  • FID on NLNG train 7 to be executed in December- Kyari

    (FLOWERBUDNEWS) The Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Malam Mele Kyari, says the Final Investment Decision (FID) for Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Train 7 would be executed in December.

    Kyari disclosed when he  received the Chairman and Group Chief Executive Officer, Total Group, Patrick Jean Pouyanné and other top management of the Group,in Abuja.

    He said that executing the FID was part of the concerted efforts to further grow the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) business in the Country

    He said that the corporation would continue to align its business processes with its partners in accordance with global best practices for the benefit of the investments and for the good of Nigerians.

    “We see Total Exploration and Production as a total partner. Total is one of the few multinational oil companies in Nigeria that are fully integrated with their visible footprints from the Upstream to the Downstream Oil and Gas Sector,” he said.

    He described Nigeria as the best investment destination in Africa with the largest growing economy and with a population of over 200 million that made it the largest market for oil and gas products in Africa.

    Kyari applauded President Muhammadu Buhari for creating an enabling investment environment for the Oil and Gas Industry and urged the Total Group and other International Oil and Gas companies to take advantage of the abundant conducive opportunities in the Petroleum Sector.

    The GMD further assured the Total Group of the corporation’s unflinching partnership and implored them to bring to fruition all their ongoing investment portfolios for the benefit of the Joint Venture.

    Earlier, Pouyanné, said Nigeria was very important to the Total Group, saying that the Egina FPSO was currently producing 200,000 barrels per day.

    He reassured that the Total Group would continue to invest in more deep-water projects in Nigeria and described the NLNG project as a very important asset that his company was deeply committed to.(NAN)

  • Islam, A Religion of Common Sense – Lady Evelyn Cobbold

    *Lady Evelyn Cobbold*
    Born in Edinburgh in 1867 and died in 1963 age 96
    She was a British Aristocrat – she was the eldest daughter of Charles Adolphus Murray 7th Earl of Dunmore and Lady Gertrude Coke, daughter of the Second Earl of Leicester. She grew up in the middle east with Muslim nannies and learnt Arabic and although never called herself Muslim she believed she was Muslim. She became a Mayfair socialite. She spent her childhood winters in North Africa where her fascination with Islam developed.
    It was only when she visited Italy with a friend and went to see the Pope who asked her if she was Catholic, and although she had never thought about Islam for years she to replied by saying she was Muslim. After that she decided to read up more about Islam and eventually converted. In 1933 she travelled to perform Hajj for the first time, and because there were Europeans who visited Saudi Arabia before her and who were not Muslim penetrated into Mecca and when returning to Europe, they wrote about their daring adventure of performing the hajj as a non muslim, because of this there were restrictions in place for Europeans, but Lady Evelyn who adopted the name Zainab was granted permission to perform the Hajj.
    This is her description in her diary of the first time she saw the Kabah and tawaf. “We walk on the smooth marble towards the Holy of Holies, the House of Allah, the great black cube rising in simple majesty, the goal for which millions have forfeited their lives and yet more millions have found heaven in beholding it … the ‘Tawaf’ is a symbol, to use the words of the poet , of a lover making a circuit round the house of his beloved, completely surrendering himself and sacrificing all his interests for the sake of the Beloved. It is in that spirit of self-surrender that the pilgrim makes the ‘Tawaf’”
    Her book pilgrimage to Mecca in 1934 is the first Hajj account by an English Woman and her diary also is the oldest record of a trip in hajj taking place via a car from Mina to Arafat. She travelled widely all her life and also wrote another book, ‘Kenya: Land of Illusion’
    During the world wars the Muslims that fought for Britain were spending and praying their Eid prayer in Woking Mosque, she was amongst some of the aristocrats in the iconic Eid prayer picture at woking mosque. She was heavily involved in Dawah like William Quilliam amongst the noble English men and women of the time.
    She was a fluent Arabic speaker and claimed she had been Muslim all her life and there was no intrinsic moment she converted.
    “Islam,” Evelyn later wrote, “is the religion of common sense.” Lady Evelyn’s story about her life, her conversion and her pilgrimage to Mecca are all recorded in her diaries which have recently been republished.
    “She was a very lively, eccentric Anglo-Scot Moslem, who loved doing things and loved people as well,” said Major Hope-Cobbold. Her great grandson speaking about her.
    Lady Evelyn died in 1963 and was buried, as she stipulated, on a remote hillside on her Glencarron estate in Wester Ross. There was no Muslim in Scotland to perform her Janazah so they contacted Woking Mosque and the Imam drove up in the snow to perform her janazah because she had stipulated she wanted to be buried on a hill on her estate facing Mecca with the following words on her gravestone: “Allahu nur-us-samawati wal ard” (“Allah is the light of the heavens and the earth”) She is buried at her estate in Inverness.
    She is part of the British Islamic History, a part of our identity. May Allah(swt) elevate her status in Jannah and reward her for all her deeds Ameen.
    Good morning

  • Salary Harmonisation: Wages commission’s ex boss advocates job evaluation

    (FLOWERBUDNEWS) Mr Richard Egbule, the immediate past Executive Chairman of National Income, Salaries and Wages Commission (NISWC), has called for job evaluation for proper harmonisation of salaries in the civil service.

    Egbule gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), after a reception held in his honour by the commission in Abuja, on Thursday.

    He explained that any salary harmonisation in the public service without first conducting a comprehensive review of the grading system or job evaluation would not work.

    He said evaluating jobs towards ensuring a proper and appropriate harmonisation was necessary.

    “Doing a job evaluation is important so that you can compare ‘apple with apple, not apple with orange’.

    “This means that wherever you are working, what you are paid should be equivalent to what another person doing the same job elsewhere is paid.

    “That is the principle of equal pay for worth of substantial equal value, and you cannot achieve that without job evaluation.

    “When they talk about harmonisation, people are only looking at figure without knowing the peculiarities of jobs,’’ he said.

    Egbule noted that the last time job evaluation was conducted in the country was between 1972 and 1974 which was more than 40 years, stressing the need for another job evaluation. (NAN)

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