₦airaland Forum

The leadership of The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics are expected to have an indoor meeting with Federal Governement on January 10th, 2019 yesterday to reach an agreement on its ongoing Nationwide strike.

But reports reaching voiceAirMedia is that FG is yet to fix appointment with the Polytechnic body as at 3hours ago.

We will share New updates as regards to the negotiation as it drops. Dream Unizik crew.
Source: https://www.voiceairmedia.com/2019/01/asup-strike-fg-yet-to-call-on-asup-for.html

KWARA SUBEB RECRUITMENT: A MERE FALLACIOUS SCANDAL_Comr Adebayo Kayode

It becomes peremptory to address the disdaining deeds of Kwara State universal Basic Education Board under the leadership of Comr. Abdulkareem Lambe.
I need to clarify that teaching as it were is a profession that entails; shaping, modeling and nurturing learners to be conscious of their physical and social environment so as to contribute meaningfully to propel progress.
According to Merriam Webster dictionary 'teaching is the act, practice or profession of a teacher'.
It is never a dumping ground for quacks who does not know the nitty-gritty of teaching profession, unfortunately the SUBEB we are having in the state has derailed from the professional practices of teaching.

Let me briefly go through the memory lane, recruitment of teachers over the years had being a deal based on political affiliation, favouritism, tribalism and other parochial considerations that are best known to the board.

The modalities of teachers recruitment have not for once being in consonance with the professional ethics of teaching, no little wonder education in public primary and junior secondary schools is nothing to write about.
As a matter of fact, the unified examination in primary schools within the state can not be referred to as a test of success because the curricular activities are not well evaluated as it is expected to be. 
It does not near the standard of neighbouring states, a juxtaposition with other states will make one to shed bitter tears. Imagine a situation where accurate formative and summative evaluation is not well tailored, in such a case achieving the educational goals becomes a mirage.

Learning is a relative permanent change in behaviour, it baffles one seeing pupils writing unified examination when learning has not taken place due to the lackadaisical attitude of the agents of changes in the educational sector. We have to think of what will become of the pupils in question.

NANS Zone C PRO, Comrade Kay

On a serious note, the board owe it to the general public to come out openly and give a clue on the last time provision were made to impact the knowledge of recent changes in curriculum activities to teachers be it in form of: seminar, symposium, ICT training ETC.

Based on the recent recruitment, I wonder how the board arrived at the 982 names publicized as successful applicants. I could recall vividly the examination conducted on Saturday 27th October, 2018 across the state in different local government which served as examination centres. The applicants did both written examination and oral interview despite the challenges participants had in their various examination centres. Till this moment the result of applicants are yet  to be publicized, in the same vein the modalities that birth the 982 successful applicants is not made known to the general public.

It is crystal clear that the compilation of names seen so far is a signal to us that the exercise has being politicized, the slots were apportioned to all wards across the state and political heavyweights in the state. The board has doctored the recruitment process in such a way that it serves as payback to political class and party faithfuls, despite the fact that good number of the beneficiaries are unqualified to practice the profession.

Our concern as a pressure group is that the board should consider the underscored resolutions within fourteen days to ensure normalcy of the recruitment exercise or face the mass action of teeming Nigerian students.

1. That the recruitment  process be revisited while anomalies should be corrected to ensure normalcy.

2. The modalities that were adopted for the recruitment should be made available to the general public for fairness.

3. The board should call for the withdrawal of appointment letter of unqualified applicants.

4. Subsequently, the board should ensure fairness and strict adherence to the professional ethics of teaching in terms of recruitment.

Therefore, we call on all concern educational stakeholders not to see this scandal as tradition, there is need for a collective effort to reposition the educational sector in the state.
We all need to express our dissatisfaction and disapproval over this opprobrium gesture.
An injury to one is an injury to all, let us conjunct to fight this colossal scandal.

Aluta Viva....Signed

Comr. Adebayo Kayode J.
Public Relations Officer 
NANS ZONE C
Adebayokayode4really @gmail.com
https://www.voiceairmedia.com/2019/01/kwara-subeb-recruitment-mere-fallacious.html

N17b bond: EFCC probes Saraki, Kwara gov, AG

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is probing Senate President Bukola Saraki, Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara State and the Accountant-General of the state over how a N17billion bond secured by the State Government was spent.

The anti-graft agency suspects that part of the funds may have been diverted  into private use.

The bond was intended to cover 13 projects and loan refinancing package during the tenures of Saraki as governor and Ahmed,his successor.

The investigation is digging into what has become of the N2billion Asa Dam Mixed Use Development Project and the Ilorin Water Distribution Project which has gulped N3.736billion but without water to drink by residents.

The EFCC has already interrogated the Secretary to the  State Government, two Permanent Secretaries, the Accountant-General of the state, and about three contractors.

All those invited were said to have made “voluntary statements.”

Two ex-commissioners and two members of the House of Representatives may be arrested by the anti-graft agency in connection with the affected projects.

But a source in government in Kwara State claimed that EFCC is on a “wild goose chase because the bond has been fully repaid since 2014 without any outstanding liability for the people of Kwara State.

“We suspect sheer politics and a plot to intimidate Saraki and Ahmed because 2019 polls are around the corner.”

The  fact-sheet sighted  by our correspondent listed the affected projects as Aviation College –(N1.5b budgeted, N2.448, 663, 386.56b spent); Asa Dam  Mixed Use Development Project (N2b); Kwara State University (N1b); Ilorin Water Distribution Project (N2b allocated, N3.736b spent); Shonga Irrigation Project (N2.9b allocated, N882.9 million paid to contractor);  Kwara Advanced Diagnostic Centre( N750m allocated, N1.861b  spent); Urban roads (N1.5b allocated but N1.609b spent); Rural and Feeder roads(N200m);  Ilorin Metropolitan Street Lights Project(N250m); Kwara Vocational Centre (N650m); Loan refinancing (No evidence of payment of N2.4b to AFDB); Ilorin Township Stadium  Project—N1b allocated but N1, 117 430, 700.54 spent; Electrification Project—N462, 144, 291.10; Kwara Mall Project—N500m allocated, $2m deposit in another account

The fact-sheet said: “We are investigating a petition forwarded by the Code of Conduct Bureau, Abuja. It was alleged that the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed and the incumbent Accountant-General of Kwara State allegedly conspired and misappropriated N17billion raised through bond in 2009.

“Letters of invitation were sent to the Secretary to the State Government, the Accountant-General of the state as well as Permanent Secretaries for ministries that handled the projects.

Some snippets of the investigation include the following:

“Asa Dam Mixed Use Development project: The project had N2billion allocated from the bond. However the sum of N83.688 431.68 was spent on consultancy by ECAD Designs Limited and nothing else was done.

“Ilorin Water Distribution Project was allocated N2, 000,000,000. However, N3, 736,505,126.49 was spent on the project. The only contractor for the project was C.G.C Nigeria Limited. An analysis of the Kwara state Government’s First Bank of Nigeria Plc account revealed that the sum of N1billion was paid to C.G.C apparently for the project. Investigation is still ongoing.

“Another project which benefitted from the bond was Kwara State University with a N1billion vote. But a total of N1, 675 607.905 23 was spent. The project had the following contractors: Charvet Nigeria Limited, Akit technology Limited, Integrated Concept Limited, Golden Consult and the University Itself.

“The project was handled by the Ministry of Works and the Commissioner as at the time was one Kolawole Abdulrauf Shitttu. Investigation revealed that Mr. Shittu and one Engr. Akintola Taiwo are both directors and the accounts signatories to a company called PTL Consult Limited. “Shittu is also a signatory to another company called Strudev Consultancy Services. Analysis of the companies’ accounts and the Mr. Shittu’s personal account revealed that transfers were made by Charvet Nigeria Limited and Archon Nigeria Limited; the two companies were among the contractors of the University Project.

“The Managing Director at Archon was invited and he stated that he was the project manager for the construction of the Kwara State University and that he was informed by the State Government that PTL Consult is the consultant on the project and that he worked with Engr. Taiwo during the period which was why they made payments to PTL Consults’ account.  Efforts are being made to arrest Mr. Shittu.”

Concerning Kwara Mall, the fact-sheet claimed that the project was allocated N500million and the entire sum was utilized by the Ministry of Commerce.

It added: “The Permanent Secretary was unable to provide us with details of how the money was spent but did state that they were in partnership with a private company; Persians Investments Limited and that the Kwara Mall was constructed and is being fully utilized. A search of the company showed that they were into real estate and property management; parts of their properties included Kwara Mall, Viva cinema, Polo Park Enugu among others. Analysis of the company bank statement showed N500million paid to the company by the Kwara State Government on the 10th of June 2010. While the investigation is ongoing, the sum of two million USD $2,000,000 deposit was traced to one of the company’s account. The depositor is being tracked by detectives and all relevant agencies.”

Regarding the irrigation project, the EFCC detectives alleged that the “document recovered from the Accountant-General  did not show this project but the Permanent Secretary stated that the project also known as Shonga Irrigation Project was handled by the Ministry and the contract was awarded to C.G.C Nigeria Limited for N2,998,966,827. However, only N882, 944,215 was paid to the company. He further stated that the project was later taken over by the Federal Government.

On the International Aviation College, whose licence was suspended recently, the detectives in their report said it was allocated N1.5billion  from the bond but N2,448.663.386.56 was spent in on the construction and purchase of equipment.

“Contractors that handled the project were: Godab Nigeria Limited. Henry George Nigeria Limited, ECAD Design (Consultants) and the college itself. The College is alleged to be fully owned by the Kwara State Government and registered  with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) R C; 746511. Its board included the current State Governor, Ministry of Finance, Mr. Razak Atunwa (a former commissioner in the state) Popoola Captain Shadrack Taiwo and Yusuf Tunde. The registrar of the college was invited for an interview and questioned on the finances of the college as well as aspects in which the college handled during the construction of the college. He stated that the bursar of the school died recently but most contracts were handled by one Harlequin Aviation Information Service Limited (HAIS).

“A search at the company found that one Yusuf Tunde is a Director as well as signatory to the accounts of the company: he is also a Board member of the Aviation College. Based on this the accounts of HAIS were placed on caution and the company’s representative is to report for an interview on the 30th of August 2018.

The report clarified the status of loan refinancing by the state government.

It said:  “The prospectus of the bond stated that Kwara state had indebtedness of N4, 980,000 in external loans out of which N3.3billion amounted to legacy obligations preceding the then administration They proposed utilizing N2, 400,000,000 from the bond proceeds of the bond to service part of the legacy  obligations which were (a) African Development Bank(AFDB)- construction of four specialist hospitals in Jebba, Offa, Oke-Ode and Sobi at a cost of N1,440, 828, 000; (b) AFDB-equipment procurements to the four specialist hospitals; ( C) World Bank Essential Drug Projects.

“The total debt was N3, 301, 162, 42. Only  Documents obtained from the Accountant-General of the State did not show any indication that monies were paid to AfDB or the World Bank instead another list with heading ‘OTHER PAYMENT’ showed the names of Government Agencies and private companies being paid a total of N974, 896,343.47.

“The companies were invited. One of the companies, Lolada Investment Limited reported and stated that they were awarded a contract valued at N285, 652, 200 by the Kwara state Government to install CCTV system for Ilorin metropolitan.
https://www.voiceairmedia.com/2019/01/n17b-bond-efcc-probes-senator-saraki.html

NAIRA EXCHANGE RATE vs AFRICAN COUNTRIES

Dear Nigerians, I don't want to make you sad but just take a look. If you have seen it before, take a 2nd look:

South Africa: Rand 1= 79 Naira 

Angola: 1 kwanza = 12 Naira

Botswana: 1 Pula = 28 Naira
Cape Verde: 1 Escudo = 8 Naira
Algeria: 1 Dinar = 12 Naira
Egypt: 1 Pound = 35 Naira
Eritrea: 1 Nakata = 18 Naira
Ethiopia: 1 Birr = 19 Naira
Ghana: 1 Cedi = 56 Naira
Gambia 1 Dalasi = 9 Naira
Kenya: 1 shilling = 6 Naira
Liberia: 1 Dinar = 8 Naira
Lesotho: 1 Loti = 19 Naira
Libya: 1 Dinar = 156 Naira
Morocco: 1 Dirham = 176 Naira
Madagascar: 1 Ariary = 14 Naira
Mauritius: 1 Rupee = 16 Naira
Malawi: 1 kwacha = 21 Naira
Mozambique: 1 Metical = 24 Naira
Namibia: 1 Dollar = 32 Naira
Seychelles: 1 Rupee = 22 Naira
Sudan: 1 pound = 42 Naira
Swaziland: 1 Lilangeri = 19 Naira
Tunisia: 1 Dinar = 150 Naira
Zambia: 1 kwacha = 28 Naira.

Even the worst economies of Africa now have more valuable Exchange rate than us in a reports gathered by VoiceAirMedia.
As at today $1 = N370
€1 = N450
£1 =N540
N1,000,000 is less than $4000.
https://www.voiceairmedia.com/2019/01/naira-exchange-rate-vs-african-countries.html

FedpolyAdo announces new resumption date of academic activities

The Federal Polytechnic, Ado Ekiti, has postponed resumption of academic activities for its students for first semester of 2018/19 session.

The postponement is as a result of the ongoing industrial action by the Academic Union of Polytechnics in a reports confirmed by VoiceAirMedia.
Lecturers of the institution had joined their colleagues nationwide under the aegis of ASUP to protest against poor welfare package and bad facilities in Nigerian polytechnics.

The institution’s Director of Public Relations, Ade Adeyemi-Adejolu, said resumption of academic activities, which was earlier slated for Sunday, January 6, had been postponed till Sunday, January 20.

Adeyemi-Adejolu said in a statement in Ado Ekiti on Thursday released to Newsmen that “The postponement has brought about the revision of the calendar of academic activities for the first semester of the 2018/2019 academic session.

“However, despite the postponement of full resumption of academic activities from Monday, 7th January to Monday, 21st January, 2019, part-time students and all full-time fresh students are expected to continue with their screening and clearance.” 
Source: https://www.voiceairmedia.com/2019/01/fedpolyado-announces-new-resumption.html

Inspector general of Police, Ibrahim IDRIS and tenure extension

One of the issues that dominated the media space towards the end of 2018 was the clamour that the tenure of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP, Mr. Ibrahim Idris, should not be extended.

The clamour, as usual, came from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, whose stock-in-trade has been to kick against every move connected with the Buhari administration.

This time, their cry is that, having served the mandatory 35 years in service, Idris must vacate his position for a fresh hand to take over.

Surely, this is one of the most illogical positions any serious-minded political party or person can take on this very important issue.
Seriously looked at, it only portrays the opposition PDP as a party that either has a hidden agenda or is afraid of the IGP for no just cause.
This is in view of the fact that the issue at hand is not as shallow as the PDP has made it appear.
How come the PDP is viewing the issue as if the moment an IGP spends the mandatory number of years, the occupant’s tenure cannot be extended by a single day?
The truth as far as the matter is concerned is that President Buhari as commander- in–Chief of the Armed Forces is vested with power to extend or not to on the matter.
As the man in the saddle, the ideal thing would have been for the PDP and its allies in the Conference of United Political Parties, CUPP, to wait on the President to decide in line with the law.

What is curious is that some other officials past and present, including permanent secretaries, have enjoyed tenure extension, so why should IGP Idris case be different?
The fact that the scenario is playing out weeks to the general elections has further exposed the antics of the PDP and their collaborators.
It will, therefore, be safe to say that as far as the main opposition party is concerned, the fear of IGP Idris is the beginning of wisdom as far as 2019 is concerned.

Closely looked at, the party is fighting an imaginary enemy as the IGP has demonstrated a high degree of professionalism since his appointment
Though one is not saying that the police under his leadership is perfect, it will not be out of place to say that a great measure of credibility has been restored to the Institution by Idris.

This may be unconnected with the fact that IGP unlike most of his predecessors was trained by the United Nations, UN.
What the PDP cite as reason for the Idris-must-go campaign is indeed laughable and the butt of jokes among serious-minded people.
They alleged that the police may not be neutral in the coming elections as the institution was partisan in Osun and Ekiti States, where the party recently lost elections.
But the truth of the matter is that the police under IGP Idris has been more professional in election duties, so far conducted under his leadership compared with the dark days of the PDP.
Have we seen policeman hijacking in ballot boxes as we saw under elections conducted under the PDP?
Have we seen masked police men on any election duty with intent to instill fear into voters on election say under the current IGP? Never!
Though Idris obviously has his faults like everyone, the facts speak for itself regarding how far he has remodeled the police
Perhaps, for the first time, we are seeing a Police Force that treat Nigerians with respect and courtesy in a very long time.IGP Idris

This IGP has also demonstrated that it will not condone indiscipline by dismissing an official of the F-SARS who recently killed a LASTMA Official in Lagos and others engaged in acts of indiscipline.
Public outcry against Special Anti-robbery Squad, SARS, has also been addressed by the IGP.

Under the latest arrangement, a code of conduct has been reeled to officers as a way of instilling discipline.
These and many more should not be surprising as Idris comes across, as a humane officer in his dealings with his men and the public.
Due to his efforts, the Federal Government recently acceded to the calls for an increase in the wages of the police as a way of motivating the officers and men.
This may have been started by his predecessors, but the fact that the current IGP saw it to a conclusive end by getting President Buhari, to approve the increase speaks volume.

Furthermore, one cannot but be baffled about accusation against the Police high command about changing of commissioners of police in some states
The truth of the matter is that this is an issue that has been largely politicized by the opposition, as it is not the duty of any governor or political party to decide how long a commissioner of police should stay in a state.
The IGP is the one charge of police operations and has necessary information and it is on the strength of such information that he relies on in taking actions.

Instead of making a needless fuss about the tenure of IGP Idris, Nigerians should be calling for an extension of the tenure of the IGP because he has brought sound, workable and credible reforms to the police.
Those fighting IGP Idris are surely fighting the wrong person. If their fear is about the coming polls, the police under his leadership is surely not the issue but the Nigerian electorate whom the PDP serially raped for sixteen years.
https://www.voiceairmedia.com/2019/01/inspector-general-of-police-ibrahim.html

Nans Zone C visit Kwara state NUJ chapter led by comrade Adebayo Kayode

The leadership of National Association of Nigerian students (NANS) Zone C led by comr.Adebayo Kayode, the Zonal PRO paid a courtesy visit to Nigeria Union of Journalists Kwara state chapter.

In a report received by VoiceAirMedia the reawakening team was received by Deacon Omotayo Kolawole, the NUJ secretary Kwara state chapter.

Among the issues that were deliberated on is the exigency need of constructive journalism as we approach 2019 electioneering process.
Read more at
https://www.voiceairmedia.com/2018/11/nans-zone-c-visit-kwara-state-nuj.html

Senate seeks suspension of new tariff on alcohol, others

Senate to NNPC, CBN: Provide documents for $3.12bn withdrawn
Senators yesterday urged the Federal Government to put on hold the implementation of the excise tariff increment on alcoholic beverages and tobacco products.
The upper chamber said the suspension should be in force until all stakeholders have been consulted.

It said the discussion with stakeholders should pave the way for consensus on the implementation .
The resolutions followed the adoption of the report of the Senate Committee on Finance which considered “The urgent need to review the excise tariff increment in order to save local distillers of beverages from looming extinction.”
Chairman, Senate Committee on Finance, Senator John Owan Enoh, presented the 16 page report at plenary yesterday.

The increase in the excise tariff rates on alcoholic beverages and tobacco products was approved by President Muhammadu Buhari after the adoption of the recommendation of the Tariff Technical Committee of the Federal Government.

The main reason for the increase in the excise rate is said to be government’s drive to increase revenue generation and the belief that taxation has proved to be a veritable tool in controlling the consumption of alcoholic beverages as they have negative health effect on consumers.
The resolutions followed the adoption of the report of the Senate Committee on Finance which considered “The urgent need to review the excise tariff increment in order to save local distillers of beverages from looming extinction.”
Chairman, Senate Committee on Finance, Senator John Owan Enoh, presented the 16 page report at plenary yesterday.

The increase in the excise tariff rates on alcoholic beverages and tobacco products was approved by President Muhammadu Buhari after the adoption of the recommendation of the Tariff Technical Committee of the Federal Government.
The main reason for the increase in the excise rate is said to be government’s drive to increase revenue generation and the belief that taxation has proved to be a veritable tool in controlling the consumption of alcoholic beverages as they have negative health effect on consumers.

The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) believes the increase will give more competitive advantage to foreign products because they will not be affected by the increment.
MAN which described the increment as “outrageous as it stands at 500 per cent” warned that “if the new rate is fully implemented after the three years incremental period, it is believed that a number of the local manufacturers will have no other option than to suspend operation.”
It suggested that 35 per cent increment at maximum should be implemented by the government as it will guarantee the survival of the industry rather than 500 per cent increment which will put the entire industry in a very difficult situation.
But the Senate said an increment of not more than 50 per cent at maximum should be adopted, “as it becomes necessary for the Federal Government to increase the tariff in order to boost revenue as the rate will provide more leniency to the affected manufacturers and give more hope for the survival of local firms.
The upper chamber also resolved that there is need to increase the import duties of foreign alcoholic beverages and tobacco products in order to give local firms more competitive edge.

It urged the government to sensitise and carry along the producers and consumers of alcohol and tobacco products to understand the need for the increase and its advantage in adding to the economic fortune of the country.
The Senate agreed that if the new excise tariff is allowed to be implemented by the government, it will stand at about 500 per cent after the three years incremental period.
It also said if the tariff is fully implemented without review, it is capable of compelling affected companies that cannot stand with the new rate to either shut down or relocate their full operation to neighbouring countries with favourable and flexible taxation policies for the sector.
Cc: VoiceAirMedia
Read More: https://www.voiceairmedia.com/2018/11/senate-seeks-suspension-of-new-tariff.html

President Buhari Appoints Kabiru Bala As High Commissioner To South Africa

President Muhammadu Buhari has appointed Amb. Kabiru Bala as new High Commissioner to South Africa, with concurrent accreditation to Swaziland and Lesotho.

A statement by Ms Sarah Sanda, the Special Assistant on Media to Foreign Affairs Minister, Geoffrey Onyeama, said this on Monday in Abuja confirmed by VoiceAirMedia.
Sanda stated that the minister presented letter of credence to the new ambassador on Monday in Abuja.

She added that before his appointment, Bala was Deputy High Commissioner to the UK.
A career diplomat, Amb. Bala joined the Foreign Service in 1999 and had at different times served in Brasilia, Sudan, The Gambia, Netherlands and Thailand.

He also served in the State House Office of the Chief of Staff to the President, as well as State House Protocol.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Bala will replace Ahmed Ibeto, the former Ambassador who resigned his appointment in July to join the Peoples Democratic Party.
Continue Reading at
https://www.voiceairmedia.com/2018/11/president-buhari-appoints-kabiru-bala.html

WORKERS SHALL SMILE AGAIN IN NIGERIA- A MESSAGE TO STATE GOVERNORS.

Recent Paris club Refund to States, its no longer news that the 36 states have received another tranche of Paris club refund this week (18-07-2017). Its also known that most states owed their workers, salaries and allowances for many months. Prominent amongst which are Kogi, Ekiti, Osun, Bayelsa and Ondo states. I hereby appeal and advise state Governors, especially those indebted to its workforce to focus on settling workers outstanding salaries and allowances with monies received, in case there is balance after settlements of outstanding salaries, the Governors are also advised to save some for the rainy days as they may not have another opportunity to get such funds to pay workers salaries in the future. Especially as the monthly allocation accruing to states declines in most months, thus, making it impossible for states to have money to pay workers their monthly salaries. My advise is necessitated out of the fact that most of these Governors in a bid to loot this released funds may chose to embark on kangaroo projects instead of settling its outstanding obligations owed workers. I also call on the EFCC to extend its eagle eye to these state Governors. States accountant generals, finance commissioners, local government commissioners and key appointees or relatives close to state Governors should also be kept under watch by the EFCC as they are mostly used as fronts to embezzle funds on behalf of state Governors. The Governors should be accountable for once by letting its citizens know how the Paris club refund would be spent. The state House of assembly members should ensure the executives do this. Citizens on their path should also keep watch and ask questions where and when necessary. By: Comrade Olorungbotemi Tunde Bright One Voice CEO Nigeria Reporters Media 07067359627

PAY SUPER FALCONS THEIR MONEY.

For the eighth consecutive time, Nigeria’s national female football team, the Super Falcons, affirmed their superiority on the continent at the recently concluded African Women’s Cup of Nations (AWCON) where they beat Cameroon in the final. It was a record-setting victory for the team handler, Miss Florence Omagbemi, who won the trophy as a player and a coach. The coveted Cup is indeed a Christmas gift to our soccer- loving nation.
But the supposed euphoria of their accomplishment was soured due to the Federal Government’s inability to pay them their entitlements. The defending champions camped for the competition and played the qualifiers without being paid their allowances and bonuses. Before the competition, there was an outstanding US$6,500 bonus each and additional accumulated US$17,500 for winning the competition. The Sports Minister, Solomon Dalung and some top Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) officials were insensitive enough to go and watch the final in a chartered flight. They left without any word for the team.
Back home, NFF President Amaju Pinnick, arrogantly told the players to vacate their Agura Hotel, Abuja lodging, as there was no money to pay them. This was in spite of an earlier assurance by the NFF Secretary General, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, that all the entitlements would be paid.
The Super Falcons ordeal is similar to the shabby and shameful treatment meted out to the Coach Samson Siasia-led U-23 Dream Team squad that won a bronze medal at the last Olympics in Brazil. Minister Dalung, who was at the centre of the Brazil Olympic fiasco, shocked Nigerians when he disclosed that no money was set aside for the Super Falcons because they were not expected to win the championship!
It is a national embarrassment that our male and female sports ambassadors are marginalised after doing the country proud. The President Muhammadu Buhari regime and Minister Dalung do not seem to be truly interested in using sports to advance our national interests, and this is very sad. We call for a change of heart and attitude because of the numerous benefits of sports.
We know that our economy is in recession, but that is hardly an excuse for the utter neglect of our sportsmen and women. Our government officials continue to live in official luxury, despite the recession. The impression must not be given that the gallant efforts of our sports ambassadors, especially the Super Falcons, are not appreciated.
The Federal Government should emulate the gesture of the Cameroonian authorities which honoured their squad with a presidential reception. That has been part of our own culture. These girls need their money, and the Federal Government must quickly make arrangements to pay them all their entitlements to enable them have a merry Christmas.
*CAMPUS REPORTERS* REPORT.

PRESS RELEASE.
01/03/2016.
FROM THE OFFICE OF SA ON MEDIA AND PUBLICITY TO THE NANC NATIONAL PRESIDENT.

UTME Candidate
Laments
Postponement Of
Exam Due To Server
Issues.

When will Nigeria ever progress? Can you imagine that candidates writing today at St. Rita Innovative Institute Fegge Onitsha Anambra were told to go back and wait for
2 days, all because of poor computer and
server issues.
JAMB knew about this at the initial stage
and still went ahead to accredit the center.
On reaching today the computer server was very bad that they couldn't conduct the exam for both 6:30 and 9:30 candidates.
They were asked to relax and go home that they will send us our new centers and
dates.
What nonsense!!! seriously something must be done about this whole thing.

SIGNEDBY COMRADE OLORUNGBOTEMI TUNDE(ONE CLASS SOLUTION).