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Trouble In NICO Over Alleged Denial of Acting D.G To Proceed On Retirement

Published

5 years ago

February 25, 2020

BY ADMIN

There has been an uneasy calm in the National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO) following the alleged refusal of the Acting Executive Secretary, Mr. Luis Eriomala to proceed on pre-retirement leave.

As the most senior director, Eriomala was appointed Acting ES late 2017 following the completion of the tenure of former ES, Professor Barclays F. Ayakoroma, who served between 2009 and 2017.

However, Eriomala has remained on acting capacity since his appointment, and with two months to his 60^th birthday, sources close to the institute are alleging that the acting ES has been trying to bribe his way to perpetuate himself in power in spite of his abysmal performance since he was made the acting ES.

According to the sources, the acting ES neither initiated new programmes nor implemented existing ones. They also alleged that while he kept complaining of a lack of funds, he has been traveling around the world with one of his young directors.

“His time has been very bad for NICO as all the programmes that were initiated were abandoned. Nothing is happening, everybody is grumbling in NICO. Even rents have not been paid for zonal offices, Ilorin, Akure, and Bayelsa. State offices receive only half of their allocation. Some offices collect as low as N75, 000 as impress. Zonal offices collect as low as N150, 000

“People don’t want the confirmation of his appointment. Let him hand over to the next most senior director. Let us try another person”, the source held.

The sources further disclosed that Eriomala was appointed into service on November 1, 1996, and going by the civil, one either retires after 35 years in service or at the compulsory retirement age of 60.

Since he was born on April 17, 1060, Eriomala would clock 60 years in April and accordingly, he ought to have proceeded on his pre-retirement leave in January.

“We were informed that Eriomala has been written by the supervising Ministry of Information and Culture, asking him to proceed on leave but he vehemently refused to go.

“By our calculation, Eriomala ought to have handed over to one Mrs. Bridgett Yerima, the head of NICO Cultural School in the Institute’s Lagos office, who is currently the most senior director.

The sources, therefore, called on the Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, to do the needful by ensuring that Eriomala embarks on leave. They stress that continuously retaining him is against the civil service rule and confirmation to the allegation of inducement leveled against the ministry.

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Olawande’s 21st Century Skills initiative, A Move Towards Re-fertilization Of Nigerian Youths

Published

4 days ago

November 6, 2024

The Gleamer

By Joel Ajayi

Transforming the Nigeria youths to equip the current and future generations with 21st century skills is important. The Africa and National Youth Day 2024 is therefore a historic moment to put a need 21st century skills at the forefront toward the the growth and development of all.

Nigeria as a nation has made meaningful progress in education over the past 60 years, with more girls in school and more students in Higher education system than ever before.

Reports showed that School completion rates have increased from 2000 to 2022 at all levels.

Still, these gains are insufficient to prepare Nigerians youth for the 21st century and its fast-changing professional landscape. By 2030, roughly 60 million jobs iin Nigeria and 230 million in Africa will demand digital skills. Classroom practices must shift to meet these future employability needs and nurture creativity, critical thinking and problem-solving.

Nigeria recorded the largest population of young people in the continent of Africa that means a 21st century skills is critical to to equip the current and future generations.

Based on this, Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande who has been promoter and advocate of digital skiill even before he became Minister has once again initiate digital literacy programmes, technical skills empowerment and leadership insight and urged young people to actively develop and adopt crucial 21st-century skills to effectively combat the rising issue of unemployment.

When he was Minister Youth for State, he introducing the Youth Development Fund to support young entrepreneurs, implementing the Youth Empowerment Program, training over 10,000 young people in vocational skills, establishing the Youth Mentorship Initiative, pairing young people with experienced professionals, and developing the National Youth Policy, providing a framework for youth development.

He also initiated the “One Youth One Ward” initiative to tackle drug abuse, established the Youth Innovation Hub, hosted the National Youth Conference, rolled out the Youth Volunteer Program, fostered partnerships with private sector organizations amongst others.

He has implement innovative programs, foster strategic partnerships, and demonstrated unwavering commitment to inclusivity and equal opportunities.

Now Minister of Youth without doubt has been at the forefront of this journey, demonstrating unwavering dedication to empowering Nigerians youth even from his school days.

Comrade Ayodele Olawande made this appeal today in Abuja during the Africa and National Youth Day Celebration with the theme : ‘ Educate an African Fit for the 21st Century’ and sub-theme: ‘Building a Resilient Education System: A New Hope for Nigerian Youth’,

He said such skills like critical thinking, digital literacy, and effective communications are essential tools for navigating the increasingly competitive job markets.

Olawande strongly advocated for the youth of Nigeria to prioritize the investment of their time and put efforts in developing a diverse range of essential skills and competencies by actively engaging in the pursuit that can significantly enhance their employability that will make them attractive candidates before their potential employers.

According to the Minister, “acquiring these skills will equip youth to confidently navigate the complexities and demands of an increasingly competitive job market, where adaptability and innovation are crucial. This proactive approach plays a vital role in addressing the rising unemployment crisis that has been affecting many young Nigerians today.”

“Through dedicated skill development, they can not only improve their job prospects but also lay the groundwork for sustainable career growth and success in the long run. In this rapidly evolving economic landscape, embracing continuous learning and professional development is not just beneficial; it is essential for achieving one’s career aspirations,” he explained.

The Minister further explained that the theme, “Educate an African Fit for the 21st Century,” serves as a powerful endorsement of the One Youth Two Skills initiative, adding that it will foster practical skills alongside formal education.

Olawande stated : “This initiative aims to empower youth and create sustainable employment opportunities. Ultimately, the initiative is a key component of the Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to eliminate unemployment and promote economic growth across the continent”.

In his paper presentation, Professor Ahmed Adamu, a lecturer at Nile University, Abuja, stated that by next year, 85 million jobs will be lost due to technological advancements, while 97 million new jobs are expected to be created.

Professor Adamu stressed that the future job market will heavily favour those individuals who proactively seek to acquire new skills and adapt to the evolving technological landscape.

Adamu said that for one to go far in whatever they are doing, they must be self-disciplined, duly intelligent and have the consistency in learning.

However, the minister of Youth led the teaming youths on a road walk from the Ministry to BMO Event Centre to Celebrate Africa and National Youth Day.

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