The Ready Writers Consult Announce 2024 Internship

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The Ready Writers Consult Announce 2024 Internship

The Ready Writers Consult (TRWC), on Monday, December 11, 2023, took to its WhatsApp Announcement platform to make known the internship opportunity open for 2024. According to the Announcement signed by the Registrar of the Organization, the training starts in January 2024 and runs through for 15 consecutive weeks with all classes to be held on the Zoom platform. TRWC, a creative writing outfit, seeks opportunities for individuals who, either full-time or part-time aspire to build a lucrative career in writing; or an existing writer who desires to hone their writing skills to be a part of the training. TRWC further offers a rare opportunity to master other forms of writing, ranging from Lifestyle writing, and Evangelical writing amongst others to build a diverse writing portfolio. The classes, centred on handpicked topics within and around writing and its rubric will be discussed by prolific professionals some of whom are Wale Oni (UK), Tope Olaiya (Guardian), and Kunle Shittu amongst others. Registration for The Ready Writers Consult 2024 Internship can be made  

EFCC Arrests Couple for N410m Fraud in Kano

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EFCC

Aisha Salihu Malkohi and her husband, Abubakar Mahmoud, have been charged by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) before Justice Aisha Mahmud of the Kano State High Court for defrauding Farida Ibrahim of N410,518,000. This was revealed on Monday, December 11, 2023, in a post made by the Financial Crimes agency on its X (formerly Twitter) account. The EFCC added that Malkohi’s arrest came about as a result of a petition filed by Ibrahim Mohammed Abdulrahman and Farida Ibrahim, who claimed that the pair had stolen their hard-earned money by pretending to give them automobiles and other goods from Saudi Arabia. However, when the defendants entered a not guilty plea to the offence that was read to them, Justice Mahmud decided to postpone the case to December 15th in order to consider the bail application. The statement read, “The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has arraigned Aisha Salihu Malkohi (a.k.a Ummitah, Arab Money) and her husband, Abubakar Abubakar Sadiq Mahmoud (at large) on five-count charges bordering on misappropriation of funds to the tune of N410,518,000 (Four Hundred and Ten Million, Five Hundred and Eighteen Thousand Naira only). “They were arraigned on Friday, December 8, 2023, before Justice Aisha Mahmud of the Kano State High Court sitting in Kano.” “One of the charges reads “that you Aisha Salihu Malkohi and Abubakar Sadiq Mahmoud (now at large) on or about 2022 in Kano, Kano state within the jurisdiction of this honorable court, did obtain the sum of Two Hundred and Twenty-Five Million, Two Hundred and Fifty-Nine Thousand Naira only (225,259,000) belonging to Farida Ibrahim between 6th January to 16th December 2022 into account bearing Abubakar Sadiq Mahmoud domiciled at Zenith Bank that the said money was paid to you for the purchase and supply of 64 cars, from Saudi Arabia facts which you knew to be false and thereby committed an offense contrary to Section 1 (a) & (b) and punishable under Section 1 (3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and other Fraud Related offenses Act,2006”. “The defendant pleaded not guilty to all the five counts when they were read to her. “In view of her plea, EFCC counsel, Zarami Mohammed prayed to the court for a trial date. Defence counsel, G.I Abubakar moved a bail application for his client which was opposed by Mohammed. Justice Mahmud thereafter adjourned the matter till December 15, 2023, for a ruling on the bail application. She also remanded the defendant in EFCC custody pending a ruling on her bail application.” “Malkohi was arrested by investigators of the EFCC in Kano following a petition from two petitioners, Farida Ibrahim and Ibrahim Mohammed Abdulrahman alleging that she conspired with her husband and defrauded them of their hard-earned monies under the guise of supplying them with cars, gold, electronics and kitchen utensils from Saudi Arabia.” “Upon the receipt of the petition, the Commission swung into action and conducted a thorough investigation which so far revealed that the defendant had collected a total sum of N410,518,000 (Four Hundred and Ten Million, Five Hundred and Eighteen Thousand Naira only) through bank accounts belonging to her company, Golden Grass Hill International Ltd and her husband’s Zenith Bank account. Further investigation also revealed that the defendant, alongside her husband, who is still at large, diverted the monies into several bank accounts.”

Tinubu Dismissed FAAN, NAMA, NSIB, NIMET DGs

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Tinubu

Several Director Generals (DGs) of the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development were dismissed by President Bola Tinubu yesterday, December 13, 2023. The President also stated their replacements. Ajuri Ngelale, the President’s Special Advisor on Media and Publicity, revealed the information in a statement yesterday, December 13, 2023, in Abuja. According to the statement, the action was in keeping with President Tinubu’s resolve to elevate Nigerian civil aviation to international standards in terms of consumer protection and the advancement of the welfare of Nigerian travellers and other sector players. The statement reads: “Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mr. Kabir Mohammed, has been removed from office and replaced with Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku as the substantive Managing Director of the FAAN.” “Managing Director of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency NAMA), Mr. Tayib Odunowo, has been removed from office and replaced with Engr. Umar Farouk as the substantive Managing Director of NAMA.” “Director-General of the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), Engr. Akinola Olateru, has been removed from office and replaced with Mr. Alex Badeh Jr. as the substantive Director-General of NSIB.” “Director-General of Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET), Prof. Mansur Matazu, has been removed from office and replaced with Prof. Charles Anosike as the substantive Director-General of NIMET.” “Rector of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Capt. Alkali Modibbo, has been removed from office and replaced with Mr. Joseph Imalighwe as the acting Rector of NCAT, pending the appointment of a substantive Rector, in accordance with Section 13(2) of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology Act, 2022.” “Director-General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt. Musa Nuhu, has been suspended from office to enable the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, to conduct an unfettered investigation into the activities of the suspended Director-General and other senior officials in NCAA. Capt. Chris Najomo assumes office as the Acting Director-General of NCAA immediately.” In addition, President Tinubu gave his approval for the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development to start a thorough hiring process for a substantive Vice-Chancellor and other African Aviation and Aerospace University (AAAU) main executives. The President expects the new leadership in this crucial area to treat the security, comfort, and convenience of the Nigerian people as paramount and inviolable in all of their administrative actions. He also wants the rapid construction of world-class policy design, execution, and regulatory frameworks to reposition the industry in line with his renewed hope agenda due to the significant cost of underperformance in the sector. The President’s orders listed above are all effective right now.

FG Removes Tertiary Institutions From IPPIS

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IPPIS

On Wednesday, December 13, 2023, the Federal Executive Council (FEC), approved the country’s universities and other higher institutions’ exemption from the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information Systems (IPPIS), enabling the institutions to handle staff salary concerns internally. Prof. Mamman Tahir, the Minister of Education, revealed this to State House reporters during President Bola Tinubu’s council meeting at the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa in Abuja. According to him, the FEC decided to remove the institutions from the system because it was worried about the management and effectiveness of the institutions. In addition to the objection of the Academic Staff Union of Universities’ (ASUU), to the payment system, he claimed that the IPPS issue has taken a lot of time for Vice Chancellors at universities, “dragging the efficiency of the management of the institutions.” The Minister clarified that the tertiary institutions ought to be let to exercise their autonomy because they were subject to legal regulation.

Understanding, Managing, and Thriving with Mood Swings

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Understanding, Managing and Thriving with Mood swings

Life can sometimes feel like a rollercoaster of emotions, with various highs and lows moment swinging us back and forth. These shifts in mood, often known as mood swings, are a common part of human experience. This essay explores the causes, effects, and practical ways to manage mood swings, aiming to provide a roadmap for a more balanced emotional journey. Understanding the Causes of Mood Swings Mood swings refer to abrupt and noticeable shifts in a person’s emotional state, filled with different periods of happy highs and sad lows. They involve sudden changes in how we feel-going from feeling cheerful and positive one minute to feeling down or irritable the next. It’s like riding a wave of emotions without knowing when the next wave will hit. There are various reasons why a person’s mood can suddenly change, and it sometimes depends on the mental health of such individual. Lisa Fields note that people with bipolar disorder mostly have cases of mood swings. They include: 1. Biological Factors: Changes in hormones, neurotransmitters, and brain chemistry can play a significant role in changes in one’s mood. This can occur when ladies have their menstrual cycles. Youths going through the adolescence stage can have unexpected changes in mood. 2. Stress and External Pressures: The work, relationships, and unforeseen challenges act as external forces. These pressures can push our emotions in different directions. 3. Sleep Patterns: Disruptions in sleep can influence one’s mood. Lack of sleep or irregular sleep patterns can lead to irritability and emotional imbalance, creating inconsistent highs and lows in our mood. 4. Life Events and Trauma: Significant life events, whether positive or negative, can swiftly change our moods and emotions. Trauma, loss or major life changes can trigger intense mood swings. Effects of Mood Swings on One’s Mental Health The impact of mood swings extends beyond a person’s immediate emotional experience. It also affects our mental wellbeing in various ways: 1. Stress and Anxiety: Mood swings can bring stress and anxiety, especially when you cannot predict or control your emotions. It’s like being on a rollercoaster without knowing when the twists and turns will come. 2. Impact on Relationships: Sudden shifts in mood might make it difficult for others to understand and connect with us. We might end up losing valuable relationships as a result which might lead to worsening health issues. 3. Energy and Productivity: Mood swings can impact a person’s energy levels and productivity at work or in school. High-energy periods may be followed by periods of low motivation. This could then affect the ability to engage in daily tasks consistently. 4. Self-Esteem: Repeated mood swings can take a negative toll on a person’s self-esteem. The emotional ups and downs may lead to self-criticism and doubt, affecting one’s sense of confidence and self-worth. Practical Ways to Manage Mood Swings While we may not have complete control over various external factors that contribute to mood swings, there are practical ways to manage this emotional path: 1. Be Self-Aware: Be able to detect what triggers your emotions and be aware of the patterns. You can get a mood journal which will help you identify factors that can contribute to mood swings and provide insights for effective management. 2. Freely Express your Emotions: Talk to a trusted friend, write in a journal, or find a creative outlet to express how you feel. These activities can provide an emotional release that will make you quickly snap out of your mood swings. 3. Live a Healthy Life: Make a healthy lifestyle your priority. Practice exercise regularly; eat balanced diets on a daily basis and have consistent sleep patterns. These will ultimately contribute to emotional resilience and stability. 4. Practice Mindfulness and Relaxation: Incorporate mindfulness and relaxation techniques into your routines. Practice meditation and deep breathing. This can help manage stress and promote emotional balance. 5. Seek Professional Support: If your mood swings significantly affect your daily functioning, it is important that you seek professional help. Mental health professionals can provide guidance, coping strategies, and therapeutic interventions tailored to individual needs. Mood swings occur at various times in every human life, but understanding their causes, recognizing their effects on our mental health, and adopting effective management strategies empower us to navigate the emotional landscape with resilience. By incorporating self-awareness, healthy habits, and seeking support when needed, individuals can transform the peaks and valleys of mood swings into a more balanced and fulfilling emotional life.

Governor Orders the Scout of Bank Robbery Perpetrators

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Governor Orders the Scout of Bank Robbery Perpetrators

The Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has ordered security agencies to find the perpetrators of the bank robbery in Ikere-Ekiti on Wednesday, December 13, 2023. The Governor, in a statement signed by his spokesperson, Yinka Oyebode, said the robbers must also be made to face the full wrath of the law. The statement made it known that the Governor affirmed that no stone would be left unturned to ensure the perpetrators face the law “The Governor who described the armed robbery incidence, which claimed three lives, as senseless and disheartening, said no stone will be left unturned in the bid to bring the perpetrators to book,” Oyebode said. (sic) Oyebanji condoled the families of the bank robbery victims, the Ogoga-in-Council, and the people of Ikere-Ekiti. The Governor further directed government hospitals in the State to take proper care of those who got injured during the robbery attack. Buttressing the importance of local vigilance in security, Oyebode said the Governor has urged the residents of Ikere-Ekiti who have information that can help security agencies in their investigations to make it known to relevant authorities. “The perpetrators of this heinous crime will not go unpunished. Our security agencies will go after them and ensure they face the guilt and wrath of the law,” the Governor said. “Our condolences to the families of victims of the robbery attack and the Ikere people.” The Governor further urged the people of Ekiti State to remain calm and vigilant as they go about their daily activities. Governor Oyebanji added that the Ekiti Government is committed to their security and safety and would not spare any efforts at ridding the state of criminal elements.

Stepmother to be Prosecuted over Alleged Assault

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Stepmother to be Prosecuted over Alleged Assault

Following the suspected assault of a 12-year-old stepdaughter, the Zamfara State Government will prosecute the stepmother in Tsafe Local Government Area (LGA). The State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Children, and Social Development, Dr Nafisa Maradun, made this known when she visited the victim in Tsafe on Wednesday, December 13, 2023. The Commissioner said the woman, Aisha Mustapha, was accused of melting nylon on the body of her stepdaughter and forcing her to drink urine. “So we will therefore take it up to make sure that if found guilty, she faces the full wrath of the law.” She emphasized that the government will not condone this kind of act, and as soon as investigations are concluded, the accused will be taken to court and justice will be served to the child. Dr Maradun added further that the State Government, in collaboration with Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) in the State, will follow the case to its logical conclusion to ensure that the accused woman is punished if found guilty. Speaking on the incident, the biological mother of the victim, Malama Maryam Muhammad, appealed to the State Government and concerned NGOs operating in the State to work diligently to ensure all atrocities allegedly committed by the accused are brought to life. She further thanked the Commissioner and some officials of NGOs who have shown concern about the incident.

Unions Commend FG Over IPPIS Action

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Unions Commend FG Over IPPIS Action

Recall that the Federal Government of Nigeria, yesterday, Wednesday, December 13, 2023, exempted Universities, Polytechnics, Colleges of Education, and other tertiary institutions from the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS). This is coming after a long-term clamour for exemption by the members of institutions as they laid claims that the system is not favourable to their institutions. The Government made it known that remunerations to staff members of these institutions would no longer be actualized through the platform. This was made known to journalists after the weekly Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris. The Government came to term that the IPPIS does not afford tertiary institutions the freedom to run their affairs. Idris said: “Today (yesterday), the universities and other tertiary institutions have got a very big relief from the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System. You will recall that university authorities and others have been clamouring for exemption from this system. “Today (yesterday), Council has graciously approved that. What that means in simple language, is that the university authorities and other tertiary institutions will now pay their personnel from their own end instead of relying on the IPPIS”, the Minister affirmed. The Minister of Education, Prof Tahir Mamman, who rationalised the decision, noted that the goal was to allow for efficient running of public educational institutions nationwide. Mamman asserted that yesterday’s move was not connected to the integrity of IPPIS, University Transparency and Accountability Solution (UTAS)  or other similar systems advocated by various bodies. The Minister stated, “Simply, the President and Council are just concerned about the efficiency of management of the universities, and so it has nothing to do with integrity or platform options. “The President cannot understand why vice chancellors should be leaving their duty posts and run to Abuja to get staff enlisted on IPPIS when they get recruited. “The basic concern is that universities are governed by laws. And those laws give them autonomy in certain respects, and the IPPIS has sort of eroded that autonomy granted universities in accordance with their Acts”, Mamman concluded. (Sic) Correspondingly, lecturers under the aegis of Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and Congress of University Academics (CONUA), yesterday, praised the decision, observing that the journey to full university autonomy may have begun. ASUU President, Prof Emmanuel Osodeke, said the new administration had demonstrated genuine concern for the sector. He then pleaded with the current administration to resolve all pending issues relating to salaries and implementation of agreements for Nigerian Universities to favourably compete with their counterparts globally. Also, CONUA National President, Niyi Sunmonu, expressed the hope that the government would not move lecturers to another platform that might impede the  smooth running of activities in the academia. He said if migrating lecturers to another payment platform was going to give university administrators some measure of control over their finances, then, the move “is a gradual step to full autonomy for the institutions.”

Ogun: Police Arrest Three For Allegedly Snatching Car and Motorcycle

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Ogun: Police Arrest Three For Allegedly Snatching Car and Motorcycle

The Ogun State Police Command has arrested three people suspected to have stolen a car and motorcycle in the Mowe and Ifo areas of the State. The source made this known on Thursday, December 14, 2023. The source mentioned that a suspect identified as Matthew Segun hit the head of a motorcyclist with a hammer on Tuesday, December 12, 2023, before fleeing with his motorcycle. It was gathered that Segun had earlier stopped the motorcycle and begged to take him from the Old Bank Bus Stop to Igbese in Ifo. The motorcyclist told Segun to disembark when they reached Igbese, but he (Segun) insisted that he should take him further down the route. However, Segun hit him with a hammer on the crown of his head after which the motorcyclist lost consciousness and fell off the bike. Segun thereafter absconded with the motorcycle. Upon consciousness, the motorcyclist and owner of the motorcycle approached the Ifo Police Division to report the incident. Confirming the incident on Thursday, December 14, 2023, the Police Public Relations Officer, Omolola Odutola, said other commercial motorcycle riders in the area assisted the Police team in apprehending Segun. She said, “The suspect is a member of a syndicate responsible for snatching motorcycles from commercial motorcyclists in the area. The suspect will soon be transferred after the preliminary investigation is completed.” Meanwhile, two suspects believed to have stolen a car along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway have also been arrested. The suspects were said to have been acting questioningly along the road and immediately took flight on sighting the Police approaching the area. The Police reassured that they had begun a manhunt to arrest the fleeing suspects after arresting two of the suspects. Narrating the incident, Odutola said the suspects had boarded the Corolla car in Lagos and that they sprayed some chemical substances on the face of the driver, which made him lose consciousness. She explained further that the suspects dragged the driver out of the car and immediately bolted the scene. “We have arrested two of the suspects. Our men are on the trail of the other suspects who participated in the robbery. The suspects will be transferred to Eleweran, Abeokuta, for further investigation.” Odutola stated.

NAFDAC’s Control Lab Gets Pre-qualification Approval

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NAFDAC DG Prof Mojisola Adeyeye

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has announced her pre-qualification approval for the Yaba laboratory, Lagos State, as a Central Drug Control Laboratory. The Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, disclosed this at a news conference in Abuja on Thursday, December 14, 2023. Dr. Adeyeye informed that the World Health Organisation (WHO) had recently approved the Central Drug Control Laboratory (CDCL) located at Yaba, Lagos. She buttressed that the approval was a momentous milestone in the Agency’s commitment to ensuring safe and quality pharmaceutical products. Further speaking, the Director General stated that the pre-qualification approval was communicated to the agency via mail received from the WHO pre-qualification inspection team on September 15, 2023. She said that the success was finally published on the WHO website, adding that the website address through which the public could cite and reference, was equally shared with the agency for dissemination. She added, “You can access the information on the pre-qualification procedure, as well as the list of pre-qualified quality control laboratories, on the pre-qualification unit medicine website: https://extranet.who.int/pqweb/medicines. ”NAFDAC is Nigeria’s regulatory body responsible for ensuring the safety and quality of food, drugs, cosmetics, medical devices and other related products “NAFDAC’s mission is to safeguard public health by ensuring that only safe and wholesome products are made available to the Nigerian public,” Dr. Adeyeye affirmed. The Director General stated, “This is a huge landmark achievement for the agency and Nigeria. Very few laboratories in the world have the apex status of WHO pre-qualification. ”Our journey towards this milestone actually started since year 2010, but with renewed efforts and more commitment to attempts by our management and the Federal Government in the last four years, we have finally achieved this goal. “The WHO pre-qualification of the CDCL is a testament to the unwavering commitment of NAFDAC to meeting international standards of excellence in drug quality control and regulation.” Dr Adeyeye said that the prestigious recognition brought numerous benefits to CDCL, NAFDAC, and most importantly, to the Nigerian people. She further highlighted the benefits that the WHO pre-qualification of the CDCL would bring to Nigeria as global recognition, enhanced pharmaceutical quality, international collaboration and advanced public health. Others are the streaming regulatory process, enhancement of credibility and advancement of Nigeria’s healthcare system.