Some of those rescued from kidnappers’ den at the Soka area of Ibadan, Oyo State, are gradually regaining fitness and mental ability. Although they have yet to give full accounts of activities in the forest, some of them could remember events leading to their departure from their normal life.
Recalling their predicament, one of the victims, Nafiu Shittu, said:
“I am a native of Ibadan, living in the Foko area of the city. I sold pile medicine to people. I was doing the business on the day I was kidnapped about four months ago.
“After going round the area where I had customers, I felt tired and decided to rest in the Gate area. Suddenly, a bus stopped by my side and two men came out and forced me into the back seat of the vehicle. That was all I could remember.
“When I regained consciousness, I saw myself in a room in the forest, chained to a wall. I was too tired to struggle and as the days passed, I became frail because I was not given anything to eat.”
He spoke to Punch at the Adeoyo State Hospital, Yemetu, Ibadan. Speaking in an almost inaudible whisper and intermittently pausing, he explained that he was at work when he was kidnapped and taken to the forest.
Asked if he was taken there to be treated for mental illness, Nafiu looked up sharply and protested: “I am not a mad man. I am a normal human being. I was kidnapped and chained in a room throughout my days in captivity.”
Nafiu said he was aware that he was not the only one in the building, adding that what baffled him was that he heard voices of people passing outside the building regularly.
“There were other people, including young and adult women, who cried daily. I saw dead bodies being taken out frequently, but I don’t know if they were killed. Maybe they died of hunger. People moved around the building, but I don’t know if they knew we were there.”
Other victims, Wale Atoyebi from Ada in Osun State and Michael Ola could only give their names, but another lady, Titi Dokpesi, explained how she got to the forest.
She said, “I live at Awolowo compound in Oke Bola, Ibadan. I am not mad and I am not an old woman. Two months ago, I was in front of our house when some men grabbed me and said I was under arrest.
“Before I could protest, I was put in a bus and driven away. We did not go to any police station and I still don’t know how we reached the forest. I had N10,000 with me, but they took it. I am 45 years. In the few months I spent there, I aged quickly for lack of care. We were fed once in a week.
“I was kept in the corner of a room, chained to the wall, so I kept to myself. I spent most of the time praying to God. I don’t know if anyone gave birth there, but people were dying,” she added.
Oyo State governor revokes horror den’s C of O
Governor Abiola Ajimobi on Monday, led members of the State Executive Council and the security agencies in the state to the kidnappers’ den for an on-the-spot assessment of the forest.
The governor, who was conducted round the forest by security chiefs, expressed sadness at what he called man’s inhumanity to his fellow man. Ajimobi called for a minute silence and led prayers for the repose of the souls of those who died in the kidnappers’ den.
The governor announced the immediate revocation of the Certificates of Occupancy of the expansive forest and directed that the bush be cleared.
He said, “We need to clear this place to ensure easy access to whatever had been transpiring in the forest."
Wednesday, 26 March 2014
Wife of Transport Company Owner and His Daughter Kidnapped
Dare devil kidnappers have abducted Mrs. Esohe Abel and her lovely daughter, Miss Osarunmwese Abel, in Edo State. Mrs Esohe and Osarunmwese are wife and daughter of a prominent transporter in Edo State, the Managing Director of Iyare Motors Limited, Mr. Abel Omoruyi.
Both mother and daughter were kidnapped at about 5pm on Monday around the Ugbor Primary School in the Benin City area. Their car was reportedly abandoned at the scene, while the victims were forcefully taken away in the kidnapper’s car.
“We have yet to hear from their abductors; everyone is worried. But we were told that delay is a tactic employed by kidnappers to make family members of their victims apprehensive.
“We learnt that kidnappers often keep their victims for at least 24 hours without communicating with their families. By the time they eventually establish contact, the affected families would have been so unsettled that they would give in to the kidnappers’ demands easily.”
A family source told Punch that the matter had been reported at the Ugbor Police Station and the victims’ car, recovered by the police.
Confirming the development, the source said, “Esohe and Osarunmwese were kidnapped at Ugbor village, close to the Ugbor Primary School. Although we have made a report at the Ugbor Police station, so far there is nothing new."
The police in Edo State say they are investigating the unfortunate incident.
Both mother and daughter were kidnapped at about 5pm on Monday around the Ugbor Primary School in the Benin City area. Their car was reportedly abandoned at the scene, while the victims were forcefully taken away in the kidnapper’s car.
“We have yet to hear from their abductors; everyone is worried. But we were told that delay is a tactic employed by kidnappers to make family members of their victims apprehensive.
“We learnt that kidnappers often keep their victims for at least 24 hours without communicating with their families. By the time they eventually establish contact, the affected families would have been so unsettled that they would give in to the kidnappers’ demands easily.”
A family source told Punch that the matter had been reported at the Ugbor Police Station and the victims’ car, recovered by the police.
Confirming the development, the source said, “Esohe and Osarunmwese were kidnapped at Ugbor village, close to the Ugbor Primary School. Although we have made a report at the Ugbor Police station, so far there is nothing new."
The police in Edo State say they are investigating the unfortunate incident.
Boko Haram Now Operates with Helicopter: We Are under Siege
More than Three Nigerian dailies have reported on the apparent use of helicopters by terrorists operating in the burning north of Nigeria. A March 18th article in Tribune, a March 23rd article in THISDAY, a March 21st DailyTrust report of a Senate hearing in which Senator Abu Ibrahim detailed the use of helicopters to drop supplies and attackers to attack Katsina; and another March 25th investigative report in DailyTrust all presented shocking details of how helicopters have allegedly been used to ferry terrorists and ammunitions in the recent terror incidents in the north, the attack on 21 Armoured Brigade, Giwa barracks precisely and the massacres in Katsina.
In these cases, helicopters are described to have been seen by locals hovering above prior to the attacks and dropping materials and reinforcements in thick forests. DailyTrust queried Nigeria’s Airspace Management Agency, NAMA, about the possibility of such unnoticed air flight, despite the acquirement of 60 million Euros worth of modern equipment by the agency, its Terminal radar Approach Control of Nigeria (TRACON) which has enabled it completely cover the Nigerian air space.
According to aviation experts, it is basically impossible for unknown choppers to fly in Nigerian air spaces without being detected by government radars; this raises serious questions.
Is NAMA inefficient or are the terrorists flying below the radar?
Is the use of helicopters by Boko Haram and the gunmen who raised Kaduna and Katsina villages, killing over 100 civilians in both cases related and operated under the same command?
Is there top level government involvement in the terror operations decimating the north which is permitting such utility of choppers in Nigerian airspaces to ferry terrorist and terror ammunition?
Are the choppers able to fly ‘undetected’ because they are craft of the Nigerian military which has been possibly sabotaged and has elements participating in grand terror against the nation?
Nigeria’s north from Benue to Borno, which spans approximately 80% of Nigeria’s land mass has been wrought by unabating terror for the better part of the last five years since the beginning of the Jonathan administration. The terrorists appear to be gaining in sophistication and becoming more deadly as time progresses.
The unhindered attacks in the northeast are beginning to be reproduced in ferocity and style in the middle belt and other parts of the north as gunmen drive or ride in, fire all in sight and burn down the entire village or town in a seeming deliberate attempt to depopulate and exterminate these regions. There are many questions to be asked as pertains to the ease of operations, the seeming inability of Nigeria’s security to prevent and disrupt attacks, the enforcement not even being able to apprehend attackers after operations that last hours.
Is it paranoid to ask if there is a ploy to depopulate and destroy the north? If so, by whom and hat level of Nigeria’s security department is involved? A past Nigerian head of security, NSA, General Owoye Azazi had alerted in 2012 before he was killed in a copter crash that the sudden sophistication of Boko Haram was not ordinary but was sponsored by elements in the nation’s ruling party.
The Governor of Adamawa state, a seasoned army veteran, Vice Admiral Murtala Nyako, who understands the dynamics of war, has repeatedly perplexedly insisted that there are agents behind the terror in the north within the Office of National Security, ONSA. Most recently in a speech he gave in the United States [See SaharaReporters of March 24th, 2014] he asked, “…is the massive killing of people and destruction of property and the environment state-sponsored?"
The Governor further said, "The security situation we are … facing in Northern Nigeria today could be sponsored, financed and supported by evil minded and over-ambitious leaders of Government and the society for political gains. There is simply no person(s) in the North-Eastern zone rich enough to foot the financial and logistic bills on Boko Haram activities. Somebody outside the zone must have bought these arms, ammunitions and explosives somewhere which is easily traceable, paid the freight charges to Nigeria, cleared them at the Ports, conveyed them up-country through numerous check-points and put them in safe-houses in the States ready to be used by the appointed killers."
Recently, a Turkish Airline senior executive confessed to being involved in dropping ammunitions for terror groups in Nigeria through the Kano airport. Does this report gain credibility based on the stupefying ability of ‘Boko Haram’ and affiliated terror operatives to gain sophistication and operate with impunity under this administration? Top level government collaboration with the terrorists will support the ‘confessions’ of the Turkish executive and will also explain the ability of choppers to fly undetected in the northern skies among other patterns of unprecedented and unexplainable successes of those terrorizing the north.
One has to question the position of Nigeria’s ONSA and Presidency in all these matters. Does President Jonathan who hails from Nigeria’s South and whose statements and body-language have demonstrated a disconnect from the north and the travails of that region, have the commitment and capacity to rescue this troubled region from the grips of marauders and ‘Boko Haram’ terrorists? Does his NSA, a dictator Babangida boy, Sambo Dasuki have the dedication, the mettle and most importantly, the desire to restore peace to this troubled region of the nation? Who is interested in decimating northern Nigeria?
There is an emergency situation in north Nigeria. This part of the country urgently needs committed and strong leadership. A dedicated and patriotic army man like ex-NSA Sarki Mukhtar from late Yar’Adua’s regime needs to be employed as a parallel Minister-of defense/NSA to oversee the engagements of the army in the north of Nigeria. Those in Abuja have failed for five years to check the situation which is now getting dangerously worse. The NATO upset of Libya has released arms, military craft and even mercenaries which terrorists and devilish politicians easily acquire with Nigeria's 'missing' billions.
This administration is not tackling the issues of the north. A change in central government for one that can and will restore hope to that region as well as troubled regions across the entire nation, north to south does not seem to be happening any time soon. Pointing fingers to who is to blame for the administration's failure will not protect life. The National conference in Abuja, apart from not being reassuring as presently constituted and under its present management, is too slow a process. A full war has been waged against the north and the north needs its regional determination and posturing to battle this war. Whatever region wishes to keep this President can do so. The people in the north are under attack from land and the air and need something to happen and to happen fast.
In these cases, helicopters are described to have been seen by locals hovering above prior to the attacks and dropping materials and reinforcements in thick forests. DailyTrust queried Nigeria’s Airspace Management Agency, NAMA, about the possibility of such unnoticed air flight, despite the acquirement of 60 million Euros worth of modern equipment by the agency, its Terminal radar Approach Control of Nigeria (TRACON) which has enabled it completely cover the Nigerian air space.
According to aviation experts, it is basically impossible for unknown choppers to fly in Nigerian air spaces without being detected by government radars; this raises serious questions.
Is NAMA inefficient or are the terrorists flying below the radar?
Is the use of helicopters by Boko Haram and the gunmen who raised Kaduna and Katsina villages, killing over 100 civilians in both cases related and operated under the same command?
Is there top level government involvement in the terror operations decimating the north which is permitting such utility of choppers in Nigerian airspaces to ferry terrorist and terror ammunition?
Are the choppers able to fly ‘undetected’ because they are craft of the Nigerian military which has been possibly sabotaged and has elements participating in grand terror against the nation?
Nigeria’s north from Benue to Borno, which spans approximately 80% of Nigeria’s land mass has been wrought by unabating terror for the better part of the last five years since the beginning of the Jonathan administration. The terrorists appear to be gaining in sophistication and becoming more deadly as time progresses.
The unhindered attacks in the northeast are beginning to be reproduced in ferocity and style in the middle belt and other parts of the north as gunmen drive or ride in, fire all in sight and burn down the entire village or town in a seeming deliberate attempt to depopulate and exterminate these regions. There are many questions to be asked as pertains to the ease of operations, the seeming inability of Nigeria’s security to prevent and disrupt attacks, the enforcement not even being able to apprehend attackers after operations that last hours.
Is it paranoid to ask if there is a ploy to depopulate and destroy the north? If so, by whom and hat level of Nigeria’s security department is involved? A past Nigerian head of security, NSA, General Owoye Azazi had alerted in 2012 before he was killed in a copter crash that the sudden sophistication of Boko Haram was not ordinary but was sponsored by elements in the nation’s ruling party.
The Governor of Adamawa state, a seasoned army veteran, Vice Admiral Murtala Nyako, who understands the dynamics of war, has repeatedly perplexedly insisted that there are agents behind the terror in the north within the Office of National Security, ONSA. Most recently in a speech he gave in the United States [See SaharaReporters of March 24th, 2014] he asked, “…is the massive killing of people and destruction of property and the environment state-sponsored?"
The Governor further said, "The security situation we are … facing in Northern Nigeria today could be sponsored, financed and supported by evil minded and over-ambitious leaders of Government and the society for political gains. There is simply no person(s) in the North-Eastern zone rich enough to foot the financial and logistic bills on Boko Haram activities. Somebody outside the zone must have bought these arms, ammunitions and explosives somewhere which is easily traceable, paid the freight charges to Nigeria, cleared them at the Ports, conveyed them up-country through numerous check-points and put them in safe-houses in the States ready to be used by the appointed killers."
Recently, a Turkish Airline senior executive confessed to being involved in dropping ammunitions for terror groups in Nigeria through the Kano airport. Does this report gain credibility based on the stupefying ability of ‘Boko Haram’ and affiliated terror operatives to gain sophistication and operate with impunity under this administration? Top level government collaboration with the terrorists will support the ‘confessions’ of the Turkish executive and will also explain the ability of choppers to fly undetected in the northern skies among other patterns of unprecedented and unexplainable successes of those terrorizing the north.
One has to question the position of Nigeria’s ONSA and Presidency in all these matters. Does President Jonathan who hails from Nigeria’s South and whose statements and body-language have demonstrated a disconnect from the north and the travails of that region, have the commitment and capacity to rescue this troubled region from the grips of marauders and ‘Boko Haram’ terrorists? Does his NSA, a dictator Babangida boy, Sambo Dasuki have the dedication, the mettle and most importantly, the desire to restore peace to this troubled region of the nation? Who is interested in decimating northern Nigeria?
There is an emergency situation in north Nigeria. This part of the country urgently needs committed and strong leadership. A dedicated and patriotic army man like ex-NSA Sarki Mukhtar from late Yar’Adua’s regime needs to be employed as a parallel Minister-of defense/NSA to oversee the engagements of the army in the north of Nigeria. Those in Abuja have failed for five years to check the situation which is now getting dangerously worse. The NATO upset of Libya has released arms, military craft and even mercenaries which terrorists and devilish politicians easily acquire with Nigeria's 'missing' billions.
This administration is not tackling the issues of the north. A change in central government for one that can and will restore hope to that region as well as troubled regions across the entire nation, north to south does not seem to be happening any time soon. Pointing fingers to who is to blame for the administration's failure will not protect life. The National conference in Abuja, apart from not being reassuring as presently constituted and under its present management, is too slow a process. A full war has been waged against the north and the north needs its regional determination and posturing to battle this war. Whatever region wishes to keep this President can do so. The people in the north are under attack from land and the air and need something to happen and to happen fast.
Update: Madam Allison-Madueke In Another Privae Jet Scandal
Fresh revelations indicated on Tuesday that Petroleum Minister, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke, maintained a second private jet with Nigeria's money while the government says no money to create jobs for graduates.
The jet, a Global Express XRS plane, is chartered specifically for her private and official trips overseas. And it has been revealed that: a return trip on the XRS plane is said to cost Nigeria €600,000.
Please Note that this jet is different from the first one, a Challenger 850, which the House of Reps said has so far gulped N10bn in the last two years to fly the "super" minister.
“We have heard that the owners of the Jet have hurriedly left the country. The information is just reaching the Reps committee; but, we are still holding our preliminary meetings.”
Investigation by Punch showed that the House Committee on Public Accounts stumbled on the second jet in the course of the ongoing probe into the N10bn expenditure on Challenger 850.
Findings also showed that the owners of Challenger 850 have escaped from Nigeria shortly after the House of Reps ordered an investigation into the transaction between them and Alison-Madueke.
The aircraft owners reportedly became jittery after the committee declared its plan to summon them to assist in the investigation. Asked to comment on the issue, the Chairman of the committee, Mr Solomon Olamilekan, told Punch that he is “shocked by the latest information.”
Olamilekan, who indeed confirmed that the committee had uncovered a second jet, added that they are trying to establish how many trips it made outside the country.
“We are still holding our preliminary meetings. We have to put all the facts together and agree on the mode of the hearing first. The question on when to invite the minister will come after the meetings.”
However, a document obtained by Punch in Abuja on Tuesday, indicated that Alison-Madueke flew in Global Express XRS on two occasions in 2011. She chartered the same jet twice in 2013 on a return trip bill of €600,000 per trip with Nigeria's money.
Shocked by the latest discoveries, lawmakers are asking how a serving minister raised the money to charter jets for overseas trips at the expense of the Nigerian taxpayers.
Anyway,news gathered that campaigns have been launched by Allison-Madueke's agents online to attack and destroy the investigation and, if possible, confuse President Goodluck Jonathan who is loyal to the minister's family because he is married to their sister who has his only two children. We are watching!
The jet, a Global Express XRS plane, is chartered specifically for her private and official trips overseas. And it has been revealed that: a return trip on the XRS plane is said to cost Nigeria €600,000.
Please Note that this jet is different from the first one, a Challenger 850, which the House of Reps said has so far gulped N10bn in the last two years to fly the "super" minister.
“We have heard that the owners of the Jet have hurriedly left the country. The information is just reaching the Reps committee; but, we are still holding our preliminary meetings.”
Investigation by Punch showed that the House Committee on Public Accounts stumbled on the second jet in the course of the ongoing probe into the N10bn expenditure on Challenger 850.
Findings also showed that the owners of Challenger 850 have escaped from Nigeria shortly after the House of Reps ordered an investigation into the transaction between them and Alison-Madueke.
The aircraft owners reportedly became jittery after the committee declared its plan to summon them to assist in the investigation. Asked to comment on the issue, the Chairman of the committee, Mr Solomon Olamilekan, told Punch that he is “shocked by the latest information.”
Olamilekan, who indeed confirmed that the committee had uncovered a second jet, added that they are trying to establish how many trips it made outside the country.
“We are still holding our preliminary meetings. We have to put all the facts together and agree on the mode of the hearing first. The question on when to invite the minister will come after the meetings.”
However, a document obtained by Punch in Abuja on Tuesday, indicated that Alison-Madueke flew in Global Express XRS on two occasions in 2011. She chartered the same jet twice in 2013 on a return trip bill of €600,000 per trip with Nigeria's money.
Shocked by the latest discoveries, lawmakers are asking how a serving minister raised the money to charter jets for overseas trips at the expense of the Nigerian taxpayers.
Anyway,news gathered that campaigns have been launched by Allison-Madueke's agents online to attack and destroy the investigation and, if possible, confuse President Goodluck Jonathan who is loyal to the minister's family because he is married to their sister who has his only two children. We are watching!
Saturday, 22 March 2014
NIS recruitment: National Hospital releases 5 more bodies
Abuja – The Management of National Hospital, Abuja, has released five more bodies of those who died during Nigerian Immigration Service recruitment to their family members.
Only one out of the seven bodies deposited at the National Hospital mortuary on March 14 was earlier claimed after proper identification.
The hospital’s spokesman, Dr Tayo Haastrup, said on Saturday that: “we had earlier released only one body but in the last two days, we have released five more bodies to family members of the deceased.
“We are left with one body and it will be released to the family members after proper identification,’’ Haastrup said.
He said two women were still on admission in the hospital and hoped that they would be discharged soon.
An eyewitness in the hospital told NAN that shortly after a directive of President Goodluck Jonathan to compensate the families of the deceased and the injured, more people had visited the hospital claiming to be injured.
Haastrup, however, said the hospital management had directed such people to the Nigerian Immigration Service office to state their claims.
“The management has a list of people who were treated and admitted at the hospital as a result of the stampede.
“We cannot be fraudulent and begin to include names of people we did not treat; so we have asked them to go to the appropriate office.
He said that the management would release the list of the victims to the appropriate authorities when it was needed. (NAN)
Only one out of the seven bodies deposited at the National Hospital mortuary on March 14 was earlier claimed after proper identification.
The hospital’s spokesman, Dr Tayo Haastrup, said on Saturday that: “we had earlier released only one body but in the last two days, we have released five more bodies to family members of the deceased.
“We are left with one body and it will be released to the family members after proper identification,’’ Haastrup said.
He said two women were still on admission in the hospital and hoped that they would be discharged soon.
An eyewitness in the hospital told NAN that shortly after a directive of President Goodluck Jonathan to compensate the families of the deceased and the injured, more people had visited the hospital claiming to be injured.
Haastrup, however, said the hospital management had directed such people to the Nigerian Immigration Service office to state their claims.
“The management has a list of people who were treated and admitted at the hospital as a result of the stampede.
“We cannot be fraudulent and begin to include names of people we did not treat; so we have asked them to go to the appropriate office.
He said that the management would release the list of the victims to the appropriate authorities when it was needed. (NAN)
Thursday, 20 March 2014
Unemployed Graduates In Nigeria Writes Letter To President Goodluck Jonathan
Our dear president, we write this letter to you with great passion, and in a state of curiosity and concern.
We understand your zeal as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to invest in the next generation of the country’s youths by presenting a budget that contains reasonable projects that are aimed at tackling the far-reaching malady of UNEMPLOYMENT in our beloved country, Nigeria.
But, it is so unfortunate that the unemployed graduates of Nigerian institutions of higher learning have no representatives at the ongoing National Conference. Having read the modalities of the National Conference and the components involved, we are convinced without prejudice or doubt, that our children would blame us if we fail to inform you, Mr. President, of the mockery of the committee as a result of misplaced priorities.
Mr. President Sir, the only common element which costs less, and can solve the myriad of problems faced by most Nigerians is EMPLOYMENT.
Unemployment is a big challenge in Nigeria, which over the years has represented a lost opportunity for national economic development. With the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) putting the current rate of unemployed Nigerians at 23.9 per cent, up from 21.1 per cent in 2010 and 19.7 per cent in 2009, the rising unemployment rate in Nigeria has in no small measure contributed to the continuous rise in social vices like terrorism, political thuggery, violence and even teenage pregnancies among youths in many parts of the country.
In view of these, the Association of Nigerian Graduates against Unemployment, an association of well cultured youths and intellectuals, was formed. We represent the frustrated and angry youths in the society, forced to act after going through the 492 political selections for the National Conference and noticing the deafening silence concerning unemployment and the unemployed.
We are happy you know, according to statements credited to you, that Nigerians are already talking about their national challenges through the print, electronic and social media and this is how we intend to make our voices heard.
The political selections will only give the same answers and report only what they feel you would be comfortable hearing. The truth, Mr. President, is far from comfortable. What affects us is UNEMPLOYMENT, and we want you to take a critical look at the following issues:
1. Contract Staffing – This is in fact one of the biggest problems hindering graduates from getting jobs. Most of those assumed to be workers in most industries, firms and companies are in fact, not permanent staff. They are all under-employed and are also competing with fresh graduates for any available vacancy.
2. Age limit as a prerequisite for employment opportunities.
3. The issue of years of experience by several government ministries and parastatals.
4. Employment not being on merit.
5. Provision of social welfare for all unemployed graduates and more for the physically challenged graduates. (Return to the quota for each firm to employ, as a percentage of their total workforce, a specific percentage of physically challenged graduates)
Mr. President, from the various statistics we have from the National Bureau of Statistics, and other sources, the number of unemployed citizens ranges from 30 to 45 million, and that is about the population of five major cities in Nigeria. An average of 4.5 million graduates enter into the job market annually with no access to soft loans or any type of enabling environment coupled with epileptic power supply, even after the privatization of PHCN.
The “YouWin” programme is more like and very similar to the visa lottery game, where only lucky winners are empowered and only the families of public office holders and those in government get the little available jobs. We are citizens and should also be given access to enjoy social facilities like those in government e.g. NHIS scheme. We are products of our society and we want to be treated equally like those in government.
We passed through various challenges and delays in school such as ASUU strikes, late school enrolment due to poverty and/or ignorance, bureaucratic arrangement in government, unfortunate policies and administrative problems.
Mr. President, we live in a country where people now sell jobs. Everyone had hitherto been quiet about this completely unacceptable and despicable act and it must be looked into. We are human capital, and this is by far, the greatest asset any country can have. We are worth more than the oil in the South-South or the pepper from the North. We cannot afford to sit down and watch ourselves waste away anymore.
Our dear president, we commend you for what has been done so far in addressing the issue of unemployment such as NDE, YouWin and others, but we are asking that you help us to help this nation and youth restiveness caused by unemployment by empowering us.
We are tired of running out of our fatherland to foreign countries and yet treated and addressed as third class citizens through Visa bonding and the rest, when our country is blessed.
The stakes are high now and we are using this opportunity to address the polity that this association is not a political movement or a violent sect. We are a pressure group crying out in splinters but with one voice for our needs in our country ,Nigeria. We denounce and disassociate ourselves from the methodologies of some home based terror groups/sects in the Northern part of Nigeria that have adopted violence and are unleashing carnage on the society in fighting their cause. However, it should not be forgotten that the problems of these Home Terror groups in the North started when their needs were not met, and with lots of anomalies in their society. Now it’s spiraling and all nations are called to join in securing the region. All we are saying is listen to our cries now and not when things go bad. We are accessible and open for discussions on how to forge ahead in addressing the problems of unemployment with your support.
Mr. President Sir, ignoring the points raised here can have unpleasant consequences. We implore you to urgently address these points to halt the steadily growing number of angry and frustrated unemployed graduates who may be tempted to channel their knowledge and energy into negativities. God bless you, sir, as we await your speedy response and God bless Nigeria
We understand your zeal as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to invest in the next generation of the country’s youths by presenting a budget that contains reasonable projects that are aimed at tackling the far-reaching malady of UNEMPLOYMENT in our beloved country, Nigeria.
But, it is so unfortunate that the unemployed graduates of Nigerian institutions of higher learning have no representatives at the ongoing National Conference. Having read the modalities of the National Conference and the components involved, we are convinced without prejudice or doubt, that our children would blame us if we fail to inform you, Mr. President, of the mockery of the committee as a result of misplaced priorities.
Mr. President Sir, the only common element which costs less, and can solve the myriad of problems faced by most Nigerians is EMPLOYMENT.
Unemployment is a big challenge in Nigeria, which over the years has represented a lost opportunity for national economic development. With the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) putting the current rate of unemployed Nigerians at 23.9 per cent, up from 21.1 per cent in 2010 and 19.7 per cent in 2009, the rising unemployment rate in Nigeria has in no small measure contributed to the continuous rise in social vices like terrorism, political thuggery, violence and even teenage pregnancies among youths in many parts of the country.
In view of these, the Association of Nigerian Graduates against Unemployment, an association of well cultured youths and intellectuals, was formed. We represent the frustrated and angry youths in the society, forced to act after going through the 492 political selections for the National Conference and noticing the deafening silence concerning unemployment and the unemployed.
We are happy you know, according to statements credited to you, that Nigerians are already talking about their national challenges through the print, electronic and social media and this is how we intend to make our voices heard.
The political selections will only give the same answers and report only what they feel you would be comfortable hearing. The truth, Mr. President, is far from comfortable. What affects us is UNEMPLOYMENT, and we want you to take a critical look at the following issues:
1. Contract Staffing – This is in fact one of the biggest problems hindering graduates from getting jobs. Most of those assumed to be workers in most industries, firms and companies are in fact, not permanent staff. They are all under-employed and are also competing with fresh graduates for any available vacancy.
2. Age limit as a prerequisite for employment opportunities.
3. The issue of years of experience by several government ministries and parastatals.
4. Employment not being on merit.
5. Provision of social welfare for all unemployed graduates and more for the physically challenged graduates. (Return to the quota for each firm to employ, as a percentage of their total workforce, a specific percentage of physically challenged graduates)
Mr. President, from the various statistics we have from the National Bureau of Statistics, and other sources, the number of unemployed citizens ranges from 30 to 45 million, and that is about the population of five major cities in Nigeria. An average of 4.5 million graduates enter into the job market annually with no access to soft loans or any type of enabling environment coupled with epileptic power supply, even after the privatization of PHCN.
The “YouWin” programme is more like and very similar to the visa lottery game, where only lucky winners are empowered and only the families of public office holders and those in government get the little available jobs. We are citizens and should also be given access to enjoy social facilities like those in government e.g. NHIS scheme. We are products of our society and we want to be treated equally like those in government.
We passed through various challenges and delays in school such as ASUU strikes, late school enrolment due to poverty and/or ignorance, bureaucratic arrangement in government, unfortunate policies and administrative problems.
Mr. President, we live in a country where people now sell jobs. Everyone had hitherto been quiet about this completely unacceptable and despicable act and it must be looked into. We are human capital, and this is by far, the greatest asset any country can have. We are worth more than the oil in the South-South or the pepper from the North. We cannot afford to sit down and watch ourselves waste away anymore.
Our dear president, we commend you for what has been done so far in addressing the issue of unemployment such as NDE, YouWin and others, but we are asking that you help us to help this nation and youth restiveness caused by unemployment by empowering us.
We are tired of running out of our fatherland to foreign countries and yet treated and addressed as third class citizens through Visa bonding and the rest, when our country is blessed.
The stakes are high now and we are using this opportunity to address the polity that this association is not a political movement or a violent sect. We are a pressure group crying out in splinters but with one voice for our needs in our country ,Nigeria. We denounce and disassociate ourselves from the methodologies of some home based terror groups/sects in the Northern part of Nigeria that have adopted violence and are unleashing carnage on the society in fighting their cause. However, it should not be forgotten that the problems of these Home Terror groups in the North started when their needs were not met, and with lots of anomalies in their society. Now it’s spiraling and all nations are called to join in securing the region. All we are saying is listen to our cries now and not when things go bad. We are accessible and open for discussions on how to forge ahead in addressing the problems of unemployment with your support.
Mr. President Sir, ignoring the points raised here can have unpleasant consequences. We implore you to urgently address these points to halt the steadily growing number of angry and frustrated unemployed graduates who may be tempted to channel their knowledge and energy into negativities. God bless you, sir, as we await your speedy response and God bless Nigeria
Tuesday, 18 March 2014
Nigerians Are Deceived With Fake Job Offers In Qatar
As a Nigerian Professional resident in Doha, State of Qatar, I would like to draw the attention of the Federal Government of Nigeria, The Federal Ministry of External Affairs, and the National Assembly to the activities of some unscrupulous agents in Nigeria, with collaboration of some Nigerian elements in Doha offering Work Visa to unsuspecting Nigerians to work and live in Qatar. This practice has been on for some time but has recently reached a frightening dimension in the last few months.
There are now many Nigerians living roughly, some in detention, many living in uncompleted buildings earmarked for demolition, as a result of a scam going on in Nigeria about Qatar Work visas.
advertisement
Qatar is a tiny emirate in the Middle East. It is a country rich in oil and gas resources which have fueled the infrastructural and economic development of this Arabian Peninsula nation over the past decades. This economic boom has seen the migration of people from South East Asia, Europe, America and Africa to this small Gulf State. The local Qatari people are also friendly and receptive to foreigners of diverse languages, cultural and religious background. In anticipation of the influx of economic migrant to support the Nations growth, the government of the State of Qatar has an effective immigration system that has been designed to ensure that only legal immigrants are allowed to live and work in Qatar.
While Work Visa as it’s currently being secured for Nigerians by Local Nigerian agents in Qatar and their collaborators in Nigeria grants you the right to live in Qatar, there is no job attached to this Visa. The impression given is that once you arrive in Qatar, Jobs are waiting for you as there are opportunities everywhere. This is not the truth as there are many Nigerians on the streets of Doha today seeking employment without headway for months and in some cases over a year.
Some have returned home disappointed after borrowing money and selling properties to secure Qatar Work visa with high expectations of better life. They lived in harrowing conditions in slums and labour quarters before finding their way back to their motherland. The Agents, who procured the Visa disappeared and live these individuals to the mercy of friends and fellow Nigerians to assist to the best of their abilities. The saddening thing is that most of these unfortunate migrants left paid employment behind in Nigeria, to seek “greener pastures” as painted by this Work Visa Agents.
I must state clearly that, there are indeed job opportunities for qualified professionals in Qatar, and many Nigerians are gainfully employed and practicing their professions in Qatar, it is important to highlight the danger posed by the activities of these nefarious individuals not only to law abiding Nigerians in Qatar, but also the image of the Nigeria Nation. In addition, because of the bad publicity this has generated in government circle, stricter restriction on the issuance of Visa for Nigerians is in place. All hotels in Qatar no longer process Nigeria tourist Visa as applicable to Nationals of other countries willing to come to Qatar on holiday. Despite all these, there has been no official response to this malaise by the relevant Nigerian Embassies in the Gulf.
The implication of this is that, Nigerians with genuine business/holiday interest are refused entry visa. This was not the case five years ago, as you could apply for Visa for anyone by approaching any of the hotels in Doha.
There are now many Nigerians living roughly, some in detention, many living in uncompleted buildings earmarked for demolition, as a result of a scam going on in Nigeria about Qatar Work visas.
advertisement
Qatar is a tiny emirate in the Middle East. It is a country rich in oil and gas resources which have fueled the infrastructural and economic development of this Arabian Peninsula nation over the past decades. This economic boom has seen the migration of people from South East Asia, Europe, America and Africa to this small Gulf State. The local Qatari people are also friendly and receptive to foreigners of diverse languages, cultural and religious background. In anticipation of the influx of economic migrant to support the Nations growth, the government of the State of Qatar has an effective immigration system that has been designed to ensure that only legal immigrants are allowed to live and work in Qatar.
While Work Visa as it’s currently being secured for Nigerians by Local Nigerian agents in Qatar and their collaborators in Nigeria grants you the right to live in Qatar, there is no job attached to this Visa. The impression given is that once you arrive in Qatar, Jobs are waiting for you as there are opportunities everywhere. This is not the truth as there are many Nigerians on the streets of Doha today seeking employment without headway for months and in some cases over a year.
Some have returned home disappointed after borrowing money and selling properties to secure Qatar Work visa with high expectations of better life. They lived in harrowing conditions in slums and labour quarters before finding their way back to their motherland. The Agents, who procured the Visa disappeared and live these individuals to the mercy of friends and fellow Nigerians to assist to the best of their abilities. The saddening thing is that most of these unfortunate migrants left paid employment behind in Nigeria, to seek “greener pastures” as painted by this Work Visa Agents.
I must state clearly that, there are indeed job opportunities for qualified professionals in Qatar, and many Nigerians are gainfully employed and practicing their professions in Qatar, it is important to highlight the danger posed by the activities of these nefarious individuals not only to law abiding Nigerians in Qatar, but also the image of the Nigeria Nation. In addition, because of the bad publicity this has generated in government circle, stricter restriction on the issuance of Visa for Nigerians is in place. All hotels in Qatar no longer process Nigeria tourist Visa as applicable to Nationals of other countries willing to come to Qatar on holiday. Despite all these, there has been no official response to this malaise by the relevant Nigerian Embassies in the Gulf.
The implication of this is that, Nigerians with genuine business/holiday interest are refused entry visa. This was not the case five years ago, as you could apply for Visa for anyone by approaching any of the hotels in Doha.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)