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The federal government has asked the shortlisted N-Power Batch C applicants to enrol their biodata. The information released indicates that all shortlisted applicants are requested to immediately enrol their biometric data to qualify for the final selection stage of the programme.

The ministry instructed the shortlisted candidates to follow these steps:

1. Log in to your dashboard and click the “verification” tab
2. Click the “capture your fingerprint” button to download and install the enrolment application
3. After installation, provide the required credentials and click “Proceed”.
4. Make sure the fingerprint biometric device is connected, then click on “Begin Enrolment” to launch the enrolment process.
5. Click on the finger to begin the enrolment process
6. Applicants are to enrol their right thumb, right index, left thumb and left index fingers only for successful enrolment
7. After successful enrolment, click on “Submit” to save the biometric enrollment

After successful enrolment, the applicants should check the “verification” tab of their self-service portal to confirm if the capture was successful.

Names of shortlisted candidates for NPower Batch C has been released. The announcement was made by the National Social Investment Management System (NASIMS).

NASIMS said all applicants are expected to update their profile and take tests for possible shortlisting to the next stage of the NPower application process.

All Npower applicants should be aware that not everyone who passed the NASIMS Test was selected for the Npower batch c deployment. As a result, we recommend that you check your npower shortlist status / selection.

On Web Portal

Visit https://nasims.gov.ng/ to access the NASIMS dashboard.

The npower NASIMS deployment tab is selected.

You’ll see your primary assignment location, as well as his or her monthly stipend and PPA letter, which you can download right away (see attached screenshot).

Obtain a copy of the PPA/deployment letter.

Within three days of the date of printout, deliver the deployment letter to your assigned supervisor at your primary assignment.

Your documents will be screened by an assigned supervisor, who will mark them as accepted or rejected.

You must re-upload the acceptance letter to your NASIMS portal if you are accepted.

Please bring all of the documents you uploaded to the Npower NASIMS 2021 portal with you to your PPA.

Via USSD Code

Dial the USSD code *45665# if you are a Npower Batch C applicant.

Npower Batch C candidates should choose Npower 1 from the screen prompt.

The Npower Batch C applicant will be directed to another screen prompt, where he or she will enter their BVN.

Npower Batch C applicants will be able to confirm their selection status after entering their BVN.

Due to technical issues and traffic congestion, you may receive record not found, incorrect MMI, and other errors for the time being, so a Npower Batch C applicant should keep trying.

Required Documents

Participants in Npower batch c are expected to report to their PPA with all documents uploaded to the Npower NASIMS 2021 portal:

• Academic certificates include NCE/ND/HND/Bsc certificates, FSLC AND SSCE NYSC certificates for HND/ BSc holders, and FSLC AND SSCE NYSC certificates for HND/ BSc holders.
• Certificates of date of birth/declaration of age, as well as certificates from the local government of origin.
• The Deployment date set for screening at the PPA must not be missed by the shortlisted beneficiaries.
• All successful applicants who are ready to deploy must have made available all required documents for verification and presented them for clarification at the screening locations.
• Npower batch c beneficiaries must bring a printout of their BVN that meets the NASIMS requirements.

Npower Programme Not Available Issues

Those who were asked to change their programme because it wasn’t available in their local government and did so but haven’t been deployed should wait 72 hours because deployment is still ongoing.

If there is no deployment after 72 hours, you can send your information to N-power via email.

Please note that if the Npower programme is not available in your local government area, you must choose another programme and wait for updates on your Npower deployment status through the NASIMS portal.

The President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), has inaugurated the board of the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority.

This was done during the Federal Executive Council meeting presided over by the President at the State House in Abuja on Wednesday.

The President charged the board to make more investments that support economic diversification, as global oil prices are projected to drop to around $40 per barrel by 2030.

He pointed out that their appointment was a call to duty, action and performance, adding that they were eminently qualified for the job.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to implementing long term projects and programmes that create jobs for Nigerians, while pointing out that most of the strategic projects started under his watch will only be felt long after he had left office.

Details of the inauguration were disclosed in a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina.

In the statement, Buhari was quoted as saying, ‘‘This Government operates on the agenda for long term change which we all agree is inevitable. Change happens whether you are ready for it or not.

‘‘As representatives of the Federation, you are required to continue to drive the performance of the Authority to deliver benefits to all Nigerians.

‘‘You must bear in mind that the National Economic Council, your Governing Council and Nigerians as a whole will hold you accountable for this mandate.

‘‘Periodically, you will be required to provide evidence of your stewardship at the Governing Council Meetings where your performance will be assessed.

‘‘The bar before you is very high and all of us are counting on you to deliver. If you do, I assure you that Government and indeed all Nigerians will be unflinching in their support for you.

The President recounted that NSIA, which is one of Nigeria’s premier economic institutions, was conceived to be a store of wealth which may be drawn upon at times of economic challenges thereby encouraging external investors and lenders.

He expressed delight that so far the institution has discharged its mandate dutifully.

‘‘This is why we prioritized the appointment of a new Board to ensure that the Authority does not lose steam and can continue to benefit from the oversight it needs to deliver on its mandate.

‘‘The new Board we assembled has a crop of seasoned, eminently qualified, and experienced professionals.
‘‘We expect these individuals to bring their wealth of experience to bear, in the next phase of NSIA’s journey,’’ he said.

The President also used the occasion to thank the last Board of Directors whose tenure ended in May 2021.

Acknowledging their commitment, dedication and contributions to the implementation of the objectives of the Authority, Buhari said, ‘‘This distinguished group of patriotic Nigerians heeded the call to serve and deployed the best of their abilities to oversee the affairs of the Authority on behalf of the nation over the last four years.”

Notably, the President said the immediate past Board ‘‘guided the organisation through a critical stage of its existence and have left it standing as a credible world-class institution that turns out consistently good results.’’

‘‘This Administration took the very difficult decision to invest for the long term. We avoided taking shortcuts knowing very well that the full impact of most of the projects we started will only be felt long after we have left office.

‘‘Accordingly, in the past four years, both the public and private sectors in Nigeria have partnered on strategic projects with the NSIA.

‘‘On the public sector partnership, we are working with the NSIA on strategic infrastructure projects such as the Second Niger Bridge, the Lagos – Ibadan Express Way and the Abuja – Kano Road, to mention a few.

‘‘On the private sector collaborations, we have projects such as the Presidential Fertiliser Initiative, the Presidential Artisanal Gold Mining Initiative and the NSIA Healthcare Development and Investment Company amongst many.

‘‘Although these projects and programs have immediately created jobs from a development standpoint, the wider impact on society will only be felt in years to come,’’ he said.

The new Board members are Farouk Mohammed Gumel (North West) as Non-Executive Chairman; Sir Babatunde Sobamowo (South West), Non-Executive Director; Isiekwena Ikemefuna Louis (South South), Non-Executive Director; Ali Goni Kadugum (North East), Non-Executive Director; Oniyangi Kabir Sulaiman (North Central), Non-Executive Director; and Ike Chioke (South East), Non-Executive Director.

In her remarks, the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed, said from the base position of $1billion when the Administration assumed office in 2015, NSIA now has around $3.5billion in assets under management.

She explained that the Board will, on behalf of the Nigerian people, guide and oversee the NSIA Management’s activities towards delivering outcomes to transform the fortunes of the country.

‘‘Using the NSIA Act as its guide, the Board will be required to superintend initiatives that meet the current and future needs of Nigerians.

‘‘On our part as Government, we will continue to support the Authority with the necessary policies and framework to ensure that the mission of the institution is delivered in a transparent, sustainable and inclusive manner,’’ she said.

The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya, has vowed that perpetrators of the attack on the Nigeria Defence Academy would be brought to book, notwithstanding how long it takes to get them.

This was contained in a statement on Wednesday by the Academy’s Public Relations Officer, Bashir Jajira.
The COAS was said to have visited the Nigerian Defence Academy on Tuesday.

The statement was titled, ‘COAS assures NDA of support to tackle insecurity’.

It partly read, “The COAS appealed to the Academy staff to remain loyal to the country and not allow the unfortunate incident to deter them from their ultimate objective of grooming officer cadets for the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

“He further enjoined all officers, soldiers and civilian staff in the Academy to remain vigilant because the fight against insecurity must be a collective effort.

“The COAS vowed that no matter how long it takes, the perpetrators of this heinous act would be brought to justice. He urged the Commandant not to be deterred, but remain focus on the good job he is doing in the Academy.
“He assured the Academy that the Nigerian Army would also provide it with additional operational enablers to further enhance the security of the Academy.”

The NDA commandant, Maj Gen I. M Yusuf was quoted to have briefed the COAS on the new security measures being taken in collaboration with 1 Division Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Air Force and other security agencies in Kaduna State to prevent any future security breach in the Academy.

The Delta State Government has restated its commitment in ensuring that the purpose and objective of the State’s University Teaching Hospital as charted by its founding fathers are not compromised.

The Delta State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Mordi Ononye stated this during a scheduled meeting in Oghara with Consultants in the employ of the Delta State Teaching Hospital, (DELSUTH) Oghara which was at the instance of the Governor, Senator Dr.Ifeanyi Okowa on ways to improve its provision of health care services.

Dr. Ononye stated that the Governor being a medical practitioner is passionate about the health sector which is his immediate constituency hence his directive that the meeting be convened to enable the Consultants as major stakeholders in the Institution look into the factors working against the smooth running of the hospital and proffer lasting solutions to same.

He stated that the Institution has an advantage of having appropriate man power such as senior Consultants and Professors which should be harnessed in order for it to be able to provide the expected health care services.

According to him “patients would always want to go to where they feel they can get best health care services. Personally I have been a beneficiary of the good skills that abound in this place and so for me issues that affect this Institution is taken seriously hence I never cease to preach anytime and anywhere that DELSUTH must not be allowed to die”.

On the state of infrastructure in the hospital Dr. Ononye disclosed that when he raised the issue of the renovation of the clinical building with His Excellency, the Governor, because of the importance he attached to health issues directed that a top notch construction firm handle the job and that was how North China Construction Company was engaged and added that government will continue to closely follow up with the contractor till the job is delivered.

Reacting to the issue of taxation of Doctors’ allowances by government he said “a Committee has been setup and given the mandate to do whatever is necessary and also comparable to what is obtainable in other Institutions that is right so that we do not put undue burden on our health workers” he stated.

The Commissioner assured the Consultants that the Okowa administration will do all within the available funds at its disposal to finance the training programmes as drawn by Management of the hospital to enable them get the requisite knowledge that will make them be abreast with contemporary world health practices.

He called on the Consultants and other stakeholders in the hospital to work in synergy with Management as this would enable them deliver on their mandate and also surmount whatever challenges that may beset the hospital.

“There is the need for all to show mutual respect for one another in the cause of carrying out yourresponsibility in the hospital. Leadership of the hospital should be opened to ideas from members of Staff while Consultants irrespective of status should also respect leadership and cooperate with them” the Commissioner advised.

He said that issues raised such as government taxation of doctors’ allowances, decaying infrastructure and equipment, staff welfare, decisions of Management which they feel should be revisited have been noted and assured them that they will be dispassionately looked into with the view to addressing themholistically.

The Commissioner however, expressed displeasure over the attitude of some Consultants to work which he described as unsatisfactory and asked those involved to turn a new leaf, give their best in training of doctors under them and advised them to make themselves available with the view to saving lives.

On his part, Dr. Onome Ogueh, Chief Medical Director, Delta State University Teaching Hospital, Oghara thanked the Consultants for their patience since the relocation of the clinical building for renovation purpose and assured them that the inconveniences would end in a couple of days.

He called for the need for change of attitude towards patients on the part of the Consultants and advised them to show kindness when they relate with patientsas it is only on such basis that they would want to come back  to seek medical care whenever the need arises.

Dr. Ogueh requested from the Commissioner that the hospital be allowed to participate in the Contribution Health Scheme as this would no doubt increase the patient load in the hospital since the creation of a maternity and free under- 5years section will shore up patient load.

A child sex offender has had his sentence increased following an intervention by the Solicitor General, The Rt Hon Lucy Frazer QC MP.

Anthony Pitts, 39, sexually abused two victims repeatedly over a 10-year period. On 21 June 2021, he was convicted of 13 sexual offences and sentenced to 12 years’ imprisonment at Oxford Crown Court.

Following the Court’s decision, the Solicitor General referred Pitts’ case to the Court of Appeal under the Unduly Lenient Sentence (ULS) scheme. On 2 September 2021, the Court found his sentence to be unduly lenient and increased it to 18 years’ imprisonment, followed by 1 year on licence.

After the hearing at the Court of Appeal the Solicitor General, Rt Hon Lucy Frazer QC MP, said:

I am pleased that the Court of Appeal saw fit to increase Pitts’ sentence today. His crimes were horrific and long running. His victims have suffered because of his actions, and he has shown them a complete lack of remorse or empathy. I hope today’s decision will bring them some comfort.

It is indeed the responsibility of every adult to protect children against such sexual predators. Parents have the top most responsibility of protecting their own children.

Children falling victim to such sexual predators starts from the neglect or failure of parents to completely protect their own chidlren.

We recommend that every adult with a good heart protect every child in their purview so that such evil as this can be caught on time in our societies worldwide. People guilty of sexual acts on children indeed deserve life imprisonment, because predators will always be predators.

The Aseyin of Iseyin, Oba Dr. Abdganiy Salawudeen Adekunle Oloogunebi (Ajinese 1) has reacted to a report in some online media platforms that claimed that security men denied him, Alaafin of Oyo and Olubadan of Ibadan entry into the stadium during the commissioning and ceremonial football competition that held on Wednesday.

The monarch said he got into the stadium and witnessed the events alongside other traditional rulers and dignitaries invited for the commissioning ceremony.

Oba Adekunle hinted that although there was overzealousness displayed by the security men at the entrance of the stadium, but it was expected, looking at the number of crowd that besieged the event center at Adamasingba and the space created for people to pass into the main bowl of the facility.

He said the number of security was expected as many would have attended the event with the mind to rob and cause havoc and would only be checked from entering the stadium by such fierce force of the security.

Aseyin said Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi and the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Saliu Adetunji decided to turn back at the gate because of the crowd of miscreants that wanted to force their ways into the stadium.

“I would not know why somebody would say I was turned back by security men, I attended the event and was ushered in, although the entrance was rough due to mammoth crowd of miscreants that wanted to force their ways in and the way they were resisted by the police and other security agencies.

 Baba Alaafin and Olubadan are not of my age, you cannot expect them to withstand such rigor and that is why they turned back and went home, people should learn to draw a line between politics and good Governance, the project is not for Seyi Makinde but the whole of Oyo State to be proud of, we should rather appreciate the Governor for doing what many others have failed to do overtime.”

The commissioning ceremony of the re-modelled Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba was witnessed by the former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, the Chairman of the South-West Governors’ Forum, Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu and his Edo State counterpart, Governor Godwin Obaseki as well as the President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Amaju Pinnick.

Also present at the unveiling was the former Governor of Oyo State, Senator Rasheed Ladoja and a former Super Eagles coach, Chief Adegboye Onigbinde.
 
Signed:
His Royal Majesty,
Oba Dr. Abdganiy Salawudeen Adekunle Oloogunebi,
Ajinese 1,
Aseyin of Iseyin,
Aseyin Palace, Iseyin.