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THE APPOINTMENT OF THE DIRECTOR GENERAL OF FRIN: FIRST TASTE TO RENEWED HOPE SAID STAFF OF THE INSTITUTE


Once again we have a cause not to dignify the pseudonymity of Kelvin Onaolapo and Wasiu Olaniregun but to correct the false assertions of the cowards behind some publications which can only attempt to disrupt the growing assurance and confidence the entirety of Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN) have enjoyed since the appointment of Professor, Zacharia Buba Yaduma as the Director General of FRIN by former President Muhammadu Buhari.


Besides his status as a man highly qualified for the job he is the first alumnus in the history of FRIN since it establishment as the Federal Department of Forestry Research in 1954 under the Institute’s Decree 35 of 1973 and order establishing Research Institute of 1977 which changed the status of the Department to an institute to lead the institute and he is doing it not just with passion but consideration and heed for many who were pushed into the cesspool of slavery and intimidation by past leaderships of the institute.


The new Director General has decided to work the talk by releasing conversions for staff across colleges who were qualified by acquiring higher qualifications but were denied conversion for reasons best known to those who stagnated them in the system, Departments have for the first time in the history of the institute prepared and submitted budgets to their respective provosts for onward consideration with a keen interest to understanding and improving peculiar needs of staff in accordance to the NBTE regulatory documents, this is to mention a few.


The presidency, the 10th Assembly, Independent Corrupt Practices and Relate offences Commission, the Department of State Services and the Media must disregard any call by these sons of perdition to sack the DG as this will be tantamount to sabotaging the ideology of sanitizing institutions and making them work effectively which His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is championing.

Mr. President must ignore this call to reverse the appointment of the DG as there is no timely intervention better that than this appointment which has forefend the quiet but visible attempt to plant in a candidate through a kangaroo process that would have sustained a dynasty of oppression and intimidation, Illegal transfers without benefits and parading a research institute with lecturers that have to toil and train themselves without allowances and are hit with promotion conditions which are not in tandem with the NBTE regulatory documents.

We will be ready to furnish you with more reasons and document as to why the appointment of the new DG is a bold step to liberation for staff of the institute.
It is also imperative to mention that the man in question has graduated many undergraduate and post graduate students on both MSc and PhD level one of the staff in FRIN inclusive, which make him a better research professor (Scientist) than any professor believed to have been raised by those who want professor Zacharia B. Yaduma removed and to also unequivocally mention that his appointment did not negate fairness and meritocracy as his 30years carrier in the field of academia and the impact he has made cannot be question at any level.

Any attempt to blackmail the man, ONLY treasonably question the authority of the presidency to appoint a qualified candidate nominated by the then honorable minister of environment for the position as stated clearly in “Section 6 “ of the 2018 Act, Establishing FRIN and little wonder why all unions in the colleges came together under the umbrella of Joint Action Congress on the 20th of May, 2023 to throw their weight behind the appointment and appreciate the leadership of president Muhammadu Buhari calling this appointment “The best gift of the Muhammadu Buhari administration to FRIN”


Without doubt those sponsoring this petition are those who felt the ideology of men assuming the status of God in FRIN has been discontinued and the evil ideology synonymous to Williams lynch’s 1712 vicious “Making of a Slave” has been averted.


There is no better time than now to join hands with the DG and deliver better welfare and human capital development for all as well as reward for hard work void of victimization and suppression which was the drill in FRIN before now, this appointment was substantiated by former president Muhammadu Buhari’s administration but to us this is our first taste of RENEWED HOPE ushered in by His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu which we support and will work collectively with the DG and the president to move FRIN to new grounds which will be unmatched.


Signed
Joint Action Congress FRIN

Adetona Olubunmi R. (Chairperson)

Andrew A. Umaru (Secretary)

Abu Yakubu (Public Relations Officer)

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UNIJOS sets tuition fees at N110,000 for returning students and N140,000 for new students.

UNIJOS Pegs Returnining Students School Fees at ₦110K and ₦140K for New Students

Following widespread criticisms by students of University of Jos and the general public, the school management has announced a downward review of the school fees charges.

According to a statement seen by JoeyOffAir, returning students will now pay the sum of ₦110,000 while new students will pay ₦140,000 which is exclusive from acceptance fee (nonrefundable). Meanwhile, foreign students are to pay ₦640,000 for fresh students and N610,000 for returning students.

Recall that in July, the University of Jos announced a proposed increment of school charges due to increased cost of running the university. However, the Student Union Government (SUG) strongly expressed their disapproval towards the increase stating in a press release “no school charges increment will be accepted”.

The revised fee system has been met with mixed reactions, with students expressing their concerns over the increase in fees and the perceived lack of transparency in the decision-making process.

We are the ones directly affected by these changes, and our opinions should not be disregarded” says Sanni Haarith, a mass communication final year-student, on hearing the breaking news of the unveiling of new charges structure.

Another student, Agape Harrison, expressed her frustration, saying, “I am not prepared for the magnitude of this fee hike. I am still struggling to understand the justification behind these exorbitant fees”.

When asked about the decision-making process, the University of Jos management stated that the new charges structure was necessitated by various factors, such as rising operational costs, the need to improve infrastructure, and enhancing the quality of education provided.

However, this explanation has not appeased the disheartened students who argue that alternative solutions ought to be explored in considering and listening to the voices of students before burdening them with such hefty charges.

It is worth noting that there have been discussions and proposals regarding affordable education, including student loans and financial assistance such as the Students’ Loans Scheme, under the Student Loans Bill signed into law by President Tinubu will go into implementation ahead of the next academic session in September, saying the Federal Government will also strengthen other mechanisms to support indigent students.

The release of the new charges structure has also sparked conversations about accessibility to education and the potential impact on enrollment figures. Critics argue that this increase in fees may dissuade deserving and talented individuals from pursuing higher education, particularly those from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds.

The management of the University of Jos recently released an internal memorandum in a bid to ease the transportation difficulties occasioned by the removal of subsidy on PMS on staff and students has resolved to continue with the transportation scheme.

Furthermore, management has approved that the buses will ply the following routes;

Plateau Secretariat Roundabout through British American Junction – Plateau Private – Tina Junction – Angwa Rukuba – University Staff Quarters Gate – Bauchi Ring Road – Naraguta Campus.
Polo Roundabout – St Murumba – Faringada – Naraguta Campus.
Departure time from each of the approved departure points is 7:30 AM daily. The buses will depart the university at 4 PM daily except Saturday and Sundays. Also tickets can be purchased at the point of entry at ₦100 per drop.

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NLC Declares Two-Day Warning Strike Over Effects Of Subsidy Removal

The Nigeria Labour Congres (NLC) has declared a two-day warning strike, beginning on Tuesday, September 5, in protest against the Federal Government for failing to address the challenges caused by the removal of fuel subsidy.

The NLC President, Joe Ajaero, made the declaration on Friday during a press conference at the Labour House in Abuja, while speaking on resolutions by the NLC National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting the previous day.

The labour union is accusing the Federal Government of abandoning the negotiations and failing to implement some of the resolutions from previous meetings with the government.

On August 2, organised labour protested what it described as the anti-people policies of the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC) and their affiliate unions demonstrated in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and several states, including Lagos, Abia, Plateau, Kaduna, Kano, Rivers, Zamfara, Katsina, Cross River, Ebnyi, Kwara, Imo, Ondo and Edo.

The protest followed a seven-day ultimatum issued to the Federal Government demanding “the immediate reversal of all anti-poor policies of the federal government including the recent hike in PMS (Premium Motor Spirit) price, increase in public school fees, the release of the eight months withheld salary of university lecturers and workers”.

The union also demanded an upward review of the minimum wage from N30,000 to N200,000, saying that since the President’s “subsidy is gone” inauguration speech of May 29, 2023, the peace of mind of Nigerians has gone.

Several meetings between the Presidency and the unions on palliatives for Nigerians suffering hardship in the wake of the petrol subsidy removal proved abortive.

According to him, it is unclear whether the money is a loan or a palliative to the states or to Nigerians.

“The first increase in the pump price of petroleum products and the last one moved a lot of people from the borderline to a very high level of poverty,” he said.

“Now, if you calculate it, you will discover that this will not translate to N1,500 per person and you ask: is that the impact? Is that really what we want to achieve? Let’s assume it’s a loan. What is really going to happen? Is it garbage in, garbage out?

“If it is N5 billion, I think organised labour would want anybody to do the calculation and tell us how it is going to impact Nigerians on what is happening currently. If it is a loan, then it is too bad.”

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Plateau Peace Media Network Calls for Synergy with Plateau State Peace Building Agency

Plateau Peace Media Network in a resounding call for unity and collaborative efforts to enhance early conflict detection, informed dialogue, and reconciliation within Plateau communities, the Coordinator of the Plateau Peace Media Network (PPMN), Matthew Tegha, led a delegation of PPMN Executives and members on a courtesy visit to the Plateau State Peace Building Agency today.

During the visit, Matthew Tegha emphasized the critical need for cooperation between the Plateau Peace Media Network and the Plateau State Peace Building Agency, recognizing the pivotal role the agency plays in shaping the landscape of peace within Plateau State.

The Plateau Peace Media Network, a recently established state structure of the Community Initiative to Promote Peace (CIPP), a project by Mercy Corps and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), expressed its eagerness to contribute its expertise to complement the agency’s ongoing efforts. The network is committed to harnessing the power of responsible media engagement to promote conflict sensitivity and advance early warning and early response initiatives in Plateau communities.

“As media practitioners, we comprehend the influential role that accurate and responsible reporting plays in shaping public perception and opinion. Through our training and experience, we have acquired the skills to provide objective and informative coverage of conflict situations while actively contributing to their resolution. This proactive approach aligns perfectly with the ethos of the Plateau Peace Building Agency,” stated Matthew Tegha.

He further emphasized the importance of collaboration in effective peacebuilding, highlighting the need for active involvement from various stakeholders. “We recognize that effective peacebuilding is a collaborative effort that requires the active involvement of various stakeholders, and we are here to explore the possibilities of a synergistic partnership. We firmly believe that by uniting our knowledge and resources, we can make a lasting impact on the peace landscape of Plateau State,” he added.

In response to this call for collaboration, the Acting Director General of the Plateau Peace Building Agency, Mr. Gayi Timothy Gayi, expressed the agency’s commitment to working with the Plateau Peace Media Network and other groups collectively working towards promoting peace in the state. He noted that the agency has a history of collaboration with organizations sharing similar objectives.

Mr. Gayi highlighted the agency’s dedication to the role of media in their peacebuilding efforts, underscoring the establishment of a strategic communications unit. He also mentioned that the agency is actively aligning its strategy with government policies to further enhance its effectiveness.

Additionally, Mr. Kenneth Dakup, the Head of Strategic Communications at the Plateau Peace Building Agency (PPBA), called on media professionals to distinguish between the roles played by the PPBA and security agencies. He emphasized that the agency’s primary focus is on early warning and peace-building efforts, including dialogues, mediations, and various forms of intervention, while security agencies primarily handle early response to address resurging conflicts.

The collaborative spirit displayed during this visit underscores the commitment of both the Plateau Peace Media Network and the Plateau State Peace Building Agency to foster lasting peace and stability within Plateau communities, with the aim of creating a more peaceful and harmonious future for the people of Plateau State.

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Maestro Milli ft Auxx – Kolo

Music enthusiasts are in for a treat as Maestro Milli join forces with Auxx to release his latest single tagged “Kolo.” This dynamic collaboration promises to be a chart-topping hit that will have fans dancing to its infectious rhythm.

“Kolo” is a fusion of Afrobeat and contemporary pop, showcasing Maestro Milli’s signature vocals and Auxx’s music prowess. With catchy lyrics and a vibrant melody, the track is set to captivate listeners and establish itself as a summer anthem.

Maestro Milli, known for his captivating stage presence and unique musical style, has teamed up with Auxx to create a song that perfectly embodies the spirit of celebration and dance.

“Kolo” produced by Greezbeatz is now available on all major streaming platforms

Enjoy!

DOWNLOAD MP3: Maestro Milli ft Auxx – Kolo