COEMINNA Micro Finance Bank Ltd... Recruiting

• COEMINNA Micro Finance Bank Ltd... Recruiting
  
  Our Client:
  COEMINNA Micro Finance Bank Ltd, of Niger State College of Education, Minna.
  
  Micro Finance Bank Ltd, Hereby invite application from suitably qualified candidates to fill following vacant positions:
  
  VACANCY - ADMIN OFFICERS - REF/COE MINNA/ADM.010
  
  Requirements:
  Possession of B.SC./HND in Banking/Finance, Business Admin, Accounting, Management, Computer Science etc.
  Candidate should possess sound knowledge of Banking activities and regulatory requirements in the banking sector
  A minimum of three (3) years post qualification experience in financial institution is required.
  Candidates must be between twenty-five (25) – thirty (30) years of age.
  
  Vacancy - Banking Officers - Ref/COE Minna/BO/07
  
  VACANCY - ACCOUNTING OFFICERS - REF/COEMINNA/AO/08
  
  Requirements:
  Possession of B.SC./HND in Banking/Finance, Business Admin, Accounting, Management, Computer Science etc.
  Candidate should possess sound knowledge of Banking activities and regulatory requirements in the banking sector.
  Banking jobs in nigeria A minimum of three (3) years post qualification experience in financial institution is required.
  Candidates must be between twenty-five (25) – thirty (30) years of age.
  
  VACANCY - MANAGING DIRECTORS - REF/COE MINNA/MD/01
  
  Requirements:
  Possession of tertiary qualification with a good honours not less than second class lower for Bachelor Degree or lower credit for HND in relevant discipline such as B.Sc., HND in Banking and Accounting, Business Administration or Economics
  Possession of Professional qualification such as ACIB, ACCA, ACA, CPA, ANAN, AIB, ICAN, and Masters Degree would be an added advantage.
  A minimum of eight ( years post-qualification experience is required.
  Candidate must be at least 35 of age.
  A sound knowledge of Banking/Micro Finance activities, regulatory requirements and strategic planning, marketing research and development in banking sector and has undergone the microfinance certification programme and obtained a certificate in microfinance banking issued by the Chartered institute of Bakers of Nigeria.
  
  VACANCY - HEAD, BANKING OPERATIONS - REF/COE MINNA/HBO/02
  
  Requirements:
  Possession of tertiary qualification with a good honours not less than second class lower for Bachelor Degree or lower credit for HND in relevant discipline such as B.Sc., HND in Banking and Accounting Business Administration or Economics
  Possession of Professional qualification such as ACIB, ACCA; ACA, CPA, ANAN, AIB, ICAN, and Masters Degree would be an added advantage.
  A minimum of eight ( years post-qualification experience is required.
  Candidate must be at least 35 of age.
  A sound knowledge of Banking/Micro Finance activities, regulatory requirements and strategic planning, marketing research and development in banking sector and has undergone the microfinance certification programme and obtained a certificate in microfinance banking issued by the Chartered institute of Bakers of Nigeria.
  
  VACANCY - HEAD, CREDIT MARKETING AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT - REF/COE MINNA /HCRM/03
  
  Requirements:
  Possession of tertiary qualification with a good honours not less than second class lower for Bachelor Degree or lower credit for HND in relevant discipline such as B.Sc., HND in Banking and Accounting Business Administration or Economics
  Possession of Professional qualification such as ACIB, ACCA, ACA, CPA, ANAN, AIB, ICAN, and Masters Degree would be an added advantage.
  A minimum of eight ( years post-qualification experience is required.
  Candidate must be at least 35 of age.
  A sound knowledge of Banking/Micro Finance activities, regulatory requirements and strategic planning, marketing research and development in banking sector and has undergone the microfinance certification programme and obtained a certificate in microfinance banking issued by the Chartered institute of Bakers of Nigeria.
  
  VACANCY - HEAD, FINANCE, ACCOUNTS AND MIS - REF/COE MINNA/HFA/04
  
  Requirements:
  Possession of tertiary qualification with a good honours not less than second class lower for Bachelor Degree or lower credit for HND in relevant discipline such as B.Sc., HND in Banking and Accounting Business Administration or Economics
  Possession of Professional qualification such as ACIB, ACCA; ACA, CPA, ANAN, AIB, ICAN, and Masters Degree would be an added advantage.
  A minimum of eight ( years post-qualification experience is required.
  Candidate must be at least 35 of age.
  A minimum of four (4) years experience in Information Technology (I.T), preferably in a Financial Institution.
  A sound knowledge of Banking/Micro Finance activities, regulatory requirements and strategic planning, marketing research and development in banking sector and has undergone the microfinance certification programme and obtained a certificate in microfinance banking issued by the Chartered institute of Bakers of Nigeria.
  
  VACANCY - CUSTOMER SERVICE OFFICER - REF/COE MINNA/CBSO/11
  
  Requirements:
  Possession of B.SC./HND in Banking/Finance, Business Admin, Accounting, Management, Computer Science etc.
  Candidate should possess sound knowledge of Banking activities and regulatory requirements in the banking sector
  A minimum of three (3) years post qualification experience in financial institution is required.
  Candidates must be between twenty-five (25) – thirty (30) years of age.
  
  VACANCY - CONFIDENTIAL SECRETARIES.
  
  Requirements:
  Possession of B.SC./HND in Banking/Finance, Business Admin, Accounting, Management, Computer Science etc.
  Candidate should possess sound knowledge of Banking activities and regulatory requirements in the banking sector
  Candidates must be between twenty-five (25) – thirty (30) years of age.
  Possession of at least HND in Secretariat Studies.
  Candidates must have functional knowledge of MS-EXCEL. PowerPoint. Presentation Package. MS-Word.
  A minimum of 5 years practical experience, preferably in a financial institution is required.
  
  VACANCY - IT Officers - Ref/COE Minna/BO/09
  
  Requirements:
  Possession of B.SC./HND in Banking/Finance, Business Admin, Accounting, Management, Computer Science etc.
  Candidate should possess sound knowledge of Banking activities and regulatory requirements in the banking sector
  A minimum of three (3) years post qualification experience in financial institution is required.
  Candidates must be between twenty-five (25) – thirty (30) years of age.
  
  VACANCY - HEAD, INTERNAL AUDIT/INSPECTIONS - REF/COE MINNA/HIA/05
  
  Requirements:
  A good honours First Degree in Economics or Statistics not less than Second Class lower.
  A minimum of four (4) years experience in Research/Marketing Department of a reputable financial institution.
  Candidates should be between twenty-five – thirty-five (25-35) years of age.
  
  NOTE:
  All candidates must possess basic ICT skills and Knowledge.
  Candidates without these skills need not apply as short listed applicants may be required to demonstrate same during the interview.
  All candidates must possess O’L credit in Mathematics and English Language.
  
  VACANCY - MARKETING OFFICERS - REF/COE MINNA//MO/06
  
  Requirements:
  Possession of tertiary qualification with a good honours not less than second class lower for Bachelor Degree or lower credit for HND in relevant discipline such as B.Sc., HND in Banking and Accounting Business Administration or Economics
  Possession of Professional qualification such as ACIB, ACCA, ACA, CPA, ANAN, AIB, ICAN, and Masters Degree would be an added advantage.
  A minimum of eight ( years post-qualification experience is required.
  Candidate must be at least 35 of age.
  A sound knowledge of Banking/Micro Finance activities, regulatory requirements and strategic planning, marketing research and development in banking sector and has undergone the microfinance certification programme and obtained a certificate in microfinance banking issued by the Chartered institute of Bakers of Nigeria.
  
  How To Apply:
  Applicants are to submit fifteen (15) copies of their curriculum vitae which should include photocopies of all certificates and other relevant credentials. Applicants should indicate on the envelope the position and job reference number for which they are applying.
  
  Details of Curriculum Vitae
  Full names (Surname in capitals).
  Date and place of birth.
  Nationality.
  Permanent home address.
  Current postal address.
  Candidate’s phone number and c-Mail address.
  Marital status.
  Number and ages of children.
  Educational institutions attended with dates.
  Academe and professional qualifications obtained with dates.
  Previous employers and posts held with dates.
  Present employer, post and salary (evidence of last salary -payslip to be attached).
  Extracurricular activities.
  Names and contact address (including e-Mail and telephone/GSM numbers) of three reputable referees.
  
  All applications should be submitted on or before 9th May 2013 together with the supporting documents and should be addressed to:
  
  The Secretary
  COEMINNA Micro Finance Bank Ltd
  Niger State College of Education
  Minna, Niger State
  Nigeria.

Existing vacancies in agro allied industry

• Existing vacancies in agro allied industry
  
  Our Client:
  We are a major player in the agro allied industry with huge investment in cocoa processing facilities, we require the services of result-oriented fresh graduates and experienced professionals who are committed to sustainable career development.
  
  We provide good career opportunities for qualified and success-oriented personnel wishing to add value to the system while achieving their  career objectives.
  
  Vacancy - Graduate Trainees.
  
  Our Graduate trainee programme is targeted to attract and retain intelligent graduates with good attitude who wish to build long term career with our organization.
  Successful candidates will be given opportunity to acquire relevant skills in various aspects of our business which includes internal control, risk management, accounting, business management, human resource, management, manufacturing, information technology, procurements, and control & instrumentation engineering.
  
  Academic Qualification:
  Interested cadidate must possess s B.sc,HND, or NCE in any of the following disciplines; Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities, Electrical Electronics, Physics, Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, and any discipline in Agricultural Sciences.
  
  Age: Not more than 26 years.
  
  Vacancy - Warehouse Officers.
  
  Academic Qualification:
  B.sc/HND/NCE in relevant discipline from a reputable institution.
  
  Experience:
  Minimum of 2 years working experience in commodity procurement.
  
  Age: Not more than 30 years.
  
  Vacancy - Admin/HR Executives.
  
  Academic Qualification:
  B.Sc/HND in relevant discipline from a discipline from a reputable institution.
  
  Experience:
  Minimumm of 2 years relevant working experience in a similar role.
  
  Age: Not more than 25 years.
  
  Method Of Application:
  Interested candidates should forward their type-written applications and updated curriculum vitaes within 2 weeks of this publication to:
  
  The Advertiser,
  P.O.Box 2397 AKure Ondo State.
  
  Or
  
  The Advertiser P.o.Box 2770 Apapa Lagos.
  
  Note:
  Only short listed candidate would be contacted.

Career in... Benue State Agency

• Career in... Benue State Agency
  
  Our Client:
  The Benue State Agency for Community and Social Development Project (BNCSDP)  invites application from suitably qualified candidates from the Benue State Civil Service or from Private Sector to fill the under-listed vacancies of the following officers for the CSDP.
  
  Benue State Agency is recruiting for the following positions below:
  
  Location: Benue, Nigeria
  
  Vacancy - M & E Manager.
  
  Responsibilities:
  Ensuring the maintenance of records of all types of data and information on SA activities.
  Overseeing the monitoring and evaluation department of SA and coordinating the activities of the MIS and M & E units;
  Providing guidelines and guidance of the operations or the MIS and M & E units for them to meet the expectations of the SA:
  Liaising with the LGRC and other Department of the SA for M & E purposes and working with the communities to ensure effective participatory monitoring and evaluation of CDPs and micro projects.
  Annual budget and work-plan for the department;
  Design field data collection and collation formats for the SA;
  Terms of Reference and provide guidance for all M & E studies;
  Liaising with the Operations and Finance and Administration departments to collect and collate data for tracking of key activities of the BSA: (budget performance, financial matters like costing/pricing of BCSDP activities in the State, operations, etc), and
  Providing cumulative e records, analysis and statistics of activities over time to guide operations and provide information base for planning and future evaluation.
  
  Qualifications / Skills:
  A University Degree in Agriculture, Statistics, Social Science.
  Engineering, Extension Services or Project Management.
  Minimum of Ten (10) years post qualification experience.
  Previous experience in planning.
  Project monitoring and evaluation shall be an added advantage.
  Applicants who are Civil Servants must not be below Grade Level 12.
  Computer literacy is a MUST.
  
  Vacancy - Operation Officer.
  
  Responsibilities:
  Sensitize and mobilize communities on CSDP project objectives and activities as well as issues related to HIV/AIDS.
  Facilitate communities to undertake needs assessment and prioritization that are socially inclusive and environmentally sustainable.
  Build capacity of the CPMC and LGRC Desk Officers as appropriate through training in requisite areas e.g Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA), record and bookkeeping, project management, mainstreaming, gender, environmental and natural resources issues etc as identified by the project officer IEC& T.
  Supervise the implementation of the CDPs to ensure quality assurance.
  Ensure timely replenishment of account of the CPMCs.
  Collect, collate and forward to the M&E Department information on micro-project activities in communities.
  
  Qualifications / Skills:
  A first degree or HND in Social Sciences, Engineering (Civil/Agric/Environmental) or related field.
  Minimum of least 5 years of post qualification experience in any area.
  Computer literacy and willingness to learn and work extra hours and on weekends is a must.
  Applicants from the civil service must not be below Grade Level 9.
  
  Vacancy - Account Clerk.
  
  Responsibilities:
  Manage the Petty cash float and maintain the petty cash book.
  Ensure Petty Cash disbursements are appropriately and adequately documented;
  Cheque writing
  Updating the Cheque Issued Register;
  Ensure Invoices submitted for payment at the FPSU/SAare promptly attended to and forwarded for processing.
  Other activities as may be directed by the APA, FAM/GM.
  
  Qualifications / Skills:
  National Diploma in Accounting.
  Minimum of 3 years experience.
  Computer appreciation is an added advantage.
  
  Vacancy - Driver.
  
  Responsibilities:
  Driving to any part of the Country.
  Community and Metropolis.
  Willing to work extra hours and even on weekends.
  
  Qualifications / Skills:
  Valid Driver's License.
  Trade Test Grade II.
  Shall be able to Communicate in English Language.
  SSCE, GCE, WASC or FSLC.
  
  Remuneration:
  All the advertised posts attract attractive remunerations commensurate with the mode of entry and in accordance with agreed terms with the World Bank.
  
  Due Date: 9th May, 2013
  
  Method Of Application:
  Interested and qualified candidates should forward their applications and CV's signed and sealed to:
  
  The General Manager
  Benue State Community and
  Social Development Agency (BNCSDA),
  No. 30 Kashim Ibrahim Road, Old GRA,
  Makurdi, Benue State.
  
  Note:
  Applicants except for the position of Driver are to submit ten (10) copies of written application with Curriculum Vitae while the Drivers should submit only five (5) copies of applications.
  Only candidates with the required qualifications and experience will be shortlisted and notified.

Job Opening in Guardian Newpapers Limited

• Job Opening in Guardian Newpapers Limited
  Location - Lagos,Nigeria
  
  Our Client
  A well establish Newspaper Establishment , require the service of an
  
  VACANCY - EXPERIENCEN PLUMBER
  
  With adequate technical knowledge and academic qualification in Plumbing Technology
  
  Job Description:
  Good knowledge of plumbling work and latest technology.
  Ability to work with little or no supervision.
  Should be willing and ready to work outside Lagos,when the need momentarily arises.
  Ability to pay attention to details.
  
  Job Qualification:
  Minimum of OND in Plumbing Technology or its equivalent.
  City and Guild in Plumbing Technology,an added advantage.
  At least 3 years cognate experience.
  
  How To Apply:
  The Advertiser
  Advert No: 2050
  Guardian Newpapers Limited
  P.M.B 1217,Oshodi
  Isolo - Oshodi Expressway

Careers at Telecommunications Industry

Careers at Telecommunications Industry

VACANCY - HAULAGE CONTRACTORS

Our Client
We are a major player in the Telecommunications Industry with operations across Nigeria.
In order to expend and enhance the efficiency of our operations  across the length and breadth of the country, we require the services of experienced Haulage / Logistics companies with good pedigree of Reliability and Delivery.

JOB REQUIREMENT:
Must have a minimum  fleet of 15 Trucks
(possible type of trucks are Trailer (30 tons),
HIAB (15 tons), Half Truck (15tons),Canter
(5tons),Cabster(1.5tons),Pick - up (1.0 tons)
Trucks must not be more than 5 years old from the date of manufacture.
Must have been in operations as a Haulage / Logistics company for at least 3 years.
Must have an efficient tracking mechanism.
Must be willing to provide a Bank Guarantee of =N=10million (Ten Million Naira).

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED
Company information including certificate of incorporation,memorandum and article of association, management structure and experience of Nigerian roads.
Address of operational base and branch offices (if any).
Type and number of trucks available.
Evidence of truck ownership ownership,capacity and age.
Photocopies of comprehensive insurance, vehicle license and road worthiness particulars.

HOW TO APPLY:
Interested applicants who meet the above requirements, should send their application to:
haulage2013@yahoo.co.uk, or by post/courier to P.M.B.80165,Victoria Island in sealed envelop marked "CALL FOR TENDERS" addressed to Nigeria Haulage Tender 010,within 2 weeks of this publication.

Job opportunity at technology driven company

• Job opportunity at technology driven company
  LOCATIONS:Lagos, Abuja, Kano, Ibadan, Benin, Port - Harcourt, Enugu - Nigeria
  
  Our Client
  We are a technology driven company with interest within and outside Nigeria.
  The company is poised to strengthen its manpower base through candidates with proven performance track records in Sales.
  
  VACANCY - KEY ACCOUNT MANAGERS (COPRORATE SALES MANAGERS)
  
  JOB QUILIFICATIONS:
  Minimum of Bachelors degree in Business Administration,Marketing,Economics or other relevant discipline
  MBA or relevant post graduate qualification will be an  added advantage.
  
  EXPERIENCE:
  5 - 10 years enterprise sales in Banking, Telecommunications or Pharmaceutical Company.
  Territorial knowledge of the location  applied for is required.
  
  JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
  Responsible for the creation,implementation  and  execution of sales plan for the target segment.
  Generate and maintain a credible forecast  for account and territories.
  Maintain accurate records of all pricings,sales and  activity reports.
  Serve as the primary  customer contact for Technical and business isues customer for those accounts and segments assigned.
  Drive and generate opportunities for revenue growth for assigned accounts and territories.
  Work with Sales Support Engineers on all technical issues.
  
  COMPETENCIES & ATTRIBUTES:
  Strong understanding of customer and market dynamics and requirements.
  Proven track records in leading sales team (s)
  Good interpersonal skills
  Good communication skills
  Creative thinking skills
  
  HOW TO APPLY:
  Qualified candidates should e-mail their resume (stating preferred work locations as the subject of the e-mail)within 14 days of this publication to:
  accomgrs567@yahoo.co.uk

Niger Delta Affairs President Goodluck Jonathan Inaugurates National Council

• 
  
  
  
  AfricCon News
  AfricCon Latest Nigerian Report: Jonathan Inaugurates National Council On Niger Delta Affairs
  
  Africcon Media, Nigeria
  
  President Goodluck Jonathan has described his administration as “considerable to the consolidation of sustenance of the current security situation in the Niger Delta region in order to deepen the foundations of durable and mutually beneficial peace”.
  
  President Jonathan, who was represented by his Vice President Namadi Sambo, was speaking at the inauguration of the National Council on Niger Delta, held at Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State Capital.
  
  Experts, technocrats including serving governors, traditional rulers, civil society members were among others who gathered to deliberate on pertinent issues bothering on the security and development facing the region.
  
  Top on the deliberations was the consideration of implementation of the Niger Delta Action Plan by this administration, to compliment the specific commitments contained in the Amnesty Programme.
  
  According to the President, the Action Plan he believes will be of great relevance and will serve as a coherent programme for investments in the social and infrastructure sectors of the Various Communities of the region, thereby encouraging participation.
  
  For this to be achieved, he called for active support and collaboration of major stakeholders in the oil and gas industry, development partners, states, communities and specialized interest groups in the region to partner for a new reinforced phase of effective development in the Niger Delta.
  
  Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Godswill Akpabio disclosed that the people of the Niger Delta region have in the past been relegated to the background in terms of development in the midst of abundant human and natural resources.
  
  He advocated for the non-inclusion of the Niger Delta Development Commission as a parastatal under the Ministry, noting that the region deserves an agency solely headed by its people.
  
  The Minister of Niger Delta Affairs; Godsday Orubebe who added his Voice to the Action plan assured of the ministry’s determination to put into action the recommendations of the Action plan to break the Ministry’s enduring Poverty.
  
  Governors Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State and his Delta State counterpart, Emmanuel Uduaghan as well as the Secretary to the Cross River State government, Mike Aniah were present at the ceremony.
  
  

Kony Is Believed To Be In Central African Republic

• 
  
  
  
  AfricCon News
  AfricCon Latest Nigerian Report: Kony Is Believed To Be In Central African Republic
  
  Africcon Media, Africa
  
  Kony is believed to be in Central African Republic whose dense forests the UDPF have been combing to capture him.
  
  An America-based organisation, The Resolve LRA Crisis Initiative, has released satellite images of a military encampment believed to belong to Joseph Kony’s Lord’s Resistance Army within Sudan in an area near the border with the Central African Republic (CAR).
  
  In a report released with the images on Friday, the organisation says the camp was located in the Kafia Kingi Enclave.
  The report titled: “Hidden in Plain Sight” says Kony was last seen there in late 2012 but the camp was occupied until last month.
  
  The report adds that though the camp is now abandoned, Kony remains in neighbouring CAR and could return to Sudan any time.
  
  According to the report, Sudan renewed support to the rebel group and actually harboured them at the camp from October 2009 to at least March 2013.
  
  It cites documents on how Kony’s forces first re-established contact with the Sudanese military in late 2009. LRA fighters then periodically used the area as a safe haven for more than three years, as Ugandan forces, authorised by the African Union, were not allowed access to the area.
  
  Kony himself was first sighted there in 2010 and was reportedly based in the area for significant portions of 2012.
  The report provides the most definitive documentation to date of Sudan’s renewed ties to the LRA.
  
  It cites interviews with eight LRA defectors who were eyewitnesses to LRA movements into Sudanese-controlled territory, four of whom provided separate accounts of Kony’s presence there.
  
  These testimonies are corroborated by satellite imagery analysis conducted by DigitalGlobe and commissioned by Amnesty International US, as well as independent reports from government and other sources in the region.
  
  The Ugandan army confirmed to Sunday Vision that they knew about Kony’s presence in Sudanese territory.
  We knew that the LRA had a camp at Kafia Kingi near a Sudanese army base,” army’s chief political commissar, Felix Kulayigye, said.
  
  As long as Kony is able to find a safe haven in Sudan, he can avoid pursuit by Ugandan forces by simply crossing the border whenever they get close,” said Michael Poffenberger, executive director of and one of the report’s primary authors.
  
  Sudan should not be allowed to harbour a notorious war criminals,” he added.
  
  The LRA’s abandonment of their camp in Sudanese-controlled territory presents an opportunity for Sudan to definitively cut ties to the group,” said Paul Ronan, director of policy and primary author at The Resolve.
  
  

Federal Government’s Amnesty Plan For Boko Haram Members

• 
  
  
  
  AfricCon News
  AfricCon Latest Nigerian Report: Federal Government’s amnesty plan for Boko Haram members
  
  Africcon Media, Nigeria
  
  Group Politics Editor, TAIWO ADISA, examines some salient issues and matters that have been said ought to be adequately addressed before the Federal Government’s amnesty plan for Boko Haram members is finally consummated.
  
  PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan on Wednesday inaugurated the Committee on Dialogue and Peaceful Resolution of Security Challenges in the North, otherwise known as the Boko Haram amnesty committee.
  While inaugurating the committee headed by the Minister of Special Duties, Alhaji Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, President Jonathan gave the committee a huge task when he told the members to “perform magic.”
  He said that Nigerians literally expects the Committee to perform magic and bring the widespread insurgency in parts of the North to an end.
  
  The president could not have better captured the scenario leading to the setting up of the committee.
  Hundreds of innocent Nigerians had fallen victim to the violence unleashed by members of the dreaded Boko Haram sect in parts of the North and the Federal Capital, Abuja, leading to many deaths and several maimed. Government buildings, residential houses and places of worship have also fallen to the bombs planted by members of the dreaded Islamic sect, Boko Haram. Their activities were so widespread that police stations and military formations were not seen as sacred places.
  Bombs had exploded at the elite military formation in Jaji, Kaduna State, while the headquarters of the Nigeria Police in Abuja was also bombed.
  At a stage, Nigerians were getting used to the news of bomb blasts as Sunday-Sunday occurrence.
  The thinking in the government and among top political figures in the North appeared to coalesce as it became clear that concrete efforts at dialogue had to be evolved. The decision was thereafter taken to adopt amnesty.
  That has led to the birth of the committee.
  
  While all hands appeared to be on deck on the amnesty issue, another hell appeared to have been let loose as two key Northerners who were named into the Committee on Dialogue rejected the offer.
  Comrade Shehu Sani and Alhaji Datti Ahmed rejected their nomination to serve on the committee citing different reasons.
  A number of Nigerians feared that the much talked about amnesty for Boko Haram was crashing even before the committee came to life.
  Opinions were also divided on the rejection of the nominations.
  While some Nigerians believed that the duo of Sani and Datti Ahmed should have taken the officers no matters the temptation to the contrary, others believed that as adults, they are free to take their decisions.
  
  It, however, emerged that their withdrawal has not taken anything away from the emergence of the Committee.
  While inaugurating the Committee on Wednesday, President Jonathan thanked the members for accepting to serve, adding that a number of them were not consulted but accepted to serve their fatherland.
  To the President, it was a call to serve one’s fatherland rather than a period for egoistic ventures.
  
  But the inauguration of the committee can only be a point of departure rather than a bus stop.
  As Jonathan himself noted, the task ahead is daunting and only can only be equated to a miracle or magic.
  
  “All Nigerians are expecting this committee to perform magic and I pray that Allah will give you the wisdom to do so, because without peace we cannot develop, no matter how committed we are.
  Without peace we cannot progress as a nation,” the President said, adding that the committee should work out sustainable options that could lead to the granting of amnesty to the sect and at the same time develop a comprehensive victim’s support programme.
  
  The president further said: “And as we are trying to address this issue of Boko Haram, we must also comprehensively address the issues directly.
  They must also come up with suggesting on how to address underlining causes of the crisis, in order to ensure that as a nation, we do not face a similar threat in the future.”
  
  Opinion molders in the polity have also observed that the committee would be faced with a number of issues bothering on the fundamentals to the periphery of the Boko Haram and the amnesty saga.
  One major task the committee will to firmly resolve is the real cause of the Boko Haram insurgency.
  A number of commentators have argued that the insurgency has its roots in the brutal killing of the founder of the sect, Muhammed Yusuff in Maiduguri in 2009.
  Yusuf was captured by military men and handed over to the Police but was shot dead in police custody.
  Members were believed to have taken offence against the police, leading to widespread attacks on formations around the Maiduguri axis.
  But the situation further degenerated with adherents of the sect being found in Kano, Kaduna, Niger, Bauchi, Yobe and other parts of the North.
  What started as a local battle against policemen then became an ethno-religious warfare, while issues affecting the existence of the Nigerian nation started featuring.
  There have been claims that the sect is propelled by religious fundamentalism, politics of power at the Federal level and the growing fad of terrorism around the Middle Eastern states, especially following the spread of Al-Qaeda terrorist group.
  There is also thinking that there is a group of criminals who use the name of Boko Haram to raid banks, and other places.
  The Committee will need to provide answers to the questions asked by the President as well as the silent powers contained in his message as well as determine whether the Boko Haram issue in Nigeria was political, religious, criminal, and economic or reactions to socio-economic depravations or a combination of one or two of the foregoing. .
  
  There is also the need for the committee to appropriately segment the Boko Haram amnesty from the existing amnesty in the Niger Delta.
  A number of commentators, including the former First Lady, Hajia Turai Yar’Adua have said that since the late President Umaru Yar’Adua, gave amnesty to Niger Delta militants, Jonathan, a son of Niger Delta should also not hesitate to grant amnesty to Boko Haram sect members.
  That premise would however run contrary to the position of many other vocal members of the society who believe that nothing like amnesty should be on the table for Boko Haram.
  The pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, spoke last week and stated its rejection of the planned amnesty for Boko Haram.
  One of the leaders, Chief Olu Falae said that the Boko Hara has several arms including the religious and criminal gangs and that granting amnesty to the religious or political Boko Haram would not solve the problem of insurgency.
  Afenifere believes that criminality should be firmly dealt with.
  
  Bayelsa State governor, Hon. Henry Seriake Dickson, also said in an interview last week that the Niger Delta amnesty could not be equated to the Boko Haram amnesty and that while the issues in the Niger Delta were clearly defined, the issues leading to the rise of Boko Haram are still unclear.
  
  Governor Dickson said: “Of course we all know that Boko Haram, whatever is driving them is very different from the factors that gave rise to the situation that we had here in the Niger Delta.
  Whereas the insurgency in the Niger Delta was founded on economic issues – issues that had to do with rights and deprivation of rights, the one in Boko Haram is religious fundamentalism, so there is a clear distinction and even with that the President has come up with amnesty, I think as a result of the calls by some leaders in the affected areas so that amnesty can be given and they want to see whether that can make the difference, so we have to encourage that.
  
  The question then should be whether the quest for amnesty is aimed at genuinely tackling the problem of merely aimed at aping the situation in the Niger Delta.
  As it was recently revealed, the facts that propelled the Yar’Adua government to declare amnesty for the militants in the Niger Delta were quite germane. Nigeria’s oil exploration and experts were grinding to a halt.
  From about 2,000 barrels per day production, the nation dragged down to about 700, 000 barrels a day.
  Coupled with the sharp drop in international price of oil, the Federal Government was facing imminent collapse of the economy and it only made sense to listen to the cries of the militants and save the economy.
  The strategy appeared to work magic as oil exploration and exportation immediately bounced back. Today, the country is exporting 2.4 million barrels of crude per day.
  Stakeholders have also stated that there is even the prospect of expanding the production line to 2.8 million barrels per day if the communities are well pacified through the passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill(PIB) currently before the National Assembly.
  
  Another major question the committee will need to answer is the issue of compensations.
  The president has said that there are many victims of the Boko Haram insurgency.
  In a sense the insurgents themselves are victims.
  To those who got drafted into the sect through the vicissitudes of socio-economic deprivations, intimidation and blackmail they could be seen as victims.
  The families of those who have been hoodwinked to commit suicide by carrying bombs are equally victims, while a lot many who are not directly linked to the Boko Haram ideology have suffered both psychological and physical trauma.
  Places of worship have been bombed, businesses have been ruined, thousands of lives have been lost while a lot many have also been maimed.
  It would be complex proposing compensations for the different categories of the victims but that is the maze the committee has been asked to see through.
  
  But the most daunting of the tasks is unmasking the masquerades behind the Boko Haram sect.
  This is the real task that could define the performance of this committee.
  If the committee is able to bring the real faces behind Boko Haram to the table, just like the militants in the Niger Delta were taken to President Yar’Adua, its talks would have been largely achieved and then the entire nation could heave a sigh of relieve from the dastardly acts that have characterised living in parts of the North since 2009.
  
  

Senator Smart Adeyemi Said, With Poverty In The North, Nigeria Will Never Have Peace

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  AfricCon News
  AfricCon Latest Nigerian Report: With poverty in the North, Nigeria ’ll never have peace - Senator Adeyemi
  
  Africcon Media, Nigeria
  
  Senator Smart Adeyemi is the chairman of the Senate Committee on the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and vice-chairman of the Northern Senators’ Forum.
  He speaks with DAPO FALADE on a bill he is sponsoring seeking to establish an agency that will be responsible for the discovery and exploration of oil in Northern Nigeria, among other issues. Excerpts:
  
  YOU are sponsoring a bill for an Act to provide for the establishment of the National Frontier Exploration Agency.
  Why do you think we need such an agency now that the government is trimming down the numbers of agencies?
  The agency will promote and oversee exploration activities in the inland sedimentary basins and for other related matters.
  We need fair balancing in the economic base of the country.
  I find it unexplainable that oil is in the neighbouring countries of Chad, Niger, Cameroon and Libya on the northern border.
  I hold the view that oil is in Northern Nigeria.
  If there is proper exploration, we will discover oil in the North.
  
  Remember the former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Professor Charles Soludo, went to Kaduna last year and said 70 per cent of poor people in Nigeria are in the North.
  It shows that Nigeria will not have peace with this lopsidedness.
  Therefore, we must equally put in place machinery that will guarantee that every part of the country can be part of that privilege.
  We must do that because if we don›t have an agency in place, you will create the impression that some people don›t want the North to work or they feel that northerners should remain in poverty.
  And if the northerners remain in poverty, they too will not sleep with their two eyes closed.
  
  So, it pays all Nigerians to put the agency in place so that the agency will start to work and I know that God is not a wicked God that will make one part of the country to have oil and the other part not to have.
  If other countries in the desert have oil, I don’t think oil would not be in Northern Nigeria; I cannot comprehend that.
  I hold the view that once this agency starts working, it will discover oil in that region and it will also minimise the misconception that some parts of Nigeria are not useful or are barren.
  Every part has enormous resources and oil is not limited to the Niger Delta region alone.
  
  What is the implication of oil discovery in other parts of the country?
  It means every part will have its contribution to the centre table; it may not be the same quantity but definitely there will be something because the one they discovered in Kogi State is a good development and a pointer to the fact that there is oil in the North.
  And when you look at the terrain of Chad, Niger and Cameroon, we in the North are even better positioned than those countries that have oil today.
  When you look at the map, Nigeria is located at the bottom; so there is high possibility of getting oil in the North.
  I don›t have to be a geologist but common sense can tell you so.
  
  If you read the book by the late Dr Yussuf Bala Usman, “The Misconception in Nigeria”, in which he came up with a theory that scientists have proved that the accumulation of particles over the centuries give room for oil; if that is true, these particles moved downward from the Sahara down to the ocean.
  So by that theory I came to the conclusion that there is oil in the North.
  We must have this agency that will have budgetary allocation annually to make sure that every part of the country is contributing.
  Nobody should have reservation about this agency because it will serve the whole country; it will increase our foreign earnings and, above all, it will increase allocations to states where oil will be discovered in the future and improve the standard of living of the people as we are seeing in the Niger Delta states.
  I don›t have anything against them but others should be helped to join them too.
  
  The agency will carry out thorough oil exploration in all the basins; there will be unity and peaceful co-existence because there will be no need for anybody to envy the other.
  There will be mutual respect for every state.
  Today, when you compare the allocation to non-oil producing states and the Niger Delta states, the margin is high.
  Let us create the enabling environment for them to contribute also.
  It seems Nigeria is contended with what we have in the Niger Delta and it is because there is no agency that is accountable for the responsibility of the exploration.
  The political economy has a lot of implications for us.
  
  But there is a provision for such a unit in the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) which will be in the proposed National Oil Company (NOC).
  Are you not contended with that?
  I speak as the vice-chairman of the Northern Senators’ forum and I am saying that is not enough for us; it is not convincing enough.
  We need an agency that will be solely responsible for that.
  The department is under a supervisor but it should stand on its own and will be held responsible and accountable for that.
  A department may not be funded but an agency must be funded form the Federation account.
  Don’t forget that in years past, there was no attempt to carry out a more detailed exploration in Alkaleri, Bauchi State and the possibility is still very high that it seems to have been abandoned.
  But with enough budget provisions, we will get there.
  
  There was a provision for such in the first bill forwarded to the Senate by the late President Umaru Yar’Adua and it was said the Presidency reduced it to a mere unit as a bargain with 10 per cent Host Community Fund for Niger Delta.
  Will you agree with such a bargain for your bill to scale through?
  Against the background of comments and the situation in which we have found ourselves in Nigeria today, we are of the strong view that we need this agency. It will end the lip service being paid to oil exploration.
  The Host Community Fund is still a very serious matter that we will deliberate upon.
  The argument they are pushing forward is that the 10 per cent will be coming from the oil companies after tax.
  That, we will investigate; we are going to take a position on it very soon; we will let the public know during the public hearing on the PIB that, as lawmakers, we take positions of various stakeholders and the interest of the nation will come first.
  But this agency ought to have been operational more than 30 years ago because in a federal system of government, we appreciate the fact that states have some leverages over resources in their domain.
  But the nation must equally provide the enabling environment for others to grow and realise their potentials too.
  
  If Niger, Chad and Cameroon can have oil, it is very impossible for one to believe that there is oil in the North.
  So to break the jinx, let’s put this agency in place and watch the drivers and know that they will do what the law says.
  If Niger and Chad were to be parts of Nigeria, probably they would not have discovered oil because nobody would have bothered to explore it.
  If that is the bargain, when we get to the point of taking decisions, we will know.
  But for now, the agency must be put in place; it is not going to be a department.
  We will resist such and once it is in place, we will see wonders in the North and then there is going to be mutual respect for one another as nobody will look down on the other man.
  Then, Niger Delta can take 200 per cent and we too will take our own. Remember, nobody would have imagined that there was going to be oil in Kogi but today there is oil in the state.
  We will move from there and have oil in about 14 states in Nigeria and nobody will complain.
  
  I will urge my colleagues in the National Assembly that, irrespective of where they come from, this bill is good for us all.
  I feel pained when I see the abject poverty in the North.
  Do you know what differentiate the North from the South? The moment you enter Kwara and Kogi states, coming up North, the poverty starts graduating, going up and this is not what any Nigerian who is committed to our unity and stability should encourage.
  We must find a way of minimising poverty in the North because if there is too much poverty here, there would not be peace and stability in the whole country.