By Rukayat Moisemhe

Osagie Okunbor, Managing Director, Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria, has tasked Human Resources (HR) practitioners to deepen their professional knowledge to tackle the disruptive demands of the ever-changing business environment.

Okunbor said this at a forum organised by the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM) in Lagos on Wednesday.

The Shell MD said the advice was critical because Human Resources took a central role to help organisations transit and prepare for technology and other disruptive business realities.

According to him, business realities is underpinned by volatility and uncertainty, therefore organisations require the best degree of HR resilience to cope with with happenings.

“Today’s business realities involve volatile and uncertain globalisation, inflation, war for talent, technology disruptions and artificial intelligence advancements.

“2023 and beyond demands a high level of HR innovation and disruption hence the need to rethink HR.

“This involves rethinking organisations culture and leadership, pushing boundaries to power organisational agility, acquire cross functional aptitude, unleash digitalisation, elevate HR decision science, prioritise inclusion and embrace perpetual work reinvention,” he said.

Okunbor also tasked HR professionals to align strategies with organisational goals and ensure that talents were properly managed and preserved to save the future of organisations and government.

“What worries me the most is how much we spend training children abroad and talents exported with no plans of their coming back.

“If care is not taken, talent may become a big issue for us in the future in corporate organisations and even government.

“HR professionals must begin to leverage data science to drive credible people outcomes,” he said.

President, CIPM, Mr Olusegun Mojeed, said the forum was organised to help the institute connect better with the business community in Nigeria.

“One major priority to me and the team is stakeholders engagement at various levels.

“We did our stakeholders mapping and realised that we needed to connect with business owners and leaders who employ people.

“As the leading people management institute, our core function does not end with just engaging our members and providing the needed professional support.

“It also involves connecting with people managers across board, especially those who may not necessarily be HR professionals,” Mojeed said.

Malam Ibrahim Dasuki Arabi, Director-General, Bureau of Public Service Reforms, urged the CIPM on the professionalism and certification of HR profession in the public sector across all levels- states and local government. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa

Mr Chukwudi Ezugu, the National Chairman, Nigerian Institution of Civil Engineers (NICE), says both concrete and asphalt pavements are good for road construction.

Ezugu made this clarification on Wednesday in Abuja, on the sidelines of the 21^st International Conference and Annual General Meeting of the Institution.

The theme of the conference is “Trends in Sustainable Civil Engineering Infrastructure for Economic Growth’’.

He spoke against the backdrop of the trending debate about the use of concrete or asphalt pavements in the construction of the nation’s highways.

According to Ezugu, the two are different road pavements and are used for different conditions of roads.

“If the load on the road is quite high concrete pavement would be preferable, it is also more durable but the cost is much higher but flexible pavement also has a life span of 20-25 years.

“So, basically there are some roads which are arterial for high traffic you may have to make that decision to do that investment.

“Basically, what we are saying here is that this will depend on the study, because there are experts that study each of this situation with the client agreeing based on the economies and its serviceability.

“Nothing is actually permanent so, if you have to do a project that has to last for 20 to 25 years, it is possible that after that, you may even like to restructure the project in itself, redesign for one thing or the other.

Speaking on the relevance of the theme of the conference, the national chairman said it was geared toward economic development taking into cognisance new technologies and new materials.

“Including local ones and also ways of funding infrastructure, it must be sustainable infrastructure.

“We need infrastructure, which we develop and which will not constitute a problem to the future generation.

“In other words, the materials you use should not endanger the environment or the future and all these is geared toward forming the bedrock for economic development,”Ezugu said.

He further said that adequate civil infrastructure was known to be the foundation of any vibrant and strong economy and the socioeconomic status of any nation was measured by its degree of infrastructural development.

He said the conference would look at the challenges of impoverished civil engineering development and proffer solutions to change the narrative through the use of innovation, local material and alternative funding.

Also speaking at the conference, the President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Mr Tasiu Gidari-Wudil, said the worth of any society was dependent on the infrastructure it parades.

He was represented at the conference by Mr Chinasaokwu  Okoli, Vice President, NSE.

He said it could be engineering infrastructure, medical infrastructure, economic infrastructure, legal or financial stressing that  all the infrastructure resolve around the engineering infrastructure.

‘This is because it is what gives the platform on which a society can boast that they are okay.  What we doing here is that the experts are speaking to themselves and at the end of this conference there will be a communiqué.

“Which will be passed on to the government, the people that formulate the policies and drive the policy there are people that implement it and there are people that monitor it.

“So we are all stakeholders at the end of the day the conference will come up with a communiqué on which subject experts must have brainstormed and bring the way forward.

On the issue of concrete or asphalt he said nothing is wrong with either of the method, adding that the society was planning on organising a national discourse on it soon.

“There is nothing wrong with flexible pavement there is nothing wrong with rigid pavement but when the core subject experts meet they will advise on which one is advisable.

“It is not a one fit all solution, there are places we see that rigid pavement is more economical, there are places that flexible pavement is more economical.

“Whatever an engineer is doing he is looking at the economy with functionality and durability, sustainability casts it all, so we will be coming up with some statements that will advise the government as subject experts.

“It will be a win-win for all of us, and kudos to the Minister of Works for bringing up this issue, this is what happens all over the world that is because he is a subject expert,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
PUO/IAA

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Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

By Jessica Dogo

The Chairman, Uniccon Group, Dr Chuks Ekwueme has tasked newly appointed Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) to leverage their expertise and social currencies to deliver on the responsibilities entrusted to them.

The General Manager of the group, Mr Kehinde Ake, who said this in a statement on Thursday in Abuja, added that the CEOs were appointed at the Uniccon subsidiary offices.

Ake quoted the Chairman as saying that the appointees of its Chuksprime Organics, SmartAfri Labs and Baba Sky Technologies subsidiaries were Mr Chris Ebosie, Mr Eval Esege and Mr Ronald Ajiboye accordingly.

He said the appointments were critical to repositioning the Group’s subsidiaries for market traction and more impact in the technology space.

Ekwueme said that they were appointed based on their great expertise and specialty.

He said: “The choice of Chris to lead Chuksprime was an easy one, given his great expertise and management experience across several industries and stake in creating the blockchain technology and managerial prowess.

“On Ajiboye, I could not have made a better choice given his foothold in UAV-drone research, development, marketing and networking in the UAV space.”

The chairman said that Chuksprime was an agro export company focused on the sourcing, processing, and export of Natural and organic agro commodities.

He said Smartafri Labs was a blockchain hub for the NFT marketplace, utility tokens and the metaverse. It drives African creatives, and creation and incorporates its cultures into the specialised niche.

According to Ekwueme, Baba Sky Technologies engages in the research, development, deployment and commercialisation of customised military, surveillance, agro and use-case UAV-drone.

In response, the new executives thanked the chairman for the confidence reposed in them and promised to exceed expectations with the cooperation of management and members of staff. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

By Rukayat Moisemhe

British American Tobacco Nigeria (BAT Nigeria) has appointed Mrs Kikelomo Fisayo-Okusanya as Marketing Deployment Director for the West and Central Africa Cluster (WCA).

Yarub Al-Bahrani, Managing Director, BAT Nigeria, made this known in a statement on Monday in Lagos.

He said the company, a multinational organisation operating in more than 180 markets, acknowledges that diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) constitute a pivotal organisational asset.

Al-Bahrani noted that these elements empowered the company to attract and retain top-tier talents while delivering exceptional products and services to its global consumer base.

He said the appointment was in line with the company’s striking demonstration of commitment to global Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) agenda and talent development.

He stated that her appointment aligned with her induction into BAT’s West and Central Africa leadership team, making her the second woman to join the cluster’s leadership team.

According to him, the recent addition of a second female executive to the WCA leadership team demonstrates the company’s commitment to achieving 40 per cent female representation in senior leadership.

He added that the development was also in line with the company’s move to achieve 45 per cent in management roles by 2025, thereby promoting inclusivity and gender equality at the management level.

“BAT Nigeria is committed to a better tomorrow and fostering inclusive work environment that is encouraging different perspectives and ideas, ultimately leading to better decision-making and business outcomes.

“We are thrilled to welcome to the leadership team, our new Marketing Deployment Director and we look forward to the experience she will bring.

“A seasoned marketing strategist with over two decades of experience in the ever-evolving marketing landscape, Fisayo-Okusanya joined BAT Nigeria in 2003 as a trade marketing representative.

“Since then, she has built a stellar marketing career honing valuable expertise in trade marketing, brands, and activation throughout West and Central Africa.

“In her capacity as Area Head for 360 Activation and Marketing Operations, she left her indelible mark by pioneering an immersive virtual reality market experience.

“She also orchestrated a major overhaul of the Marketing Skills and Development Unit,” he said.

Al-Bahrani said the company would continue to do its best, following its recognition as a Global Top Employer in Nigeria and West Africa and was awarded the Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives Award.

He added that BAT Nigeria also emerged overall winner of the 2022 HR Oscars award by the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria(CIPM).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that before the appointment, Fisayo-Okusanya’s former role was Area Head, 360 Activation and Marketing Operations, BAT Nigeria.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa

By Jacinta Nwachukwu

The Federal Government on Tuesday donated food and non-food items worth millions of naira to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Presenting the items to the IDPs in Abuja, the Federal Commissioner, National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), Alhaji Tijani Ahmed, said the donation was to commemorate the 2023 Independence Day celebration.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the beneficiaries of the donations were displaced persons at Durumi, New Karshi and Wassa IDP camps in the FCT.

The displaced persons are predominantly from Gwoza in Borno and Adamawa among others who relocated to Abuja, sequel to their displacement as a result of Boko Haram insurgency in the North East.

Addressing the IDPs, Ahmed reiterated President Bola Tinubu’s resolve towards ensuring inclusiveness and assured that the commission would continue to drive innovation and actively seek sustainable solutions for all persons of concern.

“Today, we gather in Durumi, Abuja, on a mission to extend a helping hand to those residing in the Durumi IDPs Camp. Our purpose is to critical support in the form of agricultural inputs, educational supplies and food care packs.

“As our nation celebrates its 63rd Independence Day, we renew our unwavering commitment to addressing the pressing needs of internally displaced persons (IDPs).

Our resolve is clear: no one, regardless of their gender, age, or vulnerabilities, should be left without vital support, echoing the President’s ‘Renewed Hope’ Agenda.

“The importance of providing assistance to IDPs cannot be overstated. Neglecting those in displacement can have profound social and economic consequences for both the displaced and their host communities,” he said.

According to him, in the face of protracted displacement crises that often affect IDPs, ensuring access to assistance during such times is of utmost importance.

“In keeping with the commission’s sustainable solutions strategy and our dedication to the well-being of host communities, we are proud to announce the provision of essential agricultural inputs.

“These initiatives aim to empower our displaced population, many of whom are skilled farmers, to rebuild their lives and livelihoods.

“Furthermore, we are equally committed to providing Educational Supplies to ensure that IDP children and adolescents have access to learning materials, facilitating their educational growth and development.

“Additionally, we are distributing food care packs to alleviate immediate hunger and provide much-needed sustenance to those in need,” he said.

The educational materials donated included 400 dozens of customised exercise books, 180 pieces of school sandals, 10 pieces of white board
and 10 pieces of white board dusters.

Others are 180 pieces of customised school bags, 180 pieces of customised plastic tables and chairs, biros and pencils.

The IDPs were also given agricultural inputs such as 26 pieces of pesticides, 26 pieces of herbicides, 26 pieces of insecticides, 86 sprayers and 25 irrigation pumps.

While the food items were 97 bags of 25kg rice, 97 cartons of spaghetti, 97 bags of 1kg Semovita, 20 cartons of vegetable oil, 26 cartons of seasoning and 22 cartons of salt.

On behalf of the beneficiaries, the Chairman of Durumi Camp, Ibrahim Ahmad, appreciated the Federal Government for the donations. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Benson Iziama/Julius Toba-Jegede

By Ibironke Ariyo

The Directorate of Road Traffic Services (DRTS) has called for a renewed spirit of patriotism and nationality among Nigerians as the nation marks its 63rd independence anniversary.

Dr Yusuf Suberu, National Coordinator, Road Traffic and Vehicle Inspection Mayors, made the call in a message to commemorate the nation’s 63rd independence celebration on Sunday in Abuja.

Suberu, who doubles as Squadron Leader, FCT, said although Nigeria was facing multifarious challenges, nonetheless the country had witnessed significant improvements in some areas.

He urged Nigerians to use the period to give thanks to God for keeping the country, adding that the foundation of some developed countries arose from patriotism of the leaders and citizens of such countries.

“Our country may be ranked among the lowest in the human development index, but there is hope that happy times will be here again.

“Despite the negative impression portrayed about some few Nigerians across countries of the world, more Nigerians have also contributed immensely to the growth of several developmental policies of different economies.

“It is, however, pertinent to call on Nigerians at 63 to respond to the call for patriotism and nationalism, which would enhance and strengthen our democracy and a better economy for our dear nation.

“Rather than grieving over the problems and challenges facing the country, Nigerians must as a matter of necessity move away from lamentation and hopelessness to a new era of hope and positivity about the future of the country,” he said.

The VIO chief said Nigerian leaders were not unaware of the task before them but they also required sacrifice by all Nigerians.

Suberu said Nigeria was blessed with human and other natural resources that could be harnessed for potential growth and development in all spheres.

“Hence the leaders and the citizens must learn to emulate the culture of patriotism, which is the bedrock for success in every society.

“Patriotism is a clarion call to loyalty to one’s society. All over the world the sole mantra for growth and development of any nation boils down to this concept,” he said.

Suberu, however, appealed to Nigerians not to lose hope in their leaders as most nations had passed through similar challenges and emerged stronger.

He said, “thank God that President Bola Tinubu has promised a renewed hope. I have strong hope and conviction that Nigeria will also overcome these challenges. This too shall pass away and happy times be will here again.

“The APC government under the leadership of Tinubu has not left anyone in doubt as to its readiness to restructure, and re-position the country on the path of socio-economic development.

“While it is the responsibility of government to provide the conducive atmosphere to all citizens to realise their potential, we all must work to make Nigeria work again because the era of waste and impunity has gone.”

Meanwhile, Suberu hailed the FCT minister, Nyesom Wike, over massive road construction and rehabilitation in the territory.

He commended the network of road constructions ongoing, adding that it would give the FCT a face-lift and provid succour to the motoring public.

He said it would also attract investors into the territory and improve free flow of traffic in Abuja and environs.

“I want to appreciate him for a job well done and enjoin him to keep up the tempo so as to bring back the territory to its garden city status. And as a traffic mayor, we are excited and in total support of the government,” he said. (NAN) (www.namnnews.ng)

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Edited by Salif Atojoko

By Aderogba George

Gov. Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau on Friday in Abuja called for more recognition of the nursing profession, saying the practitioners are relegated to the background.

The governor made the call at the presentation of a book titled: “Challenges and Triumph of the Nursing Profession in Nigeria” written by Prof. Kola Oyedepo.

According to Mutfwang, the centrality of the nursing profession to the health sector cannot be overemphasised and the contribution of the profession is enormous.

He therefore called on policy makers, trainers and stakeholders to make sure that they promote the profession to fulfil its mandate.

“Nurses are very central in the healthcare delivery system, midwives are very central to the issue of birth. We must make sure that the professionalism in the sector is enhanced in every way that is possible.

“I want to congratulate the author of this book for giving the nurses further tools
to work. As governors, we are going to ensure that the health sector is looked at comprehensively.

“This is to make sure that the nursing profession within the health sector is given its pride of place, we are going to make policy pronouncements. We are going to invest in training to enhance the profession in our state,” he said.

The Registrar/Chief Executive Officer, Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN), Dr Faruk Abubakar, noted that nurses play a pivotal role in the healthcare delivery.

Represented by Mr Emmanuel Udontre, Director, Planning Research and Statistics, NMCN, Abubakar said that nurses have the autonomous and collaborative care of individuals of all ages, families, groups and communities, sick or well and in all settings.

According to him, advocacy, promotion of a safe environment, research, participation in shaping health policy and patients, health system management and education are key roles of nurses.

He called on government at all levels to begin to show more care to the nurses for the big role they perform in the healthcare system.

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of of Health (FMoH), Mrs Daju Kachallom, also stated that the nursing and Midwifery profession occupies a unique and vital place within the healthcare system.

Represented by Mrs Francisca Okafor, Director of Nursing, FMoH, Kachallom said that nurses and midwives are compassionate, skilled and tireless professionals.

She said they are often the first and last point of care for patients, stressing that they must be treated with dignity.

Kachallom stated that they provide comfort in times of distress, guidance during moment of uncertainty and skilful assistance during the most critical phases of life.

She thanked the author of the book for dishing out such enormous knowledge in the medical profession.

The book author disclosed that he was motivated to write the book to encourage practitioners of nursing and midwifery to be committed to the profession and to seek for more knowledge.

The professor added that he was also motivated to write the book so that people will give more recognition to the practitioners of nursing profession, saying that nurses give 70 to 75 per cent assistance to the medical profession.

Oyedepo who was responding to the allegation of nurses of not being part of President Bola Tinubu’s ministerial nominees, blamed the nurses saying that they are not projecting themselves well as it ought to be.

According to him, nurses have a lot of information that could revive the healthcare but they are not projecting such information in the right direction, hence they are relegated to the background.

“Information is power but when this is not given out in the right direction, there is bound to be setback.

“Nurses have a lot of information but they are not projecting them out, there is a lot of advocacy they need to be doing to make them to be recognised.

“If you don’t say I am here, nobody will recognise you. Out of the three professions in the health fields, pharmacy, nursing and medicine, nurses carry almost 70 per cent of the healthcare workers population.

“They are not showing up but they want to be in power, this is why the people in power just ignore them ,” Oyedepo said.

He called on nurses and midwives to make use of his book to garner more knowledge about the profession and way out of the challenges confronting it. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Julius Toba-Jegede