Day: June 17, 2024

Mr David Adebayo and Ms. Ngozi Chinedu were two hardworking Nigerians with divergent career paths.

Adebayo, a senior administrative officer in the public sector, dedicated his life to the civil service.

By the age of 60 which coincided with his 35 years in service he retired, according to government regulations.

In contrast, Chinedu, a senior marketing executive at a multinational corporation, continued working until the age of 65, benefiting from the stability and perks of her private sector job.

Upon retirement, Adebayo encountered several challenges. His pension, often delayed and not adjusted to inflation, was insufficient for a comfortable post-retirement life.

Losing his employer-sponsored health insurance forced him to rely on the National Health Insurance Scheme, which barely covered his basic healthcare needs.

Not having enough leisure time during his service years, post-retirement financial strain and inadequate healthcare support took a toll on his well-being.

Chinedu’s experience was howev
er markedly different. Working until 65 allowed her to amass a larger pension fund, ensuring financial security on her retirement.

Her private health insurance continued into her retirement years, providing comprehensive coverage.

The extended work period also meant that she enjoyed a better work-life balance and job satisfaction, marked by professional growth and substantial earnings.

In retirement, Adebayo and Chinedu’s lives further diverged.

Adebayo, without a solid post-retirement plan, struggled with social isolation and mental health issues.

Chinedu maintained her professional network and engaged in community activities, finding a sense of purpose and fulfillment.

This narrative reflects the impact of retirement age discrepancies in Nigeria.

It underscores the relentless call by stakeholders on the federal government to accede to the demand for the review and harmonization of the retirement age of all public servants across-the-board.

Many public analysts believe that harmonising Nigeria’s reti
rement age discrepancies by addressing the variations in retirement ages across all sectors in the country, is long overdue.

According to them, inconsistent policies that culminate in retirement age disparities in the workforce is discriminatory, counter-productive, and a morale killer.

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The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has, for instance, persistently demanded that the retirement age and length of service in the entire public service be reviewed upward to 65 years of age and 40 years of service, respectively.

Reinforcing this standpoint, NLC President, Joe Ajaero, during the 2023 and 2024 May Day celebrations, reiterated that the organised labour was resolutely committed to its demand for the upward review and harmonization of public servants’ retirement age.

He said that increasing the years of service should be done uniformly across all sectors, instead of being selectively done in favor of just a few sectors of the public servi
ce in the country.

‘Only a few establishments, including the core civil service, are now left out.

‘We are, therefore, demanding that the age of retirement and length of service in the entire public service, including the core civil service, be reviewed upward to 65 years of age and 40 years of service,’ Ajaero said.

Concurring with Ajaero, the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC), an NGO that is committed to strengthening democratic governance in Nigeria, also called for the immediate upward review of the retirement age of civil servants.

PLAC argued that this would facilitate an efficient pension administration process for the welfare of core civil servants, be they judicial officers like retired judges or public servants in any sector.

It was against this backdrop that former President Muhammadu Buhari on May 12, 2021, approved the upward review of the retirement age of health sector workers from 60 to 65, and catapulted that of consultants from 65 to 70.

The former President also signed a Law in
2022 increasing the retirement age for primary school teachers to 65, with no fewer than 15 state governments currently implementing it already.

On June 8, 2023, President Bola Tinubu signed a Constitution Alteration Act to amend Section 291 of the Constitution, to ensure uniformity in the retirement age and pension rights of judicial officers of superior courts.

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This Act, the Fifth Alteration (No.37) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, eliminates disparity in the retirement age of judicial officers by harmonising it at 70 years.

It also reduces the period of service required to determine a judicial officer’s pension from fifteen to ten years.

Also, the Nigerian Senate recently passed a Bill to increase the retirement age for civil servants working in the National Assembly to 65 years or 40 years of service.

The Bill, which was initiated by the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN), has set to
ngues wagging across socio-political and ethnic divides.

PASAN has argued that increasing the retirement age would help fill the vacuum caused by retiring experienced officers and better utilize their experience while building the capacity of younger employees.

According to Sunday Sabiyi, PASAN chairman, the Bill is expected to be signed into law by President Bola Tinubu soon, and when signed, national and state assembly workers will retire at the age of 65 years and 40 years of service, respectively.

Similarly, the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN) has been upbeat in its call for an upward review of the retirement age for employees in the core civil service.

Joshua Apebo, ASCSN Secretary-General, while reiterating the association’s position, urged the trade union movement to ensure uniformity in retirement age in the public service.

Apebo argued that since judicial officers, university lecturers, health workers, and primary school teachers now enjoy the new retirement age hike, and
with that of the legislature in view, it was only fair that it also benefitted other core civil servants.

Dr Gboyega Daniel, a public affairs analyst, picked holes in the discrepancies in retirement age in Nigeria, and called for immediate policy reforms to harmonise the benchmarks.

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Daniel said that these discrepancies create perceptions of inequality, favoritism, and strain the pension system, which affects service morale and productivity, culminating in imbalances and potential sustainability issues.

According to him, varied retirement ages complicate workforce planning and disrupt the systematic transfer of knowledge and experiences.

‘The civil service mandates retirement at 60 years or after 35 years of service, while the academia sees professors and other academic staff retiring at 70 years.

‘Judges and justices in the judiciary retire at ages ranging from 65 to 70, depending on their positions.

‘Ditto for teachers, who have sinc
e had their retirement age jacked up by the Buhari administration,’ he said.

He, therefore, suggested immediate legislative actions to amend existing laws and implement policy reforms that would establish unified retirement age across all sectors.

Dr Tunde Balogun, a UK-based Nigerian, said the current debate about reviewing the retirement age and length of service was not limited to Nigeria.

‘Recently, the UK Government said it was considering raising the retirement age of public servants from the current 60 years to 68 years.

‘At the moment, retirement at age 65 years is common in many EU member states. Many countries have already decided to raise the retirement age to 67 years,’ he said.

Experts say that reviewing the core civil servants’ retirement age to 65 years and 40 years of service as well as harmonising the discrepancies across the board, is a policy that is long overdue.

Although some critics argue that the policy would be inimical to the career progression of their younger colleagues and af
fect fresh employments, its proponents say the benefits far outweigh its demerits.

According to them, achieving uniformity in retirement age policy can leverage experience and expertise, enhance fairness, efficiency, and sustainability in workforce management and pension systems.

They believe government should demonstrate sincerity of purpose and apply a holistic approach to the issue.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The National Civil Society Council of Nigeria [NCSCN] celebrates with Muslim faithful on the occasion of Eid-el Kabir.

They also called on President Ahmed Bola Tinubu to re-shape his cabinet.

The Council’s Executive Director, Blessing Akinlosotu, made the disclosure in a statement on Monday.

‘The National Civil Society Council of Nigeria (NCSCN) joins all muslim faithful in celebrating this special day and prays for peace, unity and prosperity for all Nigerians.

‘May this Eid bring joy, blessings, and happiness to you and your loved ones,’ the statement said.

The council expressed concern over the worsening economic conditions faced by Nigerians, including rising inflation and unemployment.

‘The group holds that the cabinet is failing to effectively address these issues and is, therefore, unable to alleviate the suffering of the people.

‘The council believes that a new cabinet, consisting of experienced and competent individuals, is necessary to tackle the numerous challenges facing the country.’

The
statement further emphasised the need for accountability and transparency in governance, while appealing to the government to prioritise the welfare of the Nigerian people and ensure that their interests were adequately represented.

They also called on other civil society organisations, as well as grassroots movements and citizens, to lend their voices to the call for a good standard of living for the masses.

‘Collective voices from various sectors of society is essential to bring about the necessary changes that can alay the struggles of the Nigerian people.

‘This important Islamic festival is a time for reflection, sacrifice, and giving back to the community and we pray that Almighty Allah will continue to bless you with his benevolence and mercy,’ the statement added.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Alumni Association of the National Defence College (AANDEC), on Monday, distributed meat palliative to no fewer than 600 beneficiaries in Abuja.

The association made the distribution in collaboration with Near Foundation as part Eid-el Kabir celebration.

The President of AANDEC, retired Air Commodore Darlington Abdullahi, said the distribution was an annual event aimed at providing support for the military community especially the NDC community.

Abdullahi said the beneficiaries were drawn from the barracks and widows of fallen heroes, as well as selected vulnerable members of the society.

According to him, a total of 15 cows were donated by the donor partners to be slaughtered and distributed to the beneficiaries at the premises of the college.

Abdullahi said the association had in the last four years been organising such humanitarian activities for the NDC community, widows of fallen heroes and also the needy amongst them.

‘This is to help them overcome some of the suffering that a lot of them are
going through.

‘We all know the situation of things at the moment because of the cost of things and survival is a matter of very serious issue at the moment.

‘So this is to enhance the livelihood of so many of our personnel’s family, the widows and also those who are in very serious need for this,’ he said.

He thanked the donor partners for the continuous support and urged all well-meaning Nigerians to support the effort of the Federal Government in addressing the current hardship in the country.

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‘What is happening here today shows that more individuals and organisations would come out to support.

‘About 15 cows have been slaughtered today, yet it is still not enough.

‘So we have to find a way to support the increase, whatever we are doing,’ he said.

The Project Coordinator, of the Near Foundation, Abdulmalik Bulakos, said the foundation has always reached out to people during times of need and festive period like the Eid-el Kabir with distribution
of palliatives.

Bulakos said the partnership with AANDEC was borne out of the desire to touch every segment of the society, especially the families of fallen heroes.

According to him, those are people whose husbands have served this nation and we find it detrimental at this crucial moment to see how we extend our hands to them.

The Wife of the Commandant of NDC and Coordinator, NDC Officers Wives Association, Mrs Rhoda Olotu, commended AANDEC for bringing succor to NDC staff and families of fallen heroes.

Olotu, who was represented by Dr Emmanuella Alieze, said the NDC community was happy for the distribution of cow meat for the sallah celebration.

‘I am here to thank Near Foundation and AANDEC for bringing this to our community and I pray that God will replenish wherever you brought this from 10,000 times,’ she said.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Albinism is a rare genetic disorder where the person is not born with the usual amount of melanin pigment.

Melanin is a chemical in the body that determines the colour of the skin, hair and eyes.

Most people with albinism have very pale skin, hair and eyes. They are prone to sunburn and skin cancer.

An estimated one in 20,000 people worldwide are born with oculocutaneous albinism. The condition affects people in many ethnic groups and geographical regions. According to Medlineplus.gov

Albinism is most prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa with estimates of one in 5,000 to one in 15,000.

According to a Cleveland Clinic report, people with albinism may experience any of the following complications: skin problems due to their light-coloured skin.

The report further said that people with albinism may be legally blind, but they can learn to use their vision over time.

One major concern about albinism is its genetics.

Cleveland Clinic said albinism is passed down through families. People are born with albinism w
hen they inherit an albinism gene from their parents.

In oculocutaneous albinism, both parents must carry an albinism gene for their child to be born with albinism. The child has a 1 in 4 chance of being born with albinism.

If just one parent has an albinism gene, the child won’t have oculocutaneous albinism. But they will have a 50 per cent chance of being a carrier of the gene themselves.

In Nigeria, persons with albinism face numerous challenges such as discrimination, health issues which many of them complain about among others.

As a group and as individuals persons with albinism have protested against this discrimination.

The Association of Albinism in Kaduna State said that in some instances, the lives of albinos are threatened by some members of the society out of ignorance.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that an alarming rise in skin cancer has threatened lives of Albinos in Africa. In some instance there were fatalities.

‘Two albinos in Kajuru Local Government Area and one in Zaria d
ied. Their deaths were all linked to climate change-related issues, including skin cancer.

‘People with albinism lack melanin in their skin, making them more susceptible to sunburn and skin cancer.

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‘We are witnessing an increase in skin-related illnesses, adding to the challenges of our already difficult lives,’ Mr Abubakar Adam, the Chairman of the Association of Albinism in Kaduna.

The rising weather temperature resulting from climate change has also had impacts of the plight of albinos, with risk of skin cancer becoming higher.

‘We often seek refuge under trees or umbrellas to shield our skin from burning,’ he further said.

Adam explained that the association also focused on raising awareness about the high cost of living affecting most adults with albinism who struggle to work during the day due to the intense heat.

But part of the solution remains public enlightenment both for general public and couples whose children
and wards are albinos.

‘The organisation is actively sensitising parents about the importance of ensuring their children wear protective clothing.

‘This is to safeguard their skin from the sun. Moreover, we are intensifying efforts to raise awareness about cancer prevention among the albino community,’ he added.

The chairman highlighted the need for more proactive measures against the harsh effects of climate change.

Similarly, African Climate Reporters, NGO, says it is committed to scaling up enlightenment on the nexus between climate change and the plight of albinos.

Mr Ibrahima Yakubu, the Head of Communication and Strategies of the NGO said the campaign would be carried out in collaboration with the African Institutes of Waste and Environmental Studies and other scientific institutions.

He said the campaign, among others, would seek to mobilise science, climate and environmental journalists and other stakeholders to raise awareness among the general public.

While public sensitisation is important i
n the mitigating the plight of persons living the albinism, providing treatment, care and support is equally paramount.

The Vivigold Foundation for Albinism Empowerment, Education and Healthcare, an NGO, has advocated the establishment of special health facilities with dermatologists and other skin care experts to increase access to health facilities for albinos.

Miss Vivian Ezeonwumelu, Chief Executive Officer of the foundation, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Awka, that albinos had higher risk of developing skin cancer compared to other members of the population.

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Ezeonwumelu said that five members of the Anambra State Albinism Association died of skin cancer in a space of four years.

She said such deaths could be avoided if albinos had access to healthcare service and experts in albinism-related conditions.

‘It is essential to shed light on the challenges faced by the albinism community in Nigeria and the
importance of addressing their plights and promoting inclusion.

‘Skin cancer is a significant challenge for individuals with albinism in Nigeria. Due to the lack of melanin, their skin is extremely vulnerable to the damaging effects of Ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

‘Most persons with albinism cannot afford the high cost of preventing skin cancer. Which is why we are calling on the governments, groups and well-meaning citizens to come to our rescue,’ she said.

Ezeonwumelu said there was the need to establish specialised health facilities across the country, to provide comprehensive support to address the specific health needs of the albinism community.

She said that healthcare professionals should also receive specialised training on albinism-related skin conditions to improve early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of skin cancer.

According to her, such specialised hospital will be a safe space to help combat stigma, provide emotional support, and facilitate access to healthcare services.

‘The health fa
cility will offer dermatological care and counselling to address the psycho-social impact of living with albinism, sun protection and skin cancer prevention, ‘she said.

Ezeonwumelu urged government agencies to collaborate with groups working with albinos to intensify awareness on skin cancer risks in the albinism community.

In the same vein, the Initiative for Advancement of the Albinism Cause (INAAC) has called on government to provide free sunscreen lotions for persons with albinism in the country.

Miss Joy Odigie, Executive Director, INAAC, told NAN that persons with albinism were dying from skin cancer, a disease that could be prevented through the application of sunscreen lotion.

She regretted that the high price of sunscreen lotions with high Sun Protection Factor (SPF) was preventing many persons with albinism in the country from using the lotions.

‘Individuals with Albinism lack melanin and therefore are susceptible to the harmful effects of solar ultraviolet radiation, including extreme sun sens
itivity, photophobia and skin cancer.

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‘The use of sunscreen lotions and creams, wearing appropriate clothing and spending limited time under the sun can reduce the incidence of skin cancers in persons with albinism.

‘Unfortunately, the price of sunscreen lotions and creams ranges from N10, 000 to N18, 000 150ml per tube and are not readily available.

‘Persons with albinism are advised to apply sunscreen lotions with high SPF at least three times a day and this will amount to an individual with albinism using more than one tube every month”, she said.

She called for continued public education about albinos and albinism as well as advocacy for the rights of albinos.

‘Although they may look different from the rest of us, people with albinism have the same rights and deserved to be shown love, treated with respect and dignity”, she said.

The executive director also urged the government to come up with policies and laws that protect t
he rights of people with albinism.

‘The government should also ensure that those who perpetrate violence against people with albinism are brought to justice,” she said.

In the same vein, Mr Jake Epele, Founder/CEO of TAFAfrica, formally known as Albino Foundation, urged President Bola Tinubu to reinstate free cancer treatment for persons with albinism at the National Hospital, Abuja.

The scheme was introduced by the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.

‘As a skin cancer survivor, I know how expensive it is to treat persons with albinism who are suffering with skin cancer.

‘I think the time has come for the current administration to revisit this free treatment that has been applauded by the international communities as best practice.

‘So, let me use this opportunity to ask the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to instruct for this laudable programme to be revisited and reactivated.

‘So that there will be hope in the Renewed Hope Agenda for persons with albinism in Nigeria, God bless
the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Wema Bank has concluded the first tranche of its recapitalisation exercise, having secured all relevant regulatory approvals for the allotment of its N40 billion rights issue.

Its Managing Director, Mr Moruf Oseni, disclosed this in a statement made available in Lagos.

Oseni said as a forward-thinking and pioneering bank, the financial institution in December 2023 launched N40 billion rights issue which had been approved by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that CBN, in March, launched a recapitalisation programme requiring commercial banks to raise fresh capital.

This is in alignment with the minimum requirement for their respective banking licenses within a 24-month timeline spanning April 1 to March 31, 2026.

The goal of recapitalisation is to simultaneously boost the Nigerian economy and strengthen its financial services industry.

Oseni said: ‘With this remarkable development, Wema Bank has now successfully r
aised the first tranche of its plan in the minimum requirement laid down by the CBN.

‘The bank’s resolve in retaining its commercial banking license with National authorisation and the N40 billion rights issue is a step in that direction.

‘Our move to commence our capital raise programme very early demonstrates our push for excellence, and with a strong emphasis on our digital play, we are set to amass more successes in the coming months,’ he said.

The managing director expressed satisfaction with the vote of confidence given by the bank’s shareholders during its first rights issue exercise, noting that its shares were fully subscribed.

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Oseni stated that the bank also obtained the approval of its shareholders at its 2023 annual general meeting to raise an additional N150 billion to meet the capitalisation threshold set by the CBN.

He hinted that the process was expected to be completed within 12-18 months.

Oseni said: ‘We are committed to providing
optimum returns for every stakeholder and the successful conclusion of this N40 billion rights issue is a bold step in the right direction.

‘In addition to the upward trend in the bank’s financial performance and the success recorded so far in its recapitalisation exercise, Wema Bank’s corporate rating was recently upgraded to BBB+ by Pan African credit rating agency, Agusto and Co.

‘The bank was also retained at BBB by international rating agency, Fitch.’

According to him, over the medium to long term, Wema Bank is positioned to not only dominate the digital banking space but also the Nigerian financial services industry at large.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria