Positive Corruption?

Generally, corruption is a major negative; it reduces foreign direct investment, promotes negative perceptions and stalls even development across countries. But is there a situation that corruption can become positive? If a country cannot rid herself of public service corruption how can it be spun to aid growth and hasten development?

Asian countries like many African countries are perceived to have high levels of corruption, why then are growth and development so stagnant in Africa? China currently ranks No. 83, same position as Liberia and Benin on Transparency International's Corruption Perception Index (2016). China continues to attract the greatest amount of foreign direct investment (US$ 69billion in the first half of 2016, according to Trading Economics), this has undoubtedly contributed to its stellar growth. In the last 30 years China, Indonesia, Singapore and Thailand have been perceived as corrupt countries; despite this they have all registered strong economic performances.

In contrast, analysts estimate at least $7 billion departs Africa every year; this includes Benin and Liberia who are ranked the same as China when it comes to corruption perception. This form of corruption bleeds the economies of Africa, from; Nigeria to Benin, Congo to Gabon. The political elite who are usually corrupt steal and instead of re-investing the resources launder it and take it to Europé and America where they are held in private accounts to earn interests. Battling corruption in public service has been on in Africa over the last 4 decades with little or no result, should the individuals involved rethink what they use their stolen wealth for?

Instead of waiting for FDI to help develop the various sectors in Africa we can start off by investing stolen public wealth and then eventually as confidence grows FDI will follow. A bit of twisted logic but if public officials will steal regardless why not use it to benefit your own people and remain rich while at it aay? 

Have you imagined how all the billions of dollars stolen and laundered out of Nigeria in the last 10-20 years could have been used to further development in Nigeria? Create wealth? Lift people out of poverty?

This is not to encourage corruption but since we elect rogues anyway they can atleast think of re-investing their loot in-country rather than in Europé, Asia, or America.

Read Transparency International's Corruption Perception Index (2015) here:

http://www.transparency.org/cpi2015

Read the article 'When corruption is good for the economy' by Chris Matthews: http://fortune.com/2014/08/07/corruption-economic-benefits/

Vacancy at the Swedish Embassy in Abuja

Recruitment of a Driver to Embassy of Sweden

Last day of application: March 31st
 Start date: 1 July

This position is part of the administrative section and tasks include:
(For complete details and job description please visit): http://www.swedenabroad.com/en-GB/Embassies/Abuja/Current-affairs/News/Application-for-the-Position-of-Embassy-Driver-sys/

• Driver for Embassy personnel
•  Keep log book of vehicles
• Service, daily maintenance and cleaning of vehicles
•  Distribution of mail, invitations and other deliveries
•  Administrative errands and tasks including reception duties
• Day-to-day Embassy’s requirements
•  Other tasks assigned by the Head of Section

The Application Must Include

•  CV and cover letter motivating your application
• At least three written references including names and contact numbers.

 
The position is a one year contract with the possibility to extend. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply including women.

Applications are received only via e-mail to ambassaden.abuja@gov.se

The final date to submit applications 31 march 2016. Abuja, 15 March 2016

 

52 Places to go in 2016 (NewYork Times)

"It’s a big world out there, so we’ve narrowed it down for you. From ancient temples to crystalline waters, here are our top destinations to visit this year" NYC Article, Jan 7, 2016.

Read the full article here: http://nyti.ms/1mIf7xj

Vacancy for the Position of Economic Development Officer, Embassy of Ireland, Abuja, Nigeria.

Title of Position: Economic Development Officer
 
Department: Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade

Location: Embassy Abuja  
Job Description:
The Embassy of Ireland manages all aspects of Ireland’s relationship with Nigeria, with secondary accreditations to Ghana, Senegal and ECOWAS. The promotion of economic ties between Nigeria and Ireland, particularly Irish businesses operating in Nigeria, is integral to the work of the Embassy. The Embassy wishes to recruit a development officer to support the Embassy’s economic work. The position requires a deep knowledge of the Nigeria economy, a high degree of professionalism, third level education, good oral and written communication, good organisational skills, and the ability to be flexible as demands and priorities change.
 Tasks and Responsibilities
The post of Economic Development Officer will work closely with the diplomatic staff of the Embassy on all aspects of the Embassy’s trade promotion work.

The Economic Development Officer will be required to have a deep appreciation for, and the flexibility to respond to, the complex and evolving economic environment within which the Embassy is situated.
Duties  

• The precise range of duties will vary over time according to the exigencies of the needs of the Embassy, but will include the following.
• Collation and analysis of economic data to inform the Embassy of businessopportunities and constraints at State and Federal level. This will include the ability tosummarise key issues of interest to Irish companies including any change in tariffs orimport constraints potentially affecting Irish exports to Nigeria.
• Liaise with Enterprise Ireland, Bord Bia and other Irish State Agencies on areas ofmutual interest.
• Acting as first point of contact for Irish companies contacting the Embassy for traderelated assistance.
• Establishment of an Ireland-Nigeria alumni network.
• Assist in contacts with the EU, World Bank and IMF on trade and economic issues.
• Prepare economic and political economy briefs for all visits to Nigerian States level forthe Head or Deputy Head of Mission and liaise with federal and local governmentofficers in the development of work programmes for the visits.
• Ensure that the commercial advice on the Embassy website is up-to-date and useful,that the commercial content on the site is regularly updated and develop the Embassy’ssocial media output on our commercial work.
• Prepare other papers on general economic and trade developments as requested by theHead of Mission.
• When required, represent the Mission at meetings with stakeholders of relevance tothe economic work of the Embassy.
• Support the Head of Mission and Deputy Head of Mission in developing annualBusiness Plans, risk profiles and reports
• Facilitate in-country visits of Irish business or public sector Contacts.
• Ensure excellent communications with colleagues in the Mission, at Headquarters andwith partners.

 To be eligible the following qualifications and competencies are required:
 Degree in a discipline of relevance to the role of Economic Development Officer(Level 8),

Post-graduate Degree in a relevant discipline (Level 9)

Fluency in English;

Minimum of seven years relevant work experience;

Strong knowledge of the Nigerian Economy;

Independent means of transport;

The legal right to work in Nigeria;

High degree of integrity and trust;

Effective communication, networking and reporting skills (including understanding,reporting and communicating complex information);

Initiative and Team Work (capacity to motivate staff; innovate; participate in / leadteams aimed at process or organisational reform); and

Good representational, networking and influencing skills.
 In addition to the essential criteria above, the following criteria are desirable:
 Knowledge of the Agricultural Sector;

Knowledge of the Irish economy; 
Remuneration
 The gross monthly salary shall be 575,000 naira to be paid in arrears by the 25th of each month.
 Tax will be deducted in line with the Taxation Laws of Nigeria. Payment of salaries will be made directly into your bank account. You will also receive a 13th month salary together with your December salary. Thirteenth month salary is calculated on the basis of one year in service or part thereof.
 Duration
The successful applicant will be offered a 1 year contract. A 5 month probationary period will apply. At the discretion of the Minister the probationary period may be extended for a further period of 5 months. The contract will include a requirement for regular performance assessment. The contract will be subject to the laws of Nigeria.
 Tenure
You shall be employed within the Embassy of Ireland for the purposes outlined above, in Nigeria. Your continuing employment is contingent, inter alia, on the demands of the Irish Embassy in Nigeria. This is without prejudice to your rights under Nigerian law. Changes in the business plan of the Embassy will lead to a review of the position of the employee.

The appointment carries no entitlement to established status in the Irish Civil Service, nor to a contract of infinite duration. As regards the Irish Civil Service, the appointment is to a "temporary un-established position".

During the first five months of employment in the post you will be on probation and your performance will be subject to ongoing review. The appointment may be terminated without notice at any time during the probationary period if your services are deemed unsatisfactory from the point of view of conduct, performance, health or general efficiency.
 Should your contract be renewed your salary will be reviewed and an increase may be granted on the basis of satisfactory performance in line with a defined salary scale. 5


Whole-time Employment
The position is whole-time and, upon appointment thereto, it will be a breach of the terms and conditions of this contract if you engage in or become connected with any outside business which would interfere with the performance of your official duties. Candidates are required to declare any other employment, interests or potential sources of a conflict of interest.

COMPETITION PROCESS

How to Apply
 Interested applicants for this position must submit the following (incomplete applications will not be considered):

1. a current resume or curriculum vitae (2 pages maximum) that provides;
 o Details of University degree(s) or diploma(s) and details of subjects studies and grades earned;

o Names and contact details for three referees (Please note: we will not contact your referees without your prior permission)


2. A type-written and signed application letter (2 pages maximum) specifically applying for this position and addressing the essential requirements as advertised.

3. Supporting documentation in the form of original documents will be required from short-listed applicants, including:
 o proof of your legal right to work in Nigeria (e.g. Nigerian passport or working visa);

o References from former employers; and

o Original University Degree certificates.

Only electronic applications sent via email will be accepted. Application emails should include the subject – "Abuja Economic Development Officer Applicant [insert name] 2016". Limit all electronic (e-mail) submissions to one entry/e-mail not larger than 5MB.


Please submit attachments in PDF and Word formats, not pictures or other formats.
 Only applications fully submitted online will be accepted into the campaign. Applications will not be accepted after the online closing date.


Your application must be submitted electronically to economicdevelopmentvacancyabuja@dfa.ie not later than midnight, 3 March, 2016.

If you do not receive an acknowledgement of receipt of your application by Wednesday the 9th of March, please contact us by email at economicdevelopmentvacancyabuja@dfa.ie

The interviews for these posts are to be held in late March/ early April 2016 in the Embassy of Ireland in Abuja.

Candidates should make themselves available at the time and date(s) specified by the Embassy of Ireland and should make sure that the contact details specified on the application form are correct. Costs associated with attendance at interview will be borne by the candidate.
 Selection Methods
The selection may include:

• shortlisting of candidates on the basis of the information contained in their application; presentation or other exercises;
• one or more competitive interview; and
• Any other tests or exercises that may be deemed appropriate.

For more information please check the Embassy of Ireland webpage: embassyofireland.org.ng

For direct link to the official advert please click

All The Best!!!!

  


 


 

'The Dab' and Sports Celebrations

As sport celebrations go, the Dab has been the craze especially with black players for the last 5 or so months. Jesse Lingard, Paul Pogba, Cam Newton and Lebron James are amongst the growing number of sport stars choosing to celebrate with the Dab.

Pogba and the others doing the Dab above... He perhaps has made this famous in Italy. Lukaku's (England) version below is pehaps the sicket!

 

Not to forget Jesse Lingard's version:

 

The Dab has come a long long way from its humble origins in the Atlanta hip-hop scene thanks to these sports stars, it will be played out soon enough and replaced with some new #madness hehe! Until then, do the Dab and have fun doing it :) :)

In Nigeria we caught on mostly through the Jesse Lingard, Paul Pogba and our very own cultural luminary Mr Olamide. With Olamide be sure that everyone from market women to top Nigerian politicians will have a stab at 'the dab' at some stage. I'll leave you with Olamide and his friends-- Oya Dab:

 HAPPY WEEKEND SIR'S!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

THANK GOD IT IS MONDAY FRUIT: Lemon water

 

 

Start drinking lemon water.

Once in the body lemon becomes alkaline. So drop a lemon slice into your water for a wonderful pick-me-up drink that’ll keep you hydrated and help detoxify your liver. Try and choose filtered water and if possible invest in an alkalizing water filtration system.

Focus on eating something green at every meal. A really simple rule of thumb is to make sure every meal (yes, including breakfast!) has something green on the plate: smoothies with some  Moringa ​leaves and vegetables for breakfast, quinoa ,Burgul,​ and steamed veggie salads for lunch, veggie and lentil soups for dinner, or fresh fish or o with salad or vegetables. Oh, and don’t forget the snack either. Try slicing up a carrot, a cucumber, and a few sticks of celery so you can snack on yummy hummus guilt-free.

 

Today's Word: The best time to have fruits is first thing in the morning or on an empty stomach. If you have fruits alongside a meal, it just rots in your tummy and has little or no benefits...

 

​;-)​ Enjoy the week!!

Thank God It Is Monday!!

Iheanacho! Iheanacho! Iheanacho! Iheanacho! Iheanacho!

'Since the retirement of Jay Jay Okocha and Kanuuuuuuuuu I have struggled to watch the Super Eagles of Nigeria'

 

In recent years watching the Nigerian National Team play has become a chore, they are usually very bland and offer little excitement.  Jay Jay and all the talented players of his generation have long retired and left us with very average players. A few years ago though while watching the U17 competition I and many others found the best player Nigeria will have in the next 15 years, Mr Kelechi Iheanacho. This guy can become the best African player since Mr. George Weah in my opinion. He has technical ability, vision, guile, finishing and composure. The only thing that can stop this man is nothing. Yes, Nothing can stop him. He kept me on the edge of my seat with his 6 goals and 7 assists, he was phenomenal to watch.

What can stop him?

Injuries? never, Ronaldo "the phenomenon" had numerous injuries and was still able to have a very successful career.

Partying? Ronaldinho was a notorious party man, he was also able to have an excellent career.

Bad Boy Attitude? Cue in Diego Maradona.      

My point is I do not see how Iheanacho will not become a great player Pep coming in to coach City will also be a massive boost for him. Pep is usually different class when it comes to handling young players, I hope he sees the potential in Iheanacho. In 2008, Pep allowed a certain Messi to go represent his country at the Beijing Olympics, when he returned he became different class. Something in my head is also telling me that this is an Olympic year, Iheanacho is left footed (like Messi) ooh my! lol!

Seriously, I have watched this kid play for 3 years now, I even watched some Elite Academy games and I am certain he is the real deal. Okay, maybe he might never become as great as El phenomenon who by his age was scoring 42 goals for PSV but he will at least rank amongst the greatest in the next 5 years (QUOTE ME).

I am an Arsenal fan (currently looking for a Nigerian team to support) but I am certain that many Nigerians will become City fans or make City their second team because of this lad.  

 Iheanacho! Iheanacho! Iheanacho! the great Nigerian hope :)

And for those debating on making him a permanent feature for the Super Eagles, Stop it! Stop it! All the greats started playing for the senior team early; he should also be in this year's Olympic team squad. Click here for articles on the boy, and here too hehe!-- follow him on @67kelechi on twitter. 

Pictures from Dailymail and other sources :)

 

  



Corruption Related Crimes

"One of the penalties for refusing to participate in politics is that you end up being governed by your inferiors.” Plato

 

Not too sure what the above quote has to do with the schematic of this write-up, whatever it is though, the quote kept haunting me throughout this weekend of bad news.

I got a call from my mum on saturday afternoon, I agreed to grudgingly meet up with her (Saturday is my day of rest and I seldom meet up with anyone). She broke the bad news; a 22 year old boy with a bright future ahead of him had just died in a road accident involving a motorbike (okada) he was in. He had gone to town for some engagements and had contacted his father as part of a routine to pick him up at a junction close to their home, they waited, and he never turned up.

This young man I can say we are family friends because we have been attending the same church for years and his parents and mine have struck a friendship. This young man was someone I knew, he was a good kid too.

A lot of people are sad, a family thrown into mourning for a death that could have been very well avoided. I blame corruption for this, I blame past corrupt governments for this, and I blame lawless Nigerians for this and many other avoidable deaths. May the blood of those who have died directly or indirectly from corruption related crimes forever haunt those who have taken deliberate action to divert money meant for the good of the nation into their personal pockets.

There is a reason why our life expectancy is 54 years old and we rank 177 in the world life expectancy ranking statistics. Apart from the chronic diseases that can kill anyone in the world, try driving on Nigerian roads, you will be lucky to make it to 54 years old.  People are lawless; people have their young impressionable kids in their cars but still beat traffic lights, climb on curbs and display a very high level of irresponsibility. You are stupid if you wait for the traffic light to pass you in some instances in this country you know? If you think I am exaggerating come towards Shoprite apo resettlement, Abuja area during rush hour and you will be amazed.

If this young man was living in a more responsible country, I doubt that he would have died the way he did. Nigeria as we have always been told is a country with plenty of resources, hell people have been stealing billions of dollars for years so there must be some truth to that tale right? If we are as rich as we have been told for ages why don’t we have good roads, efficient public transportation system, and power etcetera, why? Simple, since 1969, government has wasted every opportunity to help the citizens of Nigeria develop. So I blame most problems we face today on Nigerian politicians of the past, if they did their jobs we would have time to start Petitions about ‘sexist pricing’ like the Brits, or some other random luxurious petitions and not the constant moaning about basic amenities we have to consistently busy ourselves with.   

My theory on corruption related crime is simple, if a government has resources and refuses to upgrade its infrastructure or refuses to invest in better means of transportation for its people, when someone dies because of this neglect the government is to blame. Nigeria has had ample opportunity since we became independent in 1960 to improve the lives of her citizens, unfortunately successive governments have continually blown it.

Imagine that we had functioning trains, trams, buses, bicycle routes, researchers continually working on new ways to improve the public transportation sector etcetera, I am positive that many lives would not have been lost the way they have. For one, the option of getting on a motorcycle will not be in the equation because it will not even be a means of transport.

I just wish people that steal and divert public funds understand that they are committing a crime with the potential of leading to the deaths of hundreds of Nigerians. If you work in a public office and you are given money to buy arms or construct roads please do it, you can never tell who you will kill if you refuse to.   

This tragedy has affected me in many ways, for one I know I will work to ensure Nigeria is a better place for my children. L L L L L

RIP young man, Nigeria has wasted another soul. Sad! Sad! Sad! Avoidable Death..


NB: Next time you vouch for a thieving politician because he is from your village or whatever remember that his actions or inactions have led to many deaths.

 

           

 



'Nigerian Syndrome'

"One upside to this regime of Upward tax revenues is that it might finally break Nigerians out of default mumu-mode re govt accountability" Tolu Ogunlesi

 

I read the above quote yesterday and it had me in stiches because I completely agree with Mr. Tolu on this issue of increased taxes and how it might push Nigerians to hold government more accountable. I am so glad that oil prices are going to the gutters and we have been forced to work on loop-holes and force the government to think of new ways to generate revenue. 

For those of you not on social media or avid radio listeners you perhaps didn’t get wind of the various interpretations given to the move by the government to implement provisions of the Stamp Duties Act and Federal Government Financial Regulations of 2009. Some radio presenters said you will be charged 50 naira on every 1000 naira received, some others said it is one 50 naira charge for a total amount received over 1000 naira. I wonder what the facts are, the Nigerian conventional media is known for speculating instead of conducting proper research and presenting facts. Whatever the facts are taxes are going up in one way or the other yaaay!

 
So back to why I agree with Mr Tolu, my number one reason is the attitude of many Nigerians to this fight against past corrupt officials. I have been shocked my many responses when I have discussed with people about these ex-politicians or government officials with massive corruption cases hanging over their heads. People say things like: 'The government is focusing too much on corruption', 'why are they only chasing ex-PDP members' 'Let’s start the probe from 1960', 'he only stole 100 million naira' and other ridiculous statements.

 
Obviously people do not understand why 'countries' and 'government structures' were formed in the first place; if they did they will definitely not be talking like that. Better still, if people pay over 40 percent of their income in some form of taxes to the government I will be damned if they feel sympathy towards an alleged thieving politician or government official.

I was told a story of a Swedish politician (read up on the Mona Sahlin"Toblerone affair") who lost an election and destroyed her political career because the media revealed that she had bought some chocolates with her government credit card. Harsh? definitely, but the Swedes pay over 40percent of their incomes in taxes and I will be damned if they ever feel sorry for a anyone connected to corruption let alone put anyone with a shady past in charge of their finances. Obviously all countries get it wrong sometimes but in this case though I am certain that the government increasing taxes will make us hold them to account more and stop making excuses for criminals. Things like vandalisation of properties will also reduce when people understand that it is their tax that is used to build infrastructure and not some free for all crude oil produce (death to oil).  

NIGERIAN SYNDROME: "A play on the Stockholm syndrome, is a psychological condition where Nigerians feel sympathy towards government officials and politicians who have looted all their resources and mortgaged their futures". T

I will not be drawn into interpreting this document abeg! Interpret the document on the CBN website on your own and draw your own conclusions, God Bless Nigeria and No Place Else! You can also have a quick glance at the CBN directive sent to the banks below: