A Blog About Nothing
Monday, 8 May 2017
Tuesday, 9 August 2016
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:
Read the article 'When corruption is good for the economy' by Chris Matthews: http://fortune.com/2014/08/07/corruption-economic-benefits/
Tuesday, 15 March 2016
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
- 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 |
Wednesday, 2 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
Read the full article here: http://nyti.ms/1mIf7xj
Tuesday, 23 February 2016
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
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:
For direct link to the official advert please click
All The Best!!!!
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.
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 direct link to the official advert please click
All The Best!!!!
Friday, 12 February 2016
'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!
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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Not to forget Jesse Lingard's version:
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:
Monday, 8 February 2016
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!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)