DR SID ENGAGEMENT PICTURE

Nigeria musician Dr Sid engaged Simi Osomo in Venice, Italy yesterday 7^th July, 2013. Congratulations to them.

CHIEF TONY ANENIH’S 80TH BIRTHDAY CHURCH SERVICE IN ABUJA

It was a blissful celebration of life on Sunday August 4^th, 2013 as Nigeria elder state man Chief Tony Anenih rolls out drums to celebrate his 80^th birthday in grand style. The mass started at about 12pm. This huge celebration brought together lot of politicians. Personalities sighted at the occasion include president Goodluck Jonathan, Dame Patience Jonathan, Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Former Head of State- Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida, Former head State- Abdulsalami Abubakar, governor Adams Oshiomole, Madam Pepple (minister for housing) only to mention a few.

Presiding over the church service was Arch Bishop John Olufemi Onayeikan (Arch Bishop of Abuja Arch Diocese), Bishop Joseph Bagobiri (Bishop of Kafancha), Bishop of Benin, Bishop of Minna, Bishop Mathew Hassan Kukah (Bishop of Sokoto) and a hand full of catholic priests.

Highlights of the church service were the wonderful presentation by the choir and the sermon presentation by Arch Bishop Onayeikan. In his very short sermon, he urged the government to ensure prompt payment of pensioners. He ended his sermon thus ‘let us celebrate, but as we celebrate, let us remember those who wonder if there is anything to celebrate’.

L-R Dame Patience Jonathan (Nigeria First lady), President Goodluck Jonathan, Mrs Josephine Anenih, chief Tony Anenih

Governor Adams Oshiomole shaking hands with Chief Tony Anenih

SAVE THE CHILDREN VACANCIES (NIGERIA): More vacancies with details on how to apply

 1.     Health Project Manager: Lagos

The primary purpose of this assignment is to oversee the child Health project in Lagos State. He/ she will take the lead in ensuring smooth roll out and implementation of the new child health project focussing on stopping preventable death from diarrhoea and Pneumonia in 4 LGAs of Lagos State(Agege, Ikeja, Ifako Ijaye and Ojo) in collaboration with Lagos State Ministry of Health and LG health departments.

2.        Wash coordinator: Lagos

        The primary responsibility of the WASH (Water Hygiene and Sanitation) coordinator is to provide technical oversight to all WASH interventions in the Child health project implemented in 4 LGAs of Lagos State etc.

Qualification: A minimum of bachelor degree in health environmental science. Additional qualifications in environment science, public health or any related field is an added advantage. At least 3 years work experience working in WASH in government structure, local NGOs or INGOs. Experience of working with local communities in implementing WASH intervention is essential.

3.      Advocacy Aviser: Lagos

To provide support to the Advocacy team on policy analysis, new programme development, advocacy initiatives, strategy development and pro-poor government agenda in the delivery of basic social services with focus on improving quality and access to health services.

Qualifications: post graduate degree in public health/ social science with at least 5 years experience in health social service delivery focussing on governance and enhanced voice and accountability. Profound knowledge in Nigeria governance and health systems and political terrains with ability to clearly communicate and easily relate to federal state authorities.

4.  Driver: Lagos (3)

The driver is responsible for the safe driving of save the children international vehicle, staff and assets. The driver will ensure cleaning, proper maintenance of vehicles in compliance with the Driver’s handbook and safe driving standards, ensuring the vehicle is fuelled in time for trips and the proper management of the fuel supply for that vehicle. The driver should do so in accordance with SCI policies and procedures.

Qualification: a full and clean driving licence should have 3-5 years experience of professional driving. Prior experience as a driver in an international NGO, UN agency or private company, ability to multi-task and work calmly under pressure is essential for this position. Excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to lead and work effective in insecure environment is critical. Some practical experience if user vehicle maintenance.

HOW TO APPLY

Please send your CV and covering letter on or before 13^th August, 2013 explaining why you are suitable to nigeriavacancy@savethechild.org. State position clearly in the subject field as application without appropriate subject will be disqualified. Also, applications received after the deadline will not be considered. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

SAVE THE CHILDREN VACANCIES (NIGERIA): Monitoring & Evaluation Coordinator-Lagos and other vacancies

1.     Campaign Assistant: Lagos

To provide support to the Child survival campaign and advocacy pillars of the Health team of save the children in Nigeria. To provide support as needed to organize campaign events and prepare for meetings, workshops and other related activities including maintaining links and assisting with documentations and preparing of campaign under the Bill and Milinder Gates Advocacy project.

Qualifications: a degree from a reputable University/institution in communication, media or marketing. Proven track record in producing quality campaign materials and organizing quality events.

2.              Administrative Assistant: Lagos

 The purpose of the assignment is to provide administrative support to team based in Abuja. The administrative assistant will provide logistics and administrative support for the implementation of activities in both Abuja and States. She/he will liaise and coordinate with the other departments in Abuja and ensure actions are taken and give feedback to the programme teams. They will also provide admin support across the organization as applicable.

Qualification: University degree in any field with at least 1 year experience of preferably in an NGO setting. Sting computer literacy proficient in Microsoft Office and excellent organizational and administrative skills and the ability to plan prioritize own work without close supervision.

3.                 Awards coordinator: Lagos

To ensure the maintenance of a robust and an effective grants management system that is compliant to SC grant systems and guidelines and meet donor requirements.

Qualifications: Bachelors in Accounting Degree (or equivalent certification). Minimum of 2 years similar work experience within a busy working environment such as an NGO. Excellent computer skills especially in MS Excel and MS word. Ability to work in a multinational setup. High level of integrity and ability to work as part of a professional team. Understanding of donour rules such as USAID/DFID etc.

4.           Human Resource Officer: Abuja

         To provide administrative support and assistance for the development and management of Human Resource functions, for the development and maintenance of policies and procedures for or the security of staff and for the promotion of the Child Safe Guarding Policy.

Qualification: a bachelor degree in Business Administration or social sciences with at least 2 years experience in similar role covering staff performance management as well as HR administration. A minimum of 5 years field based experience in complex and insecure settings, preferably in more than one country.

5.        Logistics coordinator: Lagos

The logistic coordinator is responsible to the logistics manager for supporting improvements and providing management in all logistics and procurement functions including the supply chain, fleet, assets and communications on coordination with the logistic and procurement staff.

Qualification: bachelor degree in purchasing and supply, supply chain management, business administration, social science or a related. Good experience in purchasing, clearing and forwarding, exemption waiver pursuit. NAFDAC and customs processes and procedures. Good experience in warehouse, vehicle management, administration. Practical experience in working HF and VHF radio. Good written and spoken English and other languages as required and should possess the ability to keep clear and concise records. Valid clean driving licence and sound driving skills. 

SAVE THE CHILDREN VACANCIES (NIGERIA)

1.     Deputy county director-Nigeria

As a member of the Nigeria Senior Management team the country Director will have shared accountability for save the children’s international development and emergency programming in a program of approximately $30 million each year through an organisation of more than 150 staff. You will lead the transformation of Save the Children’s strategy within the country through:

·        Delivery quality programmes, including advocacy, for children.

·        Serving Members and their donors.

·        Guaranteeing a structured growth of the operational platform and managing new opportunities.

Qualifications: In order to be successful within this role, you ideally have

·        Minimum of a first degree in social sciences and an MBA or equivalent.

·        Minimum of 7 years experience in a senior leadership role working in an International development context or at a similar level.

·        Proven experience of building, leading and developing a team of senior staff with different backgrounds and expertise.

·        Proven experience in program development and good knowledge of donors (including multilateral, institutional & corporates) and context in Nigeria.

·        Proven experience in managing a crisis situation requiring quick changes to priorities and rapid action to respond.

·        Proven experience in leading change in an organisation which has led to considerable results for the organisation and its stakeholders.

·        Track record of building personal networks at a senior level, resulting in securing new opportunities for the organisation.

·        Experience of solving complex issues through analysis, definition of a clear way forward and ensuring buy-in.

·        Strong skills and experience in planning, financial and budget management as well as people management.

·        Good understanding of operational, financial and support services management processes.

2.            Food Security and Livelihood Programme Officer-Kastina.

The main purpose of the job is to facilitate the implementation of the ECHO funded Emergency Food Security and Livelihoods Project in Kastina State at community level and liaise closely with State Level, the LGA and other district and ward level stakeholders.

Qualifications: First degree from a recognized/accredited Tertiary Institution in Nigeria, at least three years post-graduation experience.

            Previous experience with other local and international NGOs; Experience in Nutrition and in community based programmes.

            Training and experience on community mobilization and sensitization, Advocacy and Voice experience, Fluency in English and Hausa, spoken and written, Ability to work in partnership with government and other NGOs staff.

3.     Monitoring & Evaluation Coordinator: Lagos

To assume a lead technical role in developing, implementing and maintaining effective Monitoring and Evaluation systems for all project activities in coordination with the project management and state teams, and in line with BMGF reporting requirements, and with SC guidelines and best practices.

Qualifications: Advanced training in quantitative methodologies, including database management. 5 years of direct experience of monitoring and evaluation related to one or more of these fields: health, HIV, nutrition and/or economics. Strong analytic skills and an understanding of a range of methods for monitoring, evaluation and assessment to promote evidence-based learning, Demonstrated ability to design, commission and manage assessment methodologies and evaluation. Ability to build support from staff across teams and across members, and to build the capacity of others, Sound strategic thinking and planning skills, including ability to think creatively and innovate and to set priorities, manageable work plans and evaluate progress.

SEE THE LAST POST ON THIS TOPIC TO GET APPLICATION DETAILS

Mugabe rivals condemn Zimbabwe election as 'illegal and unfair' MDC's Tendai Biti claims evidence of fraud, intimidation, and invalid names on voters' roll including those of the deceased

By David Smith in Harare

Millions of Zimbabweans went to the polls on Wednesday in an election that opponents of Africa's oldest leader, Robert Mugabe, condemned as "illegal, illegitimate, unfree and unfair".

Voting was peaceful and turnout high across the country but the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC), attempting to end Mugabe's 33-year-rule, claimed to have uncovered evidence of massive fraud and rigging.

"Thousands and thousands of people are being disenfranchised by virtue of not finding their names on the voters' roll," said Tendai Biti, the MDC secretary-general and finance minister in the government. He described election officials as arrogant and insensitive to the complaints.

Biti took matters into his own hands, storming into a polling station in the Mount Pleasant area of the capital, Harare, claiming that 2,000 voters, many of whom were underage, had been brought in from rural areas to vote for Mugabe's Zanu-PF party.

"They don't even stay in Mount Pleasant," he snapped, turning to one voter and demanding that he name one street in the neighbourhood. The voter stared at Biti impassively and said nothing.

The minister fumed: "They can't even be persuaded to lie, Zanu-PF is so desperate … we can't cheat an election, guys. How can you cheat blatantly like this? It's the mother of all rigging to prevent the mother of all defeats."

One of the buses used to transport the voters had a sign for Honde Valley, more than 185 miles away near the Mozambican border, but the driver declined to say where he picked the passengers up. "It's not a secret – but we're not allowed to say that," he muttered.

An extra polling tent appeared to have been set up for the voters, most of whom were young and had shaved heads; all stared ahead silently and refused to speak. Biti claimed the shaved heads were synonymous with Zanu-PF's youth militias.

Speaking into a mobile phone to demand a court injunction, Biti could be heard saying: "They are ultra rural, from the back of beyond."

Zizhou Fambisai, the local election presiding officer, said he could not tell where the voters were from. A police officer insisted they were police recruits brought by bus from a nearby training base.

Earlier Biti had produced a long list of objections to the conduct of the elections, arguing that the voters' roll contained two million invalid names, that there was renewed intimidation in rural areas, and that extra voting papers had been printed in a plot to swap ballot boxes.

"We've already made clear this election is illegal, illegitimate, unfree and unfair," he said, while still predicting an MDC victory. "We are participating with a heavy heart."

An independent election observer who analysed the roll last month also cited huge irregularities. "There are clearly hundreds of thousands of deceased people on the voters' roll. Either that or Japan does not have the oldest age population in the world. There are thousands of 114-year-olds."

At the last election, in 2008, the MDC leader, Morgan Tsvangirai, beat Mugabe in the first round but then withdrew from a run-off, citing violence in which more than 200 people died.

Eventually the two men formed a unity government with Tsvangirai as prime minister, bringing a degree of stability as the economy went into meltdown.

This time Mugabe has declined to make confident predictions and has promised to stand down if he loses, although other Zanu-PF ministers insist that victory is certain.

Accompanied by his wife, Grace, and their children, he voted at around noon at Mhofu primary school near his former home in Highfield township. He emerged from a concrete classroom and waved his little finger coated in pink dye. Asked if he was nervous about the outcome, he told the Guardian: "No, no, no, I've gone past that. At 89?" The politician long accused of brutal authoritarianism by human rights watchdogs was confident of a credible election. "I haven't got an account yet but I suppose they're still gathering information. I'm sure people will vote freely and fairly. There is no pressure being exerted on anyone. So far, so good."

He described the MDC's claims of vote rigging as politicking, adding: "They want to find a way out."

There has been speculation that, should Mugabe prevail, he will step down before his 90th birthday and hand power to one of his allies in Zanu-PF.

But asked by journalists if he would serve a full term, the president, bidding for his seventh straight election win, said: "Why not? Don't you want me to serve the whole term? Why should I offer myself as a candidate if it is to cheat the people into resigning after?"

Other voters queued patiently at the school. Mugabe had support from Kelvin Mudzing, 23, an electrician. "Robert Mugabe is the only person who can stand for us. We're the younger generation and we need someone with the sense of where we're coming from. We should keep him as long as he's willing to serve."

But as in much of Harare, the MDC is expected to win here with young voters demanding democratic change.

One first-time voter, 24-year-old James Hanoki, had arrived at 3.30am to make sure he cast his ballot; he was 32nd in the queue. He voted at 7.40am. . "I'm feeling great. I've managed to do what I'm supposed to do as a Zimbabwean to bring the change we need. I believe that democracy can come. I believe that we can be like any other nation that holds democratic elections."

Wearing an Arsenal football shirt, Donald Mavhudzi, 28, a property manager, had queued for five hours before voting. "We really wanted to vote for change. Here in Zimbabwe they call us the born-frees. We didn't experience the liberation struggle and for some of us it's the first time to vote.

"The 2008 election was a bit tense. There was a lot of violence and people were afraid, but this has been peaceful so far and people are excited. If the playing field remains level today, I would say Morgan Tsvangirai will the election by 65+%. But nobody knows what will happen after the election."

Casting his vote at a high school in Harare, Tsvangirai, challenging Mugabe for the third time, appeared less jocular than his opponent. He said he expected to win "quite resoundingly".

There were 6.4 million voters in a nation of 12.9 million people. Mugabe refused to allow western observer missions, including one from the Jimmy Carter Centre, to monitor voting. But western embassies were permitted to deploy a limited number of diplomats to key districts. The African Union and southern African region also had thousands of observers.

The Zimbabwe Election Support Network, a coalition of non-government organisations, said it had observed the elections in "a calm and peaceful environment" but added: "It is regrettable that the voters' roll remained unavailable, and this can potentially undermine the credibility of the electoral process."

Source: www.theguardian.com

DREAM KILLER OR NURTURER?

While a dreamer requires determination, purpose, resilience, tenacity, focus, faith, and hard work to achieve his goals, an adviser to another’s dream require right perception to be able to encourage other’s dream. Perception is the factor that guides human reasoning in delivering comments in an issue. If you cannot key in into the creative mind of a dreamer, you might not be able to give the right advice to him when he ask for one.

Always let your perception to people’s dream and aspirations be positive even when it contradicts popular belief. Give simple honest accretion devoid of negative intentions. I find that most times when you share your ideas with people, they will bring your attention to negative aspect of your dream and dwell on it. Many of these persons never weigh the merits of such dreams, plan and ideas. It is a wrong attitude to life that many of us posses. I used to posses the same quality long time ago.

If after sharing a vision or idea with someone, the person start drawing your attention to reasons why your plans will not work, I advice you seek advice elsewhere. That fellow has not opened his mind to conceive in fullness your dream aspiration.

The next time someone shares an idea with you, appreciate how much work the dreamer have done so far and give credit him\her for trying. Many people criticize and condemn ideas that they would never have conceived themselves let alone incubate. Appreciate that young man\woman for trying before bringing his attention to the negative aspects. Let your expression carry genuineness and sincerity of intents. Choose your words wisely without making the other feel bad about sharing an idea with you.

In a little way, we are responsible for the happiness of people around us. We can make others feel better about almost everything by making conscious effort to help. It starts with perception.     

To your success,

ADIO ANTHONY O.