Community Engagement in Mgbowo town in Awgu LGA. Enugu State. ‪#‎NCI‬ ‪#‎YIAGA‬ ‪#‎CDD‬

 

During community engagement on good governance in collaboration with Center for Democracy and Development

Support the #NotTooYoungToRun bill to reduce the age limit for running for elective office

 

The House of Representatives has passed for first reading a Bill seeking to lower the constitutional age requirement for contesting for elections in Nigeria. The Bill with Gazette number HB. 544 was read and passed for the first time at the House plenary session on Wednesday, May 26th, 2016. Hon. Tony Nwulu representing Oshodi/Isolo II Federal Constituency of Lagos state sponsored the bill otherwise referred to as the #NotTooYoungToRun bill.
The bill seeks to alter the Section 65, 106, 131, 177 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) to reduce the age qualification for the office of the President from 40 years to 30 years; Governor 35 to 30, Senate 35 to 30, House of Representatives 30 to 25 and State House of Assembly 30 to 25.
The constitutional amendment bill if passed will address the legal challenge posed to young people seeking to run in elections thereby guaranteeing inclusion in our political process. The amendment will not only create a level-playing field for young people; it will enhance the competitiveness of electoral politics in Nigeria due to the innovative, creative, dynamism and resourcefulness that youths bring to the electoral process. Furthermore, the Bill will deepen intergenerational dialogue as more youths will gain access to the political process for more adult-youth engagement and partnership.
Signing this petition will ensure your voice is heard, and the age limits are reduced.

Sign here

Why Always Blame The Young People?

I told the government and the Nigerian youths that free competition cannot flow smoothly in an economy where government policies are anchored on taxation and artificial monopoly.
I am a Nigerian youth with some knowledge of micro, macro and development economics and I must tell you that in an economy where microeconomic theories like production, consumption, firm, competition and so on did not correlate effectively with the macroeconomic theories like GDP, Taxation, Government policies and so on, such economy is bound to face challenges in the gross domestic output.
People are complaining on how Nigerians are not into manufacturing, massive production, entrepreneurship and increase export, you know we import even tooth-pick. Have you ever thought of checking the areas where we have comparative advantage, availability/ accessibilty of raw materials, inter-relation of industries, VAT rate, government policies on taxation, economic ideology and politico-economic template, and so on?
Did you know that the so-called government agenda to industrialize Nigeria will end like dreams if some independent variable remain constant? Did you know that the price for the registration of a business name with the government of Nigeria has risen from 4000 naira to 10,000 naira with a fee of 500 naira just to check name availability?
How many times have government attracted business schools just like they have in Dubai to teach Nigerians at a subsidized rate? Oh! You think China and South Korea grew by imagination and shady axioms? You really need to think twice.
Have you ever wondered why more Nigerians succeed more outside Nigeria even in UK a place known for her dependence on taxation than inside Nigeria?
Research first before you dance to the political rhythm.
I strongly argue that the Nigerian government in collaboration with some Nigerian elites intentionally want the nation to remain poor just for self benefits until Malemas can stand up to challenge the status quo...

An open debate!

By Nebo Obinna Collins

Commonwealth Young Achievers Book

In commemoration of the 2015 Commonwealth theme "Young Commonwealth", the Commonwealth Youth Council (CYC) compiled success stories of 112 young people from across the Commonwealth from different backgrounds. The book also included some informative articles on youth volunteerism, peace building, politics, social change, entrepreneurship, environment and civic participation.

The 323 pages book presented stories of success, challenges and hopes of young people from 41 countries in the Commonwealth, among which 32 from Africa and Europe, 29 from Asia, 23 from Caribbean and Americas, and 12 from Pacific. The book is made up of 59 females and 53 males achievers. Nominations for the achievers were opened online and further nominations were made from different international civil society organisations and CYC partners.

The soft presentation of the book was made by the CYC chairperson, Ahmed Adamu, during the General Assembly of the CYC in Malta on 24th November 2015.

"The Commonwealth Young Achievers book is aimed to inspire young people to unleash their potentials, learn from their colleagues, and encourage the achievers, as well as to encourage sharing of ideas and best practices among young people. The book will serve as a symbol of unity in diversity and monument of contemporary young achievers. The book also contain some very educative articles written by the young people themselves".

The book is available online on the CYC website under resources menu. You can download your copy here

THE REDUCTION OF MINIMUM WAGE IN NIGERIA

According to Wikipedia the free encyclopedia, minimum wage is defined as the lowest remuneration that employers may legally pay to workers. Many have their opinions about the minimum wage, supports say it reduces poverty, increases the standard of living of workers, reduces inequality, boost morale and forces businesses to be more efficient. In contrast, opponents of the minimum wage  say it increases poverty, increases unemployment (particularly among unskilled or inexperienced workers).

       The current minimum wage of N18,000 which is calculated on monthly basis was calculated based on cost of living calculated by trade unions, based on inflation and statistical data from the national bureau of statistics and others related agencies.

      There is only one minimum wage act that covers both the public and private sectors. It also covers workers at federal, state and local government levels. 

      Pertaining to the current decision of some of the Nigeria governors to reduce the minimum wage, the governors who said they can no longer pay the monthly minimum wage to workers blamed the steep fall in the price of crude oil from $126 to the current $41 per barrel. 

     The opponents of the minimum wage reduction like the Akwa Ibom NLC (Nigeria Labour Congress) president Akpan-Nsoh says "Nobody should tamper with the 18,000 minimum wage. It is a law that has come to stay.

    In my opinion, I think just like NLC president of Akwa Ibom said nobody should have to tamper with the 18,000 minimum wage. 

     In an interview with NLC President Ayuba Wabba he said: "We reject it totally. Nigerian workers will never
accept it. We all know that it is a reality that N18,000 can no longer take the workers home and cannot sustain any family. Many countries are reviewing their minimum wage upwards to meet the current realities.

     In Nigeria, there is even greater need to increase the minimum wage because our currency had been devalued; inflation keeps rising among others. “What is the exchange rate of the Nigerian currency to the US Dollar or what is value of the N18,000 to the US Dollar? We must reject the move with all our might because we are not the cause of the problem. The government should think out of the box to find solution to the problem. When there was excess crude money, the workers did not benefit and so, we cannot bear the brunt. If the governors want us to close down the country, then the workers have no option than to do that. “What about their outrageous salaries, bloated overhead cost, inflated contracts and others? This issue is going to feature prominently and we need to come with a strong statement on it. Obviously we cannot bear the brunt. The governors should think how to generate revenue instead of depending on oil money and allocation from Abuja. The governors should know that the ₦18,000 minimum wage was not just negotiated, it was a product of a tripartite process involving the
governors, employers and organised labour. It passed through the National Assembly before former President Jonathan signed it into law. If any party wants to breach or renege on such agreement, they should be prepared for the consequences. We know there are challenges, but the governors should face reality. The problem is the cost of governance and too many frivolities. Today, with crazy bills from electricity providers, increase in fuel price, school fees, hospital bills, and other utilities, ₦18,000 cannot take any worker to the bus stop.

    Why should Nigerians have to suffer all these?! I am sure that those governors in support of reduction in minimum wage give their children more than that monthly for shopping. Workers are not monkeys. They shouldn't be paid peanuts. If there should be any reduction, it should be the salaries of those at the top not those earning ₦18,000. 

      Being a Governor is never by force. They asked for the job. If they knew they could not pay minimum wage why then did they contest?. I know for a fact that even plants, flowers at Government House cost more than ₦18,000 to maintain in a month, how much more a human? Governors keep going abroad without bringing in any initiative for sustainable jobs and then wake up and decide to reduce minimum wage, Why are they not contemplating the reduction of their own wages and allowances?. A man earning ₦18,000 struggles to pay rent, feed family & pay school fees, to reduce his pay is to punish his family.

    In conclusion, the government should not depend only on the nation's oil. How can a country like Nigeria
that is so blessed with the natural resources, with best brains in this world depend only on oil? I know it is funny to say that Nigeria is going bankrupt but it is what it is, our government have incurred huge debts and are still struggling to pay back, but really where and what has the borrowed money gone to. Lagos state owes about 400BN debt although obviously it was used for infrastructure and many others things while some where pocketed but should the poor masses have suffer the deeds of their supposed leaders by the reduction of their minimum wage?. 

                        By  Ifeoma Precious Imoh

Major Youth Challenges in Enugu State.

Massive youth unemployment is a major problem in Nigeria as a whole and not particular to the state. There are so many factors that have led to this huge youth negligence in Enugu State, starting with the fact that those in power are not actually doing the right thing. A wise man once said 'if the president wants an effective minister of youth,  he should ensure that his nominee is a youth and a youth is one between the ages of 18-35", this I strongly support. 

      The reasons why I think there are massive youth under development in Enugu is due to the following reasons; to begin with the popular factor of unemployment which has been a major contributor to poor youth growth in Enugu.

-The rate of unemployment in Enugu is amongst the highest in the country, mostly common in young graduates. Enugu formerly the administrative capital of the south east geo political zone in Nigeria is the largest city in the zone, with at least five tertiary institutions but also one of the highest with unemployment and crime rate in the country. 

    The National Bureau of Statistics says that at least twenty-eight per cent of youths of the state are unemployed. 

     The job rush at company vacancies exemplifies the scorching job shortage in Enugu State which makes me think that the government should be held responsible for unemployment in the state. In a situation where over 10,000 job seekers besiege an organization for 10 openings and then over 5000 people shortlisted for the 10 openings are required to pay N1,000 application fee each,  which would result to N5million in the coffers of the organization. Then I ask how can any sanity organization shortlist 5,000 people for 10 openings? Extorting money from the poor masses who need help?

     Another issue is massive youth under development in Enugu due to poverty in the state. 

-Poverty has found a way of clogging the development of youth in Enugu State. Poverty has caused the youths of the state to engage in so many mischievous and dreadful acts. Poverty in Enugu can also be a result of income inequality and political instability or corruption. To combat the massive under development in Enugu State the government should be able to establish proper education, skill acquisition, programs to eradicate idleness and so on.

    In conclusion, to help the youths become dependent and developed, the government should try to emulate some of the western culture which has made their youths a priority and has succeeded in establishing them by providing free education, free skill acquisition programs, free job opportunities, free food and so on. I believe that if our governments adopt these measures, our youths will definitely turn out to be great, productive and true leaders.

By Ifeoma.

Edited by: Nebo Obinna Collins

African Leaders of Tomorrow Scholarship Program

The African Leaders of Tomorrow (ALT) Scholarship Program commemorates the late Nelson Mandela’s commitment to social justice and equity by supporting young African professionals to become leaders in public policy and administration. The ALT Scholarship Program will grant scholarships to young African women and men to pursue a Master’s degree in public administration, public policy or public finances. Scholarships will be awarded based on merit to young professionals from sub-Saharan Africa. The Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE) in collaboration with The Institute of Public Administration of Canada (IPAC) will implement the ALT Scholarship Program with the objective of contributing to a strong and effective public sector in sub-Saharan Africa.  Special consideration will be given to equitable representation across the continent and to the advancement of women leaders.
This program is undertaken with the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development (DFATD), and The MasterCard Foundation.
The ALT Scholarship Program has two components:

• An academic component where the recipient of the scholarship will complete a one to two year Master’s level program in public administration, public policy or public finance at a Canadian university;
• A professional development component where the recipient of the scholarship will complete a comprehensive professional development plan which will include the development of a case study focusing on their home country, as well as exposure to Canadian knowledge, innovation and best practices in public administration and policy through mentoring, webinars and networking events.

2016 Competition (for study programs starting in September 2016) is open from September 8, 2015 to November 2, 2015. Candidates who contact us after October 27, 2015 might not be able to apply.

The ALT Scholarship Program is managed by CBIE, in partnership with IPAC and in collaboration with AAPAM:

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