News
Lagos Doles Out N1.5Bn for Research, Invites Youth to Access Fund
Babatunde Fashola, Lagos State governor, has urged youths in the state to come forward and access the N1.5 billion Research Fund provided by the government to develop new innovations and solutions.
Fashola who spoke on Thursday at the Main Auditorium, Lagos State University (LASU), to a cross section of students from various tertiary institutions, including those from LASU, Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH), Lagos State College of Education (LACOED) and Lagos City Polytechnic,said a committee to set guidelines for access of the research fund, has already been inaugurated, while an Innovative Council, headed by Commissioner for Science and Technology, has been set up.
The event was put together to mark his 2,200 days in office.
The governor said the idea was to challenge youths to begin to develop new strategies through adaptive, innovative and creative thinking.
He stressed that current state of the nation warrants that the training methods be re-orientated to retain the critical building blocks, but at the same time become adapted to the real needs of society.
But, he lamented that six months since the year started, no one had come up to apply for the research fund saying that the future development of the country rests in the ability of the present generation to think up home grown ideas and models to solving problems.
“Currently for this year the sum of N1, 500,000 was budgeted and to my knowledge no person has applied for the research fund”.
“The training of our doctors must adapt to what we are seeing today. Public health issues, life style diseases like hypertension, heart and kidney diseases and cases of cancers.
“We must find ways to treat these locally and keep the jobs here.
“Our medicine must now focus also on sports medicine which is a growing area of need and which requires specialisation”.
“We must stop thinking about treating malaria, and start thinking about how to eradicate plasmodium or create a vaccine for it. We have put a research fund there. Please use it”.
On the IPP project, Fashola said the state government is already putting finishing touches to commence the project to service government offices in Ikeja and environs, including the Alausa Secretariat.
He said on completion of that phase, the project will be extended to accommodate tertiary institutions in the state.
Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has alleged collusion between commercial banks and government officials to re-loot recovered funds from Sani Abacha, late dictator.
Sani Abacha
The $322 million Abacha loot, recovered in December 2017 and earmarked for Conditional Cash Transfer under the Social Investment Programme, was intended to provide monthly stipends to vulnerable Nigerians.
However, Dele Oyewale, spokesperson for the EFCC, disclosed that investigations have uncovered financial malpractices involving COVID-19 funds and World Bank-assisted loans coordinated by the Humanitarian Ministry. Several interdicted and suspended officials of the ministry have been linked to the alleged malfeasance, with N32.7 billion and $445,000 recovered from them.
Managing directors of implicated banks have provided statements, and investigations are ongoing, with former minister Sadiya Umar-Farouq and her successor, Beta Edu, summoned for questioning.
The EFCC stressed that the probe targets a systemic issue rather than individuals, signaling a crackdown on corruption within Nigeria’s financial sector and government agencies.
The eagerly anticipated E3 Conference, hosted by FITC, is back for its fourth edition, poised to set new benchmarks in the realm of employee engagement and organizational sustainability.
Themed, “Redefining HR Through AI & Digital Transformation for Organizational Sustainability,” the conference is scheduled to take place on April 17th and 18th.
In a statement, FITC says the E3 Conference stands as a beacon of innovation, bringing together thought leaders, industry experts, policymakers, and professionals from across Africa and beyond.
It explained that in today’s fast-paced landscape, technology such as AI and automation is reshaping the dynamics of human resource management.
“The E3 Conference is dedicated to unravelling the potential of these advancements, focusing on topics ranging from talent mobility to the latest trends in managing talent. It’s a journey towards understanding and embracing these transformative shifts, ensuring that businesses are primed for the future of HR.
“With a stellar lineup of over 24 speakers, including C-suite Executives, Subject Matter Experts, and Thought Leaders from various sectors, the conference promises to deliver insights that transcend conventional boundaries. Attendees can expect deep dives into strategies for enhancing productivity, streamlining processes, and maximizing global talent mobility through AI and automation, “it stated.
“Keynote speakers such as Evi Ifekwe, Executive Director of People & Country Services at TotalEnergies EP Nigeria Limited, and Wale-Smatt Oyerinde, Director-General of NECA, alongside a faculty lineup comprising industry stalwarts, will spearhead discussions on critical issues shaping the future of work.
The two-day hybrid event will feature four plenary sessions and two master classes, providing attendees with ample opportunities for networking, knowledge exchange, and interactive engagement.
Participants will delve into topics such as the impact of AI on the future of work, data-driven performance management, and strategic implementation of AI in HR.
The conference is expected to provide insights into cutting-edge strategies for professionals and HR leaders who will gain invaluable insights from industry pioneers on leveraging AI and digital transformation to drive organizational sustainability and employee engagement, “it stated.
“As organisations worldwide grapple with the complexities of the new normal, the E3 Conference serves as a beacon of hope and enlightenment, offering practical solutions and visionary insights to navigate the challenges ahead, ” the company said.
L-R: The Director General, National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) Kuru, Prof. Ayo Omotayo presenting an Award to the Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu during a study tour of the Senior Executive Course 46 at the NASENI Headquarters Abuja today, Monday 15th April, 2024.
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