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Panic as Rumour Links GSM to Earthquake

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Some mobile phone users switched off their phones last week after rumours broke out that cosmic rays entering the earth could cause earthquake in the country, Nigeria CommunicationsWeek can now reveal
Panic-stricken Nigerians who waited for assurances from authorities, but got little information resorted to conjectures.
It was reminiscent of the July, 2004 rumour that it was possible for a GSM phone to kill people.
On Friday however, industry experts and Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the apex regulator who spoke with Nigeria CommunicationsWeek, dismissed the rumour and were unanimous that it lacked “scientific evidence”
But the rumour succeeded in raising awareness to the looming disaster posed by the imminent volcanic eruption from Lake Nyos in the Republic of Cameroun and the danger it poses to some parts of Benue, Taraba, Adamawa and Cross River States.
It began like a joke on Wednesday last week when the text message quoting Nasa, United States space agency and BBC read “Cosmic rays entering earth from Mars. So switch off your mobiles from 4pm today to 6am tomorrow by NASA/BBC News, please tell others”.
This reporter received the first copy of the message on Wednesday, January 20 at 3.20pm and by Friday, the rumour assumed another life spreading fears and panic. Some Nigerians took it serious and also spread it by word of mouth.
Nigeria CommunicationsWeek gathered that an impending earthquake was associated with the cosmic rays, energetic particles originating from outer space that impinge on Earth’s atmosphere. The recent devastating earthquake in Haiti only helped to fuel the rumour mill.
Some said that comic rays were attacks from the evil spirits while others claimed it was a way to control traffic on some networks. Elsewhere, another group said it could be a de-marketing strategy after claims that the cosmic rays affect only a particular network.
Nigeria CommunicationsWeek recalled that in 2004, stories claiming people have died after they received phone calls from certain numbers owned by the local GSM operator broke out.
Experts said that stories are baseless and had no scientific evidence and urged Nigerians to ignore the stories.
Reuben Mouka, head of media and public relations, NCC, said there is no scientific evidence to support the stories and urged mobile users to continue using their devices.
Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem, president, Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (Atcon), nodded in agreement.
As they spoke attention, concerns are mounting although; no active earthquakes have been established in Nigeria.
But a review of seismicity record in Nigeria by Dr. Adepelumi A. A of department of Geology, Obafemi Awolowo University, had showed that Nigeria may not be aseismic as has hitherto been believed.
He pointed at recent events in Nigeria: Ijebu-Ode (July and August, 1984); Gulf of Guinea (December, 1984). Warri (1933), Lagos (1939); Umuahia (July, 1961); Kundunnu, Bauchi (1981); Dambatta, Kano (July, 1975); Yola (December, 1984) and Gombe (June, 1985).
Adepelumi therefore urged that monitoring and prediction of earthquake hazards should begin by a proper documentation of the pathways through which they emanate, using seismological data.

 

 


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Bankers, Officials Colluding to Re-loot Recovered Abacha’s Fund-  EFCC

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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.

Bankers, Officials Colluding to Re-loot Recovered Abacha’s Fund-  EFCC

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.


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FITC to Redefine HR with AI, Digitisation for Organisational Sustainability

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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.


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NASENI Collaborates with NIPSS on Enhancing Digital Economy, Job Creation

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National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) and the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, Plateau State are set to collaborate on enhancing Nigeria’s digital economy footprints, empowering and creating jobs for millions of youths.

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.

The Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (EVC/CEO),  NASENI, Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, disclosed this while welcoming participants of the Senior Executive Course (SEC) 46 of NIPSS who were at the Agency on Strategic Institution Study tour on Monday, 15th April, 2024.
Halilu said he was elated that NASENI was identified as one of the federal government’s agencies that have all it takes to empower and create job opportunities for Nigerian youths, and make the country self-reliant in
manufacturing and digital economy.
Halilu said strengthening the capacity of key stakeholders in Nigeria to access, adopt and scale up technologies is an essential outcome of such cooperation and collaborations currently being undertaken by the Agency and “must be supported by the relevant offline conditions, such as an enabling policy environment, access to finance, appropriate incentives and innovation capacities.”
The Director-General of NIPSS, Prof. Ayo Omotayo, who led the delegation, said Nigerian youths can be empowered through translation of NASENI innovations to finished products and to strengthen the collaboration between the two organizations.
According to him, various groups from the institute have been sent to different agencies to study how policies for national development can be developed, adding that the Group in NASENI will do a deep study on NASENI on how the Agency can help in creating job opportunities for Nigerian youths using some of its technological innovations.
He said “Nigeria cannot have good manufacturing without infrastructures and NASENI is very important in all the sectors in the country, especially in manufacturing industries. We need an Agency like NASENI to live up to expectations, we can work together with you to find means of transferring your innovations to effective job creation and youth empowerment.”
He noted that the Course 46 participants from NIPSS wanted to know the vision, mission and roles of NASENI and how they can be translated to job creation for youths in a digital economy.

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