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HND/BSC Dichotomy: Concerned NSCDC Officers Writes Tinubu, Others

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HND/BSC Dichotomy: Concerned NSCDC Officers Writes Tinubu, Others

HND/BSC Dichotomy: Concerned NSCDC Officers Writes Tinubu, Others

 

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Following the disparity between Higher National Diploma (HND) and University Degree holders, some concerned men and officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps have called on the federal government to wade into the issue.

 

 

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The group who was lamenting the ill-treatment and lack of career progression in the Corps said the disparity in the scheme of service has resulted in a lack of morale booster for holders of HND holders in the NSCDC.

 

 

 

 

 

It could be recalled that recently, the Federal government removed the dichotomy between degree and higher national diploma certificate holders in the civil defence, fire, immigration, and prison services.

 

 

HND/BSC Dichotomy: Concerned NSCDC Officers Writes Tinubu, Others

 

 

There has been a disparity between holders of the two academic qualifications in the civil service. At the entry point, degree holders are usually a notch higher on the grade level than their diploma-holding counterparts.

But while lamenting the lack of equal treatment by the Corps, the Concerned HND holders in NSCDC said the 2012 intakes who are HND holders in NSCDC are being badly treated, compared to their mates in other Sister Agencies under the same Ministry of Interior.

” HND holders were recruited into the NSCDC in the year 2012 as Inspector of Corps rank (Grade Level 07). The same year, on the same process, NCE holders were placed on GL 07 and Bsc holders on GL 08.

“This was based on the conditions of service at that time, which was a bad indicator of suppressing some set of people instead of encouraging competency and proactiveness between HND holders and Bsc, as is found in other Sisters Agencies for effective service delivery because of how sensitive security responsibility is.

“We wrote the Confirmation and Promotion examination in the year 2014, with the Bsc counterparts, being the statutory year to be confirmed, according to Public Service Rules.

‘The Bsc holders were advanced, but rather, in our case, we were not advanced neither properly placed nor promoted after passing the COMPRO exam, contrary to extant regulations

The group said in 2016, there was another replacement/recruitment exercise, and all Officers recruited then as Assistant Superintendent of Corps II (ASCII) were all given automatic promotions to the next rank while all HND holders recruited in 2012 were still in stagnation as Inspectors of Corps. (Grade level 7) till 2018.

But in 2018, the Federal Government enforced the removal of the HND/BSC dichotomy, and this order was implemented in other Sister Para-military Agencies under the Ministry of Interior since the year 2016. That, therefore, became a saving grace for HND 2012 intakes to progress to ASCII (Level 8) in 2018

“Majority of our Bsc holders, counterparts, that we were recruited together in the year 2012, are now hanging the rank of Superintendent ( Eagle, i.e. GL 11), while up to 95% of us, HND holders of 2012 recruits, are painfully stagnated to one star( ASCII, GL 08) up till now i.e. year 2023!

“After being denied promotion exams for many years, 2022 made it the 4th consecutive year that we have been writing and passing promotion examinations, yet, without promotion!

“All other categories of personnel, including SSCE, NCE and Trade test holders have been writing promotion exams, as at when due, except the holders of the HND 2012 intake who have been variously denied for several years!

“Some junior officers that were recruited in 2012 with CAIII, GL 03, (The least rank) who later got themselves enrolled in Part-time degree programs, were not only converted to the Senior rank but also inexplicably got promoted to two-star (ASCI, GL 09), thereby placing them above us that were recruited initially with HND Certificates in 2012!

“Since April 16, 2012( 11 years down the line), when we were nominally enlisted into NSCDC, the majority of us don’t know what a promotion letter looks like. Even the so-called 2016 Advancement, up till now, there is no letter issued to that effect!

“It has become an annual ritual in NSCDC that Officers from the junior cadre get converted into the Superintendent cadre, thereby creating an unnecessary and questionable shoot-up in the number of senior officers in the Corps, and also making promotion to the next rank extremely difficult, to the detriment of us that were recruited with HND certificate in 2012!

“Having removed the dichotomy, The NSCDC started upgrading both the holders of Bsc and HND of 2019 intakes together. Those who got recruited and trained in the year 2022 were decorated with one star. This means they will be hanging two stars as soon as their COMPRO results are considered, just like their colleagues in the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS), are already in two stars. Without mincing words, this places us in an uncomfortable, unpalatable and unacceptable position of having to be juniors to two batches of recruits after us (i.e. 2016 and 2019 intakes)!

“Our career stagnancy after 11 years of enlistment into the active service of NSCDC is unfair and unjust. There is no gainsaying this is alien to the Public Service Rule which stipulates that officers in our cadre should have a maximum of three years before they get promoted to the next rank. We shouldn’t be made to write another promotion exam this year again as we have been grossly shortchanged in the years back.

The group then called on President Bola Tinubu, the Senate President and all concerned to look into their matter and restore them to the right rank which reflects their years of service, just like the 2012 Bsc holders and HND holders in other Sister Agencies.

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NIGERIAN ARMY DID NOT CONFISCATE PROPERTY OF ENUGU RESIDENT, IT RIGHTFULLY BELONGS TO THE NA

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*NIGERIAN ARMY DID NOT CONFISCATE PROPERTY OF ENUGU RESIDENT, IT RIGHTFULLY BELONGS TO THE NA

 

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The Nigerian Army (NA) has been notified of a viral petition written by the Civil Rights Realisation and Advancement Network (CRRAN) alleging that 82 Division of the NA is threatening to forcefully and unlawfully take over a property situated at Plot 30, Abakaliki Road, Enugu, which includes No. 7 Abakaliki Lane in the Government Residential Area (GRA) of Enugu State.

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The NA wishes to state that the petition, which also posits that 82 Division, in defiance to a letter from the Office of the Chief of Army Staff decided to take the law into its hand and supplant the rule of law, is completely unfounded and intended to tarnish the ongoing efforts of the NA to restore peace and tranquility in the South East Region.
It is therefore necessary to set the record straight in order not to mislead the public. The said property is the NA property that was last occupied by Col Emeka Ugwuoke Rtd during his service. The senior officer who was allocated the quarter during his service was removed therefrom by the NA in April 2023, when he tried to convert the quarter to his private property after his retirement. Surprisingly, it is on one corner of the property from where the NA ejected the retired senior officer that the trespassers invaded.

 

NIGERIAN ARMY DID NOT CONFISCATE PROPERTY OF ENUGU RESIDENT, IT RIGHTFULLY BELONGS TO THE NA

 

 

The NA is a disciplined institution that respects human rights and the rule of law. We urge the public to disregard the narrative that suggests the NA is acting unlawfully or without respect for due process. The NA’s position is that the property remains under its ownership, until proven otherwise through appropriate legal channels, and any claims to the contrary are based on misinformation.

Consequently the NA calls for a thorough investigation and due process to resolve the matter, and it stands ready to present its evidence of ownership to the competent authorities. We also wish to reaffirm our commitment to the rule of law and the proper resolution of this dispute in accordance with Nigerian legal standards and provisions.

ONYEMA NWACHUKWU
Major General
Director Army Public Relations
9 May 2024

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The Chronicles of Bishop Paul N. Vincent: Unveiling a spectacular voyage from belief to Empowerment- An Epic Narrative of Endurance and Dedication*

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*The Chronicles of Bishop Paul N. Vincent: Unveiling a spectacular voyage from belief to Empowerment- An Epic Narrative of Endurance and Dedication*

 

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In an exclusive interview conducted by Emmanuel Clement, we embark on an illuminating exploration of the remarkable life and visionary leadership of Bishop Paul N. Vincent.
As the driving force behind Persistence Works TV Network (PWTN) and Vincent Paul Ministries Int’l, Bishop Vincent’s journey from personal transformation to global impact is an inspiring testament to faith, resilience, and unwavering commitment to service.

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*Can we have meet you sir?*

I am Bishop Paul N. Vincent, a leader with a diverse portfolio including roles as President/CEO of Persistence Works TV Network (PWTN), Publisher of Persistence Works Magazine, and head of Vincent Paul Ministries Int’l. Based in El Paso, Texas, my journey encompasses various spheres of influence, from media to ministry, all fueled by a profound commitment to service.

*How did your journey of faith begin, and what prompted your salvation?*
My salvation journey was catalyzed by a family tragedy in 1982, ultimately leading me to embrace Christ in 1985 during a powerful revival service. This transformative encounter set the course for my lifelong commitment to faith and service.

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*Since you gave your life to Christ, have you ever thought of backsliding from the faith?*

No I haven’t. Although many people within my extended family at that time didn’t think I would go all the way. They thought I would soon backslide since I was so young (I was 11 years old when I started attending the church, but was 13 when I made a firm & final decision to give my life and to follow Christ all the way). So they felt by the time the “pleasures of life” begin presenting themselves to me, that I’d backslide. But God’s Faithfulness has proved them all wrong! I’m still here by the Grace of God, still following Christ after almost 40 years now! Praise God!

*Before embarking on ministry, what endeavors did you pursue?*

Prior to diving into full-time ministry, I embarked on a journey of learning and service. From pioneering ministry works in Nigeria to serving as an Army Chaplain in the U.S., my path has been marked by a pursuit of knowledge, leadership, and social impact.

*What is the overarching vision and mandate of your ministry?*

The Vision and mandate of our ministry are:
*To liberate those oppressed by the devil and draw such into the Kingdom Of God by the preaching of the Gospel.
*To Minister healing to the sick: physically, emotionally & spiritually.
*To effectively communicate Christ to our society and the world.
*To preach and teach the word in order to build, develop & mature the Body Of Christ.
*Maximizing the media to propagate the Gospel through: Publications, Television, Social Media, Crusades, Conferences & Charity.

*Have you ever experienced regret as a minister of God?*

Well, we all are constantly growing and learning. The most important thing in life is not that you made mistakes, it’s that you’re able to quickly learn from it, grow and move on beyond it. So yes there were few choices or actions that one might have wished could have been done differently or so, but it’s all part of the learning curves in life. But what I don’t ever regret at any time is: Giving my life to Christ at an early age; answering the Call of God at an early age; getting married to my wife; serving in the US military and other such key choices in life; I don’t regret any of them.

*How do you handle critics?*

If they are constructive criticism, people that want you to do well or better and offer criticism in a way to help you do better and be better: I thank them, accept & evaluate the criticism; If I need to do something different or change something or so, wisdom demands that you do whatever that will help you become a better version of your tomorrow than you were today. But, if they are destructive criticism, people who just want to tear you down and don’t care about you or what you are doing: then I just ignore them, keep doing what am doing. But in some cases, your critics today may become your cheerleaders and fans tomorrow, so I try not to take most criticism so personal. Of course everyone won’t like you, love you or appreciate what you’re doing. So be at peace with that fact of life too!

*Should Christians actively engage in politics?*

Absolutely. Christians have a vital role to play in shaping the political landscape, bringing principles of integrity, justice, and compassion to governance. As stewards of society, our engagement in politics is both a responsibility and an opportunity to effect positive change.

*What’s your perspective on the current political climate?*

The current political climate underscores the urgency of our times, with global upheavals and conflicts signaling the need for steadfast leadership and spiritual discernment. As we navigate these turbulent waters, it’s imperative to uphold values of righteousness and perseverance.

*What do you think is the solution to the ravaging insecurities in the country?*

Bottom Line is that Nigeria needs to be restructured, period! All the issues the nation is facing or dealing with, (more especially insecurity) are only the symptoms, the root cause of Nigeria’s problem is foundational and structural. When you keep forcing strange bed mates to live together and they don’t want to, you’ve set the stage for whatever you get. If you are sick and you go to the hospital, a good doctor won’t just treat your symptoms, they’ll try to get to the root of the problem why you are having those symptoms, which is why they ask you to go do scan, MRI, various tests, etc; so that they can identify the root cause of the sickness and treat it from there, because if you get the root cause taken care of, the symptoms will easily be treated or taken care of. So most of what Nigeria’s political leadership have been doing over the past 63 years plus, since her independence, is treating the symptoms and hoping to cure the sickness. No it doesn’t work that way. To treat the root cause of Nigeria’s problem will require restructuring the country. Again, due to the failed structure, there are people who are benefiting from it the way it is now (even with all the insecurity) that will want things to remain the way they are now, as long as they are benefiting, they don’t care. Which is also part of the problem, people or politicians want what benefits them & not what’s best for everyone.

So when you restructure, then every region can develop at their pace, maximize their full potential, including potential for economic growth and industrialization, solve their problems in the context of what works for them and most of the criminal elements will either change and be engaged in something more productive or will have to face the full weight of the laws. Again even in being able to restructure, it’ll take a leadership that is visionary and selfless. And the question is, does Nigeria have such leaders now, I doubt it! But I pray am proven wrong!

*Where do you envision your ministry in the next 5 years?*

Looking ahead, I envision our ministry expanding its reach and impact across diverse platforms. From a thriving TV network and publication to impactful community initiatives, our goal is to touch lives and transform communities on a global scale.

*What message do you have for those who thought there is no hope from political leaders in the country?*

Actually, is there any hope from political leaders in the country? I doubt it! But in any case, I pray that the political leaders will at least for once, try to prove people wrong by doing the right things & putting policies in place that’ll benefit the people and that’ll move the nation forward. That they’ll serve selflessly and not be about themselves. And I pray that God will one day bless this nation with the right crop of selfless leaders who will be willing to go to any lengths to serve their people and improve their quality of life.

*What has life taught you over the years?*

Life has thought me that: PERSISTENCE WORKS! Whatever you do in life; Don’t Give Up! Don’t throw in the towel because IF you keep Persisting in the face of adversity, danger, failure, set back, criticism or persecution, soon your persistence will work for you, because I am a proof that PERSISTENCE WORKS!

Another thing that life taught me was when I completely went blind in my left eye for almost a year due to cataract. But I eventually had surgery to remove the cataract and regained my sight. That experience taught me how priceless being able to SEE could be. And I thought within myself, that had it been I didn’t have the means or finances to do the eye surgery, I would have remained completely blind in that eye. So that birthed a new project: Cataract Medical Mission, as part of our Persistence Works Charity Project. So now we help people who have cataract or now blind and don’t have the means to pay for the surgery, we help them to pay for cataract surgery or even for glaucoma surgery. And we’ve helped a couple of people so far and hope to do it on a more larger scale soon. So giving back when God has blessed you or shown you mercy is one thing life and God’s Word has taught me.

*“Bishop Paul N. Vincent’s journey exemplifies the power of faith, resilience, and visionary leadership. His unwavering dedication to service continues to inspire and uplift countless individuals worldwide.”*

 

The Chronicles of Bishop Paul N. Vincent: Unveiling a spectacular voyage from belief to Empowerment- An Epic Narrative of Endurance and Dedication*

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Boxing Competition: Unboxx Sports Partners Elite Solar And Inverter

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Boxing Competition: Unboxx Sports Partners Elite Solar And Inverter

Boxing Competition: Unboxx Sports Partners Elite Solar And Inverter

 

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Lagos, Nigeria (8th May 2024) – UNBOXX SPORTS and ELITE SOLAR AND INVERTER, one of Nigeria’s fastest-growing green energy company, are delighted to announce a new major partnership.

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Boxing Competition: Unboxx Sports Partners Elite Solar And Inverter

 

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UNBOXX SPORTS exists to bring a new experience to the sports arena – for brands, athletes and sports fans alike.

UNBOXX SPORTS unique level of service emulates our clients’ discipline, passion, and determination–a formidable synergy. Our hands-on approach provides each client with strategic, analytical and honest advice. We aim to develop life-long relationships, whereby our clients can always count on UNBOXX SPORTS to be their partner, confidant and friend.

Elite Solar & Inverter Limited, is a Nigerian company dedicated to providing renewable energy solutions. Although the company was officially incorporated in 2023, Elite Solar & Inverter Limited has been operating since 2019, indicating several years of experience and presence in the renewable energy sector.

From humble beginnings in a small garage, ELITE SOLAR AND INVERTER LTD., dedication to providing accessible, reliable solar energy solutions soon propelled us to become a leading force in the renewable energy industry, empowering homes and businesses nationwide to embrace the power of the sun.

The partnership will see ELITE SOLAR AND INVERTER LTD. branding positioned across all UNBOXX SPORTS pre-promotional activity in the lead-up to its forthcoming events, including press conferences, open workouts and weigh-ins. Extensive in-arena exposure on fight night will include ELITE SOLAR AND INVERTER LTD. branding on the ring canvas, toblerones, ropes, and branding on Event Led Screen; and mentions by the ring announcer during each live event.

ELITE SOLAR AND INVERTER LTD. banners will be positioned across press conferences and in fighter changing rooms at the event venue – with exciting experiential brand activations to be announced soon, along with a host of unique social and digital content campaigns featuring key UNBOXX SPORTS talent. UNBOXX SPORTS event CHAOS IN LAGOS will be streamed LIVE on youtube. The partnership will commence with UNBOXX SPORTS next event at the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.

UNBOXX SPORTS founder and CEO Ben Otunola said: “We’re delighted to welcome ELITE SOLAR AND INVERTER LTD. as UNBOXX SPORTS GOLD PARTNER. They are an indigenous national brand and their exciting growth trajectory since 2013 speaks to our own aggressive growth in recent years, and our ambitions in the sport. ELITE SOLAR AND INVERTER LTD. existing footprint in renewable energy, innovative marketing strategy and emphasis on sustainability, made the alignment clear for all to see from our very first conversations, and we’re looking forward to kicking things off with a huge night in Surulere.”

Commenting on the partnership, Ms. Adetola Afonja D. One of the Marketing Executives at ELITE SOLAR AND INVERTER LTD., said: “The partnership between UNBOXX SPORTS and ourselves comes at a fantastic time for ELITE SOLAR AND INVERTER LTD., as we begin to broaden our horizons further and expand our customer base through the pay small small package. UNBOXX SPORTS mission and values align so perfectly with our own, so this partnership feels like a really natural fit, and we’re excited to work closely with them as we expand the reach of our products much further afield.”

To find out more about ELITE SOLAR AND INVERTER LTD. and their full range of products, and services visit https://www.goelite.com.ng/ you can also visit ELITE SOLAR AND INVERTER LTD’s office at
3, Sola Omole Street, Langbasa, Ajah, Lagos.

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