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PTDF Promotion Scam Allegations Spark Calls for Government Intervention

Published

1 month ago

May 22, 2024

The Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), tasked with training personnel for the oil and gas industry, is under intense scrutiny for alleged promotion irregularities. Ongoing investigations have revealed significant concerns about the agency’s promotion practices.

For precisely three years, while the former executive secretary, Bello Gusau, was heading the organization, it was discovered that twenty-four PTDF officials were sent on a training course called the Chief Officers’ Course, followed by a qualifying examination to move to deputy manager positions. The agency camped these twenty-four officers in a hotel in Utako for about nine weeks. After the conclusion of the examination exercise, the management, led by Bello Gusau, chose ten out of the batch for promotion, citing insufficient space to accommodate all officers due for promotion.

This decision was met with significant rancor, especially since management had earlier declared fourteen managerial positions vacant. An anonymous PTDF official noted, “It was almost obvious that the former ES organized the course as a sham, having predetermined who would be promoted and who would be discarded under the excuse of insufficient space.” This sentiment was echoed by other staff members who felt that the process was deeply flawed.

Moreover, double promotions were swiftly granted to management members within a year. Immediate pressure from the PTDF branch of PENGASSAN led to expedited promotions for junior officials, further masking underlying favoritism, tribalism, and discrimination. This prompted our reporter to embark on a fact-finding mission to uncover the truth behind these allegations.

The present ES, Alhaji Galadima, who took over from Alhaji Gusau, is allegedly planning another round of promotions despite purported vacancy limitations. According to findings, Alhaji Galadima has recently concluded promotions for top management staff, predominantly from the North, granting some double promotions while claiming there were no vacancies.

A staff member speaking anonymously highlighted the lack of a board of directors, which has centralized power in the hands of the Executive Secretary, allowing for unchecked influence over promotions and other matters. “The absence of a board of directors has allowed the ES to wield unchecked power, influencing promotions and other crucial decisions,” the staff member stated.

Another Chief Officer criticized the system for favoring the northern region, alleging, “They monopolize top positions and rotate power among themselves, perpetuating a cycle of exclusion and marginalization.”

Further investigations revealed that the same staff member had vied for the Executive Secretary position when the tenure of the immediate past Executive Secretary elapsed. He attributed his failure to favoritism perpetrated by the northern hegemony ideology, which many staff members believe is taking over the PTDF.

“Alhaji Galadima plans to merge previous course attendees with recent promotees, cherry-picking favorites for promotion to management cadres,” another staff member explained. “Some staff who have been due for promotion and waiting for nearly ten years are forced to answer to their juniors. This further perpetuates nepotism and favoritism.”

These practices have led to a significant decline in staff morale. Employees lament that merit and diligence are reportedly overlooked in favor of ethnic and religious affiliations. An anonymous staff member remarked, “Merit and diligence have taken a backseat to ethnic and religious favoritism. It’s demoralizing and undermines the integrity of our organization.”

The revelations underscore the urgent need for comprehensive reform within PTDF to ensure fairness, transparency, and accountability in its operations. There is a growing call for government intervention to rectify the situation and restore confidence in PTDF’s promotion process.

“The need for government intervention is urgent,” emphasized another staff member. “We need reforms to ensure fairness and transparency. Our organization’s integrity is at stake.”

As investigations continue, the hope remains that the PTDF will address these issues promptly to rebuild trust and uphold its mission of training personnel for the oil and gas industry with integrity and fairness.

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Be careful of what you eat today, prophet Ikuru sends strong message to Davido and Chioma

Published

12 hours ago

June 25, 2024

Sahara Weekly

In a heartwarming message,the prophetic hall of fame, prophet Godwin Ikuru, a prominent figure in the prophetic community, has extended his best wishes to Nigerian music superstar David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, and his bride, Chioma Rowland, on their wedding day. The prophet offered his heartfelt prayers for a marriage filled with joy, love, and devoid of chaos and challenges.

Speaking to newsmen, Prophet Ikuru emphasized on the significance of vigilance in this momentous occasion. He urged the newlyweds to be cautious abou the food and drinks they consume during their celebrations to avoid any potential mishaps.

“The couple should be careful with what they eat and drink today to prevent any unforeseen circumstances,” the prophet advised. “It is essential for them to be vigilant and prayerful to guard against any evil occurrences after the wedding,I want to reiterate that I’m not giving him this message in order to magnetise his attention, neither do i need his money because God has blessed me, I’m giving him this message because God has instructed me to deliver it to him,I love him,Nigerians love”

This message highlights his concern for the well-being of Davido and Chioma, reflecting his desire for their happiness and safety as they embark on this new chapter of their lives together. His prophetic insight and blessings are meant to guide the couple towards a harmonious and prosperous future.

As Davido and Chioma celebrate their union, their fans and well-wishers across the globe join Prophet Ikuru in wishing them a lifetime of happiness, health, and unbreakable love.

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The call for the removal of the IG is unnecessary- IMAN DG

Published

12 hours ago

June 25, 2024

Sahara Weekly

By Collins Nkwocha

The Director General of Importers Association of Nigerian Taskforce,IMAN Amb.Chijioke Okoro has urged the president of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ignore the call for the removal of the IG,Kayode Egbetokun by the Police Service Commission,PSC ,stating that it’s unnecessary.

Speaking about the issue in Port-Hacourt , Rivers state,the DG maintained that the IG has been very efficient and effective “the call for the removal of the IG should be ignored because he has been efficient and effective as the IG of the Nigerian police,we shouldn’t allow internal friction and discord within the police to abruptly end the tenure of a good IG that has brought reform and discipline to the Nigerian police “.

He further stated that the Nigerian police is better now, having Egbetokun as the IG “everyone will agree with me that the IG has been stupendous and amazing,the president made the right choice and we are pleased with it without any atom of poignancy”

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Taraba State Governor, Agbu Kefas’ Silent Climate and Agricultural Revolution: A Beacon of Hope

Published

5 days ago

June 21, 2024

Sahara Weekly

A transformative movement is underway in Taraba State, driven by Governor Agbu Kefas’ visionary 10 million economic tree planting program. This initiative is revolutionizing the mindset of rural farmers, who previously relied on low-yielding crops like rice, yam, and cassava. By introducing high-yielding Malaysian palm seedlings and other assorted economic trees, the program aims to boost agriculture, combat climate change, and alleviate rural poverty.

The sheer scale of the program is massive and impressive, with vast nurseries centres as far as the eye can see sprouting across the state, including USSA, TAKUM, DONGA, IBI, WUKARI, KURMI, BALI, GASHAKA, and SARDAUNA. International recognition has followed as the governor was among others invited recently to New York for a conference on global warming and importance of tree planting. A recent international newspaper editorial highlighted Taraba State’s outstanding approach in Nigeria and especially the entire northern region.

If sustained, this program could reduce poverty by half and significantly improve the state’s GDP growth rate. It’s a welcome departure from the usual cash handouts, which often exacerbate dependency. Instead, Governor Agbu Kefas is empowering farmers with a sustainable livelihood, fostering economic growth, and writing a new chapter in Taraba State’s development story.

We commend Governor Agbu Kefas for his innovative leadership and commitment to transforming Taraba State. May this silent revolution inspire other states to follow suit, creating a ripple effect of progress across Nigeria.

Economic trees play a vital role in addressing pressing global issues:

*Climate Change*:

– Absorb carbon dioxide and produce oxygen, mitigating the effects of climate change.

– Help maintain soil quality, preventing erosion and landslides.

– Provide shade, reducing the urban heat island effect.

Poverty Reduction:

– Generate income opportunities for rural communities through sustainable forest management.

– Provide raw materials for local industries, promoting economic growth.

– Enhance food security by offering fruits, nuts, and other edible products.

In Taraba State, the economic tree planting program is a strategic move to:

Combat Climate Change: By planting millions of trees, the state is reducing its carbon footprint and contributing to global efforts against climate change.

Reduce Poverty: By empowering rural farmers with high-yielding crops, the program is increasing income opportunities, improving livelihoods, and reducing poverty.

The economic tree planting program is a win-win strategy for Taraba State, addressing both climate change and poverty reduction while promoting sustainable development.

The economic tree planting program in Taraba State has not only environmental and economic benefits but also social benefits, such as:

– Job creation: Employing 700 workers across various nursery centers, contributing to reduced unemployment and improved livelihoods.

– Skill development: Workers are acquiring skills in nursery management, planting, and maintenance.

– Community engagement: Local communities are involved in the project, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility.

– Economic stimulus: The project is injecting income into the local economy, boosting economic activity and growth.

This project is a testament to the potential of sustainable development initiatives to drive positive change and improve the lives of communities. Kudos to the Taraba State government and all stakeholders involved!