Kenya Teachers Union Urges KNEC Not To Delay Payment Of Invigilators, Supervisors

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October 31, 2023

The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) has urged the Kenya National Examination Council (KNEC) not to delay payment for teachers who are taking part in invigilation, supervision and marking of the examinations that have kicked off across the country.

Secretary General Collins Oyuu said KNEC over the years have taken the work done by teachers for granted by overstaying with their payments.

Oyuu said teachers have now done their work by preparing the candidates for Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) and Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA) and should not be subjected to more misery.

He said the teachers have done their part and candidates are now sitting the exams but KNEC is not serious with these examinations. KNEC has left teachers to have a very negative attitude towards these exams.

He said teachers have volunteered to help in the uptake of the examination papers, with no allowances paid.

Speaking in Siaya County, Oyuu told the Chief Executive officer KNEC, David Njeng’ere to take up the matter and ensure teachers get their dues in time.

He told teachers to carry out their duties during the examinations period diligently assuring them that the Union will not forget about them while demanding for their pay.

Oyuu said KNEC has a budget for teachers who take part in the delivery of the examinations and wondered why it always drags its feet when payment is demanded.

Senate Uncovers ₦‎14 Billion Illegal Salary Increase In Minting Company

By

faith Jegede

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October 31, 2023

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A new financial scandal involving the Board of Directors of Nigerian Security Printing and Minting Company Plc has been uncovered.

The Senate has uncovered how the Board of Directors of Nigerian Security Printing and Minting Company Plc allegedly paid an N14bn salary increase to all its staff members without the approval of the National Salaries Wages, Incomes and Wages Commission.

The Chairman of the Senate Public Accounts Committee, Senator Ahmed Wadada, discovered during a session in the Red Chamber in Abuja when the management of NSPMC appeared before the committee concerning the 2019 report of the Auditor-General of the Federation.

The report of the Auditor-General revealed that between 2016 and 2019, the NSPMC’s Board of Directors approved N14bn for salaries and allowances without the approval of the salaries and wages regulatory body.

Under Article 3, the NSIWC Act, 1990 stipulated that the commission shall advise the Federal Government on national income policy; recommend the proportions of income growth which should be Utilised for general wage increases and inform the Federal Government of current and incipient trends in wages and propose guidelines within which increase in wages should be confined, among others

In his written submission, however, the Managing Director of NSPMC, Ahmed Halilu, claimed that the company did not need any approval from the salaries and wages regulatory body because it was registered under the Companies and Allied Matters Act.

However, the managing director later admitted before the Senate Committee on Public Accounts that it was wrong not to seek approval from the NSIWC before implementing the new salaries and allowances increase for the company.

Halilu further said, “It has come to our notice that we must obtain approval before salaries increase.It is salaries paid over three years.

On this ground, it was not misappropriated considering the volume of works done by thousands of staff over this period.”

In their responses, nearly all members of the committee were displeased with the illegal payment, pointing out that the public funds were spent without due process.

The Deputy Whip of the Senate, Senator Nwebonyi Onyeka, said that government money was spent without due process and the misappropriated fund should be refunded.

Pollution Levels: Air Quality Worsens In New Delhi

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Angel Gimalo

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October 30, 2023

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The air quality in India’s capital worsened on Monday, with pollution levels rising to the highest this year, as low cool-season winds and more burning of stubble in neighbouring states combined to usher in a return of the annual scourge of bad air.

New Delhi is the world’s most polluted mega-city and as a result, the average life span is down by more than 10 years, the University of Chicago’s Energy Policy Institute said in August, adding that India was responsible for about 59% of the world’s increase in pollution since 2013.

“Delhi is facing the worst pollution levels of this season and the situation is unlikely to improve for the next few days,” said a senior official at the Ministry of Earth Sciences’ SAFAR monitoring system.

The Delhi government has launched an anti-dust campaign to contain pollution, putting restrictions on construction work while sending out water-sprinkling machines to try to clear dust from the air.

But the air quality index in the city of 20 million people, where few use air purifiers or wear masks to protect themselves, rose to 346 on a scale of 500, indicating “very poor” pollution conditions, according to ministry’s System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research.

Anything above 60 is considered unhealthy.

In some parts of the city, the AQI rose past the 400 mark, indicating “severe” pollution levels, government data showed.

The index measures levels of airborne PM2.5 particles that can be carried deep into the lungs, causing deadly ailments like cardiovascular disease and cancer.

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The burning off of crop stubble in fields in neighbouring states, while less than last year, was contributing to the pollution in the capital, said the SAFAR official, adding that a drop-off in the wind was aggravating the problem.

The capital’s more than 10 million vehicles, more than in any of India’s other cities, compound the problem with their exhaust fumes.

“I’m facing breathing trouble. It feels like something is stuck in my throat,” said resident Om Prakash Singh.

War in Sudan: town of Nyala at the heart of clashes between al-Burhan and Hemedti

By

Henry Williams

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October 30, 2023

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Negotiations continue in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, to try to reach an agreement on a ceasefire and the delivery of humanitarian aid to Darfur, in eastern Sudan. But on the ground as at the negotiating table, Generals Hemedti and al-Burhan seem unwilling to give up.

Until now, the rare truces obtained by negotiators have never lasted more than a few days. Since the resumption of discussions on Thursday October 26 in Saudi Arabia, the fighting has not stopped in Darfur. The town of Nyala is at the heart of clashes between the Rapid Support Forces (FSR) of General Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, known as Hemedti, and those of General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan.

Nyala, a former commercial crossroads town in the region, is a key town in the control of South Darfur, not far from the Central African Republic and South Sudan. According to residents, the city is now controlled by the FSR, who patrol the neighborhoods using hundreds of armored vehicles.

The takeover of Nyala would be an important step forward in the RSF offensive on Darfur. The city indeed has an airport, which would allow for faster resupply of General Hemedti’s troops.

Finally, controlling such a region would give greater weight to the FSR at the negotiating table. According to observers, this is therefore an important step in the conflict currently taking place which could make the successful conclusion of discussions in Saudi Arabia even more difficult .

Israel Hamas Conflict: Egypt Warns of Further Escalation

By

Henry Williams

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October 30, 2023

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Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi on Saturday warned against any escalation of the conflict in Gaza, saying the region risked becoming a “ticking time bomb”.

Regardless it doesn’t look like both sides are prepared to de-escalate hostilities. President Al-Sisi said his country’s sovereignty should be respected after drones were intercepted after entering Egyptian air space on Friday.

Israel on Friday said it was the target of the drones which it blamed on Yemen’s Iranian-backed Houthi movement. Egypt’s military said the drones, which fell on the Egyptian towns of Taba and Nuweiba near the Israeli border, injuring six, originated in the southern Red Sea. It did not say who launched the drones.

Sisi held a peace summit last Saturday and has called for aid to be allowed into Gaza, the release of hostages, and a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict. Meanwhile Egypt refuses to let in refuges fleeing the conflict.

Begs the question over sincerity of those who claim to support their Arab brothers in Palestine but refuse to grant them refuge.

Innercity Missions Commissions Charity School In Iguobazuwa, Edo State

By

Precious Obazee

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October 30, 2023

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The Inner City Missions network of free schools is providing education for indigent children in deprived communities.
From one school in Ikeja Lagos, the Inner City Missions for Children now has a network of 13 schools spread across Africa and Asia, providing free and quality education to the most vulnerable.
The latest of the organisation’s education interventions is situated in Iguobazuwa, a community in Ovia South West Local Government Area of Edo State.

Nigeria Vs Ethiopia: Lucy Arrive Abuja For Paris Olympics Qualification 2nd-Leg Fixture

By

Emenike Agu

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October 30, 2023

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Nigeria vs Ethiopia will tango in a Paris Olympics qualification 2nd-leg fixture on October 31. Visiting Lucy’ arrived in Abuja 48-hours to the match.

A 35-person Ethiopian delegation arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport, Abuja for the match, scheduled to take place at the Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abuja.

Nigeria’s Super Falcons and the Lucy’ of Ethiopia played a 1-1 draw in the first leg at the Abebe Bikila Stadium, Addis Ababa and so will settle the 2024 Olympics qualification second round contest in Abuja.

According to schedule, the Ethiopia Women’s National team will train at the Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abuja on Monday by 4pm.

The Lucy would be hoping they can spring up an upset on nine-time African Nigeria, especially after a decent outing performance in the first leg.

For the Super Falcons, it will be another opportunity to push for qualification for the Olympics games for the first time since the Beijing Olympics games in 2008.

To rally support for the Super Falcons, the Nigeria Football Federation on Sunday announced the gate of the Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abuja will be thrown open for fans to watch the game which is billed to kickoff by 4pm on Tuesday, October 31, 2023.

A win or a goalless draw will send Nigeria into the final qualifying round where the aggregate winner of the match between Uganda and Cameroun, awaits.

Omowunmi Dada Becomes Artist In Residence At University Of Michigan

By

Koko Lawrence

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October 30, 2023

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Nollywood actress Omowumi Dada is the latest addition to the University of Michigan’s 2023 Global Artist in Residence program.

The programme is run by the University’s African Studies Center (ASC) and the Department of Afro-American and African Studies (DAAS).

The Global Artist in Residence program was established through a Title VI grant from the U.S. Department of Education and administered by ASC and in collaboration with DAAS.

The program will see the actress working with DAAS language instructors in developing audio-visual materials for teaching African languages and engaging with the broader University of Michigan (U-M) campus community.

In addition, she will engage with elementary, middle, and high school students and teachers in Southeast Michigan.

She will also make presentations about Nollywood and African filmmaking at events organised in partnership with various U-M school departments and local organisations while educating the next generation about Nigerian culture.

Speaking about the program, ASC Director Omolade Adunbi, a professor, described Dada as a phenomenal actor whose presence in the movie industry in Nigeria and Africa has helped introduce a new flair to how we understand Nollywood and filmmaking on the continent.

The movie star said she is honoured to be the Global Artist in Residence, representing Nollywood, one of Africa’s most vibrant film industries.

Describing it as a unique opportunity, Dada said that she is excited to engage with faculty, staff, and students at the University of Michigan, sharing the rich tapestry of African culture and the incredible journey of the Nigerian movie industry, which she is proud to be a part of.

“Together, we will explore the captivating stories, diverse traditions, and the creative spirit that defines Africa, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of Africa and Africans in ways that promote the culture of collaboration between the United States and the continent of Africa,” she said.

Comprehensive Rehabilitation Of 3rd Mainland Bridge To Begin November 1

By

Angel Gimalo

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October 29, 2023

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The Minister of Works, Mr David Umahi, on Saturday, said comprehensive rehabilitation of the 11.8-kilometer Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos would begin on November 1 for a period of three months.

Umahi said this during an inspection of the under deck, lagoon sections of the Third Mainland Bridge and other bridges.

Umahi, a team of engineers, directors of the Federal Ministry of Works and journalists inspected the lagoon sections of the Third Mainland, Carter, Independence and Falomo Bridges.

Umahi also inspected the Marina Bridge in Apapa.

He said the entire stretch of the Third Mainland Bridge would undergo total resurfacing with minimal discomfort to road users, and the repairs would be carried out by midnight during the weekend.

The minister said he carried out inspection of the top surface of the bridge on Friday before embarking on inspection of the Lagoon portions.

The minister explained that patching of various sections of the top surface of bridge had led to undulating surfacing, which was not healthy for its safety, hence the need to remove and relay the entire asphaltic covering.

“We are going to mill out the excess asphalt and retain only two millimetres,” he said.

The minister said the proposed maintenance of Third Mainland Bridge, which would last three months was the first phase meant to secure the integrity as well aesthetics of the upper deck components of the bridge.

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He explained that the maintenance of the aesthetics would include replacement of the railings, installation of solar-powered lights and CCTV cameras for optimal security of the bridge.

The minister assured road users that the three-month maintenance work would be without discomfort to motorists, as it would take place only between midnight and 4am and during weekends.

He added that more than one contractor would be engaged due to the emergency nature of the work, which would end in Phase Four; that will entail the repairs of deflected slabs, bearings, piers and pile caps.

The minister lamented that most of the bridges were about 60 years old and had outlived their design lifespan, hence the need for constant rehabilitation.

Umahi, who is a civil engineer, said the Marina Shoreline had deteriorated and was threatening the foundation of some parts of the Blue Rail Line, hence the need for urgent protection which had begun.

“Marina shoreline is gone,” he said.

The minister warned that henceforth a 10-year maintenance responsibility would be attached to projects for contractors to bear repair costs within the period if the road failed.

He added that contractors who constructed roads that failed within two years risked jail term in line with global practices to curb shoddy constructions.

Third Mainland Bridge was earlier closed for 24-hour repairs from midnight on October 21 to midnight October 22 for emergency resurfacing of some bad portions.

255th El-Classico: Bellingham’s Worldie, Late Winner End Barca’s Unbeaten Start

By

Emenike Agu

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October 28, 2023

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Jude Bellingham scored two minutes from time to snatch a win for Real Madrid against Barcelona in the first El-Classico of the season at the Montjuïc on Saturday afternoon.

The England midfielder’s fantastic strike from 40-yards out in the 68th minutes had tied the score after Ilkay Gundugan put Barca in front six minutes into the game.

Bellingham has now scored 13 goals in 16 matches for club and country this season.

It was a game with lots of aggression but few chances, especially in the first half, and both goals seemingly came from nowhere with Ilkay Gundogan picking the perfect time to score his first goal for the Catalan club.

He gave Xavi’s side the lead just six minutes in after Aurelien Tchouameni inadvertently sent the perfect through-ball into his own box, and the German beat a despairing David Alaba to fire home.

Missing Robert Lewandowski, Pedri, Frenkie de Jong and Jules Kounde from the starting XI, a tenacious Barcelona had plenty of chances in the first half with Fermin Lopez hitting the woodwork, but Bellingham made them pay for those missed opportunities with 20 minutes remaining.

Moments after Tchouameni had hit the woodwork from range, Bellingham received the ball outside the penalty area and hammered an out swinging shot under Ter Stegan’s top hand to equalise.

And just when the game seemed destined for a draw, old and new combined with Luka Modric accidentally feeding Bellingham who fired home for victory from point-blank range.