Connect with us


BIG STORY

NEVACO Is Here To Correct The Abnormality In The Country –DG

Published

on

Dr. Emmanuel Adeoye (2nd right)

Dr. Emmanuel Adeoye (2nd right)

Dr. Emmanuel Adeoye, is the Director General, National Ethics and Values Compliance Office (NEVACO). In this interview with EDWIN USOBOH, he sheds more light on the duties and objective of the commission and his plans to make impact on Nigerians
What are the aims and objective of the agency (NEVACO)
National Ethics and Values Compliance Office (NEVACO) is established to correct the wrong, the evil vices ongoing in our country and society today. It is to make sure we do things the right way which we have not been doing in the country.  Even the little child in Nigeria today wants to make money through wrong means. So, the aim of the commission is to educate people to be upright and sincere in whatever you are doing. For instance, you want to go to the ministry for something, you must have to bribe somebody to help push the letter, this act is wrong and we want to correct it. So, we are out to let everybody know whatever you are doing in the country, let it be ethnical, let it be done in the right way. Ethnic is to correct the abnormality in the society, to correct the misimpression by the outside communities.
Are there structures on ground to kick-start this program, bearing in mind it is a national agenda.
We are just forming the structure. As we go to the states we form structures. We are looking for credible people to take over not just anybody that would come to destruct the whole process. Like I always tell people, Nigerians are fond of two things; they like the uniform and titles. You can   see someone who will tell you I am a chairman, I am a director, and you ask director of what? So, structures have to be on ground. Everybody must know their functions, not for a watch repairer to stand up and tell the whole world he is a managing director. In order words, we need to get the message of government to the grassroots; there must be orderliness and a structure for everybody to carry out their respective functions.
 
How come the FG appointed a Director-General without a structure?
No, we have structures. If you would remember vividly how Ethics and Value was been run, the former administration appointed her Excellency Sarah Jubril as Special Adviser on Ethics and Values and later on my office was created, I am the first Director-General. So, based on this, what was in existence before was Foundation for Ethics and Value (FEAV). At the time, she was not given any fund so she had to use her NGO to carry the message which to me was a good idea.  She started it as a corporative society to help the people with their communities. For instance, if there is cassava in a particular village, anybody can borrow money from the corporative and process the cassava, refund the money after selling and the loan given to another people. That was how the structures were established based on NGO bases.  What the government is doing now is that they are interested and decided to say let us make it a proper structure. But, again, there is no fund, what we told the government is that we will create something to be generating fund, so that the burden would not be on the government alone. That is what the government is looking for; that is what everybody needs now. Because the government can’t do everything, there’s no money anywhere at the moment.
We intend to create employment by training people on different vocations. For instance, in Ekiti state right now, the yam flour mill is down; it has not been working for a long time. We are looking at NEVACO taking over the mill. We can talk to the people, they bring the yam to our warehouse, we can buy it from them, process it and repackage it for final consumption. We have to invest; we have to also look at bringing in investors to partner with us. We must find a way to create employment; we don’t need to wait for the government for everything.
With what you said NEVACO may still be seen as a corporative society, how do you intend to correct this notion in the mind of the people?
It is a wrong notion; they were talking about Ethics and Values. This is National Ethics and Values Compliance Office. Compliance means we have to comply to the ethics of the land.  I don’t want to say we are policemen but to correct the abnormality in the society people have been doing. We came to correct that notion, we are Compliance Officers. For instance when you are running a corporative, we need to check if you are following the decree that established corporative society in the country, who are the members  etc. we need to make sure people follow the laid down rules and regulations. To put it straight, we are here to correct the wrong in the society. NEVACO cannot shy away from the fact that a good number of people have committed a whole lot of efforts to the projects of FAEV but I must say it emphatically here that NEVACO is miles apart in ways of conducting its business vis-à-vis FAEV but this is not to say that the previous endeavours are wasted rather, it will form the stones on which we will step for easy performance of the task ahead. So, the process of staffing in NEVACO is directly guided and coordinated by Federal Civil Service Scheme of Service. The relevant parts of the Scheme will be made available to each state for the perusal of every member.
As Compliance Officers, don’t you think your duties would conflict with that of the already existing agencies, like Police and Civil Defence?
The police is established to act after the offence, the police arrest because you are a criminal, the DSS arrest because you are a criminal but NEVACO is a compliance office, we are there to correct everybody, all Nigerians and to preach the change.  We are compliance officers and make people adhere to the ethics and values of the land. We let people know their right from wrong. We are there to correct people, even the policeman can be corrected by a Compliance Officer. We were with the Inspector General of Police recently and we told them we are here to partner with them; we told them they also need to establish ethnics and value in the police force to deal with any officers that try to go above the law. Every department of our lives, every ministry, parastatals must have a compliance officer to correct abnormality in the country. It is a must; we must have ethics and values to correct the wrong in the society. We don’t arrest, we make sure you don’t commit the crime. The police is there to arrest when one commits a crime, but we prevent the crime from being committed. We are going to partner with the police and already existing arm forces; we are here to enlighten people.
Don’t you think NEVACO would be viewed as a Buhari/APC agenda?  
Any serious government all over the world must have Ethics and Values.  Just take a look at the advance world, its duties is to correct, train and enlighten the citizen. In Nigeria we are developing and as developing nation things like this will need to stay together as one. Other organizations will come up in the nearest future that we are supposed to have. Even in the National Assembly at the moment we have a committee on Ethnic and Values to check them.
How optimistic are you that the bill to pass National Ethics and Value Compliance will see the light of the day?
It will scale through. That is what the public is looking for. Everybody wants to correct the vices in the country right now and it is only Ethics and Value that can raise the moral; it is the antidote to corruption. So, everybody is looking forward to having the bill because Her Excellency Sarah Jubril started it and I will push it while I am in the office. It has to go through; it has to be a national thing to correct the wrong devices in our society.
Currently, Nigeria is passing through hard times, what is your view on Nigeria today?
No, Nigeria is not going through a hard time! What do you mean by we are going through a hard time?  It a pity that we have been very lazy before in this country; we like free money. Someone recently came to me and said Oga, there’s no money and I asked where he was working and he said he doesn’t have a job. His excuse was that his brother has been carrying certificate everywhere looking for job and he felt there was no need for him to look for a job since his brother had not gotten any.  I laughed and I told him, can I give you some cassava to go and cultivate, he said no, that he has a degree I cannot go to farm. We are blessed in this country with soil and weather. You can plant corn now in three to four month time you start to harvest. Instead, everybody is looking for the oil industry, my advice is that   young people need to go back to farm, there’s job for everybody.   The land is everywhere for everybody to plant, we have what we call commodity exchange for NEVACO,  if your local government is planting tomatoes, and mine is planting okro, we simply exchange the two commodities between the two local government  and if there’s access, we sell and give back the money. So, we encourage everybody to go to the farm and stop complaining there are no jobs.
Why do you think it is difficult for Nigerians to obey ethics and values?
Because we have been lawless for so long-impunity has eaten deep into our morals.  There is this syndrome of do you know who I am? Nigerians are the best, but we are so proud, we are everywhere in the world doing greatly. But the problem of arrogance is in us. That is why we need to go back to the farm.
What do you make of the recent agitation by IPOB, MASSOB, NDA in the country?
You know as government we are talking to everybody; some part of the country feel cheated and feel they need to have their own share. But, most of the problems are even in the communities themselves; they vandalize the oil pipelines and it will spill over and destroy their farms.  Some of them have different ship on the sea to hijack vessel and this is not helping the federal government. Resource control is what they are fighting for, they want to be in control, but this is one Nigeria they should know that there is no negotiation. Power belongs to the people and not one section of the country. They claim they are fighting for the community but the communities are rejecting them, as we read in the papers every day.
No doubt the recent ‘Bretix’ has generated a lot of controversy all over the world, how do you think this could affect Nigeria economy and its people?
No doubt this it will have a great effect on our economy, because we are a consuming nation and not a manufacturing nation.  We virtually depend on everything.  Until we learn to look inward we will continue to suffer as a nation. We must accept the Made-in-Nigeria campaign as soon as possible. We have Ofada rice in Nigeria while do we have to buy Uncle Ben rice from US. Every time you patronize a foreign good, you are increasing their economy and decreasing yours, this will have effect on everything we do.  We have ofada rice in this country to go round everybody and it is very healthy. This white people come here, take our product, develop it and come back to sell to us as finished product. What does this tell you us. We have to look inward and appreciate our own. Our problem is arrogance and laziness; everybody is looking for white collar jobs. Since we discover oil, Nigeria has become a problem to themselves, everybody now what to work in the oil industry, looking for billions nobody want millions again. We must have to go back to the basis which is farming.
Senator Bukola Saraki has raised the alarm that a cabal has hijacked the presidency from Buhari. What is your view?
What is a cabal? We are Nigerians and not Italians; we are no Mafia in this country. So, I see that as a wrong terminology in a wrong place.
What is the different between ethics and compliance?
Ethics is your behaviour, your culture, while compliance is for you to obey the rules and regulations of the people.
Can a Compliance Officer arrest a policeman for doing the wrong?
Yes, of course. You can correct them.

BIG STORY

Adron Homes Welcomes New Executive, Emphasizing Commitment To Professional Excellence

Published

on

In a strategic move to foster growth and elevate the quality of service delivery, the Management of Adron Homes and Properties is thrilled to announce the appointment of exceptional staff members who have exemplified remarkable professionalism and have significantly contributed to the advancement of the Adron brand. We proudly introduce our newly appointed leaders: Adenike Ajobo as Managing Director, Olubunmi Akinfe as Deputy Managing Director, Ihuoma Azuru as Assistant Managing Director of Sales and Marketing (Lagos Nigeria), Barbie Ette as Assistant Managing Director of Sales and Marketing (Northern Nigeria), Odunola Ogundapo as Assistant Managing Director of Sales and Marketing (Western Nigeria), Olasumbo Oguntoye as Assistant Managing Director of Housing Nigeria, and Haastrup as Director General of Customer Service. Together, they will drive our mission forward and ensure continued excellence at Adron Homes.

Aare Adetola Emmanuel King, the Chairman and Group Managing Director of Adron Homes, has issued an important directive to the newly appointed directors of the company. He emphasized the critical need for quality delivery in all aspects of their work. Aare King highlighted that each director must align their actions and decisions with the overarching vision and mission of the organization. He urged them to remain committed to the company’s goals and to foster a culture of excellence, ensuring that their contributions not only meet but exceed the expectations set forth by Adron Homes.

Adenike Abosede Ajobo stands out as a highly regarded authority in the fields of corporate branding, public relations, business repositioning, and organizational strategy. She holds a degree in Linguistics from the prestigious University of Ibadan and has further enhanced her expertise with an Ordinary National Diploma (OND) in Marketing from The Polytechnic of Ibadan.

Her dedication to professional growth is reflected in her memberships with esteemed organizations, including the National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria (MNIMN), the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), and the Nigeria Institute of Personality Development and Customer Relationship Management (NIPD-CRM-dsgnt). These affiliations illustrate her unwavering commitment to continuous learning and excellence within her industry.

Adenike’s professional journey with Adron Homes commenced in January 2024 when she took on the role of Group Company Secretary. Her exceptional leadership skills and strategic vision quickly propelled her up the ranks, and she soon became the Deputy Managing Director of Southern Nigeria. Her impressive performance has now garnered her a well-deserved promotion to the position of Managing Director at Adron Homes, where she is set to steer the company toward a promising future, leveraging her insights and experience to craft innovative strategies for growth and development.

Akinfe Olubunmi Omolara is an esteemed leader and achiever, recognized for her dedication to maximizing her potential in every role she undertakes. She is a graduate of Obafemi Awolowo University, lle-Ife, Osun State, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology. Her career journey at Adron Homes and Properties, reflects her remarkable growth and commitment to excellence. She has progressed through a range of pivotal roles, from Deputy Group Sales Manager, District Sales Manager, and Deputy District Sales Manager to Deputy Group Customer Relations Officer, Regional Chief Operating Officer, and Chief Operating Officer. Her leadership and strategic acumen continued to shine through her promotions as the Director of Sales and Marketer and later promoted as the Director General of Sales and Marketing. She has now been promoted to the position of Deputy Managing Director , where she will drive growth and operational efficiency for Adron Homes.

Ihuoma Udodirim Azuru’s journey is a testament to exceptional leadership and dedication. Her academic prowess shines through with a B.Sc in Accounting, M.Sc in Business Management, MBA in Human Resources and currently studying Law at the Leadership City University, underscoring her commitment to ongoing personal and professional development. Her career with the company began as Group Head Admin and HR, where she showcased her adaptive leadership style. Subsequently, she transitioned to the role of Director of Sales and Marketing (Southwest). Moreover, she was promoted to the prestigious role of Director General for Sales and Marketing at Adron Homes. Her exceptional leadership, dedication, and strategic vision within the organization leads to her appointment as the Assistant Managing Director Lagos Nigeria.

Odunola Ogundapo is a highly regarded sales and marketing professional, celebrated for her steadfast dedication and strategic insight, which have contributed to her impressive track record of success in the industry. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology from Olabisi Onabanjo University, where she developed a strong foundational knowledge of earth sciences. Further enhancing her expertise, she earned a Master’s degree in Sedimentary and Petroleum Geology from the prestigious University of Lagos, a program renowned for its rigorous approach and focus on the energy sector. This combination of academic credentials allows Odunola to meld deep scientific understanding with strategic business acumen, enabling her to deliver exceptional results in her professional endeavors.

Odunola embarked on her career in 2017 at Adron Homes and Properties Ltd, starting as a Business Executive. In this role, she quickly demonstrated her innate talents and passion for sales and marketing, employing a goal-driven approach that not only set her apart but also paved the way for her rapid advancement within the company. Her commitment to excellence and her ability to forge strong relationships with clients and stakeholders led to her recognition as a rising star in the organization.

Currently serving as the Assistant Managing Director, Odunola plays a pivotal role in shaping and executing innovative strategies aimed at driving growth and enhancing the company’s market position. Her forward-thinking mindset and comprehensive understanding of market dynamics allow her to identify and seize new opportunities effectively. Under her leadership, the team is not only motivated but also encouraged to think creatively and push boundaries, resulting in increased productivity and morale.

Odunola’s leadership style is characterized by a unique blend of optimism and resilience, which fosters a collaborative and inclusive work environment. She prioritizes the development of her team members, nurturing their potential and empowering them to become future leaders in the organization. This commitment to mentorship and professional growth among her staff has created a culture of excellence that thrives on teamwork and innovation, ensuring that everyone is aligned with the company’s vision and goals. Through her unwavering dedication to her work and her ability to inspire those around her, Odunola Ogundapo continues to make a significant impact in the sales and marketing realm.

Aminat Olaniyan Haastrup is an inspirational customer service specialist, deeply committed to creating exceptional service experiences. With a strong educational background in Estate Management and Customer Experience, she earned her degree from Yaba College of Technology. An Associate Member of The Association of Business Practitioners (ABP) in the UK and a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Customer Relationship Management, Aminat’s journey began as the Director of Customer Services. Renowned for her dedication to customer-centric strategies, she passionately pursues unparalleled service excellence. Through transformative initiatives across the company’s customer relations landscape, Aminat has inspired those around her and achieved her new role as the Director General of Customer Service.

Continue Reading

BIG STORY

EFCC Probes Viral Video Of Chinese Allegedly Tearing Naira Note

Published

on

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has confirmed it is investigating an incident involving a Chinese national who tore Naira notes in Lagos.

EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, provided confirmation of this development to our correspondent on Friday.

Reports indicate that the incident took place at a Chinese-owned company along the Lekki-Epe Expressway, when Lagos State Government officials arrived to seal the premises over alleged regulatory violations.

A viral video captured the Chinese national resisting the officials’ attempts to shut down the company. During the confrontation, he pulled Naira notes from his bag and tore them, igniting widespread outrage on social media.

At the scene, some individuals believed to be Nigerian workers at the company appeared to shield the man from being apprehended by the Lagos State officials.

The incident has sparked significant reactions, with many Nigerians calling for the immediate arrest of the individual involved.

Social media users have expressed their anger, urging the authorities to take swift action.

Controversial social media influencer Daniel Regha posted on his X (formerly Twitter) account, “The EFCC should arrest this man and charge him to court for committing a punishable offense. However, my concern is how selectively justice is applied in Nigeria. If this were a high-ranking politician or their associates, the case would likely go nowhere.”

Another user, @Qladele, wrote, “The Chinese man who disrespected Nigerian currency should be arrested. The company involved should also be permanently shut down. Disrespecting your host country should have consequences. Those who obstructed justice should also face the law.”

Similarly, @Dele93748586 shared a similar sentiment, stating, “The person who insulted the Nigerian currency should be arrested, and the location sealed permanently. There must be consequences for this disrespect, and the security personnel who hindered justice should be detained.”

“Imagine if a Nigerian went to China and tore the Chinese Yuan after the Chinese government sealed his business. This is a huge blow to Nigeria. Even though I don’t support the Tinubu-led government, this is an insult to our country and government!” said @PureStanley1.

Another user, @OyinAtiBode, remarked, “Those protecting this man should face consequences, and the disrespectful foreigner should be severely punished—arrested, jailed, deported, and permanently banned from returning to Nigeria.”

Legal practitioner Tolu Babaleye, speaking (with Saturday Punch), stated that the Chinese national should be subjected to Nigerian law, as long as he was not a diplomat.

“He can be arrested, tried, and if convicted, sentenced for mutilating Naira notes, as this is an offense under Nigerian law,” Babaleye said.

Asked if the EFCC had taken action on the matter, Oyewale, the spokesperson for the commission, responded in a message (to Saturday Punch), saying, “The EFCC is looking into the issue, please.”

Continue Reading

BIG STORY

BON Awards Release Line-Up Of Activities Ahead Of November 24

Published

on

  • Kwara First Lady To Join Segun Arinze, Wole Ojo Others For Book-Reading

As the Nigerian film industry gets set for the annual pan-Nigerian Best of Nollywood (BON) Awards, scheduled to be held on Sunday, November 24, at the Sugar Factory in Ilorin, Kwara State, the organisers of the travelling awards have released a line-up of activities, alongside other highlights of the 16th edition.

This year’s event is shaping up to be an unforgettable experience, featuring a variety of engaging activities, including a book reading session and the unveiling of new award categories.

A key highlight of the pre-award festivities will be the welcome party scheduled for Saturday, November 23rd in Ilorin. This will be followed by the Book of the Year reading on the morning of November 24, showcasing “Do As You Are Told, Bani” by the acclaimed author Lola Shoneyin.

Esteemed personalities, including the First Lady of Kwara State and well-known Nollywood actors like Segun Arinze, Wole Ojo, Kemi Adekomi, Cynthia Clarke, and Chioma Okafor, will participate in the reading. This session aims to inspire and engage the youths, specifically a select number of school children from Ilorin, Kwara State.

Also, the 2024 BON Awards has been revealed that four of its major award categories have been endowed by notable figures and organisations. The endowed categories include:

Best Indigenous Movie – Endowed by Oba Saheed Eleguishi, a distinguished traditional ruler and arts patron. Best Use of Food – Endowed by Abundish Limited, an agricultural product wholesaler cum grocery market in Lekki, Lagos.

The Best Actress category is also endowed by the Deputy Speaker of the Lagos House of Assembly, Hon. Moji Ojora, a well-known philanthropist and public servant dedicated to women’s empowerment. While the movie with the Best Social Message is endowed by Hon. Toke Benson, the Lagos Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, and a prominent advocate for social issues.

According to the founder of the Best of Nollywood Awards, these new endowments promise to enhance the awards’ prestige by taking it to the next level and also offer greater recognition for excellence in these fields.

As the seven-day countdown to the 2024 BON Awards begins, and the excitement is building, Feranmi Olaoye, the Executive Director of the awards has promised that this year is not just another gala night but a getaway weekend for hardworking Nollywood practitioners, and others within the Nollywood community.

With the awards’ unique blend of celebrity-filled events and meaningful high-impact initiatives, this year’s ceremony is poised to leave a significant mark on the entertainment industry and the wider Nigerian cultural scene.

Continue Reading



 

Join Us On Facebook

Most Popular