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Artificial intelligence, Workforce Flexibility Top Agenda As Olaopa, Beyani Move To Strengthen African Public Service

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The Chairman, the Federal Civil Service Commission, Prof. Tunji Olaopa (right) and the President of the Association Of African Public Service Commissions (AAPSCOMS) and Chairman of the Civil Service Commission of the Republic of Zambia, Dr Choolwe Beyani , when the latter visited Prof. Olaopa in his office in Abuja on Tuesday.

How to make public service in Africa respond to the demands of artificial intelligence and workforce flexibility topped the agenda as the Chairman, Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC), Nigeria, Prof. Tunji Olaopa and the President, Association of African Public Service Commissions (AAPSCOMS) and Chairman of the Civil Service Commission of the Republic of Zambia, Dr. Choolwe Beyani met in Abuja on Tuesday.

While welcoming Dr Beyani to the FCSC in Abuja, Prof. Olaopa said that the meeting was significant for the professionalisation of public service commissions on the continent.

According to him, the visit by Dr Choolwe
is a reminder of Nigeria’s prominent role in numerous regional bodies, a situation that President Bola Tinubu is gradually restoring.

Olaopa said that the resolve of President Tinubu to give Nigeria its rightful place in Africa demanded that his lieutenants should follow suit in spirit and in truth.

Thus for him, he would have underscored the significance of the visit by extending invitations to other colleagues such as the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation of Nigeria, the FCT Civil Service Commission, and other heads of relevant agencies, if he was given adequate time . He hoped that there would be another opportunity for a broader meeting to mainstream issues affecting public service commissions on the continent.

Olaopa recalled his contact with AAPSCOMMS in 2006 or thereabout, at a seminar organised by the UN-ECA for Public Service Commissioners across Africa at which he was privileged to deliver a paper.

Stressing the need to review the principles by which the public service in Africa has operated since the colonial days, Olaopa said: “All things considered, the CSC concept has undergone significant iterations that have created differentiated models across the Commonwealth of Nations. Indeed, the British CSC, which supplied the originating concept and framework, had itself witnessed significant rethinking, in a measure that compels African public services to do much more to bring extensive innovations and creativity to bear in reprofiling our different Service Commissions, so they do not become relics of history.

“The desirable rethinking is even more compelling, given the profound reformulation that human resource management is witnessing as a profession, in the face of the changing world of work, the factor of technology – artificial intelligence, robotics and all, in one breath; and the confounding sociology that the millennial and the Gen Z demographics are bringing to bear on extant practices especially in the public service namely, job security and lifetime career employment policies, etc. in another… These generations communicate their preferences for workforce flexibility and flexi-working, so they can pursue other rewarding professional interests. This is apart from the Covid-19 new normal which we all must necessarily institutionalise and build on.”

Olaopa continued: “There are numerous other defining issues introduced by public administration discursive application of the new public management reform perspectives as a global movement since the 1980s. The seminal conversation and praxis are still flying in the wind regarding how to deepen current shades of policies that delegate some of the Commission’s power to line managers/MDAs, and the associated need for clarity regarding revising guidelines for managing those delegated powers.

“Of course, the CSC, going by first principle, was conceived by the British as promoter and protector of the merit principle, and therefore, a critical gatekeeper of the public administration profession. Clearly, there is the need to revisit the underlying philosophy of CSC’s originating mandate, along with the strategies deployed to achieve it as pillar of public administration professionalism and, by extension, its alignment with countries’ diversity management policies

“The point in the foregoing, is to say that African Public Service Commissions’ community, through its continental association, has an important generational role to play to prepare our great profession for the unfolding 4th and 5th industrial revolution, while rewiring public administration for enhanced capability readiness, to support developmental African states which are badly required for African renaissance.”

Earlier, while appreciating the role of Nigeria as one of the pioneers of AAPSCOMS which was established in 2008, Choolwe said that the public service commissions of Africa share a common vision which is an effective engine of service delivery in order to create a better life for the citizens of the continent.

Noting that the next general assembly of AAPSCOMS would hold on September 24, 2024, Choolwe said that the body was created to provide a common platform for the commissions to promote and share best practices among, others.

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BREAKING: Police Arrest 130 Chinese Nationals, Others Over Internet Fraud

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By John Michael Ojo

In what could be described as a breakthrough in the war against cybercrime in the country, the Nigeria Police Force on Sunday, arrested 130 Chinese nationals, Malaysians along side their Nigerian collaborators for high network cybercrime-related issues in Jahi axis of the Federal Capital of Territory, Abuja.

The arrest was made known by the Force Spokesman, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi in a post via his X handle where he stated that of the 130 suspects arrested, 113 where Chinese and Malaysian nationals while the rest where  Nigerians.

Adejobi who described the actions of these unscrupulous elements as a threat to the nation’s security, said an investigation was ongoing and the suspects would be charged to court as soon as possible.

The statement reads: “The Nigeria Police Force has arrested 130 suspects comprising 113 foreign nationals (87 males and 26 females), primarily of Chinese and Malaysian origin, and their 17 Nigerian collaborators (4 males and 13 females) for their alleged involvement in high-level cybercrimes, hacking, and activities that threaten national security.

READ ALSO: Why We Arraigned Minors – Police

“This strategic operation was conducted through a coordinated raid on a building at the Next Cash and Carry area of Jahi, Abuja, where the suspects were reportedly using computers and other sophisticated devices to facilitate criminal activities.

“The operation which was led by the Assistant Inspector-General of Police for Zone 7 Headquarters, Abuja, AIG Benneth Igweh, on Saturday, 3rd November 2024, comprised officers of the Nigeria Police Force Zone 7 Command Abuja and the National Cyber Crime Centre (NPF-NCCC).

“We are investigating the matter and scientifically analysing the exhibits recovered from them. The suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of our investigations.

“We will update the public on the outcomes of our investigations as and when due, he added.”

 

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Why We Arraigned Minors – Police

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By John Michael Ojo

The Nigeria Police Force has distanced itself from any wrongdoing following the criticism that greeted the arraignment of 76 #EndBadGovernance protesters who were majorly minors before a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, the Federal Capital of Territory on Friday, 1 November 2024.

In a now viral video which has gained both local and international condemnation, some of the protester who were looking frail, malnourished, unhealthy, exhausted and very unkempt, slumped and had to be rushed to the court’s medical facility for immediate medical care.

READ ALSO: Uncertainty As Tinubu Appoints Maj-Gen Olufemi Acting Chief of Army Staff

While the court granted a N10m bail to each of the 76 protesters, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has now alleged that some of the kids who collapsed during the court session yesterday did so in pretense in order to dent the image of the police force.

The IGP stated this in  a statement signed by the Force Spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, who maintained that under the Nigerian law, individuals above seven years should be held responsible and accountable for their actions, adding that the charges leveled against the minors include destruction of public property and threats to national security.

READ ALSO: Oga Police: Are you An Agbero With Guns? 

The IGP who also advised the masses to be objective in their judgement said the police would remain transparent throughout the legal process.

The statement reads: “Today, an unexpected incident in court saw six of the suspects suddenly rush out and faint, drawing media attention in a deliberate and scripted manner to attract negative attention.

“Medical aid was promptly provided to these individuals, demonstrating the Police Force’s commitment to the welfare of those in its custody, irrespective of the allegations they face.

“While committed to upholding justice, the Nigeria Police Force remains sensitive to the rights of all individuals, including young persons. Under Nigerian law, individuals who have reached the age of criminal responsibility are answerable for their actions, regardless of their age.

“This principle aligns with global practices, where accountability is upheld for young individuals who commit serious offences. As seen in other jurisdictions, including the United Kingdom, age does not exempt individuals from facing legal consequences. However, each case is approached with empathy and in accordance with human rights standards.

“The NPF has recently arraigned 76 individuals in court on charges including terrorism, arson, and treasonable felony. These serious allegations encompass offences such as the destruction of public property and threats to national security. In managing the detention and arraignment of these suspects, the NPF has rigorously adhered to legal provisions to ensure fairness and accountability under the rule of law.

READ ALSO: How Four Deputy Inspectors General of Police Were Compulsorily Retired To Pave Way For IGP

“The suspects were initially presented in court, where they were formally charged, and a remand order was issued by the court. Throughout this process, the Police have worked to balance justice with compassion, ensuring that each suspect’s basic rights and privileges are respected, including access to medical care and other necessary provisions.”

“The NPF acknowledges public interest in this case and assures the public that our officers will maintain professionalism throughout the legal process. The public is encouraged to view this case without undue bias, as the Force remains focused on a transparent pursuit of justice. The Nigeria Police Force is committed to aligning with best practices, upholding both the rule of law and respect for human dignity.”

 

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Honours For Evelyn Joshua In Argentina

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By Dare Adejumo

In a joyful show of gratitude for the crusade held in Argentina by the Synagogue Church Of All Nations (SCOAN) along with its landmark charity programme for the “poorest of the poor” in the country, Pastor Evelyn Joshua has been showered with multiple honours and awards by the government authorities in Argentina. The crusade was officially recognized as an event of public interest by various government bodies.

Pastor Joshua received the “Key of the city of Resistencia in CHACO Province” presented by the Mayor of the city, Abelardo Nokckich,. That “key” makes her the first among equals, a distinguished personality and very important “citizen” of the Argentine city. The other awards are: from the President of the Chamber of Deputies of the Province of CHACO, Mrs Carmen Delgado Britto in recognition of the crusade as “a special event and a great thing for the Province by law” and that by the Governor of the province Mr. Leandro Zdero.

Accepting the Awards, Evelyn Joshua who was visibly surprised, expressed her deep gratitude to the nation and the awarders.

“It’s God’s command that we should be here to demonstrate His love physically and spiritually. I dedicate these awards to the Christians in Argentina who are striving and yearning to be like our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, that you may continue to grow in faith, spirit and words of God. I thank the Argentine government and all the various authorities that considered me fit for the awards,” she said, and prayed for a glorious turnaround and God’s blessings for the land.

Major dignatories at the event included: the Provincial Deputy, Mr Paola Beneitez, the Minister of Justice, Labour and Human Rights Mr. Jorge Gomez, Director of Religious Affairs for the Province, Mr Pedro Garcia and Director of Religious Affairs for the municipality of Resistencia, Mr. Javier Pinero.

The two-day crusade was a high watershed in the Christians’ experience in Argentina.

Apart from rejuvenating the early Apostolic age revival in a country where Christianity was gradually becoming a mere social gathering, the Evelyn Joshua Crusade made Christianity real with the avalanche of miracles, healings, deliverances, blessings and salvation of several human souls.

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