You Too Can Become An Expert

From Learning To Expertise 

ICMS, Inc. Reports

By Tom Okure, Ph.D

Did You Know That ...Learning is best accomplished when there is a need and the desire for the learning, and when it is built upon former learning and knowledge. This article encourages you to learn all that you need to know in your chosen field, so you too can become an expert …Now You Know! 

~ Dr. Tom Okure

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This article helps readers understand the process of learning, from being a novice in their field of endeavor to becoming an expert.

Introduction

Human development involves a foundational process of learning, but not all learning results in expertise. Expertise requires a deliberate and structured process that transforms basic knowledge and acquired skills into a high level of proficiency. This article explains how learning develops gradually into expertise.

Stages of Learning

The journey from beginner to expert typically passes through several stages:

1.       Novice: A learner, often termed a novice, is an individual new to a task, skill, or situation who lacks the necessary experience. At this phase, the individual has limited or no experience. The individual heavily relies on rules and instructions, and supervision to complete tasks.

2.       Advanced Beginner: A beginner advances with increased knowledge, experience, and repetition, enabling the individual to start recognizing patterns so simple tasks can be independently handled. Nevertheless, progression in the acquisition of necessary skills still depends on guidance at this stage. Supervision is essential because even though the individual understands basic concepts, they lack the overall perspective to overcome complex and unfamiliar situations. 

3.       Competent: At this stage of learning, the individual has acquired sufficient skills to unentangle complex problems and identify workplace hazards through repetitive training, action, supervision, and feedback. The individual can handle tasks and make decisions based on experience and a deeper understanding of the subject area.

4.       Proficient: Repetitive training and practice lead a person to proficiency. At this level, individuals become highly skilled and capable of seeing situations holistically, can prioritize effectively, and adapt to changing circumstances. A proficient learner is an individual who can connect their learning to real-life complex situations. 

5.       Expert: A person becomes an expert in his or her field of endeavor when they have gained sufficient and comprehensive knowledge of the required skill in a particular area. This allows the individual to operate intuitively by drawing on their extensive experience. They recognize subtle nuances and can innovate within their field.

Major Factors in Developing Expertise

·     Deliberate Practice: Expertise involves frequent goal-oriented practice that is very focused, not simply routine repetition. There must also be feedback, both positive and negative, which helps to refine skills to overcome incremental challenges.

·     Deeper Knowledge: Becoming an expert means gaining a deeper mental understanding that connects concepts, which can be applied flexibly in various situations.

·     Experience: Experiences accumulated over time allow the expert individual to recognize patterns and intuition to handle difficult challenges.

·     Learning Is Continuous: An expert stays updated within a chosen field of endeavor to gain new information needed to maintain optimal performance to adapt to changes.

The Importance of Feedback, Mentorship, and Apprenticeship

Learning is accelerated through constructive feedback from a mentor or technical expert you are studying with, who identifies areas for improvement to reinforce effective strategies. The Mentor offers guidance, motivation, and insights derived from years of practice and real-world experience, enabling learners to overcome challenges on their path to expertise.

Concluding Remarks

You turn leaning into expertise through the process of deliberate practice and repetition, where you apply what you studied or the knowledge you acquired in a real-life situation, incorporating feedback and tackling new, more complex, similar situations successfully. 

Dr. Tom Okure

Building foundational knowledge involves a cycle of practicing repeatedly until acquired skills become automatic and ingrained in your knowledge base, enabling you to comfortably meet and overcome limitations in your current abilities. Repetition moves one from a detached, analytic learner to an involved, intuitive expert is a long-term, iterative journey. 

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Expertise is achieved through a process of dedication to practice, deep understanding, real-life experience, and continuous reflection. The key point to note is that anyone can gain new skills, but achieving expertise or becoming an expert demands dedication, resilience, and a focused attitude to learn continuously. 

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Thank you!

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All rights reserved by Tom Okure, Ph.D. CEO of Inter-Continental Mgt. Systems, Inc. (or ICMS Inc.). ICMS, Inc., is a multifaceted business and management consulting firm with its head office in Albany, New York  

A functionalist explanation of the purchase of the new Nigerian Presidential Airbus A330 Aircraft.

A Structural Functionalist explanation behind the purchase of the new Nigerian Presidential Airbus A330 Aircraft.

By Tom Okure, Ph.D
ICMS, Inc Reports
Date: August 28, 2024

Introduction 

Nigeria's new presidential jet has been trending as a topic, in the regular and social media space. The controversy surrounding the government's decision in favor of purchasing a new and bigger plane stems from the fact that the Nigerian economy is in bad shape. Initially, the government denied making the purchase, but presidential aides laid the foundation and reason to acquire a new plane to add to the existing presidential fleet, noting that the primary plane used by the president for frequent international travel was old, had safety problems, and needed frequent costly repairs. Consequently, presidential aides argued that the old plane which is 19 years old needed to be replaced in favor of a more reliable and adequate plane to convey the president to his frequent international engagements. The 19-year-old smaller presidential jet (Boeing BBJ 737-700) was a brand new aircraft that was bought by former Nigerian president Obasanjo. Suddenly, against the backdrop of previous denials, the Nigerian public was on Monday, August 19, 2024, introduced to Nigeria's new (but used) lavished 160 billion Niara presidential jet, an Airbus A330 Aircraft. Some analysts say the new presidential jet which is so much bigger than any existing plane in the current presidential fleet, will require more expensive operational costs and maintenance.

This article offers a structural-functionalist perspective as an alternative and a better explanation for understanding the policy reasoning behind the controversial purchase of the new Nigerian Airbus A330 Aircraft. Nations act in many ways that defy understanding unless one digs deeper into the unobvious (latent) reasons underpinning their actions. This writer argues that the reason behind the purchase of the new (but used) Nigerian Presidential jet cannot be explained based on the pronouncements of the Tinubu’s aids justifying the purchase, but rather from the latent functions underlying the Nigerian government’s policy decision. This writer argues that the latent function of this new aircraft is symbolic, and prestigious, making the Nigerian government look modern and commensurate with the status of Nigeria as a major oil producer and global leader.

Nigeria's Channels Television

Various expressions of approval and disapproval abound in the social media community. Prominent Nigerians including Ezekwesilli fault the Tinubu administration and the national assembly for making such a ridiculous policy decision to spend such a huge sum of money to buy a plane when the Nigerian population is suffering economic hardship. In the social media space, an X user @Fdmlearn said it wasn’t right that Nigerians were being told to undergo economic pain while the government was buying a new plane for the president. So many citizens appeared very angry and concerned over the government's action, especially because the planes' acquisition and unveiling to the public occurred less than two weeks after thousands of Endbadgovernace protesters had taken to the streets across the country to protest rising hunger and the suffocating high cost of living. One social media critic stated: “Wait so despite the Tinubu-led Government telling Nigerians to bear the economic hardship and wait for a better tomorrow, they were busy paying cash for a new private Jet to add to the presidential fleet that has over 6 aircraft already?”.

President Tinubu was elected in 2023 to head Africa’s most populous country. Since his ascension to power, he has introduced many difficult and unpopular economic reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidies, which have had adverse consequences such as high inflation alleged to be over 30% currently. President Tinubu argues that his reforms are necessary to cut government spending and stimulate long-term growth.

 A Better Understanding of Nigerian Government Policy Decision Making

Why did President Tinubu's administration purchase this controversial and alleged luxurious Airbus A330 Aircraft? The answer to this question is best understood from the perspective of the latent function of this aircraft in the reasoning of the Tinubu administration. Having a big presidential plane represents a kind of latent doctrinal formula or assumption adopted from rich and powerful nations like the United States, China, Japan, Saudi Arabia, etc, a statement of political ideology expected by the international community from an economically powerful and modern nation. The problem here is that the public does not see the whole picture and reasoning behind why African governments do what they do. Opponents of the purchase say that lawmakers did not approve the purchase, because it was not mentioned in this year’s budget. A social media commentator not understanding the latent function of this plane stated: “Let's tell ourselves the truth. Tinubu's new Airbus presidential aircraft purchase for N150 billion at a time of penury, hunger, and want shows how wicked, selfish, self-indulgent, and insensitive to the plight of the average Nigerian he really is.” Another commentator in X (formerly Tweeter) stated in favor by noting @Timi_The_Law "he supports the president’s decision as the plane is not personal but belongs to the office of the president. “Tinubu's decision to buy a new plane is the right one. The plane belongs to the office of the president, and future presidents will enjoy it,” he posted. These statements mirror the manifest function of the Airbus A330 Aircraft as perceived by the administration supporters of the purchase. But are their perspective of the reasoning behind the purchase correct? This writer disagrees.  

It is reasonable to assume that most economically powerful oil-rich OPEC nations are expected to look and act rich; Nigeria is no exception. 

Nigeria's Channels Television

While the Nigerian public may see the actions of the Tinubu administration as selfish, self-indulgent, and insensitive to the plight of the average Nigerian, this writer argues that it is reasonable to conclude that our Nigerian political leaders see themselves as oil-rich and governing a fast economically growing nation seeking to become an industrial nation. The public pronouncements of political leaders echo this vision of becoming a great nation. Our leaders have grandiose economic development plans such as the Lagos Calabar multibillion-dollar coastal highway under construction. As witnessed by Nigeria's counterpart OPEC nations like Dubia and Suadi Arabia, an oil-rich country thinks big and acts big in all its actions. Looking like them, like other oil-rich nations and powerful economic nations like China, Japan, and the United Kingdom (UK) is the guiding principle that properly explains many of the actions of Nigerian policymakers even when they appear wasteful, unaffordable, and insensitive to the suffering of the poor masses.  

The government doesn't see the huge expenditure for this plane as wasteful. In a statement on X, President Tinubu’s media aide Bayo Onanuga said the new plane would actually save money. He noted that “The new plane, bought far below the market price, saves Nigeria huge maintenance and fuel costs, running into millions of dollars yearly,” according to his statement.

According to a BBC news report, "The new presidential jet was recently released to the Nigerian government after it was seized by a Chinese firm, Zhangson Investment Co. Limited, which obtained a Paris court order to seize some Nigerian government assets following an investment dispute with Ogun state in south-west Nigeria." The new (but used) 15-year-old plane is touted to have an elaborate configuration for VIPs and replaces the country’s 19-year-old Boeing BBJ 737-700. The difference in the ages of the new and old planes is four years. It is reasonable to argue that the choice of the new plane is not in its newness, but perhaps rather lies in its huge size and luxurious interior befitting of Nigeria as the giant of Africa. 

From a functionalist perspective, this writer argues that Nigeria's presidency believes that to be considered a modern oil-rich nation it must do big things, and have a big plane with all the elaborate configurations for VIPs. Whether the country’s 19-year-old Boeing BBJ 737-700 that the new presidential jet replaced had safety problems or was expensive to maintain did not feature properly as the policy rationale to replace it. What is very important to understand here is the fact that the 15-year-old new Nigerian presidential plane is symbolic of the expectations of a modern presidential fleet in form, and serves the demands and expectations of the international community which Nigeria is an active part of.  

Concluding Remarks

Screenshot taken from:
News Nations Television 

Facts obtained in media reports show that Nigeria's new presidential jet is not a new plane but a 15-year-old-plus-used plane. This new plane allegedly is supposed to replace the existing 19-year-old smaller presidential jet that has been effectively performing well and in use until recently when presidential aids started feeding the public with news about its safety.

This article has attempted to provide an alternative potential latent unobvious functionalist explanation from mainstream analysis for the Nigerian government's decision to purchase the new Nigerian Airbus A330 Aircraft. This author has argued that Tinubu's administration's action is commensurate with the trend of many other oil-rich nations that have taken similar actions like the Nigerian government to symbolize and show off their wealth and economic power. Nigeria's policymakers believe that this plane is a necessary aspect of Nigeria's development into a powerful economic nation. The writer wonders why the public is surprised about the plane purchase, especially because unknown and unobvious to the public, before the huge investment was secretly made, Presidential aides laid the foundation leading up to the purchase, by justifying the expenditures for it for safety reasons even in the difficult economic circumstances that the country is facing.

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All rights reserved by Tom Okure, Ph.D. CEO of Inter-Continental Mgt. Systems, Inc. (or ICMS Inc.). ICMS, Inc., is a multifaceted business and management consulting firm with its head office in Albany, New York        

The Rampage of Terrorist and Bandit Killings in Nigeria. Where does the blame lie?

ICMS, Inc Reports

By Tom Okure, Ph.D
August 30, 2021

 Is the rampage of killings in Nigeria getting out of control?

It appears according to a recent video on social media by an Islamic Imam (source of video is unknown), that we have all failed as parents, as politicians, as community leaders and as the government of the Federal

Republic of Nigeria to teach our children and the population of Nigeria that human life is sacred and that we should not kill a fellow Nigerian and human being. Is he correct in his assertion and rebuke of the Nigerian society? 

Boko Haram is an Islamist militant group in Nigeria which has been responsible for thousands of killings, suicide bombings and abduction of boys and girls in many schools in the northern states in Nigeria for over 13 year now. There are other militant groups such as the IPOB in the South-East region of Nigeria, and the Fulani northern cattle herders all killing people indiscriminately for one reason or the other all over Nigeria. 

IPOB wants the creation of an independent state of Biafra from the current Nigeria and alleges that it is defending Christians in their propaganda videos and statements. Nevertheless the group adopts a militant posture in their actions by killing even fellow Christians and terrorizing all the citizens in those states where they are opposed.

Fulani cattle herders on the other hand have always moved and grazed their cattle across Nigerian communities over the millennia and since Nigeria gained independence in 1960 from the British. However in the past several years these herders, many of who are illegally armed by the cattle owners are committing a lot of hideous killings in Christian communities as the come into contact with southern communities and farmers protecting their farms from the roaming cattle of the headers.

The current Nigerian Federal Government headed by President Muhammadu Buhari has been unable to prevent these killings and the clashes between the Christian communities and the invading herders.  The government has no solution to the killings so far, only blaming the rampant herder killings “to population pressure, escalating aridity of northern states, and climate change” which is forcing the roaming and nomadic cattle herders to travel further into southern Nigerian states in order to find grazing lands for their cattle.

In the video above, this Imam (a man who leads Muslim worshippers in prayer or in a global general sense, the head of a Muslim community) points the blame squarely on the federal government’s inability to control the bandits and terrorists terrorizing and killing Nigerians in large numbers. The Imam in the video blames himself too and says that we are all (Nigerians) to blame for the excessive killings and the total disregard for the value human life in Nigeria .What is your opinion on this issue? Watch the video:

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All rights reserved by Tom Okure, Ph.D. CEO of Inter-Continental Mgt. Systems, Inc. (or ICMS Inc.). ICMS, Inc., is a multifaceted business and management consulting firm with its head office in Albany, New York        

Nigeria's railways modernization project employs its first female train driver

ICMS, Inc. Reports 

By Tom Okure, Ph.D.

Nigeria started its standard gauge railway modernization projects (SGRMP) with the Abuja-Kaduna rail line.  A standard railway gauge line connecting Nigeria’s federal capital city Abuja with Kaduna its commercial capital enables goods and people between the two cities to move at a faster pace.

In February 2011, the construction of the Abuja-Kaduna rail line started and was finished in December 2014 with financial support of China.

In July 2016, Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari officially inaugurated the line for commercial services. China Civil and Engineering Construction Company (CCECC), which is constructing the Lagos Rail Mass Transit System also built the rail line for the Nigerian Federal Government.

It is hoped that Nigeria’s railway modernization projects will help develop a badly infrastructure network in Nigeria and in the process ease dependence on poor roads in the country and help create badly needed jobs for the teaming unemployed in the country. The Abuja-Kaduna rail line modernization projects (SGRMP) in Nigeria employed an estimated 4,000 people and is projected to create over 5,000 additional jobs during its operation.

Standard gauge railway modernization projects in Nigeria

A significant obstacle to Nigeria’s economic development has been the lack of adequate infrastructure. The first of the country’s standard gauge railway modernization projects, accommodating high-speed rail lines is expected to bolster Africa’s largest economy as railways make a comeback after many decades of negligence.

Nigeria has been modernizing its railways and is currently undertaking the modernization of its standard gauge railways.

In 2006 the federal government awarded $8.3bn contract to CCECC for the Lagos-Kano standard gauge modernization project. This was the beginning of the standard gauge modernization project.

The project soon ran into funding difficulties which prevented its implementation. The initiative was then scaled down and re-scoped into different standalone segments. As a consequence, the existing 1,124km narrow-gauge Lagos-Kano line was rehabilitated. As part of the Lagos-Kano standard gauge project, the Abuja-Kaduna segment has been implemented.

First female train driver in Nigeria Ms. Isa Fatima Abiola

The railways modernization project also scored a first by employing the first female train driver in Nigeria Ms. Isa Fatima Abiola. She is a role model and trend setter for young women. In this video, she explains how she got involved with this opportunity and encourages other Nigerian young women to take on the challenge. 

The initiative to modernize Nigeria's railways seeks to exchange the current narrow gauge system with the wider standard gauge system. This will enable high speed trains to operate on the railway network under construction. Nigeria's high speed train will first be operated on the Lagos to Ibadan route.

Railway development in Nigeria began over 100 years ago by the Colonial British government in order to help it move Nigeria’s rich agricultural products from the northern parts of the country to the southern ports in the south on their way to the United Kingdom. With the rise of oil production in Nigeria in the 1950's and the country’s dependence oil revenues for economic development, there was deemphasize by the Nigerian government on the export of agricultural produce in the 1970s. Dependence on oil revenues coupled with government policy neglect and mismanagement caused the Nigeria’s railway system to fall into a state of shabbiness.  

As of 2009, annual passenger rail trips in Nigeria had dropped from its 1963 high level of about 11 million to just over million passengers.

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All rights reserved by Tom Okure, Ph.D CEO of Inter-Continental Mgt. Systems, Inc (or ICMS Inc). ICMS, Inc, is a multifaceted business and management consulting firm with its head office in Albany, New York

Nigeria celebrates 60 years of Independence day and unveils a logo assuring Nigerians of “greater inclusiveness” going forward.

 Today October 1, 2020 is Nigeria’s Independence Day.

By Tom Okure, Ph.D. 

ICMS, Inc Reports 

As part of the independence celebration President Muhammadu Buhari unveiled a 60^th Independence Logo and assured Nigerians of a “greater inclusiveness” going forward.

Nigerian Government Independence Logo

According to the Nigerian government, the 60^th Independence Logo depicts “Together Shall We Be,” and was chosen to forge a more united and cohesive Nigeria. The skillfully crusted diamond of the logo on the Nigerian map symbolizes “our age of treasure, the worth of the Nigerian people, who sparkle to the admiration of the world.……The fair green and the dark green colors respectively remind us of our warmth, welcoming spirit and love, as well as abundant wealth inherent in our human capital and the richness of our land.”

President Buhari shows off the anniversary logo

Nigeria gained independence from British colonial rule on October 1, 1960. At the time, there was great enthusiasm among Nigerians, who believed their future was bright and as a nation they would realize whatever they set their minds to accomplish as an independent nation. In 1963, Nigeria became a federal constitutional republic, with Nnamdi Azikiwe (An Easterner) as its first president and Tafawa Balewa (A Northerner) as the prime minister. The country adopted a democratic governance approach and all seem well at the time, until 1966 when a series of military coups derailed Nigeria’s democracy. After 16 years of perpetual and brutal military rule and interruption of democratic institutions, Nigeria in 1999 returned to democratic civilian government. In an elaborate ceremony, power was transferred by General Abdulsalam Abubakar to President Olusegun Obasanjo (a former military dictator himself), who was elected in a nationwide elections.

In 1999 Power was transferred by General
Abdulsalam Abubakar to President Olusegun Obasanjo

As the Federal government announced its plans to celebrate this significant milestone year of its independence, many Nigeria’s argue that there is nothing worth celebrating, because during the last six decades since independence, all the passion and hopes of Nigerians have been smashed.  The great excitement after independence has been eroded due to persistent national insecurity, ethnic clashes and religious prejudice combined with high unemployment rates etc. 

Despite the enormous human capital and economic resources that the country is endowed with, it has yet to achieve any real level of economic development takeoff. Its economic development remains stultified because of lack of basic infrastructural development in the areas of electricity, road and rail connection, education etc., leaving its citizens despondent and entrapped in an endless cycle of struggle to survive by barely meeting their basic human needs.

Without peace and security, Nigeria like most other countries cannot achieve the aspirations of its people. It is the hope of this writer, that this Independence Day will unleash a renewed sense of hope, togetherness and enthusiasm of all citizens despite the ongoing devastation caused by the Corona Virus (Covid-19) epidemic. One would hope that with the “greater inclusiveness going forward” implied in the unveiled national logo to celebrate the independence, all Nigerians will renew their sense of national belonging and Nigerian politicians and policy makers will rise to the great task of building social trust between the people and the Nigerian nation. Nigeria also needs to tackle its endemic societal corruption in all facets of society.

We wish Nigeria a joyous and happy independence celebration and God’s blessings in its new age. 

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All rights reserved by Tom Okure, Ph.D CEO of Inter-Continental Mgt. Systems, Inc (or ICMS Inc). ICMS, Inc, is a multifaceted business and management consulting firm with its head office in Albany, New York.

Nigerian Music Influencers: Featuring Timaya’s "Born to Win" Video

Timaya’s "Born to Win" Video

This is Timaya’s first single video from his upcoming 6th studio album called "Gratitude" 

Here we feature two versions of Timaya’s Born to Win Video (his Official Video and Lyrics Video) Timaya is currently featured in the September cover of Nigerian Influencers Facebook group page. For a brief profile of Timaya the Nigerian musican, songwriter, performing artist and founder of DM Records Limited click on the link below: 

Profile of Timaya (Unofficial)

By Tom Okure, Ph.D 

Enjoy the Video 

Timaya – Born To Win (Official Video)

  

Timaya – Born To Win (Lyrics Video)

   

Japan Introduces Smart Public Restrooms (Toilets) in Tokyo Constructed With Smart Glass

Smart Public Restrooms (Toilets) in Tokyo Constructed With Smart Glass

By Tom Okure, Ph.D. 

ICMS, Inc Reports 

In Tokyo Japan, an impressive smart public restroom design is being introduced to embrace diversity which can accommodate anyone. The restroom project is an initiative referred to as “The Tokyo Toilet Project” and employs sophisticated smart glass technology designed to make modern restrooms in Japan “accessible for everyone regardless of gender, age, or disability and to show the potential of an inclusive society.

The glass panels are of many colors and quickly become opaque when the cubicles are locked

The smart glass (transparent) toilets designed by 16 global creators were introduced on August 5, 2020 and the brainchild of Pritzker Prize-winning architect Shigeru Ban. The smart public toilets are initially “located in Haru-no-Ogawa Community Park (5-68-1 Yoyogi) and the Yoyogi Fukamachi Mini Park (1-54-1 Tomigaya).”

The smart glass transparent technology appears to be similar to the technology used in transitional eye glasses but with a quicker response immediate effect time turning immediately from clear to opaque when the toilet door is locked. The immediate transition from clear glass to opaque makes people assured using the toilet facility that they will not be watched from outside while using the toilet inside.

 According to” Nippon Foundation” many public restroom users in Japan especially those using restrooms located at a park typically complain or worry about two things “the first is cleanliness, and the second is whether anyone is inside” … “Using the latest technology, the exterior glass turns opaque when locked. This allows users to check the cleanliness and whether anyone is using the toilet from the outside. At night, the facility lights up the park like a beautiful lantern.”

In 2019, Tokyo Japan prefecture had an estimated population of 13,929,280 with the greater Tokyo area considered to be the most populous metropolitan area in the world, with more than 37.393 million residents as of 2020. Tokyo as a modern city has so many futuristic design innovations. 

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All rights reserved by Tom Okure, Ph.D CEO of Inter-Continental Mgt. Systems, Inc (or ICMS Inc). ICMS, Inc, is a multifaceted business and management consulting firm with its head office in Albany, New York. 

Presentation of Official State Symbols (Flag, Anthem, Emblem & Creed) of...

Today September 23, 2020 Akwa Ibom State of Nigeria celebrates 33 years since its creation as a Nigerian state.

Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg of the United States Supreme Court is dead at the age of 87

By Tom Okure

ICMS, Inc. Reports 

The United States Supreme Court announced in a statement that Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is dead. According to the statement, Justice Ginsburg expired as a result of complications from metastatic cancer of the pancreas. She was 87 years old and died at home in Washington surrounded by family. Justice Ginsburg in her 80s became a legal, cultural and feminist icon in the United States.

"Our nation has lost a justice of historic stature," Chief Justice John Roberts said. "We at the Supreme Court have lost a cherished colleague. Today we mourn but with confidence that future generations will remember Ruth Bader Ginsburg as we knew her, a tired and resolute champion of justice."

President Bill Clinton appointed Ginsburg in August 1993 to the Supreme Court to fill the seat that was held by Byron “Whizzer” White. Ginsburg was the second woman appointed to the Supreme Court.

She was the architect in the 1970’s of the legal fight for women's rights and subsequently served 27 years in the Supreme Court becoming its most prominent member. Her death is likely going to begin a nasty and rowdy political battle over who will replace her, and it plunges the Supreme Court vacancy into the focus of the 2020 presidential campaign.

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All rights reserved by Tom Okure, Ph.D. CEO of Inter-Continental Mgt. Systems, Inc. (or ICMS Inc.). ICMS, Inc., is a multifaceted business and management consulting firm with its head office in Albany, New York. 

Nigerian Influencers Profile: Featuring Timaya

TIMAYA 

By Tom Okure

ICMS, Inc Reports 

We profile Timaya (stage name) in our list of Nigerian Influences in Facebook this month in  Nigerian Influencers group page His full name is Enitimi Alfred Odom, born on August 15, 1977.

We profile Timaya (stage name) in our list of Nigerian Influences page in Facebook this month. His full name is Enitimi Alfred Odom, born on August 15, 1977. Timaya is a successful and famous Nigerian musician, songwriter, performing artist and the founder of DM Records Limited. 

His music and videos are popular and widely played on Nigerian radio and television stations. Over the years, he has also gained international visibility and prominence with his musical talent. He has a large fan base among Nigerians especially the youth and he sees his music as a “struggle and quest for a change in life,” having grown up hustling for a living in the streets at the early age of 14. 

In one of his recent music projects he terms “Chulo Vibes” he features a collection his music which he says best defines him, his sound and brand. According to Timaya, his music is all about “good energy, love, positive living, being thankful always.” 

The “Chulo Vibes” has nine tracks, featuring fellow Nigerian singer, Burna Boy, Tanzanian act, Alikiba, and Machel Montano from Trinidad & Tobago.

In  October 2016, Timaya was appointed by Glo to feature as its brand ambassador because of his successful music career and inspiration of millions of Nigerian youths, especially those in the South-South part of the country, where he is popularly known as the ‘Egberi Papa 1 of Bayelsa.’

Timaya’s net worth is estimated to be over 9 million US dollars. He has a fleet of exotic cars and a mansion worth millions.

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All rights reserved by Tom Okure, Ph.D CEO of Inter-Continental Mgt. Systems, Inc (or ICMS Inc). ICMS, Inc, is a multifaceted business and management consulting firm with its head office in Albany, New York. 

Who Will Bell the NDDC Fat Cat?

Who Will Bell the NDDC Fat Cat?

COMMENTARY

Icmsinc, Reports  
By Tom Okure, PhD

The truth about the alleged Corruption at NDDC is slowly coming out and we the public and Niger Delta beneficiaries are appalled about the dysfunction in the operations of the agency.

We have all heard the allegations and counter allegations from all the relevant parties of the theft and misuse of budgeted NDDC resources. The question now is how to stop the financial malfeasance and set NDDC on the correct path.

In short "how do we bell the NDDC Fat Cat?" so that in future, we the public can be sure that our dedicated and well intention resources are spent properly on planned projects in the Niger Delta.

Drama unfolds during National Assembly Investigation and Probe into NDDC corruption.

Drama during Committee Probe into NDDC Corruption . 

Icmsinc Reports
July 20, 2020 

During the interview of Prof. Kemebradikumo Pondei he suddenly slumps and becomes unresponsive for a moment as he was being interviewed. Watch the drama unfold…..

The impact of Covid-19 virus pandemic lock down on the livelihood of the poor: The case of Nigeria’s Lagos State.

In the first video we see a woman warning the Lagos state government of a potential uprising of the poor masses in the slums of Lagos state due to hunger caused by the corona virus lock-down. She complains of insufficient planning, food and palliative support for the poor families in Lagos state.

She states that the poor especially the youth are becoming reckless with the potential of a rebellion brewing among the masses due to the suffering caused by the lock down.

She advises the government to send government officials to talk to the people to determine what they need and to defuse the anger of the masses under the difficult circumstances of the lock-down.

In the second video we see that the Covid-19 lock down is especially devastating to the welfare of poor who survive on a daily wage from trading and other menial activities. The prices of food items has increased tremendous in Lagos and across the country and government food hand outs are insufficient to maintain normal existence for the poor who have no money to stockpile food items.

The inadequate and intermittent supply of electricity nationwide in Nigeria also intensifies the desperate condition of the poor more than the wealthier citizens because the poor lack refrigeration to store perishable foods.

Lagos state in common with the federal government of Nigeria and many other Nigerian states recently extended the lock-down for another two weeks in an effort to control the further spread of the corona virus (Covid-19).

What began as a normal lock down and stay at home government policy in Lagos and neighboring Ogun State in Nigeria has resulted in arm youths and vigilantes taking up arms to attack residents of richer neighborhoods and suburbs looting neighborhoods and stores. Many neighborhoods in Lagos are now living in fear

Police stations are becoming overwhelmed with false calls of attacks and panic from residents. Potential revolt against police authority and the government in general is very real if proper policy communication and steps are not taken to placate reckless youths who have become enraged with the extended lock down announcement and insufficient governmental measures to ameliorate the suffering of the masses

Nigeria’s Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) program to the poor and COVID-19 pandemic. Who are the beneficiaries in your Community?

ICMS, INC EDUCATIONAL SERIES

Are you aware of Nigeria’s Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) program in Akwa Ibom State?

ICMS, Inc Reports

By Tom Okure, PhD

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Nearly half of Nigeria’s total population lives in extreme poverty. Nigerian Federal government says it has been working towards improving the poverty situation in the country, but most experts say 

government plans are inadequate and unsustainable. Last year in 2019, the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in a report released in New York stated that poverty in Nigeria had risen from 86 to 98 million in ten years.  Nigeria has a Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) program that has been in place since December 2016 that is designed to bring poor Nigerians out of poverty.

President Buhari announced that conditional cash
payments (CCT) would be paid to poor
and vulnerable household in Nigeria

With the spread of the COVD-19 pandemic into Nigeria, efforts to cushion the extreme poor in Nigerian has become even more urgent. Abuja, Lagos, Uyo etc and many other cities in Nigeria are currently under a two week shut down and citizens all over the country are suffering because of the shut down and lack of economic activity. Many residents of major cities are starving because they have nothing to eat. The situation is made much worse because of poor and intermittent supply of electricity and lack of proper refrigeration to preserve foodstuff by most households.  Experts say that the situation in all cities are going to get worse until gradual economic activity is restored. Even where limited and controlled market and shopping economic activity has has been implemented, like in Lagos, residents complain that it is limited and ineffective because they are unable to buy any real food stuff items except limited non perishable items. In a recent televised national broadcast, President Buhari announced that conditional cash payments (CCT) would be paid to poor and vulnerable household in the lock down states of Lagos and Ogun States as well as the FCT.

According to the Nigerian government “Beneficiaries are entitled to N5, 000 every month; however, the payment of N20, 000 now to each beneficiary is for four mouths. “It is going to happen all over the country, but we are starting with FCT, Lagos and Ogun. These are the frontline states. Other states will follow.” (See Link: Conditional Cash Transfer: FG doles out N20, 000 each to 5, 000 in FCT).

Did You Know!

That Nigeria’s N5,000 monthly cash transfer payment program has been ongoing since 2016? Is this Federal cash transfer program being implanted in Akwa Ibom State...and if so, what ministry is administering this program and how are the poor being selected to benefit from this program? Do you know any person in Akwa Ibom State benefiting from this poverty elimination program?  

Has any AKSG or Local government officials visited your village over the past two to four years to identify and collect the names of poor people especially poor people considered very vulnerable including widows, the aged, disabled individuals and those with chronic diseases and unemployed?  Do you know or are you aware of where Akwa Ibom State Cash Transfer Unit (SCTU) or office is located?

State Implementation of Conditional Cash Transfer Program

A National Cash Transfer Office (NCTO) under the Office of the Vice President, Federal Republic of Nigeria is responsible for implementing Nigeria’s CCT program and is the primary intervention arm of what is termed the National Social Safety Nets Project. In order to generate needed data to capture the Nigerian poor and vulnerable in the country a National Social Registry (NSR) was also created by the Federal Government. CCT program is a component of National Social Safety Nets Project (NASSP) which is supported by the World Bank, to provide financial support to targeted poor and vulnerable Nigerian households.

While the National NCTO mandate is to distribute the targeted cash transfer across the country, Nigerian States like Akwa Ibom State implement the federal CCT program at the state level through the State Cash Transfer Unit (SCTU). SCTU manages and coordinates the targeted cash transfer and livelihood intervention. Each local government area establishes a cash transfer team to implement activities at the community level. (See link State Implementation….National Cash Transfer Office (NCTO). 

Since the CCT program implementation in December 2016

 “Every two months, the federal government disburses nearly N3 billion to the beneficiaries. But with millions of outstretched hands in need of financial assistance, the cash transfer scheme has turned into a lottery.”…. “The N5, 000 monthly cash transfer is ultimately to bring the recipients out of poverty.  

NCTO showing CCP payments in Anambra State

But since December 2016 that the payment started, only 297, 973 caregivers are currently being paid in what appears as a drop in the ocean. Estimations suggest that about 87 million Nigerians – 44 percent of the country’s population of 196 million – live below the International Poverty Line of $1.90 (N684) a day.” (See Link: INVESTIGATION: Poorest Nigerians deprived of federal government’s cash transfer)

President Muhammadu Buhari has always reiterated his commitment to lifting millions of Nigerians from poverty. The president has repeatedly stated that:

"Our ongoing social intervention programs continue to target these vulnerable groups through the ongoing school feeding program, government economic empowerment program, ... job creation program loans for traders and artisans, conditional cash transfers to the poorest families,"

“Buhari's lofty goal is to alleviate 100 million Nigerians from poverty within the next decade. But experts say to increase the Poverty Escape Rate in the country, economic growth must remain steady and population growth controlled.” (Source: Nigerian Authorities to Alleviate Millions From Extreme Poverty)

Information Worth Knowing!

COVID-19 Virus and CCT Payments

Buhari in a recent nationwide broadcast stated that the payment is a government measure to cushion the effect of the lock down of Lagos and Ogun States as well as the FCT on the poor and vulnerable households. 

President Buhari announced that conditional cash payments (CCT)
would be paid to poor and vulnerable household in the lock down
 states of Lagos and Ogun States as well as the FCT

“As we know, the CCT is for poor and vulnerable households in the country. “Beneficiaries are entitled to N5, 000 every month; however, the payment of N20, 000 now to each beneficiary is for four mouths. “It is going to happen all over the country, but we are starting with FCT, Lagos and Ogun. These are the frontline states. Other states will follow. “With the current pandemic and circumstances on ground, this amount will go a long way to support the families in their daily lives. “Today, we are giving out N20, 000 each to about 190 beneficiaries in Kwali Area Councils. The total beneficiaries in FCT are 5, 000,’’ Farouq said. (See link: Conditional Cash Transfer: FG doles out N20, 000 each to 5, 000 in FCT).

After the president Buhari’s national broadcast, the “National Cash Transfer Office (NCTO) has clarified that only one million vulnerable Nigerian households on the National Social Register (NSR) would get the N20,000 relief fund from the Federal Government to cushion the impact of the lockdown necessitated by the coronavirus pandemic.” National Cash Transfer Office (NCTO) is under the Office of the Vice President, Federal Republic of Nigeria and is the intervention arm of the National Social Safety Nets Project.

This report is part of ICMS, Inc Report’s educational and Now You Know Information series and is designed to keep the public informed on government public policy they ought to be aware of.

Links for additional reading:

National Cash Transfer Office
Conditional Cash Transfer: FG doles out N20, 000 each to 5, 000 in FCT
INVESTIGATION: Poorest Nigerians deprived of federal government’s cash transfer
Nigerian Authorities to Alleviate Millions From Extreme Poverty

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All rights reserved by Tom Okure, Ph.D President and CEO of Inter-Continental Mgt. Systems, Inc (or ICMS, Inc). The information included in this article may not be used, reproduced, transmitted, rewritten or redistributed without the prior written permission of ICMS, Inc. The author Dr. Tom Okure is President of ICMS, Inc, a multifaceted business and management consulting firm with its head office in Albany, New York. Dr. Okure is a writer, author, business/management consultant, public policy advisor and commentator and a change advocate.

Cross River State Governor Ben Ayade is wrong! Social (physical) distancing is slowing down the spread of Corona virus.

ICMS,Inc Reports

By Tom Okure, PhD

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Cross River State Governor Ben Ayade is wrong! Social distancing is working and slowing down the spread of the Corona virus world wide. Stay home and maintain social (physical) distancing as advised by National Center for Disease Control (NCDC) and World Health Organization (WHO).

Don’t listen to the advice of Nigeria’s Cross River State Governor Ben Ayade who alleges that "you don’t need social distancing once you put on a mask." He is wrong and needs to be reprimanded by the Federal government of Nigeria.  

Governor Ayade made this statement on Tuesday April 7, 2020 while addressing a cheering audience of Calabar residents at the Governor’s official residence (also known as Peregrino Lodge). Alleging to be a professor of science, he asserted that he “knows how this virus moves; I know its etiology, I know it transmissibility, I know its antigenicity;”

Governor of Cross River Ben Ayade

Governor Ayade further asserted “because I do, I know that once you put on this mask, you have already been protected” and “You don’t need social distancing when you are properly protected because your mucal glands that secretes the mucus and the musins already forms a network of coats to attack the virus,” Ayade announced to a cheering audience.

Despite the difficulty and inconvenience posed by the lock down due to Corona Virus spread, Stay home and maintain social (physical) distancing as advised by NCDC, WHO and other world bodies.

Governor Ben Ayade opinion is contrary to the advise of experts in Nigeria and worldwide. Please maintain social distancing. Don’t risk your life and health …Read more

You don’t need social distancing once you put on a mask — Gov Ben Ayade says

As Covid-19 spreads, stay properly informed, avoid panic and don’t fall victim to cyber-criminals

ICMS, Inc Reports