Nov 26 2011

Ghost workers: Ahmed orders staff verification

Written by  Success Nwogu, Ilorin

Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara State has ordered the auditing, verification and biometric screening of the employees of local government councils, Local Government Service Commission and the State Universal Basic Education Board.

Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara State

The Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Community Development, Alhaji Isa Bawa, at a news briefing in Ilorin on Friday, said the exercise was meant to refocus the local government system.

He said that it would rejuvenate and reposition the local government system in the state.

He stated that the exercise would reduce or stop the ghost worker syndrome and improve employees’ productivity.

He said the process would cover all the staff of the local

government councils and all categories of teachers under the local government system/payroll.

Isa said, “Our LGs are expected to be free from ghost the worker syndrome, truancy, absenteeism, rural-urban drift of the staff, social and economic wastages of the scare resources available to the state. All these vices are intended to be eliminated or reduced to the barest minimum by the exercise.

“The success of it will, no doubt, increase the level of productivity and pace of the LGs since the actual workers available after the exercise will be more alive to their responsibilities.

“In addition, the funds, major part of which now goes to the ghost workers (as alleged), will be available for development purposes in the LGs.”

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Nov 26 2011

Imoke to open Obudu race

Written by  Agency reporter

Governor of Cross River State, Liyel Imoke, will declare open the 7th edition of the Obudu International Mountain Race and the third African Nations Mountain Running Championships on Monday at the Obudu Ranch Resort,Cross River State.

Chairman of the Local Organising Committee of the race, William Archibong, said the governor accepted to perform the function despite his packed schedule.

Liyel Imoke

He said, “Governor Imoke will be assisted by Bruno Gozzelino, the president of the World Mountain Running Association. The race started in 2005 and we have so far recorded tremendous success. It is our target to do more this season.”

Defending champion in the men’s category, Ethiopia’s Abebe Dinkesa and Meselech Haileyesus, who won the last edition in the women’s category have arrived to defend their titles.

The LOC said ahead of the race that prize money would remain the same. Following the introduction of the women’s category last year, prize money for the competition was increased to $278,000 with winners in each category getting a reward of $50,000. Organisers also decided to reward runners in the second position with $20,000 while third placed runners get $9,000. Those who finish between the 4th and 10th positions will also get cash award.

Archibong said the prizes were retained so that the standard would not drop.

Prize money for best Nigerian finishers (men/women) and Media Race (men/women) are also unchanged with the top three finishers going home with $2,000, $1,500 and $1,000 respectively.

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Nov 26 2011

Odemwingie hits back in injury row

Written by  Agency reporter

Nigeria striker Osaze Odemwingie has hit back in his dispute with West Brom over the extent of his knee injury.

Odemwingie posted pictures of the injured knee on Twitter as he sought to deny assertions he may be embellishing his fitness worries.

West Brom manager Roy Hodgson has expressed his frustration at Odemwingie’s continued absence from the first team following an injury-interrupted start to the season.

Osaze Odemwingie

Hodgson claimed earlier this week that West Brom had so far got “nothing” out of Odemwingie – who netted 15 goals last term – this season, adding he was “difficult to work out”.

But Odemwingie, who has been out of action for a month, hit back on Twitter and claimed he is closing in on a return to action.

The Nigeria international posted a picture that appeared to show him pressing down on the injured knee, with an attached post: “Picture of injury”.

He tweeted, “Picture taken now. My dear West Brom fans, I do care.”

In an interview with BBC Sport, Odemwingie refused to be drawn into a war of words with his boss.

He said, “People have said and done things out of frustration – it has happened to me before. But talking won’t solve the problem. I want to be fit and do my talking on the pitch. Mentally it’s been tough, I’ve pushed myself too hard physically and I’m frustrated. If only I could wish them all away but injuries are part of football.”

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