By Juliet Adiele
Staff of the Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency ( NEMSA) have been advised to seek additional sources of income to augment their salaries and allowances in view of the current global economic meltdown
This advise was given at the weekend by the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Agency Engr. Aliyu Tukur Tahir, FNSE while declaring open a one day training programme organized by the NEMSA Staff Cooperative Society Limited.
Speaking on the theme of the training: “Additional Sources of income for Public Servants”, Engr. Aliyu who is also the Chief Electrical Inspector of the Federation, (CEIF) said as public servants, they are called upon to serve the nation with dedication, integrity and a commitment to excellence. However, he noted that as individuals with personal aspirations and responsibilities, many of which require financial stability and prudent financial planning, there is the need for staff to take proactive steps to equip themselves with the needed tools to explore legitimate and ethical alternative sources of income within the framework of existing public service rules and regulations
Said he; “This training I am made to understand, is designed not just to inform, but to inspire staff. It is about building financial resilience, enhancing productivity and fostering a culture of innovation and self -reliance. Whether it is in agribusiness, technology, small -scale enterprise or investment opportunities, the goal is to equip you with practical insights and strategies that can complement your service to the nation”, Engr. Aliyu said
He however, warned the staff not to see the initiative as reason to be distracted from their core responsibilities of enforcement of electrical standards and regulations in the country, rather, as a form of support to enable them manage their financial wellbeing in a manner that is consistent with the ethics and values of the civil service. Accouraging to him, when staff are financially stable, their preference, morale and overall outlook on service delivery will improve significantly
“ I therefore encourage you to take full advantage of this opportunity by thinking critically on how to apply what you would be taught today to your own advantage”, the MD/CEO said.
He thanked the NEMSA Staff Cooperative Society Limited for the strides so far achieved especially in getting the society fully registered with relevant bodies as well as prudent management of resources resulting in dividends payment to members of the society.
Five papers were delivered at the event by two knowledgeable speakers. First was by Engr. Dr. A. Akintola, FNIAE, former Federal Director of Cooperatives on the topic “ Leveraging on Cooperative Society membership for Public servants’ financial stability”. In the paper, he said Civil servants need financial stability to remain stress free in life and one way of achieving that according to him is for them to join cooperative societies which he said are body corporate and recognized business and social organizations which offer unique opportunity ofr public servants to achieve financial stability through collective effort and mutual support. He went ahead to explain how leveraging cooperative societies could help staff enhance their financial stability especially in the public service
“ Leveraging cooperative society membership can be a powerful strategy for public servants to achieve financial stability and freedom. Through accessing affordable credit, mobilizing regular savings, keying into investment opportunities and acquisition of financial literacy which cooperative society provides to public servants can enhance their financial resilience and achieve their financial goals”.
Another Speaker, Dr (Mrs) Modupe Ogunnoki of the Aquatic Health Division, Department of Animal Health and Reproductive services, Federal Ministry of Livestock development, Abuja delivered four papers on the following topics: “ Fish health Management and Disease control”, Overview of fish farming for public servants’ financial sustainability”, Nutrition and Feeding of cultured clariid catfish species” and “ Routine Aquatic animal health farm visit record book”, respectively.
She urged the participants to take fish health management seriously stressing that nutrition is the baseline of livestock and that fish production and feed is the single most expensive production cost item.
Her words “Proper nutrition enhances growth, immune status and ultimately increase profitability. With proper nutrition, there will be minimal health challenges. Hence, nutrition determines the profitability of fish production”
She further advised the participants to be careful and observant of the fish under their care to avoid them contacting diseases. “ New fish coming into the farm, like brooding fish should be quarantined and observed for suitable period to ascertain that they are disease free before putting them with other stock. Dead fish and organic waste must be promptly disposed off safely and appropriately,’’ she warned.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman of the NEMSA Staff Cooperative Society Limited Steering committee Barr. Jephthah Tukura said the training was the first of its kind in the history of the agency and praised the efforts of the NEMSA management led by Engr Aliyu Tukur to give staff alternative sources of income in view of the biting effects of the current economic hardship in the country.
He urged his members to take seriously the lectures that would be delivered at the event to support themselves and their families. He also thanked the MD/CEO for the provision of four fish farming starter packs for staff to kick start fish business, adding that the four items would be won through ballot that would be conducted at the end of the training.
The lucky winners in the ballot are Comrade Akinwunmi OLuwarotimi Gabriel, Engr. Okeme Obiabo, Mr. Henry Maduagwu and Ms. Beatrice Kieriama. Each pack contains the following items, 1000 litre white tank, 100 pieces of 6 weeks old fingerlings,15kg 2mm feed and 2kg starter feed, which according to the chairman were the basic an individual needs to grow 100 pieces of fish.