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ABIA STATE - Dr Joseph Valentine Chuks Iloh
Name: Dr Joseph Valentine Chuks Iloh
Date of Birth: 18th Dec 1964.
Nationality: Nigeria.
State of origin: Enugu State.
EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS
Central School Egede: 1970 -1973 (FSLC.)
College of the Immaculate Conception (CIC) Enugu: 1973/74 – 1977/78 Session (WASC)
iii. Anambra State University of Technology (ASUTECH) Enugu: 1986 – 1990. (B.Sc (Hons) Finance
University of Nigeria Nsukka: 2003 – 2006. MBA (Banking and Finance)
University of Nigeria Nsukka—2010 – 2014. Ph.D (Banking and Finance)
Has written over 50 journal articles published in reputable academic journals.
vii. He has published 20 textbooks in various fields of knowledge drive.
APPOINTMENTS HELD AT INSTITUTE OF MANAGEMENT AND TECHNOLOGY ENUGU.
1993 – 1996 – Lecturer III
1996 – 1999 – Lecturer II
1999 – 2001 – Lecturer I
2001 – 2003 – Senior Lecturer
2006 – 2009 – Principal Lecturer
2006 – 2009 – Chief Lecturer
OFFICES HELD IN IMT ENUGU
1993-2003 – Academic Adviser.
2003 – Ag. HOD Banking and Finance
2006 – 2009 – Head of Dept: Banking and Finance (1st tenure)
2012 – 2015 – Head of Dept: Banking and Finance (2nd tenure)
2015 – 2017 – Dean, School of of Financial Studies
Headed over 20 Institute working committees
Headed over 20 local organizing committees for national and international conferences/work shops/symposia.
A team player and astute manager of human and material resources.
ADAMAWA STATE - Kassim G. Gaidam
Name: Kassim G. Gaidam, LLB (Hons), BL
Date of Birth: 20th April, 1959
Nationality: Nigerian
State of Origin: Yobe State
Martial Status: Married
First School Leaving Certificate – 1973
Secondary School Certificate – 1978
LLB (Hons) – 1984
Barrister at Law – 1985
Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) Adamawa State – Aug. 2017 to date
Principal Partner, Rights Law Chambers: 2015 – 2017
iii. Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Adamawa, Edo & Gombe States: 2010 – 2015
Group Head (Agric Business/SME) – Northern Region, Bank PHB, Kaduna: 2007 – 2008
Regional Director (North East) Bank PHB, Maiduguri: 2005 – 2007
Divisional Head of Admin/HRM-Habib Nig. Bank Ltd, Kaduna: 1995 – 2005
vii. Attorney General & Commissioner for Justice, Yobe State: 1997 – 1999
viii. Head of Legal Dept, Habib Bank Nig. Plc, Head Office, Kaduna: 1995 – 1997
Elected (unopposed) Delegate of the National Constitutional Conference, Abuja: 1994 – 1995
Director of Personnel (GL-16) Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Damaturu, Yobe State: 1993 – 1994
1st Gen. Manager Yobe State Transport Serv. Ltd. (Yobe Line), Yobe State, Damaturu: 1991 – 1993
xii. 1st Local Govt. Sole Administrator (Chairman) of Yusufari L.G.A., Yobe State: 1991
xiii. Executive Secretary, Borno State Housing Corporation, Borno State, Maiduguri: 1989 – 1991
ANAMBRA STATE - Dr. Nkwachukwu Orji
Dr. Nkwachukwu Orji holds a PhD in Political Science from Central European University, Budapest. He is presently a Research Fellow at the Institute for Development Studies, University of Nigeria.
Before joining University of Nigeria in 2010, he was a lecturer at the Department of Political Science, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki.
Dr. Orji has been a Fellow at the Alexander Von Humboldt Foundation at the Institute of African Affairs, German Institute of Global and Area Studies, Hamburg; Visiting Research Fellow at the Institute of Federalism, Fribourg; and Guest Researcher at the Nordic African Institute, Uppsala.
He has served as Election and Democratic Governance Expert to several organization and consulted for several Civil Society Organisations.
He has authored several articles on Nigerian Politics and Society; "Power-Sharing in Nigeria: Conception and Implementation, and Continuity" (2009), "Making Democracy Safe: Policies Tackling Electoral Violence in Africa", (2013), "Use of Social Media in Nigeria's 2011 General Elections" (2013) amongst others. He co-edited a book on Voter Education.
Dr. Nkwachukwu Orji is actively involved in several learned association including; Nigerian Political Science Association, International Political Science Association (IPSA), Council for Development of Social Science Research in Africa (CODESRIA) and African Studies Association (ASA)
Dr.Nkwachukwu Orji was a consultant to the Constitution and Electoral Committee known as the Nnamani Electoral Reforms Committee.
He was appointed Resident Electoral Commissioner in July, 2017 and is presently the Resident Electoral Commissioner Anambra State.
BAUCHI STATE - Ibrahim Abdullahi
Name: Ibrahim Abdullahi
Date of Birth: 15th December 1956
State of Origin: Adamawa
1965-1972 Luggere Primary School (FSLC)
1972-1976 Government Secondary School, Gombe (WASC)
1976-1981 University of Maiduguri (B. Ed Hons)
2007-2007 National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPPS) Kuru, Jos (Member National Institute, mni)
1982 Liaison officer, University of Maiduguri, Lagos office
1984 PA to Vice Chancellor, University of Maiduguri
1993 Assistant Director Operations and Intelligence, Jigawa State (DSS)
1994 Assistant Director Operations/intelligence, Kano State
1996-1999 State Director Security (SDS), Kebbi State
1999-2001 State Director Security (SDS), FCT Command
2001-2002 State Director Security (SDS), Kwara State
2002-2002 State Director Security (SDS), Kano State
2002-2002 State Director Security (SDS), Ekiti State
2002-2004 State Director Security (SDS), Yobe State
2004-2005 State Director Security (SDS), Anambra State
2005-2006 State Director Security (SDS), Sokoto State
2006-2007 State Director Security (SDS), Ebonyi State
2008-2009 State Director Security (SDS), Lagos State
2009-2010 State Director Security (SDS), Kaduna State
2010-2012 Director, DSS Training School Afaka, Kaduna State
2015-2016 National Headquarters Director (i/c National Assembly Liaison)
CROSS RIVER STATE - Dr. Oyeins Frankland Briyai
He hails from Amassoma, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
He started his academic career in St. Stephens Primary School, Amassoma, Bayelsa State in 1970 and attended Government Trade Centre, Ekowe, Southern Ijaw and Government Technical College, Tombia, Rivers State where he obtained his West African School Certificate Technical in 1982.
In 1987, he attended No.2 Institute of Technical Training, Royal Air Force Cosford West Midands, England where he obtained Aircraft Armament and safety certificate.
Other institutions attended by Frankland are: University of Port Harcourt for Bachelor of Science 1992 – 1997, Bayero University, Kano for Master of Science 1999 – 2014, Federal College of Education, Kano where he bagged Post Graduate Diploma in Education 2003 – 2005.
Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre, Oshodi, Lagos State for a Certificate in Security and Safety, 2003 and University of Port Harcourt where he obtained PhD in 2012.
Dr. Oyeins Frankland Briyai, enlisted into the Nigerian Airforce in 1982 where he served till 2002 and joined the services of Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Bayelsa State as a Senior Lecturer.
As an Airforce Officer, he held the following positions at one time or the other;
Officer in charge Armament and safety workshop
3030 Flying Training School, Nigeria Airforce, Kano
An Instructor, over ten Aircraft Helicopters and Jet Fighter planes
At the Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, he was;
Associate Dean, Student Affairs 2014 – 2016
Dean, Students Affairs – 2006
Dr. Frankland has several merit awards to his credit which include;
Forces Service Star (FSS) Nigerian Airforce Station, Kano
Best Lecturer Award, Department of Biological Sciences, Niger Delta University 2006 – 2013
Award of Honour, Niger Delta University 2014 – 2015
Outstanding Performance Award by the students Union Caretaker Committee 2014 – 2015
Outstanding Contribution Award, Faculty of Science, Niger Delta University 2015 – 2016
Dr. Oyeins Frankland Briyai is a proud inventor of a Bomb rack test bench for the L 392a Aircraft t 303 Flying School, Kano.
EBONYI STATE - Professor Godswill Obioma
Professor Godswill Obioma was born on 12th December, 1953 and hails from Amaokpu, Nkpa Autonomous Community, Bende Local Government Area of Abia State.
After his primary and secondary education, he gained admission into Alvan Ikoku College of Education, Owerri, Imo State to study Mathematics and Physics. He graduated in 1975 with distinction and as the overall best graduating student. He proceeded to the University of Nigeria, Nsukka to study Mathematics/Education and once again came out tops as the best graduating student in 1979.
He was subsequently retained by the University of Nigeria, Nsukka as a Research Fellow which gave him the opportunity to enrol for his Masters Degree Programme in Educational Measurement and Evaluation with special focus on Mathematics Education and in 1982, he graduated with a Master's Degree. He followed this up with a doctorate degree in the same field in 1985.
Professor Godswill Obioma won the Vice Chancellor's award for the best doctoral dissertation of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka that year.
He later in 1988, moved over from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka to the University of Jos where he became the Head of the Research Division of the Institute of Education of the University as a Senior Research Fellow.
At the young age of 38 in 1991, Professor Obioma was appointed a Professor of Mathematics Education and Evaluation at the University of Jos. In 1993, he became the Head of Department, Department of Science; Mathematics and Technology Education at the University. He served as the Special Assistant on Policy Monitoring and Evaluation to the Military Administrator, Abia State from January to March, 1994 before being appointed as the Director, Monitoring and Evaluation, National Primary Education Commission, Kaduna same year, a position he occupied till the year 2000. He later in 2000, became the Director, Monitoring and Evaluation, Universal Basic Education Programme, Abuja. In 2003, he was appointed Director, Monitoring, Research and Statistics, National Business and Technical Examination Board (NABTEB), Benin city, a position he held till 2005. Professor Obioma also served as a Special Assistant to the Honourable Minister of Education and in March 2005, he was appointed Executive Secretary, Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council, Sheda, Abuja, a position he occupied for an unprecedented two terms.
Professor Obioma has spearheaded a number of Policy Reforms and institutional changes in Nigeria's Educational Curriculum. A good example is the development of the 9 year Basic Education Curriculum, the Senior Secondary Education Curriculum, among others.
At various times, he has served as consultant to many International Non-Governmental bodies including; World Bank, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), amongst others. He has served as the Chairman of several Federal Government Committees on Education like the Nigeria Education Roadmap of the Federal Ministry of Education 2009 – 2015, Presidential Committee on the Implementation of e-learning in Nigeria, 2010 – 2017 amongst others.
Professor Obioma has to his credit over 100 publications in the specific areas of Mathematics, Evaluation and Curriculum.
He is a member of several professional and learning societies including; Nigerian Academy of Education, Mathematical Association of Nigeria, Curriculum Organisation of Nigeria and International Professional Managers Association, United Kingdom.
Professor Obioma has to his credit 10 Awards of Excellence. He is recognised as Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Assemblies of God Church, Nigeria.
He is happily married to Ndidiamaka Elizabeth and blessed with children.
Professor Godswill Obioma is the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Ebonyi State.
ENUGU STATE - Emeka Joseph Ononamadu
Emeka Joseph Ononamadu was born on 1st July, 1967 and hails from Ehime Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State. He started his educational career at St. Michael's Primary School, Umuaro, Umunumo Mbano where he obtained his First School Leaving Certificate in 1980. He proceeded to Union Comprehensive Secondary School Nzerem and got his General Certificate of Education in 1988. Joseph Ononamadu gained admission to study Business Administration and Management in Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic Uwana, Afikpo where he bagged National Diploma and Higher National Diploma between 1990 and 1993.
In 1999, he proceeded to Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi and bagged a Post Graduate Diploma in Financial Management. He was at the Marquette University, Milwuakee, USA, Aspen Centre and got a Certificate in Good Governance in 2007. Emeka Ononamadu bagged his Masters Degree in Public Administration from the University of Abuja in 2013. He did his National Youth Service with the Central Bank of Nigeria, Abuja in 1995 and ever since then, Emeka Ononamadu has been actively engaged in the Civil Society Advocacy. The positions he has held in the course of his Civil Society Advocacy include; 2001 – 2004 – North Central Coordinator, Network for Police Reforms in Nigeria 2006 – 2009 – Project Manager, Transformation Education for girls in Nigeria 2003 – 2009 – Deputy Executive Director, Community Action for popular participation 2009 – 2017 – Executive Director, Citizens Centre for Integrated Development and Social Rights 2016 – 2017 – National Coordinator, Publish what you pay in Nigeria 2016 – 2017 – Member, Steering Committee of Open Governance Partnership, amongst others Emeka Ononamadu belongs to so many professional bodies including;
Friends of Mississippi Consortium for International Development, USA, 2002
Associate Member, Nigerian Institute of Management, 20103
Les Apin Fellow on Anti-Corruption and Good Governance, USA, 2007
He is happily married with children Emeka Joseph Ononamadu is the Resident Electoral Commission, Enugu State.
GOMBE STATE - Alhaji Umar Ibrahim
Alhaji Umar Ibrahim was born on 31st January, 1956 to the family of late Wazirin Muri, Alhaji Ibrahim Malle at Jalingo, Jalingo LGA of Taraba State. He attended Junior Primary School, Jada from 1963 to 1966 and Muhammad Nya Primary School, Jalingo from 1967 to 1969 where he obtained his First School Leaving Certificate. He obtained his West African School Certificate (WASC) in 1974 from Government Secondary School, Yola from where he proceeded to the North East College of Arts and Science, Maiduguri for his A-level. His quest for higher education took him to the prestigious Ahmadu Bello University where he studied Mathematics and Statistics from 1976 to 1978.
Upon graduation, he was posted to Ogun State by the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) for the mandatory one year National Service and served meritoriously with Odogbolu Grammar School from 1978 to 1979.
His desire to tackle developmental issues within the society later took him to the University of Sussex, Brighton, England where he obtained a Certificate in Development Studies in 1981.
Alhaji Umar Ibrahim began his working career as a Higher Statistical Officer with the Statistics Division, Ministry of Economic Planning in the old Gongola State in 1979 where he rose to the rank of Principal Statistical Officer, Budget Division, Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning in 1984.
He was appointed Chairman, Jalingo LGA in 1986 and later Sole Administrator of the same LGA in 1987. After his stint at the Local Government Administration, he returned to the state Civil Service and rose to the rank of Director in 1991 before the creation of Taraba State later that year. In 1996, he was once again called upon to serve as Sole Administrator, Ardo Kola Local Government Area of Taraba State. A position he held till 1997 when the General Sani Abacha Administration conducted the zero party Local Government Council election Nationwide.
Upon his return to the Taraba State Civil Service, he was redeployed to the Ministry of Education as Director, Admin and Finance from 1997 to 1999.
Alhaji Umar Ibrahim was promoted to the rank of Permanent Secretary in 2003 and in that capacity, he served in different ministries and parastatals until his retirement from the Taraba Civil Service in 2014.
His administrative prowess did not just stop within the Civil Service Cycle, Alhaji Umar Ibrahim was turbaned the WazairiMuri by his Royal Highness, Alhaji Abbas Njidda Tafida, the Emir of Muri in 2014 because of his love for his people and contributions to the development of the Emirate.
He is a lover of Horse riding, reading and travelling
Alhaji Umar Ibrahim is the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Gombe State
IMO STATE - Professor Francis Chukwuemeka Ezeonu
Professor Francis Chukwuemeka Ezeonu
Prof. Francis Chukwuemeka Ezeonu was born on 25 October 1963. He hails from Alor in Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State. He obtained his WAEC in 1980 from Oraukwu High School, Oraukwu and spent a year at the Higher School at the Federal Government College, Ikot-Ekpene before proceeding to the University in 1982. He attended and obtained educational qualifications from the following institutions.
Anambra State University of Technology, Enugu. B.Sc. (Hons), Applied Biochemistry, 1986
University of Ibadan, M.Sc. degree in Biochemistry, 1988.
Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. Ph.D. in Applied Biochemistry, 1992.
Harvard University, John F. Kennedy School of Govt. (Executive Education). LDM Cert. 2012
He started his career as an Assistant lecturer in the Department of Applied Biochemistry, Faculty of Natural Sciences in the then Anambra State University of Enugu 1989 and rose to the rank of Lecturer II in 1993. Following the creation of the then Anambra State into Anambra and Enugu State and the splitting of the University, he joined the services of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka attaining the rank of a Professor in the Department of Applied Biochemistry in 2001 at the age of 38yrs. In 2010 he was appointed a dual Professor in the Department of Drug & Pharmaceutical Chemistry at the same University.
Francis C. Ezeonu is active in teaching and research, well published and have an impressive academic web presence. Some of his publications have been variously cited by other researchers internationally and one of his research publications, Seasonal profile of nitrate and nitrite in potable water sources in Onitsha, published in Environmental Toxicology and Water Quality (Canada) in 1996 is cited as one of the Scientific Supporting Documents adopted for Nitrate Quality Guidelines in Canada.
He has served as an external examiner to many Nigerian Universities and has supervised and mentored a lot of academics some of whom have become professors. He served as a visiting lecturer at different times to Ebonyi State University, Abakiliki and Madonna University, Okija, and played key roles in the development of the Biochemistry curriculum in both universities.
Professional recognitions
He is an erudite scholar with high reputation and visibility in his academic discipline and command respect among his peers nationally and internationally. He is a member of the Nigerian Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (NSBMB) and a Chartered Member, Waste Management Society of Nigeria (WAMASON). His is a Fellow, Institute of Chartered Chemists of Nigeria, ICCON (2007), a Fellow, Institute of Corporate Administration, CAI (2009), and an International Member of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). In 2010 he was appointed as the only African scientist in a 31-member International Joint Expert Committee of FAO/WHO.
Honours ann awards
Professor Ezeonu has earned academic prizes and travelling grants from Intenational Occupation and Hygiene Association, IOHA (2006), African Network for Science and Technology Infrastructure, ANSTI (2009), World Health Organization, WHO (2010) and Health Canada (2010) among others. He has received numerous honours and meritorious service awards and his profile has appeared in numerous biographical listings including MARQUIS WHO'S WHO in the World 17th , 18th and 19th editions respectively, the Dictionary of International Biography, 27th and 28th editions respectively, WHO's WHO Science and Engineering 6th Edition, amongst others. He is also a Distinguished Visitor to Miami Dade County, U.S.A. (2008).
Management & Leadership experience
Prof Ezeonu is a consummate management executive, extremely versatile with high caliber cross-functional management qualifications, experience backed judgement and management. He is a two-term member of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Council (1997 – 2000 and 2009 – 2013), a two-term Dean of Student Affairs (2005 – 2009) and a member of the University's first Strategic Plan Committee. Among numerous other assignments in the University, he pioneered the establishment of three Directorates at Nnamdi Azikiwe University; he was Director, International Cooperation (2009 – 2011), Director, Information and Communication Technology (2010 – 2011), and Director of Research, Innovation and Development (2013 -2015). He was the founding Vice Chancellor of HEZEKIAH UNIVERSITY, Umudi (2015 – 2016), the first private University in Imo State.
He obtained formal leadership trainings at both the Centre for Management Development (CMD), Shangisha, Nigeria (2008) and J.F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University, Boston, U.S.A. where he obtained a Certificate in Leadership Decision Making (Executive Education) 2012.
He was a one-time Student Union President (1985-86) and a one-time branch Secretary of ASUU (1992 -1994). He is an active member of the Nigerian Civil Society community and is very visible within the lecture circuitry and public discourse arena within the South East Nigeria and beyond. He has offered services to numerous governmental and non-governmental agencies and served on a Ministerial Committee, National Committee for the Integration of out-of-school children in the South/East and South/South States into the Universal Basic Education and led visitation teams of the committee to Edo, Abia, and Imo States respectively for different assignments between 2012 and 2013. He has prior to his appointment as a Resident Electoral Commissioner officiated in elections in INEC elections since 2011 on various capacities.
Prof francis Chukwuemek Ezeonu is happily married with four children and is widely travelled.
JIGAWA STATE - Dr. Mahmuda Isah
Dr. Mahmuda Isah hails from Ngaski Local Government Area of Kebbi State. He was born on 5th October, 1967.He gained admission to study, Law at the Usman Dan Fodio University, Sokoto in 1986 where he bagged his Bachelor of Law (LLB) in 1991
He attended the Nigeria Law School in 1993 and qualified as a Barrister of Law in 1993. In 1997, he proceeded to the University of Dundee, United Kingdom where he obtained his Masters Degree in Resources Law and Policy in 2000. In 2011, he bagged his PHD in Petroleum Law and Policy from the same University.
In 1992, Dr.Mahmuda Isah was posted to Lagos for his National Youth Service where he served with the Central Bank of Nigeria. Thereafter, he got a job with the Nigeria Civil Service Commission and was deployed to the National Assembly, Abuja where he worked last as Secretary to the House Adhoc Committee on Petroleum Industry Bill before his recent appoint.
His hobbies include, sports and travelling. He is married with children.
Dr.Mahmuda Isah is the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Jigawa State.
KANO STATE - Professor Riskuwa Arabu Shehu
Professor Riskuwa Arabu Shehu was born on 20th June, 1960 at Tambuwal in Tambuwal Local Government Area of Sokoto State. He attended Town Primary School, Tambuwal from 1968 – 1974, Government Secondary School Yabo from 1974 – 1979, University of Sokoto (Now Usmanu Danfodiyo University) from 1979 – 1984 and University of Essex, Colchester, England from 1989 – 1992. He holds a B.Sc in Biochemistry and a Ph.D in Biological Chemistry.
He did his National Youth Service at Ayegbe Comprehensive Grammar School Ise, Ondo State, Nigeria in 1984 – 1985 after which he took up appointment as Technologist II with the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto (Chemical Pathology Unit) from 1985 – 1986.
He joined the services of the Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto as a Graduate Assistant in 1986 and rose to the rank of Professor of Biochemistry in 2005. He was at the King Khalid Military Academy Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow from 1996 – 1998.
He served as external examiner in Bayero University Kano, University of Ilorin, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, University of Maiduguri and University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
He has presented many conference papers and published several articles in both local and international journals. His area of specialization is Protein Biochemistry.
He is a member of Nigerian Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria, Science Association of Nigeria and Solar Energy Society of Nigeria.
He held many positions at the Usman Danfodiyo University, Sokoto. He was acting Head of Department of Biochemistry from 1995 – 1996, Deputy Dean, Post graduate school from Feb, 1999 – Jan 2000, acting Dean Post graduate School from Jan 2000 – June 2003, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics) from 30th June, 2003 – Aug 2007 and Acting Vice Chancellor from February – April 2004 and Vice-Chancellor of the University from July 2009 – July 2014.
He was conferred with National Honours of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) by the then President and Commander in Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, late Umaru Musa Yar'Adua, 2007, Fellowship Award (FAMLSN) of Association of Medical Laboratory Scientist of Nigeria in 2010, Fellow, Solar Energy of Nigeria November 2010 and Fellow, Nigerian Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 2012.
He was the Chairman Technical Committee, Establishment of Sokoto State University, 2008 and a member of the Implementation Committee for the Sokoto State University. He was member Board of NYSC from 2012 to 2014. He was also the Chairman, Technical Committee for State of Emergency on Education in Sokoto State.
Professor R.A Shehu is currently the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Jigawa State.
KOGI STATE - Professor James Iorliam Apam
Professor James Iorliam Apam was born on the 23rd of August, 1962 in Taraku, Gwer East Local Government Area of Benue State to Late Nathaniel Iorshe and Late Cecilia Tyar Apam.
He attended N.K.S.T. Primary School Apir from 1969 to 1975 after which he went to Government Secondary School, Lafia, from 1975 TO 1980 where he obtained the West African School Certificate (WASC).
From 1982 to 1986, he attended the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria where he obtained a BSC Degree in Political Science. After his National Youth Service in 1986 to 1987 at Government Day Secondary School, Biu in Borno State, he proceeded to the University of Jos FOR HIKS Masters of Science Degree in International Relations and Strategic Studies in 1989.
In June 1989, he started work as an Administrative Officer in the Unified Local Government Service at Gwer Local Government. His service in the Local Government Service took him to a number of other Local Government Areas namely; Ado, Gwer West and Makurdi.
In 2000, he left the Local Government Service Committee to join the Benue State University in the Department of Political Science as an Assistant Lecturer.
Between 200 4 to 2005, he attended Lancaster University in the United Kingdom as a Commonwealth Scholar on the PhD split – site scheme. This means that he had to pursue his PhD in both Benue State and Lancaster Universities simultaneously.
The PhD was finally awarded by Benue State University in 2008. He continued his teaching and research in Benue State University and rose to become the Head of Department, Political Science in 2009. In 2012, he became the Deputy Director of Benue State University's Centre for Peace and Development Studies.
In October 2016, he was appointed to a Professional Chair in Political Science by the University.
He is a member of a number of Professional Bodies namely: the Nigerian Political Science Association (NPSA), Society for International Relations Awareness (SIRA), International Political Science Association (IPSA), American Political Science Association (APSA) and the Electoral Integrity Project. He is also member, Institute of Personnel Management and Associate Membership, Nigerian Institute of Management.
His hobbies are: playing badminton, reading and travelling.
He is the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Kogi State.
LAGOS STATE - Mr. Sam Olugbadebo Olumekunmni
Mr. Sam Olugbadebo Olumekunmni, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Lagos State was born on 9th July, 1954 in Okitipupa, Ondo State.
He attended the University of Lagos, Akoka and Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife where he obtained a Bachelor of Science degree (B.Sc, Political Science) and Masters in Public Administration (MPA), respectively.
He has attended several professional courses including;
London Management Centre, Seymor Place, London Department Strategies and Techniques of Management
Manchester Business School, Manchester/International for Top Executives Leadership Programme in "Leadership Imperatives for Organizational Growth"
Georgia State University, Atlanta, USA for Fiscal Policy Training Course in "Fiscal Decentralization and Local Government"
He was first appointed Resident Electoral Commissioner in December 2011 and served in the following states during his first term of office: Ondo State (December 2011 – December 2014) Ekiti State (January 2015 – January 2016), and Edo State (February 2016 – December 2016). On the 4th of August, 2017, he was re-appointed a Resident Electoral Commissioner for the second time and posted to Lagos State.
Before his appointment as a Resident Electoral Commissioner in 2011, he held several positions including Assistant Secretary (Finance and Admin) Ministry of Justice, Ondo State (1980), Senior Assistant Secretary (Council Management), Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ondo State (1981-1983), Senior Assistant Secretary (Economic Affairs), Governor's Office, Ondo State (1983-1985), Principal Assistant Secretary, Ondo State Liaison Office, (1985-1987), Assistant Director (Finance Establishment), Ondo State Liaison Office, Lagos (1986-1989), Deputy Director, Women Commission, Governor's Office, Ondo State (1991-1992), Director of Protocol, Government House Protocol Department, Ondo State (1992-1997), Director, Local Government Affairs, Governor's Office, Ondo State, Chairman/Sole Administrator, Ondo East Local Government (1998-1999), Director, Finance and Admin, General Administration Department, Governor's Office, Ondo State (1999-2000), Secretary, Local Government Service Commission, Ondo State (2000-2001)Secretary, Cabinet Matters, Governor's Office, Ondo State (2002-2003), Secretary, Government House Protocol, Ondo State (2003-2005), Permanent Secretary, Government House and Protocol, Ondo State (2005-2009).
Other appointments are: Secretary, Ondo State Rural Development Fund, Member, Governing Council, Ondo State University of Science and Technology, Okitipupa, Ondo State.
He is married with children.
ONDO STATE - Ambassador (Dr.) Rufus Oloruntoyin Akeju
Ambassador (Dr.) Rufus Oloruntoyin Akeju
Ambassador (Dr.) Rufus Oloruntoyin Akeju is a Lagosian from Lagos Island. He was born on 25th May, 1947, married and blessed with children. He bagged his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science from the University of California at Berkley, California USA in March 1973. He obtained his Masters of Arts in International Affairs at the Ohio University Athens, Ohio USA in June 1974. From there, he earns his PHD in Political Science with specialization in International Law/Relations, Public Administration and Policy Analysis, Comparative Politics and Development Economy from Howard University, Washington DC, USA in May, 1977.
He obtained a Certificate in the United Nations and its Agencies in 1977. He also bagged a Certificate of Proficiency in French Language in 1963 and a Certificate of Proficiency in Spanish Lange in 1997. He attended an Executive Training in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) at Kennesaw State University Center for Conflict Management, Atlanta, Georgia, USA in August, 2014.
He started his career at the Tennessee State University Nashville TN; USA as an Assistant Professor from 1977 to 1980 where he taught International Relations, Public Administration, American Government and Politics and Development Economics. Furthermore, he taught International Law/Organizations, Comparative Politics and Government, and Public Administration at University of Sokoto now Usman Dan Fodio University as Lecturer I from 1980 to 1984. Later, he transferred his services from University of Sokoto to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja, in 1984.
At the Ministry, he worked as a Counselor in International Organizations Directorate, between 1984 and 1986. He worked as a Senior Counsel at the Embassy of Nigeria, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in 1986 to 1990. From Senior Counselor, he rose to the rank of an Assistant Director (Minister Counselor) in the Inter-African Affairs Department of the Ministry.
Amb. (Dr.) Akeju equally worked as Deputy Director both in Nigeria and abroad from 1994 to July 2003 and from July 2003 to March he worked as a Director both in Nigeria and abroad. He retired from the Civil Service in December 2007 as an Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to Havana, Cuba with concurrent accreditation to the Bahamas, Nicaragua and Honduras. He represented Nigeria in various International fora which included The United Nations, O.A.U and Non-aligned countries Conferences. He still follows development at the United Nations.
Amb. (Dr.) R.O. Akeju published many articles in several International and Professional Journals and co-authored two book. He speaks Yoruba and English fluently and he is proficient in French and Spanish languages. He loves reading, watching movies, swimming, table tennis and dancing. Ambassador (Dr.) R.O. Akeju was appointed as Resident Electoral Commissioner and assumed duty in Osun State on 22nd July, 2010.
He later served in Oyo State where he concluded his first term of office in June, 2016. Because of his records of accomplishment of sterling performance, he was re-appointed and deployed to Ondo State where he assumed duty as the REC on 25th January, 2018.
OYO STATE - Mutui Olaleke Agboke
Mutui Olaleke Agboke was born 39 years ago and hails from Ogun State.
He started his educational career in African Church Grammar School, Abeokuta, 1989 -1994 and Ebenezer Grammar School, Abeokuta 1994 – 1995 where he obtained his SS 3 Certificate. He attended Kwara State College of Arabic and Islamic Legal Studies, Ilorin 1996 b-1999 and got his Diploma in Law. In 2001, he gained admission to study Law in the University of Ilorin and proceeded to Nigeria Law School, Bwari, Abuja in 2005 and bagged BL and LB respectively.
He attended Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife from 2009 – 2012 where he obtained his LLM Certificate.
His working experience includes the following;
Litigation Officer, Chief Toye Coker (SAN) and co Chambers, Abeokuta, 1999 – 2001,
Legal practitioner, NYSC with Madube & Madubueze & co, Onitsha, Anambra State, 2006 – 2007
Legal practitioner, Afolabi Fashanu (SAN) & Co, Abeokuta, 2009 – 2011
Legal practitioner – founding Association – LLA & Associates (Harmony Chambers), Abeokuta 2011
Part time Lecturer – Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Abeokuta
Until his appointment as a Resident Electoral Commissioner, MutuiOlalekeAgboke was Commissioner III in the Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission.
He has enormous wealth of experience in election observation monitoring.
He has also presented and published several papers on wide range of National and International issues.
Barrister Mutui Agboke is a member, Nigeria Bar Association since 2016, member, Immaculate Club of Nigeria, Ilorin, Kwara State since 2000, National President, Muslim Students Society of Nigeria 2000 – 2002, Chief Missionary, Albarka Islamic Society of Nigeria 2010 till date and vice chairman, Ogun State Table Tennis Association 2014 till date.
Married with children, he is the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Ondo State.
PLATEAU STATE - Mallam Hussaini Halilu Pai
Name: Mallam Hussaini Halilu Pai
State of Origin: Federal Capital Territory
Dawaki Primary School, Abuja (1964 -1970) – FLSC
Government Secondary School, Abuja (1971-1975), WASC
ATC/ABU, Kano (1976-1979), NCE
ATC/ABU (1982-1984), B.Ed. Social Studies
University of Jos, (1991-1995), M.Ed. Educ. Admin & Planning.
Teacher, Games/Health Master, GDSS, Paiko, Niger State, 1980-82
Vice Principal, GDSS, Paiko, Niger State, 1984-1985
iii. Principal, GSS, Yangoji, FCT, 1985-1989
Education Secretary, Gwagwalada Area Council Combined with Kwali, 1989-1997
Education Secretary, Gwagwalada Area Council, 1997-2001
Board Secretary, FCT Primary Education Board, Abuja, 2001-2003
vii. Executive Director, FCT Primary Education Board, Abuja, 2003-2005
viii. Executive Chairman/Director, Fct Universal Basic Education Board, 2005-2008
Secretary For Education, Education Secretariat, Fct, Abuja 2008-2011
Resident Electoral Commissioner, INEC, Ekiti State, Feb. 2011- Dec. 2014
Resident Electoral Commissioner, INEC, Kogi State, Jan. 2015- Feb. 2016
xii. Resident Electoral Commissioner, INEC, Plateau State, 2017-Date.
RIVERS STATE - Obo Effanga
Obo Effanga, the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Rivers State, was born on August 15, 1969 in Calabar, to Chief & Mrs Obo Effanga. He hails from Obutong Clan in Calabar Municipal Local Government Area.
Effanga attended the AME Zion Primary School, Diamond Hill, Calabar (1974 to 1980) and the Hope Waddell Training Institution, Calabar (1980 to 1985), obtaining the FSLC and the GCE O'Level certificates respectively.
He studied at The Polytechnic Calabar (1986-1988) and obtained a National Diploma in Mass Communications and Law at the University of Calabar, graduating with an LL.B in April 1994. He proceeded to the Nigerian Law School and was called to the bar in March 1995.
In 2010, he studied in the University of Sussex, UK as a Ford Foundation International Fellow and obtained a Master of Arts degree in Human Rights.
Obo Effanga who joined INEC as REC in July 2017 was first posted to Edo State before he was reassigned to Rivers State in April 2018.
Before his appointment as REC, Effanga worked with ActionAid Nigeria (AAN) for more than 11 years, serving as Governance Programmes Manager in his last six years there. He was the points-person for ActionAid intervention in Nigeria's elections.
He was previously Parliamentary Liaison Advisor and Policy Advocacy & Campaigns Coordinator in the anti-poverty international non-governmental organisation. While at ActionAid, Effanga represented his organisation in the Steering Committee of the Nigerian Civil Society Situation Room, an electoral process and governance engagement platform of civil society in Nigeria. This saw him make critical interventions and support to the electoral process in the country.
While still with ActionAid, he was an associate and external trainer for the MS Training Centre for Development Cooperation (MS-TCDC) Tanzania.
He was also responsible for recruiting, training and mentoring young Nigerians as activists and campaigners for ActionAid under the Activista programme.
Effanga had also worked as Programme Officer Human Rights at Gender and Development Action in the dying days of military rule through to the early years of the current Nigerian democratic experience. He currently sits in the National Coordinating Committee of the Network on Police Reform in Nigeria (NOPRIN)
A lawyer and journalist, Effanga is interested in human rights, good governance and democracy.
His journalism career has seen him work with the Nigerian Chronicle newspapers published by the Cross River State Newspaper Corporation and much later with the NewAge newspapers. A consummate writer, journalist and newspaper columnist, he won the 'Columnist of the Year' in the Nigeria Media Merit Awards 2004. His incisive newspaper commentaries and analyses since 1988 cover a wide range of issues including law, politics, governance, human rights and social justice.
Other interests:
Effanga is active in humanitarian services. In his youthful years, he belonged to the Leo Club, the youth activity of Lions Clubs and became national president of the group in 1996/1997. He later joined the Lions Club and is a past president of the Lagos Achievers Lions Club as well as a Melvin Jones Fellow.
He is currently the president of the International Ford Fellowships Programme Alumni Association Nigeria and vice chairman of community intervention NGO, the Efik Leadership Foundation.
His hobbies include reading, writing, travelling, philately, photography and mentorship.
SOKOTO STATE - Sadiq Abubakar Musa
Sadiq Abubakar Musa was born on 15th November, 1964 and hails from Kaduna South Local Government of Kaduna State. He attended Government Secondary School, Malumfashi where he obtained his West African School Certificate (WASC)between 1976 to 1981. In 1988, he gained admission into the University of Maiduguri where he obtained a Bachelor of Science (B.ScHons) in Public Administration in 1991.
His quest for higher education saw him returning to the University of Maiduguri where he obtained his Master's Degree in Public Administration (MBA) in 1992. In 1994, he bagged another Master's Degree in Business Administration from the Prestigious Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
Sadiq Abubakar Musa began his working career with the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Kaduna State in 1981. He was employed by Federal Polytechnic, Kaduna, where he rose to the rank of Chief Lecturer, Kaduna State.He is member, Chartered Institute of Administration (ACIA) and member, National Institute of Management (NIM). He was a member, Kaduna State Industrialization and Micro Credit Management Board from 2008 to 2010.
Sadiq Abubakar Musa has written several articles which include;
An assessment of Staff Development Programmes in Nigerian Air Force, 1992,
The Impact of Distribution Channel on Marketing of Petroleum Product, 1994
Military and Socio-Economic Development, an analysis of Nigerian Defence Budget, 1991 and;
Public Personnel Administration in Nigeria with extract from Public Service Rule, 2014
He served as Resident Electoral Commissioner INEC from 2010 to 2015
Sadiq Abubakar Musa is married with children.
In his spare time, he loves reading, travelling, sports and seeking the improvement of humanity.
Sadiq Abubakar Musa is Resident Electoral Commissioner, Kebbi State.
ZAMFARA STATE - As'mau Sani Maikudi
As'mau Sani Maikudi
Asmau Sani Maikudi, Resident Electoral Commissioner, INEC Zamfara State was born in Malumfashi, Malumfashi Local Government Area, Katsina State. She is married and blessed with six children.She finished her Primary School at Girls Day Primary School, Malumfashi in 1973; then proceeded to Government Girls Secondary School Kawo, Kaduna where she finished in 1978; there after, she proceeded to College of Arts, Science and Technology Zaria from 1978-1980; She was a graduate of ABU Zaria from 1980-1983, where she obtained BA History and Graduate Certificate in Education.
In 1984 she attended her NYSC programme at Government Day Tafawa Balewa Secondary School in Kaduna, where she also worked after her service year.
She was a Vice Principal at Government Girls Unity Secondary School Jibia and later the Principal of Government Girls Day Secondary School Mani both in Katsina State. She also worked as Principal Education officer, Ministry of Education, Katsina State. She moved to Kaduna Polytechnic in 1990 and rose to a Chief Lecturer and Head of Department in the Department of Social Sciences and the Director, College of Administration and Social Sciences both in Kaduna Polytechnic. She obtained her MPA Public Administration in 1998 and Phd Public Administration and Policy Analysis in 2006 from University of Abuja.She is a member of many Professional and Charitable Organizations; a former Chairperson Nigeria Red Cross Society, Kaduna State Branch, and recipient of many Awards. She holds Professional qualification of Fellow, Corporate Administrators of Nigeria (FCAN), Member Nigeria Institute of Management (MNIM) and Member, Teachers Registration Council (TRC).
She was a Visiting Senior Lecturer in the Department of Political Science Kaduna state University; also a former Non-Executive Director of Enterprise Bank PLC; and a former Member of the Governing Council, Hassan Usman Katsina Polytechnic, Katsina State. She is still a board member of New Nigeria Development Company.
She has attended and presented numerous papers in Conferences, Seminars and Workshops in Nigeria, Cameroun, Egypt, Malawi, Senegal and in the USA. She is also a Harvard, USA Alumni. She is the author of the Book "Gender Issues in Technical Education Policy. A study of Kaduna Polytechnic, 1996-2006" (Published in Germany) also author of the book, "Girl-Child Education in the Northern Nigeria"(published by Ahmadu Bello University Press Ltd Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria 2013); and has published many Chapters in Books and Journals.
Her Interest/Activities include Reading and Travelling.


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NBA Trade Buzz: Veteran Guard Goran Dragic Could Get Moved Before Trade Deadline
Photo: yardbarker.com
Raptors could move Dragic before trade deadline
The Goran Dragic era in the Toronto Raptors' nest could end before it could it even get started. Dragic, who played just five games with the Raptors and started in two contests, is rumored to be in the trading block as the league approaches the trade deadline. According to a report recently put up by Doug Smith of the Toronto Sun, the Raptors are indeed fielding a lot of interest from other teams in terms of a deal that will involve the veteran scoring guard. With the trade deadline just less than a couple of weeks away, there is no denying that the possibility is almost a certainty that Dragic will find himself suiting up for another team this season.
"According to multiple NBA sources, granted anonymity because nothing has been finalized, the Raptors are finding great interest in a myriad of differently structured deals for the veteran point guard and he is almost certain to be dealt near the Feb. 10 NBA trade deadline…
"No names were clear in conversations with sources here on the weekend but it is clear that, 10 days out from the deadline, general manager Bobby Webster and president/vice-chairman Masai Ujiri are being proactive in seeking deals."
In the five games that he played for the Raptors, Dragic only logged 18.0 minutes per contest, which is his lowest average playing time since the 2010-11 NBA Season when he suited up for the Phoenix Suns and the Houston Rockets. During his brief stint with the Raptors, the veteran scoring point guard put up averages of 8.0 points, 2.8 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.0 steals per contest, while also producing a set of shooting percentages that include a 38% overall clip from the field, a 28% clip from the three-point line, and a 100% clip from the free throw line. Of course, there is no doubt that Dragic can do better than these numbers that he put up for the Raptors. He may be past the peak years of his career, but it is also true that he can still put the ball through the hoop and attract a lot of attention from the defense, which in turn helps him dish out some assists to his teammates and make them better players on the offensive end of the floor. He has a lot of weapons in his arsenal on offense, starting from his reliable outside shooting and his creative finishes around the rim.
Dragic, who will be turning 36 years of age in May of this year, was the 45th overall pick during the 2008 NBA Draft. There were tons of hyped prospects who were selected before him, and that includes Derrick Rose, Michael Beasley, O.J. Mayo, Russell Westbrook, Kevin Love, Danilo Gallinari, Eric Gordon, D.J. Augustin, Brook Lopez, Jerryd Bayless, Jason Thompson, Brandon Rush, Anthony Randolph, Robin Lopez, Marreese Speights, Roy Hibbert, JaVale McGee, J.J. Hickson, Ryan Anderson, Courtney Lee, Kosta Koufos, Serge Ibaka, Nicolas Batum, George Hill, Darrell Arthur, Nikola Pekovic, Mario Chalmers, DeAndre Jordan, Omer Asik, Luc Mbah a Moute, Sonny Weems, Chris Douglas-Roberts, and Henry Walker. Among the notable undrafted players in that class were Sundiata Gaines, Salah Mejri, Anthony Morrow, Timofey Mozgov, Greg Stiemsma, and Reggie Williams.
Before he entered his name to the 2008 NBA Draft, it is true that Dragic was already a household name in his native country of Slovenia. He was named as the Slovenian League Rookie of the Year in 2005, and a Slovenian League All-Star in 2006. In 2008, he won the Slovenian Supercup, the Slovenian Cup, and the Slovenian League. He would also win the FIBA Stankovic Cup Most Valuable Player in 2010, the Euroscar Player of the Year in 2017, the FIBA EuroBasket Most Valuable Player in 2017, adn the Slovenian Sportsman of the Year in 2017. In the NBA, Dragic has achieved a few individual accolades that includes the NBA Most Improved Player of the Year in 2014, an All-Star berth in 2018, and a selection to the All-NBA Third Team in 2014.
If and when he is traded to another contending team, there is no doubt that Dragic can contribute a lot on the offensive end of the floor. Most importantly, he is also willing to sacrifice his production to give his team a better shot at winning, just like when he accepted a sixth man role when he helped the Miami Heat go on a trip to the NBA Finals in 2020. As per a column written by Dan Devine for The Ringer, Dragic was able to turn his starting spot into a more valuable sixth man role for the Heat, especially if you look at the fact that he provided a much-needed scoring boost in the second unit.
Goran Dragic abdicated his starting spot due to injuries and circumstance, but transformed himself into one of the league's best sixth men, and seized his opportunity to return to prominence in the bubble by reentering the starting lineup and fueling Miami's always churning drive-and-kick offense. Duncan Robinson, undrafted in 2018, soaked up Spoelstra's belief that he was an elite NBA shooter until he started to buy it himself, and became exactly that. Tyler Herro, decidedly not short on self-belief, earned Spoelstra's trust with his work ethic and commitment, and then rewarded that trust by dominating the Celtics on the biggest stage of his basketball life. The lightly regarded Meyers Leonard and former undrafted rookie Kendrick Nunn served as key complementary cogs in one of the best big-minutes lineups in the league during the regular season. They then stepped back, like rocket boosters detaching from a space shuttle, as Miami entered the bubble and Spoelstra unveiled the Heat's final form: Bam at center; Dragic at point; some combination of Butler, Robinson, Herro, Andre Iguodala, and Jae Crowder on the wing.
(Crowder wasn't the headline piece of the deal with Memphis that imported Iguodala, but the 30-year-old has been arguably the highest-impact acquisition that anybody made at the 2020 trade deadline; he shot 56.4 percent from 3 during the seeding games and 41.7 percent on more than eight attempts a night through Miami's first 10 playoff games, helping provide the floor spacing that Butler, Adebayo, and Dragic needed to bust up defenses on the interior.) The post-restart Heat feature speed, shooting, smarts, playmaking, and nastiness all over. It is the perfect rotation to run Spoelstra's revamped offense until opponents break, and to fluster them with the pressure-packing zone schemes that Spoelstra has, along with Toronto's Nick Nurse, helped push to the vanguard of NBA defense. The Heat drew a short-handed Pacers team in Round 1, with no Domantas Sabonis and a diminished Victor Oladipo, but then they flat-out bullied the top-seeded Bucks in Round 2, sparking what could be an existential crisis in Milwaukee. And now, they've outclassed the Celtics, shipping another would-be favorite back home.
As for the Raptors team as a whole, there is no doubt that they can hold their own even without Dragic's services. Scoring point guard Fred VanVleet and combo forward Pascal Siakam are certainly playing at an All-Star level, and they also have other talented pieces such as Chris Boucher, Scottie Barnes, Gary Trent Jr., Precious Achiuwa, OG Anunoby, and Malachi Flynn. On top of all these names, they also have an excellent mentor in head coach Nick Nurse.
As of now, the Raptors are sporting a decent record of 24 wins against 23 defeats, which is good for the 8th spot in the Eastern Conference. They have won three of their last five games, including tough victories against the Washington Wizards, the Charlotte Hornets, and a tiring triple overtime win over Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo, Tyler Herro, P.J. Tucker, Gabe Vincent, Max Strus, and the Miami Heat. Their next round of assignments will be two games against the Atlanta Hawks, another match with the Miami Heat, and a very difficult matchup against Lonzo Ball, Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, Nikola Vucevic, Ayo Dosunmu, and the outstanding Chicago Bulls.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


The Edgewood Museum seeks donations of items of historic and cultural value, particularly as they apply to the Edgewood area. For the most part, we won't know what we are looking for until it shows up at our doorstep. We do know there are many interesting items out there regarding the past, and particularly, Edgewood's past, that should find a permanent home in the Museum.
We especially seek the stories that go along with artifacts. Who owned it, what is special about it? For photos, who is in the photo, where and why was the photo taken? The stories about artifacts are what make a museum extraordinary.
History is what happened yesterday, so artifacts need not be "ancient"!
We hope to be an archive for old photos of families, buildings, events, and people of note (that would be everyone!), genealogy materials, letters and documents that detail life in a former time, and the like. And again, if there are stories to go along with these items, so much the better.
We are especially interested in newspapers covering Edgewood prior to 1953–The Edgewood Journal and others.
If you have print materials or photos of historical interest that you just cannot part with now, please make arrangements to let us photocopy them.


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How did we get here? A Recap of all that went wrong with Brexit
Brexit; the divorce of the decade, an affair which has kept Europe on its toes for more than 2 years. The long process which is constantly re-negotiated, postponed, voted… Brexit has come to a point where the narrative has become so foggy and complicated that retelling it isn't easy. But here we'll do our best.
In early 2013 David Cameron, the then UK Prime Minister, gave a speech promising to renegotiate UK's membership in the EU if his Conservative party won a majority in the following general elections. That promise was kept. After being re-elected, Cameron announced a non-binding referendum on whether to not to stay in the EU, set for 23rd June 2016. At the same time, the UK Independence Party (UKIP) gained more and more support among British voters.
The campaigns for LEAVE or REMAIN started fiercely in the whole kingdom while Europe was facing the issue of the immigrant waves coming from the North of Africa to seek refuge in the EU. UKIP's leader Nigel Farage took advantage of the the people's fear of refugees towards refugees as an argument in their campaign, displaying anti-migrant posters in cities, or using the 'Bus of Common Sense' that travelled across theUK to convince people to join their side. On 3nd September, the picture of the body of a migrant child lying face down in the waves broke out in all European and British newspapers. The tragic event shuddered Europe and represented a decisive turning-point in the Brexit campaign; the pro 'Leave' grew stronger.
Finally, on 23rd June 2016, the people spoke; even though London and Scotland voted to stay in the EU, the 'Leave' campaigners won the UK's exit of the EU with 51,9% of the suffrages. The outcome of the non-binding referendum was nevertheless enforced. The very next day, the consequences were immediate; the pound dropped down 7% against the euro, reaching its lowest rate in 27 years, and Cameron who was in favour of the remaining in the EU, resigned. On the 13th of July, Theresa May became Prime Minister and started the outline of the leave negotiations of a 'hard' Brexit. Officially, Brexit started on the 29th of March 2017 when a letter triggering Article 50 of the TEU was presented to the European Council's president Donald Tusk. The 27 other member states stated to be open to early negotiations concerning the future relations between the UK and the EU.
In the meantime, the UK's general elections of June 2017 plunged Britain's exit into further uncertainty. Instead of a majority win for Theresa May, she in fact lost seats, further threatening the UK's hand in the future negotiations with the EU. These were formally start on 19th of June 2017. It took until 15th December before the EU and the UK proceeded to the second phase of the negotiations after agreements for the "divorce bill" were met, including solutions to long term disputes over the Irish border and the rights of EU citizens living in the UK. After five months, the "Great Repeal Bill" was passed in Parliament to make sure that EU law wouldn't supersede British law after withdrawing from the EU.
On 7th July 2018, May united her cabinet, in an agreement that would be called the "Chequers Deal", which was the first time where the government seemingly had a plan for the type of Brexit they wanted. A very soft one where the UK would still have the same rule with the EU for trade in goods but no services. Many analysists argue that the UK would being getting less rather than more from May's approach, as the UK would simply be surrendering its voice and voting power while remaining under EU influence. This opinion was accepted by many MP's from all parties, including May's own Conservative party. On 13th November, May reached a deal with the EU. Finally, there are concrete options for Brexit: Leave the EU on 29th March 2019 on May's deal, or Brexit collapses and the UK stays in the EU. Only two days later again, another exodus from May's cabinet. This time with four minsters leaving the cabinet. Thus, proving that May was under significant pressure from her own party to not present this deal to Parliament.
The agreement that May championed was already on the ropes before Parliament had even voted on it. At first glance, it looks like the probability of no Brexit has significantly increased. The proposed vote by Parliament on May's deal was postponed by the Prime Minister. This was due to the Prime Minister being under the strong impression that the vote would not swing in her favour. Parliament and seemingly much of the public have called for a second referendum. It is safe to say that British politics is in complete disarray. This has been further proved with the outcome of the vote yesterday, with May's deal rejected by 230 votes. A massive blow to Brexit and May's government.
An even bigger blow for May, is Jeremy Corbyn's motion for a vote of no confidence tabled shortly after the rejection of the deal. If the vote of no confidence was achieved, then it would've triggered a general election which could've put both Brexit in a weak position and Jeremy Corbyn in government. Fortunately for May, her government has survived another challenge. Corbyn's vote of no confidence was defeated by a vote of 325 supporting the government to 306 against. Theresa May can finally let out a sigh of relief for the moment. However, there is still the likelihood of a no-deal Brexit looming over the country's head. May has called for a consensus approach from the Parliament. However, as it has been established, Parliament like the rest of the UK is incomprehensively divided.
by Charlotte Pion and Dan Edwards


The battle of Verdun ('the hell of Verdun") is considered to be the greatest and lenghiest in world history: the total casualty figure for the entire war in the Verdun sector approaches 1.25 million dead, wounded and missing.
We will start the day by visitng the impressive French cemetery at Douaumont and the ossuary containing the remains of 130.000 unidentified combattants from both nations. Situated in the forest labelled "Zone Rouge" (Red Zone) where the ground is still littered with so many bodies and unexploded shells, it is certainly one of the most sacred place in France. Then we will visit the new and excellent museum "memorial de Verdun".
Heading south towards the town of Saint-Mihiel we will approach the butte of Montsec, a 1.230 feet high hill dominating the plain of the Woevre where the Germans constructed tunnels, underground shelters and trenches. The American monument commemorates the reduction of the St-Mihiel salient by the First and Second U.S Armies and also the other U.S divisons who fought in Alsace and Lorraine.


Is the base considered American soil, like an embassy would be?
For the record, American embassies abroad are not American soil. Despite the common misconception, the host country retains sovereignty over embassies and consulates. Diplomatic premises are, however, protected by the "rule of inviolability" against any incursion on the part of the host country. This is a principle of customary international law, codified by treaty.
LeVar would be interesting. He's a good trivia player as well, having won on both J! and The Weakest Link. I'm down with that.
Yeah, a host who's 62 would be a great way to attract a younger viewing demographic.
I didn't realize he was already that old. But either way I'd be fine with him.
Anyway, is the rule that when Alex's replacement starts, any Trebek-era contestant can go on the show again as a regular contestant? We could be seeing a lot of familiar faces then. Would ToC veterans be an exception though?
When the news of Alex's diagnosis first broke, my phone blew up with texts from friends telling me to hurry up and get on the show. Sure, I'd like to get on the show while Alex is still the host, but truly I never looked at the news through the lens of my own disappointment. I've had to tell so many people not to bring up the subject with me because they don't understand my emotional investment in both Alex's well-being and the future success of the show.
What about Phil Keoghan? Always liked him on the Amazing Race. Don't know much else about him, except he is a New Zealander so that at least gets the foreign-born checkbox.
I've said this before. At the time Alex Trebek was hired to be host, there were many, many people available who had actual, proven performance hosting game shows on network television. Some examples: Trebek, Jim Peck, Tom Kennedy, Bob Eubanks, Bill Cullen, Jim Lange, Bill Narz, Gene Rayburn, Wink Martendale, Chuck Woolery, Geoff Edwards, Monty Hall. After decades of "The Price Is Right" being the only network daytime game show, there is no pool of obvious talent to use. It's likely that anyone who is hired will be someone with no game show experience. TPIR and "Family Feud" turned to comedians when they needed new hosts. A comedian would be awful for Jeopardy!
It's likely that anyone who is hired will be someone with no game show experience.
Many younger people (myself included--late 20s) remember LeVar Burton primarily from Reading Rainbow. He was a comforting and educational fixture in my home growing up and I would be happy to have him back on my TV nightly. He's also around the same age as my parents and they loved him as Geordi Laforge on TNG.
While I'd love to see someone who could realistically host for another 35 years (comfort in stability), I certainly wouldn't mind LeVar Burton. If anyone deserves to be the host of Jeopardy!, it's him.
It's kind of like the pope situation after JPII died. They didn't want someone who would have too much longevity to follow, but someone who could be more of a transition person to a person they really wanted with longevity again.
TV being a different animal, that might not be the best strategy, which would make LeVar Burton the wrong choice.
Whoever they go with needs to be someone with some sort of credibility when they are giving the correct answers. I think the J people are smart enough to know a comedian wouldn't work for this show, but they have to put someone in that might remind viewers of Alex. Don't forget, the set hasn't changed in a long time either, and with a new host, a new set will be needed to fully differentiate the show--nobody could, and nobody should try and continue "Trebek's Jeopardy".
I'm afraid simply putting in a foreign born, female, person of color just to check all the boxes is the wrong way to go; it would be too overwhelming for viewers to take in after Alex has been coming into their homes for 35 years.
Can he really read the clues with his visor on?
Why are people saying a comedian wouldn't work for a host? They pretty consistently outperform all other occupations on Celebrity Jeopardy! Obviously the show can't be purely a vehicle for stand up comedy, but some witty quips now and then could work well. Someone like Ben Bailey formerly of Cash Cab would probably be a good fit.
Also, is it unthinkable for the show promote from within, with someone who reads clues during the practice rounds? I preferred Glen Kagan's cadence to Trebek's when I was on stage. Him or one of the Clue Crew wouldn't have the learning curve of an inexperienced host.
Why are people saying a comedian wouldn't work for a host?
I will propose that at least some of Trebek's "gravitas" has been earned from how earnest he is, to the point sometimes of being po-faced. A comedian would have to work extra hard not to let quips quell the mo' (to use Maggie Speak's famous expression).
He now has ocular implants.
They should at least try out Gilbert Gottfried.
Yes, but we are discussing a potential replacement, not a clone. Like it or not, things will be different with a different host. A little more humor (as long as it comes with plenty of knowledge) shouldn't be dismissed outright.
I'm not sure what's bold about it. I was recently on a Gilmore Girls re-watching binge and thought that Lauren would make a good host for J! given how clearly she can talk quickly, which is probably the most important trait for the new host to have. Lauren also has an MA in Theater.


A healthy and safe physical school environment promotes learning by ensuring the health and safety of students and staff. The physical school environment encompasses the school building and its contents, the land on which the school is located, and the area surrounding it. A healthy school environment will address a school's physical condition during normal operation as well as during renovation (e.g., ventilation, moisture, temperature, noise, and natural and artificial lighting), and protect occupants from physical threats (e.g., crime, violence, traffic, and injuries) and biological and chemical agents in the air, water, or soil as well as those purposefully brought into the school (e.g., pollution, mold, hazardous materials, pesticides, and cleaning agents).


News has reached me of complete panic having broken out in the upper echelons of the Jersey government as a result of the decision by the Isle of Man to sign up to full information exchange with the UK.
Now I can't name sources, of course, but the suggestion is that Jersey was banking on the Overseas Territories backing their position intended to perpetuate the policy of non-cooperation with UK that has always been intended to help tax evaders using the isalnd's sservices. My understanding is that the approach to the UK from St Helier has been, shall we say, as obstructive as possible on this issue.
But, as ever, they forgot the ability of the Isle Man to out- manoeuvre them. Douglas did that on zero-ten, it did it on the EU Savings Directive and it's doing it again now. I've little doubt that much of this can be out down to the strategic thinking of Malcolm Couch, the Comptroller of Income Tax in the Isle of Man. Jersey has never had anyone to match him.
And with the Isle of Man now agreeing to cooperate on tax with the UK Jersey is left high and dry. What can it do? Refuse to cooperate and not comply with FATCA? It will be left with a massive hemorrhage of clean money (and yes, there is some, of course) to Douglass and it will get all the crooks in exchange. That's game over for Jersey, but co-operation may have the same result. If, as the Isle of Man obviously thinks it has already cleaned up its act already then Jersey, which clearly has not, also loses by signing with the UK.
Whichever way it turns business is walking out of the door. If only they'd listened to John Christensen many years ago instead of sending him into exile and the Tax Justice Network.
If only they'd listened to what we in the Tax Justice Network had to say.
But now, they've made their bed. And I suspect they're going to have to sign the agreement with the UK, as are all the Overseas Territories, like it or not. And if the UK has to lend some financial support whilst those places go through a period of cold turkey as they wean off dirty money as a result it will be a price well worth paying.
I hope you meant non-co-operation!
So which of the International Finance Centres have done more than the Isle of Man ?
Can I ask which of the International Financial Centres have gone further than the Isle of Man, in your opinion?
But that wont answer my question, do you really believe that the Cooks islands should be ranked as less secretive than the IoM by any measure?
Do you think, in light of this, that the subject of Jersey independence will come up, Richard?


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Former Jacobsen Pilot Service President Dies
By Mark Edward Nero
Richard J. Jacobsen, former president of Jacobsen Pilot Service at the Port of Long Beach, died Friday, August 22, at his home in the Los Angeles area. He was 82.
"We're saddened to learn of the passing of Richard Jacobsen, this is a man who was a leader in the industry and most importantly, he is part of the Port of Long Beach family. He will be missed," Long Beach Board of Harbor Commissioners President Doug Drummond said.
Richard "Dick" Jacobsen was born in San Pedro on Nov. 26, 1931. His parents were Capt. Jacob Andrew Jacobsen and Elise Gulbransen Jacobsen, both from Norway.
Jacobsen graduated from the California Maritime Academy in 1952 and then served in the US Navy where he reached the rank of lieutenant. He then he gained experience in merchant shipping, before he came to work with his father, Jacob Jacobsen, at the family business in the mid-1950s.
Jacobsen Pilot Service provides all port pilots for ships that call at the Port of Long Beach. Port pilots meet incoming ships outside the breakwater, and using their in-depth knowledge of the local harbor and wharves, guide the ships into berth and back out to sea.
Dick Jacobsen worked as a port pilot before he became president of the company in 1960, leading the company into the containerization era. Under his leadership, JPS pioneered the use of new safety-enhancing technologies that eventually became standard in the industry.
Jacobsen is survived by his wife of 57 years, Sandra; two daughters, Katherine Anderson and Linda Fester; and a son, Thomas Jacobsen, who is the pilot service's current president. Dick Jacobsen also leaves behind seven grandchildren and a sister, Andrea Ulin.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the International Seafarers Center of Los Angeles/Long Beach, 120 S. Pico Ave, Long Beach 90802. And also the Assistance League of San Pedro-South Bay, 1441 W. 8th St., San Pedro 90732.
Labels: Dick Jacobsen, Jacobsen Pilot Service
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Pretty Little Liars 4×09 Canadian Promo "Into The Deep"
Pretty Little Liars 4×09 "Into The Deep" – Paige throws Emily a surprise birthday party with even more surprising guests — Jenna and Shana. But it's "A's" actions at the party that lead to the biggest shock of all. Mona's selfless act provides Hanna and her mother with their first bit of good news, but sends Mona down a familiar path. And Ezra gets some distressing news from Maggie regarding her and Malcolm. Meanwhile, Aria and Jake (Ryan Guzman) continue trying to define their confusing relationship. And Emily meets with a world class coach in a last ditch effort to salvage her swimming career.
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Personal Computers: Investing Essentials
Here's what you need to know about investing in the personal computer industry.
Ashraf Eassa
(TMFAshrafEassa)
Follow @@Ashraf_Eassa
The personal computer industry has traditionally been a hotbed of technological innovation. Driven by continued advancements across multiple vectors by powerful companies such as Intel, Apple, and Microsoft, the personal computer has become an indispensable tool for both work and play.
Apple's MacBook Air is widely regarded as a significant advancement in PC industrial design. Source: Apple.
But in recent years, the form factors that have traditionally been classified as PCs -- notebook and desktop computers -- have come under pressure. While macroeconomic weakness has played a role, a much bigger culprit has been the shift of wallet share to tablet computers such as Apple's iPad.
That said, with the traditional PC market starting to show signs of improvement, it is worth taking a closer look at this industry, which is intimately tied to many publicly traded companies, from system vendors to component suppliers.
What is the personal computer industry?
The PC industry, in a nutshell, involves the manufacture and sale of personal computers. A big question facing industry observers today is just what is a personal computer?
Traditionally speaking, a personal computer has more or less been a notebook or desktop computer. But as many computer vendors have embraced Microsoft's Windows 8 operating system -- which offers a touch-based user interface alongside the more traditional keyboard and mouse interface -- the line between a "personal computer" and a "tablet computer" has blurred.
The Microsoft Surface Pro 3: is it a tablet or a PC? Source: Microsoft.
This blurring works both ways: As tablets have featured improved hardware and software, they have increasingly been able to perform tasks that were once the exclusive domain of notebook and desktop computers. With additional accessories such as Bluetooth keyboards, it seems that tablet computers are becoming more like personal computers.
How big is the personal computer industry?
This is an incredibly difficult question to answer because it hinges on one's definition of a personal computer. But for now, let's use the traditional PC market here.
The traditional PC market, according to research firm IDC, is on track to ship about 296.3 million units this year, down from the prior-year level of 315.1 million units. One thing to note is that this estimate was issued before Intel -- the leading supplier of PC processors -- raised its guidance on the back of stronger than expected PC sales. But the ballpark figure seems to be 300 million units.
How does the personal computer industry work?
The majority of personal computers sold typically come from large original equipment manufacturers, or OEMs. The top five OEMs by unit shipments during the second quarter of 2014 worldwide, according to IDC, were:
Lenovo (19.6% market share)
Hewlett-Packard (18.3% market share)
Dell (14%) market share
Acer Group (8.2% market share)
ASUS (6.2% market share)
All others (33.6% market share)
The top three vendors grew units by double-digit percentages year over year. ASUS grew 3.3%, Acer Group dropped 2.5%, and the rest combined saw unit shipments plunge 18.5%. The industry as a whole saw shipments drop 1.7% from the previous year.
A "do it yourself" gaming PC component bundle. Source: Newegg.com.
In addition to the more traditional OEM PC shipments, there is a "do it yourself" crowd that prefers to buy individual components from brick-and-mortar shops or from online retailers such as Amazon.com. These "homegrown" personal computers represent a small fraction of overall PC sales, though it is tough to get exact figures.
What are the drivers of the personal computer industry?
The personal computer industry is very mature at this point, so much of the sales volume is driven by users replacing broken and out-of-date systems. Though Intel has often cited a large opportunity for total addressable market growth in the emerging markets, tablets -- which offer increasingly robust computing on the cheap -- have eaten significantly into that opportunity.
Right now, there is real strength in business PCs, particularly thanks to a robust upgrade cycle driven by Microsoft's end of technical support for Windows XP. But the consumer PC market is still challenging, according to both Intel and its chief rival, Advanced Micro Devices. Intel and the rest of the industry hope to help reinvigorate this market with new products such as fanless convertible/detachable PCs with compelling battery life, but we won't see the full impact of these new products until next year.
The lukewarm reception to Microsoft's Windows 8 may be another culprit in continued weakness in consumer PCs. A compelling Windows 9 -- likely due in mid-2015 -- could drive consumers to shift wallet share to PC purchases. But only time will tell if this scenario plays out.
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A food's Glyceamic Index - GI - indicates the rate at which the carbohydrate in that food is broken down into glucose and absorbed from the gut into the blood. In high GI foods, this occurs quickly, causing your blood glucose (sugar) level to rise rapidly. In low GI foods, carbohydrate is digested slowly resulting in a more gradual rise in blood glucose levels.
GI is an important tool when choosing a balanced diet for long term health, although, on its own, GI does not make a food 'good' or 'bad'. Some high GI foods, such as hot potatoes and fresh watermelon, contain many valuable nutrients, while some low GI foods, such as chocolate and corn chips, are far less beneficial containing large amounts of saturated fat and sugar.
We rarely eat only one food. When foods are eaten as part of a meal, the GI is affected by other components of the meal, including the amount of protein and fat being eaten, the types of starch and fibre. If you eat low GI foods in a meal, this will reduce the overall GI of the dish. For example, eating rice bubbles (high GI) and milk (low GI) for breakfast would be considered moderate GI.
Eating mainly low GI foods everyday is encouraged as it provides a slow, continuous supply of energy from one meal to another. For those wanting to lose weight, low GI foods as part of a balanced diet may be helpful. The carbohydrate in low GI foods is digested slowly, making you feel fuller for longer. Regardless of GI though, it is still important to consider the amount eaten. Most people need to eat less calories and become more active when trying to lose weight.
People who have diabetes can use the GI of foods to help control blood glucose levels. For more information about how GI can assist those with diabetes, visit www.diabetes.org.nz.
If you play sport, looking at the GI of foods can help you make choices to aid performance. While you are exercising the blood in your body is pumped to the muscles, lowering the available supply. At this time, you need high GI foods, giving energy quickly, such as lollies, ripe bananas and sports drinks. Eat low GI foods for a great energy base prior to exercise – such as baked potatoes or porridge.
Include a mix of nutritious high and low GI foods in your everyday eating.
Aim for an overall lower GI by increasing the amount of low GI foods such as legumes (beans, peas and lentils), fruits, oat, cereals and pasta in your meals.
Choose multigrain breads instead of white, and breakfast cereals based on oats and bran.
Try low GI grains - basmati or dongara rice, pasta, noodles or quinoa.


New COPD guidelines may lead to misdiagnosis | Peterson, Berk & Cross, S.C.
According to the authors of the study, up to 13 percent of people diagnosed with COPD, one of the most prevalent lung diseases in the world, under the new guidelines are being misdiagnosed. In 2001, the Global Initiative for Obstructive Lung Disease, or GOLD, was introduced as an alternative to a diagnostic method known as "lower limits of normal," or LLN. Researchers found there are discrepancies between the two diagnostic methods. For example, the GOLD method estimates the prevalence of COPD to be approximately 22 percent in people over the age of 40 in the United Kingdom, but the LLN method estimates that only 13 percent of people in that group have COPD. Meanwhile, the GOLD method misses one in eight cases of airflow obstruction in young women compared to the LLN method.
Overall, the authors of the study believe the GOLD method over-diagnoses older men with COPD and under-diagnoses young women. They believe that the GOLD method should be modified to correct those issues and clinicians should use the LLN method in the meantime.
When a medical professional fails to diagnose an illness, it can potentially have severe and deadly consequences for patients. Any Wisconsin resident who believes a physician has failed to detect or misdiagnosed their illness may wish to consult with an attorney. Depending on the details of the case, it may be possible to file a medical malpractice lawsuit against the negligent practitioner seeking compensation for the damages that have been incurred.


2018 will be Singapore's "Year for Climate Action". Speaking at the recent UNFCCC COP23 meeting in Bonn, Singapore's Environment Minister noted that the move would complement current efforts in building resilience against climate change.
Indeed, Singapore is not immune to the impacts of climate change. Amongst the most visible impacts in recent years has been increased heavy rainfall resulting in major flash flooding, which has caused significant damage to property and business productivity. Warmer temperatures are also a cause for concern. In early 2014, a 27-day dry spell resulted in Singapore's desalination and waste water recycling plants operating to nearly full capacity to meet water needs. In 2015, plankton blooms caused mass fish deaths in the northern coast of the island, and adversely impacted fish farms in the area. The impacts of climate change in Singapore are not simply meteorological, but more significantly economic.
The over-reliance on the government for solutions, however, reflects what some have termed as the nanny-state syndrome: due to years of strong state intervention and action, people have become apathetic and expect the government to address all problems.
Many in Singapore's environmental circles have thus welcomed the "Year for Climate Action" as an important milestone in mainstreaming climate awareness, and see it as a chance to catalyse existing bottom-up environmental initiatives. Some have noted the move provides greater opportunity to pursue more experiential education activities, while others call for efforts to demonstrate how individual actions add up collectively.
While these suggestions are still in the pipeline, what can we really expect from a Year of Climate Action in a country where civil society activities are often heavily regulated? Two issues are worth noting. First, the certainty of state dominance over environmental matters. Second, the potential for engaging a passive and disengaged public.
Similar to other civil society organisations in Singapore, the government views environmental groups as service providers for implementing or complementing its policies. Preceding the announcement of the Year of Climate Action, two inter-ministerial reports on Singapore's Climate Action Plan have comprehensively documented existing and proposed climate change mitigation and adaptation plans for Singapore. Environmental groups in Singapore would be engaged to do a fair amount of heavy lifting to socialise these plans to the public.
Environmental groups in Singapore are accustomed to this. With the exception of the Nature Society of Singapore that has had experience in challenging state development policies, much of the environmental groups emerging in Singapore since 2000 have tended to adopt cooperative stances with government agencies. Some have also argued that the existing approaches to climate action are kept "mild" through talks and online campaigns, rather than overtly challenging existing policies. In the event that environmental groups do challenge state policies, the former is often depicted as proposing less pragmatic solutions than those that have been set out by government agencies.
Such controlled climate action is, in a way, a public expectation. Unlike other developed countries that emphasise the importance of societal action, public perceptions surveys in Singapore reveal a high dependence on government action. In a 2016 survey conducted by Singapore's National Climate Change Secretariat (NCCS), 60 percent of respondents felt that climate change is a pressing problem for Singapore, and almost 90 percent were concerned about the effects of climate change on future generations. That said, most respondents also felt strongly that climate action should be driven by the government, and over a third of respondents believed that their individual actions would not make a difference to climate change. NCCS' earlier survey in 2011 and other studies have also noted the preference to leave matters to "the G" (government).
The over-reliance on the government for solutions, however, reflects what some have termed as the nanny-state syndrome: due to years of strong state intervention and action, people have become apathetic and expect the government to address all problems. While the state has created a sense of security by assuring its people that it has everything under control, it has also fed into a sense of entitlement and complacency. In terms of climate (in)action, for instance, the domestic recycling rate in 2016 remains at a low 21 percent despite recycling campaigns since the 1990s and installation of recycling bins under all public housing blocks. In addition, the amount of waste produced in Singapore has grown from 5.02 million tonnes in 2005 to 7.67 million tonnes in 2015. Such outcomes validate existing studies where affecting behavioural change through campaigns can be extremely difficult, and the success rate often low.
the Passive (elderly, least educated, low income, attentive to global warming issues).
To date, much of the existing environmental activities and products caters to those in the "concerned" category, often leaving out individuals with less spending power. However, if engaged effectively, those in the latter two categories have the greatest potential. For instance, environmental groups can assist in creating and upscaling community-level environmental activities that are socially relevant and economically viable. Essentially, if it makes economic sense for the disengaged, it would make sense for others. Similarly, the passive group can be engaged by learning from their personal experiences and traditional values of environmental care. Existing environmental groups have already initiated activities that are worth building on – such as employing elderly people in urban farming, and a repairing community.
An effective Year of Climate Action in Singapore, therefore, does not necessarily require the fanfare of mass campaigns nor environmental proclamations. Rather, it is ideally one that localises environmental practices, and innovates, to make them practical.
Sofiah Jamil is a final year PhD candidate at the Australian National University, and co-founder of Hornbills: Concepts and Communications. Prior to pursuing her PhD, Sofiah was Associate Research Fellow in the RSIS Centre for Non-Traditional Security Studies, Nanyang Technological University in Singapore. Sofiah is also the founder of Project ME: Muslims and the Environment and tweets as @thegreenbush. Image Credit: CC by Wikipedia Commons.


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Five simple exercises you can do at home.
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Hong Kong (affiliate)
Case Alerts
> Practice Areas >
Entertainment - Representative Experience
Validity of Employment Contract
Julian Pardo de Zela
Represented a Limited Liability Corporation in an arbitration to determine the scope and validity of employment contracts involving a critically acclaimed motion picture.
An Arbitrator awarded the LLC with the rights to the copyrighted film.
contract, net share, music
Lael D. Andara
Client was in negotiations with a record company as to his continuing his activities as a music producer and writer in an exclusive capacity. Review and counseled on offered contract. Counsel as to how to obtain copyrights on music compositions.
music; licensing; creative; business; owner; catalog; entertainment
Supreme Court New York County
Represented emmy award winning composer and songwriter in connection with a business ownership and employment dispute that settled favorably before trial.
Entertainment; event; international; partnership; breach; contract
San Francisco Superior Court
Defendant International Event Producer
Spencer C. Martinez
Represented the producer of a popular international music festival against claims by a past worker and contributor, that she was entitled to a prospective ownership interest or other financial stake in the business as a result of her contributions.
On behalf of our out-of-state Clients, we secured additional time to respond to the Complaint and engaged Plaintiff in dialogue in effort to resolve the dispute. The matter was resolved swiftly on favorable terms, and the case was dismissed without any need for our Clients to formally appear.
Electronic; dance; music; events; partnership; contract; conversion
Defendant/cross-complainant, Electronic Dance Music Event Founder And Proprietor
Represented the defendant (the founder and proprietor of a large San Francisco-based weekly electronic dance event) against claims by a former event worker that she and others were defendant's "implied partners," retroactive to the event's inception.
The plaintiff/event worker, who our client hired when the business was in its nascent stages, claimed years later that she and others were entitled to a partnership interest in the business. (Our client had by then developed the business into a large and successful enterprise.) Plaintiff made her initial demand for partnership after misappropriating substantial cash receipts of the business, and attempting to use her possession of these funds to leverage her demand. When our client refused, plaintiff filed a lawsuit claiming that the business was always a partnership. We defeated successive motions by plaintiff for injunctive relief which would have required our client to (among other things) account to plaintiff and make plaintiff a de facto manager of the business pending resolution of the action. We also counterclaimed against plaintiff to recover the money misappropriated, and obtained a court order requiring plaintiff to deposit the money with the court to ensure its preservation. Following a five-week trial, the jury returned a complete defense verdict finding that plaintiff's claim of "partnership" against our client was wholly without merit. The jury also found for our client on his counterclaim, resulting in final judgment in our client's favor (and against the plaintiff) for the money taken, plus substantial interest and costs.
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