THE TRUTH ABOUT EXPIRATION DATES ON PRODUCTS

WHAT THE DATES MEAN

In general, perishable foods such as meat, poultry, eggs and dairy get dates. But those dates aren’t always about spoilage. Some dates simply inform retailers when products are at their best for freshness, taste and texture.

The label types vary:

THE “SELL BY” DATE 
This indicates how long a store should display a product on its shelves. But foods are still flavorful and safe to eat several days after this date if you store them properly.

THE “BEST IF USED BY” DATE this usually comes straight from manufacturers. The product will be freshest and have the best taste and texture if you eat it by this date. But this date does not refer to food safety.

THE “USE BY” DATE also comes from manufacturers. It’s the last date for peak quality. After this date, taste, texture and quality may go downhill, even if food safety does not.

THE “EXPIRATION” DATE is the only packaging date related to food safety. If this date has passed, throw the food out.

FHI 360 CURRENT EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY [2 POSITIONS]

FHI 360 is a global development organization with a rigorous, evidence-based approach to human development. Our professional staff includes experts in health, nutrition, education, economic development, civil society, environment and research. FHI 360 operates from 60 offices with 4,400 staff in the U.S. and around the world.

Our commitment to partnerships at every level and our multidisciplinary approach enable us to have a lasting impact on the individuals, communities and countries we serve – improving lives for millions. We are currently seeking qualified candidates for the position below:

JOB TITLE: Operations Manager

JOB LOCATION: Maiduguri, Borno

REQUISITION ID: 2019201232

SUPERVISOR:Chief of Party

JOB TYPE: Full time

BASIC FUNCTIONS

Reporting to the Project Director, the highly versatile position of Operation Manager will be responsible for leading and supporting a variety of cross-cutting functions among departments on the Addressing Education in Northeast Nigeria (AENN) Project.

AENN is a three-year, USAID-funded program operating in Borno and Yobe states.The Operations Manager will ensure and improve upon the efficiency of the project’s implementation, internal operating procedures, among other tasks.The position will require significant daily coordination among departments, state offices, and the FHI 360 Country Office and will be responsible for directly overseeing operations and procurement staff located in Maiduguri and Damaturu

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Provide leadership and guidance to all operations and procurement staff through supervision and by clearly identifying key roles and responsibilities, setting individual target objectives, giving constructive performance feedback, and ensuring the right tools, training, and resources are in place for success.

Develop and implement inter-departmental strategic and improvement plans to strengthen efficiency in activity planning, compliance with donor regulations, and adherence to the organization’s policies and procedures.

Liaise with the FHI 360 Country Office to ensure consistent and clear communications on operational activities, IT, and employee relations under the guidance of the Project Director. 

Assist in planning the use of human resources.

In coordination with the Country Office, oversee placement of required staff as well as conduct new hire orientations.

Improve processes and policies in support of organizational goals; formulate and implement departmental, and organizational policies and procedures to maximize output.

Oversee inventory control and fleet management in conjunction with the Finance Department and Admin Officer.

Manage security protocols and plans in coordination with the AENN state offices, the Country Office, and headquarters, ensuring that plans are routinely updated and shared with project staff and partners.

Oversee and monitor all project-related travel arrangements within Nigeria with support from administrative staff.

Spearhead state and Abuja office relocations as appropriate and oversee the administrative and operational aspects of the project close-out in 2021 to ensure compliance with donor and organizational protocols.

Maintain a high level of knowledge in all current organizational operations policies and guidelines, including enforcing corporate messages and initiatives.

Assist implementing partner organizations by providing interpretations of USAID and FHI 360 guidelines as they relate to operations and procurement policies.

In collaboration with the project Compliance Officer, liaise with the FHI 360’s Office of Compliance and Internal Audit to provide necessary documentation and/or answers to questions arising from internal and external reviews or audits.

Ensure appropriate operational input and support is provided to program staff and other involved parties during the preparation of their activity budgets and costed work plans.

Work with procurement as well as technical staff to ensure the correct procedures are followed in the purchase of goods and services and that actions are conducted in a highly efficient manner by promoting proper planning well in advance of upcoming activities.

Interact regularly with project leadership to provide updates on the organization’s implementation/operations status and resolve any problems or issues associated with operations.

Engage the COP and technical leaders in all aspects of operations planning and management to ensure the project’s strategic objectives are well understood to deliver anticipated results.

In collaboration with the Deputy Director, Finance, review project spending vs. budget regularly to maintain expenditure controls aligning budgets to technical and operational activities.

Provide training and support to program staff and partners on policies, procedures, and requirements relating to operations issues.Other related duties as assigned or deemed necessary by the Chief of Party.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Bachelor’s degree or its international equivalent in Business Administration, Social Science, Public Health, or related fields required; and 7 – 9 years relevant experience.

Or MS/MA degree in Business Administration, Social Science, Public Health, or related fields required, and 5 – 7 years relevant experience.

Minimum of 3 years in a supervisory role with experience in office management and reporting.

Experience and good working knowledge of USAID and other US Government organizations’ rules and regulations required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Comprehensive knowledge of concepts, practices, and policies with operations (including human resources) management.

Excellent and demonstrated leadership, organizational, and managerial skills.

Team player, articulate, professional, and able to communicate in a clear, positive manner with staff and partners.

Ability to intervene with both senior and support staff with diplomacy and firmness. 

Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications such as MS Word, MS Excel, and MS PowerPoint.  

Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Proven proactive skills in identifying efficiency opportunities for overall project planning and implementation.

Excellent oral and written communications skills in English Ability to travel a minimum of 25%.

REMUNERATION
The following is a summary of fringe benefits provided by FHI 360 to eligible employees:

CORE BENEFITS:

• Comprehensive medical plans (PPOs)

• Dental insuranceVision coverage

• Group life and AD&D insurance

• Health savings account

• Long-term disability

• Medical and dependent care flexible spending accounts (FSAs)

• Dependent life insurance

• Business travel insurance

• Supplemental personal accident insurance

• Supplemental disabilityLife insurance

• Paid vacation, sick and parental leave

• 403(b) retirement plan

• Pension plan

OTHER BENEFITS (WILL VARY DEPENDING ON WORK LOCATION):

Public transportation program

• On-site fitness centerLocal credit union membership

• Health and wellness program

• Employee assistance program

• Qualified tuition programs (529 plans)

• Bicycle subsidy

• Legal assistance plan

• Pet insurance.

Interested and qualified candidates should: Click here to apply

JOB TITLE: Administrative Assistant

JOB LOCATION: Maiduguri, Borno

REQUISITION ID: 2019201231

SUPERVISOR: Operations Manager

JOB TYPE: Full time

BASIC FUNCTION

Under the direction of the Operations Manager, the Administrative Assistant will provide administrative and logistical support for assigned staff members

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Coordinate necessary arrangements for visitors, including travel logistics, meetings with staff and other organizations. 

For final versions, type, format, edit correspondence, papers, reports, proposals, sub-agreements, purchase requisitions, and other written work generated by assigned staff members.

Assist in the coordination of departmental/zonal budget and procurements; generate reports to assist in financial management reporting.

Compose general correspondence, schedules and memoranda as needed. 

Assist with production of non-routine publications, e.g. specific brochures.

Assist with production of presentation materials for staff members.

Use initiative to improve work flow and improve systems for clerical functions.

Prepare minutes for meetings and follow up with staff members for action items.

Develop and manage a database and record keeping system for assigned areas.

Organize and set-up internal meetings.

Perform any other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

University degree, recognized equivalent or HND.

Minimum of 1 year experience in NGO is required 

Familiarity with international NGO is an advantage.

Familiarity with administrative and secretarial skills is an advantage.

Experience with large complex organization is preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of general office practices and administrative procedures. Report to supervisor on variances and status on regular basis.

Resourceful in gathering and providing information.

Knowledge of budget preparation and monitoring. 

Excellent written, oral, interpersonal and organization skills.

Ability to work well with others and to develop and maintain compatibility among project staff, subcontractors and recipients of assistance.

Well developed computer skills, including knowledge of Microsoft office products.

Typing skills.

REMUNERATION
The following is a summary of fringe benefits provided by FHI 360 to eligible employees:

CORE BENEFITS:

Supplemental personal accident insurance

Supplemental disability

Life insurance

Paid vacation, sick and parental leave

403(b) retirement plan

Pension plan

Comprehensive medical plans (PPOs)

Dental insurance

Vision coverage

Group life and AD&D insurance

Health savings account

Long-term disability

Medical and dependent care flexible spending accounts (FSAs)

Dependent life insurance

Business travel insurance

OTHER BENEFITS (WILL VARY DEPENDING ON WORK LOCATION):

• Public transportation program

• On-site fitness center

• Local credit union membership

• Health and wellness program

• Employee assistance program

• Qualified tuition programs (529 plans)

• Bicycle subsidy

• Legal assistance plan

• Pet insurance.

Interested and qualified candidates should: Click here to apply

APPLICATION DEADLINE: 7th July, 2019

NOTE: The above job description summarizes the main duties of the job. It neither prescribes nor restricts the exact tasks that may be assigned to carry out these duties. This document should not be construed in any way to represent a contract of employment. Management reserves the right to review and revise this document at any time.

OPEN DEFECATION: KOGI TOPS LIST OF STATES, SAYS UNICEF

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has revealed that Kogi State occupies the number one spot in open defecation, making the North-Central zone the leader in the menace among the six geo-political zones with a percentage of 53.9 per cent and a population of 16 million people involved.

It disclosed that while the South-East comes second with a distant 22.4 per cent, it is followed by the North-east with 21.8 per cent.
The lowest is the North west with 10.3 per cent followed by the South-west and South-south with 20.4 per cent and 17.9 per cent respectively.

UNICEF Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Specialist, Mr. Bioye Ogunjobi, who disclosed this in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, Tuesday, during a two-day media dialogue with the theme “Clean Nigeria: Use the Toilet”, revealed that out of Nigeria’s 774 local government areas, only 13 were certified open defecation-free.

He said the 13 local governments which were in four states namely Cross River, Benue, Jigawa, and Bauchi have six, two, four, and one local governments respectively, which after investigations, sampling and monitoring had reached the apex point to be certified free from open defecation.
Nigeria, he said, is in need of about seven million toilets to cater for its teeming and growing population of about 200 million people, adding that this is a forecast towards ending open defecation by 2025.

He said:”The reality of open defecation in Nigeria reveals that Kogi state in the North Central part of the country is leading in open defecation. With this, the North Central has a percentage of 53.9% in open defecation which is about 16 million people.

So far, 47 million Nigerians have been encouraged to use toilets and increase access to improved sanitation, especially in rural communities. He added that human defecation was oily in nature and as such, water alone cannot make hands cleans without the use of soap and, or ash.

DANGERS OF PACKING FOOD AND WATER IN PLASTICS

Not many Nigerians understood the angle where the immediate past Agriculture Minister, Audu Ogbeh was coming from when sometime ago he warned his compatriots against the use of cellophane in their food regime. He was speaking from a scientifically informed position we should align with for the good health of society.

The former minister raised an alarm that Nigerians who are eating beans pudding (‘moinmoin’) cooked in cellophane (nylon) bags risk serious health challenge as the product is poisonous. 

According to the ex-minister, cellophane bags contain large doses of dioxin that are harmful to health. Let me also add that liquid milk tin is also dangerous for packaging ‘moinmoin’ when cooking as leaching of chemical from the milk tin into the content will still occur. 

The healthy alternative for packaging or wrapping ‘moinmoin’ when steaming is the use of local green leaves which do not contain poisonous substances. Plastics, no doubt, have become a part of our daily lives especially in the kitchen.

The role of plastics as packaging and storage containers for our food cannot be overemphasized. Plastics are light-weight, readily available and cheap, hence their heavy demand in the kitchen. Plastics like PET bottles also become handy for packaging water in various sizes. 

Cooking oil is also packaged in plastic kegs, jerry cans and bottles of different sizes. Some electric jugs, insulated food warmers, food flasks, food serving spoons (for staple and swallow foods) – spatula and ladle for soup, sieve and many other kitchen utensils are made of plastics. Plastics can however be hazardous to human lives depending on the plastic type, how it is used and what it is used for. 

Findings have also revealed that almost all plastic packaging materials used for food contain substances that can leach into the food. Leaching, in this context, is the release of harmful chemicals from plastics or cellophane (nylon) bags into the contents it carries, be it food or liquid when heated.

On the basis of recycling symbol or code, plastics can be grouped into seven. It is also on this basis that plastics are regarded as harmful or safe and eco-friendly. You may not have noticed this – every plastic bottle or container has a recycling symbol. The symbol is a number which ranges from one to seven and written in a triangle drawn with a chasing arrow symbol. Just look around the bottom of any plastic product, imprinted somewhere on the underside is a number inscribed in the arrow-chasing triangle and with acronym or symbol just below the triangle.

Plastic products labeled code #1 stands for PET (Polyethylene terephthalate); code #2, HDPE (High-density Polyethylene); code #3, PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride); code #4, LDPE (Low-density Polyethylene); code #5, PP (Polypropylene); code #6, PS (Polystyrene) and code #7, PC (Polycarbonates).

Food safety experts and toxicologists say plastic products with recycling codes #3, #6 and #7 are toxic and should be avoided particularly if using them for food and drinks because they leach harmful chemicals. Some experts have argued that plastics labeled code #1 are not safe because they leach antimony trioxide (a possible carcinogen) when heated, while others believe PET bottles are safe.

Other plastics with recycle codes #2, #4 and #5 are likely to be free of Bisphenol A (BPA), phthalates and other dangerous chemicals of concern. The consumption of sachet and bottled water exposed to sunlight with temperature over 28 degrees celcius is hazardous and can damage the immune system, lead to failure of kidney and liver. In order to live and lead a healthy life, avoid eating hot food from plastics. 

Also remember to use plastics with recycle codes #1, #2, #4 and #5 only for food and drinks purposes, while plastics with codes #3, #6 and #7 should be avoided when it comes to food.

However, to play safe and be extra cautious, avoid taking hot food from any plastic irrespective of the recycling code under it. Those in the habit of buying food in cellophane bags and then eating from it should desist from such practices as large doses of dioxin enter the body through the food. Same is also applicable to people who buy and drink freshly prepared hot antimalarial herbal concoction (“agbo iba”) from road side sellers inside nylons or plastic cups. Taking hot coffee or water from Styrofoam (disposable) cups is similar as well.

To ensure an all-round awareness at all levels for rural and city dwellers, government should sensitize its citizens on harmful consequences of plastic toxins when leached out into our food and water after exposure to heat. When citizens are well educated and informed on plastic toxins, they will take healthy and informed decisions.

BAUCHI GOV LAUNCHES SANITATION EXERCISE

Gov. Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed Bauchi State Governor, Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, has flagged off a special sanitation exercise in the state capital.

Addressing journalists shortly after monitoring the exercise yesterday, Governor Mohammed said the exercise was part of his administration’s determination to rid the state capital of mountains of garbage adorning its streets. 

He added that the exercise would help to curb the proliferation of mosquitoes and rodents which he said were posing serious health challenges to residents.

The governor further directed that a comprehensive sanitation exercise must be launched and sustained in all the 20 local government areas of the state to ensure a healthy environment. 

Governor Mohammed further stated that his administration would sensitise people of the state on the need to live up to their responsibilities regarding their immediate environment.

In his remarks, the immediate past Speaker, House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, applauded Governor Mohammed for coming up with the initiative.

NAFDAC BANS SALE OF SNIPER INSECTICIDE IN OPEN MARKETS AND SUPERMARKETS

The National Food, Drug Administration Control (NAFDAC) has ordered agro-dealers to withdraw popular agricultural pesticide, Sniper, from open markets and supermarkets, to reduce its use for suicide across the country.

The federal government yesterday placed a restriction on the sale and use of the fatal agro-chemical product, Sniper.

The development was made public by NAFDAC’s director, Veterinary Medicine and Allied Products Directorate, Dr Bukar Usman, at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan on Wednesday, June 19, Leadership reports.

Since Sniper hits the Nigerian market, it has become the favourite of most Nigerians, especially the poor, for killing mosquitoes and other pests. Similarly, the product has also been abused by many as they use it to commit suicide.

NIGER DELTA DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (NDDC) 2019 FOREIGN SCHOLARSHIP AVAILABLE OPPORTUNITIES

Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) was established in 2000 with the mission of facilitating the rapid, even and sustainable development of the Niger Delta into a region that is economically prosperous, socially stable, ecologically regenerative and politically peaceful. 

We invite applications from suitably qualified candidates for:

Title: 2019 FOREIGN POSTGRADUATE SCHOLARSHIP

DESCRIPTION
As part of our Human Resource Development initiatives, NDDC is embarking on Postgraduate Foreign Scholarship Programme to equip Niger Deltans with relevant training and skills for effective participation in the Local Content programme of the current Administration as well as compete globally in various professional fields. The Scheme is for suitably qualified applicants with relevant Bachelor’s/Master’s Degrees from recognized Universities in the following professional disciplines:

° Environmental Sciences
° Management sciences
° ICT
° Education
° Humanities
° Engineering
° Agricultural Science
° Law
° Medical Sciences
° Geosciences

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

First Degree with minimum of 2nd Class Lower Division for those wishing to undertake a Master’s Degree programme and a good Master’s Degree for Ph.D candidates from a recognized University.

Applicants must have gained admission for a Post Graduate Programme in any of the listed disciplines above, in a foreign University.

Applicants who have already enrolled in Overseas’ Universities are NOT eligible to apply.

Guarantor’s written consent of good conduct of the applicant from any of the following persons from the applicant’s community/clan:
° Member of National Assembly
° State House of Assembly
° Chairman of the LGA
° First Class Traditional Ruler
° High Court Judge

Persons with evidence of cult membership or criminal record shall not be considered for the award.

Applicants must have completed the mandatory National Youth Service (NYSC).
 

HOW TO APPLY
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Application must be made online at the Commission’s website (see link above) with the following attachments:

• Recent passport photograph

• Local Govt Identification Letter.

• Post Graduate Admission Letter from a recognised Overseas University.

• Relevant Degrees from a recognized University.

• N.Y.S.C Discharge/Exemption Certificate.

Successfully completed application forms will be assigned registration numbers automatically.

Print the hard copy of the on-line generated acknowledgement for ease of reference.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: 4th July, 2019.

NOTE
The commission will not enter into any form of communication with candidates who were not shortlisted for the Computer Based Test (CBT) or those who were not invited for oral interview or candidates that were not successful at the oral interviews.

Preference would be given to candidates from oil producing/bearing communities/local government areas as long as candidates meet the approved cut off mark.

The commission will ensure a fair spread of courses among beneficiaries within each state.

Deferment, change of institution and course are not permitted.

The commission reserves the sole and absolute discretion to select applicants in line with the above stated criteria and its internal consideration. 

The decision of the commission in this regard is final.

All shortlisted applicants will be posted on the NDDC website (www.nddc.gov.ng).

For further Enquiry
Please contact the Director, Education, Health and Social Services (NDDC):

E-mail: gochua.okejoto@nddc.gov.ng  seledi.thompson@nddc.gov.ng
Mobile: +234(0)84668158.

ADAMAWA STATE CONFIRMS CHOLERA OUTBREAK IN ATLEAST 3 LGAs

Adamawa Government on Tuesday confirmed the outbreak of cholera in three local government areas of the state with one death from the 76 cases recorded.

This was contained in a statement signed by the Information Officer of the State Ministry of Health, Abubakar Mohammed, made available to News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Yola.

“Adamawa State Ministry of Health wishes to inform you and the general public that the state has recorded confirmed cases of cholera in three local governments namely Yola North, Yola South and Girei respectively.

“The Epidemiological unit of the ministry received the report on acute watery diarrhea and vomiting on 12th May, 2019, samples collected and tested using both Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) and cultured results from reference laboratory yielded positive.

“As at today Tuesday the 18th of June 2019, a total of 76 cases were recorded with 1 death, giving a case fatality rate (CFR) of 1.3%.

“Yola North reported 44 cases with 1 death (CFR= 2.3%); Yola South has 1 case with no death (CFR = 0%); and Girei recorded 31 cases with no death (CFR=0%).”

The ministry said that it has commenced action with other partners, adding that the State Rapid Response Team and Emergency Operation Centre had been activated, while Active case search teams were recruited, trained and deployed.

Report has it that community mobilizers were also engaged to carry cholera preventive messages on house to house bases, while All identified households in the affected communities were decontaminated and that the treatment center had been set up in Yola Specialist Hospital to support case management.

”A 24 hour ambulance services and toll free lines were also made operational to ease the movement of suspected cases from the communities to the health facilities. Mass media campaigns in radio and TV will commence to sensitize general public on cholera prevention and control measures and good hygiene promotion practices.

“General public is hereby encouraged to report any suspected case immediately to the nearest health facility or Call the following toll free lines 08031230359, 07080601139 for prompt response. All calls made to the lines are free of charge,” the statement said.

(NAN)

NAFDAC ANNOUNCES PLAN TO REGULATE SNIPER OVER INCREASING USE FOR SUICIDES

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) may direct a change in the package of ‘Sniper’, an agro-chemical that has increasingly become a choice killer for persons contemplating suicide.

This is in response to calls for a check on the proliferation and ease of access to Sniper in markets and streets across the nation.

The Director General of NAFDAC, Christiana Adeyeye, said Sniper containers “could now be made very difficult to open, or may be turned into a spray rather than the liquid contents it is known for.”

The suicide rate has increased in Nigeria with Sniper among the agents popularly used.

Notable among the reported incidents is that of a student of the Department of English and Literary Studies, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Chukwuemeka Akachi.

There was another case of a music pastor in a popular Pentecostal church who recently committed suicide after consuming the deadly substance. That was before Ayomide and Ajani Damilola of the University of Lagos were reported to have killed themselves using the insecticide following the accusations that they stole clothes in their hostel.

Another 32-year-old banker and mother of two, identified as Peace, of Ughelli, Delta State, committed suicide over her husband’s alleged infidelity. She also took Sniper.