Author: Esenvosa Izah

Autonomy
By Esenvosa Izah
Lagos, June 29, 2024 (NAN) The Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) has called for financial, administrative and political autonomy for local governments.

The NULGE National President, Mr Ambali Olatunji, said in Lagos on Saturday that the autonomy was important for Nigeria to  grow its gross domestic product more and curb insecurity.

Olatunji spoke in an interview with the  News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

Olatunji said: “We must make local governments to be financially, administratively and politically autonomous.

“We must consider community policing, so that there must be guarding at the community level.

“Our policing policy should not be reactionary, but  pre-emptive to be able to address insecurity.

“Our opinion is that the local government must be the platform for policing evolution in Nigeria.”

The labour leader also called on  the Federal Government to create a policy that would address unemployment at the local government level.

He called for revival of the vocational skills acquisition department of local governments.

According to him, this will ensure that women and youths in the rural communities are trained and empowered.

“The vocational skills acquisition department across local governments has been erased systematically, overtime.

“This level of government should be given adequate attention to address the needs of those in the rural settings.

“It will go a long way to improve  livelihoods and ensure a better Nigeria for everyone,“ Olatunji said. (NAN)
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Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

Education

By Esenvosa Izah

Lagos, June, 26, 2024 (NAN) Some stakeholders in education have called for a paradigm shift to socio-emotional learning and leadership development to transform societies.

The stakeholders made the call at a leadership  development programme in Lagos on Wednesday.

The programme tagged “Leader in Me (LIM)”, was organised by Teesas, an education technology company, in collaboration with FranklinCovey Education, a provider of educational leadership programmes.

It was organised for school owners and  management staff.

The Founder of Oxbridge Tutorial College, Mrs Femi Ogunsanya, said at the event that such a paradigm shift would require restoration of  values needed for societal advancement.

“The LIM programme has some of the values that it propagates: discipline, hard work and respect.

“It is important that we catch children young from nursery and primary schools and inculcate these values in them.

“How do we restore all these? It is through programmes like the LIM so that, once the children are able to imbibe all of those values, their emotional quotient shifts; that is paradigm shift we need to see, “ she said.

She urged that schools in public and private sectors should key into such a programme and collaborate to ensure promotion of the values.

“It has taken us decades to get to where we are, but we have to be intentional through this programme, for decades, to gradually re-find ourselves and re-establish the values in our system, “ she said.

The Executive Director of Standard Bearers School, Mrs Modupe Adeyinka-Oni, urged schools and governments to key into the LIM programme to enable a positive change in the society.

“Every school is a sub-sector of the larger community, and every community, a sub-sector of the country.

“If we change as a people, become more conscious of other people and collaborate, we will have this multiplier effect, “ Adeyinka-Oni said.

In his remarks, the Founder of Teesas Education, Mr Osayi Izedonwem, described the programme as a whole-school transformative programme.

According to him, it aims to raise the level of socio-emotional learning across all schools.

“As we know today, a lot of schools focus on academics.

“However, the reality is that in a knowledge economy that the world is moving into, social-emotional learning and leadership development are the core skills that truly transform learners and prepare them for that world.

“Today, a lot of schools are not equipped for that, and that is what LIM aims to do – a whole-school transformation that works with the school administrators and parents in a holistic manner to deliver leadership development and socio-emotional learning across primary and  secondary schools, “ he said. (NAN)

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Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

NECA

By Esenvosa Izah
Lagos, June 19, 2024 (NAN) The Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) says it is preparing a platform for ensuring an opportunity for government to interact with organised businesses for rewarding economic reforms.

NECA Director-General Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde made this known at a news conference on Wednesday in Lagos,

According to him, the organisation will hold  Employers’ Summit, expected to drive conversations surrounding the private sector and economic development.

He said that the third edition “is apt as it is coming at a time of new reforms.

“The summit is not basically to interrogate those reforms, but to deepen or share the nexus between the reforms and private sector.

“Also, it is on how government can actually leverage the agility of the private sector to navigate through these reforms and achieve the desired outcomes.

“This is a fundamental summit, which time has come to play a major role in the context of the growth of the private sector, economy, and competitiveness of businesses”.

Also, the Chairman of the Summit, Mr Olumuyiwa Adebayo, said that some of the goals of the summit would include fostering dialogue.

“In supporting government, it means we need to support them in policies, call it to order when we need to do so and this is always through advocacy.

“We believe that sharing innovative practices is key between the private sector and government officials.

“This is because whatever policy we have is only going to be implemented by the private sector as the case may be because it is the engine room for any economy around the world,” he observed.

In her remarks, the Co-Chairman, Mrs Victoria Uwadoka, said that there must be effective communication and collaboration between the government and private sector for development.

“We want to work together to develop strategies that will really drive economic growth.

“Through this summit, we need to reinforce our role as private sector as the engine of national development.

“We believe that the outcome from this engagement as we have done in other years will be driven through the government, but we will continue the conversation.

“Thi is the beginning of a dialogue; this is what the summit is,” she said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 2024 Nigeria Employers’ Summit would be held between June 25 and June  26 in Abuja.

The theme of the summit is, “Economic Renaissance: Harnessing Government Reforms and Private Sector Agility “.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by Kayode Olaitan

Unity

By Esenvosa Izah

Lagos, June 16, 2024 (NAN) The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), Lagos State Chapter, has urged residents to demonstrate resilience and empathy, while recognising their strength lies in unity.

The state Chairman, Mr Gbenga Ekundayo, said this in a statement on Sunday in Lagos, while felicitating with Muslim faithful in celebration of the Eid-el Kabir.

Ekundayo said the festivity was a reminder of the enduring spirit of sacrifice, love, unity and togetherness that Sallah embodied

According to him, it is a time for reflection, gratitude, and the reaffirmation of the people’s shared values.

‘’At this critical stage in our history as a people, only the true spirit of Lagos, built on resilience, the never-say-die attitude and our collective efforts are what we need to navigate these difficult times.

‘’By coming together and supporting one another, we can overcome the obstacles before us and build a more prosperous and harmonious society, ‘’ he said.

The chairman urged the political leaders to lead by example, show dedication to the welfare of the people and commit to actions that promote equity and justice.

He said, ‘’It is through their leadership and our collective efforts that we can address the pressing issues facing our people and pave the way for a brighter future.‘’

Earlier in his statement, the National President, TUC, Mr Festus Osifo, said the union would continue to work tirelessly to improve the lives of Nigerian workers and their families, using every means within its rights.

Osifo said that the significance of Sallah was in its reminder of the union’s commitment to its beliefs, values, and principles.

‘’Just as Prophet Ibrahim demonstrated unwavering faith, we too must remain steadfast and courageous in our pursuit of workers’ rights, decent work, social justice, and a better Nigeria.

‘’This is particularly important at this time when we are faced with overwhelming economic and social challenges as a nation,‘’ he said. (NAN)
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Edited by Oluwole Sogunle

Reactions

By Esenvosa Izah

Lagos, June 12, 2024 (NAN) Stakeholders in the labour sector have observed that the nation’s ailing economy is caused by over-reliance on revenues from the exploitation of oil and lack of pragmatic reforms for decades.

In separate reactions to President Bola Tinubu’s Democracy Day speech in Lagos on Wednesday, they noted the speech failed to address current economic realities facing the country.

A Human Rights Campaigner, Mr Omokhuale Ehi, said that current government reforms ought to provide succour for the people.

‘’He did not mention how the non-oil sectors will start getting the right attention; the current state of our moribund refineries, how the cost of governance will be reversed and real hope about the massive youth unemployment.

‘’Also, the state of insecurity, banditry and kidnapping that have ravaged our country,‘’ he said.

Also, the President, Association of Senior Staff of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institutions, Mr Olusoji Oluwole, noted that the speech eulogised people who fought and died for a better nation.Oluwole said,

He, however, said that what the people died for were still lacking after 25 years of unbroken democracy.

‘’We expect that this government, while celebrating should strive to break the 25 years of pain through the implementation of policies that will reduce and eventually remove the suffering of Nigerians.

‘’Citizens who have held faith in spite of the pain must enjoy the dividends of this democracy,’’ he said.

In his remarks, a public affairs analyst, Mr Jide Ojo, said that issues surrounding the minimum wage should be addressed, saying that many workers were looking forward to the pronouncement of the actual figure of the wage.

‘’I would have loved the negotiations to have been jointly arrived at, not that the federal, state, government, and private sector will forward what they had jointly agreed as the mutually agreed position.

‘’The present situation will leave us at the mercy of labour unions to withdraw their services and go on strike; that will not augur well for the economy,” he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Kayode Olaitan

ASSBIFI

By Esenvosa Izah

Lagos, June 12, 2024 (NAN) The Association of Senior Staff of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institutions (ASSBIFI) has called for  compensation and settlement of its members in Heritage Bank Plc. being  liquidated

The ASSBIFI’s President, Mr Olusoji Oluwole, made the call in a statement on Wednesday in Lagos.

Oluwole expressed concern over the fate of members of the union in the bank, saying that they should not be unfairly treated.

According to him, the  future of the affected workers is hanging  in the balance.

He alleged that there was no mention of any plan to settle the workers in the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) publications and liquidation process.

“Coming at a time when the economy is in serious crisis, with hyperinflation and high unemployment rate, it is most disheartening that workers who faithfully  put in their best for decades in the bank will be abandoned to perish in penury.

“We expect and believe that NDIC will factor into the liquidation plan,  criteria for compensation and settlement of the workers, “ he said.

He called on CBN and other regulators in the banking industry to deeply investigate the transactions and activities that caused the collapse of Heritage Bank.

Oluwole also called on the regulators invoke appropriate actions to recover debts and apply sanctions against any institutions or persons found guilty.

“The recent CBN order revoking the operational licence  of Heritage Bank Plc. did not come to ASSBIFI as a surprise.

“This situation could have been avoided if the regulatory authorities had heeded to the various clamour from staff, ASSBIFI and the public on the plight of Heritage Bank, “ Oluwole said. (NAN)
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Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Ijeoma Popoola

Child
By Esenvosa Izah
Lagos, June 11, 2024 (NAN) The Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) has called for concerted efforts by stakeholders to end child labour in the workplace and across the country.

NECA Director-General Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde made the call on Tuesday in commemoration of the World Day Against Child Labour marked on every June 12.

Oyerinde said that there was the need for concrete actions and collaboration to fulfill the country’s commitments.

“As stakeholders, we must reflect on our progress on this important issue and identify areas where we can intensify our efforts,” he said.

He said that child labour remained a pressing issue in the country which “affects millions of children denied of basic rights to education, health and a safe environment.

“This day serves as a poignant reminder of the urgent need to implement and strengthen policies.

“These policies should be aimed at eradicating child labour in the workplace, particularly within business value chains and promoting overall child welfare”.

The NECA boss said that the association had been pivotal in the fight against the worst forms of child labour.

He said that the association had developed a “code of conduct and guidance tool for businesses within the organised private sector.

“This tool aims to guide companies toward the elimination of child labour, while the association has advocated for in creased allocation of corporate social responsibility resources toward initiatives aimed at eliminating child labour”.

Oyerinde urged the government at both national and sub-national levels to prioritise children’s welfare in their development agendas.

He said that government should ensure that policies and programmes were effectively implemented and adequately funded for maximum impact.

He reiterated NECA’s and employers’ commitment to upholding and enforcing policies that would prohibit child labour in all forms across supply chains and operations.

“The private sector is willing to continue to invest in educational programmes and skill development initiatives that offer children and their families alternatives to child labour.

“I commend the International Labour Organisation for working with the association and private sector employers for their various corporate social responsibilities, even in a challenging economic environment, toward the eradication of child labour in Nigeria,” Oyerinde said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by Kayode Olaitan

Wage

By Esenvosa Izah

Lagos, June 10, 2024 (NAN) Some Nigerians on Monday called on the Tripartite Committee on the National Minimum Wage to reach an agreement fast to avoid resumption of labour strike.

They spoke in interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Lagos.

An activist, Mr Tunde Salman, said that the parties should avoid resumption of the strike in the interest of the masses.

He urged both governments and labour unions to be considerate in the offer and demand, respectively.

Salman is the Team Lead and Convener of Good Governance Team, a civil society organisation.

‘’I will implore all actors, especially the government side at the national, state and local government levels, to be honest and sincere in their engagements with trade union, ‘’ he said.

A media professional, Mr Lekan Otufodunrin, also urged the governments and labour unions to find ways reach an agreement fast to avert further strike.

Otufodunrin, the Executive Director of Media Career Development Network,  said that resuming the strike would be detrimental to the country as a whole.

‘’Another strike, like the last one, when even the national grid was switched off, is not good for the country.

‘’Things are really tough, but the government cannot agree to pay what it cannot pay, considering that, at present, some state governments are not paying the present minimum wage, ‘’ he said.

Another activist, Mr Omokhuale Ehi, said that the cost of living was high, and there was the need for a reasonable increase in the minimum wage.

Ehi is the Lagos State Chairman of Civil Liberty Organisation.

Ehi called for reduction in the cost of governance and improvement in the economy to make any minimum wage to be beneficial.

‘’As long as inflation remains uncontrolled, we keep refining most of our crude oil outside the country, tariffs keep increasing, local production is not encouraged, no minimum wage will be favourable.

‘’Also, as long as insecurity continues to truncate farming activities, inflation will always thrive and minimum wage will not be able to cushion it, ‘’ Ehi said.

Mrs Irene Oghenekaro, a dried fish seller at Oniru Market on Victoria Island, said that  strikes brought pain to the people.

‘’I am not in support of strike; the parties should rather discuss in a way that will favour everyone, ‘’ she said.

Mr Rufus Ikeh, a beans seller  at the same market, said that increasing the minimum wage was necessary to enable workers to cope with current economic realities.

‘’If workers earn well, they will buy goods from us.

‘’We want our economy to be better; the government should create favourable policies, ‘’Ikeh said.

NAN reports that the organised labour embarked on an indefinite strike on June 3 over inclusiveness of negotiations on a new minimum wage.

The organised labour, however, suspended the strike on June 4, for five days, following an intervention by the Federal Government, to enable further negotiations. (NAN)
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Edited by Ijeoma Popoola