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  • Minimum Wage: FG shifts ground on N60,000 

    Wage
    By Okon Okon
    Abuja, June 3, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Government says, in the national interest,  it is ready to offer higher than N60,000 national minimum wage it earlier proposed to the tripartite committee deliberating on the issue.
    The government decision was disclosed at a meeting of the committee convened Monday night by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, after the organised labour embarked on indefinite strike to press its demand on the national minimum wage.
    In a circular jointly issued by the committee members at the end of the meeting, and made available to newsmen, it was disclosed that President Bola Tinubu expressed his commitment to a national minimum wage that is higher than N60,000”
    “Arising from the above, the Tripartite Committee is to meet everyday for the next one week with a view to arriving at an agreeable national minimum wage”
    ” Labour in deference to the high esteem of the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria’s commitment in above undertakes to convene a meeting of its organs immediately to consider this commitment.
    “The committee also resolved that no worker will be victimised as a result of the industrial action,” the circular read in part
    In attendance at the meeting  were: Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, Minister of State for Labour and Employment.
    For the Organised Labour: Joe Ajaero, President, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Festus Osifo, President, Trade Union Congress (TUC)
    It will be recalled that following the negotiation by the tripartite committee on national minimum wage  and subsequent withdrawal of Labour from negotiation and it’s indefinite strike, the government had convened the meeting with labour  (NAN) (www.nanews.ng)
    MZM/ROT
    =========
    Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

  • Army debunks alleged deployment of soldiers at FG, NLC meeting venue

    Army debunks alleged deployment of soldiers at FG, NLC meeting venue

    Soldiers

    By Sumaila Ogbaje

    Abuja, June 3, 2024 (NAN) The Nigerian Army has debunked claims by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) that soldiers had surrounded the venue of the meeting between the Federal Government and organised labour on Monday night.

    The army, in a post on its official X Handle on Monday, said the soldiers at the venue were military escorts attached to the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam  Nuhu Ribadu.

    It said the NSA, who was also attending the meeting, arrived at the venue with his retinue of statutorily approved military escorts.

    According to the statement, once the meeting is over, the escorts will lead the NSA from the venue.

    The army urged members of the public to disregard what it described as deliberate and misleading falsehood being peddled about the presence of the escorts at the meeting.

    “The attention of Army Headquarters has been drawn to a false breaking news by NLC alleging that soldiers currently surround the venue of the ongoing meeting between NLC and the SGF.

    “Kindly note that the NSA, Mallam  Nuhu Ribadu, who is also attending the meeting, arrived at the meeting venue with his retinue of statutorily approved military escorts.

    “Once the meeting is over, the escorts will lead the NSA from the venue,” it said.

    The NLC had earlier made a post on its X handle alleging that soldiers were surrounding the venue of the meeting between them and government at the premises of the SGF. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    OYS/SA

    Edited by Salif Atojoko

    ================

  • Hajj committee member praises Ogun medical team 

    Pilgrims

     

    By Yetunde Fatungase

     

    Abeokuta, June 3, 2024 (NAN) Ogun Government has been lauded for putting up one of the best medical teams in the country for the 2024 Hajj pilgrimage.

     

    A member of the state’s Pilgrims Medical Team, Dr Bolaji Salako, praised the state government for the care and support given to its hajj pilgrims.

     

    Salako expressed his satisfaction with the state government and the assignments of the medical team via a telephone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday.

     

    According to him, a series of medical screenings were organised for all the state pilgrims before embarking on the holy journey.

     

    “We educated and counselled our pilgrims on the importance of looking after their health.

     

    “We also conducted basic and routine investigations to identify any health challenge, providing them with medications and medical advice on managing long-term health conditions while on hajj.

     

    “We conducted our series of screenings in batches to ensure every pilgrim was covered.

     

    “This medical system and structure, used as part of welfare package for the pilgrims, is peculiar to Ogun State and unique in the country,” Salako said.

     

    The medical expert said pilgrims were advised to bring all necessary medications along with them with doctor’s prescriptions and endorsements to last the six-week duration of the trip.

     

    According to him, during the journey, the medical team will continue to work closely with the pilgrims and monitor them in case of any emergency.

     

    Salako noted that the team would also provide continuous education on the importance of personal hygiene, drinking enough water, eating fruits, avoiding walking in the sun, and diet and beverage choices. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

     

    YAF/KOLE/MAS

    ============

     

    Edited by Remi Koleoso and Moses Solanke

  • NiMet tasks Nasarawa farmers to adhere to seasonal prediction

    Rainfall

    By Oboh Linus

    Lafia, June 3, 2024 (NAN)The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has advised farmers in Nasarawa State to adhere to seasonal climate prediction and crop-weather calendar for the 2024 planting season in order to prevent losses.

    Mr James Adamu, Chief Meteorologist (Agriculture), NiMet, gave the advice during a one-day virtual workshop for 2024 Seasonal Climate Prediction and Crop – Weather Calendar for Nasarawa state.

    The workshop was organised by Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA) Resources Centre in collaboration with NiMet, with support from African Activists for Climate Justice (AACJ) through Oxfam.

    According to Adamu, crop – weather calendar is a veritable tool that provides timely information on best planting dates based on the seasonal climate prediction.

    He explained that farmers’ adherence to growing season prediction and crop – weather calendar would help them to understand how each farming activity is being influenced by climate and weather.

    “Crop-weather calendar helps farmers to understand the time for  different farming activities and the kind of additional climate information that would be useful to them,” he said.

    The Chief Meteorologist, Agriculture stated that Nasarawa state is among the states predicted to experience short length of growing season.

    “The growing season for 2024 is expected to end from 18 to 27 of October, the earliest cessation is predicted to be October 18 around Karu Local Government Area while the latest is from October 27 in Doma LGA respectively,” he said.

    Adamu further disclosed that Nasarawa state is also predicted to experience dry spell between July and August, 2024, noting that it would last for 15 days.

    Mr Joshua Jonathan, National President, Association of Small Scale Agro Producers in Nigeria (ASSAPIN), an implementing partner in Nasarawa state said that the 50 participants workshop included farmers and extension agents drawn from the three Senatorial district of the state.

    He said that the essence of the workshop was to make information available to farmers to be able to take decision on their farming activities.

    “NiMet has predicted this year’s rainfall pattern, as well as a dry spell  in July and August, it is now left for farmers to take decision on what types of crop they are expected to plan within the period to survive.

    “It means that we should shift from normal agricultural practice to smart agricultural practice,” he said.

    Some participants – Alokoson Isaiah, Director, Technical Services, Nasarawa Agricultural Development Programme, Esther Rinze and Justina Bala, all   promised to take back to their communities what they have learnt from the workshop.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    OLO/MAM/IU

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    Edited by Modupe Adeloye/ Isaac Ukpoju

  • Business as usual at computer village despite strike

     

    Strike

    By Stellamaris Ashinze

    Lagos, June 3, 2024 (NAN) Traders at the Computer Village in Ikeja, Lagos, on Monday went about their businesses as usual in spite of the industrial action declared by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC).

    A visit to the computer village by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) showed that the market activities were going on as usual.

    NAN reports that the NLC and TUC had declared a comprehensive and indefinite strike to protest hike in electricity tariff and minimum wage among others

    The Chairman, Computer Village Market Board, Chief Adebowale Soyebo, in a brief interview with NAN  said activities were as usual in the market as people were carrying out their businesses.

    “As it it stands today, the Computer Village is very active but we are not sure of what may happen  by tomorrow,” Soyebo said.

    Also, the president of Phone and Allied Products Dealers Association of Nigerian (PAPDAN),  Mr Ifeanyi Akubue, said the strike was long over due.

    “The NLC has dragged for too long for it to happen hence the non compliance.

    “With the present  economic hardship there is no way  a civil servant will survive the situation. So, the  strike is long overdue.

    “We have long been ready for them. Even as businessmen it has not been easy, then how much more a civil servant.

    ‘’We feel the pains of the civil  servants and there should be a way to make available  basic amenities  such as transportation and education, as it is being done in other climes to cushion the challenges,” Akubue said.

    The Chief Executive  Officer, Softwareshop, Mr Austin Agbakor, said that activities on Monday at Computer Village were usually slow.

    According to him, there is nothing exceptionally different  from other days in spite the strike by NLC.

     

    ”However, if by midweek when activities are meant to  pick up and there are no sales, that means the  Computer Village has been affected by the strike.

    “Generally, businesses  have been as usual due to the economic  hardships. I urge the government  and NLC to arrive at a long-lasting solution that will benefit the citizens.”

    A phone accessory  trader, Mr John Chukwuma, said “the strike is not of benefit to me because complying to the strike will mean no sales which will affect my  family income.

    ”For a daily income earner complying will be a challenge, such group of people should be put into consideration before an industrial action is declared.”

    He, however,  pleaded that NLC should find a common ground to settle the dispute rather than the strike.

    Speaking to NAN, a dealer in Laptops, Mr Korede Jinadu, said that joining the strike was not ideal as he would not benefit from the minimum wage.

    ‘’So, the best bet is to come out and make sales so as to be able to feed my family.” (NAN)

    SKA//FAA

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    Edited by Folasade Adeniran

     

  • Natasha inaugurates construction, rehabilitation of schools in Kogi

     

    Schools

    By Thompson Yamput

    Lokoja, June 3, 2024 (NAN)
    Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP-Kogi) on Monday, flagged off construction of new schools in Osara for the Hausa/Fulani communities.

    Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Akpoti-Uduaghan explained that new schools projects comprised of administrative buildings, libraries and laboratories, staff quarters, a clinic, sports facilities, and boreholes.

     

    She also inaugurated that the reconstruction and remodeling of Abdul Azeez Atta Memorial College, Okene (AAAMCO), with new facilities such as  Biology, Agronomy and  Mechatronics laboratories.

    Others include a Computer Base Test (CBT) centre, an amphitheatre, music studio, art and craft studio, staff quarters, a sport centre as well as furniture and equipment for all the new facilities.

    Also to be provided are road network within the school premises, perimeter fencing, streetlights, water supply and total rehabilitation of the hostels.

    The senator promised to upgrade the school  to a smart school with digital learning devices for students.

    Akpoti-Uduaghan, who is representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, explained that the reconstruction and remodeling of AAAMCO was aimed at transforming the school to become one of most advanced secondary schools in Nigeria.

    She said that the school was established in 1927 as Central School Okene, then changed to Provincial Secondary School Okene, became Government Secondary School Okene and later AAAMCO.

    “This institution was attended by former Head of State, Retired  Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, Prof. Jerry Gana, Prof. Lai Mohammed, Alhaji Babagana Kingibe amongst many notable alumni.

    “This is just the beginning because similar attention will be given to other schools in the senatorial district in a bid to turn  them into smart schools.

    “Education is extremely important. I wouldn’t have been here if there was no school for my father to acquire an education and give me the best education I have,” she said.

    According to her, the building of primary and secondary schools in Osara for Hausa/Fulani community is a fulfilment of her campaign promises to them.

    Speaking on behalf of Hausa/Fulani community, Dr Nuhu Abubakar-Jalido, the Youth leader, Miyetti Allah, Kogi Chapter, thanked the senator for the gesture.

    “This is an opportunity for Hausa/Fulani children in this community to have access to quality education at their doorstep.

    “This is the first time a senator in Kogi is building primary and secondary schools with the necessary facilities in an Hausa/Fulani camp.

    “This will change our people’s ideology and enable them to acquire quality education and contribute meaningfully to the country’s development,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    TYC/CHOM/IU

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    Edited by Chioma Ugboma / Isaac Ukpoju

     

     

  • ECOWAS Court president urges productive dialogue at retreat

    A cross section of participants at the event

    Retreat

    By Mark Longyen

    Abuja, June 3, 2024(NAN) The President, ECOWAS Court of Justice (CCJ), Justice Edward Asante, has called on workers participating at the institution’s 16th administrative and budget retreat to engage in productive dialogue.

    Asante’s counsel is contained in his address at the event held on Monday in Abuja.

    He explained that the call was necessary, considering the essential role that budgetary allocations play in the court’s activities. 

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the retreat is expected to foster thoughtful discussions, encourage open dialogues and constructive debates, leveraging participants’ collective wisdom, diverse perspectives and shared experiences.

    “We have to be able to judge all and put our heads together to come up with the best budget.

    “When this is presented to the Administration and Finance Committee (AFC) and to the Council of Ministers, they will look at it as a very good budget and approve it for us.

    “We know budgetary issues are very important for every institution since that is the mainstay,” he said.

    He urged participants to contribute thoughtfully to the budget discussions, urging them to deploy collective wisdom and strategic planning during the retreat discussions.

    The President also expressed the court’s intention to advocate for the preservation of its budget, highlighting its reliance on community funding.

    According to him, the comprehensive efforts made to collate inputs from all departments and units will ensure that the proposed budget reflects the diverse needs and priorities of the entire court.

    Justice Asante, who also noted that ECOWAS was facing some financial challenges, cautioned participants against overburdening its resources.

    He disclosed that administrative and operational costs constituted 80 per cent of CCJ’s budget, leaving limited funds for planned activities, stressing, however, that in spite of the constraints, it was committed to its mandate.

    “We must all know that the community is now financially weak and does not have to overburden itself.

    “We still have to do our programmes to let people know that the Court is also performing its function.

    Also speaking, Dr William Towah, the CCJ’s Director of Administration and Finance, expressed confidence that the retreat would pave the way for innovative solutions, inspire new ideas, and renew the sense of purpose in the institution. 

    He said the retreat was a platform to assess the Court’s progress and strategise for the future, and lauded its staff’s collective dedication and diligence which had propelled the institution to new heights.

    Towah noted the challenges and emphasised the need for continuous improvement while calling for a critical assessment of the Court’s shortcoming and the identification of areas for enhancement.

    “Our collective efforts have earned the respect and trust of our stakeholders, creating a positive impact on the lives of those we serve.

    “By embracing these challenges, we can further strengthen our foundation and ensure that the Court remains a beacon of justice and fairness,” he added.

    NAN reports that the event was attended by the CCJ’s Vice President, judges,,directors, among other members of staff of the court.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    YEN/HS/ETS 

    ==========

    Edited by Halima Sheji

  • Police to establish full drone system to aid security – I-G

    Drone

    By Suleiman Shehu

    Ibadan, June 3, 2024 (NAN) The Inspector-General of Police (I-G), Kayode Egbetokun, says the Nigeria Police Force will soon establish a full drone system to tackle the nation’s security challenges adequately.

    Egbetokun said this while delivering the first distinguished Personality Lecture, organised by the TETFUND Centre of Excellence in Multidisciplinary Studies (TCEMS), University of Ibadan (UI), on Monday in Ibadan.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the lecture was titled: “The Nigeria Police Force and the Management of Internal Security”.

    Egbetokun said although the force already had a drone, it would now establish a full drone system to capture everywhere in Nigeria from its headquarters in Abuja.

    According to him, the drone system will also help the police see criminals whenever they are committing crimes.

    ‘The ungoverned spaces will soon become governed,” he said.

    He further said the force would establish a Special Intervention Squad (SIS) in all the states of the federation to tackle kidnapping, banditry and other forms of criminality in Nigeria.

    The police boss said the deployment of the SIS in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) had yielded results leading to the arrest of many kidnappers and bandits, including the recovery of weapons.

    The I-G said the force had also established dedicated anti-kidnapping units across various states, focusing on intelligence gathering and rapid responses to kidnapped incidents.

    The units, he said, had successfully conducted numerous rescue operations leading to the safe return of kidnapped victims and the arrest of perpetrators.

    Egbetokun highlighted the shortage of manpower, inadequate equipment, public distrust and insufficient budgetary provisions as some of the challenges facing the force.

    He, however, pledged the force’s commitment to the protection of lives and property of citizens.

    In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of UI, Prof. Kayode Adebowale, commended the I-G for his visionary leadership in managing the nation’s security challenges.

    Also, the acting Director of TCEMS, Dr Benjamin Aluko, said the lecture was organised to elicit constructive discussions that would reshape the country’s security situation. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    SYS/CHOM/MAS
    ==========
    Edited by Chioma Ugboma and Moses Solanke

  • Amotekun Corps arrest 48 suspects, inaugurate operation Safe-ground in Ondo

    Amotekun Corps arrest 48 suspects, inaugurate “Operation Safe-Ground” in Ondo
    Suspect
    By Muftau Ogunyemi
    Akure, June 3, 2024 (NAN) The Western Nigeria Security Network (Amotekun Corps)  in Ondo State has arrested no fewer than 48 suspected criminals in the state.
    Mr Adetunji Adeleye, the Commander of Amotekun corps in the state, made the disclosure while parading the suspects before newsmen in Akure.
    The commander also seized the occasion to inaugurate Operation Safe-Ground in the state.
    Adeleye said that those arrested were for offences including possession of firearms, vandalisation of cable, and kidnapping among others.
    The commander said that operatives of the  Amotekun corps would not rest until the state was rid of criminal elements.
    “Today, We have 48 suspected criminals and all of them have confessed to the various crimes.
    “We have a gang of three, who were found to be in possession of firearms, and these are the things they used in attacking innocent citizens of Akure.
    “In Isua and Akure, We found out that so many transformers have been stolen.
    “So many cables servicing the transformers had been cut and taken away while landlords associations are being made to pay at very high cost for all these.
     “However, Amotekun has been able to break the terrible incidences.
    “We were able to arrest about three different groups and these groups sell the products of these bad and nefarious activities to a particular person who is at large, but the law will soon catch up with him.
    “Another set of three persons we have here are suspects who are directly or indirectly connected to vandalisation of power projects and critical government assets.,” he said.
    Adeleye said that the inauguration of ‘Operation Safe-Ground’ was as a result of a directive of Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State to the corps to checkmate the activities of hoodlums across the state.
    “We observed that in the main cities, miscreants and criminals are taking over.
    “We equally observed that on Sundays and when people go to work, these miscreants burgle their houses and make away with their valuables.
    “The complaints became unbearable in the last three weeks and this was what prompted the governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa to direct that ‘Operation Safe-ground’ be commissioned today,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    OMA/AYO/AOS
    ===============
    Edited by Ayodeji Alabi/Bayo Sekoni

  • Aiyedatiwa flags off 1,000m concrete walkway, jetty in Ilaje

     

    Aiyedatiwa at flag off of the project in Obe-Nla in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State

    Walkway

    By Segun Giwa

    Ilaje, June 3, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State on Monday, flagged-off the construction of a 1,000-meter concrete walkway and a jetty at Obe-Nla, Ilaje Local Government Area of the state.

    Speaking at the ceremony in Ilaje, Aiyedatiwa  expressed happiness that he inaugurated the impactful project in his country home.

    The governor said the community’s long standing demand for a durable and safe concrete walkway had been long overdue.

    According to him, the project is a testament to his administration’s commitment to improving quality of life of residents in the state.

    “This moment is unique in several respects. Firstly, it is for me a historic homecoming to flag-off an important project like this in my
    own community, here in Obe-Nla as the governor of Ondo state.

    ”I thank Almighty God for this rare honour in fulfilment of just one of His numerous purposes for me as a man who hails from this community,” he said.

    The governor highlighted the project’s innovative engineering design, adding that it was departure from the traditional wooden walkways prevalent in the region.

    Aiyedatiwa reiterated his administration’s resolve to the overall development of Ondo state, stating that other key projects were underway.

    The governor said that the completion of the 28.5-kilometer Aboto-Atijere road, the third phase of the Igbokoda-Ayetoro road construction and the imminent commencement of a 4.72-kilometer link road between Ugbonla and Ayetoro were on course.

    According to the governor, the projects are expected to significantly enhance socio-economic activities and address critical challenges such as the Ayetoro sea incursion.

    “We have deliberately factored durability into the project and daily safety and comfort of our people as they make use of the concrete walkway and jetty to ensure long-term benefits,” he said.

    Aiyedatiwa praised the collaboration with service providers to ensure availability of pre-paid meters, enhancing electricity access in Okitipupa, Irele, Ilaje, and Ese-Odo Local Government Areas.

    The governor assured residents that the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC) would receive the statutory 40 per cent  of the 13 per cent  Oil Derivation Fund to expedite ongoing and future projects in Ilaje and Ese-Odo Local Government Areas.

    Aiyedatiwa later expressed gratitude to the community for their support, loyalty and commitment of the people to his administration and the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Earlier in his welcome address, the OSOPADEC Chairman, Sam Erejuwa, said that the contract for the project was awarded in August 2023.

    Erejuwa, however, said due to unforeseen circumstances, it was delayed.

    “Now, it’s finally becoming a reality, God’s timing is perfect,” he said.

    The traditional ruler of the host community, Oba Andrew Kolawole, said that the project would significantly boost the economic development of the fishing communities.

    He expressed the community’s deep appreciation for the governor’s unwavering commitment to improving the riverine areas.

    Some residents of the Community,Olajide Samson and Biodun Adelarin, who lauded Aiyedatiwa for being sensitive to their plights, expressed optimism about the project’s potential impact. (NAN)(wwwnannews.ng)

    GSD/CHOM/AOS

    ===============

    Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Bayo Sekoni