Labour Leaders Praise President Tinubu Over Approval Of N70,000 Minimum Wage And Promise Of Review After Three Years

President Bola Tinubu on Thursday in Abuja increased the federal government’s offer on the national minimum wage from N62,000 to N70,000, with an assurance that it will be reviewed after three years, instead of five years.

In a meeting with the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and that of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) at the Presidential Villa, President Tinubu said he had to intervene in the negotiations, knowing the economic challenges faced by many Nigerians, and the need to provide urgent succour.

“I have heard all your presentations. You came here with the intention to get something on behalf of your members. It has been tough globally. And if you review my track record, I have never been found wanting in ameliorating the problems of workers. I belong to the people and to all of you in leadership. Without you, this job is not interesting.

“You challenged the thinking faculty of leadership, and we have reviewed the position. I have consulted widely, and when the tripartite committee submitted their reports, I reviewed them again and started to think and rethink.

“Last week, I brought the workload to you because we have a timeline. We have a problem, and we recognize that you have a problem too. We are in the same economy. We are in the same country. We may have different rooms, different addresses, and different houses; we are just members of one family that must care for each other.

“We must look at the parameters of things. Here, I have a speed limit, and I must pay attention to traffic warnings; slippery when wet, curved roads, and be careful not to have an accident. That is why I went as far as having this meeting today.

“We are driving this economy together. Let us look at the tenure of review. Let us agree on that, and affirm three years. Two years is too short. We affirm three years. We will review.

“I am going to move from the tripartite committee. I am going to edge a little bit forward, looking at the review that we have done. Yes, no one in the federal establishment should earn less than N70,000. So, we are going to benchmark at N70,000,’’ the President said.

President Tinubu explained that renewing the hope of Nigerians extends to providing infrastructure that will improve their livelihoods and create an inclusive economy that all can participate and benefit.

The President said the government was committed to reducing the cost of transportation with the introduction of Compressed Natural Gas-powered buses, which will be cheaper and efficient, and also assured the labour unions of providing buses that will be deployed across the country.

President Tinubu also said the entitlements of members of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Universities and Allied Institutions (NASU) will be considered, urging the Ministries of Finance, and Budget & Economic Planning to look at the possibilities of clearing the backlog.

At the meeting, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, thanked the President for his consideration of issues as the “Father of the Nation’’ and scheduling two meetings to resolve the initial impasse.

“Mr. President, at the tripartite meeting, and the resolutions of the government, Organized Private Sector and labour unions; we were all united as one family to promote and grow our economy, and deepen our democracy, by implication to the benefit of all. Basically, that is what we are saying today. We have a listening President here,’’ the Secretary to the Government of the Federation said.

The President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joe Ajaero, and that of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Comrade Festus Osifo, thanked the President for creating time to host two meetings on the review of the national minimum wage.

The two labour leaders acknowledged that at the last meeting, the President directed the rescheduling of an official trip in order to attend the second meeting.

The labour leaders also expressed their appreciation to the President, applauding him of his clear show for commitment to the welfare of Nigerian workers.

We’ll continue to place staff welfare, training, development as priority- Guwor assures Parliamentary workers

Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Emomotimi Dennis Guwor, has assured Management and Staff of the State Legislature of sustained efforts towards building capacity of the workforce.

Rt Hon Guwor who gave the assurance, while declaring open a two day retreat for management staff of the State Assembly, said the retreat, with the theme: “Towards Effective Collaboration For Delivering The Legislative Agenda of the 8th Assembly”, is to further promote efficiency and ensure optimal results in the implementation of the recently unveiled Legislative Agenda of the 8th Assembly.

The Speaker stated that the 8th Assembly, under his leadership, is committed to successful implementation of the Legislative Agenda, a policy thrust put together to achieving enhanced peace and prosperity in Delta State in synergy with the MORE Mantra of the State Governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori.

Guwor who harped on the need for all hands to be on deck in actualization of the vision, emphasized the importance of training and retraining of staff in the Legislature, even as he urged participants to take advantage of the retreat to align, strategize and brainstorm on the task ahead.

“The Legislative Agenda is now a public policy document. Consequently, all activities of the House are expected to be in consonance with the Agenda. Therefore, it is pertinent to bring to speed the team of management to align with the Agenda”, he said.

The Speaker promised that the leadership of the Assembly, in partnership with the Executive, will continue to place staff welfare, training and development, a priority.

“As bureaucrats, we recognize that your duties are not only strategic but core and central to the smooth operation and success of the Legislature. I believe this Retreat will enhance your capacity for more effective and efficient service delivery.

“I am always happy to share in moment such as this because it provides an avenue to cross fertilize ideas for the general good of the administration of the House”, Guwor stated.

The Speaker, who commended Governor Oborevwori for his visionary leadership in the state, also lauded the Management team of the Assembly, led by the Acting Clerk of the House, Mr Otto Aghoghophia for their relentless effort in the discharge of their duties.

Acting Clerk, Otto Aghoghophia, had in an opening remarks, expressed optimism that the retreat will sharpen and broaden the knowledge of the management staff in engendering quality service delivery.

He said “This Retreat was designed to bridge the gap of Management understanding of the Legislative Agenda of the 8th Assembly. This is crucial because of the role play by Management in the Legislature.

“Therefore, the thematic focus for interrogation during this Retreat will definitely elicit robust interchange of ideas that will make the key objectives to be achieved”, saying that the central aim is to reorient Management’s focus to work in tandem with the Legislative Agenda of the 8th Assembly.

The Acting Clerk commended the leadership of the Assembly for granting approvals for training of all categories of staff in the State Legislature and assured of their commitment to assigned duties.

“It is my firm belief that this Retreat will be a rewarding experience and will make us more knowledgeable, committed, reliable and dependable in service delivery.

“On behalf of the Management and staff of the Delta State House of Assembly and the Commission, I wish to convey our heartfelt appreciation to Mr. Speaker and the Leadership of the 8th Assembly for the approval and prompt release of Fund for the 2024 training of staff.

“Again, it must be put on record that since the evolution of Management Retreat by the Delta State House of Assembly, it has been unbroken.

Sir, be rest assured that the Management and staff of the Assembly will continue to support and work with you to achieve your goals embedded in the Legislative Agenda of the 8th Assembly”, Aghoghophia assured.

The head of a team of resource persons from the African Parliamentary Resource Center, APRC, Mr John Mutu, paid glowing tributes to the leadership of the Delta State Assembly for training of the workforce, stressing that the House is indeed ahead of so many State Houses of Assembly.

“I must commend the leadership of the Delta State Assembly for its efforts to strengthen the capacity of the staff and Management. This commitment it has demonstrated by training and retraining of the workforce. Delta is indeed ahead of many other states in Nigeria”, Mutu stated.

Some participants interviewed, also expressed gratitude to the Speaker, Rt Hon Emomotimi Guwor and his team for the retreat which they said will no doubt inspire and motivate them in discharge of their duties.

The opening ceremony was attended by some Principal Officers and members of the house.

Boycott Nationwide planned Protests, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Wing Urges Igbos, Cites Security Concerns

July 17, 2024

In light of the current nationwide calls for protests against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to express the frustrations over the escalating costs of living and the unbearable hardships faced by Nigerians due to continuous increases in essential commodities and petroleum product prices, OHANAEZE NDI IGBO YOUTH WING, the esteemed apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, has adopted a firm stance regarding the impending Nationwide Protests scheduled from August 1st-10th, 2024.

Reflecting on the poignant history of the Igbo people in Nigeria, particularly in the aftermath of significant riots and protests, such as the 17th April 1978 ALI MUST GO Protests, the 24th May 1989 ANTI-SAP RIOTS against the regime of Gen Babangida, the 1993 June 12 protests, the 2nd-14th January 2012 OCCUPY NIGERIA protests, and the 20th October 2020 END SARS protests, it is evident that Igbos have often been unfairly treated as sacrificial lambs amidst the turmoil. The tragic results of these events have seen immense losses of Igbo lives and properties, highlighting the deep-rooted injustices and miscarriages of justice suffered by the Igbo community.

Given the harrowing experiences of the past, and with a steadfast commitment to safeguarding the lives and properties of Igbos throughout the country, Igbo Youths has instructed Igbos both at home and in the diaspora to abstain from participating in the Nationwide Protests set to commence from August 1st-10th, 2024, for the following crucial reasons:

First and foremost, the prevailing security challenges in the Southeast region pose insurmountable obstacles to the safe conduct of protests and riots. In recognition of this reality, any Nationwide Protest scheduled within the Southeast is hereby revoked, with a clear directive that Igbos will not partake. Enforcing such protests risks exacerbating the existing security dilemmas in the Southeast, creating opportunities for criminal elements and external Igbo detractors to exploit the situation and instigate further chaos. Thus, it is in the best interest of all concerned parties to refrain from organizing any protests within the region.

Secondly, the fear of Igbos once again being perceived as sacrificial lambs in the forthcoming Nationwide protests is a legitimate concern. In this regard, IGBO Youths calls upon Igbo residents in the 19 Northern States and Southwest regions to boycott the looming protests for their own safety and security. Demonstrating restraint and prudence by avoiding involvement in the protests is imperative to safeguard their well-being during this period. It is urged that business activities remain suspended in these regions as a precautionary measure.

In closing, The National Youth Leader Ohanaeze Ndigbo World-wide, Engr Damian Okafor, iterates that the foremost priority for the Southeast region is the release of NNAMDI KANU, underscoring the organization’s unwavering commitment to this cause over engaging in Nationwide Protests. Emphasizing that Ndigbo will not partake in any protests aimed at President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, IGBO YOUTHS seeks to convey a clear message to President Tinubu in an anticipation of a reciprocation of his goodwill towards the Igbo people, particularly in the form of Nnamdi Kanu’s release,which is of paramount importance.

IGBO YOUTHS extends a stern warning to non-Igbo enforcers of the Nationwide Protests, making it unequivocally clear that the Southeast will not be partaking in the upcoming demonstrations. The organization pledges its full support to the Southeast Governors in ensuring robust security arrangements throughout the protest timeline, urging Igbos in the region to resume their regular business activities during August 2024. In conclusion, IGBO Youths reiterates its commitment to prioritizing the safety and well-being of the Igbo people, advocating peace and prudence as the optimal means to safeguard the interests of the Southeast region.

E-Signed,

© Engr Damian Okafor,
National Youth Leader, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide

New Dawn for Nigerian Workers as Federal Government, NLC agree on 70 Thousand Naira new minimum wage

The federal government and the organized labour have settled for seventy thousand naira as minimum wage for the Nigerian workers.

Addressing Journalists after the brief meeting which held at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa Abuja, Thursday both the labour and govt representatives hailed the decision describing it as a new dawn for the workers.

The officials say the president did not however stop at increasing the workers’ wages but also promised to ensure that CNG buses are rolled out to continue the cushioning of the removal of the oil subsidy.

On the students loan which was flagged off on Wednesday, the official quoted the President as saying that the funds must get the targeted students who need it for their education.

NPFL New Season Kicks off August 31 2024 with Rangers Vs El-Kanemi In Opening Fixture

*See New Nigeria Professional Football  League Coaches in next Season

•Fidelis Ilechukwu – Rangers
•Yemi Olanrewaju – Enyimba
•Finidi George – Rivers United
•Daniel Ogunmodede – Remo Stars
•Gbenga Ogunbote – 3SC
•Aliyu Zubairu – El Kanemi
•Bethel Orji – Abia Warriors
•Kabiru Dogo – Kwara United
•Ladan Bosso – Bayelsa United
•Mangut Mbwas – Plateau United
•Monday Odigie – Bendel Insurance
•Kennedy Boboye – Sunshine Stars
•Mohammed Babaganaru – Akwa United
•Eugene Agagbe – Lobi Stars
•Bishir Sadauki – Katsina United
•Hamza Abarah – Niger Tornadoes
•Adams Usman – Nasarawa United
•Bright Ozegbagbei – Ikorodu City
•Ajibolade Olumide – Beyond Limits FC
•Paul Offor – Kano Pillars (Kano Govt suspended his appointment few days ago for lack of consultations with relevant authorities)

The new season has been tentatively fixed to start on Saturday, August 31, 2024.

The new season will run fully as against the Abridged format earlier proposed due to financial challenges faced by some of the clubs.

This was made public after the AGM and NPFL reigning champions, Enugu Rangers Int’l FC will go against President’s Federation Cup defending champions, El-Kanemi Warriors FC of Maiduguri in the opening fixture of the season.

Best wishes to all the coaches and clubs.

Water FC Express Sadness Over Passing Of Former Player, Sports Administrator, Hon. Adams

The entire staff and management of Water FC has expressed sadness over the lost of one of its former player and Chairman House Committee on Sports, Hon Ekene Adams.

The late lawmaker who represented Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency in Kaduna State played for Water FC in 2007 before he moved on play in the Nigerian league.

The President of Water FC, Makanjuola Nureni, while expressing sadness over the death of Ekene said, ‘I am sad at this moment after I heard the passing of Honourable Ekene Adams. A very dogged fighter and a comrade who rose through the ranks to the pinnacle of success in sports administration.

His dedication and commitment to promoting Nigeria sports to the highest level has been his number one priority in life.

“He always want the best for Nigeria sports and never stopped even when he was weak, he strived hard in making sure that the country is on the right track.

While praying for the repose of his soul and God’s fortitude on his family, he called on the government, friends and associates of the late lawmaker to rally round the immediate family at this trying time.”

He however appreciated the supports from his wife, Ife Adams, Speaker House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abass and entrepreneur, sports enthusiast and chairman Bet9ja, Hon Kunle Soname for their relentless efforts on late sports administrator.

Governor Mutfwang to be Special Guest of Honour, As 2024 Gusau/Ahlan Pre Season Tournament set for August 13

16 NPFL and Nigeria National League NNL teams expected to participate in this year’s tournament

The Nigeria football Federation President Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau MON pre season tournament tagged Gusau/Ahlan 2024 will kickoff on 13th AUGUST, 2024 at the Jos Capital city of Plateau State.

According to the coordinator of the tournament Alhaji Abahurarai Dahiru said the committee reached an agreement with all stakeholders to commence the tournament on *Tuesday,13th of August 2024* by God’s grace.

Alhaji Abahurarai Dahiru said 16 football teams from the Nigeria premier football League NPFL and Nigeria National League NNL across the country will be expected to participate in this Year tournament.

He added that the committee has already started sending invitation letters to the teams that indicate their interest to participating in the competition.

The co-ordinator said the president of the Nigeria football federation, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, MON is expected to declare the tournament open.

The Plateau State Governor Barrister Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang to be the Special Guest of Honour , while the Plateau State Football Association Chairman, Hon. Dr. Suleiman Yahaya Kwande will be the Chief Host.

Alhaji Abahurarai Dahiru thanked the Plateau State Government for accepting to host the tournament and pledge that the committee would do everything humanly possible to make the competition a huge success and very memorable as well.