New minimum wage will be fair, implementable – President Tinubu.

New minimum wage will be fair, implementable – President Tinubu.

The President of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu

The President of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu has provided indications about the potential scope of the planned minimum wage for Nigerian workers, taking into account the increased cost of living.

The President stated that the forthcoming wage structure will be practical, sustainable, and implementable by all levels of government.

The president said: “I understand the concerns regarding the unveiling of the new minimum wage and how states will manage these changes, especially those with fewer resources.

“To address this, my administration has approved a provisional increase in the federal minimum wage to N35,000 per month for a six-month period, two months of which have already been paid. This decision follows extensive consultations with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC).

“In managing the situation with the states, we are working closely with them to ensure the new wage structure is practical and sustainable. It’s important that each state’s unique financial situation is considered.

“We are focused on strategies to help states strengthen their economies, considering factors like tax efficiency and economic diversification.

“We are committed to ongoing dialogues with labour unions and state governments. This collaborative approach is crucial to ensure that the new minimum wage is fair, reasonable, and implementable across all states. Our goal is to balance the economic well-being of our workers with the overall financial health of the nation.

“We ask Nigerians to rest assured that my administration will not rest until we have delivered a sustainable solution in the best interest of Nigerians.”

Coronation: Soun inaugurates operation zero potholes on Ogbomoso roads.

Coronation: Soun inaugurates operation zero potholes on Ogbomoso roads.

The Soun of Ogbomoso, Afolabi Ghandi Olaoye

The Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Afolabi Olaoye, has inaugurated Operation Zero Potholes on Ogbomoso township roads as part of activities for his coronation scheduled for December 19.

Spokesman for the paramount ruler, Rev. Peter Olaleye, said this in a chat with the News Agency of Nigeria on Saturday in Ogbomoso.

Olaleye said that the ongoing repair of the road network within the city was at the instance of the paramount ruler.

He said that Oba Olaoye had approached relevant authorities to get the road fixed to make driving through the metropolis less burdensome, especially during the coronation activities.

“Oba Olaoye is committed to improving the outlook of Ogbomoso in all facets. He is willing to meet with relevant stakeholders to effect the desired changes. It is part of the reasons he decided to launch Operation Zero Tolerance against potholes.

“The royal father is not happy with the condition of Ogbomoso roads and that is why he decided to partner with Reynolds Construction Company to rehabilitate some major roads in the city,” he said.

According to him, this is even more germane because of the coronation ceremony and solicited the support and cooperation of residents for the Royal father.

The Chairman of the coronation Central Planning Committee, Prof. Adesola Adepoju, had on Tuesday, last week at a news conference rolled out the programme of events at the Ogbomoso Recreation Club in Ogbomoso.

Adepoju disclosed that Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State would present the staff of office to Oba Olaoye on Tuesday, at the Ogbomoso Township stadium to climax the one-week activities.

He said the town would play host to dignitaries from all walks of life, including religious leaders, traditional rulers, and representatives of governments at all levels, serving and former governors, captains of industry and members of the diplomatic corps.

Adepoju said that his committee was already working with the different arms of security agencies to provide adequate security for lives and properties during the events as well as travel routes.

The chairman told NAN to observe the level of preparedness, adding that the traditional ruler had given directives that bad portions on township roads be fixed immediately.

Civil service must change reputation of redundancy, inefficiency — Shettima.

Civil service must change reputation of redundancy, inefficiency — Shettima.

The Vice-President, Kashim Shettima, has said the civil service must walk away from its reputation of redundancy and inefficiency.

Shettima, who also stressed the need to reposition the civil service, decried the changes in leadership dynamics across the board.

According to a statement on Sunday by the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Shettima who spoke at the second graduation and award presentation ceremony of some civil servants who underwent training organised by the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation said that the Leadership Enhancement and Development Program initiative would help address longstanding challenges facing the Nigerian civil service.

He said, “This marks a further turning point in the fortunes of the public service and the civil service in Nigeria and the astute work that has been done that continues to be done in requisitioning the service. I assure you that it’s a new dawn.

“A leader is that visionary and calculated risk taker who takes his people to where they need to be, even if they don’t know that they need to be there.

“So, the challenges of leadership are changing, becoming more complex and systems of complexity. So, with the rigorous training on leadership that our graduates have gone through over months or perhaps years of preparation, it is my belief that we are unleashing on our public service and our civil service a ready cohort of game changers and change ambassadors.

“The idea behind training a select few is for them to infect the vast majority in a good way with what they have learned and to replicate themselves everywhere. The task will not be easy. The world is watching, and your job is cut out for you.

“There is a critical need to reposition public service or civil service and to get us to begin to attain the levels which we have seen in many countries around the world. We have to walk away from a reputation of redundancy and inefficiency.”

On his part, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume represented by the permanent secretary, General Services Office, OSGF, Dr. Nnamdi Mbaeri, while emphasizing the critical role played by Civil Servants in nation-building, said: “The LEAD-P program, a vital pillar of the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan 2021-2025, is a testament to unwavering commitment towards excellence in governance.

“To the 107 graduates, your journey through this program has been one of intellectual rigor and personal transformation. You have been challenged, stretched, and molded into the leaders our nation needs. Therefore, I charge you to deploy your intellect with conviction, your skills with purpose, and your leadership with integrity.”

Also speaking, the head of service of the federation, Folasade Yemi-Esan, while stressing the need for human capital for nation-building, noted that: “Investing in human knowledge and skills is an urgent necessity for development. This is because people are the main engine for growth and without skills or knowledge and personnel, it’s not possible to achieve the growth, development, and advance rates that nations aspire to.”

She said that the choice of focusing on officers on salary grade level 10 to 14, was informed by the need to lay a very strong foundation for the future of the civil service.

She also noted that “one of the cardinal objectives of the leadership enhancement development program is also to change the mindset of officers and increase the self-awareness and patterns of behavior so that they can also, in turn, influence the mindset of other officers, making them more capable of leading.”

Governor Oyebanji's Unwavering Commitment to Power Supply Transformation in Ekiti State.

Governor Oyebanji's Unwavering Commitment to Power Supply Transformation in Ekiti State.

By: Comr Olamide Akinwumi J. 

Governor Biodun Oyebanji remains resolute in his commitment to enhancing the quality of life for the people of Ekiti through improved electricity supply. True to his campaign promises, he continues to make strides in making Ekiti a conducive environment for work and living.

In a recent development, the state-owned broadcasting station was successfully connected to the national grid after more than two decades, marking a significant milestone in the state's progress. Ekiti East and Gbonyin/Aiyekire Local Government Areas (LGAs) emerged from a 16-year period of darkness, showcasing Governor Oyebanji's dedication to transforming the state.

The Independent Power Project (IPP) is now operational, with ongoing efforts to connect it to Ekiti State University (EKSU). The connection of a new feeder and the rehabilitation of a 33KV line, spanning 19KM from the 132KV TCN Sub-station at Omisanjana to Ilawe, Erijiyan, and Ikogosi, further demonstrate the governor's commitment to sustainable development.

Currently, attention is being given to communities facing transformer challenges, underscoring Governor Oyebanji's recognition of electricity as a crucial catalyst for progress and improved living standards.

To showcase the impact of these initiatives, two videos highlight the recent interventions in benefiting communities:

The first video captures the replacement of a damaged transformer in Isan Ekiti on Saturday, December 16, 2023, with a brand new and upgraded 500KVA transformer, replacing the previous 200KVA unit. 

While, the second video highlights the delivery of a new transformer to the Surulere community behind Faglo, Bashiri Ado Ekiti, last week, eliciting joy and gratitude from the beneficiaries.

Governor Oyebanji's unwavering dedication to Ekiti's development deserves commendation. His commitment to inclusivity is evident in his strategic appointments, ensuring the active involvement of women and youths in various political positions. This move not only eradicates gender inequality but also promotes gender equality, fostering a balanced and progressive government.

The governor's foresight and hands-on approach to governance continue to make a positive impact, propelling Ekiti towards shared prosperity and sustainable development.

#BAO

#KeepingEkitiworking

#SharedProsperity

FG warns Kaduna communities against illegal mining.

FG warns Kaduna communities against illegal mining.

The Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development on Saturday sensitised communities, as well as miners in Southern Kaduna on the dangers of engaging and allowing illegal mining activities in their localities.

The Town Hall Meeting organised by the North-West office of the Ministry of Solid Minerals was held in Kafanchan, Jamaa Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

The Zonal Mines Coordinator, Kutman Hosea-Ali, told the gathering that the ministry was committed to enhancing collaboration and understanding among all stakeholders by fostering a conducive environment for sustainable mining activities in the state.

He noted that Southern Kaduna was an emerging mining zone, hence the need for sensitisation.

He identified issues of consent, community development agreement, surface rent and environmental impact assessment as major sources of conflict between host communities and mining companies.

Ali urged mining companies to ensure they obtained the necessary mining licences and permits before mobilising people to the site.

He also enjoined artisanal miners to form a small-scale cooperative licence, to operate legally to enhance their activities.

“We are here on behalf of the minister who directed that a meeting of this nature should be held in Kaduna and Kafanchan in particular.

“This is because Southern Kaduna is coming up as an active mining zone; it’s active in the sense that lithium, which is becoming a hot cake globally, is found predominantly here.

“When they give you a mining license, before you do anything go and identify the owners of the land, show your license covers and explain to them all that is needed for proper understanding before proceeding to start mining,” he said.

Earlier, an operative from the Kaduna Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Mr Eric Billy, reminded the stakeholders that illegal mining was an economic crime that must be reported and offenders made to face the consequences.

“People should try and get the requisite license because there are a lot of those involved in this illegal licensing and when we (EFCC) go after them, they will complain of witch-hunting only for a deeper investigation to reveal they are culpable,” he said.

This was as the operative appealed to traditional and community leaders to always demand a copy of the mining license from companies and miners that operate in their environment.

Also speaking, the Second-in-command to the Kafanchan Police Area Command, CSP Samson Dodo, said the police would ensure that law and order are maintained at the various mining sites.

A representative of mining companies in the state, Monday Barau, attributed the poor contribution of the sector to Nigeria’s economy to illegal mining

He therefore solicited the support of stakeholders to reposition the mining sector and maximise its potential.

Among those in attendance at the one-day sensitisation meeting were different security agencies, traditional rulers, mining companies, and community and local government representatives.

Customs boss promises to boost efficiency with technology.

Customs boss promises to boost efficiency with technology.

Comptroller-General, NCS, Adewale Adeniyi.

The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi, has committed to adopting more advanced data analytics and digital technologies to streamline operations and decision-making.

According to a statement on Saturday via X, Adeniyi spoke at the NCS annual conference on Wednesday.

He described innovations as crucial for the agency to achieve its trade oversight goals amid evolving global dynamics.

“For progress, efficiency, and strategic planning within Customs administration, data in its form is a foundation for better decision-making, ensuring operational precision, and fostering a commitment to excellence,” Adeniyi told attendees.

He outlined multiple initiatives to integrate predictive data tools, machine learning, and AI that he said will “sharply shape modern Customs operations” by enabling proactive risk management, fraud detection, and trade facilitation.

Retired Deputy Comptroller General, Manassah Jatau, giving the keynote address, praised the NCS for embracing new technologies over the years.

He pushed officers to keep adapting, saying,”Those who cannot change their minds cannot change their heads.”

Retired Assistant Comptroller General, Kofo Olugbeson, meanwhile, reflected on past reforms that paved the way for growth.

She noted that global trade itself keeps evolving.

“There’s no present without the past. But the service must address emerging challenges through continued reforms, technology integration, and international collaboration,” Olugbeson said.

Minister calls for inclusion of women in peace building process.

Minister calls for inclusion of women in peace building process.

The Minister of Women Affairs, Barrister Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, has called for the inclusion of women in the nation’s peace building process to enable them to have a sense of belonging and social cohesion.

The ministry’s Head, Press and Public Relations, Grace Njoku, disclosed this in a statement posted on the official X handle of the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation on Saturday.

According to the statement, the minister made the call in Abuja during the 4th Annual Forum of Women, Peace and Security Sector Reference Group organised by the Ministry of Women Affairs, in collaboration with United Nations Women and Nigerian Police Force.

The statement read, “She stated that women by their natural endowment have the resilience to tenaciously work towards ensuring a safe and united society that will provide an enabling environment for socio-economic growth and development of any nation, noting that this virtues also fall in line with the policy thrust of government.

“Kennedy-Ohanenye informed that no peace talk can be actualized without the involvement of women in the process because they occupy a vital position in society, as mothers, daughters and sisters.”

The minister further urged Nigerian women to strive to attain heights in their respective careers so as to contribute meaningfully to the growth and development of the nation.