Strike: SSANU, NASU vow to ground varsities, FG feigns ignorance.

Strike: SSANU, NASU vow to ground varsities, FG feigns ignorance.

The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Nigerian Universities and Allied Institutions will commence a nationwide strike today (Monday), to protest their withheld four months’ salary.

The National President of SSANU, Muhammed Ibrahim, informed The PUNCH on Sunday that the two unions were set for their nationwide strike.

But the Minister for Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, said he was unaware of SSANU/NASU’s planned strike.

In a text message sent to one of our correspondents on Sunday, the minister said, “I am not aware of any planned strike. But I know the matter is receiving attention at the highest level of govt. I will get across to them.”

The Federal Government, implementing the no-work, no-pay policy, had withheld the salaries of university workers following a prolonged strike in 2021.

However, the Federal Government in February released four-month withheld salaries to members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities but left out SSANU and NASU.

The two unions, in several letters, demanded that their withheld salaries be equally released and gave the Federal Government an ultimatum with a threat to embark on a nationwide strike.

Speaking to The PUNCH on Sunday, the SSANU leader, Ibrahim, said, “The Joint Action Committee of NASU and SSANU has inundated the Federal Government with the need to pay the withheld four-month salaries of our members in the federal universities and inter-university centres as done for our academic counterpart to no avail.

“As a matter of fact, the attention of Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to the President, and Prof. Tahir Mamman, SAN, the Honourable Minister of Education, was called to this injustice and unfair treatment of our members in our letter referenced JAC/NS/VOL.I/277 and dated 13th February 2024. We called on them to resolve the issue positively before it leads to an unnecessary upheaval in our university sector.

“In a similar vein, a press release was issued on 1st March 2024 and the Federal Government was given a seven-day ultimatum to do the needful in respect of the payment of the withheld four months’ salaries but nothing was done on the matter.

 “Having waited patiently for the ultimatum to expire without any positive response from the government, this is to direct our members in the universities and inter-university centres throughout the country to commence a seven-day warning strike effective Monday, 18th March 2024 in the first instance.”

Also, SSANU National Vice-President, Abdussobur Salaam, said the government had not made any offer to the union since it started the agitation for payment of its withheld salaries.

“We have not heard anything from the government; they are not saying anything about payment of the salaries, no promises, no negotiation. We are not saying they should pay everything at once, at least they should show commitment, talk to us, and tell us when we should expect the payment, but nothing from them, they have been silent even after our warning strike press statement, still, nothing.”

Grace Edema and Deborah Tolu-Kolawole

Credit: Punch Newspaper. 

Adeleke moves into govt house 16 months after swearing-in.

Adeleke moves into govt house 16 months after swearing-in.

About one year and four months after taking over rein of the state, Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has moved into the Okefia Government House, Osogbo, the official residence of the governor.

Adeleke was sworn in on Sunday, November 27, 2022, and rather than moving into the Government House to live like his predecessors, he chose to return to his private house in Ede, a neigbouring town to Osogbo.

Despite criticisms by the opposition All Progressives Congress, Adeleke remained in his private house and sometimes conducted the business of the state from there.

He explained that the Government House was under renovation.

However, a statement on Sunday by his spokesman, Olawale Rasheed, said the renovation had been completed and Adeleke had finally moved in.

Rasheed explained that the rehabilitation work covered the main house, the completion of an abandoned multi-bedroom guest house, remodelling of many of the structures, and refixing of many derelict facilities.

Speaking at the unveiling of the renovated Government House, an event attended by top officials of the Osun State Government, Adeleke said his administration was committed to upgrading state assets irrespective of whether such programmes were inherited or commenced by him.

He said, “I have upgraded the Government House just as I rehabilitated the Governor’s Office. We ensured the Government House was rescued from the open neglect we inherited. You can all see the upgraded facilities which now place our state in good stead in the comity of states.

Related News

 At last, Adeleke moves to Government House

 Osun APC, PDP disagree on Adeleke’s security alarm

 Osun alleges plot to attack schools, farm settlements

“I met an abandoned guest house where top dignitaries can be hosted instead of huge bills on outside accommodation. I ordered its rehabilitation and today it is completed.

“The Presidential Lodge I met on the ground was in a terrible state. Our team fixed it.

“Our administration is passionate about upgrading state assets because they are for generations even yet unborn. We must act genuinely on the mantra that government is a continuum. Abandoning projects or state assets as Osun witnessed in the recent past is a sign of bad leadership.”

Adeleke said his government was not only completing inherited projects but was also initiating new ones.

“To the good people of Osun State, your governor has moved into the Government House. I pledge to redouble our efforts at delivering on the five-point agenda. We are truly fixated on sustaining the delivery of good governance,” he said.

But reacting, Osun APC Chairman, Tajudeen Lawal, described the renovated Government House as a misplaced priority.

Lawal, in a statement, said, “It is a pity that while the counterparts of Governor Adeleke in other states are preoccupied with how to lessen the debilitating effects of the Federal Government removal of fuel subsidy through palliatives, the Osun State governor was busy celebrating something that cannot positively impact the people of the state.

“We want to impress it on Governor Adeleke and his co-travellers that we, just like other discerning members of the public in Osun State, are not amused by the Adeleke N1bn rehabilitated Government House which had already been rehabilitated to taste by the immediate-past Governor Gboyega Oyetola now Minister of Marine and Blue Economy.”

Egbeyemi 'll always be remembered for contribution to Ekiti devt- Oyebanji.

Egbeyemi 'll always be remembered for contribution to Ekiti devt- Oyebanji.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji on Sunday expressed his admiration and respect for the former Deputy Governor of Ekiti State, late Otunba Bisi Egbeyemi, saying he left behind a very good and glorious memories which would continue to inspire current and future leaders.

Governor Oyebanji stated this during the first memorial thanksgiving service in honour of the late Deputy Governor, at the Emmanuel Cathedral Church, Ado Ekiti. He described Egbeyemi’s legacy as one filled with remarkable contributions towards the development of the state. 

On hand to also honour the memory of the late deputy Governor were two former Governors of the State- Dr Kayode Fayemi and Otunba Niyi Adebayo; the First Lady, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji; Incumbent Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye; Senator Cyril Fasuyi and Speaker Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Adeoye Aribasoye. 

Addressing the congregation, Governor Oyebanji maintained that the former Deputy Governor’s lifetime was marked by dedication integrity and unwavering commitment to public service, thereby leaving an indelible mark on the state’s political landscape.

Reminiscing on the impact of the deceased in his life, Governor Oyebanji lauded Egbeyemi’s exemplary leadership qualities, noting that the late politician’s ability to inspire and unite people from diverse backgrounds towards common goals was unparalleled in the anals of the state. 

The Governor charged the children, family and friends to continue to honour his memory by upholding the values of integrity, compassion, and service to humanity that the late Deputy Governor was known for.

“Death is not an end of our existence, it is just a transition, because we live on in the memories we left behind and I thank God His Excellency, Bisi Egbeyemi left behind very good and glorious memories,” the Governor stated. 

In his sermon, titled “the righteous shall be remembered forever”, Venerable Ola Olajobi, the Cathedral Administrator, said the former Deputy Governor lived a fulfilled life and served God diligently till the very end. 

The clergyman, who described Otunba Egbeyemi as a paragon of virtue whose wisdom provided fertile ground for the development of the Church, individuals and the community at large, charged politicians to emulate his virtues and strive to leave behind legacies of righteousness and service to humanity which the late deputy Governor was known for bearing in mind that one day they will be remembered for something.

Also at the event were Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Hon Akin Rotimi; members of the state Assembly and Executive Council, traditional rulers and chieftains of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Afenifere.

Oyebanji empowers over 150 Ekiti citizens.

Oyebanji empowers over 150 Ekiti citizens.

Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State has empowered more than 150 residents of the state, enabling them to establish their own businesses and achieve self-reliance.

Governor Oyebanji, through his transformative Ojuse Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji Initiative, reaffirmed his dedication to enhancing the welfare of the people of Ekiti, aiming to combat poverty and foster a more inclusive and equitable society.

The Governor, represented by his Senior Special Assistant, Mrs. Sola Abe, addressed the audience in Ado Ekiti on Friday during the first anniversary of the Ojuse BAO Initiative. During the event, 56 financially disadvantaged residents were empowered with the necessary resources to improve their lives.

As part of the monthly empowerment program, individuals in need across the 16 local government areas are encouraged to submit requests to the governor outlining their specific needs. Governor Oyebanji, through appropriate channels, thoroughly evaluates these requests to ensure their authenticity and determine the appropriate support to provide.

He said, “We have over 150 beneficiaries so far. But for this month, we have 56 persons that benefitted. We have students who benefitted, we have start-ups, those who intend to start their businesses and we have also those who requested tools to trade with who benefitted from this programme.

Abe, who said that requests for December 2023 and January 2024 would be attended to in next month’s edition, urged would-be beneficiaries to exercise patience, saying, “The requests before us are enormous and we are attending to them with due diligence.

“Governor Oyebanji has ensured that he reduced the level of poverty in the land. He is willing to transform more lives. Aside from other palliatives being given by different sectors of government in the state, this is his initiative and it has been going on for a year,” he said.

Rt. Hon. Taiwo Olatunbosun, the State Commissioner for Information, urged the beneficiaries to utilize the tools and equipment received effectively.

He commended Governor Oyebanji for his unwavering dedication to supporting vulnerable members of society through the monthly empowerment program.

The commissioner said that the initiative served as “a testament to Governor Oyebanji’s unwavering dedication to uplifting the lives of the less privileged and building a brighter future for all residents of Ekiti State”.

Mrs Mary Oso-Omotoso, Director General, Community Communications, who told the beneficiaries that it was not a national cake, said, “Rather it is an opportunity to develop. This initiative is financed from the governor’s salary”.

The 56 beneficiaries for the March edition including indigent students who could not pay their school fees, artisans who intend to start their trades and businesses and those who needed equipment for their businesses had written to the governor about their plight, which was redressed under the initiative.

Recall that in December last year, the Ojuse BAO Initiative disbursed N20m in cash and working equipment including sewing machines, salon gadgets and refrigerators to 48 beneficiaries to provide them with sustainable livelihoods.

The monthly Ojuse BAO Initiative had among others, in April last year donated a cassava grinding machine to Mr Owolabi Babatunde to revitalize his business and as well elevate the livelihoods of his employees just as testimonies from beneficiaries over the months show that the initiative was making impacts in the people’s lives.

Ramadan: BAO's Aide, Adarabierin distributes beverages to Muslims.

Ramadan: BAO's Aide, Adarabierin distributes beverages to Muslims.

..…Challenges well meaning Nigerians to extend support to muslims.

The Senior Special Assistance to Governor Biodun Oyebanji on Tax and Revenue Matters, Hon Ayodeji Adarabierin has urged well meaning individuals in the country especially politicians to reach out to the less privilege as a way to cushion the effect of the current economic hardship in the country.

Hon Adarabierin gave the advice on Saturday while presenting beverages and cash gift to Muslims faithful in Ado Ekiti.

He said “I want to enjoin well to do individuals especially my political associates that they should not wait until election period before they start reaching out to members of their constituencies, it has been part of me and I love to give back to the society at any given opportunity”.

The former house of Assembly hopeful in Ado Constituency One who explained that the presentation was the third edition of Ramadan gift to Muslims, enjoined politicians to always extend hands of fellowship to their constituents whether they are seeking vote or not.

According to him, “One of my motives in politics is to change the narrative and giving is one of the ways I think I can change the narrative.

I believe giving must not be sectionalized and must not be seasonal, it must be continuous, if you say you love your people at every point in time, you must reach out to them in your own little way, it doesn’t matter the quantity of what you are giving to them but the act of doing so, and that is what encourage me to give my own widow’s mite.

It is not restricted to Ramadan period alone, I give during Christmas celebration, I give free eye glasses, free jamb forms and free coaching and I have other plans to reach out to my people. Adarabierin remarked.

The Senior Special Assistance on tax and revenue matters said that the gesture was in line with the state government’s agenda to help cushion the high cost of food in the country, adding that the state government would continue to look after the welfare of the people of the state.

He thanked the Muslims faithful for their support and enjoined them to use the Ramadan period to keep praying fervently for the Oyebanji-led government and progress of the country.

“I also want to enjoin our Muslim brothers and sisters as well as our Christan brethrens to use this Ramadan and Lenten season to pray for the administration of Governor Biodun Oyebanji, he is doing well everyone can attest to that, his administration has brought light to the state, which we are all enjoying and I believe with their prayers he will continue to do well the more, so I want to appeal to them to use this Ramadan period to keep praying for him” the SSA noted

Receiving the gifts items on behalf of the Muslim faithful in the constituency, the Chairman of all APC chairmen in Ado local government, Hon Kayode Oladimeji commended Mr Adarabierin for been consistent in his good deeds.

” He has been very consistent in giving back to the society, this is Ramadan period and he felt it is important to reach out to the Muslim faithful in his constituency and other constituencies in Ado Ekiti.

And I want to say that we APC Chairmen in Ado we appreciate all what Hon Adarabierin is doing and he has continually be a source of financial help to the Party.

One feature about Deji that is quite phenomenal is consistency in all that he had been doing, during the political campaign, when he was going for House of Assembly, he did something like this and other seven or eight aspirants that were contesting then, but after then some of them are no where to be found but Deji who was not picked then continue associating with his people and giving to the party, we appreciate him a lot. Hon Oladimeji noted.

Also the Coordinator Asipa Political Family, Alhaji Azeez Jamiu while appreciating his principal expressed optimism that the gesture would go a long way to reduce the effect of the harsh economic reality saying it was also an addition to what Governor Biodun Oyebanji is doing.

” Glory be to Almighty Allah for sparing our lives till today, today’s gift made the third edition of Ramadan gift to Muslims in our constituency and Ado at large.

Asipa has never disappointed us before, he has been doing it even before now, to Asipa giving is inborn and he has been doing wonderfully well.

I pray to Almighty Allah to continue to be his strength and at same time we are encouraging him not to stop the good deeds, because there is reward for everything we do or fail to do, He said.

The APC Chairman Ward 4, Hon. Tajudeen Babalola and his counterpart from ward 5 Hon Lateef Salami prayed for Hon. Adarabierin that Almighty Allah would continue to guide him and grant him the required wisdom to succeed in his office.

The duo appreciated him for looking after the welfare of his people by distributing beverages and cash gift to the Muslim faithful in the Constituencies

“we really thank Hon Adarabierin, he is a man of integrity, he is to phenomenal in all aspects, magnanimous, he has been doing it before and he is still doing it now, may God Almighty be with him and his family, They remarked.

Ekiti lead in transparency, accountability in public finance MAR 15, 2024.

Ekiti lead in transparency, accountability in public finance MAR 15, 2024.

Ekiti State in South West Nigeria and Yobe State in North East of the country have emerged as the best-performing states in terms of transparency and accountability in the management and utilisation of public funds and implementation of public policies.

Lagos and Benue states were placed as the least occupying 36 and 35 positions.

The details are contained in the 2023 edition of the Subnational Audit Efficacy (SAE) Index conducted by Paradigm Leadership Support Initiative (PLSI), a non-profit organisation fostering public accountability in Nigeria.

The SAE assesses the level of transparency and accountability operational in the management and utilisation of public funds and implementation of public policies across all 36 states of the federation through public audit and key actors in the public audit action cycle.

Ekiti and Yobe states scored 73 per cent followed by Akwa Ibom and Katsina states that secured 3rd and 4th positions with 60 per cent and 53 per cent.

Sokoto, Taraba, and Ondo States scored 31 per cent placing them at the 15th spot, while Benue and Lagos states lagged behind, occupying the 35th and 36th positions with 10 per cent and 5 per cent.

According to the Executive Director, Olusegun Elemo, PLSI said the SAE Index 2023 revealed that 34 States (except Anambra and Benue) have modern audit laws to guarantee the independence of Supreme Audit Institutions and strengthen public audit practices at the state level.

Speaking during the launch of the report on Thursday in Abuja, Elemo said although the improvement witnessed in the policy landscape has not yielded much owing to the lack of effective implementation of enacted audit laws in various states which continued to stand in the way of accountability and development.

He said: “The Subnational Audit Efficacy Index, initiated in 2021, serves as an annual scorecard assessing the temperature of public finance management and policy implementation practices at the state level.

“We retained the same methodology deployed for the 2022 assessment and collected, analyzed, and validated data provided by Supreme Audit Institutions, Public Accounts Committees, Offices of Accountant-General, Civil Society and Media Organisations in all 36 states of the federation.”

Elemo further noted that PLSI would continue to utilise evidence from its annual assessment to provide tailored support to subnational governments especially in delivering technical assistance to strengthen capacity of relevant state and non-state actors to enhance transparency and accountability practices for improved quality of life for citizens.

He expressed concern over the waning performance of states, noting that results from the latest assessment indicated further decline in performance of policy actors and erosion of reforms needed to sustain and improve on the World Bank-Assisted States Fiscal Transparency, Accountability and Sustainability (SFTAS) Programme for Results implemented between 2018 and 2022 of which $1.5bn was provided to state governments as grants.

“While the average score for the 2022 assessment showed 31.81%, the 2023 Index revealed a total average of 30.58% indicating a 1.23% decline year on year,” he stated.

Elemo elaborated on several cross-cutting recommendations aimed at enhancing public finance management practices at the subnational level in Nigeria including the need for the Executive, Legislature, and the Office of the Auditor-General at the state level to collaborate to remedy inadequacies in the audit legal framework and implement the audit law effectively.

“Findings from the report showed that only 4 out of 36 States have made progress toward implementing financial autonomy and 12 out of 36 States have implemented legal provisions to activate administrative independence for the Office of the Auditor-General.

“Also, the report noted that none of the 36 States produced a standard performance audit report on the government’s programs, projects, or policies in the 2022 financial year.

“Furthermore, only 3 out of 36 States are sufficiently involving civic and media actors in the audit process of their states and just 5 out of 36 States have effective Public Accounts Committee in their Houses of Assembly,” he added.

EKSG Wages War Against Marijuana Cultivation.

EKSG Wages War Against Marijuana Cultivation.

.....Commission destroys 20 hectares marijuana farm.

Ekiti State Government has destroyed over 20 hectares of marijuana plantation in Ise Ekiti Forest Reserves.

The plantation and nursery prepared for transplanting were destroyed and set on fire by the forestry task force in the Commission.

The Executive Secretary, Mr Sunday Adekunle who dispatched the men to the reserve to destroy the plantation noted that they got a tip off from the newly recruited boundary men that some miscreants were engaging in the nefarious activities on  Government Reserves along the Ise axis.

According to him, the perpetrators  had  turned the area to a den of kidnappers, tormenting citizens and travellers in the area.

The Executive Secretary emphasized the efforts of the State Government to ensure adequate security for citizens of the State, pledging the readiness of the Commission to flush out men of the underworld from the reserves across the State.

He disclosed that efforts were on to engage  farmers who will engage in farming activities on such lands through Agro-forestry methods, particularly, planting of tree seedlings being currently raised at the Commission Central Nursery at Erifun in Ado-Ekiti.

Mr. Adekunle commended the State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji for recruiting Boundary men who had been posted to the Government Reserves to ensure adequate security through their regular patrols.