Radio Nigeria Ibadan Zonal Station

Category: Labour

  • Implement upward review of pensions as directed by Makinde – Oyo NUP

    By Olubunmi Agboola

    The Nigerian Union of Pensioners (NUP), Oyo State Council, wants the management of Broadcasting Corporation Oyo State, BCOS, and some tertiary institutions to implement the directive by the state government on an upward review of pensions.

    National Secretary, Nigeria Union of Pensioners NUP, Mr Olusegun Abatan made the call during a press briefing held at the pensioners’ building, Agbarigo Onireke, Ibadan. 

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    Mr Abatan explained that despite the five-month upward review of pensioners’ salaries by Governor Seyi Makinde, some pensioners in institutions like LAUTECH, Emmanuel Alayande University of Education, and others are yet to receive their payments due to the refusal of the affected institutions to comply with the directive of the state government.

    While appreciating the state government for making Oyo State pensioners the highest paid in the country, Mr Abatan called on the government to compel the managements of these institutions to pay their pensioners without further delay, as failure to do so would force them to the streets. 

    Also, in his contribution, former Labour Leader, Oyo State, Mr Waheed Olojede explained that several letters have been written to the affected managements with no response.

    While reacting, the Chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Oyo State Council, Mr Kayode Martins said the harmonious atmosphere in the state would not be compromised, urging all the affected management to do the needful without delay. 

    In his submission, the NUP Chairman in Oyo state, Mr James Osuntade, assured that the welfare of all pensioners in Oyo would be prioritised. 

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  • Make Retirement Age 65, NLC Urges FG

    The Nigeria Labour Congress on Thursday demanded the upward review of retirement age for all categories of civil servants.

    The National President of the NLC, Joe Ajaero, made this demand during the ongoing May Day celebration in Eagle Square, Abuja.

    While presenting some of the demands of the NLC, Ajaero said, “It is imperative to extend the revised retirement age of 65 years or 40 years of service currently enjoyed by teachers, health professionals, and judges to all public servants.”

    According to reports In 2023, Ajaero said the NLC would do everything within its power to ensure that it dialogues with President Bola Tinubu on the matter.

    Already, teachers under the employment of the government at all levels are enjoying the implementation of a new retirement age, an act signed into law by the former president, Muhammadu Buhari.

    Punch/Adebukola Aluko

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  • May Day: Your role is invaluable – Oluremi Tinubu Tells Workers

    The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, praised the nation’s professionals and workers for their role in driving economic growth.

    She acknowledged their dedication in her Workers’ Day message on Thursday, expressing gratitude for their contributions.

    Senator Tinubu also extended prayers for the well-being of workers across the country.

    “I extend gratitude and congratulations to all Nigerian workers for your commitment to nation-building“.

    “May your efforts continue to yield fruit, and may we, as a nation, always uphold the value of your labour.

    “This year’s celebration is a reminder of the dignity of labour and the importance of creating opportunities that are fair to all. I salute the men and women who rise each day to go to work and support our economy.

    “Across all sectors, whether public or private, formal or informal, Nigerian workers remain the backbone of our development and the driving force behind our nation’s progress. I wish you all a happy Workers’ Day celebration and I pray that our beloved nation continues to prosper and grow in leaps and bounds,” she said.

    According to reports, International Workers’ Day is an annual celebration held on May 1 to honour the contributions of workers and the labour movement.

    It’s a day set aside in recognition of the hard work and dedication of people across all sectors, from office workers to factory labourers, teachers, to truck drivers.

    NAN/Adebukola Aluko

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  • FRCN Pensioners Protest Non Payment of Minimum Wage Arrears

    By Rotimi Famakin

    Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria Pensioners Association, Ibadan branch, has called on the federal government to pay their minimum wage arrears.

    The pensioners, led by the Chairman, Mr Sola Ogunsola, stated this while staging a peaceful protest at the Broadcasting House, FRCN, Dugbe, Ibadan.

    The pensioners carried placards with different inscriptions such as “enough audio promises”, “please resolve the issue of our diaspora pensioners”, “pay our entitlements”, “we are still feeding our graduate children”, among others.

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    Speaking during the protest, Mr Ogunsola lamented that despite the announcement by the federal government of a thirty-two thousand naira pension increment nine months ago, they have not been paid to date

    The most recent in the series of unmerited assaults to our psyche as DBS pensioners is the non-implementation till this moment of the N32,000 added across board to pensioners’ monthly dues based on the new minimum wage of N70,000, which President Tinubu, again, announced to take effect from 29th July, 2024.”

    The FRCN pensioners chairman maintained that most of their members were sick due to financial constraint, while their children, who had graduated, could not secure jobs to take care of them.

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     Mr Ogunsola said their counterparts in some Ministries, Departments and Agencies had received their minimum wage arrears, adding that excuses given for the delay were unacceptable to his members.

     Our correspondent reports that the pensioner also took the protest to the Secretariat of the Nigerian Union of Journalists, NUJ, to register their grievances.

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  • NDE Empowers 33,692 Youths, PLWDs

    By Omolara Adasofunjo

    The National Directorate of Employment, NDE says in the last 3 months, it has trained 33,692 unemployed Youths, Women and Persons with Disabilities in various sought after skills to make them self reliant.

    At the Training held across the thirty six states of the Federation and the Federal Capital territory, FCT, the participants were exposed to Agricultural Skills Training, Vocational Skills training, Entrepreneurship and business management training,  and other activities within the Public Works sector.

    In Ogun State, beneficiaries of the training were offered loans and starter packs for the establishment of their private businesses, as part of the 5,532 individuals to be resettled nationwide. 

    At the official launch of the resettlement programme in Abeokuta, Director General of NDE, Mr Silas Agara, represented by the Ogun State Coordinator of the Agency, Mrs Kehinde Oshinowo explained that the programme was aimed at fostering economic growth and empowering communities.  

    The Chairman Association of People With Disabilities, Mr Michael Ebohan while applauding the initiative also implored Nigerians to patronize people living with disabilities for goods or services as a way of showing them love and giving them a sense of belonging. 

    Other Dignitaries at the event, including the State Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Mr Wasiu Isiaka, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mr Lanre Ogunyinka and the State Director, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Mr Andy Egbor encouraged participants to make judicious use of the knowledge gained and the resettlement materials. 

    Similarly, the Programme Manager, Ogun State Agricultural Development Programme, OGADEP, Mrs Abiola Sobukola, a representative of the State Universal Education Board, SUBEB, Dr Ismail Lawal among others encouraged the beneficiaries to multiply the resettlement materials through hardwork and diligence. 

    Some of the participants, including Miss Rofiat Abbas, Victoria saliu and a visually impaired beneficiary, Mrs Oluwatomisin Adeyefa promised to reciprocate the gesture by actively contributing towards enhancing the the country’s economic development. 

  • NLC Orders Workers to Withdraw Services from Today

    By Mojisola Oladele

    The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has directed members working in the Thirty Local Government Areas, LGAs of the State to withdraw their services with effect from tomorrow.

    Dr Christopher Arapasopo who is the State Chairperson, gave the directive in a statement made available to newsmen in Osogbo.

    Dr Arapasopo explained that, the Union had noticed the political uproar bringing agitations and fear amongst its members working within the Local Government Areas across the state.

    While emphasizing that, the NLC is apolitical, the State NLC Chairperson explained that the Union would not allow its members to work in an atmosphere of insecurity.

    He urged all the political parties and their members to abide by the rule of law to avoid a descent into anarchy.

    Dr Arapasopo “we hereby direct all our members working in all the LGAs in Osun State to withdraw their services effective Monday, 17th February, 2025 by 12am.

    Dr Arapasopo emphasized that its members would not return until their safety at work could be assured and guaranteed, in line with their constitutional rights.

    He called on security agencies to ensure the safety of lives and properties within the State Local Governments and the public.

    The Osun NLC Chairperson reiterated that the Union remained committed to defending the rights, welfare, and safety of all its members.

  • Oyo Pensioners, Now Highest Paid Retirees in Nigeria, Hail Gov. Makinde

    By Olaolu Fawole

    Pensioners from the 33 local government areas of Oyo State on Thursday, held a rally of gratitude to Governor Seyi Makinde for improving their welfare with the implementation of their various demands.

    The rally, held at the state secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan was the same spot the senior citizens once protested against government neglect, marking a symbolic shift from years of agitation to appreciation.

    Prior to the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde, members of Nigeria Union of Pensioners had taken to the streets in frustration, decrying the failure of then governors to address their plights.

    Their demands for timely pension payments, gratuities, and better living conditions were often met with silence or unfulfilled promises.

    For many years, the senior citizens staged series of protest, condemning what they described as the government’s lip service to their suffering.

    The union took legal action to compel one of the then state governors to honour their demands, but the struggle persisted.

    However, under the administration of Governor Makinde, the pensioners said that they have seen a remarkable change.

    The most important was the implementation of twenty five thousand naira as minimum pension, which began in January , 2025, coupled with regular payment of monthly pensions.

    Many of them expressed joy that, for the first time in years, they could afford basic necessities without the fear of unpaid pensions.

    Speaking at the rally, the state secretary of Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), Comrade Olusegun Abatan, commended the governor for prioritizing the welfare of retirees, as the state pensioners are now the highest paid in the country.

    Reading his address titled “Resurrected Pensioners in Oyo State Appreciate Engineer Seyi Makinde”, Comrade Abatan noted that while the battle for improved pension benefits had been long and exhausting, Governor Makinde’s policies had brought relief and dignity to senior citizens in the state.

    “We know all bucks stop on your table and because we know that you are kind, humane, and compassionate to the Pensioners, my letter to you struck the humanity in you resulting in your approval that the least paid Pensioners in Oyo State should now earn ₦25,000 per month. You did not stop there, you directed that all pension increases since 2007 be factored into the pensions of affected Pensioners culminating in an unprecedented increase in pensions of our members. This increase is unprecedented in the annals of pension review in Oyo State and the first of its kind in the whole of the Federation. To our members, the pension increase is like a thunderbolt, many of us are still dazed about the review”.

    Addressing the pensioners, Governor Makinde, reaffirmed his commitment to the well-being of retirees and assured them that his administration would not relent in ensuring that pensioners receive their dues promptly.

    Speaking through his deputy, Barrister Bayo Lawal, Governor Makinde added that sacrifices of pensioners in building the state would never be forgotten.

    He equally called on other labour unions to always channel demands through appropriate quarters for prompt consideration and approval.

    Pensioners at the rally pledged their continued support for the state government.

  • Abandoned After Service: Unending Struggles of Pensioners Under CPS

    By Olaolu Fawole

    Retirement is meant to be a time of rest and reflection, a reward for decades of hard work of Pensioners.

    However, for pensioners under Nigeria’s Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS), it has become a period of endless waiting, financial hardship, and unfulfilled promises.

    The CPS, introduced in 2004 to replace the Defined Benefit Scheme, was designed to ensure a seamless retirement for workers through a contributory system managed by Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs).

    However, for many retirees, the delays in the payment of monthly pensions have turned the system into a source of anguish.

    Endless Waiting, Mounting Hardship

    For many pensioners, the monthly pension is their primary source of income.

    The delays, often lasting months, have created a cascade of challenges.

    Essential needs like food, housing, and medical care have become unaffordable luxuries.

    The rising cost of living in Nigeria has only worsened their plights.

    Inflation has pushed the prices of basic goods and services to record highs, leaving retirees unable to meet their daily needs.

    Some have resorted to borrowing or relying on family members for support, while others have reportedly lost their lives due to an inability to afford life-saving medical care.

    Why the Delays Persist

    Several factors have been identified as the root causes of the delays. Chief among them is the failure of some employers, particularly state governments, to remit contributions promptly.

    This has created backlogs that disrupt the flow of funds into pension accounts.

    Administrative inefficiencies within PFAs and the cumbersome processes required to access pensions also exacerbate the situation.

    Retirees are often forced to navigate bureaucratic hurdles, with errors in documentation and record verification delaying payments further.

    Demands for Urgent Reform

    Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Contributory Pension Scheme Sector has been at the forefront of calls for reform.

    The union has also called for an upward review of pensions to reflect the economic realities of inflation and rising living costs.

    The plights of pensioners under the CPS raises serious questions about Nigeria’s commitment to the welfare of its senior citizens.

    Retirement should be a period of dignity and comfort, but for many, it has become a struggle for survival.

    Experts agreed that systemic reforms are essential to restore confidence in the CPS.

    This includes resolving payment delays and also ensuring that retirees can access their funds without unnecessary stress.

    One thing is that the welfare of pensioners must become a priority.

    Their years of service to the nation deserve more than broken promises and delayed payments.

    For now, the voices of pensioners echo a simple plea, which is to live out their retirement in peace and dignity, free from the burdens of a system that was meant to protect them.

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  • NLC Calls for More Dialogue on Tax Reform Bill

    By Bunmi Agboola

    President of the Nigeria labour Congress, NLC, Mr Joe Ajaero wants government to dialogue with the union on the tax reform bill, to enable its members make their inputs.

    Mr Ajaero made this known at the NLC secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan, during a dialogue on the tax reform bill organised by the NLC Central Working Committee and inauguration of ten Compressed Natural Gas, CNG buses donated by the union to the South West.

    The NLC president observed that some aspects of the tax reform bill needed clarifications from government for better understanding.

    “I will implore everybody to read and understand what is imbedded in the tax reform bill, I think it’s all over the internet now on google and social media. Also as a matter of fact, federal government did not include NLC in dialogue of the bill”.

    Mr Ajaero also implored members of the public to endeavor to go through the tax reform bill to prevent misinterpretation which could trigger misinformation.

    Earlier in a lecture, a Professor of Accounting and Financial Development, Godwin Oyedokun explained that the tax reform bill needed to be understood by Nigerians to avoid misinterpretation.

    Professor Oyedokun maintained that tax was inevitable and must be embraced by all for the development of any country.

    “Rejection of the tax reform bill by the labour unions in the country would not solve the issues of double taxation or high percentage deduction on Personal Income Tax. I will call on federal government to invest more on infrastructural development as a way of improving the standard of living of average citizens”.

    Professor Oyedokun, however, encouraged Nigerians to acquaint themselves with the benefits of the tax bill.

    While inaugurating the ten CNG buses, Oyo state Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde applauded NLC for the gesture.

    Represented by the Deputy governor, Chief Bayo Lawal, the governor called on NLC to get more of the CNG buses for the use of workers and people of the state.

  • Osun NULGE Lauds Adeleke for Prioritizing Workers Welfare  

    By Funmi Ojo

    The Osun State President of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Dr. Nathaniel Ogungbangbe has urged staff of local government to remain dedicated to their duties and support the present government.

    Dr. Ogungbangbe, in a message to the workers of local governments, noted that the state government has been playing its role in prioritising the welfare of workers in Osun.

    The NULGE President pointed out that the Governor approved a training workshop for six hundred (600) staff of local government staff in Badagry last year which was unprecedented in the history of government in Osun State.

    “The Governor in his magnanimity has been sponsoring local government employees on workshops which has improved in the capacity of workers.

    “I can say that my success as President of NULGE in Osun State is based on what the Governor approved especially in the area of training and welfare of workers.”

    He commended the efforts of the state government under the leadership of Governor Adeleke for his commitment to the welfare of workers in the state.

    Dr. Ogungbangbe while assuring the support of local government workers for Governor Adeleke’s administration, called on the state government to prioritize policies that strengthen local government structures in 2025, to achieve sustainable development.

    He emphasised the pivotal role of local governments in delivering grassroots governance and development. 

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  • Ogun HoS Tasks Civil Servant on Efficient Service Delivery

    By Olusegun Folarin 

    The Ogun State Head of Service, Mr Kehinde Onasanya, has encouraged civil servants to recommit to delivering efficient, innovative, and people-focused services that align with the current administration’s vision.

    Mr Onasanya, who made the call in Abeokuta, noted that the future of Ogun State depended on the collective resolve to build upon the achievements of the past year while consolidating the foundations of progress laid under the present administration’s ‘Building Our Future Together’ Agenda initiative.

    He acknowledged the various initiatives of Governor Dapo Abiodun’s administration during the past year aimed at improving the welfare of the workforce.

    Mr Onasanya listed the intervention programmes to include the launch of the Public Sector Health Insurance Scheme, consistent payment of salaries and allowances as and when due, clearance of backlogs of deductions and timely payment of leave allowances, the implementation of the new minimum wage of Seventy-Seven Thousand Naira and the payment of the end-of-year jumbo bonus for workers and Pensioners in the state.

    The Ogun state head of service noted that the programmes of the governor underscored his administration’s resolve to improve the financial stability of workers.

    He also commended the invaluable contributions of the state’s teeming workforce driven by professionalism and integrity which he said had continued to uphold the pride and reputation of the Ogun State Public Service.

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  • Makinde Promises New Pension for Retirees

    By Iyabo Adebisi

    Oyo state governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde has pledged to finalise new pension for pensioners in the state after proper consultation and negotiations.

    He stated this at the Interfaith service to usher in the new year held at open space behind the Oyo State House of Assembly, Secretariat, Ibadan.

    Governor Makinde said his government considered significant contributions of ex-workers while in active service.

    The governor thanked workers for their support and disposition accorded his administration, noting that the steps provided encouragement for more commitment towards moving Oyo state forward.

    While congratulatig the 45 new permanent secretaries, Governor Makinde said 80 percent of them were promoted based on merit, adding that they would be sworn-in next Monday, 13th January, 2025.

    In a goodwill message, the Speaker, Oyo state House of Assembly, Adebo Ogundoyin who spoke through the Deputy Speaker, Mohammed Fadeji thanked workers for their unwavering support to government policies and programmes pledging the readiness of the house to its constitutional duties to take Oyo state to greater heights.

    Also, Chairman Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Kayode Martins and his counterpart from Trade Union Congress, TUC, Bosun Agoro appreciated Governor Makinde for regular payment of salaries, approval of new minimum wage and numerous development in the state.

    They urged civil servants to rededicate themselves to the upliftment of Oyo state.

    In their seperate sermons, a christian cleric, Reverend Israel Adeoye and the Chief Imam of Government House Mosque, Alhaji Bello Rufai told civil servants to fear God and allows conscience in their dealings.

    In a remark, the Head of Service, Olubunmi Oni who commended Governor Seyi Makinde for prompt payment of salaries and other emoluments urged civil servants to remain effective and efficient to achieve well-articulated programmes of the present administration for a better Oyo state.

    Mrs Oni equally advised workers in the state to always exhibit discipline, loyalty, honesty, hard work, transparency, accountability to achieve rapid progress and all round development in the state.

    Highlights of the interfaith service were praise and worship as well as recitation from the holy books.

  • NLC Brings CNG- Powered Buses to Oyo State

    By Olubunmi Agboola

    The National body of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC is set to deliver 10 Compressed Natural Gas, CNG buses to NLC in Oyo state for onward distribution to  other state  NLC in the southwest zone.

    This is part of efforts to cushion the effect of subsidy removal.

    A statement by the  General Secretary of NLC, Mr Emmanuel Ugboaja notes that the National body of NLC and the central working committee (CWC) of 58 affiliates of the union will  be in attendance for an official handing over of the CNG buses.

     The handing over of the buses according to  Mr Ugboaja is slated for  Friday 10th January, this year. 

     Reacting to the development at a news conference, the state NLC chairman, Mr Kayode Martins said” Ibadan was selected for the general meeting as the ancient city is the headquarters of the southwest zone of the Union”. 

    ” We are expecting the all political office holders, government functionaries and residents of the oyo state  to be at the occasion, we believed that CNG buses would enhance transportation in the state”

    ” Also all the Central Working Committee comprises of all the Presidents and secretaries of all the fifty eight affiliates of NLC will be there “

     Mr Martins explained that the 10 CNG buses would provide succour to the masses and workers in Oyo state.

      He added that the state governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde would be the Chief host being the number one worker in the state 

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  • Workers Resume as New Year Holiday Ends

    By Bunmi Agboola

    Workers across the country resumed on Thursday as public holiday declared by the federal government to commemorate New Year ended yesterday.

    Our correspondent who monitored the situation at the Oyo state secretariat, Agodi, reports that most of the offices were opened for official activities.

    The situation was however different at the federal secretariat, Ikolaba, where some offices were opened with some staff noticed in some of the offices.

    Radio Nigeria also observed that some private organizations also opened for work while others were appreciating God for sparing their life to witness new year.

    They expressed optimism that 2025 would be a better year for them.

    Chairman, Nigeria labour Congress, NLC Oyo state council, Mr Kayode Martins said since the state government is set to implement the new national minimum wage this month, it is expedient for Oyo state workers to reciprocate the gesture through diligence, punctuality and commitment to duty.

    The NLC Chairman, who said the union is committed to fostering industrial peace however appreciated the state government for prioritizing the welfare of the workers.

  • Oyo NLC Applauds Makinde’s Dedication to Workers Welfare

    By Bunmi Agboola

    The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Oyo State Council has applauded Governor Seyi Makinde for his dedication to improving the lives of workers in the state 

    Chairman of NLC in Oyo State, Mr Kayode Martins stated this in a congratulatory message to the governor on the celebration of his 57th birthday today 

    The NLC acknowledged Governor Makinde’s significant contributions to the state, particularly in 2024, saying that his administration had implemented various initiatives to support workers and residents of Oyo State to cushion the effects of fuel subsidy removal.

    He highlighted the measures to include increased buses for civil servants, health insurance for vulnerable persons, and support for small businesses.

    The union, however, lauded Governor Makinde’s leadership and commitment to workers’ welfare since his assumption of office

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  • Oyebanji Pays New Minimum Wage to Ekiti Workers 

    By Oriola Afolabi

    There was jubilation galore across Ministries, Departments, Agencies, Parastatals and local Governments as civil servants and political office holders in Ekiti State received  December salaries with the new minimum wage.

    The civil servants, who could not hide their feelings, rolled out drums in large numbers with various songs to appreciate Governor Biodun Oyebanji for implementing the new minimum wage across the board.

    Addressing the jubilant civil servants, the Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji appreciated the Federal Government led by President Bola Tinubu for graciously increasing the monthly allocation to the states across the federation.

    Mr Oyebanji, who observed that President Tinubu’s administration reform agenda had begun to yield positive results, urged Nigerians to always support the federal government’s policies and programmes.

    The governor, who believed in prayers, said that if the Government had more resources, the minimum wage would be increased to meet the current economic situation.

    Mr Oyebanji, however, promised not to relent in his efforts to make life meaningful to the people at the grassroots, especially civil servants with a call on them to reciprocate the gesture by increasing their productivity.

    Earlier, the Ekiti State Heads of Service, Dr Folakemi Olomojobi who led Permanent Secretaries, Executive Secretaries, General Managers and some union leaders to appreciate the Governor, promised their unflinching support to the present administration.

    Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information, Sesan Alabi, Dr Olomojobi emphasized the civil servant’s loyalty and commitment to the present administration.

    The Head of Service observed that this would be the first time that minimum wage implementation would caught across all categories of those in service in the last twenty years.

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  • Oyo Pensioners Elect New Executives

    By Olaolu Fawole

    Delegates of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners from the thirty-three local government areas of Oyo State have elected new executives of the union.

    The new executives would steer the affairs of the union for four years.

    Comrade James Osuntade, who was elected unopposed was sworn in as the new chairman of the union during the State delegates conference held in Ibadan.

    Comrade Joseph Oladipo with one hundred and sixty-three votes defeated Comrade Francis Ogunlowo who had eleven votes to emerge as the new vice chairman of the union.

    Eighteen elective positions were contested unopposed.

    In an interview, the electoral officer of the election, Comrade Bunmi Ogunkolade, who is also the spokesperson, Nigeria Union of Pensioners, lauded the delegates for a free, fair and credible election.

    The newly elected Chairman, Comrade James Osuntade in his acceptance speech, solicited more cooperation from members in the quest to record enviable achievements.

    Also, Secretary, Oyo NUP, Comrade Olusegun Abatan, attributed the achievements of the outgone executives to unity among them.

    In their goodwill messages, the immediate past Chairman, Oyo NUP, Chief Isiaka Abolade and Chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Oyo State Council, Comrade Kayode Martins appealed to the new executives to always work in unison.

    While declaring the conference open, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, represented by his Special Adviser on labour matters, Comrade Bayo Titilola-Sodo reiterated his commitment to the welfare of the senior citizens.

    Members of the new executives are Mr Joseph Oladipo as Vice Chairman, Mr Olusegun Olubiyi as Treasurer, Comrade Joel Ayodabo as Trustee 1, Mr Olusegun Oloyede as Trustee 2, while Mrs Aderonke Maboreje is the new Auditor.

    The newly elected Ex-Officio members are Dr Ajani Salami, Prince Wasiu Adegbite, Chief Akintunde Akinpelu, Mr Solomon Akande, Mr Taiwo Ayanlowo, Mrs Toyin Agboke, Mr Sunday Falade, Chief Olusegun Adeleye, Mrs Veronica Adewoyin, Chief Onifade Aderogba, Mr Olusegun Adeleke, Alhaji Aliu Sanuola and Mr Adesupo Ogunsile.

  • Ensure Training, Re-Training of Civil Servants, OSHA Tells HoS

    By Mojisola Oladele

    As the Budget Defense exercise continues, The Osun State House of Assembly wants the Office of Head of Service to engage in regular training and re-training of civil servants across the state.

    The Chairman House of Assembly Committee on Finance and Appropriation, Mr Saheed Fatunmise made the call during the budget defense exercise of Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MDAs held at the House of Assembly complex in Osogbo.

    Mr Fatunmise explained that training and retraining of civil servants became imperative for better service delivery in line with international best practices.

    He called on the Head of Service to work on synergy between the ministry and relevant Committees of the Osun State House of Assembly.

    According to Mr. Saheed Fatunmise “We really commended Head of Service for taking good Care of civil servants in the state“.

    “We want you to work more on training and retraining of the civil servants across the state” he added.

    Mr Fatunmise who tasked MDAs to remain steadfast on the financial decisions of the state emphasized the need for them to approach the budget execution process with equity, prudence and fairness.

    Also in separate contributions, other lawmakers commended the Permanent Secretary, Bureau of Public Service Pensions for prompt payment of salaries and wages.

    They advised the MDAs to improve on revenue generation to increase the Internally Generated Revenue, IGR.

    The MDAs that appeared before the lawmakers for the Budget Defense exercise include; the Ministry of Regional Integration and Special Duties, the Office of Head of Service, the Bureau of Public Service Pensions, the Bureau of Human Resources and Capacity Building and the Ministry of Federal Affairs.

    Others are the Bureau of General Services, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the Bureau of Cabinet and Special Service and the Ministry of Political Affairs and Inter-Governmental Relations.

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  • NULGE Reiterates Push for Local Government Autonomy

    By Olubunmi Agboola

    The southwest zonal executives of the Nigeria Union Of Local Government Employees, NULGE, have reiterated their determination to continue to advocate the implementation of full autonomy for local government administrations.

    The labour leaders made this known at a press conference held at the union’s zonal secretariat in Ibadan.

    The Vice President General, NULGE, Southwest, Mr. Abimbola Babalola said the benefits of local government autonomy include, national development, massive empowerment of people, power decentralization, financial independence and economic development at the grassroots.

    Mr. Babalola also solicited for support from traditional rulers, religious leaders and the media in advocating local government autonomy, which would foster development at the grassroots.

    He said with the vision of President Bola Tinubu in restoring local government as a critical tier of government in the country, the union would remain resolute to support the cause.

    NULGE in 774 Local Governments across the Federation, including those in Oyo State, had recently staged a peaceful rally to throw weight behind PBAT on implementation of LG Autonomy and to draw the attention of relevant stakeholders to the demand.

    Also the federal government through the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, had dragged the 36 Governors to court over local government autonomy.

  • Minimum Wage: OMC Calls for Dialogue  

    By Olusegun Folarin 

    The Ogun Muslim Council, OMC, has renewed the call for the review of International Labour Law to mandate employers and employees to engage in “round table” discussions as a sustainable option for resolving industrial disputes.

    The OMC Secretary General, Alhaji Kamaldeen Akintunde made the call in a statement in Abeokuta while reacting to the recent industrial action of the organized labour over the National minimum wage.

    While encouraging the organized labour to heed the voice of reason and wisdom by embracing the intervention of well-meaning Nigerians and stakeholders across various sectors, the religious body also urged the Federal Government to be open to negotiations and not remain obstinate regarding labour’s demands.

    Recounting the effects of the strike action on the social economic activities in the country especially on the airlift of pilgrims to Makkah and Madinah in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, OMC called for maturity and understanding from the Labour movement during this critical time. 

    The OMC, while lamenting the current economic hardship and inflation that have caused significant suffering among Nigerians, advised families and individuals to adjust their economic plans to align with the present realities.

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  • Present new minimum wage template by Wednesday – Tinubu Directs Finance Minister

    President Bola Tinubu has directed the Minister of Finance and Co-ordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, to calculate the cost implications of the proposed new national minimum wage.

    The President gave the directive in Abuja when he met with members of the Federal Government’s Negotiation Team, which briefed him on the outcome of its engagement with the Organised Labour.

    After the meeting, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, said the Minister of Finance had been given Wednesday (today), to provide the figures that would guide government on the issue at stake.

    “It’s been quite challenging, but we thank God that we’re at this point. We thank Labour that true to their words last night, they have suspended their strike early this morning.

    “Government on its side, you can see that the President has just summoned a meeting of all those who negotiated on behalf of the federal government, led by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

    “The Minister of Finance was there, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, myself, the Minister of Labour, the Group Managing Director of the NNPC.

    “We were all there to look at those issues and then the President has directed the Minister of Finance to do the numbers and get back to him between today and tomorrow so that we can have some figures ready for negotiation with Labour”, he said.

    The Minister of Information emphasised that the President was committed to an acceptable and sustainable new minimum wage realistic for Nigerians, involving not just the Federal Government, but also states and the organised private sector.

    He noted that the government was not opposed to wage increment, but that it wants to ensure that any agreement reached is sustainable and realistic, given the economic realities on the ground.

    “Let me say that Mr President is determined to go with what the committee has said, he’s also looking at the welfare of Nigerians. Like I said earlier, government is not an opponent of Labour discussions, it’s not an opponent of wage increase, but what is there is that government is desirous of ensuring that there is balance between what its pronouncement is and what realities are on ground, therefore we’ll work assiduously to ensure that whatever we do, whatever promises government makes will be kept. That’s the idea of this meeting.

    “The President has given a marching order that all those who have negotiated on behalf of government and those who are representatives of other sectors, the organized private sector and the sub-nationals, come together so that we can have a new wage award that is acceptable, sustainable and also realistic for Nigeria.

    “A wage award is not just that of the federal government. Like I mentioned, the sub-nationals are involved, the organized private sector is involved, the Labour is involved. It was Labour that staged a walkout during those proceedings, now that we’ve come back to the negotiating table, all of us will work together again, assiduously, within the next one week to ensure that we have a new wage for Nigeria that is acceptable, sustainable and also realistic for all Nigerians”, Idris said.

    He explained that the meeting, attended by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu, the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, and the Group Managing Director of the NNPC, Alhaji Mele Kyari, was aimed at finding a balance between the government’s pronouncements and the economic realities on the ground.

    FRCN Abuja

  • Cut Cost of Governance – Ex NLC President Tells Govt

    By Mojisola Oladele

    The Nationwide Industrial Action embarked upon by the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC ,Trade Union Congress, TUC  and other affiliated Unions was strictly observed in Osogbo the Osun State Capital.

    The Labour Unions under the umbrella of the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress are demanding the present #30,000 minimum wage be raised to 494,000 naira,in line with the current economic realities of the Nation.

    Our Correspondent reports that the state secretariat, House of Assembly, Financial Institutions, public schools and other government offices across the state were locked.

    In an interview with newsmen in Osogbo, the former President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, From 1978 to 1984, Mr. Hassan Sunmonu emphasized the need for government to reduce the cost of governance by 50 percent to improve the nation’s economy and  make life bearable for the masses.

    Mr. Sunmonu said government was not sincere with the plight of the Nigerian Workers and the entire citizenry.

    “Considering the various policies made in the past, the political office holders should also make sacrifice for the nation by reducing their allowances”.

    He pointed out that if the Federal government refuses to review the price of petroleum products downward and stop over taxing the common man, NLC should not collect any amount ess than hundred thousand naira as the new minimum wage for civil Servants.

    Also in separate interviews with Radio Nigeria, President, The Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees, NULGE and Chairman, Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria, PASAN, Osun State Chapter , Doctor Kehinde Ogungbamigbe and Alhaji Adekunle Adesina, described civil servants as the engine room of National Development, “hence the need to efficiently prioritize thier welfare”.

    Doctor Ogungbamigbe said, ” The purpose of today’s Shutdown,is the fact that the Federal Government has decided or refused to listen to the agitations of the Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC and the Trade Union Congress, TUC on the this new minimum wage”.

    In his own words , Alhaji Adesina said, “representatives of the various unions had sampled prices of commodities across major markets in the Country and came up with the amount an average household can survive with the present economic situation.”

    Reacting to the recent statement credited to the Senate President, Mr. Godswill Akphabio that, the increase in minimum wage to the benchmark labour unions are requesting would led to high unemployment rate, The Labour Leaders frowned at the statement stressing, that the nation possessed the natural resources required to take care of its work force.

    Recall that ,the meeting between representatives of the Federal government, leadership of the National Assembly and officials of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC and the Trade Union Congress , TUC over the proposed national minimum wage ended in deadlock on Sunday night.

  • Strike: Labour Leaders Storm Offices, Chase out Workers

    By Iyabo Adebisi, Rotimi Famakin

    The leadership of the organized labour in Oyo stormed the Agodi state Secretariat,Ibadan to enforce compliance of the indefinite strike  declared by the Union over the proposed national minimum wage impasse with the federal government. 

    There was partial compliance with the strike at the Secretariat, earlier on Monday as workers entered freely due to non-closure of the gate. 

    The enforcement team led by the Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Mr Kayode Martins and his Trade Union Congress (TUC) counterpart, Mr Bosun Olabiyi stormed various offices and directed workers who had earlier resumed duties across ministries within the secretariat to leave.

    Speaking with newsmen, Mr Olabiyi categorically told Oyo state civil servants to stay away from work until further directives from the national body.

    Mr Olabiyi maintained that the labour was not fighting the current administration but r agitating for a living wage in view of the economic realities.

    However, Federal workers complied totally with  the strike declared by the Nigeria Labour Congress,NLC, over the new national minimum wage. 

    Radio Nigeria correspondent who monitored the situation at the Federal Secretariat in Ibadan reported that all ministries had been shut down except for emergency workers such as the Federal Fire Service.

    A top official of the Fire Service, who preferred to remain anonymous, stated that it was necessary for them to be on duty as a paramilitary body in case of emergency situations.

    Similarly, government owned primary and secondary  schools in Ibadan, Oyo capital have been closed.

    Our correspondent who  visited Oladipo Alayande School of Science, Ibadan Boys High School, Oke Bola,  Emmanuel Grammar School,U.I,reports that students who arrived their schools for their academic work were directed to go home while the main gates leading to the school premises were locked.

    The closure according to our correspondent led to most of the affected students returning home while others use the opportunity  to play football game.

    At Ibadan Boys ‘ High School, most of the classrooms were locked while few teachers supervising students sitting for their physics practicals in the ongoing West African Examination Council WAEC were sighted in the school ‘s laboratory.

  • Union Hails Abiodun for Pension Payment

    By Oluwatoyin Adegoke

    The Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Ogun State Council has described the recent release of two billion naira to its members by Governor Dapo Abiodun as evidence of his commitment to further reducing the backlog of accrued gratuities to pensioners in the state.

    In a joint statement by the Chairman, Comrade Wasiu Oloyede and the Union’s Secretary, Dr Bola Lawal, the older citizens applauded the gesture, noting that the government had been sincere and humane to pensioners.

    They acknowledged the regular and prompt payment of monthly pensions, the extension of the payment of 10,000 fuel subsidy palliatives by 9 months which ended in March 2024, as well as the inclusion of retirees among the beneficiaries of the government’s subsidized – rice sales outlet.

    They also appealed to the State government to release the much awaited Consequential Increase in Pensions before the implementation of the proposed new wage increase in a bid to uplift the vulnerable and very aged few getting paltry earnings.

    The Pensioners body expressed the hope that its members’ aspirations would be favourably attended to in no distant time, and promised their continued support to the present administration in the State.

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  • NUJ FRCN Chapel Congratulates Alamu

    By Dayo  Adu

    Following the inauguration of Comrade Omolola Alamu as the Chairperson of Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Oyo State chapter, the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, FRCN Chapel, has sent a message to felicitate with the association.

    In a statement jointly signed by the NUJ Chairman, Mr Oluwakayode Banjo and Secretary, Mr  Opeyemi Olugbenga, the chapel expressed delight at the emergence of  Mrs Alamu, who they described as a thorough bred journalist that would oversea the affairs of the association.

    The Chapel commended Comrade Alamu’s doggedness, perseverance and tenacity in her aspiration to lead the association, charging her to use her wealth of experience to reposition Oyo NAWOJ to an enviable height.

    Comrade Alamu, a staff of Radio Nigeria Ibadan and dedicated member of the chapel, was inaugurated on Monday alongside other executives at the Dapo Aderogba hall, NUJ press centre, Iyaganku, Ibadan.

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