By; ADAMA JOHN, Lokoja

Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo has assured workers in the state of improved welfare just as they asked for review of the existing salary structure that is no more in consonance with the reality in the state.

Governor Ododo pledged  to implement policies that will promote the rights of workers, restating his commitment to implement agreements that are tailored towards  improving workers’ welfare in the state.

Ododo made the promise while responding to the organised labour demands during the 2024 May day celebration in Lokoja midweek assuring them that all requests by the Unions will be looked into with utmost dispatch.

“As a state, we may not be there right now, but I can assure you that soon and very soon, ongoing conversation about compensation for civil servants in the state will be concluded.

“At this juncture, I want to specially commend the labour unions in the state for the collaborative spirit between the government and labour centres. Your constructive engagement has enabled us to address issues and find solutions together, thereby fostering a conducive environment for the growth and development of the state,” he said.

He urged workers to remain calm, peaceful and supportive of the government as partners in progress.

Speaking on security, Ododo asserted that his administration was winning the war against crimes and criminalities.

Earlier in his address, the State Chairman of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) ,  Gabriel Amari,  appealed to the state government to implement the N35,000 minimum wage award.

According to the comrade  the current N30,000 national minimum wage falls short of meeting basic needs of workers in the prevailing market conditions of the country.

“We advocate for the immediate implementation of a wage award totalling around N35,000 in Kogi State. This adjustment is not only fair but also urgent, given the relentless rise in the costs of goods and services, which continuously erode the purchasing power of workers.

“Until the long-awaited negotiations for a new minimum wage are concluded and put into effect, the wage award would serve as a temporary relief for workers grappling with the current economic hardships.”

By; FUNMI ADERINTO, Kaduna 

Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani on Wednesday, said that his government  will continue to prioritize workers’ welfare and equip them appropriately within available resources.

Governor Uba Sani disclosed this when he joined  comrades,  Nigerian workers, and colleagues in the human rights and pro-democracy struggle to celebrate the International Workers Day at the Murtala Square, Kaduna. 

According to him, in the well attended and colourful ceremony, “we honoured the invaluable contributions of Nigerian workers to the struggle for Nigeria’s independence, the growth and development of our democracy and economy, and continuing agitations for better working and living conditions for Nigerian workers.” 

He disclosed that, “the  government under my leadership will continue to prioritize workers’ welfare and equip them appropriately within available resources, conscious of the fact that a committed and motivated workforce is critical to the achievement of our Rural Transformation Agenda.”

He noted  that human capital development and poverty reduction will continue to receive robust government attention through investment in education, health, agriculture, housing, micro, small and medium enterprises, as well  as support to security agencies as they tackle terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and other violent crimes. 

Senator Uba Sani said Nigerian Governors, under the platform of Nigeria Governors Forum, are in consultation with labour unions at the federal and state levels in order to come up with a decent and acceptable salary increase for state and local government workers. 

“As a comrade and veteran of the struggle for better working conditions for Nigerian workers, I will not rest on my oars until we agree on a wage package that will put smiles on the faces of our workers”. 

“As we ramp up our Rural Transformation Drive and implement innovative programmes to reinvent our economy, we seek the cooperation and total commitment of Kaduna State workers”. 

“Increased productivity and sustained industrial harmony will help reposition our economy and put our government in good stead to frontally tackle our myriad security and developmental challenges”.

*Declares Farm Day in Akwa Ibom

By; PATRICK TITUS, Uyo

The Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno has declared every 1st and 3rd Friday in a month as Farm Day in the state as part of his administration’s efforts to not just ensure availability of food, but also its sufficiency all round season in the state.

Gov Eno announced this on Wednesday in his address to mark this year’s workers day celebration in the state at Uyo Township Stadium, Uyo, venue for the year 2024 May Day celebration.

Governor Eno, who was the Special Guest of Honour, declared farming in the state compulsory for all including his cabinet members, warning that no burial ceremony would be allowed to hold in these two days declared as Farm Day in the state.

Recall the state government has recently Innuagurated a food intervention agency called “Akwa Ibom State Bulk Purchase Agency” saddles with the responsibility of buying food in bulk direct from farmers and producers in state and its environs and sell to end users at an affordable price as well as eliminate scarcity.

The State Governor while declaring the farm day in state, reminded the people of the state that the Bulk Purchase Agency was just an intervention agency for a short time term solution to a long term problem in the state.

“A long term solution will be for all us to go back to the farm, and ensure that we produce food. A people that cannot feed themselves cannot boast of anything. We must go back to the farm working with the State Ministry of Agriculture and the Agriculture Committee.

“To ensure that all of us, the workers in Akwa Ibom State will cultivate a farm, I therefore declare the 1st and 3rd Friday of every month a Farm Day in Akwa Ibom State. It will not be a day for burial. Nobody will attend burial on that day.

“All of us will go to farm starting from the Governor, Deputy Governor, State’s Lawmakers and chairmen of local government areas. I will visit your local government area to inspect the farm every month”. The Governor stated.

Governor Eno also announced the release of additional two billion Naira for payment of gratuities to retired workers across board for the month of April, 2024 and implored the organised labour unions in the state to strictly monitor the payment of money and report to him, where they observe unauthorized practice.

The release according to him, brought to a total of 16.1 billion Naira so far released by his administration for payment of 11 years backlog of gratuities and pensions owed retirement civil servants in the state.

Reflecting on the theme of this year’s May Day celebration “People First” Governor Eno reiterated his administration commitment to put the people of the state first because according to him, “there will be no governance without the people”.

He also pledged that the welfare of workers in the state would continue to recieve priority attention, just as he discribed workers as resourceful and articulate partners for the growth and development of the state.

Yielding to the plights of the casual workers in the state, the State Chief Executive directed the compilation of all casual workers for possible offering them full employment.

He commended the labour leaders in the state for thier show of love, solidarity and understand with government in resolving any labour issue in the state, and donated a brand new Hilux vehicle each to NLC and TUC.

Earlier the state chairpersons of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Sunny James and his Trade Union Congress (TUC) counterpart, Comrade Dominic Abang have in thier various goodwill messages, lauded Governor Umo Eno for his magnanimity towards the welfare of workers in the state.

They said the labour unions in the state have not had it so good before compared to governor Eno administration, adding the entire workers in the state are grateful with him, noting the various backlog demands of workers such as release and prompt payment of promotion arrears, prompt payment of salaries, gratuities and pensions among other incentives as evidence that he cares about workers welfare in the state. 

Highlights of the celebration include March Pass by members of the he organised labour/Taking of salute by the Governor assisted by the NLC and Tuc chairmen

The State Council of Nigeria Union of journalists, (NUJ) emerged first position in March Pass, followed by National Association of Nurses and Midwife while Radio, Television and Theatre workers Union came third.

By; IMRANA ABDULLAHI, Kaduna

Governor Dauda Lawal has reiterated his administration’s commitment to improving the well-being of Zamfara workers.

The governor participated in the May Day celebration, which took place on Wednesday at JB Yakubu Secretariat Complex, in Gusau.

A statement signed by the spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor, Sulaiman Bala Idris, restated that the state government is committed to actively involving workers in the governance of Zamfara.

He added that, while addressing the Zamfara State workers, Governor Lawal pledged to fully implement all the six points of his administration’s Rescue Mission, which will form the basis of the transformation agenda.

“My administration has recognized workers’ vital role in delivering services and implementing government policies. Workers and governments are partners in actualizing our people’s dreams of development.

“Workers serve as the machinery through which the government achieves its goal of providing services to the people. In view of this, we will continue to explore ways of improving your well-being and that of your families, most especially considering the current difficulties being faced as a result of the removal of the oil subsidy and monetary policies that have led to a decline in the value of the naira and unprecedented inflation in the country.”

The governor also highlighted some of the achievements of his administration during his first eleven months in office.

“My fellow comrades, I am happy to state that within eleven months of our administration, workers in Zamfara state have every reason to celebrate. We have made a solid beginning by clearing the backlog of inherited salaries while ensuring the prompt payment of current salaries and extending additional welfare packages.

“To sustain these efforts, the government has implemented mechanisms to ensure that only genuine workers are on our payroll. We are also in consultation with labor on salary and wage review, given the realities of living today. I would like to put on record here my appreciation for my administration’s support and harmonious and synergetic relationship with the leadership of labor unions in the state. It is indeed one of the success factors of progress in restoring and improving governance.

Furthermore, the Zamfara State Governor pledged to digitize all government activities and reform the civil service to adopt a modern approach to conducting government business.

“To improve service delivery, we shall soon unveil our plans for digitizing all government activities and civil service reform to actualize a modern approach to conducting government business. This will include new methods of assessing workers’ performance, training and retraining, and the entrenchment of accountability mechanisms, among many other initiatives. 

“Similarly, the government is determined to block leakages and prevent frauds that have, in some instances, characterized government business.

“In recognition of the sacrifices made by workers during their active service, it is only fair that they are treated with respect and dignity. This informed our decision to settle the backlog of gratuity arrears inherited by this administration. As soon as we clear the backlog, we shall ensure the prompt payment of gratuities to all retirees from state and local government services. With this act, in sha Allah, workers will no longer have any reason to fear retirement, which often leads to falsifying records to remain in service.”

*Beg Gov Mbah, not to turn them strangers in father’s land

By;  KELVIN OKPARA, Enugu 

Residents and natives of Uzamu Isinomeh, Emene Nike in Enugu East Council  Area of Enugu State, among them widows,  have raised the alarm over the demolition of their buildings   including ancestral  homes by the Enugu State Government.

The victims, including one Ezinne Blessing Nkemjurum Oguike,  a widow and octogenarian  told journalists that some persons, suspected to be officials from the Government House, Ministry of lands and Enugu Capital Territory Development Authority ordered the demolition of their homes.

Mrs Oguike, who hails  from Imo State, South East Nigeria  and spoke through his son, Chukwuebuka Oguike, said that they acquired the land, which they have been using since over 62 years ago, from the ancestral owners of the land before the Akanu Ibiam International Airport was  even built.

She claimed that they were not given any vacation notice or any notice of acquisition of the land by the government before the demolition exercise took place on Monday, 29th April, 2024, claiming that they have lost over 500 million naira to the demolition.

Mrs Oguike further  stated that a former governor of the state, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi had after listening to their explanations on the real owners of the land , urged them to go and do necessary documentations on the land.

She noted that after filing the necessary papers for the grant of C of O over the land, her request was approved by the Governor, which approval was communicated to her via a letter dated 20/02/2024.  She further stated that she paid the assessed C of O fees of #5,832,120.12 (Five Million, Eight hundred and thirty-two thousand, twelve Kobo into the Enugu State IGR and obtained receipt but was not issued with the C of O on the ground that there was order from above to stop issuance.

The elderly woman said they have documents to prove that the land does not belong to government as they acquired the land from the rightful owners who inherited same from their forefathers.

Another widow and native of Uzamu Isinomeh,  Mrs Eunice Agbo whose ancestral  home was also demolished, said that after the death of her husband in1979, she took out time to get a photocopy of a map from the Archives showing her late husband, Innocent  Agbo,   as the owner of the Ishi Nome land.

She stated that she made efforts to get the Certificate of Occupancy from ministry of land but was told that  it was not necessary because the land is their ancestral land.

The widows therefore appealed to the State Government to wade into the matter to stop them from becoming tenants or evicted from their ancestral/acquired land/ home.

” They have been disturbing me since my husband died. My husband died in 1979 and since then they have been disturbing me.

” I have gone to the ministry of lands and archives to make inquiries and it was confirmed that the land belongs to my husband. I have a photocopy of the  survey map of the area from the archives where the name of my husband Innocent Agbo was written as the owner of the land.” She lamented.

By; RAYMOND TEDUNJAYE, Lagos

As Nigerians joined workers across the globe to commemorate Workers Day, the Chairman of the Police Service Commission, Dr. Solomon Arase,  CFR, has promised to stand in solidarity with the staff of the Commission and officers of the Nigeria Police Force and ensure their working conditions will continue to improve for better service delivery.

In a message to the staff of the Commission during the celebration, Dr Arase said he will also continue to advocate  for their dignity and rights since he believes  that together “we will build a PSC and Police workforce  where every worker is valued and encouraged.

Dr. Arase, according to a release by Ikechukwu Ani Head, Press and Public Relation of the Commission also reiterated his commitment  to the pursuit of the best  work environment in the Commission.

The statement reads, ” As workers throughout the globe mark today’s Workers Day,  the Chairman of the Police Service Commission, Dr. Solomon Arase,  CFR, retired Inspector General of Police has promised to stand in solidarity with the Staff of the Commission and Officers of the Nigeria Police Force and ensure that their working conditions will continue to improve for better service delivery.

“Dr. Arase said he will also continue to advocate  for their dignity and rights since he believes  that together “we will build a PSC and Police workforce  where every worker is valued and encouraged.

“In line with this year’s theme which focuses on ensuring  safety and health at work in a changing climate, “I wish to restate my commitment  to the pursuit of the best  work environment in the Commission.

Happy workers day beloved partners in progress, he wished the Staff of the Commission.”

By; UTEBOR PETER Asaba 

A former Minister of Education and  lawyer, Governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Delta State, Chief Kenneth Gbagi has been confirmed dead.

This was disclosed to newsmen in a statement signed by his son, Chief Emuoboh Gbagi.

According to the statement signed by Chief Emuoboh Gbagi on behalf of the Gbagi family,  “It is with profound sadness but gratitude to God, that we announce the passing of our beloved father, grandfather, husband, and brother, Olorogun (Barr.) Kenneth Omemavwa Gbagi, FNIM, OON; Former Minister of Education, who departed this life on the 4th of May 2024 at the age of 62.

“We take comfort in the fond memories of his life, his achievements, and the impact he made on the lives of countless individuals and communities.

“We take comfort in the fond memories of his life, his achievements, and the impact he made on the lives of countless individuals and communities.

“We kindly request your thoughts and prayers for our family during this challenging time of loss.” the statement said.

Gbagi was the governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the last general election, Delta State.

“May his soul rest in perfect peace”, the statement added.