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VP Shettima Restates FG’s Dedication To Workers’ Welfare, Wage Reforms
VP Shettima Restates FG’s Dedication To Workers’ Welfare, Wage Reforms
** Applauds Nigeria’s Labour Movement, assures ILO chief of nation’s inclusive labour policies
By: Our Reporter
Vice President Kashim Shettima has reaffirmed the Nigerian government’s dedication to the welfare of members of the organised labour, inclusive economic policies, and wage reforms.
According to the Vice President, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to a thriving workforce and an efficient labour ecosystem.
Speaking on Thursday during a meeting with a delegation led by the visiting Director-General of the International Labour Organisation (ILO), Mr Gilbert Houngbo, and the Minister of Labour and Employment, Alhaji Muhammad Dingyadi, VP Shettima lauded what he described as Nigeria’s vibrant labour movement and its role in national development.
He said, “We have a very vibrant labour movement, led by a competent and patriotic Nigerian. President Tinubu is deeply passionate about the welfare of Nigerian workers. We raised the minimum wage, and most states have started implementing it.
“Some have even gone beyond the N70,000 agreed at the national level. I commend the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) for their statesmanship and commitment to workers’ rights.”
The Vice President noted the global workforce transformation and Nigeria’s potential to bridge talent gaps, citing the country’s youthful population as a major advantage.
“One in four black men is a Nigerian, and by 2050, we will surpass the United States to become the third most populous nation on earth. The average age in Nigeria is 16.9 years. We have a demographic bulge, but with the right policies, we can transform it into a demographic dividend rather than a demographic disaster,” VP Shettima said.
Senator Shettima expressed confidence in the country’s future workforce, saying, “Our young people are digitally more literate than us. While some traditional jobs may disappear, new opportunities will emerge, and we will equip our youth with the skills to thrive in the evolving global economy.”
The Vice President told the ILO chief that the Nigerian government remains committed to inclusive labour policies, fair wages, and economic growth.
“We will continue to engage with our friends in the labour movement to ensure progress. We are all patriots and partners in building a stronger Nigeria,” he stated.
VP Shettima assured the ILO delegation that President Tinubu, whom he described as an activist himself, would be briefed on their requests upon his return to the country.
“We are all patriots and partners in progress. The President is very much at home with the labour ecosystem,” he said.
Earlier in his remarks, the ILO DG, Mr Houngbo, thanked the Vice President for receiving him and the delegation, noting that his visit to the country as DG was long overdue, particularly given the strategic importance of Nigeria in the ILO, including the period between June 2023 and June 2024 when it presided over the affairs of the ILO Board of Directors.
Recalling and appreciating Nigeria’s support for his election, Mr Houngbo said, “Without the mobilisation of the government of Nigeria and social partners in the country, my election would have been very difficult. Nigeria mobilised a lot of the African constituents in ensuring my election as DG.”
He further said his visit had afforded him the opportunity to interact with ILO’s social partners in Nigeria, including the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and others, noting that their discussions were fruitful.
He appealed to the Federal Government to speed up the finalisation of the reform of the labour code, even as he sought the support of the Vice President for the revival of the National Labour Advisory Council (NLAC), a forum for social dialogue amongst the tripartite constituents.
“We believe that, given the dynamism of the labour market in Nigeria, its population, ambition and role in Africa, having the NLAC revived will really be beneficial to all,” he added.
Other dignitaries present at the meeting included the Minister of State, Labour and Employment, Mrs Nkiruka Onyejeocha; Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Labour and Employment, Dr. Salihu Usman; Director General, National Directorate of Employment, Mr Silas Agara; Director General, National Productivity Centre, Hon. Baffa Dan Agundi; the Director General, Michael Imoudu Institute for Labour Studies, Comrade Isa Aremu; President, Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Joe Ajaero, and the 1st National Deputy President of the Trade Union Congress, Dr Tommy Etim-Okon, among others.
VP Shettima Restates FG’s Dedication To Workers’ Welfare, Wage Reforms
Police raids lead to arrest of 104 suspects in Abuja
By: Zagazola Makama
Police operatives in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) carried out successful raids across multiple criminal hotspots on April 23, resulting in the arrest of 104 suspects.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the coordinated operation involved officers from Karshi, Kubwa, Kabusa, Nyanya, Lugbe, Utako, Maitama, Apo, Mpape, Karmo, Tungan Maje, and G/Lada Divisions.
During the raids, authorities recovered cutlasses, dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp, and illicit drugs.
The arrested suspects, who have been profiled, are currently in custody, undergoing screening and interrogation. Those found to be involved in criminal activities will be charged to court.
Police raids lead to arrest of 104 suspects in Abuja
Man stabs fellow mentally unstable person to death in Delta
By: Zagazola Makama
A tragic incident occurred on April 22 in Aladja, Delta State, when Jerry David, a mentally unstable man, allegedly stabbed his fellow companion to death with a broken bottle.
Zagazola Makama understands that a violent altercation between two mentally unstable individuals in his house.
When security personnel arrived the scene discovered that Jerry David had stabbed his fellow resident multiple times on the left hand, rib, back of the head, and left shoulder, causing fatal injuries.
The victim, whose identity is still unknown, was confirmed dead from the injuries. The police evacuated the body and deposited it at Noble Mortuary in Owvian, pending autopsy.
Police sources say an investigation is underway, and efforts are being made to subject Jerry David to a mental evaluation to determine the appropriate course of action.
Man stabs fellow mentally unstable person to death in Delta
Summit University Offa Matriculates 194 Students in Grand Ceremony
By: Michael Mike
Matriculation Ceremony in a colourful event held at the Alhaja Adiat Abegbe Makanjuola Lecture Theatre, officially welcoming 194 fresh students—comprising 103 males and 91 females—into its expanding academic community.
In his inspiring address, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Abiodun Musa Aibinu, congratulated the matriculating students and their families, describing the day as a defining moment that would remain etched in their memories. He commended the students for choosing an institution known for academic excellence, moral integrity, and innovation-driven education.
“This is not just a formal rite of passage,” Professor Aibinu said, “but the beginning of a journey that will shape your future and prepare you for a meaningful life of contribution to society.”
Highlighting the growth trajectory of the university since its academic debut in 2017, the Vice-Chancellor announced the successful expansion from two pioneer colleges to include the Kola Balogun College of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Engineering, the College of Innovation and Computing Technology, and the College of Postgraduate Studies. Students from these new colleges are matriculating for the first time this year, a testament to the institution’s evolution into a hub of emerging technologies and global academic relevance.
Further reinforcing the university’s mission to produce graduates who are both intellectually sound and socially responsible, Professor Aibinu shared that alongside their academic pursuits, students would be immersed in a unique developmental curriculum that integrates essential real-world competencies. These include practical exposure to financial responsibility, ethical leadership, sustainable energy practices, advanced digital technologies, entrepreneurship within academia, cultural heritage appreciation, and global citizenship infused with faith-based values.
Professor Aibinu cautioned the new students against deviating from the university’s code of conduct, reiterating Summit University’s firm stance against any form of social vice. He emphasised that the matriculation oath was a binding commitment to honour, discipline, and excellence, warning that breaches would attract serious consequences.
“As you take your oath today, remember that it comes with responsibilities. At Summit University, we maintain high moral and academic standards, and we expect nothing less from you,” he added.
He also used the occasion to express appreciation to the university’s leadership, proprietors, staff, and host community. Special thanks were extended to the Olofa of Offa, His Royal Majesty Oba Mufutau Gbadamosi, Esuwoye II, and prominent citizens of Offa for their unwavering support in building an institution that continues to position Offa as an emerging smart city and academic destination.
Professor Aibinu concluded by assuring the new students of the institution’s commitment to their growth and success, urging them to seize the unique opportunity before them and strive to embody the University’s motto—to shine like the sun.
Summit University Offa Matriculates 194 Students in Grand Ceremony
Police raids lead to arrest of 104 suspects in Abuja
Man stabs fellow mentally unstable person to death in Delta
Summit University Offa Matriculates 194 Students in Grand Ceremony
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