By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Governor Uba Sani has approved the reinstatement of 37 Unified Local Government Service workers  disengaged during the immediate past administration of former Governor Nasir El-Rufai..

Chairman, Kaduna State Local Government Service Board, Prof. Aminu Suleiman, announced this during the presentation of reinstatement letters to affected workers in Kaduna.

Mr Suleiman said the reinstatement followed recommendations of a committee constituted by the previous administration after complaints by the affected workers.

He said the committee established the workers were unjustly disengaged and recommended their reinstatement, but the recommendation was never implemented.

According to him, the workers petitioned the present administration, prompting the board to review their case and forward its recommendations through appropriate government channels.

He said Gov. Sani approved their immediate reinstatement after confirming they were wrongly disengaged.

Mr Suleiman said some of the 37 affected workers had died, while others had retired before the approval was granted.

He said serving officers would return to their respective local government councils with immediate effect.

The chairman added that retirement benefits for retired workers would be processed, while entitlements due deceased workers would be paid to their families.

He described the governor as compassionate and committed to justice, saying the approval reflected responsiveness to genuine grievances.

Mr Suleiman commended the Head of Service, Secretary to the State Government, Ministry for Local Government Affairs and other stakeholders for supporting the process.

Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress in Kaduna State, Ayuba Suleiman, described the reinstatement as evidence of the governor’s labour-friendly disposition.

He said the labour movement had consistently assured workers that the administration remained committed to fairness and justice.

According to him, the Unified Local Government Service workforce declined from over 16,000 workers in 2014 to slightly above 3,000 currently.

He expressed concern that about 800 additional workers were expected to retire before the end of the year.

The labour leader urged government to address manpower shortages and sustain reforms to strengthen local government administration.

Chairman of the Trade Union Congress in Kaduna, Abdullahi Dan Fulani, welcomed the reinstatement and urged prompt payment of outstanding entitlements.

Speaking on behalf of the reinstated workers, Michal Anga thanked the governor for approving their return after years of pursuing the matter.

Mrs Anga said the affected workers rejected calls to seek legal action, choosing instead to follow due process.

She said their perseverance eventually yielded positive results, describing the approval as a victory for justice and patience.

The workers also appreciated the Local Government Service Board and other officials for facilitating the reinstatement process.

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

President Bola Tinubu has approved salary increases of between 30 per cent and 80 per cent for personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces.

The new package will benefit about 250,000 military personnel across the services.

This is contained in a statement by presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, on Tuesday in Abuja.

According to the presidency, the new salary structure will take effect from September 1.

Officers above the rank of colonel, including brigadier-generals, major-generals, lieutenant-generals and generals, will receive a 30 per cent salary increase.

Personnel from colonel to warrant officer will enjoy a 50 per cent increase under the new arrangement.

Those from the rank of private to staff sergeant will receive an 80 per cent salary increase.

The presidency said the enhanced package would raise the annual salary bill for armed forces personnel from N660 billion to N924 billion.

Mr Tinubu commended members of the armed forces for their sacrifices and commitment to safeguarding the nation.

“The men and women who help to keep us safe in our homes must be supported and appreciated in the course of their duties to our nation.

“Our administration will continue to prioritise troops’ welfare and modernise the armed forces by providing the weapons and technological tools needed to discharge their duties.

“Our administration believes that no nation can achieve greatness without security,” he said.

The president pledged his administration’s commitment to the welfare of the armed forces, adding that all hands must be on deck to defeat insecurity.

According to him, we remain resolute in mobilising all military and law enforcement assets to eliminate security threats and protect the lives and property of all Nigerians.

“I urge our servicemen to take our gesture as a sign of our deep appreciation of the services they render to our fatherland.

“Together we shall prevail over the enemies’ intent on destroying the fabric of our nation.”

Mr Tinubu has consistently praised the courage and resilience of military personnel in the fight against banditry, kidnapping and terrorism across the country.

The Proprietor of Al-Manan Academy, Hotoro North, Malam Usman Bello, has reaffirmed the school’s commitment to providing quality education and equipping pupils with the knowledge and entrepreneur skills needed to excel in life.
He gave the assurance on Saturday during the Academy’s Annual Speech and Prize-Giving Day held at the school’s premises in Hotoro North, Kano.
According to him, the Academy is committed to introducing innovative learning methods that combine academic excellence with vocational and entrepreneurial skills to prepare students for self-reliance rather than depending solely on government employment.
Malam Bello urged parents to complement the school’s efforts by closely monitoring their children’s academic progress and moral upbringing, stressing that effective collaboration between parents and teachers is essential to producing responsible and successful future leaders.
He also commended the dedication of the Academy’s Director, teachers, and other staff members for their unwavering commitment to delivering quality education.
Also speaking at the event, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kano State Council, Comrade Sulaiman Abdullahi Dederi, described the Speech and Prize-Giving Day organised by Al-Manan Academy as timely and highly significant. He said the event recognises outstanding students, motivates learners to strive for greater achievements, boosts their morale, and promotes academic excellence.

He commended the Proprietor for establishing the academy, noting that the institution is making a meaningful contribution to human capital development through quality education.

In his remarks, the Director of the Academy, Malam Aminu Bello Aminu, welcomed parents, community leaders, and other guests to the historic occasion. He disclosed that the school was established eleven years ago and has continued to record steady growth, reflecting its remarkable progress and the increasing confidence of parents and the wider community.

Also speaking, the Councillor representing Hotoro North Ward in Nassarawa Local Government Area, Hon. Ibrahim Muhammad Gannama, praised the Proprietor for investing in education and community development. He noted that the establishment of the Academy has significantly improved access to quality education for children in the area.
The councillor pledged the support of the local government toward the growth of the institution whenever the need arises and encouraged parents to continue playing their vital role in supporting their children’s education.
The Chairman of the Parents-Teachers Association (PTA), Alhaji Auwalu Alhasan Kirikassama, appealed to parents to ensure the prompt payment of school fees to enable the school maintain its high educational standards.
The colourful event featured academic debates among pupils, cultural displays, and the presentation of prizes to outstanding students in various categories, including academic excellence, punctuality, neatness, and discipline.
An Award of Appreciation was also presented to the Village Head of Hotoro North, Alhaji Yahaya Yakubu Hotoro, in recognition of his support and contributions to the development of education in the community.