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NLC Declares One Week Strike

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The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Ebonyi State chapter has declared a one week industrial action for all civil servants in the State over the none implementation of the New National Minimum Wage by the State Government.

Comrade Egwu said that the industrial action commenced from 00:00 hours of 1st December, 2024 adding that the action was signed by all the affiliate bodies.

Briefing journalists in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital, the State Chairman of the Union, Comrade Oguguo Egwu said that the action was in line with the directive of 8th November 2024 by the National body to all State Councils of States yet to comply with extant procedures based on collective bargaining and eventual implementation of the New National Minimum Wage.

He stated that on the 2nd of October, 2024, through the Secretary to Ebonyi State Government, the State Governor, Francis Nwifuru inaugurated a Minimum Wage Implementation Committee adding that Just as the Committee was fine-tunning its presentation, the State Governor unilaterally pronounced a wage award of NGN75,000 to grade levels 1 and 2, and NGN40,000 across board award for Grade levels 3-16.

“This was done in a church service (Holy Mass in Government House Chapel) on the 27th October, 2024. This wage award which he christened “minimum wage” is averse to the traditional procedures of implementing minimum wage no matter the magnitude of the beautiful intent with which he made the pronouncement.

Comrade Egwu noted that when a Minimum wage is pronounced, it goes through the rigours of consequential adjustments that will translate into an agreement signed by both the Government and the Organised Labour.

The pronouncement made was not a product of any collective bargaining agreement as we were never part of any consultation that lead to the said pronouncement.

He noted that the salary chart forced on workers and currently used, did not undergo any consequential adjustment and has consistently malnourished the takehome pay of workers as it lacks minimal progression.

This led to our dear state being mentioned as one of those that never implemented the N30,000 minimum wage of 2019. The Implementation Committee, which we are all part of, has arrived at
an acceptable salary chart with consequential adjustment and substantial progression.

He maintained that the cost implication when compared with the award of October, 2024 has been generated and discussed with the Governor adding that all efforts made by the Chairman of the Committee, the State Governor set-up to bring these facts to his notice have yielded no positive results.

“Even our candid, civil and appealing efforts have also yielded no results as the State Governor have vehemently ignored that kind inner drive to better the lives of Ebonyi Workers.

Comrade Oguguo maintained that the last interaction with with the Governor was on the 27th November, when the union passionately appealed to him to
rescind his decision and take the path of goodwill to the people.

He expressed the regret that despite the ecrutiating pains of a depressed economy and low income of workers, “we have been informed that workers are asked to pay the sum of NGN2,100 to
participate in a staff audit exercise, which the Government approved without any discussion
and commitment from the side of workers.

He said that workers at the Local Government Councils are yet to
receive their October, 2024 salaries. “Teachers who are being paid are paid through a different
bank channel creating confusions as most statutory deductions are not effected.

“This is an anomaly that needs to be corrected before our poor teachers are further plunged into debilitating and abject poverty. And delays in the payment of monthly salaries of these Local Government Councils have become perennial and consistently weighed down on the psyche of the workers.

“Congress therefore met on 27th November and critically reviewed the flow of events and noted with pains, these actions and inactions, and unanimously resolved to embark on a one-week warning strike with effect from 00:00 hours of 1st December, 2024.

He said that the decision is for Government to reconsider its stance on the issue of Minimum wage as well as engage the Committee set-up for this purpose as due dilligence.

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Governor Yusuf Champions Education, Resolves Certificate Crisis for Kano Graduates

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Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has emerged as a beacon of hope for graduates left stranded due to the previous administration’s negligence regarding academic certificates. His determination to rectify these injustices has culminated in decisive actions to secure the future of Kano’s youth. Ibrahim Adam, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Information, shared these developments with the media.

On December 9, 2024, Governor Yusuf traveled to Cyprus with a mission to obtain the overdue academic certificates for Kano students affected by the prior administration’s failure to meet its educational financial obligations. During a critical meeting with the management of Near East University, the governor focused on facilitating the release of certificates for students who graduated between 2015 and 2019, particularly in essential fields like Medicine and Nursing.

In a significant move, Governor Yusuf has settled the outstanding fees of €1.4 million (approximately ₦2.5 billion) owed to the university for 84 medical and2015 to 2019. This substantial financial commitment honors the dedication and hard work of these graduates, restoring their hopes for a future that had previously been unjustly delayed. According to Ibrahim Adam, the certificates are set to be handed over to the Kano State Scholarship Board through the Nigerian Ambassador to Turkey, marking a pivotal moment for the affected students.

Governor Yusuf acknowledged the challenges faced by the graduates, declaring, “This situation has been a significant setback for our children, hindering their dreams and aspirations, and it has also affected our state, which is in dire need of their expertise.” His vision for a prosperous Kano is centered on prioritizing education, ensuring that talented individuals can make valuable contributions to the state’s advancement.

The governor’s proactive measures not only address the systemic issues in the education sector but also inspire renewed hope among Kano’s youth. By fulfilling his promises, he emphasizes the crucial role of supporting young people in achieving their aspirations, which is vital to the state’s growth.

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As this milestone is celebrated, it is evident that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s relentless pursuit of educational reform signals a transformative era for Kano State. His administration’s unwavering focus on education stands as a vital investment in the futures of individuals and the overall development of the state.

Under his leadership, Kano State is poised to realize its full potential, with eager graduates ready to make impactful contributions to their communities. Governor Yusuf’s commitment to empowering the youth serves as an enduring reminder that with dedication and decisive action, a brighter future is attainable for all.

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Governor Yusuf Dedicates Vanguard’s Award to the People of Kano

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Governor Yusuf receiving the award

 

 

Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has been named Governor of the Year 2024 (Good Governance) by Vanguard Newspaper, in recognition of his transformative achievements in the education and healthcare sectors.

The recognition was announced in a statement issued by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on Saturday.

Governor Yusuf received the award at a prestigious event held in Lagos, where eminent personalities from across the country were honoured for excellence in leadership and service.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Chairman of the occasion, Atedo Peterside, emphasized that the selection process was based on merit and verifiable impact, commending the awardees for their outstanding contributions to national development.

Vanguard’s Editor-in-Chief, Eze Anaba, praised Governor Yusuf for setting a high standard in governance through his commitment, innovation, and focus on people-centered policies.

In his remarks, Governor Yusuf expressed gratitude to Vanguard for the recognition, dedicating the award to the people of Kano State.

He reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to continue investing in sectors that directly impact the lives of citizens, especially education, health, and social welfare.

Other recipients of the Good Governance Award included Governors Umar Namadi (Jigawa), Charles Soludo (Anambra), Douye Diri (Bayelsa), Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta) and Hope Uzodinma (Imo).

Governor Yusuf was accompanied to the ceremony by members of the State Executive Council, lawmakers, special advisers, local government chairmen, and close political allies.

This latest honour comes just four days after he received the Governor of the Year (Education) award from Leadership Newspaper.

The Governor is also scheduled to receive the Africa Good Governance Award from Heritage Times Magazine later this month in Morocco.

 

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Over 11,000 Job Seekers Apply for Just 100 Positions at Kano Anti-Corruption Commission-Executive Chairman

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Muhuyi Magaji

 

The Chairman of the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission, Barrister Muhyi Magaji Rimin Gado, stated that over 11,000 people applied for 100 job positions the commission plans to fill within just 3 days.

The commission opened the application portal on April 7th, and it will close at midnight on Sunday.

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Muhyi said that by Thursday evening, 10,757 people had applied for the jobs, and by 10 p.m. that night, the number had reached 11,000.

Rimin Gado attributed the high number of applicants to the growing unemployment among the population.

He stated that they chose to open the application online in order to ensure fairness for everyone.

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