By Ismail Abdulaziz

The Federal Government says it will continue to work out measures to ameliorate the effect of the fuel subsidy removal on Nigerians.

These measures include the introduction of the use of Compress Natural Gas, mass transportation and cleaner energy alternatives.

Ms Olu Verheijen, President Bola Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Energy, disclosed this at the end of a meeting with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) in Abuja on Wednesday.

She said that the meeting made progress in agreeing to fast track a lot of the intervention that would stop the strike planned by the labour unions next week.

‘’But we are making progress, we’re trying to address the issues that will prevent a strike. We have to get it right. It’s important that we do this well, and we keep our promises.

‘’So it’s important that whatever is announced actually gets done. We don’t want to make big announcements and continue to lose people’s trust.

‘’It’s important that we build trust, and that most of the announcements and the plans that we roll out are credible and impactful,’’ said Verheijen.

She assured that Tinubu was taking measures to address issues concerning the palliatives, adding that he is very concerned about it.

‘’He is concerned about it, as you’ve seen all of us working round the clock here to make sure that we are able to announce these measures as quickly as possible. It’s a whole package of issues that we’re rolling out as quickly as possible.’’

Mr Joe Ajaero, NLC President, said that the meeting has the mandate to discuss only the pump price of N520 per litre and not that of the N617, adding that they are two separate issues.

‘’We met based on the N520 increase and the committee that was set based on that and we agreed to work to realise the objectives that were set during that moment.

‘’The two centres have made their positions known and are before Nigerians; the TUC, the NLC, our position is known. And it’s public knowledge.

‘’Nobody is discussing N617 as of now and this meeting didn’t have the competence to address that,’’ he said.

On his part, Mr Festus Osifo, the TUC President, said that the meeting was able to present a position from both the government and labour, adding that a decision will be taken by Friday on the strike.

‘’Some of the things they presented we did not agree with. So the areas we did not agree with we also made our input known. When you come to such a meeting it is for the government or its representatives to do a presentation.

‘’But it’s left for us to either agree or disagree. So during the meeting, we gave them sufficient feedback. And they also agreed to go and look at those feedbacks and get back to us on Friday,’’ he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chidinma Agu/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

By Bridget Ikyado

Rev. Sr. Agatha Chikelue, E*xecutive Director of Cardinal Onaiyekan Foundation for Peace (COFP), has called for the use of dialogue in addressing insecurity in the country.

Chikelue made the call at the inauguration of 50 Fellows of which nine are foreigners that represents the sixth set of COFP on Tuesday in Abuja.

The cleric said that Africa has been bedeviled with various challenges in its pursuit for peace and development.

She listed these to include human rights abuse, poor governance, social injustice, growing fanaticism, human and drug trafficking, food insecurity, among others.

“Approaches frequently deployed by governments in addressing these problems like the military interventions, only addresses the symptoms rather than tackling its root causes.

“This is the reason why their actions have failed to quench the raging fire; rather it aggravated tensions and triggered more support for violent extremism and insecurity.

“This erroneous approach on peace building must change if we truly want peace and development in Africa.

“Thus, at this point, dialogue seems to be a better option that is worth trying since violence will only begets violence,” she said.

The executive director said that the curriculum of the fellowship programme, had been designed to provide for building and strengthening peace intentionally.

Chikelue said it was carefully crafted to inspire and engage participants in topics that are pertinent to their local realities.

“Building on our common humanity and shared values is what the COFP Fellowship programme does.

“It gives people in the positions of authority and influences the ability to discover their potentials, access regenerative forces in order to become more efficient leaders and peace actors,” she said.

She said that three modules make up the one year COFP Fellowship programme evolving the programme into a yearly event.

Chikelue said  that it brings together 40 to 70 national and international actors, leaders, and civil society organisations from all over the continent.

In his remarks, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, founder of  COFP said that the issue of peace and security cuts across the entire continent and should be addressed at the continental level.

Onaiyekan said that the foundation was fast developing and needed to look inward for funding.

“In the same line, we are also exploring ways of asking participants and their sponsors to accept some responsibilities for the funding of the programme.

“This is the obvious way to sustain the programme,” he said.

Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Mr Tony Abba one of the new fellows said he would focus on environmental peace.

He said that unhealthy use of the environment was a source of conflict which many people are not talking about.

“I will engage and make people see reasons why care for the environment is a recipe for sustainable peace,“he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Joseph Edeh

By Suleiman Shehu

Fire engulfed a one-storey building consisting of 12 rooms and six shops on Wednesday, destroying valuable property at Bolumole in the Oyinloye street area of Ibadan, the Oyo state capital.

By Ismail Abdulaziz

President Bola Tinubu said that an ECOWAS mission has been sent to the Niger Republic to intercede in the attempted coup in the country.

The president spoke after a meeting with Benin Republic President Patrice Talon at the Presidential Villa on Wednesday in Abuja.

He said that Talon was mandated by the ECOWAS to proceed immediately to the West African country that has been termed the most coup prone country in the region.

Tinubu is the Chairperson of the ECOWAS Head of States and Government, and the body had decided to discourage the issue of undemocratic change of government by the military in the region.

During a meeting between Tinubu and the Presidents of Niger and Benin a fortnight ago, Talon was mandated to lead the ECOWAS delegation to Mali and Burkina Faso where the military are in control.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that an attempted coup was reported in Niger Republic early on Wednesday.

Sources from the country said that the presidential guards have held President Mohamed Bazoum hostage at the presidential palace in Niamey. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Rabiu Sani-Ali

By Joan Nwagwu

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has issued the Federal Government a seven-day ultimatum to immediately reverse all anti-poor and anti-workers’ policies or face a nationwide strike from Aug. 2.

The NLC President, Mr Joe Ajaero, said this in a communique, he jointly signed with Mr Emma Ugboaja, General Secretary of the union, on Thursday in Abuja.

The communique was issued at the end of the Central Working Committee (CWC) of the NLC held on Tuesday, in Abuja.

Ajaero said CWC had observed the crippling economic situation faced by Nigerians and its consequences on the masses such as suffering and poverty.

He said CWC noted that these are clear results of the insensitive policies and actions of the present administration.

According to him. the CWC-in-session subsequently resolved to give the federal government a seven-day ultimatum within which to meet all our demands.

“We will embark on a nation-wide action beginning Wednesday, 2 August, 2023, to compel the government to reverse its anti-poor and anti-workers policies

“We have directed all affiliates and state councils to begin immediate mobilisation and closely work with associations, individuals and other entities, including the ones already on the streets, to ensure that government listens to the people,” he said.

He said“CWC also demands the immediate reversal of the recent hike in PMS price, increase in public school fees, the release of the eight months withheld Salaries of University lecturers and workers and increase in VAT.”

The NLC president said the CWC had also called on government to immediately inaugurate the Presidential Steering Committee as agreed in the earlier consequential dialogues.

“To also begin the building across the nation of a Coalition of all Nigerians where all will be leaders and all will be followers.

“To call on all civil society organisations and Nigerians wherever they may be to begin mobilization to take action on their own to save our nation

“The union directs all affiliates and state councils to begin immediate mobilisation and closely work with associations, individuals and other entities, including the ones already on the streets, to ensure that government listens to the people.” (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Vincent Obi

By Joan Nwagwu

The Federal Government said it was committed to ensure access to comprehensive social protection through programmes that would tackle poverty in the country.

The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Kachollom Daju, said this at a two- day Policy and Programmatic Dialogue workshop on Tuesday in Abuja.

The theme of the workshop is “Poverty and Vulnerability Profile in Nigeria” and it is organised by the Social Protection Development Partners in collaboration with the Nigerian government.

Daju was represented by Mrs Badooh Lyod, Assistant Director, Social Security and Cooperation Development Department in the ministry.

She said that Nigeria rightly acknowledged that eradicating poverty in all forms and dimensions remains the greatest global challenge and an indispensable requirement for sustainable development.

“Government recognises the fact that Social Protection is a veritable tool mitigating the drivers and effects of poverty, as well as being essential for advancing sustainability and promoting inclusive growth.

“This is with particular regards to accelerating progress towards achieving the globally agreed 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs).

“Nigeria, through the ministry and other line Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) are working towards the actualisation of access to comprehensive Social Protection.

“These are through programmes which tackle multiple dimensions of poverty and derivation, ” she said.

The permanent secretary said decent work, education, health care, social security, income security, are powerful tools in the battle against poverty and inequality.

Daju further said that in the absence of social protection for all, the most vulnerable are subjected to increased risks of sinking below the poverty line and remind trapped in poverty.

“There is, therefore, need for comprehensive plans and programmes to determine the extent of coverage, identify gaps, build on the acquired information, reduce the level of poverty and embrace commitment and maintaining human dignity,” she said.

Also, representative of UNICEF Nigeria Country Office, Cristian Munduate, said that as of 2022, 63 per cent of Nigeria population faces deprivation, a disturbing figure that includes 70 million children.

According to Munduate, the purpose of the workshop is to align our understanding of poverty and vulnerable, while seeking to expand our social register and establish a robust, inclusive, and responsive social protection systems.

“Our goal is a Nigeria where all citizens, particularly women, children and disabled, have access to strong social protection and are not living on the edge of poverty amid current realities.

“The meeting, hence, symbolises hope for a future where every Nigerian feels recognised and safeguarded.

“The essentially of a comprehensive register to reach those most in need can not be overstated,” she said

Also, Mr Ruben Alaba, Head, Cooperation, European Union to Nigeria, said that there was need to have a common understanding of poverty and its level of vulnerability in the country.

“There is no better time to have this workshop than now the new administration is planning to support the poor and vulnerable households with palliatives to cushion the effect of the subsidy removal.

“The European Union is committed to collaborating with the government of Nigeria towards addressing issues around poverty.

“Therefore, the question we need to critically look upon to address in this workshop is how we can have a robust single social registry that will be accepted by all and will in turn inform policy,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
JAN/VIV

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Edited by Vivian Ihechu

PAP Interim Administrator, Retired Maj.-Gen. Barry Ndiomu (L) and APC Elder in Bayelsa, Sen. John Brambaifa

By Collins Yakubu-Hammer

Leaders and elders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bayelsa have distanced themselves from calls to the sack of the Interim Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), retired Maj.-Gen. Barry Ndiomu.

This is contained in a statement issued on behalf of the leaders by Sen. John Brambaifa, and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja.

According to him, a non-existing group was sponsored to carry out the hatchet job because of the self-inflicting pain they are going through and decided to make Ndiomu their target while playing the victim.

“It has come to the knowledge of the members of APC in Bayelsa West Senatorial District that a purported amorphous APC Elders Forum in Bayelsa called for the immediate sack of Ndiomu.

“The said anonymous forum gave some nebulous reasons as the grounds for the call of the sack of the amnesty boss.

“We wish to state unequivocally and unambiguously that there was no time that we, the authentic APC Elders Forum in Bayelsa, took a decision to call for the sack of Ndiomu.

“The members of APC from Bayelsa West Senatorial District maintain that the present PAP helmsman has created far-reaching impacts in the programme.

“Also, he has contributed significantly to the improvement of the party in the state with the sound reform measures so far taken to reposition the programme,’’ Brambaifa said.

He explained that APC members expressed shock over the show of ingratitude by such a pseudo platform, adding that they failed to appreciate the progressive ideas initiated and implemented by Ndiomu to revamp the interventionist agency.

The Bayelsa APC elders maintained that they are proud of the achievements of Ndiomu in only 10 months in office and would continue to support him to succeed.

They particularly commended his effort in introducing worthy and creative ideas like the Cooperative Scheme for ex-agitators, noting that it will produce the desired results for the benefit of all the people of Niger Delta.

According to them, the establishment of the society will encourage hard work among agitators and has deepened the rehabilitation and reintegration of the ex-agitators in consonance with the original intention of the programme.

“We therefore call on the APC-led Federal Government and the general public to disregard malicious news item against Ndiomu. He has done so well.

“We also use this medium to express our total support for the reform measures designed to reinvigorate the activities of the PAP and, as a result, call on the Federal Government to retain the appointment of Ndiomu as the head of the PAP.

“This will enable him to complete the ongoing reforms that will encourage multiplier effect in the Niger Delta with the concomitant peace that follows,’’ Brambaifa said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Benson Iziama/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

By Yetunde Fatungase

Four Rotary clubs in Abeokuta, Ogun, have donated some hospital supplies to Abule-Oloni Maternal Hospital in Abeokuta South Local Government area of the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the clubs are Rotary Club of Abeokuta Metropolitan; Rotary Club of RockCity; Rotary Club of Laderin Hilltop and Rotary Club of Ibara GRA.

Speaking at the handover of the equipment and supplies, President, Rotary Club of Abeokuta Metropolitan, Oladapo Sanni, said the gesture was one of the club’s core areas of focus, which is maternal and child health.

He noted that the donation was Rotary’s way of supporting government’s efforts in providing basic health care services to its citizens.

“We acknowledge and commend the state government’s efforts in the health sector but government alone cannot get the job done and that is why Rotary will always come in to support, so as to better the lives of the citizens,” he said.

Sanni assured members of the community and some of the nursing mothers present of a repeat performance of the donation in the nearest future.

Also speaking, Chairman, Abeokuta South Local Government, Mr Ayodele Majekodumi, represented by the Secretary to the Local Government, Mustapha Kodaolu, appreciated Rotary for the donation.

He called on other voluntary organisations to emulate the charity work of Rotary, saying there could be meaningful development in the society only when individuals and groups assisted the underprivileged.

“To be honest, I never envisaged this much from them; they have spent millions of naira to procure this items and we truly appreciate them for this,” he said.

He urged the hospital management to put the items and equipment to judicious use.

Some of the nursing mothers present at the event thanked Rotary for the donation just as they commended the club for remembering them.

Others present included the Presidents of the Rotary Club of Rockcity, Oluleke Adebiyi; Rotary Club Ibara GRA, Monayajo Adeola and Rotary Club Laderin Hilltop, Michael Agbaje.

Community leaders, religious leaders and other members of the hospital were also in attendance.

Some of the items donated are delivery kits, foams, pillows, bedsheets and pillow covers, Litman Stethoscope, circumcision set, underlays, Cironic, handwash, diapers, Accoson Sphygmomanometer, flex sign posts.

Others are BP Apparatus, Glucometer, Drape/exam sheets, gloves, face masks, packs of cotton wool, and methylated spirit, donated to Rotary by Biofem Pharmaceuticals. (NAN)(www.nannew.ng)

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Edited by Folasade Adeniran