By Ahmed Ubandoma

Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General, Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), has appealed to labour unions to shelve the nationwide strike slated to commence on Tuesday, Oct. 3.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the unions have fixed the date to embark on an indefinite strike following the removal of fuel subsidy by the Federal Government.

Abubakar, at a public lecture to mark the nation’s 63rd Independence Anniversary on Friday in Abuja, urged them to sheath their swords “in the interest of the masses”.

He emphasised the need for dialogue to find solutions to the issues “instead of embarking on a strike”.

”I am an advocate of dialogue because strikes don’t solve problems; they make them worse. Our leaders must tighten their belt, the common man is suffering.

‘”I don’t think this government will just decide to make life bad for the people; as leaders and elders, we will always call on stakeholders not to embark on journeys that will make life worse for the common man.

“I don’t think government can take it upon itself to make life unbearable for the common man, let’s give them chance and see what they can do,” he said.

According to him, strike will add more problems to the existing economic situation.

”If people are on strike, there wouldn’t be electricity, water, hospital and transportation system.

”Please, let’s reach out to our brothers and sisters who are clamouring to go on strike. They should have a rethink,” Sultan appealed.

On his part, the Deputy Senate President, Sen. Barau Jibrin, who represented President Bola Tinubu, also appealed to the unions to give government more time to address the issues.

Tinubu announced that the federal government is determined to address the socio-economic challenges facing Nigeria.

”I want to emphasise as well that this government is new and the government is doing all within its powers to make sure it brings succour to the entire people of this country.

”Government has already gone ahead to provide N500 billion to states to cushion the effects of subsidy removal,” he said.

The President enjoined members of the unions to consider dialogue as the best way to resolve the issues.

”The Sultan also talked about the issue of strike by the NLC. Please, on behalf of the President and the entire government, this is not the time for strike. It is too early.

”Please let’s dialogue, let’s get together, let’s understand ourselves and let us look at the prevailing situation in the country,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng).

AMU/ETS

By Salisu Sani-Idris

The Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), has vowed to reform the transportation sector and tackle all forms of thuggery around motor parks.

President of RTEAN, Alhaji Musa Maitakobi, stated this shortly after presenting certificates of attendance to 17 members of the association, in Abuja.

The 17 members completed a strategic leadership, ethics and policy-making training at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), at Kuru in Jos Plateau state.

The RTEAN president was also presented with the Nigeria Silent Heroes Award (NSHA).

He said that the constitution of the association frowns against any kind of thuggery and hooliganism.

Maitakobi said the leadership training acquired by its members will change the perception some Nigerians have about road transport workers.

“ I want to use this medium to thank NIPSS. This is good for those of us who are educated. Initially, the public see us as touts and hooligans.

“ But when you go through our constitution, we have the mandate to eradicate touting and hooliganism in motor parks. This also shows that our members are educated because you can’t approach NIPSS if you are not educated.

“ Interestingly, we have started seeing the impact of this leadership training. The people who attended NIPSS will take it back to their state chapters and also train others.”

He said that members of RTEAN are not used to causing trouble, saying “you can’t compare us to other unions.

“If we are aggrieved, we usually channel our complaints to security agencies because we don’t believe in violence. Take the example what happened in Lagos on Monday where we held a rally and it was peaceful.”

He urged members of the association against unethical conducts and to be law abiding

“I want to tell our members that anywhere you find yourselves, please be a law-abiding citizens. Don’t put yourself into a position that will cause problem.

“You should not allow anyone to use you. I know that going to do a rally or protest is your right but don’t destroy any properties or fight with security agencies.”

Earlier, the Kaduna State Chairman and Vice President, North West, RTEAN, Adamu Jalaludeen, who also took part in the leadership training, said the association was taking its rightful position among labour unions.

“In the past, there has never been a leader who has done this. Our president decided to chose from the rank and file to go for the leadership course.

“ He sent us not because we are the best but because he has the interest of the association at heart. This means RTEAN is taking its rightful position in the scheme of things.” (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Vincent Obi

By Ifeanyi Olannye

Mr Amino Imasua, a newly inaugurated Electoral Commissioner of the Delta State Independent Electoral Commission(DSIEC), has pledged to work with other Commissioners to ensure credible service delivery.

Imasua made the pledge on Friday in Agbor at a reception organised in his honour by Omumu Community, in Ika South Local Government Area of the state.

He said that the pedigrees of the current commissioners in DSIEC would guarantee transparent, credible and free local government election in the state.

He, however, appealed to the people to support the commission to enable it deliver on its mandate.

Imasua, an Industrial Mathematics graduate of the Ambrose Ali University, Ekpoma, was the Secretary, Ika South Local Education Authority (LEA).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Imasua was on Monday in Asaba, sworn along other commissioners in of by Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta.

Oborevwori charged the DSIEC Chairman, Dr Jerry Agbaike and the commissioners to conduct local government election that would be acceptable to the people of Delta. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng).

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Edited by Joseph Edeh

By Grace Alegba

The Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB) says is collaborating with the Lagos State government to reduce building collapse in the state.

Mr Lucky Isename, Chairman, NIOB, Lagos State Chapter, said this at a press conference on Thursday in Lagos.

He said the 32nd Lagos Builder’s conference and Annual General Meeting slated for  Oct. 11 to 12th, would X-ray issues of sustainability in construction to mitigate building collapse.

He said the theme: “Safe And Sustainable Building Production Management In Nigeria” was chosen to correct errors and x-ray how far the neglect of the law had affected construction in Lagos State.

According to him, Lagos State has beautiful laws that need implementation, hence NIOB’s collaboration with the government towards implementing and enforcing the Lagos State Development Planning Law, 2019.

He said experts would discuss functions of registered builders, expectations, ethics, rights of clients, government regulation and other vital issues that would nip building collapse in the bud.

“The collaboration with Lagos State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development is to make sure that the Lagos State Physical Development Planning Law 2019, is fully enforced to mitigate building collapse in the state.

“The construction industry through safe and sustainable building production management plays a vital role in the development and growth of the nation.

“However, it is imperative that we focus not only on the speed and efficiency of construction but also on the safety and sustainability of our built environment.

“We cannot discuss construction and building without touching Sustainable Development Goals,” he said.

He said panelist would discuss safe and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the progress made to meet the deadline of achieving the sustainable goals as it affected the building construction sector in Lagos State.

He said the event would start with the opening ceremony, which would be followed by discussions, adding that the second day would be for AGM and gala night.

The Honourary Secretary, NIOB, Mr Abiodun Ogundare, said the theme was in line with Goal 17 of the SDG, which advocated sustainability in construction, hence the emphasis on use of registered builders.

The Vice Chairman, NIOB, Mr Adeoye Thomas, said a building could be safe for a short time but engaging professionals would help it last longer.

He said all stakeholders in the construction value chain including

manufacturers, the professional builders, artisans, Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), among others, must begin self assessment on doing things right.

“We need to come together to reduce this issue of building collapse. With this I believe we will reduce it to the barest minimum,” he said.

Immidate past chairman of the Lagos Chapter of NIOB, Mr Sunday Wusu, said the sub-themes of the conference were carefully selected to cover a wide range of topics and issues causing building collapse. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Salif Atojoko

By Usman Aliyu

The General Officer Commanding (GOC), 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Ibadan, Maj.-Gen. Bamidele Alabi, on Thursday inaugurated an ultra-modern library for use at the NAOWA Model Nursery and Primary School in Benin.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the library was facilitated by Mrs Hassina Ndahi, Zonal Coordinator, Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA), 4 Brigade chapter, Benin.

In his address, Maj.-Gen. Alabi, who described the project as laudable, expressed delight that the event was lined up for his visit to the brigade.

According to him, the facility will help to inculcate building culture among the pupils in the school and expose them to the world.

“Anybody that thinks of contributing to education, definitely, dreams for a great and bright future.

“A library project is indeed a laudable one and it’s highly appreciated.

“I want to thank Ndahi for the initiative. I also want to thank those that have supported this project.

“I urge the school management to ensure the sustenance of this library. I also urge the pupils to make use of the library as a matter of routine. They need to build a reading culture right now so that the objective of having a library will be achieved,” he said.

Alabi announced a donation of N1 million to help improve the facility and add up to the books on the shelves.

Earlier in her address of welcome, Mrs Ndahi, wife of Brig.-Gen. Danladi Ndahi, Brigade Commander, 4 Brigade, Benin, said the prevailing economic reality, which could make it difficult for some pupils to procure books necessitated the project.

“I needed to throw myself into this project, because education is not preparation for life; but life itself.

“The library project that is being commissioned today is the result of an effort that has lasted a couple of days,” she said.

The coordinator, however, commended senior officers who donated books to equip the facility.

In her remark, Mrs Sikira Alabi, Chairperson, 2 Division, NAOWA, said the library would definitely aid the teaching and learning system in the school.

Mrs Alabi, who was represented by Mrs Adejoke Fakokunde, however, urged the management to extend the use of the library to pupils from outside the school. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Vincent Obi

By Joan Nwagwu

The International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the Federal Government have developed a roadmap to promote women’s entrepreneurship development and formalisation in the country.

Ms Vanessa Phala, ILO’s Country Director to Nigeria, disclosed this at a Validation Workshop on Thursday in Abuja.

The workshop was themed, “A roadmap to foster national conditions for women’s entrepreneurship development and formalisation in Nigeria.”

Phala said that entrepreneurship remained a major driver for economic dynamics.

She said that beyond job creation, entrepreneurs had entered the market with new technologies.

According to her, many Nigerians agree that women and men entrepreneurs encounter similar challenges in their economic activities.

“However, women are faced with an additional set of gender-based barriers that limit their access to resources and opportunities.

“Women’s businesses tend to be smaller and highly concentrated in the informal economy.”

Phala noted that recent survey by Price Water Coopers (PWC) indicated that 41 per cent of micro businesses in Nigeria were owned by women.

Phala added that such a number should not be neglected in socio-economic discourses as they were major drivers.

She however, said that women entrepreneurs had consistently demonstrated resilience and determination to succeed.

Phala said that the constraints came with vast opportunities as the government and other actors had continued to evolve interventions/programmes to support and empower women entrepreneurs.

She said that the ILO was working with the government at all levels to promoted small enterprise development in Nigeria.

“The project has supported the government of Nigeria, through the Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), Social Partners, and other relevant stakeholders.

“To develop a comprehensive, evidence-based and action-oriented three year roadmap as well as its monitoring framework to drive women’s entrepreneurship development and enterprise formalisation in Nigeria.

“This roadmap addresses existing constraints and tackles new and emerging obstacles that women entrepreneurs may face in an ever-changing economic landscape, among others,” she said.

Also, Mrs Juliana Adebambo, acting Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Labour and Employment noted that a large number of women in the developing world operated in the informal economy.

Adebambo, represented by Mr Dennis Ejeh from the ministry, said that in Nigeria, the proportion of women involved in entrepreneurship exceeded that of men.

She said the National Gender Policy 2021, showed that women entrepreneurs could play critical roles in enhancing a country’s productivity and development.

“There are lots of interventions, female-focused policies, programmes and initiatives instituted by the government, social partners and private organisations to support women entrepreneurship development.

“However, the effectiveness of these supports on informal businesses is very minimal which is a challenge as most women owned businesses in Nigeria are informal.

“We are happy that the ILO in collaboration with SMEDAN has come up with this noble project,” she said.

She said the ministry would continue to contribute its quota in ensuring Women’s Entrepreneurship Development and Enterprise Formalization in Nigeria.

Also, Mr Olawale Fasanya, Director General, SMEDAN, noted that women entrepreneurs often faced a lot of challenges.

Fasanya said the strategic document (roadmap) developed by ILO, SMEDAN and other stakeholders would ensure that entrepreneurs women were properly positioned.

“That is to take advantage of the huge opportunity that exists in the global market place in terms of accessing funding, capitals for their businesses, among others,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo