By David Adeoye

Oyo State Government has inaugurated a joint task force on illegal mining to enforce the Executive Order 001/2023.

The State Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, said that the inauguration, which was held on Monday at Iseyin City Hall, Iseyin, attracted government officials, traditional rulers, community representatives, and representatives of security agencies.

Speaking during the inauguration, the Director-General, Oyo State Mineral Development Agency (OYSMIDA), Mr Abiodun Oni, said that the state would no longer tolerate illegal mining activities.

Oni warned that anyone found engaging in illegal mining would be held accountable and prosecuted, maintaining that the law would take its full course.

He said the inauguration of the task force signalled a comprehensive crackdown on unauthorised mining activities and non-compliance with regulatory frameworks.

The D-G urged residents to report suspicious activities, saying, “If you see something, say something.

“We must all join hands to curb this menace.”

He commended Gov. Seyi Makinde for his visionary leadership and unwavering support in ensuring the security of Oyo residents and the protection of the state’s natural resources.

The OYSMIDA’s General Manager, Mrs Olufunke Omidiran, described the initiative as a strategic response to the growing threat of illegal mining.

Omidiran emphasised that the task force was well-equipped and tasked with promoting sustainable mining practices and environmental stewardship. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bayo Sekoni

By Blessing Odega

The Plateau Government has commenced the distribution of relief materials to windstorm victims in six local government areas (LGAs) of the state.

The materials distributed include roofing sheets, nails, wood, among others.

Plateau Deputy Governor, Mrs Josephine Piyo, who flagged off the distribution of the materials, said it was part of the government’s social contract with its citizens to provide support and to offer a helping hand to those affected by this disaster.

Piyo further said that the gesture portrayed the Plateau government’s commitment to the welfare of its citizens.

“This exercise is in line with Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s administration to prioritise the welfare of the good people of the state by ensuring that their rights to security and protection are ensured.

“It is a demonstration that the government is with the people, and we will do everything in our power to alleviate their suffering and help them rebuild their lives,” she said.

Earlier, Mr Sunday Abdu, Executive Secretary (ES), Plateau State Emergency Management Agency (PLASEMA), commended the government for its swift and decisive action in providing the relief materials and portrayed the government’s compassionate concern for those affected.

Abdu further said that the gesture wasn’t just to alleviate the immediate suffering of the people but also to rebuild their lives and restore their livelihoods.

The executive secretary said that relief materials would provide the much-needed succour and pave way for the affected communities to rebuild and thrive.

The ES listed the six local governments to benefit from the first phase of the intervention as Bassa, Barkin Ladi, Riyom, Mangu, Wase and Langtang North.

He announced that the agency would also distribute liquid fertilisers to the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the state to enable them to plant during the rainy season.

According to him, 2000 households in each of the benefitting LGAs (Bassa, Barkin Ladi, Mangu, Riyom and Bokkos) would get 3000 units of litre gel liquid fertilisers.

Similarly, Mr Adebiyi Razaq, North Central Coordinator, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), commended the state government for assisting the windstorm victims.

Razaq said that NEMA also brought food and non-food materials to be distributed to the victims.

The zonal coordinator stated that the NEMA Director General, Mrs Zubaida Umar, was committed to alleviating the sufferings of victims of all forms of disasters. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Peter Amine

Workers

By Aderonke Ojediran/Esenvosa Izah

Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has commended workers’ resilience, reiterating his administration’s support for them.

Sanwo-Olu gave the re-assurance at the 2025 Workers Day celebration with the theme: ‘Reclaiming the Civic Space in Midst of Economic Hardship’.

The event held on Thursday at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan Stadium.

He adopted speeches presented by labour unions and re-affirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening the state’s workforce and delivering a more robust public service.

“I have listened to the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the Trade Union Congress (TUC); I understand your demands, I have adopted your speeches and we will continue to work as partners in progress.

“Workers take home will be enough to take them home, our goal is to ensure that. We will continue to work on infrastructure that will make the lives of workers better.

“I thank you all for defying the rain and coming out to celebrate yourselves. You all deserve to be celebrated.

“Thank you for being an integral part of our government, I salute you all,” the governor said.

He said that the 2026 May Day celebration would take place at Teslim Balogun Stadium in Surulere to accommodate the large number of workers in the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that as usual, workers’ turnout for the event was massive.

In spite of rainfall, labour unions participated in a colourful march past as they wore customised T-shirts, caps and ‘ankara’ fabrics of various colours.

The state Commissioner for Establishments and Training, Mr Afolabi Ayantayo, and the state Head of Service, Mr Bode Agoro, lauded Lagos State workers for their dedication.

They highlighted various initiatives by the state government to improve staff welfare and provide conducive work environment. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Florence Onuegbu/Ijeoma Popoola

By Nefishetu Yakubu

Gov. Monday Okpebholo of Edo has raised the minimum wage for Edo workers from N70,000 to N75,000 to further improve their standard of living.

The governor announced this during his May Day speech at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin.

The governor, while appreciating Edo workers’ contributions to the state’s development, said his administration would always look for ways to improve the welfare of Edo workers.

“Today, I am proud to announce that our administration has approved a new minimum wage of N75,000 per month for all Edo workers.

“It’s our way of saying thank you, Edo workers. We believe this makes a real difference, and we count on your dedication to a better Edo.

“Since taking office, my administration has prioritised workers’ welfare.

“One early action was converting over 1,000 casual workers, including cleaners, into permanent civil service employees,” he said.

Okpebholo disclosed that his administration had also hired 500 teachers, adding that he was reviewing over 3,000 casual teachers for full employment.

“We also approved recruitment of 450 clinical and non-clinical hospital staff and regularised 126 contract workers at Edo State Specialist Hospital for stability and growth,” he added.

The governor also disclosed that his administration had cleared outstanding salary arrears owed to Edo Polytechnic staff.

“In the judiciary, judges whose appointments were delayed have been properly sworn in and are now actively performing their constitutional duties without further administrative hindrances.

“To prove our commitment, we approved health insurance for retirees because we believe support must continue after workers leave active service,” the governor said.

Okpebholo reiterated his administration’s dedication to prompt salary and pension payments, structured recruitment, workers’ welfare and professional development.

“As we celebrate today, I join President Tinubu and fellow governors in wishing Nigerian workers a peaceful, fulfilling celebration. Your efforts build our nation daily.”

Acting NLC Chairman, Edo Chapter, Comrade Bernard Egwekhide, praised Governor Okpebholo for laudable policies that ease the hardship experienced by workers and pensioners across the state.

He said the theme, “Reclaiming the Civil Space Amid Economic Hardship,” was appropriate and highlighted the critical issues faced by Nigerian workers in today’s tough economy.

Egwekhide appreciated the governor’s seriousness towards workers’ welfare, noting that recent interventions had significantly improved the lives and civil rights of Edo workers.

“Within six months in office, you have performed excellently for Edo workers. Your achievements surpass our expectations and show real commitment to the needs of workers.

“We also thank President Bola Tinubu for supporting Edo State. The first flyover is under construction, and a second has already been approved for development.

“Additionally, federal roads across the state are now receiving the urgent attention they have long needed, thanks to the partnership with the Federal Government,” Egwekhide said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Joe Idika