By Joan Nwagwu

The Organised Labour has explained why it suspended the nationwide indefinite strike that commenced on Nov. 14.

Mr Emmanuel Ugboaja, General Secretary, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), explained the action in a statement he jointly signed by Mr Nuhu Toro, Secretary General, Trade Union Congress(TUC), on Wednesday in Abuja.

“The NEC in session had a thorough review of the offers presented by the Federal Government through the National Security Adviser(NSA), Nuhu Ribadu.

“We found the offers credible and decided to reconsider our action,” he said.

It would be recalled that the organised labour earlier met with the NSA and the Minister of Labour and Employment, Simon Lalong.

“After the meeting, we directed all affiliates and State councils of both the NLC and TUC to demobilise, cease any further escalation of the indefinite strike action.

“We fully resume work tomorrow, Thursday, the 16th day of November, 2023,” he said.

He added that a resolution was reached to suspend the ongoing nationwide strike, which commenced on the 14th November, 2023.

According to Ugboaja, the suspension is intended to facilitate further discussions after the federal government had met crucial demands.

“We expect the government to address the distressing abduction and brutalisation of the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Joe Ajaero, and others.

“These incidents occurred in the hands of the Police and Gov. Hope Uzodimma’s thugs in Owerri, in Imo, on the 1st day of November, 2023,” he recalled.

He noted that an apology was tendered on behalf of the government by the NSA, who promised to coordinate the investigation.

He added that some of the perpetrators had been arrested while others would be fished out and prosecuted.

Ugboaja said that a high-powered investigation was currently being carried out and the leadership of labour centres would be briefed continuously as progress is being made.

He commended all affiliates and state councils for their unwavering commitment and tenacity that made the strike a success.

“Once again, we convey our appreciation for your cooperation, resilience and determination in ensuring the success of the indefinite nationwide strike.

“We encourage you to remain vigilant as we await the fulfilment of the remaining agreements,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Ephraims Sheyin

By Ahmed Ubandoma

The National Social Protection Forum (NSPF), has sought the partnership of the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, on the coordination and implementation of the revised National Social Protection Policy.

Its National Coordinator, Dr Taiwo Benson, sought for the partnership when he led a delegation to the Minister, Dr Betta Edu, in her office, in Abuja on Wednesday.

Benson said that the partnership became necessary to ensure effective coordination and implementation of the policy and deepen stakeholders’ understanding of the benefits of investing in social protection.

He explained that the design and implementation of social protection systems require coordination among different organisations and stakeholders involved.

He noted that currently, social protection programmes were being designed and implemented in silos, with little linkages among implementing agencies and partners.

This, according to him, has prevented policy coherence, thereby, limiting efficiency in the delivery of poverty reduction interventions.

He recalled that the previous administration had organised a Social Protection Cross-Learning Summit (SPECS) in 2016 and 2019 with technical support from development partners to create awareness on the policy.

He stressed the need for the ministry to institutionalise the summit as an annual event for learning and sharing of ideas on social protection and its impact in addressing multidimensional poverty.

“Therefore, as the minister in charge of coordinating poverty alleviation in Nigeria, we appeal that you utilise SPECS as a platform to mobilise stakeholders in strengthening social protection systems,” he said.

Benson said that the forum has undertaken a series of advocacies to institutionalise social protection in many states across the federation.

He explained that part of the advocacies was a national dialogue on poverty situation in Nigeria organised in collaboration with development partners.

He added that the forum also carried out media advocacies on the use of National Social Register and involvement of third-party monitors in the implementation of social protection interventions.

“This is in addition to the use of the Social Protection to End Poverty campaign with support from Save the Children International.

“The strength of our coalition is in community mobilisation and we are open to partnership with your ministry and other stakeholders towards eradicating multi-dimensional poverty in Nigeria,” he said.

The coordinator commended the federal government for approving the revised National Social Protection Policy.

He also lauded the federal government for signing the National Social Investment Programme Agency Act and for implementing a conditional cash transfer scheme targeting 15 million poor and vulnerable households.

“We equally commended the government for the establishment of the Humanitarian and Poverty Alleviation Trust Fund, aimed at lifting millions of poor and vulnerable Nigerians out of multi-dimensional poverty,” he added.

He urged the minister to consider the forum as a partner in the advancement of President Bola Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda through addressing poverty and vulnerability using social protection.

Also speaking, Dr Hamidu Poufon, the Chief Social Policy Manager, UNICEF, stressed the need for harmonization of humanitarian interventions and social protection policy considering that they serve the same purpose.

This, according to Poufon, will ensure effective coordination and implementation.

“Basically, social protection and humanitarian assistance are moving in the direction of complementing one another and that is one of the things we are doing within the policy space.

“There is already a move towards integrating humanitarian assistance and social protection leveraging on both systems complementary roles.

“This is because, we see social protection as a system, and we see the humanitarian sector also as a system, but not separate from each other,” he said.

Responding, Edu, who was represented by the Director, Planning, Research and Statistics, Mrs Oyekunle Patience, said that the issue of poverty alleviation has remained a top priority in the ministry.

Edu expressed the ministry’s determination to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to develop effective mechanisms in tackling poverty across the country.

She expressed optimism that the engagement would provide opportunities for future interactions towards effective utilisation of social protection in addressing poverty in the country. (NAN)

Edited by Philip Yatai

By Philip Yatai

The Development Control Department of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), has commenced the 2023 intra-department football competition to promote staff bonding and friendly working environment.

The Director, Mr Mukhtar Galadima, said during the kickoff in Abuja on Tuesday that the competition would also give the department a friendly outlook, away from the negative public perception about the department.

Galadima emphasised that the activities of the development control department were not always about demolition, but also about recreation and staff bonding.

“Right now, we are trying to change the narrative that Development Control is not just about demolitions and enforcements, it is also about engagements, friendliness, and family bonding.

“The tournament is an opportunity to change the narratives, as development control is not just about demolitions and enforcements, but also about engagements, friendliness, and family bonding.

“The tournament is also an opportunity to promote the physical fitness of our staff to enable them to carry out their functions effectively.

“We also want our men to keep fit in line with the department policy that requires staff to come out for a walk around Wuse Zone 6 at the end of every month, including some aerobics,” he said.

The director explained that the football tournament was part of the department’s end of year activities. (NAN)

By Philip Yatai

The Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), has cautioned residents of the FCT, Abuja, against actions that could cause wildfire as harmattan season sets in.

The acting Director-General, FEMA, Mr Mohammed Sabo, gave the warning in a statement in Abuja on Monday.

Sabo said that the harmattan season comes with strong winds that could lead to wildfire from uncontrolled and indiscriminate bush burning.

He, therefore, cautioned against indiscriminate bush burning, particularly in communities.

He equally advised handlers of petroleum products to discharge the product only when the temperature is cool.

The FEMA boss emphasised the need for residents to always switch off electrical appliances when not in use.

He further advised residents to equip their houses, cars, and business premises with basic firefighting equipment, particularly fire extinguishers.

Sabo pointed out that the reduced visibility due to dust and haze can impact road and air travel.

He, therefore, appealed to drivers and pilots to exercise caution and heed to flight advisories throughout the harmattan season.

He called on residents to always use the 112 emergency toll free number in the event of an emergency. (NAN)

Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi

By Philip Yatai

The Abuja Market Management Limited (AMML), says the alleged contempt proceedings against the Minister of the FCT, Mr Nyesom Wike at the National Industrial Court does not exist.

AMML Secretary and Legal Adviser, Mr Onya Ojiji, made the clarification in a statement in Abuja on Monday.

“Our attention has been drawn to stories making the rounds in the media that the National Industrial Court has commenced contempt proceedings against the FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike and others.

“The contempt is over alleged disobedience of a court order in respect of a matter surrounding the headship of Abuja Markets Management Limited.

“We have been duly informed by our legal counsel and we would like to state categorically that there is no such contempt proceeding against the FCT Minister or any staff of the Abuja Investments Company Ltd (AICL) and AMML at the National Industrial Court,” he said.

Ojiji explained that the suit referred to in the publication has been reassigned to another judge and would commence afresh.

“This means that there is no order being disobeyed and nobody is in contempt to warrant contempt proceedings,” he added.

He, therefore, urged the public to disregard the information, stressing that the said disobedience to court orders does not exist since the suit would commence afresh.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Wike had on Sept. 27, relieved heads of 21 parastatals, agencies, and government companies of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) of their appointments.

The contempt charge was filed by Alhaji Faruk Abubakar, who was affirmed by the court as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of AMML.

The contempt proceeding was against the allegation that the minister and others are acting in disobedience to the orders of the industrial court made on July 20.

The orders restrained them from giving effect to the purported letter of termination of the employment of Abubakar as the AMML’s MD.

The suit also joined FCTA, AMML and AICL as 2nd to 4th defendants respectively, including the former acting MD of AMML, Mr Yakubu Abbas. (NAN)

Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi

By Salisu Sani-Idris

Vice President Kashim Shettima has expressed deep sadness over the passing of Alhaji Usman Baba-Patigi, a Nollywood actor, fondly known as Samanja.

Shettima stated this via his verified Facebook page, on Sunday.

The vice president said, ” I am deeply saddened by the passing of Alhaji Usman Baba-Patigi, fondly known as Samanja.

” His presence on TV and radio brought joy and laughter to various generations of Nigerians.

” Through humour and sincerity, he explored our diversity and mirrored our society to remind us of our shared values and humanity.

” Like millions of other Nigerians, I am grateful for the enduring memory he created and the legacy he left behind after decades of contributions to arts and society. ”

Shettima described the deceased as a pan-Nigerian ambassador and a patriot extraordinaire.

He added ” May Allah repose his soul and grant his loved ones the strength to bear this loss. Ameen.”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Samanja died aged 81.

This was revealed by a theatre consultant, Husseini Shaibu, on Sunday via his Facebook page.

The cause of his death is yet unknown.

Shaibu said, “I have been reliably informed that light has dimmed on the veteran actor, Usman Baba-Pategi, popularly known as Samanja Mazan Fama.

“The actor who rode to national prominence in the 80’s playing Samanja in the defunct NTA drama series (about life of Soldiers in the barracks), titled ‘Samanja’, reportedly passed on around 12 midnight on Sunday.

“The last time I saw Samanja was in Lagos in 2019, when he was awarded the Fellowship of Theatre Arts (fta) by the Israel Eboh led National Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners.

“Journey Well Sir…. Good Night Samanja!,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani