Work - NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA

Ismail Abdulaziz
Jun, Fri, 2025

Bago tasks corps members on hard work, determination

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By Rita Iliya

Gov. Umaru Bago of Niger has urged members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to embrace hardwork and the willingness to succeed throughout their service year.

Bago gave the advice on Friday during the swearing-in ceremony of 2,100 corps members of the 2025 Batch ‘A’ Stream II, held at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Paiko Local Government Area.

The governor, who was represented by Dr Nuhu Ngaski, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, said the state government remained committed to creating an enabling environment for the success of the scheme.

“Embrace hard work, determination and a willingness to succeed against all odds, because these are the highlights of any worthwhile venture in life,” he said.

He noted that the Federal Government, in collaboration with the NYSC, recently launched the `Digital Literacy for All` campaign in Minna and encouraged corps members to take advantage of the initiative.

According to him, corps members must leverage opportunities in Information and Communication Technology (ICT), as developed economies are technology-driven.

“Whatever you do, however you do it, will count in your future. This is where you begin to learn leadership, discipline, timelines, and adherence to rules and regulations,” he said.

In her remarks, Mrs Martina Shuaibu-Ibrahim, the new NYSC Coordinator to Niger, assured the corps members of the scheme’s commitment to their welfare, health, security, and general well-being.

She encouraged them to actively participate in the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme, aimed at nurturing entrepreneurial skills.

Shuaibu-Ibrahim also pledged to build on the achievements of her predecessor, noting that the NYSC remains a continuous and unified national institution.

She, however, used the opportunity to extend the sympathy of the NYSC Director-General and management to the victims and families affected by the recent flood disaster in Mokwa Local Government Area.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the oath of allegiance was administered by the Chief Judge of Niger, Justice Halima Abdulmalik, who was represented by Justice Mariya Ismail.(NAN)

Edited by Okon Okon/Ismail Abdulaziz

German residents back weekly limit on working hours, survey suggests

Ismail Abdulaziz
May, Mon, 2025

Foreign

German residents back weekly limit on working hours, survey suggests

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German residents narrowly support shifting to a weekly limit on working hours, instead of a daily cap, according to a survey released on Monday.

The study, conducted by pollsters YouGov for dpa, found that 38 per cent of respondents would support the policy, while 20 per cent opposed it and 37 per cent are neutral.

The proposal, included in the new German government’s coalition agreement, would replace the existing daily cap of eight hours with a weekly limit, aiming to allow greater flexibility in scheduling working hours.

Under the proposed change, employees could work longer hours on fewer days – for example, four 10-hour days instead of five eight-hour days.

Among supporters of the policy, 82 per cent said the model offers more flexibility, such as enabling longer weekends.

About 44 per cent also see benefits for employers no longer bound by the eight-hour daily cap.

Critics fear reduced productivity and worker fatigue.

Two-thirds of opponents say productivity would drop after eight hours and 61 per cent worry extended shifts would strain employees.

When asked to choose between working four 10-hour days or five 8-hour days for the same pay, 37 per cent preferred the four-day week, while 28 per cent stuck with the current traditional model.

More than half of the opponents argued that they cannot stay productive beyond eight hours and around 40 per cent expressed concerns over having less time for family and hobbies.(dpa/NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

NAN MD promises improved working environment

Rabi'u Sani Ali
Dec, Sat, 2024

General News

NAN MD promises improved working environment

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By Rita Iliya

Malam Ali M Ali, Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), has promised to improve the working environment for the personnel of the agency. .

He spoke on Saturday when he visited the agency’s Minna Zonal office to assess its situation.

Ali was received by Alhaji Mohammed Bababusu, Zonal Manager in charge of Niger, Kogi and Nasarawa.

He commended the zonal manager and members of staff for their resilience and dedication to work.

Ali reiterated his commitment to providing a conducive environment that befit the agency’s mandate, adding that: “I have seen the condition of the NAN Minna office, this structure is not befitting to staff of the agency to work.

“People need the right environment to work, and here is not the right environment. It is a shame that the agency still has structures like this.

“We will send our Engineers from Abuja to the Minna office to give us a professional assessment of what can be done.

“The agency would not leave any of its offices behind in terms of development.”

NAN MD, Ali M Ali flanks by staff of Minna zonal office

Ali said that a recent tour of offices in the North-East had provided valuable insights into the requirements for improvement.

The managing director also extolled the leadership of the zonal manager, saying, ”as the son of the soil, you are leveraging on your contacts for the glory of the agency.”

He, however, cautioned against joining local politics, warning that defaulters would be sanctioned, adding that, “NAN is a professional media organisation respected globally, and efforts were being made to reposition it”.

While reitrating commitment to the welfare of staff, Ali announced plans to establish a multimedia unit in the Minna office, deploy more workforce, and open district offices in Bida, Suleja, Kontagora and New Bussa.

He urged the staff to keep up the good work by focusing more on exclusive stories.

NAN MD, Ali M Ali inspects Minna zonal office

Earlier, Bababusu, thanked the managing director for the changes he has so far brought to the agency, particularly in the editorial department, adding that his achievements were visible across NAN offices.

“We have long wished for your visit to the NAN Minna office and I want to appeal for your regular visits to the zonal offices to address their challenges,” he said

Bababusu said that the Minna office required an overhaul, adding,” the current office space is not befitting.”

The zonal manager appealed for provisions to enable the zonal managers to periodically visit offices under their zones. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chidinma Agu/Bashir Rabe Mani