Connect with us

News

Olubadan, NLC: why we shunned Independence celebration

Published

on

Olubadan, NLC: why we shunned Independence celebration

The Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Saliu Adetunji, and the leadership of Oyo State branch of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) have given reasons for not attending yesterday’s celebration of the nation’s 57th Independence anniversary.

The event, which held at the Main Bowl of Lekan Salami Sports Complex at Adamasingba in Ibadan, the state capital, was attended by members of the State Executive Council (Exco), heads of ministerial and extra-ministerial boards, agencies and corporations.

Others were security chiefs, including, police commissioner, the General Officer Commanding the 2 Mechanised Division of the Nigerian Army, High Court judges and members of the House of Assembly.

Traditional rulers at the event included the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi; the Otun Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Lekan Balogun; the Balogun of Ibadan, Oba Owolabi Olakuleyin and the Ashipa Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Eddy Oyewole.

Oba Adetunji’s reserved seat was unoccupied throughout the period of the programme.

Unlike in past years, NLC members were absent at yesterday’s ceremonial march past.

The Olubadan said he would not have attended an event to which he was not invited.

The monarch’s media aide, Mr. Adeola Oloko, said though he was not at the palace yesterday, but he was not aware of any invitation as at 11 a.m on Saturday he left the place.

ALSO READ  APC destroying traditional institution in Ibadanland – Accord party alleges

Oloko said if the palace did not get the government’s invitation to attend a programme that would hold less than 24 hours later, why would anyone expect the monarch to honour it?

But when told that a source had hinted that the monarch’s invitation was delivered at 11 a.m on Saturday, the aide said he was not aware of such invitation at the same time he left the palace.

He said: “I have not been to the palace today (Sunday) but I can tell you that at 11 a.m when I left the palace yesterday (Saturday), no invitation had been delivered to the palace from the state government.

“But when I get to the palace, I will find out if any invitation was delivered to the palace. But come to think of it, if no invitation had been delivered to the monarch as at 11 a.m (on Saturday), which was barely 24 hours to an event, then what are we talking about?”

NLC State Chairman Waheed Olojede said labour unions would not have attended the programme since the government did not invite the workers.

The union leader, who said he confirmed if the situation is the same with the sister arm, the Trade Union Congress (TUC), added that both groups found it unbelievable that the government could organise such an event without inviting the workers.

ALSO READ  Neymar now PSG’s Number 10, congratulated by Pele

According to him, the workers had no bad blood with the state government but had supported the administration all along, despite being owed months of salaries and emoluments.

He said the unions could have used the event to discuss with the government the workers’ outstanding salaries and emoluments since they had been supporting the government without complaints on the matter.

Olojede urged the government to have a rethink of how they treat the workers noting that the workers must be seen as the engine room of any system and backbone of any success they want to achieve.

The union leader warned that using labour as mere tools by those in government would no longer be tolerated by the leadership of the workers.

He said: “Labour sees no reason to attend the Independence Day anniversary since the government also saw no reason to invite us.

“We have been supporting the government, despite having salaries and emoluments outstanding with the government.

“I spoke with my counterpart in TUC and I discovered the situation was the same. The workers would have used the opportunity to intimate the government of our welfare and outstanding salaries but the government decided to shut us out.

“There is no bad blood between the workers and the government. As such, we are surprised that no invitation was extended to the workers.

ALSO READ  FULL TEXT: President Tinubu’s Independence Anniversary Speech

“However, on behalf of the leadership of the workers’ union, I congratulate the workers on the occasional of the Independence Day anniversary.

“We also call on government structures to begin to have a rethink of how they treat workers. We must be seen as engine room of every system and the backbone of any success they might want to achieve.

Advertisement
Comments

News

Nigeria Boosts Oil Reserves to 37.50 Billion Barrels

Published

on

By

 

Engr Gbenga Komolafe, Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), has disclosed that the nation’s oil and gas reserves have risen to 37.50 billion barrels as of January 1, 2024.

This marks an increase from the 37.046 billion barrels recorded in May 2022.

Komolafe emphasised the implementation of robust policies aimed at enhancing and optimising oil and gas operations across the country.

Notably, gas reserves stand at 102.59 trillion cubic feet (TCF), with non-associated gas reserves reaching 106.67 TCF, culminating in a total of 209.26 TCF of gas reserves.

Addressing concerns during a press conference held in Abuja on Monday regarding crude supply regulation and enforcement, Komolafe underscored the importance of prioritising feedstock supply to local refineries while addressing grievances from oil producers and the Dangote Refinery within specified timelines.

This announcement follows recent reports of a decline in Nigeria’s crude oil production during February and March 2024.

According to data from the April 2024 Monthly Oil Market Report of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), Nigeria’s crude oil production (excluding condensates) experienced its second consecutive monthly decrease, dropping to 1.231 million barrels per day in March from 1.322 million barrels per day in February.

ALSO READ  Neymar now PSG’s Number 10, congratulated by Pele

OPEC attributed this decline, amounting to a reduction of 91,000 barrels per day, to factors communicated directly from Nigeria.

Continue Reading

News

FERMA House C’ttee Chair, Oseni Consoles Sen. Buhari over mum’s death

Published

on

By

The Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA), Engr. Aderemi Oseni has commiserated with the senator representing Oyo North Senatorial District, Senator Abdulfatai Buhari over the loss of his mother, Alhaja Buhari.

The matriarch, who passed away on Monday, April 8, has left a void in the family that Oseni described as irreparable.

In a condolence message released on Wednesday by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, in Ibadan, and made available to newsmen, the lawmaker expressed his deep sympathy, praying for Alhaja Buhari to find eternal rest in the arms of God.

Oseni, who also represents Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency, urged Senator Buhari and his family to find solace in the legacy of achievements left behind by their late matriarch.

He emphasised the importance of cherishing the memories of her life and the successes attained by her children.

The statement read, “Distinguished Senator Buhari, I was deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Mama, Alhaja Buhari. Please accept my heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathy during this difficult time.

“Alhaja was a pillar of strength and a source of love and guidance for your family and community. Her legacy of kindness, wisdom, and resilience will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

ALSO READ  Oyo SPN calls on Makinde to meet LAUTECH doctors' demands, avert strike

“May you and your family find comfort and solace in the cherished memories you shared with her, and may the love and support of friends and well-wishers provide you with strength and courage in the days ahead.

“Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family as you navigate through this time of grief”, Oseni continued.

Continue Reading

News

Rep Oseni Urges Nigerians on Nation-Building Amid Eid-el-Fitr Celebrations

Published

on

By

As Muslims globally observe Eid-el-Fitr, signifying the conclusion of the Ramadan fast, the lawmaker representing Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency of Oyo State and Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA), Engr. Aderemi Oseni has called upon Nigerians to prioritise nation-building efforts during this festive period.

Oseni, in a statement on Tuesday by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, emphasised the importance of collective action and unity in advancing the nation’s development agenda.

He highlighted the significance of Eid-el-Fitr as a time for reflection, gratitude, and community solidarity.

“As we celebrate Eid-el-Fitr, let us not forget the critical task of nation-building that lies before us. Nigeria’s progress depends on our ability to work together, transcend divisions, and build a cohesive society,” the lawmaker stated.

The APC chieftain urged Nigerians to set aside differences and focus on common goals that promote peace, unity, and socio-economic prosperity.

Emphasising the need for inclusivity, Oseni encouraged citizens to actively participate in initiatives aimed at fostering national cohesion and development.

Continue Reading
Advertisement

Tweets by ‎@megaiconmagg

Subscribe to our Newsletter

* indicates required

MegaIcon Magazine Facebook Page

Advertisement

MEGAICON TV

Trending