Federal lawmaker representing Akinyele/Lagelu federal constituency, in Oyo State, Hon. Olafisoye Akinmoyede Wasiu, made a significant impact on Tuesday as he distributed rice and cash to over 2000 individuals in his constituency as part of his empowerment programme.

According to Olafisoye, popularly known as Lafi, the gesture aims to alleviate hunger, improve economic livelihoods, and address the challenges of starvation within his constituency.

The 3-in-1 empowerment programme, hosted at the Faith Joe Civic Center along Akobo Oju Irin, Alegongo, Ibadan, saw 1,700 people receive a bag of rice each, while 300 small-scale traders were granted #100,000 each to bolster their businesses.

Also, 200,000 notebooks were distributed to students in primary and secondary schools across all wards in the Akinyele/Lagelu federal constituency.

The lawmaker emphasised that the rice distribution was conducted in collaboration with the federal government through the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, aiming to mitigate the impact of the fuel subsidy removal implemented by the government last year.

Assuring his constituents of his unwavering commitment to providing quality representation that positively transforms their lives, Hon. Olafisoye urged those who did not benefit from the programme to exercise patience, promising future opportunities for them to benefit.

In attendance was Barr. Issac Ajiboye Omodewu, representing the chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the State, who commended the lawmaker’s initiative, noting the substantial number of beneficiaries reached by the programme.

Expressing their gratitude, beneficiaries highlighted the rarity of such extensive empowerment programmes, particularly from a first-time lawmaker.

The event was graced by notable dignitaries including Sen. Yunus Akintunde, represented by Mr. Biodun Adeyemo, Alhaji Fatai Ibikunle, Hon. Yemi Aderibigbe, Hon. Kehinde Subair, Hon. Akin Alli, Hon. Afeez Bolaji Repete, Hon. Murphy Adigun, Hon. Bolaji Badmus, directors from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, royal fathers, and baales from Akinyele and Lagelu local governments, APC chairmen, representatives from the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and Islamic clerics, among others.

...workers worse hit by worsening economic situation

The Chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), University of Ibadan Chapter, Professor Ayoola Akinwole, has implored President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and state governors to make the welfare and working conditions of Nigerian workers a top priority.

Speaking on Tuesday, Professor Akinwole emphasised the dire impact of Nigeria’s socio-economic challenges, particularly exacerbated by the recent fuel subsidy removal backlash and ongoing fuel scarcity, on the working class and their families.

In a statement released to commemorate the 2024 May Day celebration, Akinwole underscored the invaluable contributions of Nigerian workers to the nation’s development, despite enduring undervaluation and inadequate compensation from both government and private sectors.

“Nigerians, particularly the working class, are celebrating 2024 Workers’ day experiencing fuel scarcity,” lamented Professor Akinwole.

“Workers who are poorly paid will still have to pay hiked transportation fare. The inflation in Nigeria is killing, and many are getting malnourished as the cost of food items have skyrocketed.”

He highlighted the disillusionment stemming from unfulfilled promises by federal and state governments to improve wages and working conditions, condemning the stark disparity between government officials’ wealth accumulation and workers’ impoverishment.

Expressing gratitude to Nigerian security forces for their service, Professor Akinwole urged President Tinubu to ensure special welfare provisions for families of those who have lost their lives defending the nation.

He emphasised that just as education is vital, the welfare of security agencies should be of utmost concern to the president.

Also, Professor Akinwole called upon the President to finalise agreements with ASUU and enhance working conditions for intellectuals in Nigeria, warning of a brain drain if lecturers continue to face inadequate compensation and poor working environments.

“If this trend persists, Nigeria will lose the talent needed to develop the education sector, while those lacking skills will secure employment with little to contribute,” cautioned Akinwole.

He urged the president to address this disparity and collaborate with ASUU to establish a living wage and improved conditions for public university lecturers, recognising them as essential patriots deserving of special consideration.

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has unveiled the results of the 2024 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), marking the culmination of a rigorous evaluation process for aspiring tertiary education students nationwide.

JAMB’s Registrar, Ishaq Oloyede, announced during a press conference held at the board’s headquarters in Bwari, situated on the outskirts of Abuja.

The examination, spanning 118 towns and boasting over 700 centers across the nation, witnessed a remarkable participation of over 1.94 million candidates.

Commencing on Friday the 19th of April and concluding on Monday the 29th of April, the UTME saw 80,810 candidates absent out of the 1,989,668 registered.

A total of 1,904,189 candidates actively engaged in the six-day examination.

Oloyede disclosed, “Out of the 1,842,464 released results, a modest 0.4% attained scores exceeding 300, while 24% achieved 50% (200/400) and above.” He further revealed that 1,402,490 candidates, constituting 76% of the total, obtained scores below 200.

In emphasising JAMB’s stance on recognising top performers, Oloyede reiterated the board’s decision not to publicise the identity of the highest-scoring candidate.

“The Board has consistently reiterated its position against disclosing the names of top-performing candidates, viewing the UTME primarily as a ranking examination considering other pivotal factors determining the minimum admissible score for tertiary institution admissions,” he affirmed.