News
Makinde directs payment of five months salaries of OYWMA workers within 24 Hours
Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, on Tuesday, directed the immediate payment of five months outstanding salaries of contract workers of the Oyo State Waste Management Authority (OYWMA) owed by the sacked contractor, West AfricaENRG, within 24 hours.
A statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, indicated that the Governor issued the directive while addressing the contract workers, who converged on the Governor’s Office.
Governor Makinde, who noted that the delay in the payment of their five months salaries was because the sacked contractor, West AfricaENRG, failed to pay them as and when due.
The Governor said the delay in the payment of the contract workers’ salaries was due to lack of straight forwardness and clarity in the records inherited by the administration, noting, however, that the case file had already been approved and that the State’s Accountant General (AG) has been ordered to commence payment with immediate effect.
He said: “I know that the Commissioner for Environment has addressed you earlier this morning but when I saw you on my way to the office, I asked about the development, because I thought your money had been paid. But I was told the file was on my table and I have approved it immediately.
“Because the records we met were not straightforward, you will come here and collect your money yourselves. Some officials have gone to meet with the Accountant-General now, if it is possible they will commence payment this afternoon (Tuesday afternoon) and if it is tomorrow morning, they will effect the payment.”
Governor Makinde stressed that the payment should be made directly to the workers who are entitled to the money.
He said: “The last time I addressed you was about a month ago and I told you that the money owed you by your previous employer, West AfricaENRG will be paid by the state government, because the state government was supposed to pay the contractor but I told them not to effect the payment until your own salaries are paid.
“When we are done paying your salaries, whatever is left will be given to the contractor, if it is what they have actually worked for.”
Former Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Adeolu Akande, has extended warm felicitations to Barrister Sarafadeen Ali, the Senator representing Oyo South Senatorial district, on the occasion of his 61st birthday.
In a statement released on Saturday in Ibadan, the Oyo state capital, on Saturday, Akande lauded the lawmaker, describing him as a luminary whose life has been marked by distinguished service to the nation.
“Today, I join the world in celebrating you on your special day, as you mark 61 years of God’s abundant love and glorious impact on humanity,” the former NCC gaffer expressed.
He added, “I wish you many more years of God’s grace in your life.”
The headquarters of Heritage Bank at Victoria Island, Lagos, was besieged on Thursday by members of the labour union, protesting the recent dismissal of 1,000 support workers.
The National President of the National Union of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institutions Employees, Comrade Anthony Abakpa, led the demonstration, condemning the bank’s management for what he deemed a lack of adherence to due process in the termination of employment contracts.
Speaking during the protest, Comrade Abakpa asserted that the leadership of Heritage Bank failed to follow established protocols before executing the mass layoffs.
He emphasised the union’s commitment to pursuing justice for the affected workers, vowing to escalate their demands until the bank’s management rectifies the situation.
“We will intensify our demands for justice,” declared Comrade Abakpa, urging the bank’s management to take corrective action to address the grievances of the dismissed workers.
The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Olayemi Cardoso, clarified that Nigeria is not utilising its foreign reserves to bolster the naira, despite recent fluctuations in reserve levels.
Speaking from Washington DC, where he is attending the International Monetary Fund-World Bank Spring Meetings, Cardoso highlighted the influx of $600 million into Nigeria’s reserves account within the past two days.
While the naira has experienced a notable appreciation against the dollar in recent weeks, climbing over 40% from approximately N1,900/$ to about N1,000/$1, Nigeria’s foreign reserves have been dwindling. As of April 15, reserves dropped to approximately $32.29 billion, marking the lowest level in over six years.
Cardoso emphasised that the shifts in reserves are typical for any country, where various financial obligations, such as debt repayments, necessitate withdrawals.
He stated, “What you’ve seen with respect to the shift in our reserves is normal in any country’s reserves where, for example, debts are due and certain payments need to be made. They are made because that is also part of keeping your credibility.”
Continuing, Cardoso underscored the dynamic nature of the market, advocating for a system driven by willing buyers, willing sellers, and price discovery.
He emphasised, “The shift in our reserves has really little or nothing to do with defending the naira, and that is certainly not our objective.”
-
Opinion4 days agoTinubu’s Naira Miracle: Abracadabra or Economic Wizardry? | By Adeniyi Olowofela
-
Politics4 days ago
Why Oyo State cannot afford another 3 years of Makinde’s mismanagement of council funds
-
Politics1 week ago
APC Urges Fairness in Oyo LG Election
-
Politics1 week ago
Ex-Kano governor, Ganduje to be arraigned for alleged bribery, diversion
