News
Oyo: Makinde restates commitment to N30,000 minimum wage payment
Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, said on Wednesday reaffirmed his commitment to pay N30,000 minimum wage to workers in the state, adding that no staff in the State’s workforce would earn below the national minimum wage.
He stated that once the Committee set up by his government to look into the modalities for the implementation of the wage completes its assignment, the Government will stand side by side with the workers to implement the decision.
The Governor noted that he was looking forward to a decision that would be agreeable to the civil servants as well as affordable and sustainable for the State government.
A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Makinde, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, indicated that the Governor made the declarations during the annual inter-religious service to usher in the 2020 working year, held at the Car Park of the Governor’s Office.
The Governor also urged every resident of the State to join hands, put political affiliation and tribal sentiments aside to keep making Oyo State greater.
At the service, which was attended by the Deputy Governor, Engr. Rauf Olaniyan; the Chief of Staff, Chief Oyebisi Ilaka; the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Olubamiwo Adeosun, political appointees and civil servants, the Head of Service, Mrs. Amidat Ololade Agboola, maintained that 2019 was filled with challenges but that God had counted those in attendance at the event worthy to see a New Year.
Agboola, who welcomed political office holders and workers to the service, maintained that it was in 2019 that God blessed Oyo State with a Governor like Makinde, whom she described as god-sent to the civil servants.
According to the Head of Service, the Governor has shown what leadership entailed: selflessness, even as she appreciated the Governor for demonstrating commitment to workers’ welfare and the repositioning of the civil/public service in the State.
She cited the payment of salaries as and when due since the administration took office, noting that the general public in the State had been sharing in happiness engendered by that act.
She also commended the Governor for giving the approval for the reinstatement of some officers in the civil/public service who were unjustly dismissed by the last administration; approval for Productivity/Merit Award to recognize the hard work of civil servants and the approval of N15 million for the renovation of offices in each of the ministries in the Secretariat Complex, among other areas.
She, therefore, charged civil servants to rise to the occasion by contributing their best quota towards developing the State, calling on them to give room for innovative ideas and a new way of doing things in the New Year.
In his speech, Governor Makinde maintained that though the administration was less than a year in office, it has causes to be thankful to God, because it has continued to enjoy tremendous goodwill, adding that it would not take the loyalty from the people for granted, as it will put in its best for the good of the people of the State in the New Year.
Governor Makinde, who gave thanks to God for some of the remarkable feats achieved by the Government in 2019, citing the increased funding to education, ongoing renovation and equipment of hospitals as well as the expansion of the State’s economy through investments in agriculture, small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) and infrastructure, among others, promised to continue on the path to growing and developing the State in the New Year.
He said: “As we gather here this morning for this inter-religious service to usher in a new working year, it is the best time for each one of us to reflect on our accomplishments last year and then plan how to become better versions of ourselves this year.
“Our elders say that as we travel through the forest, we must always shake the trees so that people who are watching can quickly tell the distance we have travelled. This administration has been here for less than a year but the expectations that the people have of us is enormous. But we should be thankful that we have been enjoying the tremendous goodwill from the people and we must never take their loyalty for granted. We must remain at the top of our game and put in our best for the benefit of the good people of Oyo State.
“When the Imam of the Government House was admonishing us, he emphasised that we must not do three major things; not to divulge secrets, not to give wrong information and we should not talk evil of ourselves, but people do all these three things.
“Someone even said that he was the governor of yesterday and I am the governor of today and that tomorrow’s governor will also come to rule. But I am surprised, because I doubt if that former Governor remembered he would one day leave office when he was on the governor’s seat.
“And in the sermon we just listened to, we have been implored to do all things with the fear of God. So, because I know that another governor will rule tomorrow, I will do things with the fear of God.”
Governor Makinde, who used the occasion to commiserate with all victims of fire incidents across the State, warned civil servants and residents of the State to work towards preventing fire disasters in their personal lives by setting smart goals and planning adequately in the New Year.
He further said: “In a way, we also want to prevent personal fires in our lives this year and the best way to do that is by setting smart goal. So, we need to plan. Let us all set goals that will be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound. And that is being SMART. We should plan now so that when we meet for the next inter-denominational service, we will be able to look back as we are looking back at 2019 now, and have a cause to be thankful.”
The Governor added: “Some people have said that all the things we have done in seven months are just cosmetic. Well, we are thankful for the progress in our education system. We have increased funding for the sector and we have been able to get some children off the street. We still have a lot more to do in this sector and we still believe that 2020 will be a good year for education in Oyo State.
“We are also thankful for the improvement in health care, as we have renovated and equipped some hospitals and started with the Health Insurance Scheme. It is my belief that civil servants and others will take the advantage of this scheme so that they do not have to pay out of pocket for health care.
“The Jericho Specialist Hospitals has been moved to a new location, which is bigger and spacious. And that is not cosmetic.
“We are thankful that the streets of Ibadan are now well lit up. We will extend the project to all major cities in the State this year. We are also taking steps to ensure the safety of lives and property for all living within the borders of Oyo State. Some palaces and markets have also been lit.
“We are also thankful for expanding the economy of Oyo State and it is our belief that we can use investment in agriculture, small and medium size enterprises and infrastructure to keep growing the economy. We will keep focusing on addressing the challenges that the SMEs in Oyo State face, especially multiple taxation.”
Addressing the issue of the N30,000 minimum wage, Governor Makinde assured the civil service in the State on his Government’s resolve to stand side by side with them to arrive at a point that would be agreeable to the workers as well as affordable and sustainable for the State, saying: “On the new minimum wage, the committee has been set up, they are working and moving towards alignment but I promise you that this administration and the workers of Oyo State are on the same page on this ongoing negotiation. And when it is concluded, I give you the assurance that we shall stand side-by-side to announce to the whole world what we have agreed. “Whatever we will agree upon is going to be in the interest of the workers and our state. First, our collective decision will be agreeable to everybody. Second, it will be affordable. Third, it will be sustainable.
“Before this administration came into place on May 29, they were paying percentages as subvention to the higher institutions. “Just a month before the previous administration left, they moved it to 100 per cent and we have been paying it since we came in. I know that they do have agreement in some states and will still breach the agreement. But, here, once we sign that agreement, we will pay it.
“We won’t pay in percentages and I want to also state categorically that no worker in Oyo State will earn below the national minimum wage.”
A Yoruba group, Yeye Dara Omoluabi Family, on Sunday urged Yoruba communities to heed the call by the Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr Adeola Ajayi, to embrace self-defence as insecurity worsens across Nigeria.
The President of the group, Yeye Victoria Omodara, made the call during a press conference held at the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre, Iyaganku, Ibadan. Her address, titled “Response to DSS Director’s Call for Self-Defence Amidst Rising Insecurity,” was delivered on her behalf by Comrade Omosebi Kolawole.
Omodara lauded Ajayi for acknowledging that Nigeria’s security agencies are currently overwhelmed by the scale of insecurity, urging Yoruba communities to reconnect with the spiritual heritage of their ancestors to defend their land.
The event was attended by leaders of various Yoruba groups from all six southwestern states, with Dr Tunde Hamzat representing renowned Yoruba leader, Professor Banji Akintoye.
In her speech, Yeye Omodara stressed the urgency for Yoruba communities to take proactive steps to protect their lives and property using “what we inherited from our forefathers.”
She said, “I urge all Yoruba people to heed this clarion call by organising community defence initiatives to reclaim our forests, farmlands, and neighbourhoods from marauding terrorists and kidnappers. The persistent attacks on farmers and rural communities have severely disrupted food production in Yorubaland, contributing to scarcity and economic hardship. It is imperative that we take ownership of our security to protect our people, lands, and livelihoods.”
The Yoruba leader decried the increasing spate of terrorism, banditry, armed robbery, kidnapping, and other violent crimes across Nigeria, noting that the DSS director’s call offers a practical solution to the lingering insecurity.
“I, Victoria Omodara, President of Yeye Dara Omoluabi Group, fully endorse the recent candid remarks by the Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr Adeola Ajayi, who acknowledged that Nigeria’s security agencies are currently overwhelmed by the scale and complexity of threats posed by terrorists, bandits, armed robbers, kidnappers, and other criminal elements,” she declared.
“His call for citizens to take proactive steps to defend themselves is a sober recognition of the harsh reality on the ground. Similarly, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, and elder statesman TY Danjuma have both emphasised that while the military and security forces are intensifying operations against insurgents and criminals, the challenges remain formidable. Citizens cannot solely rely on security agencies for their protection.”
Omodara revealed that the Yeye Dara International Farm is already mobilising its members to adopt self-defence strategies in alignment with the DSS director’s advice.
“We view this approach as a necessary complement to the efforts of security agencies. By fostering community vigilance and preparedness, we can create safer environments that allow agricultural and economic activities to thrive uninterrupted,” she added.
She lamented the complex and volatile security situation in Nigeria, noting the threats posed by multiple insurgent groups such as Boko Haram, ISWAP, and the emerging Lakurawa terror group.
“Banditry, kidnapping, and armed robbery have escalated, overwhelming police and military capacity in many areas. As TY Danjuma and security chiefs have noted, the fight against insecurity will require not only enhanced military operations but also active citizen participation and innovative community-based solutions,” she stated.
News
Food Security: Rep. Oseni Boosts Oyo Agriculture, Distributes 5,200 Bags of Fertiliser to Farmers
The Chairman, House Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) and member representing Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Engr. Aderemi Oseni has distributed 5,200 bags of fertiliser to farmers across his constituency.
The distribution, which took place on Tuesday, is part of Oseni’s agricultural empowerment initiative under the Soludero Movement. According to a statement by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, the initiative is designed to boost food production and combat the rising cost of food items in the country.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, which drew traditional rulers, party leaders, farmers, and constituents, the lawmaker described the gesture as a “landmark intervention” aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda.
“This is not merely a fertiliser distribution,” Oseni stated. “It is an empowerment programme designed to enhance productivity, boost food supply, and restore hope to thousands of households.”
He explained that the initiative aims to support farmers as the planting season begins while alleviating the burden posed by high agricultural input costs. The APC chieftain added that the intervention reflects his commitment to grassroots development and food security.
The Soludero Movement, launched shortly after he assumed office, has rolled out several empowerment programmes, including scholarships for over 1,000 students, interest-free loans for market women, and multi-million-naira grants for small business owners.
The lawmaker also unveiled plans to strengthen farmer support systems through the newly established Remi Oseni Soludero Cooperative Societies. The cooperatives, he said, are designed to support farmers, artisans, and entrepreneurs in the constituency.
“We are creating sustainable systems that will outlive political tenures and build enduring legacies,” he said, highlighting that the effort goes beyond fertiliser distribution to promoting long-term economic growth.
The Onido of Idoland, Oba Gbolagade Babalola (Gbadewolu I), who was present at the event, commended the lawmaker for the initiative. He urged beneficiaries to use the fertilisers on their farms and not to sell them.
Similarly, the Chairman of the Nigeria Cassava Association in Ido Local Government, Oladipo Nurudeen, speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, praised Oseni for his continued support. Oladipo further noted that fertiliser is a critical input for farming and that the intervention would go a long way in enhancing food security in the area.
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has announced the temporary closure of Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu to allow for essential runway maintenance works.
In a statement issued on Saturday, FAAN revealed that a sudden and significant rupture had appeared in the asphalt surface of a critical section of the runway, necessitating immediate intervention.
Emergency repairs will take place from 22 April to 6 May 2025, during which time the runway will be entirely closed to all landings and take‑offs.
“In compliance with Nigerian civil aviation regulations, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has, therefore, closed the runway during this period,” the authority said.
FAAN emphasised that this measure forms part of its ongoing commitment to passenger safety and the modernisation of airport facilities.
“All flights to this airport will be diverted to nearby airports,” FAAN added, appealing to airport users and stakeholders for their understanding and cooperation. The authority also apologised for the late and unexpected notice regarding the closure.
Reacting to the announcement, Air Peace confirmed on Saturday morning that it had suspended all flights scheduled to the airport.
In its own statement, the carrier attributed the suspension to the deteriorating condition of the runway infrastructure, which it said had repeatedly raised safety concerns.
“At Air Peace, we prioritise safety first over convenience,” the airline declared. “We believe that if flights are not operated into this aerodrome for the next few days, it will allow the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria the opportunity to perform the necessary repairs on the runway.”
Air Peace further explained that all affected services would instead operate from Asaba, Delta State.
“Please be informed that all flights scheduled into and out of Enugu will now be operated into and out of Asaba. We regret any inconvenience this change may have caused,” the statement concluded.
Ibom Air has likewise suspended its Enugu services for the duration of the maintenance. Its Customer Contact Centre will reach out to passengers already booked on affected flights, and those seeking alternatives may make enquiries at Lagos (LOS), Abuja (ABV), or Enugu (ENU) airport desks.
“The safety of our passengers remains our top priority, and we look forward to resuming full operations in Enugu once the runway maintenance is completed,” the airline said.
-
News6 days agoFood Security: Rep. Oseni Boosts Oyo Agriculture, Distributes 5,200 Bags of Fertiliser to Farmers
-
Metro1 week ago
Tragedy as Building Collapse Leaves Many Feared Dead in Lagos {Photos}
-
Education1 week ago
JAMB Reschedules 2025 UTME to 24th April, Opens Portal for Slip Printing
-
News1 week ago
Enugu Runway Shut for Emergency Repairs, Airlines Reroute Flights — FAAN
