The Abia Government says it has put measures in place to address the concerns raised by the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), to avert impending strike in the state.

The Commissioner for Information, Mr Okey Kanu, made this known on Tuesday during a press briefing on the outcome of the State Executive Council in Umuahia.

The NUT, had in a press statement signed by its leadership, directed its members to proceed with an indefinite strike on Thursday over its unmet demands by the government.

Daily Asset recalls that issues raised by the Union include non-implementation of the Teachers Salary Structure,  65 years retirement age and 40 elongation of service policy for teachers, among others.

The Commissioner said that a section of teachers had expressed dissatisfaction, particularly over salary differentials between primary school teachers and their counterparts in junior secondary schools.

He described the situation as being “blown out of proportion,” attributing the online agitation over the development to the opposition,who were seeking to politicise the issue.

Kanu said that the current administration consistently showed commitment to the welfare of Abia workers and pensioners.

 “Salaries are being paid regularly, and Abia remains one of the first states to implement the N70,000 minimum wage,” he said.

He said that the government deliberately designed policies to incentivise teachers who had left the classroom and moved to the ministry during the previous administration due to unpaid salaries.

“The government introduced compensation packages to encourage them to return to teaching,” Kanu noted.

He further said that the state had also increased the retirement age for teachers from 60 years to 65 years as part of broader reforms to revitalise the education sector.

“The accusations that the government is neglecting teachers’ welfare are unfounded.

“This is a problem-solving administration focused on policies that uplift our workers,” Kanu said.

He disclosed that the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education was already engaging with the leadership of the union to resolve any lingering issues.

Kanu reiterated government’s commitment to ensuring a stable, motivated, and well-supported teaching workforce across the state.(NAN)

The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, has stated that the Federal Government’s economic reforms will foster long-term resilience aimed at lifting millions of Nigerians out of poverty.

Edun said this during the ongoing International Monetary Fund (IMF)-World Bank 2025 Spring Meetings in Washington, D.

He also emphasised that the reforms would ensure equitable and sustainable development.

“Following the significant progress made in stabilising Nigeria’s economy over the past year, the government is now targeting rapid, inclusive growth with a clear focus on job creation,” Edun said.

He highlighted the importance of using the global platform to advocate for Nigeria’s renewed economic agenda, which focused on fiscal consolidation, expanding social protection, and unlocking private sector investment across key sectors.

Edun noted that the Spring Meetings provided a timely opportunity for strategic discussions and partnerships, which would help unlock the country’s growth potential.

He said the dialogues were expected to yield significant outcomes, shaping Nigeria’s economic trajectory and guiding future policy directions.(NAN)

From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja

The National President of Egume-Ome Descendants Union (EODU), Sunday Maji has called on his community to embrace the spirit of embarking on self-help projects capable of complementing the government’s efforts in the provision of democratic dividends to the people.

The president said that the call has become necessary as the government alone cannot provide the entire needed infrastructure that would uplift the living conditions of citizens.

He noted that Self-help projects is the surest means in which the people can    contribute their quota towards the development of Egume community

Maji made the call while unveiling the “This is Egume -Ome” Billboard, erected at Uraye hotel junction by the Ome Like Minds, Lokoja, as part of their contribution to develop the Egume community.

He pointed out that the zeal and determination by the group to move Egume community to enviable height would be encouraged by the national body of Egume -Ome Descendants’ union, (EODU) so as to motivate other sister Unions and Clubs in the area.

Maji expressed the readiness of the national body of Egume -Ome Descendants Union to partner with Ome Like Minds”, Lokoja in their determination to identify and woo development to the Egume community.

He therefore, enjoined other Clubs and Progressive unions under the Umbrella of the national body EODU to emulate ‘Ome Like Minds’ in their quest to make Egume great.

The president also called on sons and daughters of the Egume community to always identify with our cultural symbol “The Abahi Egbe Egume” being carried by many people as a sign of collective efforts to develop the area and improve on the existing peace and unity in the community.

Maji who expressed concern over the delay in the process and installation of Onu Egume, said the delay has affected the peaceful coexistence of the people in the community and appealed to Kogi state governor to announce the Onu Egume whose stool has been vacant for the past three years.

The President of Ome like Minds, Comrade AbdulKereem Musa said that the Billboard conveying the Abahi – Egbe Egume is to showcase the Egume rich cultural heritage.

The President who was represented by his Vice, Isah Enemona Adams declared that today’s presentation marks the beginning of their contribution towards the development of the Egume community.

He appealed to members of the Ome Like minds not to relent in pulling their resources together to support the national body of Egume-Ome Descendants Union in their bid to move the community forward.