NEWS
Bago Gives Condition for Minimum Wage Payment
Gov. Umaru Bago of Niger says his administration will not hesitate to implement the N70,000 minimum wage as far as resources were available. He said this in an interview with newsmen after declaring open the 2024 quadrennial state delegate conference of the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN) in Minna on Wednesday.
Bago, represented by his deputy, Mr Yakubu Garba, said that the state government was waiting for its implementation at the national level. “The issue of minimum wage is a done deal, we are waiting for it as far as funds are available, we will not hesitate to ensure the implementation in the state,” he said. He disclosed that back-log of salaries of health workers had been paid as well as the ongoing renovation of 100 healthcare facilities for conducive working environment. He said that government had been consistent in the payment of counterpart funds, adding that the state Ministry for Primary Healthcare Development was created to cater for welfare of health workers. Bago thanked the union leaders for the mutual relationship with the state government and appealed to them to look inward and continue to collaborate with the government. According to him, workers have the right to agitate for their entitlements but they should also consider what the government is doing to ensure their welfare. The governor advised the incoming executives of MHWUN to put aside their personal interest and prioritise members interest. In his address, Abdullahi Erena, the state Chairman of MHWUN, said the conference was to elect new leadership that would pilot the affairs of the union for the next four year. He said the union had faced challenges such as global pandemic, economic uncertainties, healthcare demands and banditry, but had reminded committed to provision of healthcare services. In his remarks, Dr Kabir Sani, National President of MHWUN, called on Nigerians to condemn the recent increment in fuel pump price and called on government to revert it. He said the union was committed to supporting any lawful action by the organised labour to save workers and Nigerians from the economic challenges. Also, Malam Idris Lafene, Niger Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), called for unity among unions and condemned the recent increase in fuel pump price and electricity tariff.(NAN)NEWS
Shettima to Lead Nigeria’s Delegation to UNGA
President Bola Tinubu will not attend the 79th United Nations General Assembly session in New York this year.The President has thus directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to lead Nigeria’s delegation, Mr Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser, Information and Strategy, said in a statement on Thursday.“President Tinubu, who returned to the country last Sunday after his trip to China and the UK, wants to focus on domestic issues and address some of the country’s challenges, especially after the recent devastating flooding.
“At UNGA 79, Vice President Shettima will deliver Nigeria’s national statement to the General Assembly, attend important sideline events, and hold bilateral meetings,” said the statement.The high-level General Debate, with the theme, “Leaving no one behind: Acting together for the advancement of peace, sustainable development and human dignity for present and future generations,”will run from Sept. 24, to Sept. 28. (NAN)NEWS
NECO Releases 2024 SSCE Results
The National Examinations Council, (NECO) has released the June/July 2024 Senior School Certificate Examination results (SSCE), with 60.55 per cent of candidates securing five credits and above in English Language and Mathematics.
The Registrar of NECO, Prof. Dantani Wushishi, disclosed this while addressing newsmen at the NECO headquarters on Thursday in Minna, Niger.
Wushishi said that a total of 1,376,423 candidates, representing 706,950 males and 669,473 females, registered for the exam.
The registrar said that 1,367,736 candidates sat for the examination, representing 702,112 Males and 665,624 females.
He said that 828, 284 candidates had five credits and above, including English and Mathematics, representing 60.
55 per cent.Wushishi said that the number of candidates with five credits and above, irrespective of English and Mathematics, were 1,147,597, representing 83.90 per cent.
He said that there was a great reduction in the number of examination malpractices this year compared to 2023.
“The number of candidates involved in various forms of malpractice in 2024 is 8,437 as against 12,030 in 2023, which shows a reduction of 30. 1 per cent,” he said.
The registrar, however, said that 40 schools were found to be involved in mass cheating during the examination.
” During the conduct of the 2024 Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE), 40 schools were found to have been involved in whole school (mass) cheating in 17 states.
” They will be invited to the Council for discussion, after which appropriate sanctions will be applied.
“A school in Ekiti was recommended for de-recognition for mass cheating in two core subjects and 01 Science subject.
” Similarly, 21 Supervisors were recommended for blacklisting due to poor supervision, aiding and abetting, abscondment, extortion, drunkenness and negligence in 12 states,”said.
He urged candidates that sat for the examination to visit NECO website to access their results.
Wushishi said candidates can access their results on NECO website: www.neco.gov.ng using their examination registration number,” he said.(NAN)
NEWS
NDDC Unveils Initiative to Enhance food Security in N’ Delta Programmes
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) says it is committed to advancing projects and programmes that enhance food security and sustainable growth in the region.Chief Monday Igbuya, the Delta representative on the NDDC Board, made this pledge in a statement issued on Thursday in Port Harcourt by the NDDC’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Mrs Seledi Thompson-Wakama.
Igbuya spoke at the inauguration of a training and empowerment programme for women and youths in livestock and agro processing in Amukpe, Sapele area of Delta. He stated that the NDDC was prioritising livestock training in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.“NDDC is focussed on implementing programmes to ensure food security and agricultural growth in multi sectors, aiming to improve living standards.“It is our belief that for socio-economic development to take place, there is need to develop manpower in the agricultural sector,” he said.Igbuya expressed confidence that training farmers would enhance livestock production, create jobs, and alleviate poverty in the Niger Delta.Mrs Winifred Madume, NDDC Director of Agriculture and Fisheries, said that training farmers and entrepreneurs was essential for improving productivity and market access.“The commission has been promoting research and development through various institutions and providing farming techniques to beneficiaries,” she said.The Project Consultant, Dr Simon Akhaine, said that 200 women and youths had registered for the livestock and agro-business skill acquisition programme.According to him, the programme aims to equip them with the essential knowledge and skills for self-sufficiency in livestock farming, thereby boosting regional food security. (NAN)