By Raphael Atuu, Abuja

Labour leaders and stakeholders across Nigeria have called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to deepen collaboration with organized labour unions to accelerate national development and economic stability.

The call was made by the National President of the Amalgamated Union of Road Mechanics and Technicians of Nigeria (AURMTON), Dr.

Dr. Suleiman stressed that organized labour remains a critical pillar in nation building, noting that no country can achieve meaningful progress without the active contribution of its workforce.

“We are partners in progress. The labour sector is unique because it brings together both public and private workers under one umbrella, united by a shared vision for national growth,” he said.

He urged the federal government to prioritize policies that support workers’ welfare, including fair wages, improved working conditions, and sustainable employment opportunities.

According to him, strengthening ties between government and labour unions would not only improve productivity but also enhance national revenue generation and economic resilience.

Dr. Suleiman also highlighted the role of labour unions in maintaining industrial harmony, noting that effective engagement with workers helps prevent strikes and disruptions in key sectors.

The union leader appealed to federal and state governments, as well as private sector employers, to create a more enabling environment for workers.

He pointed out that rising inflation and economic challenges have placed significant pressure on Nigerian workers, making it necessary for authorities to introduce policies that cushion the impact.

“Workers need to be motivated through improved welfare packages and policies that reflect current economic realities,” he added.

Also speaking, the Chairman of AURMTON, Abuja Chapter, Chief Michael Ndubuisi, congratulated Nigerian workers for their resilience and dedication to national development.
“This is our day both public and private sector workers. Our contributions to nation building cannot be measured,” he said.

Chief Ndubuisi described Workers’ Day as a moment of reflection and recognition of the sacrifices made by workers across various sectors of the economy.

He emphasized that the growing unity within the labour movement presents an opportunity for stronger engagement with the government.

According to him, a united labour front would be better positioned to advocate policies that benefit workers and promote national development.

“The loyalty of workers is to the country. As the father of the nation, we appeal to the President to partner with both private and public workers through policies that will improve output and increase revenue,” he stated.

By David Torough, Abuja

Joy, elegance and heartfelt celebration filled the air as Mark Akwaya, son of DAILY ASSET Newspaper publisher, Dr. Cletus Akwaya, solemnized his union in a memorable wedding ceremony.

On a radiant Saturday in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, Mark exchanged vows with his beloved, Charity, at the Catholic Youth Centre, sealing their love in the sacred covenant of marriage before family, friends, and well-wishers.

Officiating the ceremony, Rev. Fr. Joseph Awuhe described marriage as a divine institution ordained by God.

In his homily, he urged the couple to build their home on selflessness, faithfulness, and mutual respect.

He encouraged them to remain steadfast in companionship and to uphold the sanctity of their vows.

“Let love, patience, compassion, and forgiveness be the pillars of your union,” he admonished, noting that these virtues are essential for a lasting and fulfilling marriage.

The celebration continued in grand style at the reception, where dignitaries and guests gathered to honor the newlyweds.

Former Benue State Governor, Dr. Gabriel Suswan, who chaired the occasion, advised the couple to remain focused and committed, urging them to resist distractions that could threaten their union.

Also speaking, the Chairlady of the occasion and former Benue State Commissioner for Education, Prof. Elizabeth Ugoh, emphasized the importance of effective communication, respect for family ties and a prayerful life.

She encouraged the couple to allow God to guide their journey together.

Father of the groom, Dr. Cletus Akwaya, who was visibly excited said he was fulfilled and appreciated all those who contributed in making the event a success.

Radiating happiness, the couple shared that their bond was built on kindness, love, patience, and a shared reverence for God—qualities they believe will sustain their marriage for years to come.
The event was a beautiful blend of solemnity and celebration, leaving lasting memories in the hearts of all who attended.

By Julius Tambaya, Abuja

As the race for the 2027 Kaduna State governorship heats up, a prominent female supporter has thrown her weight behind Hon. Usman Shehu Bawa Garba, popularly known as Shehu ABG, describing him as a “silent achiever” whose tangible footprints in education, ICT, water, and youth empowerment speak louder than words.

In a passionately worded opinion piece, Hajia Gimbiya Abdu, a staunch ABG loyalist, presented a compelling case for the governorship aspirant, arguing that his proven track record of service, humility, and inclusive philanthropy positions him as the ideal candidate to restore peace, prosperity, and dignity to Kaduna State.

Hon. Usman Shehu Bawa Garba
Born in April 1973 in Kaduna into the family of the pioneering businessman Alhaji Bawa Garba, who introduced satellite and cable television to Northern Nigeria and established the Kaduna International Trade Fair, Shehu ABG grew up with a deep appreciation for enterprise and community access.

As the fifth of 13 children, he developed early the quiet, people-centred leadership that has defined his public life.

Hajia Abdu emphasised that humility has remained his consistent hallmark, making him unassuming yet deeply approachable as he quietly seeks ways to create lasting positive change in the lives of ordinary citizens, regardless of ethnicity or religion.

“Even as a student, Usman Bawa Garba was known as a man of the people, well-liked by peers and teachers alike, already exhibiting the quiet, grounded leadership that would define his politics,” she wrote.

“Humility remains his hallmark. Unassuming and approachable, he consistently seeks ways to make lasting impact in people’s lives.”

Hajia Abdu traced Shehu ABG’s political journey from his early days in the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) through his successful election under the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) in 2011, where he represented Kaduna North Federal Constituency in the National Assembly.

Serving as Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Communications and sometimes acting as Chairman, he left an indelible mark through numerous people-focused projects in education, ICT, health, water, and infrastructure.

During his time in the National Assembly (2011–2015), he delivered several people-oriented projects, particularly in education, ICT, health, and water infrastructure.

He established and equipped solar-powered ICT centres at institutions including Kaduna State University, GSS Doka Boys, and Sardauna Memorial College.

He also donated over 400 computers to numerous secondary schools across Kaduna North, including Kaduna Capital School, GSS Ungwan Sarki, GSS Independence Way, Nuruddeen Islam School Malali, and Rimi College, significantly boosting digital literacy.

Many of the beneficiaries of these interventions have since acquired digital skills, secured employment, ventured into freelancing, or established small tech businesses, with several ICT centres still operational today.

Beyond ICT, Hon. Shehu ABG renovated classrooms in schools such as Abdullahi Gwandu College and Kaduna Capital School.

Through the Shehu ABG Foundation, he has consistently sponsored SSCE examinations, awarded scholarships to indigent students, and provided free ICT training.

In 2025 alone, the Foundation offered CBT training to 5,000 JAMB/UTME candidates and paid examination fees for between 1,500 and 3,000 applicants, with many gaining admission into tertiary institutions.

The Foundation also awarded scholarships in health-related fields to 100 youths across all 23 Local Government Areas of the state.

Hajia Abdu further highlighted Shehu ABG’s commitment to basic infrastructure, noting how he delivered boreholes across the 12 wards of Kaduna North and installed a massive 40,000-litre water facility at Kawo Motor Park to serve travellers and motorists heading across Northern Nigeria.

In the health sector, he constructed and upgraded primary healthcare centres, including the facility at Ungwan Shanu, bringing quality medical services closer to the grassroots.

Even after leaving the National Assembly, Hon. Shehu ABG has sustained a steady stream of interventions across Kaduna State.

Through his Foundation, he has distributed over 10,000 bags of staple food and grains during Ramadan to widows, the elderly, persons with disabilities, and vulnerable households, alongside cash support exceeding ₦250 million.

Christian communities have equally benefited from Easter and Christmas gifts and educational support, underscoring his non-discriminatory approach to humanitarian service.

He has also extended education support and relief materials to thousands of beneficiaries across the eight Local Government Areas of Southern Kaduna between 2023 and 2025.

Privately, he has empowered citizens with over 61 cars, numerous motorcycles, grinding and sewing machines, irrigation pumps, and direct cash support.

Many young people have secured employment through his intervention in federal agencies including NIPOST, Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital Kaduna, Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force, Immigration Service, and NSCDC.

His ABG Computer School and skills acquisition programmes have enabled beneficiaries to venture into fish farming, poultry, and ICT businesses, creating further employment opportunities.

Now eyeing the Kaduna State governorship under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Hon. Usman Shehu Bawa Garba is presenting a four-pillar agenda centred on Security, Inclusive Development, Food Security and Grassroots Governance.

He plans to tackle the state’s security challenges through community-based security architecture supported by ward-level intelligence, technology-driven surveillance and massive youth employment programmes to address root causes.

His administration, if elected, would prioritise quality healthcare and education, sustain scholarship schemes, promote digital skills, and implement targeted empowerment for youth, women, and persons with disabilities.

To combat rising food costs and ensure food security, he intends to support irrigation schemes, farmer cooperatives, agro-processing investments, mini-grids, and ICT hubs for job creation.

He has also pledged full support for local government autonomy, ensuring direct funding with transparency, while giving traditional rulers clearly defined roles in security and governance.

Hajia Abdu concluded that what distinguishes Hon. Shehu ABG is his broad grassroots acceptance across all zones of Kaduna State, his consistent youth-focused interventions, and his unifying leadership style that transcends religious and ethnic lines.

She summarised his character with the acronym S.H.E.H.U. — Service, Humility, Empathy, Honesty, and Unity.

“His footprint is visible in every sector, in every life that he has encountered,” she wrote. “This is a man who has dedicated his life to humanity with devotion and sacrifice. He deserves to be at the helm of Kaduna State affairs.”