The Plateau State government has approved the disengagement of some members of the State executive council and their replacements named immediately.

The affected council members, it was gathered are the Commissioners of the Ministries of Commerce and Industry, Sule Musa, Science and Technology, Obed Goselle, Youth and Sports Development, Noel Nkup, Budget and Economic Planning, Chrysantus Dawam and that of Tourism, Culture and Hospitality, Jamila Tukur.

The Governor it was also approved Sunday Alex from Bassa Local Government Area, Joyce Ramnap from Langtang South, Sylvanus Dongtoe from Shendam, Nicholas Baamlong from Qua’an Pam, and Cornelius Doeyok also from Qua’an Local Government Area to serve as Commissioners.

The former Commissioners were appreciated and wished the best in future endeavours.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ondo Chapter said it has resolved the disagreement over the party’s decision to withdraw from the recently conducted local government election in the state.

The state’s Director of Media and Publicity of PDP, Leye Igbabo made this known in a statement made available to newsmen on Wednesday in Akure.

PDP tendered its letter of withdrawal 48 hours to the Jan.

18 local government election.

They alleged the lack of trust in the ability of the Ondo State Independent Electoral Commission (ODIEC) to conduct a fair and free election.

 Igbabo explained that the Chairman of PDP in the state, Dr Bakitta Bello, had shed more light on reasons for pulling out of the electoral process.

He said that the chairman, who addressed chairmanship and councillorship candidates in the election, alleged that the election process lacked transparency, credibility and acceptability.

According to him, the chairman says that it will have been a great disservice and a mockery of democracy, if the party had allowed itself to be involved in such alleged clearly flawed elections.

 “The candidates have expressed their joy over soothing words spoken by the party leadership and as well expressed their continued solidarity and avowed commitment to the party.

 “The candidates had also tendered their unreserved apologies over the actions of some of them, who attempted to vent their anger on the state’s secretariat of the party in Akure.

 “A joint meeting of state Caretaker Committee members, Elders Committee and the candidates, resolved to advance the course of the party at all times and its smooth administration.

 “A motion for vote of confidence in the party leadership was moved by Ese-Odo Local Government Chairmanship candidate, Buna Doso.

“The motion was seconded by Fasaanu Lawrence, the Ward 2 Councilorship candidate from Akure South Local Government.

“With the joint meeting, the impasse over the withdrawal of PDP from the Ondo State local government elections, has been permanently laid to rest,” he said.

From Ene Asuquo, Calabar

In a bold step towards ensuring a secure and fulfilling post-retirement life for civil servants, Governor Bassey Otu of cross river state has unveiled the Retiree Entrepreneurship Development Initiative (REDI).

The program, launched in collaboration with the Cross River State Medium Micro-Enterprise Development Agency (MEDA) and other key partners, is tailored to equip retiring and recently retired civil servants with entrepreneurial skills and resources for economic independence.

The REDI initiative reflects Governor Otu’s commitment to addressing the challenges faced by retirees, offering them a platform to transition seamlessly into entrepreneurial ventures.

Speaking at the launch, the Director General of MEDA, Great Ogban, emphasized the transformative nature of the program, saying: “REDI is about empowering our senior citizens to embrace new opportunities and lead fulfilling lives after their years of service. By equipping them with entrepreneurial skills and resources, we aim to reduce post-retirement poverty and create a thriving ecosystem of self-reliant retirees.”

The program offers targeted training in leadership, capacity building, and skill acquisition, providing retirees with the tools to launch and manage their own businesses successfully. Open to civil servants within three years of retirement and those who retired within the past three years, REDI is poised to redefine retirement as a phase of renewed productivity and financial stability.

The Head of Service, Obol Innocent Eteng lauded Governor Otu’s vision, describing REDI as a direct reflection of his dedication to the welfare of Cross Riverians.

“REDI ensures our retirees transition into a dignified and prosperous retirement. This initiative embodies Governor Otu’s philosophy of putting people first and prioritizing their well-being,” Eteng remarked.

Otu’s administration has consistently championed the cause of civil servants, introducing a series of impactful measures, notable, the allocation of ₦10 billion to clear the backlog of gratuities owed to retirees; implementing long-overdue promotions for state and local government workers; increasing salaries to meet the national minimum wage standard, among others.

With the launch of REDI, these efforts are further solidified, highlighting the governor’s determination to honor the contributions of civil servants and ensure they enjoy the rewards of their labor.

The REDI launch event was graced by prominent government officials, including Elder Obeten Obeten Enang, Director of Administration (Head of Service Office); Martin Unoh, Director of Accounts (Head of Service Office); and Enwongo-Abasi Okon, General Manager of MEDA.

The initiative has received widespread commendation from stakeholders, who see it as a proactive solution to the challenges faced by retirees. By empowering retirees to become financially self-reliant, REDI is not just addressing immediate concerns but also contributing to the state’s broader economic growth.

Otu’s vision goes beyond the immediate; it is a roadmap to a future where civil servants, past and present, are celebrated and supported. The REDI program symbolizes his administration’s focus on creating opportunities, fostering dignity, and ensuring prosperity for all Cross Riverians.

With REDI now in motion, Cross River State is setting a new standard in public service welfare, proving that retirement is not an end, but a new beginning filled with possibilities.