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Sports minister promises to tackle youth related issues for development

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The Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Sunday Dare has reiterated resolve of his ministry to address youth-related issues with the aim of placing them on the path of career development, entrepreneurship, skill acquisition and direct employment through various initiatives.
A statement by the director of press and Public Relations Mohammed Manga said the Minister gave the assurance on Tuesday in Abuja when he declared open the 2022 Africa/National Youth Day Celebrations with the theme “Breaking Barriers to Meaningful Participation and Inclusion in Advocacy”.

Dare indicated that the Ministry has designed and implemented the Mentoring and life enhancement programmes for vulnerable youth and Youth with Disabilities(YWDs ) in different Geo-Political Zones of the Country.
This he said is part of the efforts of the ministry to ensure inclusiveness at all levels, and in line with the National Youth Policy,
This he added, is aimed at empowering them to cater for themselves and families.
“Our DEEL Initiative which focuses on Digital Literacy and Skills Acquisition, Entrepreneurship, Employability and Leadership have continued to provide opportunities for our youth in training, digital skills, entrepreneurship, soft skills, internships and access to credit and finance among others.
“The DEEL programme has helped to fill the knowledge and skills gap in the Nigerian youth in the past three (3) years”*

He stated further that the Nigeria Online Youth Assembly (NOYA) was another initiative of the present administration, that is geared towards improving livelihoods and promoting the wellbeing and total inclusion of Nigerian youth with opportunities in both government and private sectors.

Since inception, he disclosed that the programme has engaged hundreds of thousands of youth, thereby reinventing their future using knowledge and creativity to escape poverty, unemployment, immoral acts and other unhealthy plagues existing in our society

He explained that in the nascent days of our nationhood, the youth had stood out and showed the rest of Nigeria and indeed Africa that, with a little push and the right environment, they can aspire to reach their full potentials.

“A case in point is the aspiration and subsequent election of Amb. John Niyi, representing Nigerian Youth for the position of Vice President, West Africa under the Pan African Youth Union. The likes of Tobi Amusan, the Nigerian sprinter who recently set a new world record in the Women’s 100 meters hurdles” he added

Mr Dare who congratulated the Nigerian youth on this year’s celebration stated further that the occasion provides us with an ample opportunity to critically look into and address issues that have continued to hinder their pursuit for a secured role in decision making, especially on issues that directly affects them, and how to leverage on the experiences garnered from the older generations.

He noted that the Ministry has spearheaded the celebration of this important event since 2007 with series of activities aimed at enhancing the capacity of our youth to contribute to the socio-political and economic development of the country.

In his address, the Honourable Minister, Federal Capital Territory Administration, Mallam Muhammad Musa Bello, represented by Hajiya Hadiza Mohammed Kabir, assured that the administration will continue to provide an enabling environment for advancement of youth programmes with a view to empowering them.

Earlier in his opening remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Alhaji Ismaila Abubakar called on the Nigerian youth not to relent in giving out their modest contributions towards nation building.

He therefore called on participants to focus on the key objective of the year’s celebration, to ensure that the Day produces the action plan as well as sustainable strategies and milestone that would alleviate the incessant challenges of youth welfare and development.

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Strike: NASS Leadership, Labour Leaders, others in closed meeting to avert industrial action

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In last minute effort to prevent indefinite industrial action declared by Nigeria Labour Congress ( NLC) and affiliate bodies from tomorrow, Monday, June 3, 2024 , the leadership of the National Assembly led by the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Tajudeen Abbas, are currently in closed door meeting with the labour leaders and some Ministers at the Senate Wing of the National Assembly
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, Minister of Finance , Wale Edun, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris Malagi and some other Ministers are also at the Emergency meeting.
Labour welcomes negotiations for “survival wage “NOT “starvation wage” for workers. Akpabio cautions Labour to be mindful of possible “collateral damage” that might lead to massive job loss
Thesewere just before they went into a closed door meeting.
The National Assembly had had earlier indicated that it would engage the organized labour as part of moves to avert the industrial action due to commence on Monday.
It said its decision of to intervene followed the deadlock between the federal government and the Labour Unions in agreeing on a new national minimum wage and reversal of the recent hike in electricity tariffs. The National Assembly stressed that both parties have tenable reasons for their respective positions.
A statement issued Sunday and jointly signed by the spokesperson of the Senate, Senator Yemi Adaramodu and the spokesperson of the House, Akin Rotimi revealed that the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, are taking proactive steps to mediate and avert the impending industrial action.
The legislative arm was of the opinion that the strike action would have severe repercussions on the populace and economy

It said: “The National Assembly acknowledges the announcement by Organised Labour, including the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC), to commence an indefinite strike action from Monday, June 3, 2024, nationwide.

“In view of this, the National Assembly Leadership and the Chairmen of the Senate and House Committees on Labour, Employment and Productivity respectively, Senator Diket Plang, and Rep. Adegboyega Adefarati, are looking to engage both parties in constructive dialogue and explore a variety of solutions in addressing the issues at hand.”

It added that the 10th National Assembly was committed to ensuring that the interests of all parties are fairly represented.

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Strike is not in the interest of Nigerians, Labour Minister cautions organised labour

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The Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Barr. Nkeiruka Onyejoecha, has caution the organised insisting that embarking on a nationwide strike is not in the best interest of the country and its people.
In a statement by her Special Adviser (Media) Emameh Gabriel the minister
Minister advised the workers unions to have a rethink as declaring a strike in the middle of ongoing negotiations would not only compound the economic woes but also exacerbate the suffering of millions of Nigerians who are already struggling to eke out a living from their daily endeavors.
Explaining further the Minister noted that the “government has consistently demonstrated commitment and goodwill throughout the negotiations with organised labour.
She pointed out that the government’s proposals were carefully crafted, taking into account the country’s economic realities and incorporating innovative solutions.

“These proposals include a comprehensive package featuring a wage increase to N60,000 for federal workers, the introduction of CNG-fueled buses, and enhanced financial access for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). “Additionally, the government has pledged investments in strategic sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, education, healthcare and many others that are already in the pipeline.
She however cautioned that any new minimum wage must not lead to widespread job losses, particularly in the Organised Private Sector, which employs the bulk of the nation’s workforce

“This sector is crucial to the country’s economic growth and stability. The government’s stance is rooted in a deep understanding of the negotiations, demonstrating its dedication to finding a balance between the needs of workers and the economic realities of the country.
“The goal is to establish a minimum wage that is not only realistic but also sustainable, avoiding any potentially detrimental consequences for the economy.

“By adopting this approach, the government aims to safeguard the interests of both workers and employers, ensuring that any agreement reached is mutually beneficial and does not jeopardise the country’s economic progress.
“This balanced stance is crucial for maintaining harmony in the workforce and driving national growth”, she explained.

The Minister expressed disappointment that in a surprising turn of events, organised labour abruptly exited the negotiations yesterday, despite the government’s flexibility in rescheduling the meeting from Monday to Friday, May 31st, to accelerate the talks.
“Labour unions remained adamant in their demand for a staggering 1,547% wage increase, after the government’s proposed 100% increase, accompanied by various incentives for workers.

“It is widely acknowledged that the labour unions’ demands are unrealistic, given the country’s current economic position. The government takes into account the nation’s fiscal constraints and the need for sustainable economic growth. In contrast, labour’s demands seem disconnected from the economic realities, potentially jeopardising the very gains they seek to achieve”.

“The government’s willingness to engage in dialogue and its demonstrated flexibility in the negotiations underscore its commitment to finding a mutually beneficial solution. However, labour’s inflexibility and unrealistic expectations may hinder the progress made thus far, ultimately harming the workers they represent and the nation as a whole, the minister added.

She however, urged the unions to reconsider their decision and continue engaging in constructive dialogue to find a solution that benefits all, as strike will disproportionately harm the most vulnerable segments of our society. She concluded by asking
organised labour to continue to respect the principles of social dialogue, engaging in good-faith.

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Gov Yusuf Visits National Security Adviser, Ribadu

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Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State on Thursday met with the National Security Adviser Malam Nuhu Ribado at his Office in Abuja
The meeting which was ocasioned by the recent happenings in Kano following the dissolution of five emirates by the Kano State House of Assembly through the repeal of the state emirate law, the governor’s assent and the subsequent restoration of Emir Muhammad Sanusi II by the
Governor.
The Governor’s spokesperson Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, in a statement indicated that the two political leaders deliberated on various matters relating to state/national development and the peaceful coexistence of the nation during their discussions in Abuja.
Recall that the NSA had been accused of involvement in the Kano crisis for allowing a substantial military presence to protect the dethroned Emir Aminu Ado Bayero, a position the Office of the NSA debunked
The Kano State Deputy Governor, Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, had apologized to the NSA for his implication in the Kano crises, attributing the error to flawed intelligence.
Recognizing the respected professional background and integrity of the NSA throughout his time as an Officer and Anti-corruption campaigner, the state deemed it necessary to retract the allegation and offer a sincire apology.
In harmony with these events, the Governor’s meeting with the NSA coincided with Emir of Kano Muhammadu Sanusi II’s six-day stay at the Kano palace, where a significant majority of district heads and kingmakers already pledged their allegiance and loyalty to the newly consolidated Kano Emirate under the leadership of the 16th Emir.
The state assured that Kano has been characterized by peace and tranquillity, and thus urges all residents to continue their regular activities in compliance with the rule of law.
“It was a fruitful discussion between myself and the National Security Adviser, his role is critical for the harmonious existence of our nation, so I briefed him on the recent developments in Kano,” Governor Yusuf confirmed.

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