National
Nigeria on the path of codifying national values through NOA – Issa-Onilu

By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja.
DIRECTOR-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu has said that the Nigerian nation is on the path of codifying its values through the National Values Charter being midwived by the Agency.
Issa-Onilu who disclosed this during a “Town Hall Meeting with Stakeholders in Kogi State on Government Policies Programmes and Activities” on Thursday in Lokoja said this was part of the mandate given to the agency by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He said that the Values Charter was not anything new as all communities and ethnic nationalities hold strongly to their values but unfortunately, “the country has not put any value system in place.”
Onilu said values would only be appreciated when they are kept and made sacrosanct, promoted and nurtured by the people.
The NOA DG regretted that as it is today, no one can give a definite answer if asked, Who is a Nigerian? “We don’t have a definition for who a Nigerian is.
“And it is important we define who a Nigerian is because we know at the end of the day the definition would mean that a Nigerian cannot be a bandit, a proper Nigerian cannot be a kidnapper.
“A proper Nigerian cannot get to government and become a thief, stealing government resources and promoting corruption and bringing hardship to the people.
“A proper Nigerian is the one that will become governor and do the right thing, provide infrastructure, create employment and promote peace and stability in the state.
“That’s who a good Nigerian is. A good Nigerian is the president that will come and promote prosperity, ensure unity and there is no nepotism.
No one side is promoted above the other and no one side is marginalized. That is the value of a good Nigerian. But all of these are just my opinions”, the DG quickly added.
Issa-Onilu noted that Articles of great nations are codified and the values held in high esteem adding, “We must know ourselves and what we represent.”
He said that the best way to develop a nation is through attitude adding that attitude led us to where we are today and therefore called for character building by promoting the values charter.
The DG revealed that the Federal Government would soon introduce Citizenship Study in all schools from primary to secondary and tertiary levels as compulsory subjects or courses with emphasis on the right values, right character and how to be a good Nigerian.
This is to inculcate the right values in children so that when they grow up and get into the society, they would live their lives in a way that both the parents, the society, and the country will be proud of them.
“So this will happen soon. And we are starting this year with 37,000 Citizenship Brigades, 1,000 per state in primary school and secondary schools*, he said.
Stakeholders at the Townhall meeting, among other demands, called on NOA to impress on the the Federal Government the urgent need to reduce Petroleum pump price, and making Religious Education compulsory at all levels of education.
Speaking earlier, Mr Patrick Edogbanya, Acting State Director of the Agency in Kogi, commended Issa-Onilu for the visit saying that so far, the NOA DG had taken the message of government programmes and activities to 10 states, Kogi being the 11th.
Edogbanya noted that the Townhall meeting with stakeholders drawn from various societal strata in Kogi provided a rare opportunity to rub minds with the people towards finding a lasting solution to some of the surmountable challenges being faced by the country.
He enumerated some the DG’s achievements adding that his initiatives on staff welfare had started yielding results alluding to his charismatic team leadership adding, “Your hard work and selfless service show that we have a capable DG in the driver’s seat.” (Ends)
National
Strike: NASS Leadership, Labour Leaders, others in closed meeting to avert industrial action

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

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.
National
Gov Yusuf Visits National Security Adviser, Ribadu

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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