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Labour Day: Organised Labour decries state of insecurity

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By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja

The Organised Labour in Kogi has called on government to match words with actions in tackling insecurity in the country as it has reached a crescendo, capable of plunging the country into eternal crisis.

Comrade Gabriel Amari, Chairman of Kogi State chapter of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) made the call at the 2023 May Day (Workers’ Day) celebration at General Muhammadu Buhari Square, on Monday in Lokoja.

He said that time was running out and the clock ticking fast towards imminent danger as the hydra-headed insecurity monster had engulfed the country in all forms and all parts.

Amari observed, “ISWA/Boko Haram in the North East, banditry and kidnapping in the North West, Fulani herdsmen attacks mainly in Middle-Belt and other regions, IPOB secessionist killings in the South East, inter-tribal wars communal clashes, kidnapping for ransom all over Nigeria, the list is endless.

He said that Nigerian Workers and their families were most affected directly or indirectly in all insecurities and violence adding that prior to the reign of insecurity, Nigeria was a hub for foreign investments and a tourist destination.

“Sadly, most industries and factories have closed and relocated to neighbouring countries where their safety is guaranteed. The few remaining industries operate at minimal capacity leading to staff lay-offs and pay cuts”, he said.

In Kogi, the Labour leader said it was disheartening and painful to note that despite all the Governor Yahaya Bello’s efforts in the area of insecurity, there were still security infractions in the state.

“It is a fact that Kogi state is an agrarian society; farmers depend on cropping and other agricultural practices to earn a living. Therefore, the frequent attacks by herdsmen on farmers constitute a huge threat to the social and economic stability of the state.

On the forthcoming governorship election in the state, the Organised Labour urged politicians to guard against the danger of turning elections into “a must-win adventure.”

The NLC Chairman therefore called on politicians and their supporters to imbibe the culture of tolerance and respect for the rule of law and implored INEC to conduct a credible election in Kogi.

He said that the theme for this year’s celebration, “Workers’ Rights and Social Economic Justice”, was appropriate, considering the nation’s current Nigerian economic depression in the face of its transition into a new administration on 29th May, 2023.

Speaking earlier, Mr Daniel Alhassan who represented the Federal Ministry of Labour at the occasion, commended the Organised Labour in the state for adoption of collective bargaining which had culminated in industrial peace in the state.

He appealed to the Federal Government to look into the issue of autonomy of Local Governments and the state government to address the plight of Local Government workers and teachers on percentage salaries.

In her remarks, the State Head Of Civil Service (HOS), Mrs Hannah Odiyo said many of the issues raised by the NLC Chairman had already been addressed by the government.

Odiyo said revealed that Governor Yahaya Bello had been working hard to make life better for workers in the state adding the government had entered into partnership with a private estate developer to provide more owner-occupier houses for the workers.

A Human Rights activist, Mr Idris Miliki in his goodwill message urged labour to always engage leaders and duty bearers on leadership saying it was disheartening that in spite of the presence of Rivers Niger and Benue, there was hardly potable water to drink.

Miliki who is also the Executive Director, Conscience for Human Rights and Conflict Resolution (CHRCR) urged government should look into the welfare of workers beyond salary payments.

He also urged the government to tackle the issue of perennial flooding of the state by waters from the Rivers Niger and Benue to avert further hardship on the people.

The Nigerian Pilot reports that the May Day celebration also featured colorful march past by workers from affiliate bodies of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in the state. (Ends)

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Associates, Friends of Late Cairo Ojuogboh plan befitting farewell

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Senator Gada and Edwin Clark
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***Want FG, Delta State to immortalize him

Associates, friends and family of Cairo Ojuogboh have come together to organize a befitting farewell for him under the leadership, directive and supervision of Chief Clark whom they described as the father of the nation
Ojuogboh a medical Doctor and former house of representatives member slumped and died in Abuja February 8, 2024 while watching the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) semi-final encounter between Nigeria and South Africa.
Senator Abubakar Gada who is the second chairman of the burial organizing committee unveiled the programe of activities to journalists in Abuja on Friday.
He said the program of Activities included National evening of Tributes in honour of Cairo Ojuogboh holding in Abuja on Sunday, 14th, April 2024 with Senator Ali Modu Sheriff as the Chairman.
Senator Gada described late Dr. Ojuogboh as an enigma and a personality that the nation will take a long time missing him as the mourning continues.

“He was a nationalist, Ojuogbo had no tribe, he had no ethnicity, he had no boundary, Cairo was for the country and indeed for humanity.
“When he suddenly passed on, it was with shock and disbelief which we are still battling to come to term with that reality.

“Cairo was a household name in Nigerian politics, Cairo was a friend.We miss you Cairo and we will continue to miss you.

“He has had his life dedicated to building bridges and reconciling the community, societies and indeed the nation tirelessly. God will surely give the family the fortitude to bear this loss.”

On the need for the Federal Government to immortalize him, he said Ojuogboh by his standing, naturally is an immortalised individual because generations yet unborn, will meet and reflect on his life and sacrifices for humanity as a medical doctor, as a politician, as a parliamentarian, endlessly.

“So, coming to specifics, Cairo is from Anioma in Delta state, he crisscrossed this nation in his effort to make society not only harmonious but consciously, development-oriented.

He called upon the government of Delta state to use health sector facility or infrastructure to immortalise Dr Ojuogboh.
“I will also call on the Delta State House of Assembly to immortalise, in addition to whatever respect, they will accord Dr Cairo, they as parliamentarian should immortalise him by having facility, state assembly facility, in Delta state to immortalise Cairo.

“Ojuogboh died during the semi final match the of African Cup of Nations, we have had loses but the most expensive and costly to the nation was that of Ojuogboh

“And so, sport family and the sport sector is hereby invited to immortalise, Dr Ojuogboh as a nationalist, patriot and a sport promoter and fan who believed in the unity that is guaranteed in sports and sportsmanship activities in the country.
“This is because sports happens to be one sector that unifies the nation so easily, so patriotically at all times and it is one thing that has no tribe or religion, or geographical limit. And it’s a reflection of the entirety of what Ojuogboh stood for and believed in.
“He lived and left this country while celebrating Nigeria’s success and victory in this formidable and socio-cultural and psychological sector, sports.

“For this, we call on all, without limits, these level of government to deservingly, reward and immortalise the name of Dr Cairo so that it will be for eternity.”

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Kogi Community, Monarch Celebrate Triplets After 17 Years Of Waiting

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By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja

OBA Frederick Durojaiye Balogun, the Olu of Apata and people of Akpata community in Oworo District of Lokoja Local Government Area of Kogi on Monday embarked on a wide jubilation as their queen finally delivered a set of triplets after 17 years of waiting.

The Queen, Olori Teniola-Faith Balogun delivered the babies in the early morning of Monday at the Federal Teaching Hospital Lokoja after 17 years of marriage to the Oba.

Oba Fredrick Balogun, the Olu of Apata whose Palace was agog with praise singing and dances as the people celebrated with the royal family, in apparent display of his faith, glorified the omnipotent God.

The elated Oba Frederick told journalists who visited him that God had been very faithful to his family over the past 17 years of waiting upon Him saying that they had put their trust in Him.

“This is our day of joy and rejoicing after receiving these precious gifts from God Almighty after several years of waiting and trusting Him.

“In fact, I am short of words to appreciate and thank God for what He has done for this royal family. No wonder people have gathered around to celebrate with us.

“Another impressive and wonderful thing our God has done for us is that the queen and the triplets are all in good health condition.”

He described the triplets as harbingers of good things to come and a sign that 2024 is a year of many good tidings coming the way of not just Apata community but Kogi and Nigeria as a whole.

The Oba also expressed gratitude to his family members, friends, people of Apata community and environs as well as the hospital management for standing by the family all through.

One of the chiefs, Elesho of Apata, Chief Ayodele Rufus-Balogun, in celebration mood, described the arrival of the triplets as “huge blessing” to the Apata community, the Oworo district and Kogi State.

“You can see for yourself how jubilant our people are over the birth of these triplets to our Oba. We are indeed grateful to God”, he said.

Mr Babatunde Adekunle, Secretary, Apata Community Development Association and close associate of the King, said year 2024 would remain indelible in the history of Akpata community.

“We are all gathered here singing and dancing because our joy is full with the blessing we have received from the Almighty God through our royal family”, Adekunle said. (Ends)

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Easter: REDAN President, Prince Adeoye Urges Nigerians to Pray for Nation

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Prince Akintoye Adeoye
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The President of the Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN),Prince Akintoye Adeoye has urged Christians to prioritize prayers for Nigeria’s prosperity, peace, and unity during the Easter celebration.

In his Easter message delivered in Abuja, Prince Adeoye emphasized the significance of the Easter season as a period for spiritual reflection and national prayer. He extended warm Easter greetings to all members of REDAN and to Nigerians across the nation, highlighting the importance of embracing peace, unity, and hope as the country commemorates the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Prince Adeoye stressed the importance of unity and optimism for a brighter future in his message. “This Easter, let us unite in our prayers and believe that better days are ahead. By doing so, we can realize our goals for affordable housing and sustainable development in Nigeria,” he remarked.

Prince Adeoye also reaffirmed REDAN’s dedication to enhancing the nation’s economy through sustainable real estate initiatives. “Through collaboration and a shared vision, we can foster economic growth and make significant advancements in the housing sector,” he added.

The REDAN President, Prince Adeoye, called upon all members of the Association to uphold the association’s mission of providing affordable housing for all.
He reminded them to remain steadfast in the founding fathers’ ideals and objectives, emphasizing the importance of unity and commitment.

“As we celebrate Easter alongside our Christian brethren, let us not forget to pray fervently for our beloved nation,” Adeoye urged. He pledged that REDAN would continue to offer practical solutions to the government and key stakeholders in the real estate sector to address the housing deficit in Nigeria effectively.

Furthermore, Prince Adeoye declared his unwavering support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for Housing and expressed his commitment to elevating housing development in Nigeria to new heights under his leadership.

Prince Akintoye Adeoye concluded his Easter message by extending his best wishes for a peaceful, prosperous, and joyful celebration to everyone. He encouraged Nigerians to reflect on the teachings of Jesus Christ and to actively contribute positively to their communities and the nation as a whole.

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