FG raises committee to resolve Kaduna, NLC face-off - Newstrends
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FG raises committee to resolve Kaduna, NLC face-off

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The Federal Government has set up a committee to resolve the dispute between the Kaduna State Government and the Nigeria Labour Congress over the sacking of some workers.
The committee was given 21 days to submit its report to the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment.
A statement by the Deputy Director, Press and Public Relations of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Mr Charles Akpan, on Saturday, said that the Minister, Senator Chris Ngige, inaugurated the new committee headed by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Dr Peter Yemira Tarfa.
The committee has the Secretary to Kaduna State Government, Balarabe Lawal, and Deputy National President of NLC, Najim Hashim, as co-chairmen, while the Director, Trade Union Services and Industrial Relations at the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Mrs Omoabi Akpan, will serve as the Secretary.
The statement quoted Ngige as saying the FG first intervened in the strike initiated by the NLC in Kaduna State in May, with the parties signing a memorandum of understanding to restore peace, noting that intervening in the circumstances made the reconstitution of the committee inevitable.
According to him, the committee is expected to resolve all the issues in dispute between the Kaduna State Government and the NLC.
The minister, who acknowledged that the issues in contention bordered on trade disputes, advised the committee to be guided by the 1999 constitution as amended as well as the Labour laws of the federation.
Ngige explained that downsizing or rightsizing of workforce in any organisation, government or private sector is a redundancy issue, which must be subjected to the principles spelt out in the Trade Disputes Act, Laws of the Federation 2004 Cap L1.
He said, “The law says in Section 20 (A) that ‘in the event of redundancy, every employer shall inform the trade unions or representatives of workers concerned of the reasons for or the extent of their anticipated redundancy.
“Section B equally states that the principles of last-in first-out shall be adopted in the discharge of the category of workers affected, subject to all factors of relative merit including skill, ability and any reliability.
He said, “So, in applying this, we must subject it to the relativity of merit, skill, ability and reliability. If somebody has a forged certificate, he should be asked to go because he didn’t merit the job in the first instance.
“If you go to a nursing home and find somebody working in the ward with a Bachelor’s Degree in History, he stands disqualified because he doesn’t have the skill in the first place. He has to go. So, these are the qualifications that must be noted in this principle of last in, first out. It is not absolute. It has exceptions and qualifications.”
According to the minister, the employer has the right to reduce staff strength of his organisation but is bound by law to negotiate redundancy payment with any discharged worker.
He further stated that there was nothing wrong in Kaduna State Government stopping the expenditure of 96 per cent of its earnings on personnel cost in order to save enough for capital projects, but that it should be done within the ambit of the law.
He informed the committee of the expectations of President Muhammadu Buhari for the speedy return of industrial harmony to Kaduna State, much more at a time the state is challenged by banditry.
“I expect this committee to turn in a report that will ensure lasting peace in Kaduna State. Mr President has asked me to inform you of his expectation that peace returns to Kaduna which has been his state of residence as well as home to many retired generals, permanent secretaries, seasoned administrators, amongst others of Northern Nigeria extraction.
“So, I appeal to you to approach this assignment with conciliation at the back of your mind so that we don’t have a repeat of what happened in May. I use this opportunity to appeal to you as the Minister of Labour, father of labour unions and friend of Kaduna State that we should tread the path of peace. With peace, we can make progress, both as government and as a labour union,” Ngige said.
Kaduna State SSG, Lawal, assured the minister of the state government’s plan for restoration of industrial harmony, adding that Kaduna State was not at war with labour.
In his remarks, the President of NLC, Mr Ayuba Wabba, assured Nigige of labour’s commitment to the resolution of the impasse in Kaduna State.

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OAU Investigates Death of Final-Year Student as Police Begin Probe

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OAU Investigates Death of Final-Year Student as Police Begin Probe
OAU Investigates Death of Final-Year Student as Police Begin Probe

Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State, is investigating the death of a final-year student of the institution.

The student, Oluwole Oluwosegun, was studying Materials Science and Engineering at the university.

According to the university’s Public Relations Officer, Olarewaju Abiodun, the incident occurred on Tuesday afternoon at the student’s off-campus residence around the Damico area of Ooni Layout, Ile-Ife.

After receiving the report, the university’s Quick Response and Security (QRS) Team went to the location. The team also contacted the Nigeria Police, after which officers from the ‘A’ Division in Moore, Ile-Ife, joined them at the scene.

The university later took the student to its Health Centre, where a medical doctor confirmed his death.

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Police Begin Investigation

Following the incident, university authorities handed relevant information and items recovered from the scene to the police to support their investigation.

The police have since begun inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the student’s death.

Meanwhile, the university said it had informed the appropriate student affairs authorities to provide necessary follow-up, particularly regarding the welfare and emotional support of students affected by the incident.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Simeon Bamire also expressed condolences to the student’s family, friends, classmates and colleagues.

The university further encouraged students facing severe emotional distress, relationship difficulties, financial pressure or other personal challenges to seek help from trusted people and available university support services.

Professor Bamire reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to the welfare of its students and staff, stressing that no student should feel they must face overwhelming difficulties alone.

OAU Investigates Death of Final-Year Student as Police Begin Probe

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Niger State Urges Local Communities to Protect Newly Completed Public Schools

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Niger State Urges Local Communities to Protect Newly Completed Public Schools

Basic education officials deliver modern classrooms to help children learn safely, kicking off an ambitious statewide renovation drive.

State education leaders in Niger State are calling on neighborhood residents and parent groups to take good care of newly renovated primary schools.

On Wednesday, the head of the Niger State Universal Basic Education Board, Dr. Ibrahim A. Liman, reminded communities that public classrooms belong to everyone, warning that state funding can only make a lasting difference when local people watch over these shared spaces.

To prepare for handing over the keys, board officials visited Zango Primary School in Kontagora and Richard Lander Primary School in New Bussa. These two locations are the first to finish out of seven model schools currently under construction.

During their visits, team members inspected classrooms to make sure builders followed high safety standards, while encouraging neighbors to keep the grounds secure, tidy, and ready for pupils.

Furthermore, state officials explained that these building projects are part of a larger plan to improve early education across every community. Alongside these new classrooms, the board is starting repair work on about 400 primary schools throughout the state.

In addition to fixing desks and roofs, authorities are upgrading classroom teaching tools and supporting teachers. As a result, children across all backgrounds will have safe, welcoming spaces to learn and grow together.

 

Niger State Urges Local Communities to Protect Newly Completed Public Schools

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Adamawa Health Officials Report 20 Deaths from Suspected Diphtheria Cases

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Adamawa Health Officials Report 20 Deaths from Suspected Diphtheria Cases
A typical sign of Diphtheria
Adamawa Health Officials Report 20 Deaths from Suspected Diphtheria Cases

Parents and caregivers are advised to seek early medical help and update childhood vaccinations as response teams expand outreach.

Health authorities in Adamawa State are responding to a diphtheria outbreak that has caused 20 deaths across 13 local government areas. Speaking on Wednesday, State Epidemiologist Jones Steven Kadabiyu confirmed that health workers have recorded 126 suspected cases throughout the state, with six patients currently receiving medical care in local hospitals.

Diphtheria is a serious bacterial illness that spreads through airborne droplets from coughing or close personal contact. It mainly affects the throat and airway, causing sore throats, mild fevers, swollen neck glands, and difficulty swallowing or breathing.

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Health officials emphasized that the biggest risk to patients has been waiting too long to visit a health center, as some families try informal remedies at home first before seeking professional medical attention.

The state government is working alongside health partners to track new cases, provide specialized antibiotics and treatments, and protect medical workers and family members.

Officials stressed that while diphtheria can affect people of any age, young children are the most vulnerable to serious complications. Parents and guardians are strongly encouraged to ensure their children are up to date on their routine vaccines and to visit the nearest clinic immediately if anyone develops throat swelling or breathing issues.

Adamawa Health Officials Report 20 Deaths from Suspected Diphtheria Cases

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