Mohammed Shosanya

No fewer than 92 pensioners in Oyo State on Monday received cheques worth N208 million as gratuities from the Oyo State government.

This, according to the Commissioner for Establishments and Training, Hon. Adeniyi Adebisi, is in fulfillment of Governor Seyi Makinde’s promise to the executives of Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), Oyo State Chapter.

The Commissioner for Establishments and Training, Hon. Adeniyi Adebisi made the disclosure during an interactive session with the Executives of the Nigerian Union of Pensioners, Oyo State Chapter and the symbolic presentation of cheques to some retirees.

He said the beneficiaries comprise state, local government and primary school retirees.

Hon. Adebisi stated further that about 92 retirees have been shortlisted for the payment and release of cheques has commenced.

The Commissioner explained that there is need for synergy and cooperation between the Nigerian Union of Pensioner and the Ministry of Establishments and Training, so as to make life better for Pensioners, while the Ministry is working on the review of pensions as directed by the Governor.

He stated further that, the Oyo State Government believes in dialogue as against industrial action to avoid sending bad signals to the general public.

He said, “Dialogue can resolve more than 50 percent of any problem no matter how big”.

Adebisi added that the State Government is committed to the wellbeing and welfare of civil servants, as well as the retirees.

In his remarks, the State Secretary Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Comrade Olusegun Abatan stated that the loyalty of the Union to the State Government was demonstrated in the last gubernatorial election, when pensioners trooped out en-masse to vote for His Excellency, as a sign of appreciation.

Comrade Abatan expressed his delight that the Governor fulfilled his promise to resume payment of gratuity and believes that the 13-points agenda presented by the Union would be executed one after the other especially now that the pension review is being looked into.

Some of the beneficiaries expressed their appreciation to Governor Seyi Makinde for paying their gratuities at this time of economic hardship and recession, praying that God will grant him more wisdom to move the state forward.

Mohammed Shosanya

The Civil Society Organisation Coalition for the Revival of Ajaokuta Steel Company,has celebrated President Bola Tinubu’s strides in the steel sector three months after he took over the mantle of leadership.

The strides manifested during the President’s recent visit to India for the G20 World leaders meeting,the coalitions said in a statement made available to Premium News on Sunday.

Mohammed Bougei Attah,National Coordinator,Procurement Observation and Advocacy Initiative, Abuja,Otunba Dele Ajayi-Smith,President, Africa Citizens Development Foundation, Lagos and,Barr. Clifford Thomas,
Executive DirectorFoundation for Civic Education, Human Rights, and Development Advancement, Uyo,signed the statement.

The coalition noted that earlier last month,President Tinubu sent a delegation, led by the Vice President, Sen. Bukar Abba Shetima to the Russia-Africa Summit where Ajaokuta was the main point of the visit.

The statement added:”We salute the “Can Do Spirit” of President Tinubu and celebrate his achievements in just three months in office.The President in a single stroke has brought great fortune to Nigeria with US$14bn pledge of Foreign Direct Investment, FDI to Nigeria.

“We look forward to his future visits to the UN General Assembly later this month, to US and other Industrialized Nations in the coming months and hope Ajaokuta revival continue to take Centre stage.

“Our immediate shared fortune is the pledged of US$3bn by Jindal Steel and Power of India. The Coalition trustfully hope, that this will bring upliftment to the long-term aspiration of the Nigerian Civil Society movement to see Ajaokuta Steel Rolling Mills working again, which was abandoned at 95% completion stage since 1994”

The statement quoted the coalitions as commending the President for creating a new Ministry of Steel Development as a stand alone and for appointing Prince Abubakar Audu to head the Ministry.

They emphasized the need to inspire and promote personal and collective responsibility towards ensuring the growth, development and sustainability of the steel sector of the country.

They noted that,apart from the production of iron, steel, other valuable products that will be available in the course of operation of Ajaokuta Steel Plant will include about 110MW electricity, hydrogen, 35000 cubic meter of oxygen per hour, nitrogen, argon, coke oven gas, sulphuric acid.

The statement added:”We are aware that major industrialised nations do not want Nigeria to achieve her steel goal, which will also bring numerous forms of multiplier effects on the economic of the country, but the table must turn at this time in favour of Nigeria and Africa.

Mohammed Shosanya

The Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) has anchored its 29th summit (NES 29) on ‘Pathways for Sustainable Economic Transformation and Inclusion’, on the strength of the urgency of translating economic growth into improved and sustainable living standards for all citizens.

This year’s summit theme hints at Nigeria’s potential for sustainable development, leveraging innovative policies, robust institutions, strategic infrastructural investments, and human capital development.

According to a statement released by the Group, Nigeria is currently grappling with rising unemployment, income disparity, and multidimensional poverty.

“These challenges are worsened by an uneven allocation of resources, macroeconomic instability, and institutional deficiencies. Data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) in 2022 revealed that approximately 62.9% of the population live in multidimensional poverty, threatening the development of a vibrant middle class. With population growth outpacing poverty reduction, Nigeria’s current trajectory highlights the critical need to prioritise long-term development and shared prosperity,” it added.

The group expressed satisfaction with the current administration’s 8-point agenda targeted at getting Nigeria out of the woods.

It refers to the World Bank’s forecast of an average annual economic growth rate of 2.9% for the country between 2023 and 2025, underscoring the possibility of positive change with all hands on deck.

It said: “Technological advancements and their increasing adoption offer glimpses of what can be achieved with the proper mechanisms. The change in political leadership also brings the opportunity for fresh ideas and the rectification of economic policies that have weakened the fiscal system.”

The group also advocated for constructive dialogue that incorporates the ideas of stakeholders. It assured that NES 29 would build on the legacy of previous summits to nudge the public and private sectors to co-create solutions that drive shared prosperity.

“In the context of a new government administration, there is an undeniable need to reinvigorate our efforts to achieve sustainable economic development. The 29th Nigerian Economic Summit is not just an annual event; it represents a call for change, a clarion call for renewed commitment, and a dedicated effort to turn our economy around for the better,” it said.

At the recent inauguration of the NESG and Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning’s Joint Planning Committee for NES 29 in Abuja, the NESG emphasised that the primary goal of this year’s Summit, scheduled to hold from October 23 to 24, 2023, is to enhance the economic agenda setting of the government.