By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

In a bid to ensure safety of workers in the country, the Managing Director, Nigeria Social Insurance Trust (NSITF), Barr. Oluwaseun Faleye has advocated for the promotion of consistent safety culture that would emphasize the need for increased awareness and compliance with safety regulations.

To this end, he highlighted the role of advocacy and continuous training as a panacea for a safer and healthy work environment in Nigeria.

He stated this while receiving a delegation from the Occupational Safety and Health Association of Nigeria(OSHA) at the Cooperate headquarters of the NSITF in Abuja.

Faleye explained the importance of safety at the workplace, noting “In promoting a safety culture and protecting workers, particularly through employee compensation schemes, collaboration among stakeholders is deemed essential for developing training programs and establishing workplace safety standards. “

He expressed a commitment to enhancing health and safety initiatives in Nigeria and encouraged joint efforts to improve training and knowledge sharing.

In his opinion, the overall goal is to create a safer work environment and ensure the well-being of the workforce.

On the planned collaboration, the NSITF boss, expressed happiness, saying ‘We appreciate your visit. And we thank you for finding time to come to NSITF. This is a privilege and a vital collaboration relating to Occupational Safety, health initiatives in the country and also our areas of possible collaboration.

“Indeed, I’m very, very glad to hear of all of your efforts to deepen health and safety awareness across Nigeria in terms of your penetration countrywide. I’m also very happy to hear of your efforts, particularly your legislative efforts, which will help deepen the scope of occupational safety and health in the country.

“Indeed, as you know, it will domesticate, by way of legislation, some of these key SHSC acts. I believe that with the legislation and the advocacy and the awareness that the association undertake and other key stakeholders undertake, we can only both continue to deepen the culture of health and safety in Nigeria.” He further noted.

Earlier, the National Coordinator of the association, Captain Uwalaka Godbest said we are here to discuss the efforts of the OSHA in Nigeria to promote health and safety in various organizations.

He highlighted the association’s achievements in establishing health and safety protocols, including the introduction of OSHA desk officers in ministries to ensure compliance and training.

He said the association desire to partner with other organizations to enhance training programmes and improve workplace safety culture.

According to him, the emphasis for collaboration for further training initiatives underscores the importance of health and safety in light of recent incidents in Nigeria.

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The chairman of the Ekiti state congress committee, Chief Afolabi Adekanbi has hailed members of the People’s Democratic Party in Ekiti state for conducting themselves peacefully at the just concluded ward congresses across the 177 wards in the state.

The chairman who spoke with journalists at the PDP state Secretariat in Ado Ekiti on Saturday, said that the peaceful conduct of the congress has signified that the future of PDP in Ekiti state is very bright and promising.

He applauded the leaders of the party for their discipline, temerity and maturity in handling the affairs of the party especially the way the congress was done without rancor.

The chairman noted that the state PDP has set a very good example for others across Nigeria, saying that what happened in Ekiti state is a threat to the ruling party as it’s now clear that PDP is more organized than any other party in Nigeria.

He however urged all members of the party in the state to maintain the same tempo in the subsequent congresses, adding that it’s not over until it’s over.

In his remarks, the chairman of the caretaker committee in the state, Chief Dare Adeleke applauded the the chairman and members of the congress committee, saying their conduct played a significant role in the success of the congress.

He as well commended members of the party in the state for making sure that the congress was conducted under a peaceful atmosphere.

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Armed unidentified men who recently kidnapped Abdulsalam Rabi’u, the winner of the National Qur’anic Recitation Competition, are demanding a ransom of ₦30 million for his release.

The young scholar, alongside his father and brothers, were abducted on Tuesday near Labin Bangori in Katsina State while returning home from a state recognition ceremony.

Details of the Abduction
Rabi’u, a medical student at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, hails from Katsina State and was recently honored for his exceptional performance in the Hizb 60 with Tajweed category of the National Qur’anic Recitation Competition held in Kebbi State.

Following his victory, Governor Dikko Umar Radda invited him and his father to the Katsina Government House for a special recognition event.

Unfortunately, after the ceremony, they were ambushed and taken captive by gunmen along with other family members.

Government’s Response
Katsina State’s Commissioner for Information and Culture, Bala Salisu-Zango, confirmed the ransom demand during an interview on Saturday. He assured the public that Governor Radda is deeply concerned about the situation and is taking all necessary steps to secure the victims’ safe release.

Rising Insecurity in Katsina
This incident highlights the ongoing security challenges in Katsina and other northern states, where kidnappings for ransom have become a frequent occurrence. The abduction of a national competition winner has sparked widespread concern, with many calling on authorities to intensify efforts to combat banditry and protect citizens.

As negotiations continue, residents and well-wishers remain hopeful for the safe return of Rabi’u and his family