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Just in: Organised labour to go ahead with strike as meeting with NASS Leadership, FG ends in deadlock

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By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Desperate moves made by the Federal Government and leadership of the National Assembly to stop the planned indefinite nationwide strike by the organized labour failed on Sunday night after four hours of heated deliberation

Briefing newsmen after the executive session which lasted for more than four hours the President of the Senate , Godswill Akpabio said tremendous appeal was made to the Labour leaders to call off the strike as the National Assembly steps into the matter directly with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He told newsmen that after about four hours deliberation with leadership of the Organized Labour , they resolved that the Federal Government should re introduced the wage Award of N35, 000 given to all categories of federal workers from October last year to February this year , pending the time the issue of minimum wage is resolved .

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They appealed to the organized labour to shelve the strike action because of the consequences and collateral damage involved .
Senator said the nation cannot at this time allow hospitals to be shut down to save the lives of those on emergencies or aided by oxygen to breathe .

” We are very much aware of all the steps taken by the Federal Government and Labour to agree on acceptable minimum wage and very much ready to join in the negotiation by reaching out to President Bola Tinubu.

” We believe that leadership of the organized labour after leaving here , will reach out to their entire membership to call of the strike in the interest of all Nigerians ” , he said

The Speaker of the House of Representatives , Hon Tajudeen Abbas in his own remarks said ” the take home from the meeting were that the federal government would be prevailed upon to re – introduce the N35, 000 wage award pending the time agreement on minimum wage is reached between it and the labour unions .

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” That leadership of both the Nigeria Labour Congress ( NLC) and Trade Union Congress ( TUC ) , should go and consult with their members on the need to quickly call off the strike in the interest of Nigeria and Nigerians ” .

However in his own submission after the meeting , the President of TUC, Comrade Festus Osifo said though the leadership of the National Assembly has prevailed on them to call off the strike going by assurance given to step into the negotiation but the strike cannot be called off by them without consulting their various organs.

He It is difficult and in fact impossible for them as labour leaders , to call off the strike here stressing the need to communicate with their various organs meaning that , ‘the industrial action starts on Monday as planned “, he said.

But the Minister of Information and National Orientation , Alhaji Mohammed Idris Malagi , expressed optimism that labour will call off the strike as soon as possible based on appeal made to them by leadership of the National Assembly.

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He said the Federal government would continue to pay the N35,000 wage award to all categories of federal workers pending the minimum wage issue is resolved .

“Federal government is more than willing to pay its workforce , living minimum wage but the N494,000 demanded for by labour is too high with attendant N9 5trillion additional financial burden .

” In as much the federal government wants to improve the welfare and wellbeing of her 1 2million workers , is also very mindful of the welfare and wellbeing of the remaining 200million people .

” Nigeria cannot afford strike action now . The leadership of the labour union should please reason with government and appeal made to it by leaders of the National Assembly .

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The Secretary to the Government of the Federation , Senator George Akume , Minister of Finance , Wale Edun , Minister Budget and National Planning , Senator Atiku Bagudu , Minister of Power , Adevayo Adelabu and the President pf Nigeria Labour Congress , Comrade Joe Ajaero among others were in attendance.

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Video: Watch moment Senator Manu tasks NAFDAC officials on poor budget presentation

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The Senator representing Taraba Central, Manu Haruna white washed officials of NAFDAC for poor budget presentation during 2025 budget defense on Friday.

In a video, Senator Manu a former Deputy Governor of Taraba State opened the underbelly of NAFDAC on improper presentation of figures in the outlines.

He pointedly told the officials that the presentation was designed to mislead senators.

Watch video below:

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Why I returned N100m excess fund to Kano Govt Commissioner

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The Kano State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Tajo Othman, who was recently in the news for returning N100 million excess fund to the state government, has revealed the reason behind his action.

The commissioner while addressing newsmen in Kano on Friday said his action was influenced by the state governor’s “exemplary leadership style,” adding that in an ideal situation, leaders are always a pace setter for others to follow.

He said he did not expect Governor Kabir Abba Yusuf to reveal the act to the public, but the governor chose to do so during the flag-off of the free uniform distribution to encourage the future generation to be transparent.

He said, “In an ideal governance setting, the leader is a pace setter for others to follow. We have seen the governor’s body language and as such we fall in. That is what exactly happened. it is the wish of the governor that everybody should be as transparent as possible.

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“He is a transparent governor and therefore we should be transparent as well. I never expected the governor to go public with it, but I believe the reason behind his announcement is indeed genuine.”

The commissioner added that as the head of the committee for school uniform distribution, the state governor entrusted him with the task and advised the committee to execute it to the best of their ability.

The commissioner who was a retired customs officer was in the news when the Governor Yusuf publicly commended him for returning N100 million in unspent funds from a N2 billion budget earmarked for the production of 798,000 uniforms for pupils of primary 1 in the state.

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Nigerian Online Population Shows Strong Enthusiasm for AI – Report

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A new global survey report from Ipsos and Google has shown widespread use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools among Nigerian online population.

The study, tagged: “Our Life with AI: From Innovation to Application,” surveyed 21,000 people across 21 countries, and observed that global AI usage has jumped to 48 per cent and excitement about its potential now exceeds concerns (57 per cent vs. 43 per cent, up from 50 per cent / 50 per cent last year).

According to the report, in Nigeria, AI adoption and enthusiasm are even higher, as 70 per cent of the Nigerian online population used generative AI, surpassing the 48 per cent global average. Moreover, 87 per cent are excited about AI’s potential and see its benefits outweighing the risks.

Analysing the report, President of Global Affairs, Google & Alphabet, Kent Walker, said: “AI is starting to deliver magic at scale, making people’s lives easier and better. The survey results show the more people use these tools, the more excited they get about the possibilities and about the personal, professional, and scientific breakthroughs on the way.”

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The survey results indicate that optimism about AI is growing within the surveyed online community in Nigeria. Key findings from the survey, show that among survey participants in Nigeria, 70 per cent reported using generative AI in the past year, which is significantly higher than the global average of 48 per cent. A substantial 87 per cent of Nigerian respondents feel that AI’s potential benefits outweigh the associated risks, suggesting a strong belief in the positive impact of AI. A significant 81 per cent of surveyed Nigerian adults believe AI will positively change the economy.

Furthermore, 90 per cent of the survey respondents in Nigeria anticipate AI having a positive impact on science and medicine, demonstrating the widespread belief in the potential of AI to drive progress in these sectors.

According to the report, Nigeria’s online population demonstrates a higher level of excitement and adoption of AI when compared to other regions. The survey indicates: Nigeria is among the top countries in terms of AI usage and excitement about its potential.

This contrasts with more cautious sentiment in some European and North American countries.

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The report also said the Nigerian online community saw immense potential for AI in science and medical advancements:

“A significant 90 per cent of survey respondents expect AI to have a positive impact on science and medicine. This is one of the highest rates globally, highlighting the strong anticipation of breakthroughs in these fields through AI,” the report said, and onlinerd that the population in Nigeria recognised AI’s potential to enhance personal and professional development:

“Many believe AI can make people’s lives better by boosting productivity and providing access to resources. Within the Nigerian online population surveyed, there is a prevailing sentiment that supports the fostering of AI advancement rather than restrictive regulations. This suggests that those surveyed are keen to embrace innovation,” the report further said.

The survey results highlight the strong enthusiasm and optimism of the surveyed online population in Nigeria about the role of AI in various aspects of life, particularly in the economy, healthcare, and scientific advancement. The findings suggest that Nigeria’s online community is among the most enthusiastic globally about the transformative potential of AI.

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Google has been pursuing AI boldly and responsibly for years. In 2018, Google was one of the first companies to establish AI Principles grounded in beneficial use and avoidance of harm. Two years ago, it unveiled its opportunity agenda, which shard concrete recommendations for governments to ensure AI benefits the broadest range of people possible.

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