News
FG didn’t see strike coming, says minister
The Minister of Labour and Employment, Nkiruka Onyejeocha, has disclosed that the Federal Government was caught off guard by Monday’s nationwide strike because it didn’t see it coming.
Onyejeocha made the claim when she featured as a guest on Monday’s edition of Channels Television’s Politics Today
The minister, who accused the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress of failing to imbibe the spirit of social dialogue, said that their leaders were not patient enough to see through the negotiation they were having with the tripartite committee.
Onyejeocha also argued that it was wrong of labour to expect the FG to fix salaries for state governors and local government authorities to pay their workers.
She said, “How will I see it (strike) coming when I am sure we are negotiating and you know that it is tripartite? The Federal Government cannot impose salaries for local government and, of course, the governors.
“The Organised Private Sector is involved and they have the ability or level of what they can pay. And if they say they can’t pay a certain amount, is the FG going to force them?”
Her protest comes in the wake of the Federal Government’s invitation to Labour leaders through the National Salaries Wages and Income Commission.
Monday’s nationwide strike had seemingly impacted commercial activities across the country as major government parastatals, schools, banking institutions, and other businesses were shut down.
But Onyejeocha insisted that all the relevant parties were still in the middle of dialogue before the unionists walked away from the negotiation table.
While lamenting Monday’s disruption of commercial activities and untold suffering visited on the masses, the minister appealed to the NLC and the TUC to consider returning to the negotiation table.
“We were negotiating and didn’t conclude before Labour walked out. That is not in the spirit of social dialogue. The truth of the matter is that we have entered a negotiation and all the parties should be patient enough to conclude it.
“Having experienced what took place today, the national grid was affected and, of course, people were stranded in our airports today. And you know what it is. People already suffered a lot of hardship and setbacks because of today’s strike. The natural thing to do is for Labour to rescind its decision and come back to the negotiating table.
“As I always say, strike should be the last option because we know what the issues are and we are available for discussion and negotiation. We believe there is nothing that can’t be resolved. But embarking on strike is taking the matter to the extreme which, of course, has a negative implication to both our economy and the welfare of the people,” she pleaded.
In a move to foster skills acquisition and promote economic empowerment, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Education Secretariat through the Department of Mass Education has flagged off a one-week free holiday vocational and entrepreneurship training program.
The program is a collaborative initiative of the FCT Department of Mass Education, The Potter’s Wheel Foundation, and the Nigerian Non-Governmental Association for Literacy Support Services (NOGALSS).
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, the FCT Mandate Secretary for Education, Dr. Danlami Hayyo emphasized the Importance of skills acquisition and entrepreneurship in today’s world describing it as imperative to be self reliant , empowered and resourceful.
He highlighted the Wike- led FCT Administration’s commitment to championing the Renewed Hope Agenda adding that the initiative is a critical strategy for reducing unemployment and building resilience among Abuja residents through practical skill acquisition and entrepreneurship training.
He commended the Department on the synergy between the government and non-governmental organizations noting that it will further empower the people of the FCT with skills and knowledge that lead to viable income-generating opportunities.
He urged the participants to fully utilize the opportunity, network actively and apply themselves diligently to the various training sessions.
In her welcome address,Dr. Favour Edem -Nse,the Director, FCT Department of Mass Education said,the training aligns with Sustainable Development Goals ( SDGs) and contributes significantly to reducing the number of out- of- school children, unskilled youths and unemployed women in the Federal Capital Territory.
She added that, the Department goal is not just to train but to guide participants towards becoming self – sufficient and successful entrepreneurs .
She noted that the one week free training program is a manifestation of the Department ‘s broader vision of literacy and lifelong learning.
She revealed that the Department in collaboration with The Potter’s Wheel Foundation and the Nigerian Non- Governmental Association for Literacy Support Services( NOGALSS) will train them hands on session in production of laundry soap,bleach , liquid soap, toilet and car wash , disinfectant,air freshener,snack among others as well as key entrepreneurship modules on Bookkeeping and financial management, marketing and branding with social media management.
She expressed her gratitude to the Mandate Secretary for Education and the Management for the massive support of the life changing opportunity program targeted at women,youths, children and other community residents to equip them with tools for economic self reliance .
The well attended program which drew partner organizations, staff of the Department of Mass Education and enthusiastic participants will run throughout the week with facilitators providing continued support beyond the training period.
A 28-year-old electrician, whose name has not been revealed, has been electrocuted in Oyo State at Eruwa in Ibarapa East of Oyo State.
The victim was electrocuted at the Odo Babaode area of the town.
The man was electrocuted on a high-tension cable belonging to the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC).
The incident occurred when the victim was trying to rectify an electrical fault on the active power lines without being shut down from the feeder.
The General Manager of Oyo State Fire Service, Mr Yemi Akinyinka, who confirmed the development, said a distress call was received by the agency Wednesday afternoon.
He said, “The distressed call was reported at 15:29hrs on Wednesday, 23rd April, 2025.
“The fire personnel led by PFS1 Peluola Babatunde quickly followed the caller and on arrival at the place, we met the victim already electrocuted, and all necessary precautionary measures were observed so as to safeguard the citizens within the vicinity.
“The man was recovered and handed over to a team of police from Eruwa police Station. The incident occurred when the victim (electrician) was trying to rectify an electrical fault on the active power lines without shutting down the feeder.”
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