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Organised Labour suspends planned strike over subsidy removal     … See full agreements reached with FG

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Nigeria’s Organised Labour has agreed to suspend its indefinite strike over the removal of fuel subsidy planned to commence on Tuesday, October 3, 2023.

The decision followed a five-hour meeting between the Federal Government and the Labour leadership at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Monday evening.

The Minister of Labour and Employment, Simon Lalong announced the resolutions of the meeting to journalists after the deliberations.

He said: “The NLC and TUC accept to suspend for 30 days the planned indefinite nationwide strike scheduled to begin Tuesday, the 3rd of October, 2023.”

The NLC President, Joe Ajaero, however, said the unions will revisit the issues agreed on if the federal government fails to fulfill its promise within stipulated time.

See the full agreement reached at the meeting below:

MORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING REACHED BETWEEN THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT OF NIGERIA AND THE NIGERIA LABOUR CONGRESS (NLC) AND TRADE UNION CONGRESS OF NIGERIA (TUC) AS A RESULT OF DISPUTE ARISING FROM WITHDRAWAL OF SUBSIDY ON THE PRICE OF PREMIUM MOTOR SPIRIT (PMS) ON MONDAY, THE 2ND DAY OF OCTOBER, 2023

Arising from the withdrawal of subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) by the Federal Government and the resultant increase in the price of the commodity, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) issued a strike notice which had elapsed and they were poised to embark on a strike billed to commence on Tuesday, the 3rd of October, 2023.

Consequently, a meeting was called by the Federal Government to avert the strike and after much discussion, the following agreements were reached:

1. The Federal Government grants a wage award of N35,000 (thirty-five thousand Naira) only to all Federal Government workers beginning from the month of September pending when a new national minimum wage is expected to have been signed into law.

2. A minimum wage committee shall be inaugurated within one month from the date of this agreement.

3. Federal Government suspends collection of Value Added Tax (VAT) on Diesel for six months beginning from October, 2023.

4. Federal Government accepts to vote N100 billion for the provision of high capacity CNG buses for mass transit in Nigeria. Provisions are also being made for initial 55,000 CNG conversion kits to kick start an auto gas conversion programme, whilst work is ongoing on state-of-the-art CNG stations nationwide. The rollout aims to commence by November with pilots across 10 campuses nationwide.

5. The Federal Government plans to implement various tax incentive measures for private sector and the general public.

6. On the leadership crises rocking the NURTW and the purported proscription of RTEAN, the Federal Government commits to handling Labour matters in line with relevant ILO Conventions and Nigerian Labour Acts. A resolution of the ongoing impasse is expected by or before October 13.

7. The issue of outstanding Salaries and Wages of Tertiary Education workers in Federal-owned educational institutions is being referred to Ministry of Labour and Employment for further engagement.

8. The Federal Government commits to pay N25,000 per month for three months starting from October, 2023 to 15 million households, including vulnerable pensioners.

9. The Federal Government will increase its initiatives on subsidized distribution of fertilizers to farmers across the country.

10. The Federal Government should urge State Government through the National Economic Council and Governors Forum to implement wage award for their workers. Similar consideration should also be given to local government and private sector workers.

11. The Federal Government commits to the provision of funds as announced by the President on the 1st of August broadcast to the Nation for Micro and Small Scale Enterprises. The MSMEs beneficiaries should commit to the principle of decent jobs.

12. A joint visitation will be made to the refineries to ascertain their rehabilitation status.

13. All parties commit to henceforth abide by the dictates of Social dialogue in all our future engagements.

14. The NLC and TUC accept to suspend for 30 days the planned Indefinite Nationwide strike scheduled to begin, Tuesday, the 3rd of October, 2023.

15. This Memorandum shall be filed with the relevant Court of competent jurisdiction within one (1) week as consent judgment by the Federal Government.

Signed:

NLC:

Comrade Joe Ajaero  Comrade Emmanuel Ugboaja, mni
President NLC                                                General Secretary

TUC:

Comrade (Engr) Festus Osifo                 Comrade Nuhu A. Toro
President         Secretary General

Federal Government:
Top of Form

H.E. Simon Bako Lalong
Honourable Minister of Labour and Employment

Hon. Dr Nkeiruka Onyejeocha
Honourable Minister of State for Labour and Employment

Mallam Mohammed Idris
Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation

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Network8tv Special

Father’s unyielding pursuit: 2 years on, justice still eludes late Dowen College student

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Father's unyielding pursuit: 2 years on, justice still eludes late Dowen College student

In a poignant continuation of an unresolved tragedy, Sylvester Oromoni Snr, the father of the late Dowen College student who tragically passed away on November 30, 2021, remains resolute in his quest for justice. Two years after the 12-year-old’s demise, allegedly a result of severe health complications exacerbated by traumatic incidents at the Lagos-based school, the grieving father addressed reporters in Warri on Wednesday, November 29, 2023.

 

The ongoing legal battle surrounding the circumstances of Sylvester Oromoni Jr.’s death has left his body lingering in the morgue, awaiting justice’s delayed arrival. The father, undeterred by the passage of time, expressed his unwavering determination to see the pursuit of justice through to its logical conclusion.

 

Speaking from the heart, Sylvester Oromoni Snr conveyed the somber news of his son’s extended stay in the morgue during a press briefing in Warri. The 12-year-old’s untimely demise has been shrouded in allegations of physical abuse, including claims that he was forcibly given a concussion to drink by five senior students at Dowen College.

 

“As the father of the deceased, I cannot be tired or discouraged from pursuing justice. I have promised my son to get him justice even if it will take thirty years to achieve it,” Oromoni asserted, highlighting the enduring commitment to ensuring accountability for his son’s tragic fate.

 

November 30, 2023, marks the second anniversary of Sylvester Oromoni Jr.’s passing, yet the legal proceedings continue to unfold, leaving the grieving father in a prolonged state of uncertainty and sorrow.

 

Concluding his address with a heartfelt prayer, Oromoni extended his wishes for peace to all departed souls, including his late son. “May the soul of Sylvester Oromoni Jr. and all departed souls rest in perfect peace. Amen.”

 

The unresolved tragedy surrounding Dowen College underscores the pressing need for justice in cases of alleged abuse within educational institutions, sparking broader conversations about the safety and well-being of students in schools. As Sylvester Oromoni Snr persists in his pursuit, his resilience stands as a testament to the enduring fight for justice and accountability in the face of heartbreaking loss.

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Network8tv Special

Tinubu and King Charles III forge alliance against climate change at COP28

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Tinubu and King Charles III forge alliance against climate change at COP28

In a landmark encounter on the sidelines of the COP28 Climate Summit in Dubai, President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria engaged in a high-level meeting with His Majesty, King Charles III of England. The rendezvous, marked by shared commitment to environmental advocacy, signifies a significant stride in global collaboration to combat climate change.

 

His Majesty, known for his fervent advocacy on environmental issues, has consistently championed the cause, making this meeting a pivotal moment in fostering united efforts against the climate crisis.

 

President Tinubu took to Twitter to share his satisfaction with the outcomes of the meeting, characterizing it as a productive engagement with the 75-year-old monarch. In his tweet, he stated, “I had a productive meeting with His Majesty, King Charles III of England, who is also the Head of the Commonwealth and a passionate climate advocate.”

 

The discussions, held against the backdrop of the COP28 Climate Summit, centered on fortifying the partnership between Nigeria and the United Kingdom in addressing the pressing challenges posed by climate change. President Tinubu expressed optimism regarding the potential positive impact that collaborative efforts between the two nations could have on the future of the planet.

 

Acknowledging the need for a global standard in environmental stewardship, President Tinubu highlighted the significance of COP28 as a platform for nations to actively contribute to the ongoing global discourse on climate action. He emphasized the importance of setting an equitable standard for environmental responsibility.

 

“The meeting was a significant step in strengthening the partnership between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, and I am optimistic about the positive impact our joint efforts will have on our planet’s future as we look forward to setting an equitable global standard for environmental stewardship at COP28,” President Tinubu affirmed.

 

As the COP28 Summit progresses, the collaborative spirit exhibited by President Tinubu and King Charles III serves as a beacon of hope in the collective fight against climate change. Their joint commitment underscores the importance of global partnerships in addressing the urgent environmental challenges that impact nations worldwide.

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Entertainment

Funke Akindele, Chidi Mokeme, Chioma Chukwuka headline inkblot’s crime thriller “No Way Through” premiering on Amazon Prime Video

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Funke Akindele, Chidi Mokeme, Chioma Chukwuka headline inkblot's crime thriller "No Way Through" premiering on Amazon Prime Video

Inkblot Productions, a trailblazer in the Nigerian film industry, has unveiled the much-anticipated crime thriller, “No Way Through,” set to exclusively premiere globally on Amazon Prime Video this December. The star-studded cast includes Nollywood luminaries Funke Akindele, Chidi Mokeme, Chioma Chukwuka, Ikechukwu, Nengi Adoki, Seun Ajayi, Jnr Pope, Eso Dike, Roberta Oroma, and Sheggz Olusemo.

 

Directed by Inkblot CEO Chinaza Onuzo, the film explores the intricate balance between family, survival, and the risks taken in the pursuit of freedom. The storyline revolves around Jolade Okeniyi, a single mother employed as a driver for a local drug cartel. When confronted by the authorities, she faces a dilemma—become an informant against the cartel to secure her freedom and protect her daughter, risking deadly consequences.

 

Onuzo, who also penned the screenplay, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, “I loved making No Way Through because it was an opportunity to explore the lengths people will go to for the people they love. In the film, we see this through the lens of a mother’s love for her daughter.”

 

The director commended the cast for delivering exceptional performances, especially highlighting the trio of Funke Akindele, Chidi Mokeme, and Chioma Chukwuka. Onuzo extended appreciation to collaborative partner Film One Studios and acknowledged Amazon Prime Video for providing a global platform for the film’s premiere.

 

Inkblot Productions, known for its commitment to storytelling excellence, has enjoyed recent success with critically acclaimed titles like the romantic comedy “Big Love” and the gripping thriller “A Weekend to Forget,” which recently concluded its successful cinematic run.

 

As “No Way Through” gears up for its Amazon Prime Video debut, audiences can anticipate a compelling narrative that delves into the complexities of love, sacrifice, and the unyielding spirit of those facing the challenges of life in the bustling cityscape of Lagos. Inkblot’s legacy of producing captivating stories continues to captivate audiences globally, cementing their reputation as a cinematic powerhouse in Nigerian cinema.

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