Stakeholders in the cleaning industry have restated their commitment to elevate standards and practices within the fabric care and drycleaning industry across Nigeria.
They made their commitments during a two- day clean show and exhibition organisers by the Fabricare Professionals and Drycleaners Association (FPDA) themed: Positioning Africa’s Frabricare and Hygiene Industry for excellence: Adopting World class practices.
At the inaugural show sponsored by the LG Electronics, were displays and exhibition of innovation and world class technology by professionals in the cleaning industry.
In his address, Chairman of FPDA, Eniibukun Adebayo, noted that it’s a new dawn for the fabric care and drycleaning industry in Africa.
As we gather here at the inaugural CleanShow Africa Conference and Exhibition, we stand at the threshold of a transformative era.”
Adebayo said the day was a twin program as the association was celebrating its first anniversary and also the innovative spirit and collaborative efforts that promise to redefine the industry.
He noted that the advancements are not just milestones; they are stepping stones towards a more sustainable and prosperous future for the industry.
Adebayo pointed out that the Cleanshow Africa Conference and Exhibition is a testament to the association’s collective commitment to progress and excellence.
“This event brings together industry leaders, innovators and experts from around the globe to showcase the latest advancements in fabric care technology, sustainable practices and business strategies.
“It provides a unique opportunity for us to learn, collaborate and inspire each other to achieve greater heights.
“We celebrate not only the growth and achievements of the FPDA over the past year but also the unity and collaboration of industry professionals who share the common goal of elevating the standards and practices within the fabric care and drycleaning industry across Nigeria.”
“FPDA is dedicated to advocating for policies that support the growth and development of our industry. We are working closely with government agencies, regulatory bodies, and other stakeholders to ensure that our industry is recognised for its contributions to the economy and is supported in its efforts to innovate and thrive.”
Adebayo expressed gratitude to the Board Members, Executive Officers, All FPDA members all around Nigeria especially those that have travelled down to Lagos for this event,
“Our partners and sponsors; we thank you especially LG Electronics for your unwavering support to the fabricare industry in Nigeria. Your unwavering support and dedication have been instrumental in the success of our association.”
In his address, General Manager, Home Appliances, LG Electronics, Mr Brian Kang, noted that the cleaning industry plays a vital role in maintaining public health, productivity and overall well-being.
“Through our sponsorship of Clean Show Africa, we aim to showcase our cutting-edge cleaning solutions, designed to enhance efficiency, reduce energy consumption, and promote eco-friendliness. Our products and technologies are tailored to meet the unique needs of African markets, supporting the region’s economic growth and development.
“Let us come together to shape the future of cleaning technologies and create a more sustainable tomorrow.”
On his part, President, Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), Chief Emeka Obegolu who spoke on the topic, “The imperative of constructive feedback and effective dispute resolution mechanisms in the dry cleaning industry,” applauded the theme of the event, noting that the quest for excellence is unending.
Dwelling on his topic, Obegolu questioned the participants how they resolved issues with customers.
“As we drive towards excellence, we must begin to ask ourselves that which is commonly found within our industry, which is customer disputes, customer complaints, how do we resolve them?”
He pointed out that today, the dry cleaning industry in Nigeria plays a significant role in meeting the demands of customers who seek professional care services in ensuring effective and customer centric service delivery.
“Your industry, like every other industry, must embrace constructive feedback and discipline resolution mechanism that meets the unique needs of industry.”
He also emphasised the need for getting insurance cover over claims and damages of customer’s products.
“So this conference provides us with a platform to discuss all this and fashion out ways to effectively deal with claims and customer complaints.
He noted that effective dispute resolution mechanisms are very essential as they provide structured approach to resolving and addressing customer complaints, adding that it does not only help in maintaining customer trust and loyalty, but also mitigates the risk of negative publicity.
“Implementing robust dispute resolution process ensures that conflicts are handled promptly and fairly, thereby upholding the reputation of your business.
“In an industry where personal belongings are involved, people value their items of fashion.
“So where personal belongings are involved, the ability to resolve disputes amicably and efficiently is a key determinant of success and long term customer relationships.”
Director General of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Chinyere Almona believes that the clean industry sector contributes significantly to the economy of Nigeria, and facilitates business across other sectors.
She said it was laudable to attract attention to the investments in the sector.
Almona advised players in the sector to understand that they can’t play small anymore and that they needed to expand, “they need to grow, they need to professionalize even their little establishments for the growth that is coming.
“Because as you attract attention in this direction and investments come looking for you, you have to be ready.”
She urged the practitioners to join the chamber so that their voices can be heard over issues bedevilling the sector.
“At the chamber we have about 26 sectoral groups, because we believe in capacity building and advocacy, as there are some things that you can do alone as a small business.
That means that this sector needs to build critical mass within the chamber so that you have a strong sector for yourself, because that’s the way you can engage with governments in an appropriate manner and speak with one strong voice over policies affecting the sector.
“You have a right to speak, but sometimes as a small business, you can’t stand up and speak against something that the regulator has put out there.”
President, Cleaning Practitioners Association of Nigeria (CPAN), Tunde Ayeye, told the exhibitors that they owe themselves the duty of making the best of the profession.
On the size of the cleaning industry which he said was $5 billion, he charged the players to understand and come together to create structure, form and order to lay a foundation for the future.
He reiterated the commitment of CPAN to join hands with the fabric care association to take the frontiers of the hygiene industry forward.
•Gambian Tourism Ambassador, Adama Njie, say African leaders must give hope to the youths
•Speaks on being honoured with traditional title in Nigeria
Gambian Tourism Ambassador and Director, Tourism Promotion for the Gambia in the UK, covering Ireland, Central and Eastern Europe, who was recently honoured alongside his wife with the title of Borokini and Yeye Borokini of Ishaga Akiniyi Kingdom by His Royal Eminence Femi Francis Akiniyi, speaks with Gboyega Alaka on his love for Nigeria, his delight to be so honoured and the need to discourage desperate youth migration to Europe by working hard at giving hope to them.
How do you feel being honoured with a traditional title in Nigeria?
It’s a privilege. As I said before coming to Nigeria, this signifies the importance of bilaterals between The Gambia and Nigeria. For me it goes even beyond tourism and extends to all areas of co-operation. Nigeria signifies a giant in terms of African co-operation, and for me a Gambian to be given this kind of honour in Nigeria means that there is a strong tie between our two countries. Now culture has further unified it. And to be given this honour as Ambassador in Tourism promotion, means I will do my best for the two countries, because that’s my primary role. I always stand by issues of Africa and I believe only Africans can develop Africa. We have to do it ourselves. If I contribute to the development of Nigerian tourism, I’m doing it for myself, because I’m African. Today, I classify myself as a Nigerian; the same applies to Nigerians who classify themselves as Gambians – because we are on one continent. So this is an honour, and I wish I have the right words to convey my feelings. I am really touched. I had to fly all the way from the UK to attend this event – that’s to tell you how much I value it. I’ve spoken to the chief; we have to discuss and see how we can take this to the next level. Chief Akiniyi loves Gambia and I think Gambians love him too. The whole of the country, as we speak, is talking about this awards. The QTV and GRTS are waiting for this interview as we speak.
Interestingly, the first day I met the High Chief, he told me, ‘I want to give a plot of land to The Gambia in my kingdom’. That’s a lot. Since then, I’ve held him so high. I even went to the extent of talking to the former Minister of Tourism and Culture for him to be a Goodwill Ambassador. And I can tell you that I’m going to work that on, because he deserves more – not only for Gambia but even for Nigeria. This is the only way we can move Africa forward.
Did you have to think twice before accepting the chieftaincy offer?
I didn’t have to think twice. This is an honour that nobody needs to think twice before accepting. For me a Gambian citizen to be honoured by a powerful nation like Nigeria, means a lot. How many millions of Nigeria would love to have this? So for me, it is a privilege and an honour.
As the Gambian Ambassador to Nigeria…
(Cuts in) I’m actually the Director of Tourism Promotion for Gambia in the UK, covering Ireland, Central and Eastern Europe. I’ve been the Director of Marketing since 2012. It was only two years ago that I was moved to the Gambian Embassy in London. So now I’m based at the Gambian High Commission in the UK as Director of Tourism responsible for the UK, Ireland and Central and Eastern Europe. But the reason this is special is because I’ve always said Africa’s development depends on us; and tourism growth can only happen if we work together as one. We have seen the example when we had Covid and Ebola and the whole of Europe ignored us. That is a lesson that African integration is key, and if we have it in terms of tourism, in terms of cultural exchange, even investment, then we don’t need the West, because we have it all here. So my role is to continue advocating for African integration, African development, and Nigeria is at the centre-stage of this.
How would you assess your relationship with the average Nigerians you’ve related with?
I’ve been coming to Nigeria so many years and I always see Nigeria as my second home; and that is why before I even booked my fight to come for this ceremony, I called this brother of mine, Okungbowa of Daily Telegraph, that I wanted him to attend, even though I knew he had a busy schedule.
Socially, how would you describe Nigerians, in terms of interacting with foreigners?
Nigerians are very accommodating people, just like Gambians. That’s why we call it the ‘Smiling Coast’, because we are known for hospitality. And I think Nigeria has that too. That is the similarity between the two countries, and I think that our role is to nurture it, so that it can go to the next level. The hospitality in Nigeria is second to none. That’s why whenever I come to Nigeria, I see myself like I’m in Gambia. And that’s why when I’m here, I eat no other food except pure Nigerian gastronomy, because it is fantastic, really great. I particularly like egusi soup and Suya.
What do you have to say about the current desperation of young Africans to migrate out of the continent?
I think it is very deadly; I think African countries or leaders need to come together; and it’s all about giving hope to our youths, that they can make a difference. I always take myself as an example. I studied in the UK and I could have said I wasn’t coming back to the Gambia. However, whatever I have achieved today is because I finished my qualification and decided to come back to my country. So it is all thanks to my view that we can make it happen in Africa. I’ve seen so many Africans who have stayed back in the UK and I’ve asked myself why, especially because most of them have the same qualification as I do. But that’s their mentality. So I’m saying, let the youths of Africa understand that we can make it happen in Africa. African leaders need to understand that they need to give way for African youths to have hope. Because without hope, they will be killing themselves. And trust me, if our future leaders are dead, Africa is dead. So let African leaders have a vision that our role as leaders is to make sure we build for the generations to come. When we do that, then Africa has the potentials to grow. And that’s exactly what I’m talking about. It pains me a lot when I see our youths dying in the ocean. And it’s not all wealth in Europe. (Our people need to know this.) Many people think it is goldmine in Europe; no. People work 24 hours to make ends meet. So I’m appealing to African leaders, please invest more in our youth. Give them hope, so that they can stay and develop Africa.
Your wife has also been honoured today as Yeye Borokini of Ishaga Akiniyi Kingdom, why’s she absent?
First of all, my wife, Mrs Nyanya Secka Njie, the Yeye Borokini was supposed to attend, but unfortunately, she’s having an exam. She is doing her university programme. Even my kids were supposed to come, but my last born Abdullai is having exams; Mohammed and Alhaji are also busy on some errands, but I promised them that after this event, we will find time to come to the kingdom, because I’ve already started teaching them the importance of African integration. So my wife says ‘Thank you’ and my entire family are very grateful. This award is even special to them.
Under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s visionary leadership, Nigeria is charting a new course for its military might with strategic investments and a bold push for homegrown innovation, his administration is building a resilient and capable defense force. As Nigeria bolsters its military prowess, there is a renewed sense of optimism that these advancements will foster a safer and more secure nation, poised to tackle present and future threats with steadfast resolve and agility.
IBRAHIM ADAM reports.
In the high-stakes world of global military rankings, the strength of a nation’s armed forces is meticulously assessed through a multitude of factors, ranging from personnel numbers to technological sophistication, and from logistical capabilities to financial resources.
Nigeria, a country with a rich history of military engagements, is making notable strides in this arena under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Since taking office, President Tinubu has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to enhancing Nigeria’s military capabilities. This dedication is reflected in the strategic procurement of advanced military equipment and the enhancement of operational efficiency across the Nigerian Army, Navy, and Air Force.
The results, visible in the bolstering of Nigeria’s military prowess, have garnered global recognition.
Nigerian Army: Elevating Operational Readiness
The Nigerian Army has seen significant advancements, particularly with the procurement of 12 MD 530F Cayuse Warrior Plus helicopters from MD Helicopters.
These state-of-the-art attack helicopters are set to operationalise the Army’s Aviation Unit, improving the agility and responsiveness of ground troops.
Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, emphasised the importance of these assets in countering contemporary security threats, drawing parallels with successful military aviation units in countries like the United States, Kenya, Colombia, Egypt, Ethiopia, and Uganda.
Moreover, the acquisition of 20 TARES Mine Protective Vehicles and 20 Light Tactical Armoured Vehicles from local firm, EPAIL Nigeria, has enhanced the Army’s defense against improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs).
These vehicles provide substantial protection and are tailored to the unique challenges faced by Nigerian troops.
Nigerian Navy: Strengthening Maritime Security
The Nigerian Navy, under the leadership of Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla, has also made significant progress. Key acquisitions include two 76-meter High Endurance Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) from DEARSAN Shipyard, Turkey, and several fast patrol boats from China and France.
These vessels are expected to enhance maritime security and counter crude oil theft in the Niger Delta.
“He is determined to reposition the Armed Forces of Nigeria in general and the Nigerian Navy in particular towards the fulfillment of constitutional roles and national security imperatives,” Ogalla stated.
These strategic acquisitions are not just enhancing operational capacity but also improving personnel welfare and infrastructural development.
Nigerian Air Force: Soaring to New Heights
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has seen a transformative year with significant enhancements in its fleet and operational capabilities.
Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar highlighted the procurement of five new aircraft, including Diamond 62 surveillance planes and T-129 ATAK helicopters.
These acquisitions have strengthened NAF’s ability to conduct precise operations against security threats.
By the end of 2024, NAF plans to integrate 46 more aircraft, a move that will further bolster its operational capacity. These advancements are crucial in maintaining national security and achieving peace, marking a notable period in NAF’s history.
“In the last one year, the administration has procured an additional five aircraft for the NAF, which include two Diamond 62 surveillance aircraft, two T-129 ATAK helicopters, and a King Air 360 ER, with plans to integrate 46 more by the end of 2024.
“These strategic acquisitions have bolstered the Air Force’s capacity to conduct precise and impactful operations against various security threats across the country,” he said.
Local Innovation and Global Recognition
One of the most encouraging aspects of Nigeria’s military modernisation is the increasing reliance on locally produced technologies.
Chief Executive Officer, EPAIL Nigeria, Dr. Kola Balogun, praised the new Defence Industry Cooperation of Nigeria (DICON) Act, signed into law by President Tinubu.
This act has revitalised the local defense industry, enabling firms like EPAIL to produce advanced tactical vehicles tailored to Nigeria’s unique security needs.
“Since most of our wars are asymmetric, we design vehicles capable of higher maneuverability, allowing troops to engage enemies without exiting the vehicle,” Balogun explained.
This local innovation not only enhances operational efficiency but also supports the nation’s economy by reducing dependence on foreign military capabilities.
Challenges and Future Prospects
Despite these advancements, the fight against insurgency, banditry, and kidnapping remains a critical challenge.
Observers urge that the impressive array of new equipment and enhanced capabilities should translate into intensified and more effective assaults on these threats.
Sporadic attacks by these groups continue to pose significant security risks in various parts of the country.
Minister of Defence, Muhammed Badaru, highlighted ongoing efforts to expand local production of military wares with over 50 private companies in Nigeria and abroad participating in these initiatives.
Sylvester Juwe, founder, EdaTech, an AI-powered educational platform that bridges the gap between cutting-edge technology and impactful learning experience for children across sub-Saharan Africa, speaks with Oyeyemi Ajayi on the ongoing revolution in the education sector, the relevance of Artificial Intelligence in education in coming years and the changing attitudes of young people towards Maths.
You are founder of EdaTech, purported to be an AI-powered educational platform. Tell us about it.
I’ve witnessed the magic of learning firsthand, but also the frustration when that magic isn’t accessible to all. EdaTech is our response to that frustration. Imagine a platform that tailors itself to each student’s uniqueness, a tireless tutor that celebrates strengths while gently highlighting weaknesses and next steps to success. That’s the essence of EdaTech.
We leverage the power of data to create a personalised learning journey, not a one-size-fits-all approach. Think solutions that adapt to a child’s context, age and learning profile, appropriate chatbots that answer questions in a way that resonates, and progress reports that go beyond grades, revealing a student’s learning profile. EdaTech empowers educators too, with insightful data to personalise instruction and ensure no child gets left behind. It’s about igniting a love of learning, one student, one unique journey at a time.
How relevant do you think AI is going to be to education, going forward?
Think back to the struggle of memorising multiplication tables. But today, an AI tutor uses games and interactive exercises that are tailored to children’s learning style, turning that struggle into a fun and engaging experience. This is just one example of how AI can personalise education and make learning enjoyable for every student. Education, at its core, has a timeless goal: to ignite a love of learning and empower each child to reach their full potential – a future where AI tutors tailor learning to a child’s unique curiosity, anticipate roadblocks and celebrate breakthroughs. AI can become a tireless guide, fostering a deeper understanding and a passion for knowledge that transcends rote memorisation. This isn’t about replacing educators – far from it. AI can become a powerful tool, freeing teachers to focus on the irreplaceable human touch: inspiration, mentorship, and the joy of discovery. The future of education isn’t a teacherless classroom, but a symphony of human passion and artificial intelligence, working in harmony to unleash the potential within every child. It is indeed an exciting future.
To many, AI still looks like some kind of mirage. Some even feel it will go away like some fancy fashion. What have you to say to these people?
As Plutarch eloquently posits, “Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire”. That fire is not as a flickering ember, but a vibrant blaze, fuelled not by chance but by the focused spark of innovation. Artificial intelligence (AI) in education isn’t a fad; it’s the kindling that can ignite a personalised learning revolution.
The internet, once a novelty, is now the lifeblood of communication. AI is poised to follow a similar trajectory, not replacing educators, but empowering them to become architects of personalised learning journeys.
AI presents a world where every student is challenged at their optimal level, where knowledge gaps are identified and addressed before they become chasms. AI can illuminate hidden strengths and learning styles, customising the educational experience to each unique mind. These goals are central to the provisions of education. Their impact is only magnified using these technologies. As such, AI isn’t about replacing the human touch; it’s about amplifying it, allowing educators to become inspirational guides on a path fuelled by data-driven insights.
Aside from your master’s degree in Mathematics, you also pursued an MBA and a PhD in Business and management with a focus on Education; would that imply that you have a bias or passion for education? If so, what drives it?
Numbers were my first love, but they unlock a world of potential, especially in young minds. While the MBA equipped me to navigate the complexities of bringing an idea to life, my doctoral studies focused on leading innovation for wellbeing, particularly in the context of education. It’s not just about academic achievement; it’s about nurturing the whole child. A world where every child thrives, not just survives in school; a generation of innovators brimming with not just knowledge, but also the confidence and resilience to tackle the world’s challenges, is the vision. That’s the future EdaTech is building, and I’m honoured to be a part of it.
Your experience in the 80s at Eyabugbe Primary School Ugborikoko, Warri, is said to play a major role in your passion for education. Tell us about it.
From scorching classrooms in 1980s at Eyabugbe Primary School Ugborikoko, Warri to the hallowed halls of Cambridge, my education journey ignited a fire within. Witnessing over a hundred children crammed in a classroom, a single teacher straining to be heard, made a searing imprint. This wasn’t unique; it mirrored Sub-Saharan Africa’s education crisis. Here, millions grapple with limited resources, their potential stifled. Data paints a stark picture: two-thirds leave education lacking the skills required for success. This is not just an educational crisis, it’s an economic one. Sub-Saharan Africa, brimming with young minds, deserves better. Let us for a moment imagine a future where education truly unlocks their potential, where problem-solving skills propel the region to global leadership.
How would you assess today’s students in terms of willingness to learn and learning capacity?
Globally, not limited to Sub-Saharan Africa, I see today’s students brimming with curiosity and a thirst for knowledge, unlike any generation before them. Information is at their fingertips, and their desire to explore new concepts is undeniable. However, the current education system often struggles to keep pace with this boundless potential. Traditional methods, reliant on rote memorisation and standardized tests, can stifle creativity and fail to ignite a passion for lifelong learning. Children become bored because teaching methods are yet to evolve like methods elsewhere. In fields like gaming and entertainment, engagement is paramount, and content adapts to the user’s pace and interests. Shouldn’t education be just as engaging?
The challenge lies not in the students themselves, but in bridging the gap between their inherent willingness and the way knowledge is presented. EduTech offers a solution. By personalising learning journeys, catering to diverse learning styles, and fostering a love for discovery, we can unlock the true potential within every student. Imagine classrooms where curiosity is the driving force, and every child feels empowered to explore and excel. That’s the future of education, and a future I’m incredibly excited to be a part of.
Would you say the attitude to Mathematics is improving? In those days, over 70 percent of students used to run away from mathematics.
Absolutely, the tide may be turning on math phobia! A 2021 Business Survey found a surprising over 40% of students actually report liking or loving math, a stark contrast to the 70% who ran away from it. But why the historic aversion? Across the globe, math is often seen as a cold, rigid subject devoid of real-world application. Thankfully, technology is changing the game. Interactive platforms and AI-powered tutors are making math engaging, relevant, and even fun; sparking a newfound appreciation for this foundational subject. The future of math education looks bright, and perhaps one day, students will sprint towards it, not away!
Come June 15 the annual Ogidi festival will take place. Ogidi is in Ijumu local government area of Kogi State and this annual event which involves new yam festival and other razzmatazz of cultural fiestas has come to pave a new lease both for the people and their traditions, writes Edozie Udeze.
Ogidi is an agrarian settlement in Ijumu local government area of Kogi State. The Ogidi Day Festival which began some years ago was created by some prominent indigenes of the town as a rallying point for the people. Every June, Ogidi people, home and abroad, travel home for this epoch making event. It has come to become the most important festival in the whole of Kogi State and beyond.
It attracts who is who not only in Kogi State but in other surrounding states and beyond. According to Tunde Ipinmisho, former editor of the Sunday Times, the fiesta symbolizes the unity of the people. He said, “on Saturday, June 15, 2024, everybody will be heading to Ogidi-Ijumu, Kogi State to savour the freshness of the Ogidi Day Festival. It is Nigeria’s biggest culture event in June”. This is so because of the tenacity and importance of this event. Therefore, every year special guests and traditional rulers from far and near are invited and honoured by Ogidi people.
The special guest this year is Eesa Omuaran, Adekunle Oyinloye. He is the chairman of the programmes and with him and others the event will be very colourful and enticing. Ipinmisho described Oyinloye as “The Eesa (traditional Prime Minister) of the ancient Igbomina kingdom of Omuaran, Kwara State, High Chief Adekunle Abdulrazak Oyinloye is the Chairman of the Ogidi Day Festival coming up in Ogidi-Ijumu, Kogi State on Saturday, June 15, 2024.
Eesa Oyinloye who is the President/Chief Executive Officer, Gbose Holdings, was at various times the Managing Director, Sifax Group; Managing Director, The Infrastructure Bank Plc and Executive Director, Unity Bank Plc.
He has had a long standing relationship with Ogidi through his brother and predecessor, Eesa Jide Adebayo who he accompanied to Ogidi when the late Eesa was made the Maiyegun Ogidi in 2014.
A self-effacing man and a community development advocate, Eesa Oyinloye is a banker, development economist and infrastructure enthusiast.
With a well-rounded banking and finance experience of close to 30 years, the Eesa has spent over a decade helping to shape core infrastructure in Nigeria through Alternative Finance Initiatives (AFIs).
Eesa Oyinloye is a Fellow, Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, Fellow, National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria and Fellow, Institite of Directors.
It is also an occasion for traditional dancers, farmers and all sorts of masquerades come out to display their mastery of the art. Nike Okundaye, world famed artist and adire specialist will also be in attendance. Indeed Ogidi is Nike’s town and every year she and her group grace the occasion with their presence. No doubt, it will be same this year. Tourists, both foreign and local will be in attendance to savour the beauty and the merriments of this event.
Nigerian artists, painters, sculptors, ceramists, others, met in Lagos last week to discuss modalities and new approaches to tackle their profession henceforth. Part of the main discussion during the meeting was how to make the Octo rain group exhibition possible. Every year Society of Nigerian Artists (SNA) Lagos State chapter organizes group exhibition for all members. It is tagged Octo Rain Exhibition in which all willing members exhibit one or two art pieces. So the meeting, apart from deliberating on this, had time to look into other pressing areas.
The Society of Nigerian Artists (SNA) Lagos Chapter meeting held last week was indeed a departure from the usual. It was conducted quite differently from previous meetings. The meeting indeed was not business as usual as none members of the executive council of the Society came to realize.
The first hints that the gathering was going to be different from what members were already accustomed to; became quite apparent upon arrival at the venue, when they saw that the sitting arrangements had been altered.
Members were surprised to see that the seats had been arranged in rows of circles starting from a small inner circle in the middle and other circles arranged around this core circle each circle larger than the one before it just like rows of petals on a rose bush. the usual high table for the executive council was
Conspicuously absent, however there were three or four aisle leading to the circle in the middle.
The Vice-chairman Ayoola Omovo kicked off the event with a brief welcome address followed by a short prayer by a member. Waffles were served to keep everyone’s mouths busy and before long drinks and small Chops followed.
We were all happy, members of the executive council seemed to be in an even happier mood, every one of them had been returned to office unopposed in an election held only last April. They had performed exceptionally well and indeed deserved their second terms in office.
While the eating and drinking was going on, the Chairman of the Chapter Prince Kola Olojo Kosoko presented Certificates of membership to newly inducted members of the Chapter.
This was then followed by the inauguration of the Octoberrain 2024 organizing Committee.
There was a loud applause when Israel Benamaisia was named the Chairman of the Committee, this excitement was because of his track record for delivery of previous mandates given to him by the Society. This done this the merriment continued until a young member Christian Opkananke asked for permission to soeak on a matter that is of concern to him as a young professional.
He was given the nod to speak so he spoke about his frustration on the low patronage of Water Color as a medium of art, he said he has a passion for painting in water color but the low patronage of the medium by collectors was discouraging him.
One of those who responded to his complaint was Sheesh Adelakun who advised the artist not to be discouraged by the low patronage that he was currently experiencing but that he should be patient and continue to pursue his passion, he said that with time he might start to gain recognition as a good water Colorist, he advised him to make a habit of attending water color workshops to polish his skills, fraternize with other water color enthusiasts and
possibly also meet water Color collectors at exhibitions organized to showcase works done at the workshops.He told us the story of how one of the most recognizable Water Color painters in the country Sam Ovariati made his first brake as a Water Color painter. He then went on to narrate how he himself consciously participated in a Water Color painters workshop organized by Sam Ovariati, with two goals in mind, One was to fraternize with other artist with the shared passion with possibility of learning new techniques and to possibly also meet water Color collectors. He said that at the end he was able to accomplish all of these goals. He said that a couple of months later he too organized a Water Color workshop of his own at his Studios, he said that he was surprised at the positive responses he got from art collectors when he posted images and information about the workshop on his Social media pages.
Other interventions were by Victor Assam and Israel Benamaisia who encouraged the artist, urging him to do away with any notion that there something wrong with his art, stating that the problem was actually the lack of proper art appreciation by many art patrons and collectors, he stated that a good art collector would not consider Water Color painting as being inferior to art in any other medium. He said in developed countries whether in Europe America or Asia, that there are even Water Color Societies and associations for Water Color artists, an indication that Water Color painting is a specialized industry with its own enthusiasts and patrons who appreciate the medium and fund it through patronage.
Views and opinions on various aspects of the art industry continued to be discussed and before long our time was spent, so the last one hour available was used for a dance and Karaoke session.
Henceforth, SNA Lagos will continue to address pressing issues affecting members and finding ways to let everybody benefit from the society.
Authored by a prominent Nigerian columnist, Olakunle Abimbola, the book chronicles the administration of the former Governor of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, and the ideological inclinations that directed his approach to governance.
Abimbola has written under his weekly column “Republican Ripples” in The Nation Newspapers since 2007.
The sub-title of the 466-page book: “An African Guide to Grassroot Politics and Development.”
Published by Safari Books, with the Foreword written by Prof. Wale Adebanwi, the book is a two-part publication: Part One, Oranmiyan; and Part 2: Renaissance.
“Since Chief Obafemi Awolowo and his Action Group (AG) government of the Western Region (1952-1959), no government, federal of state, has done what Goverenor Rauf Aregbesola did, during his eight-year tenure in Osun, South-West Nigeria. It was a total and comprehensive development, across different Osun demographics,” the Blurb says.
The book details Aregbesola’s incursion into the Osun politics; his government’s acclaimed development policies and programmes; and its many controversies.
Regrettably, the Blurb rues: “…by a conspiracy of peer envy and bad politics, most of these policies and programmes were pared down, if not outright abandoned. For that, Aregbesola’s All Progressive Congress (APC) paid a hefty price in subsequent electoral losses, though bitter partisans, still even more bitterly, argue about who was responsible for that debacle, including Aregbesola’s own role in it all.”
A date will be announced in due course when the book will be presented to the public.
Socio-political activist, Dr. Marindoti Oludare, in this interview with Kayode Fasua, assesses the performance of President Bola Tinubu in one year, against the backdrop of the campaigns he championed for the President while in the race last year. Thirty-five- year- old Oludare, a US-based medic, apart from being the Convener of Social Rehabilitation Gruppe (SRG), also recently got appointed as the Director of Contacts and Engagements for Lucky Aiyedatiwa Campaign Organisation Foot Soldiers Independent Council (LACO-FSIC). He speaks on the way forward for Nigeria. Excerpts:
You were around for the presidential campaigns of President Bola Tinubu, with vigorous inputs in the media. Would you say you feel fulfilled for the efforts?
On a large scale, I’ll say I’m fulfilled by my efforts. My assessment and consequent strategies were on point. I had assessed that President BAT (Bola Ahmed Tinubu) was surely not going to win a majority of the youth vote, but I was sure the President could not win the election without the youth vote. The majority of the APC supporters were being bullied and had their voices muzzled on social media and across most discourses at the time. So I decided to be an effigy of the ire of the President’s detractors, thereby creating a rallying point for his youth supporters. I knew I was smart enough to argue the point beyond dispute, so I engaged and gave a formidable opposition to the social media noise, from rebuking Dino Melaye when he made fun of the president on several occasions, to helping articulate some of his policies, to pulverizing David Udenyin live on TV when he tried to feed the country fibs during the post-election court cases. I also got involved in the Lagos election when I sank GRV’s (Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour’s) chances of getting to the Lagos Government House after I discovered and released his now infamous “I don’t think in Yoruba. ” I spotted that gaffe on 09Mar2023 when GRV made the comment but I strategically delayed my attack until 16Mar2023 to deprive him of any attempt at damage control. I never got a -Thank you- from anyone for my efforts, but I’m glad because I did it for Nigeria. I believe Nigeria is worth those sleepless nights: living in two time zones and every stress and sweat that I had put in it.
How would you rate the president’s performance in the last one year?
I will say the President has honestly done what is needed for the country. It took great courage and effort but a great deal of work lies ahead still. Nigeria was a house with gaping structural problems at the core of its foundation. President Tinubu had to get down and dirty in attacking those foundational problems, hence nobody should ask why we aren’t seeing the skyscrapers yet. That is because until the foundational problems have been fixed, there’s no skyscraper that will stand on that broken structure.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has already jumped to criticise President Bola Tinubu for doing things he failed to do. Since the former President is talking, let’s put things into perspective. When it comes to IGR growth, creditworthiness, or infrastructural development in Lagos; Bola Tinubu’s detractors often say because Fashola, Ambode, and Sanwo-Olu all performed better than Bola Tinubu on these indices, that means Bola Tinubu did nothing special in Lagos as its progress was bound to happen on its own. What those detractors failed to see was the solid foundation built by Bola Tinubu that ensured subsequent building blocks could be added to the Lagos architecture. This foundation is what made the geometric growth under subsequent administrations possible.
On the other hand, the majority of Nigerians will look at various economic indices and say former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s tenure was the most prosperous in the history of our 4th republic; what they fail to recognise is the weak foundation left by the former President Olusegun Obasanjo that ensured subsequent administrations could not match, let alone surpass his performance in office. Posterity will judge both leaders and when both men are gone, we will speak of their profile in courage. Historians will give an account of how an accountant had more courage and bigger cojones than a soldier.
The Nigerian economy seems in the doldrums with the free fall of the Naira and low purchasing power. What is the way out of the quagmire?
Thanks for your choice of words; you just said quagmire, meaning mud. The only way out of the mud is through that mud. Nigeria was in the mud that Bola Tinubu did not create of which he is now responsible, hence we all have to follow his lead and walk through it with him until we reach solid ground. Regarding the two critical albeit controversial decisions to end subsidy and unify the exchange rate, those were life-saving decisions. Nigeria was in a hole, we needed to stop digging. That’s the first rule of the hole. The second rule is when you stop digging, you’re still in a hole so climb out. Nigeria is currently in the second phase of that rule, where we’re trying to climb out of the hole we’ve dug for ourselves for six decades.
Tinubu’s policies did not cause the trouble, Tinubu is saving us Nigerians from the trouble. Perspective is key. Dangote got about 9 billion dollars at the official rate towards the completion of his refinery. That is a rate the common man does not have access to. Had Dangote gone to the parallel market like every common man, his naira would have only gotten him about 5.45 billion dollars, which means the Nigerian government gave Dangote 3.55 billion dollars that the common man wouldn’t have access to. Just to emphasise the significance of this, 3.55 billion dollars is enough to pay 150,000 naira monthly to 1.5 million Nigerians for a whole year. That is the amount the Nigerian government gave to just one man for one of his ventures. Now imagine how much all the Nigerian elite are benefitting. I agree that the people will feel the impact more because if a man with 9000 naira gives you 3500 out of it, the impact on his bottom line is greater than when a man with 9 million dollars gives you 3.5 million out of it. Though both gave out the same percentages, one has a 5.5 million dollar buffer while the other is left to scramble with just 5500 naira. What matters is what the government does with the extra money they are getting. I must say though that the communication of the Bola Tinubu’s administration leaves much to be desired and I still vehemently disagree with the administration on how they’re handling the food crisis.
We can recall that you also stood for the governor of your home state, Ondo, in the testy days of attempts to impeach him as deputy governor. What is your relationship with Aiyedatiwa who has eventually become the governor, following the death of his boss, former Governor Rotimi Akeredolu?
I will say my relationship with Governor Aiyedatiwa is distant but cordial. I became the Director, Contact and Engagement of his campaign organisation during the primary but I’m yet to have the opportunity to interact in any direct way with him. Gov Aiyedatiwa is a man I would love to learn from. His poise and resolve is admirable. He was roundly underestimated but he over-performed and out-maneuvered his detractors. His reign was written in the stars, and his opponents failed to see the “Mene Mene Tekel Upharsin”(handwriting on the wall). Even in the primaries, the people came out en masse to support him. Aiyedatiwa transformed from a little-known deputy governor to a governor with a cult following in Ondo State. The people love him and he is delivering.
Aiyedatiwa is now on the ballot as the governorship candidate of the ruling APC in the November 16 election. What are his chances?
Governor Aiyedatiwa will be elected Governor of Ondo State come November 16 2023. I am confident of that. Like I said, he is ordained by God to be governor, going against him at this moment is like swimming against the tide, you will get swept away. Anyone with half a brain will know to go with the Aiyedatiwa flow at this moment in time. But on the substance of things, Governor Aiyedatiwa is delivering on the promises of good governance. His God-given poise and calm demeanour is quite endearing so he is loved by all and sundry. All who met him marvel at how down to earth he is. Humility is a rare but attractive trait in politics. His ability to remain even-keeled during this period goes to show the manner of man he is. When it comes to Governor Aiyedatiwa, I have zero concerns. Not to be blasphemous but if Jesus Christ of Nazareth and the great prophet (SAW) got on the ballot paper for the opposition come November, Governor Aiyedatiwa will still win.
How best can the Aiyedatiwa administration transform lives in Ondo State in the face of daunting economic challenges facing Nigeria?
Ondo State is a land blessed with milk and honey, gas, and crude oil too, should we include bitumen, never fail to mention cocoa, and never forget rubber, etc. However, all these natural resources are not enough to turn Ondo State into an economic powerhouse in Nigeria and the world at large. If you tapped all the proven crude oil reserves in Nigeria within a day, sold them for $100 per barrel, and shared that money amongst 200 million Nigerians, each of us would only get about $10,000 and that’s it. No more oil for us to share. The state of Texas produces more than four times the total crude production of Nigeria, oil extracting and mining is not among the top six sectors contributing to the Texas Gross State Product. This is because nations and states are not rich in proportion to their natural resources but a highly trained, educated, and productive citizen will make their nation/state wealthy.
Governor Aiyedatiwa understands this and this is why he has started making the moves he is making. Employing teachers, ensures that the future Ondo State citizens are equipped with what it takes to compete in tomorrow’s economy. He is working strongly on human capital development and ensuring they have the infrastructural backing that enables their potential. He is working on ensuring quality educational and qualitative healthcare delivery in the state. He is already doing all the right things, he just has to be given the mandate to continue what he already started and Ondo State will compete with Lagos for the strongest economy within the next 10 years.
Your constituency, the youth, has been complaining of being marginalised in Nigeria’s leadership structure. How do you think young Nigerians can up their game and get fully involved?
I know the ruling elite will want to point to a few officers and say those are youths, in an attempt to dispute this sentiment but that sentiment exists and it is real. There is a degree of Ephebiphobia in our society and that has gravely affected the progress of the youth. A majority of Nigerian youth is disenchanted with the status quo; we have a majority of people in their 40s and 50s who are middle-aged men but still feel like youths because of their life experiences. They’ve never had a connection with any career, they’ve been condemned to a lifetime of unemployment and their only self-honed skill is panhandling for survival. Nobody wants to depend on another man for their basic needs.
This was the reason why Peter Obi was able to cash in on the despair of the youth during the last election and he ran away with their support. Anybody in the ruling class who is alive to their responsibilities and hopes to prevent the youth from making the same mistake needs to engage them and show them the way. The president and his team need to carry the youth along. Check our population distribution, people aged 18-40 account for approximately 67% of the voting population. They need to bring in more young people into the administration. I don’t approve of creating a ministry of youth, I feel it is condescending to us in my own opinion. If 70% of our population is below the age of 30, then youth should be at the core of every aspect of government.
Can you mention three living Nigerians whom you can classify as your political role models?
If you never mentioned “living” I would have picked exclusively from my state. Number 1 is Pa Reuben Fasoranti: the man is a sage; he is the conscience of Ondo State, with utmost integrity and unparalleled service to his people both in his public and private life.
Second is, HRM Oba Olu Falae: he is a consummate intellectual, as an 85-year-old, he is still as young and spry as he ever was when I saw him last year. He tried to rescue Nigeria in ’86 (when he gained the moniker Mr SAP) but never had the political backing from the then-military regime. I believe Nigeria would have been a better place by now had the outcome of the 1999 election been different.
The last would have to be President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. I see him as someone with the intellectual ability of Obafemi Awolowo albeit with a better vision and ability to bring his vision to life. Awolowo was influenced by his British experience so he was a democratic socialist, Bola Tinubu was influenced by his American experience so he is a liberal capitalist.
I have met my first two role models and they know me personally, I adore them. The last I am yet to meet and look forward to the opportunity to meet with him.
Amidst depression, hardship, and frustration faced by Nasarawa State senior citizens, Linus Oota, examines the efforts of the Abdullahi Sule administration to address the unending plight of pensioners.
In 2013, the country adopted the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The target of the SDGs is to, amongst other things, reduce inequality by the year 2030, especially in vulnerable populations, such as elderly people; and empower and promote social and economic inclusion, irrespective of age, sex, or status.
However, successive administrations across the country have made the attainment of this goal by 2030 difficult, especially as senior citizens or retirees were left to deal with social and economic insecurity worsened by non-payment of their legitimate retirement entitlements, including pensions and gratuities.
In Nasarawa State, for instance, many pensioners have had a raw deal with previous administrations over their failure to fulfill labour contracts or agreements with the pensioners as they kept lamenting to no avail.
Before the advent of the Abdullahi Sule administration in Nasarawa State, pensioners were subjected to poor living conditions, as they shared stories about their depression, hardship, and frustration due to the government defaulting to pay them their pension and gratuities years after retirement.
They were dehumanized, marginalised and neglected with reckless abandon as they kept raising alarm over increased deaths of members in droves due to economic hardship and inability to buy drugs.
As a survival scheme, some of them even took to subsistence farming, regardless of their age, and declining physical strength, just to make ends meet. Those who had ailments, and could not participate in strenuous physical activities went to their graves untimely while others went into states of destitution.
“We were presumed dead long before our actual deaths, the successive governments in Nasarawa State were not ready to listen to our plight, many of our members have gone to the grave due to one illness or the other and lack of funds to buy medication, even some of us alive were assumed to have died long ago, but the Sule administration came and exhumed our corpses, revive us, resuscitate us back to life, may God bless Governor Sule,” says Hudu Baba, NUP state chair.
There was virtually no future for the senior citizens as their outcry for their entitlements to be paid fell on deaf ears, they were left to wallow and groaned in agony.
A 75- 75-year-old retiree in Nasarawa State, Mr Tabo Agu, was said to have lost his son to an illness because he could not pay for his treatment.
Agu was said to have devoted 35 years of his life to the service of the state government. He joined the service of the state when it had not been carved out of the former Plateau State.
Agu had looked forward to retirement with the assurance of stable living with the confidence of sustaining his small family with his gratuity, but 10 years later, he did not receive any Kobo from the Nasarawa government.
Suddenly, his only son Thomas, was diagnosed with typhoid and malaria. Although the cost of treating malaria and typhoid in a government-owned hospital is usually less than N10,000, the old retiree could not afford to raise the money for the treatment, and shortly after, his only son died.
But reprieve came to him recently, when he attended the state’s screening exercise, he was cleared, and his pension arrears were paid by the Nasarawa State Sule-led administration.
During the screening exercise, Agu explained what he had gone through. He disclosed that his son, Thomas, died barely three days before the commencement of his SSCE because he could not raise money to pay the medical bill of his son.
Agu’s harrowing experience was one of the pathetic situations most retirees in Nasarawa State were facing before the assumption of office by Governor Abdullahi Sule on May 29th, 2019.
According to available records, in 2019 Sule inherited N42 billion of benefit arrears to retirees.
The pensioners said they were being paid 50 percent of their monthly pension by the previous administrations thereby plunging them into untold hardship.
To correct the anomaly, the pensioner said Sule, upon assumption of office in 2019 made a solemn promise during his first term inauguration to review the payment of pension and gratuity within 100 days in office.
However, while speaking recently in Akwanga at an event organised by Mada Development Association Sule said his administration had cleared the gratuity to retired state civil servants, which had not been paid in the last 26 years.
The governor explained that his administration had deployed the funds obtained from the World Bank under the state’s Fiscal Transparency, Accountability, and Sustainability (SFTAS) programme, to pay the gratuity and pension of retirees.
“In my very first month, because of my inaugural speech, we started to look at how to block the leakages.
“This is to ensure that we will generate enough funds to pay them 100 percent. I am happy, we have now gone over three years. There has never been any month we paid in percentage,” he said.
Also in February 2024 during an assessment visit to the Pension Bureau, Governor Sule approved the disbursement of N1 billion to clear the outstanding gratuity of over 1000 retirees from both local and state government from 1999 to 2010.
According to Sule, the gesture was meant to bring succour to the retirees who are presently experiencing economic hardship to enable them to start something in order to better their lives.
“People are facing a lot of challenges today due to the economic hardship.
“That is the reason why we believe if we pay them their money, some of them are getting one million, some two million and even three million, the money will go a long way in reducing the hardship“, he said
Governor Sule announced this when he undertook an on-the-spot assessment of the ongoing screening exercise for over 700 local government and 300 state retirees at the headquarters of the Nasarawa State Bureau for Pension Administration.
According to the Governor, the one billion naira would clear the full gratuity of retirees both at the state and local government levels starting from 1999 to 2010.
This is just as Governor Sule explained that his administration inherited a backlog of gratuity from the creation of the state in 1996 to date.
He told journalists at the venue of the screening that he was there to physically monitor the exercise, which he said, was meant to alleviate the plight of the retirees by paying them their full entitlements so that they can be able to start something.
Sule said that with improved revenue accruing to the state, his administration saw the need to clear off the gratuity of retirees starting from 1999 to 2010.
“I was told the money would clear the gratuity of retirees from 1999 to 2010. Both at the local government and state levels. My dream again is that from 2011, when the amount increases significantly, whether anybody knows somebody in government or not, again, we will just follow the first-come-first-serve to complete the payment for 2011 by the end of this year. At the beginning of next year, we will pay purely from 2012,” he stated.
He added that the gesture is meant to bring sucour to the retirees who are presently experiencing economic hardship.
“This is in addition to whatever interventions we are having, whether it is food items or whatever, let us pay them what is due to them, and that is their own gratuity,” he added.
The Governor expressed optimism that with 500 local government retirees, out of the over 700 and 100 state retirees, out of the over 300 already screened, the beneficiaries would begin to receive their payments.
Also speaking, Alhaji Suleiman Musa Nagogo, Director General, Nasarawa State Pension Bureau, explained “We are going to clear the issue of gratuity in respect of all those who retired from 1999 until 2010 for both the state and local government retirees.
“Once we are able to handle those ones from 1999 to 2010, and as His Excellency, Governor Sule said, additional funds would be made available to clear that of retirees from 2011/2012, in order to make sure we have addressed the challenge of payment of gratuity in Nasarawa State.
The DG further clarified that retired permanent secretaries numbering 60 would receive N2m each while those who are deceased are likely to receive N4m out of their entitlements.
He noted that since the inception of the present administration under Governor Sule, both local and state pensioners have been receiving one hundred percent of the pension, with the pensioners already paying their February pension.
Alhaji Nagogo used the opportunity to clear the air on why, in the past, the bureau was paying retirees over one hundred thousand naira as gratuity.
“Please recall that payment of this gratuity is being done on a quarterly basis which means that we gather the amount we have to receive in three months and announce to the people to come and collect their gratuity.
“But we don’t sit as a Bureau for Pension Administration and say we are paying one hundred thousand naira. There is a committee called the Gratuity Disbursement Committee which is headed by the Deputy Governor of the state that sits down and looks at the entire amount that has accrued for payment of gratuity and looks at the recommendations that came from the BPA and how many people they can take at that quarter. It’s the same process we have been following in disbursing this money,” he stated.
Nagogo said on assumption to office, Sule began the review of the percentage payment of gratuity in the state streamlined retirees’ entitlements to a quarterly basis, and directed the commencement of full payment of pension immediately.
Nagogo said before now there has been a series of garnishee orders against the state by aggrieved pensioners, however, noting that the present administration had taken a bold step and settled their grievances through an out-of-court settlement.
“The issue here is that the Pension Bureau makes sure that once you are paid this quarter the next quarter it will be a different batch of gratuity beneficiaries that will be entertained.
“This, we have maintained as our approach so that as many as possible could enjoy part of their gratuity continuously in this manner and until some of them can be cleared off,” he said.
The Director-General commended Sule for rekindling the hope of senior citizens in Nasarawa state by approving the payment of N5000 across the board as palliatives to pensioners to cushion the effect of present economic hardship.
“Since his assumption to office in 2019 being his first term, Governor Sule made it crystal clear that he is going to look into the issue of outstanding gratuity and pension of retirees in the state,” he said.
Nagogo said Nasarawa State had maintained 100 per cent payment of pension since 2019 till date.
He applauded President Bola Tinubu for issuing a clear directive to the state governors to ensure prompt payment of retirees’ entitlements.
Nagogo said the Bureau had blocked leakages through thorough verification of the beneficiaries before payments were being made since he assumed office.
“Recall that when I assumed office, I vowed to eradicate the issue of fake people who enjoy gratuity or people who are made to pay inducement to my workers before they collect their pay.
“If anytime, any day, anybody brings fake pensioner or gratuity beneficiary and is verified to be fake I vow to take action against not only the fake pensioner or gratuity beneficiary but my employees who are engaged in that very malpractice,” he warned.
Mr Hudu Baba–Abdullahi, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), Nasarawa State Chapter, said senior citizens in the state have never had it this good in the history of pension payment.
According to him, the issue of pension and gratuity payments in Nasarawa State before Sule assumed office was a terrible mess, noting that his administration had since brought hope to the Pensioners.
“Governor Sule met a mess, which included payment of pension in percentages and lack of payment of gratuity as and when due but as I talk to you now the payment of pension in percentages has stopped and all the arrears have been paid.
“So many of us have recovered from our health challenges we were facing due to lack of money to seek proper medical care before now,” he said.
He expressed his gratitude to Governor Abdullahi Sule for clearing the payment of all their outstanding arrears of pensions in the state, and commended the governor for facilitating the payment of all the 13 local government area pensioners in the state; an action that has made all of them up to date without any kobo left behind as far as their entitlements are concerned.
“So far our members are 100% cleared and based on that, we are grateful to the state government for living up to its obligations and calling for its sustenance to enable the pensioners to continue to reap the fruit of their labour,” he stated.
On the issues of retired workers’ gratuities, the Chairman also commended the state Government for the monthly release of 50 million which is being kept safe for three months until it reaches N150 million then it would be used to pay the retired workers’ gratuities on first come first serve basis.
He, however, explained that a certain amount or percentage out of the said monies is being kept aside to take care of the most vulnerable members, especially the sick, widows, and those with pressing needs among others.
Abdullahi also disclosed that on the part of the Local Government retirees, all 13 councils do make available N30 million monthly which is saved for three months until it reaches N90 million then it would be distributed to their retirees in the same pattern with that of the state government.
The NUP Chairman stated that with these arrangements, many retirees were settled and smiles were brought back to their faces, with a view to making sure that their labour and contributions to their fatherland during their youthful ages did not go in vain.
Abdullahi who further expressed his gratitude to Governor Abdullahi Sule whom he described as pension friendly Governor, however, stated that just like Oliver Twist who always asks for more they are appealing for an increase in the gratuities payment as well as for the sustenance of the monthly pensions in both for the state’s and local Governments. In order to keep their confidence alive and also make them fully assured about the commitments of the State’s Government towards their welfare
Alhaji Danjuma Ayitogo, a retired Permanent Secretary and NUP chairman, Keana Local Government Area, said the pensioners in the local government were receiving their pension as and when due.
“Governor Sule being a pensioner, knows the pain and difficulties pensioners go through, so the best he can do for us is to give us our entitlement so that every pensioner can enjoy himself, and that’s what he is doing.
Mrs Lydia Irekpita, a retiree and the state NUP Women Desk Leader, said that Sule had changed the narrative of pension payment in the state.
“Those of us who survived the terrible days of non-payment of pension by the previous administrations are by the grace of God.
“So many of our colleagues died simply because there was no money to seek better medical care.”
