AGGRIEVED pensioners in Edo State and Governor Godwin Obaseki yesterday traded words over payment of pensions and gratuity.
But the governor assured the pensioners of better days ahead, promising to keep to his words to start paying them.
The pensioners, who wore black to the May Day rally at the Sports Complex of the University of Benin, interrupted Obaseki’s speech as he made effort to explain efforts he had made to settle pension arrears.
They became more annoyed when Obaseki told them to stop collecting money from the opposition party to fight his administration.
Obaseki informed the pensioners that the opposition party was responsible for their plight because pension and gratuity were not paid as far back as 1997.
He said he had instructed the local government councils to pay outstanding pensions and salaries before the end of the year after releasing N1.5 billion from the Paris Club Refund.
He noted that by next year, all local government employees would be converted to the contributory pension scheme.
According to him, “I am not happy that some people are wearing black. I promise you will not wear black next year.
“My predecessor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole had an option to pay only those that retired in his time but he went back to start paying pension from 1997. I made a promise and I will keep my promise.”
Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Emmanuel Ademokun urged the governor to employ people into the State Public Service to address depleting workforce.
President Muhammadu Buhari wants Nigerians to be patient with his administration as they join the rest of the world to celebrate Christmas.
He says better days are ahead.
The President in his Christmas message felicitates with all Nigerians, particularly Christians on the occasion saying: “The commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ is an important opportunity for us to show love to one another and encourage unity by spending quality time with our friends, families and the less-privileged.
“It is also an occasion to draw inspiration from the exemplary lifestyle and teachings of Jesus Christ, who constantly stood for what is right, true and honest.
“The Holy Book describes Christmas as a festival of peace, joy, healing, hope and fulfilment. It kindles great expectations in the heart, irrespective of the challenges of the moment.” he said
He urged Nigerians to devote some time to pray and appreciate the sacrifices of members of our armed services who are keeping the nation safe and secure.
“By the same token, and keeping with the spirit of the season, our gallant troops serving in the frontlines in the fight against insurgency; those wounded, lying in the hospital, as well as civilians who have suffered the brunt of evil and wicked elements these past years, deserve our fervent goodwill and sustained prayers.
“The personal fortitude of these individuals will continue to inspire us to victory as we turn the tide against the enemy and annihilate those who work against the unity of our nation.” he added.
Similarly, the President asked Nigerians to remember to provide refuge to those who cannot enjoy Christmas at home with their families, or have been driven from their homes by insurgency or violence, particularly the Internally Displaced Persons.
He added: “lately, we have witnessed an upsurge in the activities of trans-border syndicates who lure our youths to modern slavery through irregular migration.
“While we have stepped up our efforts to halt this wickedness against the upwardly mobile generation, and have evacuated some of our compatriots stranded abroad, we appeal to them to shun the allure of embarking on such perilous journeys.
“I am deeply convinced that better days lie ahead for us as a nation as we make progress on all the major fronts where we have set our energies to surmount the challenges.
“I wish you all Happy Christmas celebrations.” he stated.
A member of the Lagos state House of Assembly representing Shomolu Constituency 2, Hon. Rotimi Abiru has appealed to Nigerians to be patient with the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari in efforts to take the country out of economic recession.
The Lawmaker, who spoke with reporters in Lagos was reacting to protests organised in Lagos and Abuja.
Abiru said: “There’s need for our youths to be patient with this present administration”.
“The sixteen years of mismanagement of the nation by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led government have caused a serious damages to this nation.” he noted.
“Where were our youths when the last administration was distributing hard currency to some people like water?”, the lawmaker asked.
He added: “The future of this nation lies in the hands of our youths, we should all shun sentiment, the wasted resources and damage to our economy for sixteen years by the PDP led government can’t be corrected within two years of the All Progressive Congress APC led administration”.
Abiru urged Nigerians to be patient, “as everyone is facing the hardship in the land. But we all must cooperate with President Mohammed Buhari and pray for him to succeed in taking the country out of the woods” he urged.
The new leadership of the Association of Nigeria Theatre-Arts Practitioners (ANTP) has promised to improve the life of widows in the theatre industry through regular financial empowerment.
This is part of the take-off agenda of the body’s new leadership. The officers, led by National President Chief Jimoh Aliu (MFR) were elected in Ibadan at the weekend.
Aliu, who led the association between 1995-1998, said he would devote his second coming to the service of God and humanity, as well as unifying practitioners.
He noted that widows in the industry are not faring well, and his leadership will design programmes that will fetch income, to be shared by them.
Aliu added that ANTP will partner governments and stakeholders towards promoting Nigeria’s culture and tourism.
He sought unity and honesty among practitioners, saying these are ways to achieve greatness in the industry. “Stardom minus honesty, fear of God and patriotism to one’s country amounts to nothing,” he said.
Earlier, Chairman of ANTP’s Board of Trustees Yemi Farounmi urged the leadership to be selfless, and make the association beneficial to members.
He said the industry was making progress, adding that ANTP should do more by competing favourably with industry groups around the world.
Other elected officers are Mr. Rasak Baroka Oyadiran (Deputy President), Abiodun Adekanbi (Vice-President – South), Mrs. Mariam Aponbepore Bakare (Vice-President – North), Alhaji Yahaya Adetunji (National General Secretary), Mrs Bola Anike Obot (Treasurer), Mr. Adewale Adeoye Elesho (Financial Secretary), Mr. Bolanle Love Adeniran (Internal Auditor), Mr. Olanrewaju Ayodele (Director of Organisation), Benjamin Eji-Iberu Adekunle (Director of Publicity), Hajia Fatimoh Afunkunlola (Welfare Officer), Mr. Tajudeeen Coach Gbadamosi (Chief Whip), Chief Salaudeen Elejigbo Azeez (Ex-Officio 2).
Better days are on the way, despite the economic downturn, President Muhammadu Buhari assured Nigerians yesterday.
Buhari, in an Eid-el-Fitri message he signed personally, said he was not unaware of the hardship Nigerians are going through. He praised them for their sacrifice.
He said: “I am not unaware of what Nigerians are going through and I want to use this medium to commend the amazing sacrifices of Nigerians in the face of the temporary economic and social challenges and also reassure Nigerians that my administration is working assiduously towards providing basic needs and other amenities.
“Let me also use this opportunity to reaffirm that we will not relent in the fight against corruption and we will ensure that all appropriate and legal measures are deployed to root out this malaise.
“I promise you all better days ahead even as we remain grateful for your unflinching support to our administration.
Happy Eid-El-Fitr celebration and May the Almighty Allah continue to bless our nation.
Eid Mubarak!.”
Buhari urged Nigerians who have the means to remember the millions who are suffering deprivation because of violence perpetrated by terrorists.
The President praised the Armed Forces and security agencies for the gains recorded in the fight against terrorists and the rescue of hostages in the Northeast.
He appealed for the support, understanding and patience of all Nigerians and our international partners as the government explores the fastest means to end the economic sabotage in the Niger Delta and amicably resolve the conflicts within the region.
On Eid-El-Fitr, he said: “I felicitate with all Nigerians, especially the Muslim Ummah, on the occasion of this year’s Eid-El-Fitr, which marks the completion of the Ramadan fast.
“I congratulate Muslims in Nigeria and around the world on the successful completion of this month-long spiritual journey of fasting, prayer and almsgiving in obedience to the Divine Command.
“I sincerely pray that the Almighty Allah will reward our sacrifices with increased blessing and a more prosperous future. On this happy occasion, it is my strong belief that all true followers of Islam have been rejuvenated on the true meaning and essence of life and through the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), we have learnt to imbibe the virtues of piety, sacrifice, love, self-denial and good conduct in our daily relationship with one another.
“As we celebrate another Eid-El-Fitr, I admonish all patriotic Nigerians to uphold these lessons and also appreciate the numerous material and human blessings God has endowed us with.”
He urged Nigerians to show gratitude, respect and tolerance to one other, irrespective of their religion, tribe, language and political leanings.
Also yesterday, the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) urged Muslims to intensify prayers for unity and peaceful coexistence of Nigeria.
It urged the Niger-Delta Avengers (NDA) to stop attacks on oil facilities and embrace the proposed dialogue by the Federal Government.
The ACF, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Muhammad Ibrahim, said: “Destruction of oil pipeline installations and polluting the environment is not a solution to whatever perceived grievances the groups may have against the government and oil companies.
”The Holy month of Ramadan of 1437AH (2016AD) has come to an end with the sighting of Shawwal moon. The period of Ramadan was an opportunity for Muslims all over world to fast, pray, and devote themselves to the reading and teachings of the Holy Quran, practices and sayings of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
“It was also an occasion where Muslims reaffirm their belief in the oneness of Almighty Allah (SWT) and commitment to the ideals of Islam. Muslims also prayed fervently for peace, unity and understanding among Nigerians, they also helped the less privileged and the poor in our midst in view of the prevailing economic hardship and other inequalities nationwide.
“ACF wishes the Muslim Ummah a peaceful and Happy Eid-el-Fitr celebration and equally urges Muslims to continue to devote themselves to prayers for unity and peaceful coexistence in view of the security, social, economic and many other challenges confronting Nigeria.
“ACF, in the spirit of Eid-el-FItr celebration, calls on the Niger Delta Avengers and other militant groups engaged in the destruction of oil and gas pipelines and other economic structures to lay down their arms and embrace the Federal Government’s offer of dialogue.
“Destroying oil pipe line installations and polluting the environment is not a solution to whatever perceived grievances the groups may have against the government/oil companies. Development and prosperity can only take place in an atmosphere of peace and understanding and not violence and destruction.” It said.
Nigerian rapper, D-Truce has released the music video of his debut single, Better Days. Directed by Tolu Itogboje, the video was filmed in Ebutte-Metta, Lagos and has scenes of children playing in a crowded street.
Featuring fellow X3M label mate, Praiz, the video portrays a gentle D-Truce sitting in a car, rapping while the soulful Praiz stands in front of the car. It also features scenes of D-Truce rapping from a balcony and walking down a dark staircase, while Praiz was captured playing a drum for the little childrens flocked around him.
“Better Days is a song of hope to all those hustling for a better tomorrow. I believe if we do things properly, we will achieve our goals. It’s all a matter of time,” said D-Truce, who defined his kind of music as ‘feel good music’.
Born Chukwuebuka Dusten Anyasie, the rapper got signed to X3M Music Label in 2014. He started rapping at about the age of 14. He wrote his first song in 2009 and recorded his first song a year after.
In 2011, he released a mixtape series, Mixtape Killer under an American/Nigerian Record label, Turnout Records. The mixtape didn’t do too well, but he was relentless in his hustle.
D-Truce who is also a copywriter joined the X3M Music family in November 2014. He also currently plays the role of Jared in the popular Nigerian TV series, Tinsel.
The recent release of N11 billion in cash assets and the planned issuance of retirement benefit bond certificate to retirees are indicators of the Lagos State government’s determination to improve the fortunes of its pensioners. OMOBOLA TOLU-KUSIMO writes that these development represent a further consolidation of efforts of the previous administration in the state.
Governor Ambode
There is fresh hope for Lagos State retirees under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) with the recent release of N11 billion by the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, to offset pension liabilities in arrears since 2010. The pension cash assets is not only for Lagos State Government mainstream pensioners, but retirees in Local Governments, Parastatals and agencies.
The former Director-General of LASPEC, Mr. Rotimi Adekunle Hussain, disclosed that in the eight years of the previous administration in the state, a sum of N33.57 billion was to be paid to 6,441 workers, who retired from the State Public Service under the CPS.
He expressed optimism and confidence that the achievements of the former governor Babatunde Fashola’s administration in the Scheme will be consolidated by Ambode.
It was, therefore, instructive when Ambode, determined to tackle any challenge hindering the smooth operation of the scheme as it relate to the state and enhance workers’ welfare, directed that pension cash assets in the sum of N11 billion be immediately deployed to outstanding pension arrears, which dated back to 2010.
According to a statement by the Head of Service, Mrs. Shade Jaji, the development is part of efforts being put in place by the present administration, aimed at finding a holistic solution to the issue of outstanding accrued pension rights due to retirees under the CPS pensions payment, and payment of pension entitlements under the Pay-As-You-Go (PAYG) pension scheme. The PAYE pension scheme was discontinued in April 2007.
Jaji said the state government has developed a comprehensive payment plan to resolve all outstanding pension issues in the immediate short, medium and long terms.
According to her, pension payments would be made to retirees of Ministries, Department and Agencies (MDAs) and Parastatals. “Also, payments to retirees from Local Governments and State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), which will be made monthly, will commence from this month,” it was learnt.
The Nation gathered that the efforts were outcome of painstaking deliberations by the Public Service Pensions Office, the Lagos State Pensions Commission, the Head of Service and the determination of Governor Ambode to reduce outstanding liabilities due to all retirees in the state public service.
To further give hope to the retirees, the state , through its pension commission (LASPEC), will from tomorrow pay N2.2 billion Bond out of the N11 billion set aside for the outstanding benefits to 658 retirees, who retired from the mainstream of the civil service, local government, SUBEB and parastatals of government.
With these payments, the backlog of pension benefits owed by the state, leading to delayed payment of retirees benefits, is expected to be a thing of the past.
The Director-General, LASPEC, Mrs Folashade Onanuga, revealed that the 658 retirees to benefit from the N2.2 billion Bond will receive their bond from Governor Ambode at the 18th batch of Retirement Benefit Bond Certificate Presentation ceremony holding in Alausa tomorrow.
The Retirement Benefit Bond Certificate is a written acknowledgment by the state government of debt owed to employees for their years in service under the Pay-As–You-Go pension scheme, which was discontinued on March 31, 2007. The state had already redeemed the figures on the certificates into the Retirement Savings Accounts (RSA) of the 658 retirees.
She said: “This Retirement Benefit Bond presentation, the 18th consecutive one since the inception of the contributory pension scheme, signifies the strong commitment of the state government to the implementation and continued sustainability of the scheme. “
The LASPEC boss added that it is gratifying to note that Lagos State has been up-to-date in the remittance of contributions.
LASPEC Head, Corporate Affairs, Mukaila Sanusi further explained that Governor Ambode wanted to ensure that retirees are paid their benefits every month.
“The situation before now is such that there were backlog challenge in payment of pension benefits in the state. The target by the present government is that retirees get their benefits same year they retire. They are able to go home with their entitlement immediately they retire,” he said, stressing that “this is why the government is paying outstanding pension liabilities”.
“The N11 billion covers a huge chunk of the outstanding liabilities. More so, the fact that about 700 retirees will get their benefits tomorrow shows the seriousness of the current government to get things better than it has been before now,” he said.
Chairman, Association of Retirees, Lagos State Water Corporation, Mr. Leo Onayemi, in an interview, said the LASPEC DG has informed them that the current government has given them N150 million to pay to some of their members.
He said they are excited and hope that more of their outstanding benefits will be paid soon.
A retiree from a local government, who identified himself as Adeniyi, said he was happy that his benefits would be paid.
He said he has been struggling and saddened about the development before one of friends told him that government will soon begin payment.
The Lagos State Pension Reform Law 2007 was signed into law on March 19, 2007, established for the Public Service of Lagos State, a Contributory Pension Scheme for the payment of retirement benefits of employees in the service to whom the scheme applies. The scheme covers all pensionable employees in the public service of the state.
President of South Africa, Jacob Zuma, was the first foreign leader to arrive Eagle Square, venue of the presidential inauguration in Abuja.
Other presidents present at the venue of the inauguration include Malian President, Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta and Guinean President, Alpha Condé, among others.
A group, Osun Liberty Group, has said better days are ahead for the people of Osun State.
In a statement by its Coordinator, Ayo Akinola, the group said Governor Rauf Aregbesola is God’s gift to the state after what he referred to as “years of the locust represented by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)”.
In the statement, Akinola thanked workers and residents for their patience and understanding, despite orchestrated efforts by the opposition to use the paucity of funds as a tool of political smear against the government.
“Our people need to appreciate the fact that the governor has everybody’s welfare at heart as demonstrated by huge infrastructural development throughout the state.
“Despite declining federal allocation, Aregbesola has creatively managed the finances such that the effect was not immediately felt until the decline persisted.
“The government accumulated a debt of N12 billion in its bid to ensure that salaries were paid. The government was ready to borrow more but the banks would not grant more loans.
“The Aregbesola administration remains pro-workers despite the tight corner it has found itself, which was the result of booby-trap deliberately put on his path.”
Oyo State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate Senator Teslim Kolawole Folarin has urged the people to vote wisely at the polls.
He said better days are underway in the Pacesetter State, if the people can resolve to use their voting power to effect positive change.
The flag bearer said in a statement in Ibadan, the state capital, that the days of despair will be over, if the people can make the right decision at the polls.
Folarin said: “With a concerted effort, determination and synergy between the people and a government with an human face, the new year holds a lot of promise. Our people should not lose hope because the PDP government in Oyo State will put smiles on the faces of our people.”
The flag bearer added: “Our people have suffered enough. Under the PDP government in Oyo State, poverty reduction will be our focus. Youth unemployment, support for the vulnerable, education, health and agriculture shall form the fulcrum of our purpose-driven administration .
“In these days of unpredictable price of oil in the international market, an agrarian state like Oyo has a lot of potentials to absorb thousands of unemployed youths. What it requires is the creation of an enabling environment in the rural areas, backed by purposeful legislation and committed leadership”.
“We cannot continue to pay lip service to the hopelessness and needless invitation to criminality that our youths have been subjected to over the years.The time to act is now. Otherwise, we shall be sitting on a keg of gun powder that may be difficult to contain when the burble burst. We need to rededicate ourselves and chart a new course that will benefit the masses of our people, so that they could enjoy the real dividends of democracy.”
