The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Union

  • ASUU commiserates with union

    The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASSU) has commiserated with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) on the death of three journalists in a motor accident near Osu, Osun State, last Friday.

    In a statement by the ASUU President, Dr Nasir Fagge, the union urged journalists to remain strong to overcome the trauma the incident has caused.

    The union said members of the academic community in Nigerian universities shared in the journalists’ sad moment.

    The statement reads: “I received the news of the death of our people in the NUJ with shock. I had thought the accident would only end with injuries and not death. But only Allah knows best.

    “We, in ASUU, are pained and hurting that those who offered themselves to serve their profession would exit the world this way. I sympathise with the national fraternity of journalists in Nigeria and in particularly, Oyo and Lagos States’ NUJ councils. May Allah comfort the families of the departed.”

    The ASUU President prayed God to grant the families of the departed the fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss.

    He added: “We can only take solace that only Allah knows best. God gives and He takes. It is only unfortunate that these versatile members were cut short in their prime.”

    Also, the Chairman of the University of Ibadan (UI) ASUU branch, Dr Olusegun Ajiboye, expressed shock at the death of the three NUJ officials.

    He said: “Our friends have gone; we are sad. But we should take care of their children. We should not cry and forget their families. I will urge the union to develop a scheme to assist the children of the deceased.”

  • Union to picket airlines

    The National President of Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), Comrade Benjamin Okewu, has said the association is collaborating with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) to picket domestic airlines that refused to unionise.

    He said in Lagos that the affected airlines have been given an ultimatum to comply with the directive of the association, warning that failure to comply will attract stingy penalties.

    He explained that apart from the challenge of unionisation, many domestic airlines are owing workers salaries, a development he described as unhealthy for the industry.

    He spoke of plans to take up the matter with the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA),saying that a disgruntled aviation staff owed salaries is a threat to safety and security in the aviation sector.

    Okewu however appealed to airlines that have not fulfilled their obligation to do so.

    He said: ‘’We are appealing to the airlines to pay their workers salaries. We will not stop appealing to them, considering that they are not unionised. This is because welfare is key for aviation workers. Inability to guarantee the welfare of aviation workers is an instrument that negates safety.

    ‘’That is why we have stepped up the mobilisation for them to pay workers’ salaries promptly. We would also prevail on the NCAA to urge the airlines to pay. We are convinced that a disgruntled staff is an accident waiting to happen.”

    He said from next month, airlines that are not unionised will incur the wrath of the unions, which are set to picket them.

    Okewu added: “We are in discussions with the NLC, TUC to ensure that the airlines do the needful, by getting their organisations unionised. Most of the foreign airlines operating in Nigeria are unionised, but the domestic carriers are not complying.

    ‘’We have given them till next month to take a decision. If the airlines fail to comply, ATSSSAN will seek help from TUC, and NLC to picket the erring airlines.”

    Meanwhile, Okewu is seeking the position of financial secretary in TUC in the forthcoming election, where he hopes to utilise his wealth of experience to strengthen performance.

    He said:” We are taking TUC to the next level. With my wealth of experience and the convergence of interests , I am convinced we will strengthen performance .”

  • Jonathan seeks labour’s support in tackling corruption

    Jonathan seeks labour’s support in tackling corruption

    President Goodluck Jonathan on Wednesday in Abuja called on organised labour to complement Federal Government’s efforts in fighting corruption in the country.

    Jonathan, who made the call at the Centenary May Day 2013 held at Eagle Square, noted that perpetrators of corruption are senior and junior members of labour unions.

    He called on the labour unions to organise a peer review programme with the objective of checking corruption and corrupt tendencies.

    The President said such a programme would complement several efforts of the government in fighting the menace.

    “Labour has been in the forefront of demanding for good governance and increased actions against corruption, and these issues are being vigorously tackled on various fronts.

    “Prosecutions are being pursued in matters arising from fuel subsidy fraud, embezzlement of pension funds and other serious long-standing malpractices which have been demystified by this administration.

    “Giving that some of these perpetrators are senior and junior members of labour unions, greater attention to peer review actions on the part of labour will be much appreciated,” he said.

    Jonathan said the administration was leaving no stone unturned to upgrade the welfare of workers both in the private and public sectors.

    “There is also a policy framework in place that will facilitate better relations between employers of labour and the government,’’ he said.

    Jonathan called on labour to support government’s transformation agenda, which he said was geared toward creating jobs and wealth, and ensuring a better deal for Nigerians.

    He said government was committed to creating a politically stable environment in which economic activities would flourish.

    The President said the valuable contributions and sacrifices of the organised labour had assisted the government to achieve significant reforms in all sectors.

    He extolled “the resilience and contributions of past labour leaders like Pa Michael Imodu and Pascal Bayfau, both of blessed memory’’.

    Jonathan assured that government would continue to associate with the labour unions as they continue to play their roles in the nation-building process

  • Union threatens strike over interim mgt

    •Oyo gets 21-day ultimatum

    The College of Education Academic Staff Union (COEASU) of the Emmanuel Alayande College of Education (EACOED), Oyo, has given the state government a 21-day ultimatum, to provide substantive principal officers for the college, or risk industrial action. The ultimatum took effect from April 5.

    A communiqué signed by the union Chairman, Dr. Olugbenga Ayena, at the end of its Congress, noted: “Interim” arrangement that should have ushered in a substantive management within a predetermined period of time, has outlived its usefulness and is, therefore, “illegitimate, boring, frustrating, and unproductive.”

    “The union, specifically identified some fallout which have emanated from the stand-in arrangement to include no specific terms of reference and tenure for the arrangement that has been in place for about 20 months now, and inability of the interim officers to act in substantive capacity thus further creating problems.

    “Others include the non-release of capital grants for the 2011\2012 academic session, gross understaffing of some academic departments both at the main campus, and Lanlate campus, as well as infrastructural decay.

    “The union noted the apparent inaction of the Governing Council on this issue despite persistent complaints made, and unequivocally condemned the apathy of the council to it,” he said.

    However, COEASU praised the government’s landmark achievements in the tertiary education sector, and significant improvement in the performance of state-owned secondary school students in both West African School Certificate(WASCE) and National Examination Council (NECO), describing it as, “noteworthy and a great achievement, which is indicative of the success of government education reformation agenda.”

     

  • Suspended student wins union presidency

    Suspended student wins union presidency

    Six years ago, Chris Taiwo was placed on suspension by the authorities of the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, after he lost bid to be elected as president of the Students’ Union Government (SUG).

    During the election held last week, Chris emerged leader of the union. In the build up to the poll, aspirants thronged the campus and off-campus hostels with their supporters sharing posters to canvass for votes. They also stationed billboards at strategic places for awareness.

    The election was held simultaneously in the six faculties on the Ogbomoso campus and also at the College of Health Sciences, Osogbo. Security personnel including Man O’ War and cadets were drafted to maintain peace during the process. Red Cross officials and LAUTECH Road Safety Corps were on hand to ensure smooth process.

    To ensure the best got elected, the Union of Campus Journalists organised a debate for the aspirants. On the election day, members of the electoral commission with Vice-Chancellor, Prof Sulaiman Gbadegesin, moved round the campus to monitor the election.

    The process was marred by low turnout of students. When the election ended, collation exercise could not follow immediately because ballot boxes were being transported from Osogbo. Students and observers besieged the convocation ground, the venue of the collation.

    Around 11:30 pm in the evening, the results were announced.

    Chris was returned as the president-elect. In 2007, he was suspended because of the controversy that trailed his defeat in union election. He, however, wrote another entrance exam and was re-admitted into his former department.

    He also lost the union election last session but re-contested and won last week. As his name was announced as the winner, his supporters shouted “Abraham Lincoln of LAUTECH”.

    Declaring the winner, the chairman of the electoral commission, Dr Siyanbade Adewale, said Chris garnered 1,992 votes to defeat his close rival, Bolanle Sherrifdeen, who polled 1,473 votes.

    Others elected include Calista Atanye, Vice-President 1, Emmanuel Fadeni, Vice-President II, Sheriffdeen Hamzat, General Secretary, Adeboye Kuta, Assistant General Secretary, Abdulrasheed Adewale, Financial Secretary, Kayode Alabi, Public Relations Officer, Ahmed Kolawole, Welfare Director, Ayoola Badmus, Sports Director and Abayomi Adams, Social Director.

    The elected officials have since been sworn in. Chris pledged not to renege on his campaign promises.

     

  • Union threatens strike over N12m fund

    THE Abia State Council of Medical and Health Workers’ Union of Nigeria [MHWUN] has threatened to embark on a strike against the management of Abia State University Teaching Hospital (ABSUTH) over non payment of its worker’s check off dues, which is alleged to have been used to pay workers’ salary.

    The union said the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of ABSUTH, Dr Uwa Iweha, is not qualified to manage the affairs of the hospital, as he has no right to allegedly use the check off dues of its members to offset the salary arrears of the workers of the hospital, instead of paying it to the union.

    Speaking during a press briefing on the activities marking this year’s health workers week, the state chairman of MHWUN, Uchenna Obigwe, said they have exhausted all avenues available to them to no avail and that the strike will commence after their health week celebration.

    Obigwe said that the amount which is N12 million has not been paid and that they are requesting the CMD to pay the money without delay, “else, he will start working on how to manage a strike that will come to the hospital,” he said.

    When contacted, the CMD was said to be out of town for an official assignment. However, a staff in his office denied the allegation, saying that the union was being economical with the truth.

     

  • 10 years after, union inaugurates executives

    After 10 years of long suffering and agitation, the Senior Staff Association of Universities Teaching Hospitals Research Institutes and Associated Institutions (SSAUTHRIAI) have inaugurated its executive members in the Nigeria Institute of Science Laboratory Technology (NISLT) in Ibadan last week.

    Speaking at inauguration ceremony held at the NISLT hall, Samonda, Ibadan, the Chairman, Research Institute sector of SSAUTHRIAI, Mr Felix Uwadiae said the essence of the inauguration is to protect the right and yearnings of its members in the institute.

    He noted that the union has been fighting for the inauguration of the union in the institute since 2003 but the management turned them down due to fear of causing industrial disharmony between them and the workers.

    “Today we are inaugurating a nine-member executive committee in NISLT and we have 84 members here already but only 25 of them are present here today due to fear of intimidation from the management of this institute. I learnt the director warned his junior members of staff not to join our union and that only the senior staffs are allowed, but we have settled all our differences with the management and we are allowed to operate now,” Uwadiae said

    He appealed to the Director-General of the institute, Dr Ighodalo Ijagbone and his management team to assist the branch morally and financially towards ensuring that the yearnings and aspirations of its members are taken care of.

    The newly-inaugurated executives include, Mr Eddy Hyacinth (Chairman), Owoyemi Alalade (Public Relation Officer), Oyewole Joseph (Trustee), Musa Ibrahim (Secretary), Teller Adegbite (Financial (Secretary), Atolaiye Femi (Vice Chairman), and Mr M. Olarewaju (Treasurer).

    Uwadiae urged the new leaders to play according to the rules of the union by ensuring that they carry all their members along in decision making and dissemination of information.

    “As you know the beginning of things is not easy, because it is not when you plant a crop in your farmland that you will start to reap its fruits, we must exercise some patience and make a lot of sacrifices before your fruits get to fruition, therefore, you should remain resolute and steadfast in the discharge of your duties” he said

     

  • Union of bankers

    Mandela Abolaji Oniemola met former Miss Folasade Olayinka Makanju at Diamond Bank headquarters in Lagos during an in-house training five years ago.

    Folasade’s charisma and maturity were all Mandela needed to single her out for friendship among participants at the training.

    After four years of friendship, Mandela proposed to Folasade about a year ago.

    Last Saturday, the lovebirds consumated their marriage at the Surulere Baptist Church, Yaba, Lagos Mainland.

    They were joined by family members, colleagues and well-wishers.

    Many of the guests shone in torquoise and royal blue lace. Some elderly men were in white Agbada.

    Mandela looked cute in a white shirt, blue bow tie, black suit and pair of shoes.

    His bride, Folasade appeared stunning in a white flowing wedding gown, white necklace, ear rings and wrist watch.

    The solemnisation was conducted by Reverend Michael Afolabi. Other officiating ministers assisted him to coordinate the programme.

    With the processional hymn To God be the Glory, the bride joined her husband and others waiting for the ceremony to start.

    After taking their seats, hymns of praise followed.

    Members of the church choir lifted the hall with gospel songs.

    After pledging to take each other as husband and wife, the officiating minister joined them together.

    Pastor Afolabi urged them to uphold the marital vows.

    Mutual love and understanding, he said, are hallmarks of a successful home.

    The church service also featured signing of the marriage register, thanksgiving, presentation of certificate and recessional hymn.

    There was a photograph session with the couple outside the church before the wedding train moved to Eagle Club, Adeniran Ogunsanya Street, Surulere for the reception.

    There, the couple took time for guests to settle down to arrange another photograph session with the groom’s men and bride’s maids.

    Son of Evangelist Ebenezer Obey-Fabiyi, the Miliki crooner, Tolu was on the band stand.

    He and his Miliki Extra band thrilled the gathering.

    Also, Abiola Atanda popularly known as Madam Kofo, who anchored the reception was at her best.

    The couple were led into the hall by the bridal train and some guests.

    As they danced into the hall, many stretched their necks. Others stood to watch them.

    Mrs Funmilola Coker delivered the opening prayer before chairman on the occasion, Prof Adebayo Williams, a renowned essayist, took over.

    Prof Williams, who shelved his programme in far away Florida, United States on that day to attend the ceremony, described it as “great.”

    According to him, such event can only be organised by great people.

    He congratulated the parents of the couple.

    Prof Williams had a few words of commendation for the musician who he noted is taking after his legendary father.

    He wished the couple success in their marital journey.

    Prof Williams supervised the cutting of the cake.

    The Chief bride’s maid, Oluwatosin John picked the bouquet thrown by the bride. She was congratulated by her fiancée, Olayiwola Akerele.

    Folasade’s brother, Tunde Makanju gave the vote of thanks before the couple took to the dance floor.

    They were joined by family members and guests who sprayed them with new naira notes.

    Mandela thanked the guests for making the day special.

    He described Folasade as a straight forward person, honest and a good planner with a strong will to achieve whatever she sets out for.

    “I do not think I can find any other woman; she is made to complement my weak parts and very natural,” he said.

    “This atmosphere is great; I am overwhelmed,” said the bride.

    Folasade said: “He is an awesome person; I could not wait for this day. When God says somebody is the person, it cannot be changed. He is a gentleman, God-fearing and hardworking.”

    The bride’s father, Mr Oluwatoyin Makanju urged them to live as one and always love each other.

    The groom’s mother, Mrs Oniemola prayed for the couple to live and see their children getting married.

     

  • UNILORIN union in crisis

    Fresh crisis has hit the Students’ Union Government (SUG) of the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) following the suspension of key members of the union by members of the parliament.

    Last session, the tenure of the union leaders caved in under the weight of internal crisis, which resulted into suspension of president and some members of the executive council. The union seems to be toeing the same path in the current dispensation.

    During the Students’ Representative Council (SRC) sitting held penultimate Saturday, the union president, Abdulamalik Aremu, Speaker, Taiwo Olubiyi, and Financial Secretary, Ibrahim Adegboyega, were asked to stop performing the function of their office pending the time the house would conclude investigation into fund misapplication scandal in which the trio were involved.

    When the parliament members convened for sitting, Taiwo was asked to step down while his deputy, Isaac Olorunfemi, presided.

    The suspended officials were signatories to the union account.

    CAMPUSLIFE gathered that the union appropriated N2.09 million for the purchase of eight fairly-used tricycles know as Keke NAPEP at the rate of N250,000 each. But the president flouted the directive and opted for the purchase of five brand new tricycles at the rate of N400,000 each.

    Reacting to the development, members of the SRC concluded that executive had deliberately disregarded letters of the appropriation Bill passed by the house and called for the sacking of the signatories to union account.

    Abdulmalik, 400-Level Physics, said the executive council acted in interest of the students, adding that fairly-used tricycles were unbefitting for transportation on the campus. He added that the tricycles were purchased from a known dealer in Lagos and brought to campus to break the monopoly of commercial tricycle operators whose high fares could not afforded by students. The union’s tricycles charge N10 for within-campus destinations compare to N30 being charged by commercial operators.

    To investigate the alleged misapplication, the SRC set up a five-man enquiry committee headed by Joshua Omotoso, a congress member. Other members of the committee are Nicodemus Igho, Enoch Babatunde, Oluwatomiyosi Ayorinde and Sunday Adewale. They were given 10 days to submit their findings.

    The parliament warned the suspended officials not parade or address themselves with their titles pending the outcome of the findings.

    The Vice President, Lola Abiola, has since been sworn as acting president of the union. The Social Director, Kehinde Abiola, 300-Level Human Kinetic, said the parliament was wrong in its decision to suspend the officials.

    A member of the parliament, Mumeen Alawaye, 400-Level Law, said the house acted in the interest of the entire student.

    Abdulrahman Abdulraheem, 500-Level Law and General Secretary, said: “In the history of unionism in the University of Ilorin, the present union has been the best as we have championed different causes with the school management. I don’t understand the reasons why the SRC have to take such a wrong decision.”

  • Union holds maiden week

    The ACE Provost, Prof Idowu has praised the College branch of Senior Staff Union in Colleges of Education, Nigeria (SSUCOEN) for its achievement in past years.

    The Provost represented by the College Librarian, Dr Rotimi Egunjobi observed that the cooperation the Management received from the union in the past shows they are partners in progress.

    He also praised the effort of the union for its building project.

    Activities to mark the week included a Health talk by the Medical Director, General Hospital, Ile-Oluji, Dr. Johnson Akintimehin.

    Akintimehin treated the topic: Hypertension and Diabetes: Causes, Treatment and ways of Preventing Such Life Threatening Diseases. The week also featured a novelty match between the female football team of SSUCOEN and the female team of the COEASU. The SSUCOEN female team won the 30 minutes match by a lone goal. The male team of the SSUCOEN also entered a duel with the male team of the Non Academic Staff Union which ended in a draw.