The Nation Newspaper

Tag: welfare

  • ‘I’ll give priority to welfare of the poor’

    I feel uncomfortable with the unpleasant look on many faces. An  unhappy, hungry  or unemployed man  or woman can be  vulnerable to devil’s devices which we  should guard against  as leaders .So, I would love to start  my ministry  from that point.’’

    That was the solemn declaration of the new leader of the Melototah Church of Zion, Baba Aladura Olusegun Oladokun after his installation in Lagos.

    He described his call to lead as his “greatest surprise” as there are people that are more qualified than him in the fold. His first reaction, therefore, was to reject the offer. He accepted the offer after much persuasion from the congregation.

    The event was colourful as dignitaries from all walks of life and different ethnic backgrounds were present. The weather was clement and a feeling of friendliness filled the air.

    The event began with soul–lifting songs from the church choir led by Superior Senior Apostle Adebowale Daisi Nejo. Opening prayer by the Most Rev Apostle S. O. Ayodele set the pace for the programme. Congregational prayers and announcements followed in quick succession.

    The Chairman of the occasion, Engr Maliki Wopa Kamila, Registrar, Council for the Regulation of Engineering   in Nigeria (COREN), spoke glowingly about the leadership qualities of the new Baba Aladura, who is the Director of Finance of the council. He said he was happy to see his seriousness at work replicated in his commitment to God’s vineyard.

    He pledged to encourage him further by allowing him more time for his spiritual assignment. He also promised, on behalf of the council, to donate items such as 24 channels mixer, equalizer, comb engine and ready–made speakers.

    Several encomiums were showered on him for what he did to lift them in their difficult periods. Specifically, his generosity and philanthropy to the church and the late Baba Aladura A.B.G. Durojaiye were mentioned.

    He was later installed, an exercise performed by the Most Rev Apostle S.O. Ayodele.

    In his inauguration speech, Baba Aladura Oladokun thanked the congregation and the guests for their support. He said he accepted the fact that his call was an act of God.

    He said: “It has shown clearly that God has the final say in the affairs of man. He is supreme and He is the final arbiter. I was just like Jona running from spiritual assignment and in my so-called wisdom, God arrested me. I have therefore surrendered everything to Him.

    “My special thanks go to my wife for her immense support. I promise to be diligent and seek the guidance of God in running the affairs of the church’’

    He had his primary education at the Methodist Primary School, Idepe-Okitipupa, Catholic Primary School, Idepe –Okitippupa, Local Authority Primary School, Igbekebo and Local Authority Primary School, Okitipupa.

    He attended Methodist High School, Okitipupa and the Federal Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti.

    Among dignitaries  at the  occasion were Mrs  Honeybell   Ogunye ,Mrs  D.F. Awala ,Mrs  Elizabeth  Ikuomola , Baale Israel Kayode Okuinlola, the Akeresebierin 11of Ibafon Town, Bishop Elliot  Akinjinrin, Dr  Funso Esan, Pa  A.B. Awala, Mr  T.O. Akintimehin , Mr Jide  Ogundele ,Mr Babatunde  Oladokun , Mr Segun Alogba, Mr S. O. Abudu ,Most Rev  Pastor  A. A. O. Kunlere, His Eminence, Prophet Aseph  Oyetakin (JP) and leader M,I.D. Etajuwa.

     

  • BATN ‘commited’ to workers’ welfare

    BATN ‘commited’ to workers’ welfare

    The British American Tobacco Nigeria (BATN) has reiterated its commitment to the welfare of its employees, saying it is part of its internal human rights policy.

    Speaking with reporters, its Legal & External Affairs Director, Freddy Messanvi, said the firm has existed in Nigeria for over 100 years and  proud of its heritage and positive relationship with its staff.

    He said: “I wish to emphasise that BATN has reiterated its commitment to the welfare of its employees, as part of its internal human rights policy.

    “As part of a global operation with a local footprint in Nigeria, we are focused on placing a high premium on our human capital and great talent pool. We are also mindful of providing great and safe place to work as we understand the impact of our people in the growth and sustainability of the company. We invest in our people as we understand that they are a competitive advantage and their welfare is taken very seriously.”

    He said the firm, over the past five years, has maintained zero incidence of no work place injury and are very firm with its environment, health and safety policy implementation which applies to not just employees but also contractors, visitors and suppliers in our factories and offices.

  • ‘FG committed to improving welfare of Nigerians’

    ‘FG committed to improving welfare of Nigerians’

    The Senior Special Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on Sustainable Development Goals, (SDGs), Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire Monday assured Nigerians that the Federal government remains committed to improving the welfare of Nigerians through the provision of basic amenities and empowerment initiatives.

    The SSA to the President gave the assurance during the inauguration of SDGs projects in Afikpo South local government area of the State.

    Represented by the Head of Grant Scheme, Mr. Salako Lawrence Adegoke, the SSA who harped on the importance and the need for effective implementation of the 17 SDGs in the rural communities called on the people of the state to protect SDGs facilities in their areas for the benefit of all and sundry.

    Welcoming the SSA to the state, wife of Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi state, Mrs. Rachael Umahi enjoined stakeholders in the state to cooperate with the scheme for the empowerment of the entire Ebonyi people.

    The wife of the Governor who commended the Afikpo South local government Chairman, Barr. Eni Uduma Chima for contributing immensely towards the sustenance of the scheme added that the success of the SDGs was dependent on a strong partnership between the state and the local government areas of the state.

    In a remark, the Chairman of Afikpo South LGA of the State, Barr. Eni Uduma Chima stated that the LGA through the SDGs have been able to empower so many youths and women in all the communities across the LGA noting that the empowerment of his people remains his key piority as a Council boss.

    Chima commended the state government for the prompt payment of its counterpart fund for the sustainability of the project across the state.

    Also, the State Focal person of the SDGs, Mrs. Ngozi Obichukwu applauded the state Governor David Umahi for showing commitment in sustaining SDG in the state but warned that her office would monitor the use of the funds across the six benefiting local government areas.

     

  • Workers praise NNPC over welfare

    Workers praise NNPC over welfare

    Oil workers have described the administration and programmes of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Group Managing Director (GMD), Dr. Maikanti Kacalla Baru, as workers-friendly.

    The workers under the Group Executive Councils (GECs) of National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) rated the Baru-led administration after a careful evaluation of its programmes.

    In a statement by the Secretaries of the two  unions, Comrade Sulaiman Sulaiman of PENGASSAN and Comrade Uche Amara of NUPENG, the workers said they had been following the GMD’s 12 Focus Area drive towards bringing back NNPC to the path of success with keen interest.

    The unions commended the plans and pronouncements toward a comprehensive rehabilitation of the three nation’s refineries to achieve optimal capacity utilisation by 2017.

    They noted that it was a clear drift from the initial position, which the unions always rejected, where important national assets were posited for sales as scrap, adding that the proposal to adopt a new model that will bring investors to increase productivity without having to lose jobs is commendable.

    “The recent familiarisation tour of all NNPC facilities by the GMD and the pronouncements made during the visits are clear demonstrations of Management resolve to carry along all stakeholders, especially the unions at all levels,” the workers stated in the statement.

    The workers listed areas such as promotions/redeployment, rehabilitation of refineries, and other welfare programmes,  inccluding wages and retirement benefits.

  • ‘I’ll improve students’ welfare if elected’

    ‘I’ll improve students’ welfare if elected’

    A contestant for the Students’ Union Government (SUG) Welfare Director at the Federal Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti (ADO POLY), Ridwan Atiku, has promised to unite students if elected.

    Ridwan, in an interview with CAMPUSLIFE, said his mission was to promote unity and make the union accountable to students.

    He said: “I know all the problems we are facing in school and I want to work hand in hand with management and fellow students to address the challenges.”

    If elected, Ridwan said he would organise series of seminars for students to promote entrepreneurship and financial literacy. He also said he would keep the school management on its toes to ensure  regular supply of water and electricity to hostels.

    His words: “I would regularly meet with porters to ensure that all hostels are clean. I plan to organise educative programmes aimed at improving financial literacy and free enterprise. I would facilitate soft loans for students, who may want to do business.

    “Also, there are outreach projects aimed at promoting the physical and mental health of the students. I believe health is wealth. If students are healthy, they would be able to carry out normal activities on the campus.”

    Ridwan said he would discourage malpractice and cultism, stating: “Students must study hard to achieve their aims.”

    The previous positions held by the aspirant included Treasurer of Dynamic Marketers’ Club, Welfare Director of Akoko North East Students’ Association, Director of Protocol for Junior Chamber International (JCI), Editor-in-Chief of Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN), Adopoly and Director of Training for Seed of Africa.

  • ‘Welfare of the poor is collective responsibility’

    ‘Welfare of the poor is collective responsibility’

    Quite often, issues concerning the less-privileged people in the society are treated with disdain. People are concerned about what benefits them and their families. Less thought is spared for the well-being of the poor.

    Bothered by the development, some social organisations have taken it upon themselves to care for the comfort of those Franz Fanon regarded as the wretched of the earth in his book of the same title.

    The Rotary Club of Oyo Metropolis is one of these organisations that have made the welfare of the poor a priority.

    The club, which was chattered in 2005, has since been performing well in its efforts to serve humanity.

    Among the projects it has executed include donation of Mikano power generating set, sinking of borehole and donation of life resuscitator to the State Hospital, Oyo; building of kitchen shed at the School of the Handicapped, Durbar, Oyo; sinking of deep-well at the Ajegunle Market as well as donation of over N500, 000 worth of equipment to the physically-challenged students of the Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo.

    Others included free hernia surgery for over 100 residents; sponsorship of a polio victim, Wasiu Yussuf’s education for seven years, provisions of wheelchairs for more than 100 other victims as well as sinking of borehole at Akeetan Bale Market.

    Recently, the club elected, Mr. Olajide Olanipekun as its President and would oversee the its affairs for one year (2016-2017).

    In his acceptance speech, Olanipekun stressed the need for individuals to be more interested in the well-being of the less-privileged people in the society.

    He said: “It is true that organisations that take care of vulnerable people are in existence but, the question is how many are they? How can these crippled, blind, deaf and dumb people approach them unaided?

    “Until the welfare of the less-privileged persons is regarded as a collective responsibility, we will still find it difficult to identify with the needy around us. Individuals should therefore adopt a hospitable nature that would enable them to see the needy as people who should be cared for and not ostracised.

    “Little acts of enterprise by these less-fortunate neighbours of ours should be encouraged by our patronage, to give them a sense of belonging. This is what the Rotary Club is all about. “Communities should also team up with some care givers by creating centres where the homeless, vulnerable and helpless can be attended to. By so doing, people will be encouraged to volunteer help for the homes financially and in other ways.”

    Olanipekun further explained that projects executed by the club were carried out through contributions from members and donations from well-meaning individuals.

    “The Rotary Club is poised to contribute more to alleviate poverty in Oyo town and its environs through projects that will put smiles on the faces of the less-privileged people in the society,” he said.

    The President reeled off some of the ongoing projects being carried out by the club to include, vocational training and empowerment for more than 100 residents, adoption of St. Patrick’s Catholic Primary School Fiditi and Community Grammar School, Ladigbolu, Oyo,  for donation of educational materials such as chairs, desks, books and renovation of the school’s classrooms.

    Others, according to him, are donation of over N1 million worth of exercise books to pupils and students of primary and secondary schools in all the four local government areas that make up Oyo metropolis; provision of toilet facilities in some areas within the metropolis and organisation of career talks in secondary schools in a bid to mentor the younger ones.

     

  • We’ll place Nigerians’ welfare high, says Saraki

    We’ll place Nigerians’ welfare high, says Saraki

    Senate President Abubakar Bukola Saraki has reiterated the National Assembly’s resolve to place the citizenry’s welfare and interest on the front-burner as a way of cushioning the effects of economic recession and hardship.

    He said this while presenting his speech/debate at the ongoing 135th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and related matters in Geneva, Switzerland.

    The theme is: “Human Rights Abuses as precursors of Conflict: Parliaments as Early Responders”.

    The Senate President said the National Assembly would continue to support efforts by the world legislative body to check human rights abuses across the world.

    A statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sanni Onogu, quoted Saraki as saying that it was time national governments demonstrated courage in implementing laws against human rights abuses.

    “There are available laws addressing most of the human rights related issues. The major problems are centered around non-implementation, poor oversight and lack of enforcement of these laws.

    “We must however demonstrate courage, make sacrifices, be accountable, and stand up for the people we represent. We must speak out loudly when our laws are not obeyed and work in synergy with the other arms of government to ensure that human right violations, wherever it occurs, is condemned and addressed,” he said.

     

  • ‘Teachers deserve better welfare’

    The Association for Childhood Education Practitioners, (ACEP) has called for improved welfare for teachers through salary increment and better welfare packages in both private and public schools nationwide.

    Its national president, Mrs Islamia Oshodi made the call in Lagos while giving a keynote address at the annual World Teachers’ Day celebration, organised by ACEP in collaboration with the National Council of Child Rights Advocates of Nigeria (NACCRAN).

    This year’s edition had as its theme: “Valuing teachers; improving their status”.

    In a related development Dansol School, Agidingbi, Lagos, has rewarded some of its teachers with cash prizes as part of Teachers’ Day celebration to encourage them towards better performance.

    Oshodi said: “Teachers are not being given the desired recognition in the Nigerian society.

    “To improve teachers’ status in Nigerian their employers in public and private schools should start thinking of paying them salaries commensurate with their job. Respecting teachers will go a long way to improving their status. This will also contribute to increasing their performance in the classrooms, which will automatically reflect in the lives of the students.”

    In his reaction, ACEP Lagos State Chairman, Mr. Sunday Fowowe, urged authorities to declare October 5, which is World Teachers’ Day,  as public holiday so as to involve more teachers, particularly in private schools.

    At Dansol School, Mr Wesley Orioha, a Physical and Health Education Teacher got N1 million cheque as the school’s ‘Best teacher of the year.

    Wesley was rewarded for putting 15 years of meritorious service into the teaching profession.

    Wesley’s first and second runners up, Mr Olakunle Gbadamosi and Miss Mojisola Olatunbosun, also received N500, 000 and 250,000 rewards respectively.

    The winners were chosen based on assessment from students, self, peers, supervisors and the school’s management.

    In his reaction, Wesley attributed his achievement to the Grace of God in his life.

    He said: “I am very grateful to the school authorities as well as pupils. I feel really honoured. The pupils are fantastic, we have a very good relationship. They are always ready for me. I love kids and I love teaching.”

    The President of Dansol Christian Mission, Mrs Adun Akinyemiju, lamented that teachers, who are nation builders, are undervalued.

    Also, teachers in Akwa Ibom State have asked State Governor, Udom Emmanuel, to extend promotion rights to retiring teachers, and help defray outstanding leave bonuses between 2013 and 2016. The teachers also demanded their four-year promotion arrears between 2011 to 2015.

    They expressed their concern during the last World Teachers’ Day in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, through their state Chairman, Etim Ukpong, who urged government to direct the payment of December 2015, as well as January and February 2016 salaries to some teachers who have been cleared as “non ghost workers” after due verification.

    He urged government to assist in the speedy refund of seven and half per cent contributory pension money, saying the lean economic realities of the time could no longer support government’s sole sponsorship of education.

    Their other demands included: “Training of teachers in information and communication technology (ICT), provision of computers to teachers and schools, as well as equipping candidates for public examinations in line with global best practices.

  • ‘We’re committed to residents’ welfare’

    The Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area, Ogun State has, since assumption of office, embarked on some projects to make life better for its residents.

    Some of the projects include construction of modern toilets with other facilities, provision of security post at the local government secretariat annex, provision of modern toilets at Water and Environmental Sanitation Department, purchase of four project vehicles to facilitate effective service delivery, regular payment of over 200 adhoc staff to reduce youth unemployment, inauguration of environmental marshals, grading of access roads in all the 16 wards of the council, among others.

    The Chairman Transition Committee Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government, Kayode Sodiq Idowu – Ojumo revealed this while addressing newsmen and party faithful in his office.

    According to the council chief, the local government had successfully graded rural and access roads to aid movement residents and of goods.

    On health, Mr. Idowu-Ojumo said his council had provided enough drugs at all the health centres and clinics and participated actively in all phases of national immunisation exercises as well as the weekly and monthly environmental sanitation exercises. Also, public toilets were constructed for the people while boreholes were not only activated but were also sunk in some areas.

    On staff welfare, the council chief said that he had paid over 200 adhoc workers as and when due to check youth restiveness and combat unemployment.

    Other achievements include repair of dysfunctional vehicles, purchase of four project vehicles, repair of staff quarters and assistance to the staff labour unions to engender industrial harmony.

    He revealed that agriculture had been accorded priority as the moribund local government poultry farm had been resuscitated with purchase of 800 point of cage birds. Also extension services were provided to the farmers in all wards of the local government.

  • APC chief to Delta govt: make residents’ welfare your goal

    A stalwart of the Delta State All Progressives Congress (APC), Chiedu Paul Onwuadiamu, has admonished the state government to make the welfare of the residents and the provision of basic infrastructure its priorities.

    In a statement, Onwuadiamu said: “I wish to reiterate the call made by our leader, Chief Hyacinth Enuha, that the bulk of civil servants’ salaries remain unpaid in Delta State. We need not remind the government that local government employees have been without salary for the past eight months.

    “If the asphalting of Usonia Street and Cable Road in Asaba amount to massive infrastructural development to Mr Osuoza and his PDP government in 16 months, then Deltans must brace for hard times before 2019.”

    Onwuadiamu noted that it smacked of irresponsibility for a state so richly blessed with human and material resources to wallow in poverty, poor infrastructural development, hunger and quagmire.

    The APC chieftain added that Osuoza and the Ifeanyi Okowa administration were oblivious of the massive infrastructure deficit plaguing Delta State.

    He said the rainy season had exposed the reality of such infrastructural deficit, making Okpanam Road and other streets in Asaba impassable.

    Same decay could be seen in Warri, Sapele and Ugheli, the politician said. Onwuadiamu advised the PDP administration in Delta State to visit less-endowed Anambra, Edo and Rivers to see how they were developing their infrastructure, even with what he called limited resources.

    The APC chieftain noted that it was an open secret that Anambra and Edo states had performed better than Delta State in the payment of civil servants’ salaries, in infrastructural development.

    He said this was because they possessed better development indices than their rich neighbour (Delta State), which boasts “a monthly statutory federal allocation of N6 billion and a grossly under-quoted N3 billion from internally generated revenue (IGR), a situation attributable to the monumental corruption visited on the state treasury by past and present PDP governments”.

    Onwuadiamu said Okowa was vacationing in Europe and America in the celebration of his 57th birthday with an entourage of at least 30 persons while civil servants’ salaries remained unpaid.