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Why we accepted N70,000 as minimum wage – Organised Labour
Minimum Wage: No strike tomorrow, says Labour
Joe Ajaero, NLC President
IduwiniVoice
Why we accepted N70,000 as minimum wage – Organised Labour
Minimum Wage: No strike tomorrow, says Labour
Joe Ajaero, NLC President
Organised Labour, led by Comrade Joe Ajaero and Comrade Festus Osifo, have given reasons NLC accepted N70,000 as new minimum wage.
Speaking moments after President Bola Tinubu agreed to pay N70000 as new minimum wage, Joe Ajaero said the organized labour accepted the offer with mixed feelings as a result of the prevailing economic circumstances.
Ajaero said: “Well, we’re here last week and we’re here now. What have been announced in terms of the amount of N70,000 happened to be where we are now. But the good thing about it is that we will not wait for another five years to come on review.
I’ll draw 1,000 faces of people making positive impact — Ebunoluwa, 9-Yr-Old wonderkid..0.00 / 0.00
“Rather, than settling on a figure that we wait for five years, is like we’ll have to now negotiate even two times within five years, with a view to going up. That is one of the reasons you know why we decided to reach where we are today because of the proviso that ‘you can review in the next three years.
“The other one, we came with other issues in the basket, like the issue of SSANU, NASU and others, especially with the affront by the Commissioner of Police FCT, we brought it to Mr. President and talked on the need for that matter to be addressed.
“And magnanimously he asked the agencies concerned to work out the modalities for the payment of those workers in the universities.”
The NLC President said that the President promise some incentives like the CNG which will lessen the burden that the Nigerian workers are passing through, but you can see that we are taking this with mix filling because of the situation of the of the economy.
“But we have to move ahead despite the situation, and the negotiation can’t linger coming from N62,000 to N70,000 and then with the proviso that we are coming back soon to negotiate it.
“We’re taking it back to our constituency to see how they can get a buy in. So that’s what has transpired this afternoon except there’s another question.”
TUC President, Comrade Festus Osifo Speaks
Also speaking, the TUC President, Comrade Festus Osifo said, ” So yes, just as been said by the three previous speakers, the Minister of Information Minister of state labour as well as the NLC President, they’ve laid the accounts of what transpired in today’s meeting.
“The President made a pronouncement or announcement of N70,000. That by next week, they should put finishing touches to the bill and do the transmission to the National Assembly
“But why this became a catch is actually because we from the organized labour, we have been pushing that the issue of five years review is to me so much, that a lot a lot of economic indices may have changed, because we are in an era where things are moving very fast in terms of both macro, and micro economic policies.
“But with also the caveat that this is going to be done every three years. The next review will be in three years. And after that, pronouncement, we from labour just as has been said, we have received what the President has promised from both ends.
“And as he said, said, we made a case for both the SSANU and NASU, that the President should, as a father of the nation, look at it compassionately, and do the needful, so that we will not have a case where the universities would be closed again.
“That is actually a problem because it is your children, my brothers that attend these universities. I’m not sure that the kids of the bourgeoisie like those standing behind us, whether they attend these universities, we don’t know.
“So, at the end, he said he was going to look at it and that they should report back to him as has been reported. So we are quite excited with that because for us, anything that will keep the university shutdown, we will not allow it to happen. we will do everything possible to ensure that the issues are resolved amicably. So, we are waiting for the final outcome of that.
“Then also the issue of student loan as well, we commended the president for that. but we said that the money should get to the people that are targeted. that the student loan should get to the people that are targeted, not a situation where the children of the rich are also able to access the student loan.
“That the parameter be put in place so that the children of the poor, those that cannot actually afford school fees should be the target and they also said they will look at it as well.”
It will be recalled that when the Tripartite Committee met, the government team and the private sector started with the offer of N48, 000 then to N54, 000, N57, 000, N60, 000 and finally N62, 000.
On the other side, the Organized Labour started with N615,000 demand, then N500,000, to N497,000 and finally N250,000.
© Culled from Vanguard News 2024
By Warefa Pereke.
March 31, 2025.
Thousands of Dignitaries and Media Outfits Witnessed the Unveiling of Iduwini Voice Newspaper.
March 29, 2025, will be etched in the annals of history as the day Iduwini Voice Newspaper was officially launched at the prestigious MBB Event Center. The highly anticipated event, drew thousands of dignitaries, media personalities, and enthusiasts from across the region to MBB event Center, Refinery Road Effurun, Delta State.
The launch ceremony, which commenced at 11:00 am, was a testament to the meticulous planning and organization of the Media team. The MBB Event Center was transformed into a vibrant hub of activity, with attendees eagerly awaiting the unveiling of Iduwini Voice Newspaper.
In his welcome address, The Editor-in-Chief and CEO of Iduwini Voice Newspaper, Dr. Peretengboro Clintin Bibaikefie, outlined the publication’s vision and mission, emphasizing its commitment to factual reporting, balanced analysis, and investigative journalism.
“Permit me to say that the idea of Iduwini Voice stemmed from a revolutionary vision that tasked me heavily in a deep ‘wilderness of the mind,’ thronging hard to come up with a catchy, fancy, and contemporary brand name, but kept being guided back to my root…For too long, our stories have been told by others – often with bias, misrepresentation, or outright immission, often intended to manipulate the powers that be against us Africans, Nigerians, Niger Deltans, and Ijaws in particular. The Iduwini Voice was founded on the principle of authenticity, truth, and empowerment. We believe that everyone has a story to tell, but not everyone has the platform to tell it. This is why we boldly adopted the slogan: “Voice of the Voiceless.””
“We will strive to provide our readers with accurate, timely, and engaging content, while also promoting the values of fairness, justice, and equality,” he said.
In his lecture delivered at the occasion of Iduwini Voice Newspaper/TV launch, entitled: “The Digital Tide And The Upsurge of Avant-Garde Journalism”, Professor Benedict Ebimotimi Binebai explored the remarkable journey of Iduwini Voice Newspaper and its impact on the media world. “Iduwini Voice delves into the vision of creativity and innovation that have made it a beacon of Avant-Garde storytelling. Iduwini Voice brings stories from the grassroots, amplifying the voices of marginalized communities. It helps to preserve the cultural heritage and traditions of the Niger Delta region, and conducts in-depth investigations into issues like corruption, human rights abuses, and environmental degradation,” he said.
In his keynote address, The Father of the Day, Professor Benjamin Ogele Okaba, President Ijaw National Congress, said that as the Ijaw Nation demonstrates its dedication to the development of the media industry, Iduwini Voice Newspaper will become a leading voice in Nigerian journalism, promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance.
The chief Launcher, Chief Dr. Julius Takeme JP (Phd), The Olotu of Obotebe Kingdom, and Chairman, Burutu Local Government Council, pressed on the need for the Ijaws to support any Ijaw cause financially and otherwise. “We are proud to launch Iduwini Voice Newspaper, a platform that will provide a voice for the voiceless, promote transparency, and hold leaders accountable,” he stated.
Chief Comrade Cheriff Mulade, Director-General, Center For Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ), who Chaired the occasion, emphasized the importance of a free and independent press in promoting democracy and good governance. He expressed his commitment to supporting the growth and development of the media industry in Niger Delta.
The event featured a range of activities, including a discussion on the role of the media in promoting democracy, a presentation on the history and significance of Iduwini Voice Newspaper, and a tour of the publication’s state-of-the-art facilities.
As the curtains drew to a close with a vote of thanks offered by Barrister Sam Ikporukpo, attendees were treated to a spectacular display of music, dance, and other performances, showcasing the rich diversity of the Niger Delta region.
Other dignitaries present were Pastor Adonis Osarobo, the Zonal Pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Later Rain Zone, Spiritual Father of the Day, Hon. Julius Pondi, Chairman of the House Committee on Environment & Member Representing Burutu Federal Constituency, House of Representatives, Abuja, Comrade Newworld Endoro, Chairman, Odimodi Community, Hon. Dennis Yenbri Bibaikefie, Mr. Akin Benikrukru, PIA Chairman, Iduwini Host Community Development Board, Delta State.
Others were Comrade Isaiah Tamaraunimi Ingo, SA to the NDDC Chairman, Comrade Ozobo Austin,
Publisher of Cogress Newspaper & President, Ijaw Publishers’ Forum (IPF), Mr. Cletus Opukeme,
Publisher of Daily Watch Newspaper,
Also present were Arex Ambrose Akemotubo, CEO, WaffiTv & Auditor of Delta State PDP, Jacobs Brakere Abai, CEO of Gbaramatuvoice, Comrade Mike Ugedi, CEO of Delta Events Tv,
Ekpegha Tamaraupreye,
Publisher of South-South Daily, and a host of others.
In an interview with Media personnel after the lunching, the Editor-in-chief of the Ezon Efie Media outfit, Engr. Warefa Pereke, said that with its lunch, Iduwini Voice Newspaper has set a new standard for journalism in Nigeria, and its commitment to truth, fairness, and accountability is expected to resonate with readers across the Nigeria”.
PHOTO CAPTION: Dignitaries and guests at the launch of Iduwini Voice Newspaper at the MBB Event Center on March 29, 2025.
By Divine Perezide
Prominent Ijaw leaders, including the President of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), Professor Benjamin Okaba, Professor Benedict Binebai, Chief Mulade Sheriff, and others, have rallied behind indigenous Ijaw media organizations, emphasizing the importance of community journalism in advancing the Ijaw cause.
Speaking at the official launch of IduwiniVoice over the weekend in Warri, the leaders acknowledged that the struggle for the Niger Delta’s development has evolved beyond physical confrontation to strategic media advocacy. They stressed that media reportage now serves as the voice of marginalized communities, highlighting the region’s underdevelopment to the wider public.
In their speeches, Professor Okaba, Professor Binebai, Chief Sheriff, and Burutu LGA Chairman, Chief (Dr.) Julius Takeme, underscored the critical role the media plays in Ijaw society.
Chief Sheriff Mulade, chairman of the occasion, praised the publisher of Iduwini Voice, Prince (Dr.) Klintin Bibakefie, and other Ijaw publishers for their dedication to promoting the interests of the Ijaw people and the Niger Delta. He also commended Comrade Ozobo Austin, the national president of the Ijaw Publishers Forum (IPF), for uniting Ijaw media professionals into a formidable force.
INC President Prof. Okaba highlighted the numerous challenges the Ijaw nation has faced over the past year, including political turmoil in Rivers State and the passing of key Ijaw figures such as Pa E.K. Clark. However, he assured that the Ijaw people remain resilient and confident in securing victory in ongoing political struggles, emphasizing that history has shown their ability to overcome adversity.
Professor Benedict Binebai urged Ijaw journalists to uphold principles of truth, accuracy, and fearlessness in their reporting. He referenced the legacy of the late Earnest Ikoli, a pioneering journalist from Ijawland, whose influence continues to inspire indigenous journalists today.
During his keynote lecture, Professor Binebai introduced a new journalistic approach, which he termed Avant-Garde Journalism. This unique concept, he explained, aligns with Ijaw reporters who experience firsthand the political, economic, and environmental injustices faced by their people. He argued that traditional journalism had failed the Ijaw cause due to biased reporting and manipulated narratives, which downplayed the extent of marginalization in the region.
With IduwiniVoice and other Ijaw media outlets championing the undiluted truth in what authorities describe as avant-gardejournalism, the leaders expressed optimism that indigenous journalism will continue to shed light on the struggles of the Ijaw nation and drive meaningful change.
By Daniella Perelade
President Bola Tinubu has shared details of a conversation that nearly led to the removal of Nyesom Wike as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The president disclosed this on Sunday when Wike, accompanied by a delegation of FCT residents, visited the State House in Abuja for a Sallah homage.
Tinubu explained that the issue stemmed from Wike’s request to exempt the FCT from the Treasury Single Account (TSA), a move the minister believed would improve efficiency in his role. While considering the proposal, Tinubu said he warned Wike that if such an exemption ended up benefiting the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over his own party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), it could put the minister’s position at risk.
The president noted that his remark was partly humorous but highlighted the political sensitivity surrounding the matter. Wike, a PDP member, played a controversial role in the 2023 presidential election by opposing his party’s candidate before being appointed as FCT Minister under Tinubu’s APC-led government.
In response to the president’s concerns, Wike assured Tinubu that the issue would be handled in a way that maintained political balance.
This exchange highlights the complex political interactions within the administration, where members of rival parties navigate governance while balancing party interests.