News
Akeredolu Assures Ondo Workers of Payment of N30,000 New Minimum Wage
Ondo State governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, on Wednesday confirmed the readiness of his administration to pay the new minimum wage as approved by the Federal Government.
The Governor said his administration will continue to keep its promise to the workers and people of the state by making their welfare directive principles of state policy.
The Governor, who spoke at the 2019 May Day celebration held at the Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Arcade, Igbatoro Road, Akure, the state capital, saluted the workers for their cooperation since the inception of the administration.
The Governor also appreciated the union for the understanding displayed at difficult moments while calling on the workers to rededicate themselves to the service of their fatherland.
He said: “It is expected, therefore, that all those who serve diligently should also be catered for during and, more importantly, after they must have disengaged from public service.
“On our part, this administration continues to keep its promises to the workers and people of the state that their welfare shall be the directive principles of state policy. We have been able to strike the delicate balance in discharging this duty to both the workers and the people, within the available resources.
“Not only have we been able to manage the severely limited funds, our administration, with your commitment, has just been rated number one in Internally Generated Revenue rating in the country by the Public Bureau of Statistics.
“We believe that the most effective way to ameliorate the poor living conditions of our people is to abridge the infrastructural deficit in the state.
“Unless and until the hinterlands, upon which our aspiration towards self-sufficiency in food production is anchored, are linked to the urban centres, in a design which promotes cooperation on socio-economic fronts, poverty will not be tackled effectively.
“The provision of social amenities such as water, as exemplified by the drive of the government to reach all the nooks and crannies of the State, as well as the recent supply of medical equipment to all the facilities in the 18 local governments, attune with our determination to make life more meaningful for our people.”
Governor Akeredolu recalled that his government had embarked on massive road construction projects in the three senatorial districts in the state.
Besides, he added his administration equally renovated over 700 state-owned primary and secondary schools across the state.
According to him, the state government will support any programme which enhances capacity building for teachers in the state public schools.
He said because real prosperity lied in the production of goods and services by any society, his government had started the revitalization of the moribund production sector through the promising project of Ore Industrial Hub.
The governor said: “Creating an atmosphere which promotes economic activities is a priority of this government. The Deep Sea Port project at Araromi will become a reality soon. Our state will be the desired destination for serious investors and tourists.
“This administration has not reneged on any of its promises since inception. We will continue to treat the welfare of civil servants as a priority. “We have paid salaries of workers till date. We acknowledge the outstanding one month salary from the 7 months arrears inherited from the previous administration. We are obliged to offset this entitlement and other legitimate earnings as soon as the financial situation improves. We crave your patience and understanding in this regard.”
By Eric Elezuo
The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has said that its novel Computer-Based West African Senior School Certificate Examination (CB-WASSCE) is set to commence on Friday, October 25, with a termination date of Friday December 20, 2024. It also noted that the deadline for the registration of the examination has been extended till October 29, 2024.
The information was contained a press statement signed by the Acting Head, Public Affairs Department, Moyosola Adesina, on behalf of the Head, National Office.
The statement noted that “the examination will adopt the hybrid mode of delivering the examination, which implies that, the objective or multiple-choice questions would be rendered on-screen and candidates would be required to give their responses on the screen, while the essay and practical questions will be rendered on-screen, likewise, but candidates would have to give their responses using the answer booklets provided.”
Read the statement in full:
CONDUCT OF COMPUTER-BASED WEST AFRICAN SENIOR SCHOOL CERTIFICATE EXAMINATION (CB-WASSCE) FOR PRIVATE CANDIDATES, 2024-SECOND SERIES: FINAL EXTENSION OF REGISTRATION DEADLINE
The West African Examinations Council (WAEC), Nigeria, wishes to announce to candidates, stakeholders, and the general public that it is set to conduct the novel Computer-Based West African Senior School Certificate Examination (CB- WASSCE) for Private Candidates, 2024– Second Series from Friday, October 25 to Friday, December 20, 2024.
The examination will adopt the hybrid mode of delivering the examination, which implies that, the objective or multiple-choice questions would be rendered on-screen and candidates would be required to give their responses on the screen, while the essay and practical questions will be rendered on-screen, likewise, but candidates would have to give their responses using the answer booklets provided. Meanwhile, the examination diet has provided an option for candidates who may wish to use Paper and Pen mode, for the whole examination papers.
On this note, the Council wishes to inform all intending candidates that the registration period has been extended to Tuesday, October 29, 2024. Similarly, the “Walk-in-Candidate” opportunity (for candidates who register 24 hours before the particular paper of their choice is due to be taken) will be open at the end of the registration. Final timetable for the examination is available for download on the WAEC Nigeria website (https://www.waecnigeria.org) .
All intending, as well as registered, candidates are advised to take advantage of the numerous learning resources provided by the Council. These include signing up on the WAEC e-Study platform (via https://estudy.ng), purchasing the WAEC Past Questions and Answers’ books, and joining other candidates (on https:// www.waeckonnect.com ) to interact, on the WAECKonnect platform.
WAEC wishes all candidates for the examination success. The Council will always seek ways of delivering on its mandate by deploying technological innovations to make its services easily accessible to all stakeholders.
Issued by Public Affairs Department.
Technology company, Globacom, has explained that its commitment to culture and tradition is the reason for sponsoring Onitsha Ofala and other leading festivals across the land.
This year’s event, the 23rd since the incumbent Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe, ascended the throne, kicked off with Iru Ofala on Friday and ended with Azu Ofala on Saturday.
Globacom’s Divisional Head, South, Mr. Tochukwu Okechukwu, who represented the company at the Ime Obi venue of the event in Onitsha, Anambra State, said Globacom is mindful of the critical role that culture plays in national development and its ability to foster national identity and bring people together around shared values, traditions, and history adding.
According to him, cultural industries, such as festivals, tourism, arts, and crafts, could contribute significantly to the economy, create jobs, generate revenue, and promote local products. “Culture influences education systems and can inspire creativity and innovation. Cultural knowledge can enhance critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Moreover, a vibrant culture enhances a nation’s soft power, improving its international standing and influence through diplomacy, trade, and cultural exchange”, he added.
He further noted that communication is the livewire of human coexistence especially in an increasingly interconnected world. “It is through dialogue and connection that we foster understanding and collaboration. Our mission is to empower every voice within our community to be heard through affordable telecom services and digital solutions”, he said.
He also disclosed that technology was evolving at an unprecedented pace, and affirmed that Globacom was dedicated to harnessing its power to benefit society. “We envision a future where innovation does not stand apart from tradition, but instead enhances it. We believe that connectivity can strengthen the bonds within our community, bridging generations and fostering collaboration among all our citizens. Together, we can create an environment where our cultural heritage and technological advancements coexist harmoniously, enriching the lives of all. These are the reasons why we will continue to support our cultural festivals such as Ofala and Ojude Oba.”
The Obi of Onitsha had, in his remarks, thanked Globacom for its support for the festival over the years saying the company’s collaboration had enhanced the profile of the festival. According to him, a request had been made to the Ministry of Art, Culture and Creative Economy to support ongoing efforts to enlist Ofala on the UNESCO Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
The festival peaked with the regal emergence of the Obi from his annual seclusion and his traditional majestic dance round the Ime Obi in his full regalia on the two days of the ceremony. His palace chiefs also danced to the “Egwu Ota” in turns after which they paid homage to the traditional ruler. Several age groups also ranging from the newest such as Ifedioranma, Ugoamaka, Oganiru Onicha to the much older groups, also danced round in flamboyant uniforms and paid homage to Igwe Achebe.
A Royal Banquet organised by Globacom in honour of the monarch will mark the end of this year’s edition of the festival at the Ime Obi on Wednesday, October 23.
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has blamed the most recent national grid collapse on the explosion of a transformer at the Jebba Transmission station.
Several parts of the country were thrown into a blackout in the early hours of the day, the third time in one week.
The NERC said it is concerned by the “escalating incidence of grid disturbances” which is “reversing many of the gains recently achieved in reducing infrastructure deficit and improving grid stability”.
“Initial reports on the grid disturbance that occurred this morning indicate that today’s outage was triggered by an explosion of a current transformer at the Jebba transmission station at 0815hrs and an associated cascade of power plants shut down arising from the loss of load,” the NERC said in a Saturday statement.
“However, efforts to restore supply have advanced with power significantly restored, as at 1300hrs, in 33 states and the FCT.”
NERC said it is working to ensure a more “discipline in grid management and optimised investment in infrastructure”.
“In pursuit of finding a permanent resolution to the challenges of the national grid, the Commission shall shortly conduct an investigative public hearing with a view to identifying immediate and remote causes of recurring incidences of grid disturbances and widespread outages,” it said.
“The date and venue of the public hearing will shortly be announced in the national dailies and stakeholders are encouraged to participate.”
