Economy
Government Reaffirms Commitment To Welfare Of Doctors, Tertiary Institution Workers In Bayelsa
Government Reaffirms Commitment To Welfare Of Doctors, Tertiary Institution Workers In Bayelsa
Government reaffirms commitment to welfare of doctors, tertiary institution workers in Bayelsa. “This administration will not play with workers’ welfare. We will continue to treat them fairly,” he said.
Bayelsa deputy governor, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, has assured members of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) and workers of state-owned tertiary institutions of the state government’s continued commitment to their welfare.
Mr Ewhrudjakpo gave the assurance at separate meetings with the executives of the state’s branch of the NMA and representatives of the various state-owned tertiary institutions, in Yenagoa on Sunday.
The deputy governor said that the Gov. Douye Diri-led administration had never treated issues concerning workers with levity right from its inception in 2020.
He said that the Bayelsa government was among the first few states that approved and immediately implemented the current minimum wage, because it believed every worker was worthy of a fair wage.
Mr Ewhrudjakpo assured the NMA and workers in the state-owned tertiary institutions that the present administration would continue to ensure that no worker was deprived of his or her legitimate entitlement.
On the issue of upward review of the Consolidated Medical Salary Scale (CONMESS) for medical doctors, he clarified that it would be addressed through the Minimum Wage Implementation Committee and directed the NMA to nominate two of its members to be part of the committee.
He decried the situation where some labour unions issue ultimatums for strike in the midst of negotiations, describing such practice as illegal and alien to the extant labour laws of the country.
He said: “first of all, I want to state this. I am not too sure that any labour law states that while negotiations are going on you give an ultimatum or warning for going on strike. It is never done anywhere.
“There are conditions or precedents leading to strike. One of them is that there is a complete breakdown of negotiations. Our negotiations are still ongoing, so your notice of warning strike is not justified.
“Our high-powered Committee on the Review of Implementation of the New Minimum Wage is working round the clock to address all the issues arising from the implementation in the state.
“This administration will not play with workers’ welfare. We will continue to treat them fairly.
“It would interest you to know that Bayelsa is one of the few states in the country that have implemented the new National Minimum Wage so far,” he said.
Mr Ewhrudjakpo directed all state-owned tertiary institutions to pay revenues from registration and school fees to a dedicated bank account.
He added that the move would, among other benefits, help to improve the internally generated revenue of the state.
Douye Diri-led
The deputy governor urged academics not to rest on their oars to produce quality graduates for industry, leadership and academia.
Earlier, the chairman of the NMA, Bayelsa Branch, Wilcox Izibeya, lamented the avoidable exodus of qualified medical personnel from Bayelsa.
He called on the government to quickly address the issue of reviewing CONMESS and the payment of the accruable arrears.
Also, the Vice Chancellor (VC) of the Niger Delta University, Allen Agih, and his counterpart in The University of Africa, Toru-Orua, Solomon Ebobrah, welcomed the policy initiative and called on government to create opportunities to meet more frequently.
EFCC Arraigned Woman In Borno Over Alleged N6.8m Romance Scam
EFCC arraigned woman in Borno over alleged N6.8m romance scam. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned Catherine Ijeoma Ugwu before Justice Aisha Kumaliya of the Borno State High Court, Maiduguri, over allegations of a N6.8 million fraud.
Ugwu was charged on Monday, March 17, 2025, in connection with a romance scam in which she allegedly deceived a victim, Emmanuel Ani, by posing as his fiancée, “Miss Chinansa.”
The EFCC filed a four-count charge against her, including obtaining by false pretence, criminal misappropriation, and impersonation.
According to the anti-graft agency, between June 2023 and August 2024, Ugwu fraudulently obtained N6,710,300 from Ani under the guise of supporting his supposed fiancée.
Upon hearing the charges, Ugwu pleaded not guilty.
Court Remands Ugwu, Trial Set for April 8
EFCC Arraigned Woman
Following her plea, prosecution counsel S.O. Saka and Faruku Muhammad urged the court to set a trial date and remand the defendant in a correctional facility. Justice Kumaliya granted the request, adjourning the trial until April 8, 2025.
The EFCC disclosed that Ugwu failed to return or account for the money when confronted by the petitioner.
The commission reiterated its commitment to tackling financial crimes, particularly scams involving deception and impersonation.
Government Directs Verification Of March Salaries Before Payment In Kano
Government directs verification of March salaries before payment in Kano. The Kano State Government has mandated civil servants to verify their March salaries before disbursement.
Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Faruk Umar Ibrahim, announced the directive on Monday, citing concerns over deductions and irregularities in January and February salaries.
“To ensure transparency and fairness, all civil servants must confirm their salary details through their respective Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) and report any discrepancies,” Ibrahim stated.
Salary lists will be displayed at key locations within MDAs and all 44 local government secretariats to facilitate the process.
A committee, led by Head of Service Alhaji Abdullahi Musa, has been set up to oversee the verification and expedite payments.
Kano State
Acknowledging the approaching Eid-el-Fitr celebration, Ibrahim assured workers that efforts were underway to ensure timely salary payments.
He also emphasized that the exercise would not disrupt government operations.
PUMA Replaces Nike as Premier League’s Official Ball Supplier In 2025/26 Season
PUMA replaces Nike as premier league’s official ball supplier in 2025/26 season. Global sportswear brand PUMA has secured a major deal with the Premier League, becoming its Official Ball Supplier starting from the 2025/26 season.
Announced on Monday, this partnership sees PUMA take over from Nike, which has supplied match balls for the league for over two decades.
The agreement will not only place PUMA’s ball at the heart of every Premier League match but also involve collaborations on grassroots programs, high-profile marketing campaigns, and events like the Premier League Summer Series in the U.S.
PUMA CEO Arne Freundt described the deal as a significant step in the company’s efforts to elevate its brand in elite football.
“With PUMA’s ball at the center of attention during every match, we will create unforgettable moments for players and fans alike,” he said.
Premier League Chief Executive Richard Masters welcomed the partnership, emphasizing PUMA’s strong history in football and its alignment with the league’s values.
PUMA Replaces Nike
“We are delighted to welcome PUMA as the Official Ball Supplier of the Premier League. Their global reach and commitment to excellence will help inspire fans worldwide,” Masters stated.
With this landmark deal, PUMA expands its influence in top-tier football, strengthening its presence in the world’s most-watched league.
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