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Ekiti Governor Emphasizes Support for Workers’ Living Wage
Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has stressed the importance of fiscal federalism, allowing states to afford a living wage for Nigerian workers. Speaking at the 7th Quadrennial Delegates Conference of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN) in Ado-Ekiti, Oyebanji reiterated the Nigerian Governors Forum’s (NGF) stance that no state governor wishes to retrench workers due to the inability to pay the new minimum wage.
Oyebanji addressed the ongoing debate between organized labor, state and federal governments, and other key stakeholders regarding the proposed new minimum wage. He emphasized that while governors support a living wage, it must align with the states’ financial capacities. “The NGF is not against the living wage or the minimum wage,” Oyebanji said. “But it must reflect fiscal federalism and the ability to pay. No governor wants to retrench workers, but without a concurrent increase in state revenue, it would be impossible to afford the new minimum wage.”
During his speech, Oyebanji urged Ekiti State workers to embrace agriculture, highlighting his administration’s efforts to clear over 2,000 hectares of land for free distribution to interested residents. He encouraged civil servants to form cooperatives to benefit from available agricultural support, including free land clearing, input provision, and purchase agreements from the government.
Governor Oyebanji underscored the vital role of civil servants in the state’s governance, describing them as the driving force behind state operations and the implementation of his administration’s Six Pillars. He credited their efficiency and effectiveness for the administration’s achievements and accolades.
“I am here to associate and celebrate with you as key stakeholders in our state’s governance. This conference is not just for senior civil servants; it is a platform for all of us to learn, share experiences, and exchange ideas. I am here not just as a Special Guest of Honour but as a student of Public Administration,” Oyebanji concluded.
It has been reported that Niger State and some northern states have come together and agreed to take down 979 forests in order to strengthen national security.
This was revealed by the Niger State Governor, represented by his deputy, Yakubu Garba, at the passing-out parade in Mutum Daya.
He also shared that the government will support in any way they can in order to achieve this and strengthen security in Nigeria.
“The state will make necessary arrangements to support and empower the Forest Guard families for their service to the nation. We will provide them with adequate healthcare insurance scheme.”
Nigerian news analyst, Mahmud Jega, has shared his opinion on the recent airstrike carried out by the United States in Nigeria, stating that Nigerians should not blame President Bola Tinubu for the incident.
Jega made this statement during a recent interview, where he said he does not believe many people will hold the Tinubu administration responsible, as Donald Trump had issued threats against Nigeria long before Tinubu’s administration.
“No, I don’t think many people will blame the Tinubu administration for what is happening now because President Donald Trump, when he first made the threats, it was clearly not in coordination with the Tinubu administration or the government of Nigeria,” Jega said.
It has been reported that the United States carried out an airstrike targeting ISIS in the northwest region of Nigeria. The order was reportedly given by former U.S. President Donald Trump.
“Tonight, at my direction as Commander in Chief, the United States launched a powerful and deadly strike against ISIS terrorist elements in northwest Nigeria,” Trump said.
He added, “I have previously warned these terrorists that if they did not stop the slaughtering of Christians, there would be hell to pay, and tonight, there was.”
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