Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has highlighted the urgent need to focus on mental health, particularly in workplace settings.

Speaking on Thursday, she brought attention to this critical issue as Nigeria joins the global community in observing Mental Health Awareness Day.

This year’s theme, “It’s Time to Prioritize Mental Health in the Workplace,” resonates deeply, especially in an era where many individuals grapple with dissatisfaction and stress at work.

The First Lady emphasized that mental well-being is often compromised during challenging times, making it essential for organizations to prioritize mental health initiatives.

She noted that unexpressed emotions can lead to serious mental health issues, urging employers and employees alike to create an open dialogue about mental well-being.

Oluremi Tinubu stated that if fears of stigmatization were absent, more individuals would be willing to discuss their struggles, enabling earlier diagnoses and more effective recovery strategies.

The First Lady passionately expressed that mental health support must extend beyond the workplace, advocating for a culture of love and understanding that fosters open conversations about mental health challenges.

By doing so, the prevalence of mental health issues can be significantly reduced, contributing to a healthier society.

She encouraged everyone to take an active role in enhancing mental health awareness, urging individuals to seek medical assistance and counseling as soon as they notice signs of distress.

Emphasizing the importance of community, she urged everyone to look out for one another, reinforcing the idea that collective effort is essential for building a safer and more supportive environment for all.

Jigawa State Governor, Malam Umar Namadi, has officially approved a new minimum wage of N70,000 for civil servants in the state.

This announcement was made by Hon. Bashir Ado, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Salary and Pension and a key member of the committee responsible for implementing the new wage structure.

Ado shared the news during an interaction with journalists shortly after casting his vote at Kanya Babba.

Ado explained that while the governor had already given the go-ahead for the new minimum wage, the final implementation was awaiting the completion of the committee’s work.

He noted that the committee had made significant progress, with about 90 percent of the work completed.

Once finalized, the report will be submitted to Governor Namadi for his approval, ensuring that the new salary structure is put into effect.

The state currently operates with nine different salary structures, and those earning on special scales, which are already above the minimum wage, will still benefit from a consequential adjustment.

According to Ado, even the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) has expressed satisfaction with the wage increment, as the committee’s template has clearly outlined how much each civil servant will receive based on the new structure.

Ado highlighted that the civil servants in the state will likely be pleased when they see the increase reflected in their paychecks.

He added, “I’m certain that civil servants will appreciate Governor Umar Namadi’s efforts to improve their welfare, and they’ll be grateful for the salary increment.”

The decision to increase the minimum wage was part of a broader initiative aimed at improving the lives of civil servants and pensioners in the state.

Earlier, the Jigawa State Executive Council, under the leadership of Governor Namadi, had formed a 10-member committee tasked with overseeing the implementation of the new wage policy.

The committee, chaired by the State Head of Service, Muhammad Dagaceri, includes the Permanent Private Secretary to the Governor as the Secretary.

In addition to the minimum wage increase, Governor Namadi has also taken steps to address long-standing concerns regarding retirees’ benefits.

He has approved over N5 billion to clear outstanding payments for retirees whose benefits had been delayed for more than 20 months.

This gesture has been widely praised as a much-needed relief for retired civil servants who have been waiting for their entitlements.

The governor’s initiatives have been viewed as part of a comprehensive effort to enhance the well-being of both active and retired government employees in Jigawa State.

By approving the new minimum wage and addressing pension arrears, Governor Namadi has demonstrated his commitment to the welfare of civil servants, a key priority of his administration.

His administration’s focus on improving the livelihood of workers has been widely commended, positioning the state as a leader in ensuring fair wages and timely payments to public sector employees.

The Israeli military has confirmed that two individuals were killed in northern Israel after a barrage of approximately 60 rockets was launched from Lebanon.

The tragic incident occurred in the town of Kiryat Shmona, where a man and a woman lost their lives due to a rocket strike, as reported by the Magen David Adom rescue service.

The attack also left several people injured in different areas.

In the port city of Haifa, shrapnel from the rocket barrage injured five individuals, including a 16-year-old who sustained moderate injuries, while the others suffered minor wounds.

The situation in the north has grown increasingly tense as both civilians and rescue services face ongoing threats from incoming rocket fire.

Although the Israeli military did not immediately identify the source of Wednesday’s rocket attack, it is widely believed that the Iran-backed Hezbollah militia, operating out of Lebanon, was responsible.

Hezbollah has been actively attacking Israel’s northern border using rockets, grenades, and drones, a campaign that has intensified since the beginning of the Gaza conflict a year ago.

The group has positioned itself as an ally of Hamas, claiming that its actions are an expression of solidarity with the Palestinian movement in Gaza.

Israel, in response to Hezbollah’s aggression, has dramatically ramped up its military operations in Lebanon since September.

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have launched a series of large-scale air strikes targeting Hezbollah positions, and they have also deployed ground forces along the northern border.

This military escalation is seen as part of Israel’s broader strategy to neutralize Hezbollah’s threat while simultaneously dealing with the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

Hezbollah, a powerful paramilitary organization and political force in Lebanon, has long been a key player in regional conflicts, with backing from Iran.

Its involvement in the northern conflict adds another layer of complexity to the already volatile situation in the region.

As Israel continues its efforts to defend its borders and citizens, the conflict between these groups shows no sign of de-escalating anytime soon.

The attacks come against the backdrop of broader regional tensions, as Israel grapples with threats from multiple fronts.

The growing hostilities with Hezbollah underscore the fragile nature of peace in the region, with civilians on both sides bearing the brunt of the violence.

International observers are closely watching how this dynamic will unfold, particularly as Israel’s military actions expand in response to continuous attacks.

The loss of life and the injuries sustained in this latest round of violence highlight the human cost of the ongoing conflict.