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.

The Lagos State Government has issued a heartfelt call to the state’s youths, urging them to consider enrolling in the military and contributing to national security.

This appeal was made by the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, during the quarterly meeting with the Chairman and members of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) in Ikeja.

Salu-Hundeyin emphasized the critical role of military service in safeguarding the nation, stating that security is a collective responsibility.

She noted that the absence of Lagos State indigenes in the military has become concerning, especially following the results of the most recent recruitment drive, which saw a very low turnout from the state’s youth.

According to her, the Federal Government has mandated that military recruitment be distributed evenly across the country, with each state allocated 150 slots.

However, Lagos State has been falling short in terms of participation, leaving many of these opportunities unclaimed by its residents.

“We have observed a significant gap in military representation from Lagos State. It is alarming to see that our young people are not taking advantage of this opportunity.

We want to ensure that our state is well-represented in the armed forces, especially since every state has a set quota,” Salu-Hundeyin remarked.

She further stressed that military service is vital to the safety and stability of the nation and that everyone has a role to play in national security.

“The military’s function is the protection of the nation, and that responsibility belongs to all citizens. It should not be left to only a specific group.

While not everyone can wear the uniform, those who feel called to this duty should seize the opportunity to apply.

Unfortunately, we have found that many young people in Lagos are not interested in joining the military.

They do not see the value in serving, but this mindset is detrimental to our state,” she added.

Salu-Hundeyin highlighted the importance of Lagos State having a robust presence in the military, not just for national defense but also to ensure the state is not left behind in contributing to the country’s armed forces.

She urged youths to change their perception of military service and consider it a noble and essential career path, stressing that failing to participate in military recruitment means short-changing their state.

The Secretary to the State Government also pointed out that military service is not just about wearing a uniform, but about making a meaningful contribution to the state’s security and the nation’s defense.

She concluded by reiterating the government’s commitment to encouraging Lagos State indigenes to take up the challenge and fulfill their civic duties by joining the military, which in turn strengthens the state’s representation and participation in national affairs.

The call for more youth involvement in the military comes as part of a broader effort by the Lagos State Government to address security concerns and ensure that the state plays its full role in contributing to national security.

By encouraging young people to enlist, the government hopes to bolster the state’s influence within the Nigerian armed forces while fostering a greater sense of civic responsibility among its residents.