Tag: may day

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NEWS & LIFE

May Day: FG declares Wednesday public holiday

NLC urges Ganduje to settle N26bn outstanding pension, gratuity

 

The Federal Government has declared Wednesday, May 1, public holiday in commemoration of the 2024 Workers’ Day Celebration.

This is contained in a statement by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Dr Aishetu Ndayako, issued on Tuesday in Abuja.

She stated that the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government.

Tunji-Ojo reiterated the need for excellence, efficiency and equity in all spheres of labour, re-affirming President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s commitment to foster a culture of innovation, productivity and inclusivity in the workplace.

Tunji-Ojo said, “In alignment with this year’s theme, which focuses on ensuring safety and health at work in a changing climate, I wish to state that the Federal Government remained steadfast in its resolve to prioritise the safety and well-being of all citizens.

“Let me reaffirm the President’s commitment to provide a conducive environment for work, where every worker can thrive and contribute meaningfully to national development.”

While acknowledging the contribution of workers, he called for proactive measures to mitigate adverse effects of climate change through synergy in the implementation of sustainable practices.

He also acknowledged policies that promote well-being in the workplace and in building a nation guided by the principles of integrity, diligence and compassion.

The Minister also urged Nigerians to remain committed to the present administration’s Renewed “Hope Agenda” and wished workers a happy celebration.

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FEATURED STORIES POLITICS

May Day: Tinubu assures Nigerian workers of better wage, social, economic justice

Tinubu

The President-elect, Sen. Bola Tinubu, has assured Nigerian workers of a minimum wage, social and economic justice.
He gave the assurance on Monday in Abuja in his solidarity massage to Nigerian workers on the 2023 International Workers’ Day.
He added that workers in the country would have a living wage to have a decent life and provide for their families under his leadership.

The two-term former Lagos State governor also assured Nigerian workers
that he was a dependable ally and co-labourer in the fight for social and economic justice for all Nigerians.
“I join the rest of the world and all compatriots to celebrate Nigerian workers on this year’s International Workers’ Day.
“On this special day, as your President-elect, I extend my hands of friendship to the Nigerian workers through the two central Labour unions – Nigeria Labour Congress(NLC) and Trade Union Congress(TUC).
“In me you will find a dependable ally and co-labourer in the fight for social and economic justice for all Nigerians, including all the working people. Your fight will be my fight because I will always fight for you,” Tinubu said.

He said his plans for better welfare and working conditions for Nigerian workers were clearly spelt out in his Renewed Hope Agenda for a better Nigeria.
He said it was a covenant born of conviction which he was prepared to keep.
He reminded Nigerian workers that we all had a common battle to wage we must win together.
He noted that it was the fight against poverty, ignorance, disease, disunity, ethnic and religious hate and all negative forces that contend against the stability and prosperity of the country.
“In the Nigeria I shall have the honour and privilege to lead from May 29, workers will have more than a minimum wage.
“You will have a living wage to have a decent life and provide for your families.
“The days ahead will, however, demand better understanding and cooperation from all sides,because leadership will require that we take tough and hard decisions so that our people and all Nigerian workers can live more abundantly,” Tinubu said.

He further noted that Worker’s Day was a special day in most parts of the world.
He said it was a day to salute and honour the working people whose hard work and sweat continued to oil the wheel of human progress and advancement.
Tinubu said the day was significant in many respects, adding that it was a day forged and born out of the struggle for workers’ rights and socio-economic justice.
He recalled that since 1891, the day had been observed all over the world, adding that in Nigeria, every May 1 was a special day in our national calendar.

The President-elect added that the public holiday we observed was not just to commemorate the contributions and sacrifices of workers to the well-being of our country.
“The public holiday serves both as a celebration of the rights of workers to dignity, decent wages and decent living.
“And more important, it is a testament to the critical role the labour movement plays in our march towards a stronger, united and more prosperous nation.
“Since 1945 when the railway workers and 16 other public service unions led the first general strike to demand for better wages as a result of rising cost of living.

“The Labour Movement in Nigeria has always fought on the side of the masses of our country,” he said.
He said it was no surprise that the labour movement added fillip, zest and energy to the struggle for independence.
This, Tinubu said, it did by partnering with nationalists such as Nnamdi Azikwe, Herbert Macaulay, Ahmadu Bello, Obafemi Awolowo, Ernest Ikoli and Anthony Enahoro among others.
He added that the Nigerian Labour Movement was also not found wanting during the struggle for the restoration of democracy.
He recalled that the NLC and its affiliate organisations – NUPENG, Textile Union, PENGASSAN, among others, collaborated with the pro-democracy leaders and groups to restore democratic governance in Nigeria in 1999.
This, he said, was after almost two unbroken decades of military dictatorship

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FEATURED STORIES NEWS & LIFE

May Day celebrations to holds on streets of Abuja — Ajaero

NLC warns against politicising nation’s security challenges

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has said that the National May Day celebration in Abuja will be held on the streets to enable Congress deepen its reconnection with the people.

Mr Emmanuel Ugboaja, General Secretary of the Congress, said this in a statement he signed on Saturday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the statement was titled,” National May Day celebration in Abuja: Change of Venue”.

“As you must have been aware of the last-minute questionable action of the Government at the centre to deny us the use of the Eagle Square for this year’s May-Day celebrations three days to the event despite having granted us the permit months ago.

”Do remember that this is a venue we have been using in the past decades for our May Day celebrations.

“The sudden decision to withdraw the permit may be laden with mischief and actually a sign of what is to come in the near future. It is a call to all of us to be prepared.

”As a result of this unfortunate development, we want to inform you that we have decided to shift the venue for the celebration to the Streets of Abuja.

“This is so that we can deepen our reconnection with the people who are our true partners in the struggle for a free society,” he said.

Ajeato said that the take-off point shall be at the National Headquarters of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) by 8:00 a:m

He added that all affiliates are to assemble on the grounds of the Paschal Bafyau Labour House on Monday the 1st of May from where we shall proceed on a rally around Abuja.

He, however, assured workers of the NLC continued commitment to traditions and values.

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INTERNATIONAL

25 to appear before judge after May Day violence in Berlin

25 to appear before judge after May Day violence in Berlin
25 to appear before judge after May Day violence in Berlin

Twenty-five people on Saturday were to be arraigned in court following May Day protests in Berlin, the city’s Attorney-General said.

According to the AG’s press office, they were detained on suspicion of violent rioting.

Several suspects, linked to the attack on a television camera team, were among those to appear before a judge.

The Berlin Chief of Police, Barbara Slowik, told the RBB Radio Station that the incident was under investigation by a Special Police Division dedicated to politically motivated crimes.

Slowik noted that 209 people were detained, briefly or otherwise, by police officers over the course of May Day, traditionally a day of major protests and pockets of rioting in the German capital.

She added that 2020 celebration; major protests were cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

However, a handful of smaller demonstrations were authorised under strict hygiene and social-distancing restrictions, most of which took place without incident.

Hundreds of people marched through the Central District of Kreuzberg, normally the epicentre of May Day unrest in Berlin, setting off fireworks and hurling insults at police officers.

The demonstration was not authorised, meaning that participants were breaking the law.

The late-night march was linked to hard-left activists.

However, Slowik did not give details on the political backgrounds of the masked individuals, who attacked the journalists.

The camera team had been filming for the ZDF broadcaster’s “Heute Show” (Today Show), a satirical news programme.

A police spokeswoman said four victims had to receive hospital treatment due to injuries they sustained.

Meanwhile, six people had been arrested in connection with the attack.

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EDUCATION HEADLINES

May Day: Buhari’s message to Nigerian Workers

Buhari orders investigation into Edo market fire
Buhari

MESSAGE BY PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI TO NIGERIAN WORKERS ON MAY DAY, 2020

Greetings Nigerian Workers! It is 1st May – May Day today but we know that something is not right not just in our nation but globally. Today is a day set aside for workers to celebrate the success of their historical struggles to have a “voice” in the world of work. It is equally a day to celebrate their partnership with relevant stakeholders to achieve sustainable development and contribute to the progress of nations in contemporary times. It is a day to mark and acclaim workers’ productivity in nation – building. But today, May 1, 2020, the usual pomp and ceremony characterized by sounds of drumming and march past by various Trade Unions and their Federations are missing in all the stadia throughout the Federation including our Abuja Eagle Square. This is so because we are fighting an invisible enemy to humanity termed Covid-19 pandemic.

In a bid to win this war, we set up a Presidential Task Force (PTF) made up of the relevant sector Ministers and highly skilled Health Technical Experts The government had to in a well-designed Expert Advice, lock down some States of the Federation where this pandemic is most prevalent – the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja, Ogun and Lagos States. Lagos State was and still is the EPICENTRE of the disease and of late Kano had to follow because of the new eruptions of Covid-19 in the State.

Offices, businesses, and various forms of out-door activities have been put in abeyance so that “WE” as opposed to “I” factor may prevail so that we may live for tomorrow. Yes, it is a common problem and interest and it is at this time that we must be our brother’s keeper by ensuring that “I protect myself and protect others from me”. I, therefore, ask Nigerian Workers both in the Public and Private Sectors with her FORMAL and INFORMAL ECONOMY to bear the stringent measures for a while for our common good. This would enable us put the ravaging pandemic under control and restore normalcy within the confines of relevant guidelines issued by health experts and the Government for safety against Covid-19 in order to curtail its spread.

I acknowledge that it is not easy but nations globally are in a state of war against this pandemic and in a war situation, survival is paramount.

Though the lock-down had been partially lifted in States aforementioned, except Kano State, workers are enjoined to observe subsequent rules and regulations issued to ensure the safety of all Nigerian citizens.

I understand the anxiety which has plagued the minds of workers over the possibility of job losses due to economic downturn caused by the pandemic and lock-down especially in the private sector. In this regard, the Government will ensure that no employer would retrench or lay off workers without going through due process of social dialogue which includes consultations with workers and with the Competent Authority – Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment.

Furthermore, I had earlier put in place a Presidential Economic Sustainability Committee (ESC) with the objective of developing a credible sustainability plan for repositioning the Nigerian economy now and post Covid-19 crisis period. The ESC is required to specifically explore ways and means of growing our non-oil sector – all in a bid to minimise the adverse effects of the current crisis and to also protect existing jobs and even create new jobs to help absorb the teeming army of the unemployed even before the crises.

I conclude by expressing my appreciation to Medical Doctors and Healthcare Workers as well as their respective organisations, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) and Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU). These Health workers are doing a great service for humanity. I thank you all. I have directed that requisite incentives and hazard allowances enhancement and insurance for lives should be taken at these perilous times in favor of our Health Sector workers as a way of showing our appreciation. Also, personal protective equipment for their safety is also guaranteed.

Great Nigerian Workers, your resilience in times of adversity is not questionable. I appreciate you all and I know that with collective will and sense of responsibility, as a team, we shall triumph as a nation.

Observe all the Health Protocols as already established by the World Health Organisation (WHO), in terms of hygiene, wash your hands regularly, observe Social Distancing, and Stay Safe.

God bless you all.

Long Live the Federal Republic of Nigeria!

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HEADLINES NEWS & LIFE

May Day: Orji Kalu salutes workers, calls for improved working conditions

#ENDSARS: Orji Kalu hails I-G for respecting opinion of Nigerians
Orji Uzor Kalu

Dr Orji Kalu, former governor of Abia and senator-elect, Abia North Senatorial District, has commended the Nigerian labour force for their contributions to nation building.

Kalu made the commendation in a statement issued on Wednesday by his media office to commemorate the 2019 May Day and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

While describing Nigerian workers as hardworking, patriotic and productive, Kalu urged government at all levels to improve the welfare of workers in order to boost productivity.

He urged workers to develop their skills, noting that the world is dynamic.

He said: “As we mark this year’s labour day, the Nigerian workers deserve to be acknowledged, celebrated and appreciated for their efforts in building a prosperous nation.

“The labour force in Nigeria is a key component of the country and as such must be supported to promote sustainable growth and development.

“Nigeria cannot be prosperous if the workers are not carried along in governance and other endeavours.

“Government must implement policies that will guarantee welfare of workers.

“As we live in a dynamic world, the capacity of workers must be continually built. Knowledge is key for growth and sustainable development.

“The right people with the right skills are needed for a productive economy.”

Kalu, however, admonished workers to live up to expectations in the discharge of their duties and urged employers to prioritise welfare of workers.

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HEADLINES NEWS & LIFE POLITICS

Worker’s day: Saraki lauds workers‘ contribution to national development

Former Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki

bukola saraki
The President of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki, has lauded Nigerians workers for their contribution to socio-economic development of the country, in spite of some economic realities.

Saraki in a goodwill message to mark the 2019 Workers’ Day celebration, also commended the leadership and members of the organised labour for their patriotism in mostly choosing dialogue over industrial action in resolving trade disputes.

He expressed hope that workers would be encouraged to always put in their best to uplift and sustain the nation’s economy, “in view of the recent signing into law of a new minimum wage of N30,000.

“No nation can develop without a virile and agile workforce.

“It is trite to say that workers are the mainstay of our nation’s economy, since no policy of government, no matter how remote, will succeed without the commitment and collaboration of workers saddled with implementation.

“Having interacted with Nigerian workers and their leadership times without number, I can say without fear of contradiction that the nation’s workforce is among the best in the continent.

“All that is left is to adequately harness their abundant talents and spirit of patriotism to further improve on the nation’s economic and political development through timely and adequate motivation, training and retraining,” he said.

Saraki advised the public sector, “to work to ensure that the country realized her potentials.

“It should eliminate tardiness, increase the level of discipline and strive to provide enabling environment for the private sector to thrive with the resultant broadening of the scope of national prosperity.”

He called on the leadership of organised labour to continue to discharge their responsibilities in the overall interest of the country.

He assured that government would continue to do its best to meet the yearnings and aspirations of workers and other Nigerians through sustainable welfare programmes.