Home Blog Page 1559

Agency plans enterprise masterclass for UNILAG feminine college students

0

A media buying firm, Dentsu Agyle Nigeria, has announced plans to organise a business masterclass and symposium exclusively for female students at the University of Lagos in commemoration of International Women’s Day.

Themed ‘Women Leading Change: Empowering the Next Generation of Marketing and Creative Mavericks’ the masterclass will be held on Friday, April 12, 2024, at the Theatre Hall located in the Department of Creative Arts of UNILAG.

The Chief Operating Officer of Dentsu Agyle Nigeria, Marian Ogaziechi, in a statement on Friday to celebrate the 2024 International Women’s Day, noted that selected female students would also be supported with N2 million business grant at the symposium.

According to her, this is part of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility aimed at empowering female undergraduate and postgraduate students in Mass Communication, Creative Arts, and others interested in marketing communications.

“This masterclass aims to inspire and equip the next generation of female marketing leaders by providing them with valuable industry knowledge and fostering their professional growth.

“We are passionate about investing in the future of our industry. This masterclass is an opportunity for us to share our expertise and empower young female minds with the knowledge and skills they need to thrive in the ever-evolving world of marketing and communications,” she said.

On her part, the Project Manager, Ifeoma Uzor, assured that attendees would gain insights from accomplished female leaders, exploring topical and self-development topics.

She said erudite and experienced speakers would explore topics centred on breaking navigating gender stereotypes and fostering self-belief in the workplace, crafting a strong professional identity while building a successful career path, developing essential skills and strategies to excel in the marketing and advertising industry, and building connections with industry professionals and gaining valuable guidance from female leaders.

Uzor, who is a Media Buying Deputy Manager at D’Agyle, said, “On International Women’s Day, we are committed to empowering and uplifting the next generation of female leaders in marketing and advertising.

“This masterclass is a testament to our dedication to fostering diversity and inclusion within our industry. We believe that by providing young women with the necessary tools and support, we can help them achieve their full potential and break barriers in their chosen fields.”

Also, the Project Mobilisation Officer, Oladunni Akinola, said that Dentsu Agyle would also be interested in giving internship opportunities to outstanding students.

“We want to help female students excel and give them the opportunities to be leaders in the industry. The masterclass is open to university students from all disciplines with an interest in marketing, communications, and business. Space is limited, so interested students are encouraged to register early at https://dentsuagyle.com/.”

Become involved in politics, Edo first woman urges girls

0

Edo State First Lady, Betsy Obaseki has urged women to get involved in politics.

She also urged women to acquire the required knowledge to make them valuable to contribute to the development of the country.

Obaseki made this call at the International Women’s Day event organised by the John Odigie Oyegun Pubic Service Academy, in Benin on Friday.

International Women’s Day is celebrated yearly on March 8, 2024.

The theme for this year’s IWD campaign, from the IWD website is #InspireInclusion. Collectively, we can all #InspireInclusion.

She said the theme of the event, “Inspire Inclusion, Empowering Women in Public Service Through Inclusive Leadership,” should inspire women to reach for the top in their chosen careers and become part of the decision-making process in the country.

She also called on women to get involved in politics to ensure that the never-do-wells are kicked out of the political space, noting that the narratives must change for good if the country has to realise its full potential.

She said, “Inclusion means gender equality must be upheld and no woman must be left out. Every woman is valuable because they all have something to bring to the table even as housewives.

“Women help to groom and develop the society as you take care of the family, We have seen women doing fantastic things in various fields. We need the female gender as much as the male gender, the two genders should work together.

“The genders have their peculiar traits and none can take the place of the other. So women must know their value and place in society. Don’t allow anyone to put you down. Give your best by building capacity so that you can be qualified to fill certain positions in society. We need to acquire knowledge so that we can add value to whatever job we do.

“They should get involved in politics which has been taken over by ‘Never Do Wells’. That is the story of Nigeria and it must change,” she added.

Director General of JOOPSA, Imuwahen Ajoonu called for the creation of environments that uplift and empower all women, irrespective of their background, ethnicity, or abilities.

She noted, “By fostering inclusivity, we not only enrich our organizations and communities but also ensure that the voices of all women are heard and valued.

“We must also acknowledge the persistent challenges faced by many women in their pursuit of leadership roles. As we explore the theme of inclusive leadership, let us commit to creating environments that uplift and empower all women, irrespective of their background, ethnicity, or abilities.

“Our collective efforts can inspire a new era of leadership, one that is characterized by collaboration, empathy, and a commitment to fairness. So, let International Women’s Day be a catalyst for change – a day that propels us forward on the path to true equality, where women in public service can lead without limitations, and where their accomplishments are celebrated as a testament to the power of inclusion,” she added.

Nasarawa, SFH associate to deal with baby, maternal mortality

0

The Society for Family Health has partnered with the Nasarawa State Government to tackle child and maternal mortality across the 13 local government areas of the state.

The government had in February launched an action plan on food and nutrition due to the high burden of child and maternal mortality in the state.

The Deputy Team Lead of the Society for Family Health’s Delivering Innovation for Self Care project, Mopelola Raje, lamented that many women in the state had neglected themselves for a long period due to societal challenges.

Raje stated this on Friday at the 2024 International Women’s Day celebration in the Karu Local Government Area of the state, tagged ‘Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress’.

She, however, urged women to be self-reliant in order to have adequate resources to attend to their health needs at all times.

She said, “The Society for Family Health DISC project is concerned about the numerous health challenges that women are going through in the country, that is why we are here in Nasarawa State today (Friday) to sensitise them on how they can improve on their reproductive health and general well-being.

“The essence of self-care is to ensure that women have more autonomy over their sexual and reproductive health. It also allows them to decide when they want to get pregnant.

“Self-care also helps to decongest our health care facilities, reduce waiting times for patients, cut savings on transportation, and reduce workload for health care providers, among other benefits,.”

On her part, the representative of the state Ministry of Health, Salomi Aya, assured all of the ministry’s commitment to continue to support women in a bid to tackle child and maternal mortality in the state.

“I want to see that outside what we are celebrating today, we are challenged to address the issues of child and maternal mortality, and all other reproductive issues that women are facing. 

“The ministry will be willing to give all the necessary support to healthcare providers so that collectively, we will be able to improve women’s reproductive health and tackle other health issues that had been a source of concern to them,” she said.

Appoint extra girls into your cupboard, Nasarawa girls group urges Tinubu

0

Women groups under the People’s Democratic Party in Nasarawa State led by the wife of the 2023 governorship candidate of the party, Miranda Asheazi Ombugadu, have appealed to President Bola Tinubu to appoint more women into his cabinet and other positions of authority.

David Ombugadu had contested the election against the incumbent Governor, Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State.

Speaking on Friday in the Akwanga Local Government Area of the state, at the occasion of the 2024 International Women’s Day celebration tagged Invest in Women: ‘Accelerate Progress’, Mrs Ombugadu expressed confidence that if more women were appointed into the federal cabinet, they would help to move the nation to greater heights.

Ombugadu’s wife while commending women in the state for their numerous contributions to the society, urged them not to relent in offering useful advice to people in authority for the betterment of the nation.

She said, “I thank the President for being gender friendly and we are looking forward to seeing more women in his cabinet, considering the present state of the nation.

“I am also looking forward to seeing more women as Senators, Ministers and Governors.

“The 2024 International Women’s Day themed, “Invest in Women, Accelerate Progress”, resonates with my vision for every woman in Nasarawa State.

“Whether in agriculture, the economy, sports, politics, or entertainment, I urge you all to tap into your immense potential and contribute to the tremendous growth of our state and nation.

“On behalf of my husband, Rt. Hon. David Ombugadu who has been my pillar and support, and my entire household, I wish the resilient and committed women of Nasarawa State a Happy International Women’s Day, 2024.”

Our correspondent reports that during the carnival-like ceremony, 10 women from the state were awarded for their selfless service to the growth of the state and Nigeria at large.

The ceremony also featured the presentation of wrappers and cooking utensils to 150,000 women drawn from across the 13 LGAs of the state.

NDLEA companions NPFL on drug check for footballers

0

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency and the Nigeria Premier Football League have agreed to partner on the conduct of drug tests for footballers in the country as part of efforts to curb the menace of substance abuse in Nigeria.

A statement signed by the Director of Media and Advocacy of NDLEA, Femi Babafemi, noted that this was one of the high points of discussions between the leadership of the agency and the football league.

This happened when the Chairman of the NPFL board, Gbenga Elegbeleye, led a delegation on a courtesy visit to the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.), in Abuja on Friday.

The statement mentioned that an ex-international, Daniel Amokachi; Chairman of Sokoto State Football Association, Mohammed Nasiru; Chief Operating Officer of the NPFL, Davidson Owumi and Head of Legal, NPFL, Uche Egbe, were among the delegates on the courtesy visit.

In his remarks, Elegbeleye acknowledged the inspiring and impactful leadership Marwa has given NDLEA to become a frontline law enforcement agency.

Elegbeleye on national awareness

Elegbeleye said the activities of the agency have not only raised national awareness about the drug scourge but have equally curbed the impunity of drug cartels and barons.

He said part of the problems facing the sports industry in the country especially football is betting and the use of performance-enhancing drugs by footballers.

Elegbeleye said, “The only agency that can save this situation is NDLEA by working with us to carry out random drug tests on our players. Once they know we conduct drug tests, they will refrain from abusing illicit substances. This is why we seek the support and partnership with NDLEA.”

In his response, Marwa commended the NPFL boss for his giant strides and innovations to build the football league.

The NDLEA chief assured him that the agency won’t relent in its action against drug cartels in the country.

He also expressed the willingness of the agency to partner with NPFL to curb the abuse of illicit substances by footballers.

“We are happy with your request for random drug tests for players. This is available in all our commands nationwide and we are ready to work with you in this respect. We are very ready to collaborate and support you in your quest,” Marwa stated.

He said the league should also consider mobilising star footballers to get involved in open advocacy against drug abuse because a lot of youths look up to them as role models.

Drug testing in sports

According Online reports that drug testing in sports is an ongoing effort to maintain a level playing field and promote the values of fair competition, sportsmanship, and the pursuit of excellence.

The effectiveness of these programs relies on the collaboration of athletes, sports organizations, and anti-doping agencies to uphold the integrity of sports.

At the recently concluded Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, some Nigerian players were picked for random testing and the results came out negative.

Nigerian fans have hailed Super Eagles striker, Victor Osimhen, for his fitness and seemingly unending energy after he was cleared alongside teammates Willian Troost-Ekong and Moses Simon following multiple dope tests by CAF.

About a week ago, Juventus player Paul Pogba was banned from football for four years following a failed drug test, according to reports by Italian media.

SMEDAN guarantees help for feminine entrepreneurs

0

As part of efforts to boost support for women entrepreneurs, the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria, has revealed a new brand to reposition the agency towards achieving its mission of job creation, rural industrialisation, and livelihood enhancement through sustainable development of the Small Medium Enterprise sub-sector.

In a statement by the SMEDAN Director General, Mr Charles Odii on Friday, the agency emphasised that the new brand aims to ensure prosperity for small business owners, especially women, who constitute over 70 percent of SMEs in the country.

Odii emphasised that the decision to unveil the brand on International Women’s Day underscores the agency’s commitment to women’s empowerment.

Yearly, the International Women’s Day is marked globally on March 8.

The 2024 celebration is themed, #InspireInclusion. Collectively, we can all #InspireInclusion.

The statement read, “As the agency responsible for the transition of nano businesses into micro, micro into small, and small into medium, we understand the importance of change and progress. Not just for the sake of it, but because adaptation and evolution are crucial for relevance and impact.”

“We want to clearly communicate our purpose, strengthen our bond with the entities that we serve, and the local and international stakeholders we collaborate with for success. More importantly, we want to reassure SMEs that we are #HereForProsperity, their prosperity.”

“We’ve created a brand that is closer to the people, modern in its outlook, approachable in its demeanour, and vibrant in its spirit. The backbones of our economy deserve to be catered to by an agency that mirrors the excellence they showcase daily and aspire to.”

“We made the deliberate choice to announce this on International Women’s Day because of the significance of women to our prosperity mission. Women are responsible for almost 75 percent of SMEs in the country, and they have also distinguished themselves as investment multipliers, on whose backs and hard work the economy rests.”

The SMEDAN DG further declared a renewed dedication to empowering women, ensuring they receive deserving support and recognition for their productivity and contributions.

He added that the commitment starts within SMEDAN, acknowledging the significant efforts of the women who have devoted decades to fortify the foundations of Nigeria’s economy.

“As part of our renewal, SMEDAN is rededicating itself to the empowerment of women, ensuring that they get deserved support and recognition for their productivity and contributions. We will start this at home, with the women of SMEDAN, many of whom have invested decades of their lives into building stronger roots for the pillars that hold the Nigerian economy. The new SMEDAN will spotlight them, provide them with the tools and resources to create more impact, and achieve personal progress.”

“While we will continue to deliberately create growth opportunities for women, none will be left behind. Our pledge to SMEs remains. We will enable growth and prosperity, offer guidance, provide resources, connect them to opportunities, and ensure workforce support. No longer will a future-forward, people-government facing agency like ours be seen to work for just a few, but for the good of all.”

“SMEDAN-20 encouraged big dreams, small starts, and fast growth, SMEDAN 2.0 is about prosperity: for the Nigerian businessperson and the country. Because we are convinced that when the Nigerian businessperson prospers, so does Nigeria,” the statement concluded.

Meanwhile, at an event celebrating International Women’s Day, the Director, Partnership and Coordination Department, Mrs Omube-Pepple Linda said SMEDAN is committed to supporting businesses of women in the country to grow and expand.

Customs CG blames unlawful exportation for meals insecurity

0

The Nigerian Customs Service has blamed the current hardship experienced by Nigerians following the economic reform policies undertaken by President Bola Tinubu’s administration on illicit exportation by unpatriotic Nigerians.

The service also noted that the cooperation and collaboration of all stakeholders is needed in tackling the dire food crisis being experienced.

The Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, said this when he visited the Lamido of Adamawa, Dr. Barkindo Mustapha in Yola on Thursday.

Adeniyi, represented by the acting Controller in charge of the Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘D’, Joseph Adelaja, said they were at the palace to seek the monarch’s collaboration in tackling activities of unscrupulous businessmen behind current food insecurity in the nation.

He explained that the reason for the visit was to seek cooperation, particularly information on the activities of hoarders whose activities have contributed to soaring prices of food commodities.

He said, “Because of the current economic reforms going on in the country, we are confronted with food insecurity. This food insecurity is occasioned by the illicit exportation of essential commodities.

“We are urging all to support us in this fight with the necessary information to tackle the menace of hoarding we have faced which has caused a hike in the potential prices of essential food commodities. Food security is the business of every Nigerian. Prices today have gone up extra-ordinarily like we have never had before because unpatriotic individuals are exporting foods that are meant for Nigerians.”

Adelaja, accompanied by other senior customs officers, decried the activities of unpatriotic businessmen.

He said, “People are hungry and you are exporting food out of the country to feed other nations.
This is not in the best interest of the country and we must all join hands to tackle the menace headlong.”

In his remarks, the Galadima of Adamawa, Mustapha Aminu, who represented the Lamido, said the role of the customs in national food security and sustenance was indispensable.

He urged the customs to remain steadfast in its economic and security role while pledging the support of the Emirate to the customs in achieving its goal of tackling the current economic food crisis.

Sunday According reports that amid the free fall of the naira to the United States dollar, traders who deal in grains have devised a way to sell their wares to neighbouring countries for higher profits.

Many of them, who spoke to our correspondents, claimed that they preferred to sell their wares to the countries because they had stronger currencies compared to the naira.

This, several experts have said, may lead to hoarding and an artificial grain scarcity and can cause the price of the goods to further head north, thereby leading to a food crisis if nothing is done about it.

This is coming at a time when the country is battling severe hunger, as the prices of staples have increased by over 300 per cent.

The country is also witnessing the highest inflation in 28 years, with the food inflation rate in January hitting 35.41 per cent.

Nigeria’s annual inflation rate rose to 29.90 per cent in the same month from 28.92 per cent in December 2023, according to official figures from the National Bureau of Statistics.

For instance, a bag of long grain rice now sells for almost N80,000 as against N45,000, which it sold for in December 2023. A crate of eggs now sells for almost N5,000; in December, it sold for N2,700.

Several other food items have also seen an astronomical increase in prices owing to several market forces, chief of which is the free fall of the naira.

Ex-gov’s spouse seeks extra consciousness in tackling most cancers

0

Wife of a former Governor of Kebbi State, Dr. Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu, has stressed the need for more awareness in addressing the growing burden of cancer.

She said partnerships will effectively help to reach targeted audiences with vital health information on cancer.

In a statement made available to According Online on Friday, she said the Medicaid Cancer Foundation, in collaboration with Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine and Maigaskiya Visuals, recently hosted an ‘Art for cancer,’ curation event aimed at raising awareness about prostate cancer.

The event, titled, ‘Brushing off the silence,’ served as a platform to convey the message about the significant impact of prostate cancer in Nigeria through various art forms such as painting, dance, and craftwork.

Shinkafi-Bagudu said the ‘Art for Cancer’ event exemplified how partnerships could leverage art to promote awareness in an engaging and ambient environment.

She said, “Despite challenges such as underreporting and limited access to healthcare in sub-Saharan Africa, initiatives like this underscore the importance of education and awareness in addressing the growing burden of cancer within the region.”

The Director of Government Affairs and Policy at Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine, Mr Ikechukwu Ofuani, said Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine was committed to educating men over 40 about prostate cancer screening and urged active participation in examinations, emphasising the partnership’s dedication to supporting initiatives that raise awareness about prostate cancer.

Also speaking for Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine, Nkechi Ukaiwe, Country Manager for the organisation in Nigeria and Ghana, reiterated the importance of ongoing support for such initiatives, highlighting their leading role in Nigeria.

Convener of Maigaskiya Visuals, Abdullah-Uthman Maigaskiya, said the exhibition’s focus was on depicting the societal impact of prostate cancer.

He announced that proceeds from the auctioned artworks would contribute to the campaign against cancer.

Maigaskiya said with innovative collaborations and creative initiatives like the Art for Cancer event, organisations like the Medicaid Cancer Foundation, and their partners were making significant strides in raising awareness and promoting early detection of prostate cancer, and working towards reducing its impact on society.

FRC to unveil roadmap report on sustainability disclosure

0

The Financial Reporting Council has stated its readiness to launch the roadmap report for the adoption of the International Financial Reporting Standards one and two in two weeks.

The Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the council, Dr Rabiu Olowo, stated this during a signing ceremony with the Nigeria Integrated Reporting Committee on Friday in Abuja.

According to Investopedia, IFRS is set of accounting rules for the financial statements of public companies that are intended to make them consistent, transparent, and easily comparable around the world.

IFRS S1 standards are designed to facilitate disclosures from entities, as part of their general‑purpose financial reports, about sustainability risks and opportunities, while IFRS S2 standards encourage companies to disclose information about how an entity manages potential negative effects of climate change.

He said, “This could not have come at a better time considering the fact that the roadmap report for the adoption of the IFRS S1 and S2 will be launched on March 22, 2024, just precisely two weeks during the visit of Mr Emmanuel Faber, Chair, ISSB and his team to Nigeria as part of his three-nation African tour.”

Recall that Nigeria through the council declared its intent to early adopt the International Sustainability Standards Board standards at CoP 27 in Egypt in 2022 and followed the declaration by setting up the Adoption Readiness Working Group, hosted the launch of IFRS S1 and S2 in collaboration with the NGX Regulations Ltd on June 26, 2023, and issued the Roadmap report for 2 comments on February 1, 2024, demonstrate the determination to lead in this endeavour.

Continuing, Olowo stated that the agreement was one of the critical steps the Financial Reporting Council is taking towards ensuring effective and seamless implementation of sustainability reporting in Nigeria.

The FRC boss also emphasised that the council, driven by digitisation, operational excellence, stakeholder engagement, and enforcement agenda, is committed to fulfilling its mandate adding that the strategic approach is expected to elevate FRC to new heights, unlocking capital for the country and subsequently fostering employment opportunities.

He stated, “This event today is to demonstrate the commitment of the Council to ensure adequate and comprehensive advocacy to herald effective corporate behavioural change that will drive the sustainability reporting in Nigeria.

“In line with the statutory provision of the FRC Act 2011 as amended, which empowers the Council to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding towards the achievement of her mandate, we could not have gotten a better partner for our advocacy drive than the Nigeria Integrated Reporting Committee, an independent forerunner in the corporate reporting journey.”

Speaking in his address, the NIRC chairman, Dr Innocent Okwuosa said it is truly delightful to witness another milestone in Nigeria’s journey towards implementing sustainability reporting.

“This event signifies our country’s strong commitment to adopting sustainability reporting, and it’s a testament to the dedicated efforts put forth by the Nigerian Integrated Committee.

“I would like to take this opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that the agendas and work programmes we have established are effectively realized. We will collaborate closely with the FRC to ensure the actualisation of these goals,” he said.

Employees demand totally different minimal wage throughout geopolitical zones

0

The Tripartite Committee on the National Minimum Wage, on Thursday, put forth recommendations for a new minimum wage across the six geopolitical zones.

Chaired by the Chairman of the National Salaries, Incomes, and Wages Commission, Ekpo Nta, the committee called for the active involvement of stakeholders in the process.

A public hearing was scheduled for March 7, with venues in Lagos, Kano, Enugu, Akwa Ibom, Adamawa, and Abuja.

“We invite state and local governments, labour unions, employers of labour, civil society groups, small and medium enterprises and other stakeholders in the six geo-political zones to attend,” the statement quoted the chairman as saying.

The chairman urged the stakeholders to present a memorandum which should include the proposed new national minimum wage for workers.

According Online gives a breakdown of the recommendations from across the six zones.

North West new minimum wage demand

The presentation was made by the Kano State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Kabir Inuwa, on behalf of the North West leadership of the congress.

He said the proposed minimum wage of N485,000 was necessary considering the dynamics of the national economy.

The NLC boss noted that the Minimum Wage Act has given all the protection required to ensure compliance.

North East new minimum wage demand

Labour unions in the North East proposed a monthly national minimum wage of N560,000.

During the North East Zonal Public Hearing of the Tripartite Committee on National Minimum Wage, both the NLC and Trade Union Congress branches across the six states in the region jointly recommended the amount.

In contrast, the Adamawa and Bauchi State Governments suggested N45,000.

The NLC chairman in Adamawa State, Emmanuel Fashe, presented the joint recommendation, advocating for a biennial review of the minimum wage instead of the current five-year cycle.

The Christian Association of Nigeria in Adamawa State similarly recommended N486,000 per month, considering various family expenditures.

Other groups, including the Nigeria Medical Association and the National Council of Women Societies, aligned with the NLC’s position.

The hearing, chaired by NLC President Joe Ajaero, addressed diverse recommendations, with differing proposed amounts from various groups, including N200,000 by NCWS and N75,000 by the Muslim Council of Nigeria.

North Central new minimum wage demand

The NLC chapter in the Federal Capital Territory suggested a revised minimum wage of N709,000.

The FCT Chairman of NLC, Dr Stephen Knabayi, presented the proposal during the North Central Zonal Public Hearing organised by the Tripartite Committee on the National Minimum Wage in Abuja on Thursday.

In a parallel recommendation, Mr Amaege Chukwudi, the leader of the TUC FCT chapter, proposed a monthly minimum wage of N447,000.

He highlighted the prevailing economic challenges, emphasising that many Nigerian workers are now facing dire circumstances akin to begging due to the hardship.

South West new minimum wage demand

The NLC  demanded N794,000 as the new national minimum wage for workers in the South West geopolitical zone.

The labour union in the South West, through the chairperson of the Lagos State chapter of the NLC, Funmi Sessi, made the demand during her presentation at the public hearing of the Tripartite Committee on National Minimum Wage in Ikeja, Lagos on Thursday.

South South new minimum wage demand

The South-South chapter of the NLC recommended a revised minimum wage of N850,000 for workers across the country.

The chairperson of NLC in Akwa Ibom, Sunny James, made this announcement during a public hearing on the proposed wage structure held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, on Tuesday.

The proceedings of the event were broadcast live on Facebook. James voiced his dissatisfaction with the fact that certain states within the region have not yet implemented the existing N30,000 minimum wage, which was last updated in 2019.

South East new minimum wage demand

The NLC and the TUC in the South-East region jointly recommended N540,000 and N447,000, respectively, as the new minimum wage.

The proposal was presented by organised labour during the South-East Zonal Hearing organised by the Tripartite Committee on National Minimum Wage in Enugu on Thursday.

Representing the NLC in the region, Fabian Nwigbo, the Chairman of the NLC Enugu State Chapter, emphasised that the purchasing power of the 2019 N30,000 minimum wage has been significantly eroded by inflation.

According Online reported on January 30 that the Federal Government inaugurated the tripartite committee on the national minimum wage.

Meanwhile, Vice President Kashim Shettima inaugurated the 37-member panel at the Council Chamber of the State House in Abuja.

In his opening address, Shettima urged members to “speedily” arrive at a resolution and submit their reports early as the current N30,000 minimum wage expires at the end of March 2024.