Mr. Tamunotonye Lily has emerged the winner of the April edition of the “Help a Smartworker” competition, organized by a political pressure group, the Princewill’s Political Associates.

Set up just specially for entrepreneurs, youths and Rivers residents who are engaged in micro business ventures and all forms of smart work in Rivers State, it is the brainchild of PPA leaders and is a mirror programme to its popular sister Organisation, the Princewills Trust the sponsors of the Help a Hardworker programme.

Lily, whose business proposal on the expansion of his barbing salon business was selected as the most viable, by the panel of judges is the immediate past Director of Persons with Disability in the All Progressive Congress (APC) executives in the PH City Local Government area of Rivers State. His proposal was only just chosen ahead of a well written interior design proposal and one for the opening of a mini restaurant. In his words the Chairman of the Final selection described Lily’s proposal as “a simple proposal, but very smart, very clear, very detailed on impact, limited itself to the available funding. It is our considered opinion that this is a proposal that can reach many in a short time.”

In his remarks after the live online announcement as the winner of the contest, Lily thanked the Princewill Political Associates for the gesture which he described as a dream come true owing to the fact that it has been his heart desire to expand his barbing business for years. He further called on young entrepreneurs and youths especially politicians to take advantage of this platform to increase and improve their productivity instead of solely relying on politics as the source. He further wished the participants of the May 2020 edition good luck.

While concluding his remarks, Mr. Lily, prayed God Almighty to reward the Leader of Princewill’s Political Associates abundantly for his love for his people, his state and the country at large.

Speaking on behalf of Princewill’s Political Associates, Mr. Emmanuel Dagogo congratulated him and also advised him on the need to be a good ambassador for other young politicians in business by putting the prize money into judicious use. He also called on the public to stay safe and stay at home to curtail the spread of Covid 19 which is currently on the rise in the state.

….To vigorously enforce partial lockdown Regulations

…..Tells all workers outside the FCT to remain where they are for now

The FCTA will enforce rigorously the guidelines regulating the easing of the lockdown in the FCT as part of measures to contain the spread of COVID-19 in the Territory.

In his message to the residents of the FCT, announcing the new guidelines, the Honourable Minister, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello said that security agencies have been mandated to arrest and prosecute, through the mobile courts, anyone found contravening the guidelines.

He said the FCTA will vigorously enforce the overnight curfew from 8:00pm to 6:00 am and in order to prevent possible patients of COVID-19 from coming into the Territory, will also enforce very strictly, the ban on interstate travel.

Similarly, all workers who reside outside the FCT have been directed to remain in their respective States of residence until the ban on interstate travel is lifted.

Below are details of the guidelines as issued by the FCT Administration:

Based on HE President Muhammadu Buhari’s National Address, the sector specific guidelines issued by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the Head of Service of the Federation as well as the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, on the phased easing of the lockdown, the following guidelines are hereby issued in the first instance, from 4th -17th May 2020:

A. OVERNIGHT CURFEW
An overnight curfew will be applicable in the FCT from 8:00pm till 6:00 am.

B. PARTIAL RESUMPTION OF CIVIL SERVANTS

I. Effective Monday, 4th May 2020,  all civil servants in the FCT on Grade level 14 and above  are to report for work 3 times a week, on  Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays between the hours of 8am and 2pm.

II. All officers on essential duties are to carry on with their assigned responsibilities.

III. All workers are to maintain safe distancing protocols of at least 2 meters and wear face masks at all times.

IV. Temperature checks and hand sanitizing protocols should be strictly adhered to at all entry points and access to offices tightly controlled.

V. Number of visitors and customers are to be limited to enforce social distancing guidelines

VI. All workers who are not resident in the FCT are directed to remain in their respective States of residence until the ban on interstate travel is lifted

C. MARKETS AND BUSINESSES

i. Extant guidelines on market operations for sale of food items only remain in effect. Markets are to operate for two days in a week on Wednesdays and Saturdays between 8:00am and 3:00pm

ii. Neighbourhood selling points will be established in various parts of the city to decongest the major markets

iii. Wearing of face mask is mandatory to gain access to markets in addition to hand washing and sanitizing protocols.

iv. The above hygiene related protocols are also applicable to supermarkets and neighborhood markets.

v. Banks are to open between the hours of  8:00am and 2:00pm and are to observe temperature checks, hand sanitizing protocols as well as the use of face masks for staff and customers

vi. Banks are to limit access by customers to allow for safe distancing reasons and limit the number of staff working on their premises to between 30% and 50%.

vii. Residents are encouraged to patronize online banking services as much as possible

viii. Extant rules regulating restaurants and eateries remain in effect. Restaurants are not open to the public and are encouraged to adopt home delivery services.  Similarly, eatries are to practice the take-away system and are to maintain all hand  sanitizing, face covering and safe distancing protocols

ix. Pharmacies may remain open overnight and are to observe all other protocols as enunciated above.

x. Companies involved in food processing, drug manufacturing and construction can commence operation, subject to following the approved health and safety guidelines

xi. Operators of these facilities are mandated to refuse access to anyone not observing the hygiene protocols.

D. PLACES OF WORSHIP

i. The extant directive on places of worship still subsists and they remain closed.

E. RECREATIONAL AREAS/FACILITIES/EVENTS

i. All clubs, bars, gardens, beer parlors, recreational parks, communal sports facilities, movie theatres etc  in the FCT remain closed.

ii. Ban on social congregations such as parties, weddings etc remain in force

F. PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

i. Prohibition of commercial motorcycles within the FCC remain in force including Kubwa and Dutse Alhaji

ii. Tricycles are to limit their activities to areas already designated and are allowed a maximum of 3 persons (driver and two passengers)

iii. Taxis are mandated to carry a maximum of 4 persons at a time (driver and 3 persons)

iv. Buses are to reduce occupancy at any time to 50% of installed capacity

v. All bus stops and motor parks are to maintain environmental hygiene and officials of the parks and bus and taxi operators should provide temperature checks and hand sanitizing points at the parks and bus stops. Face covering is also mandatory. They are to operate only between the hours of 8:00am and 4:00pm daily.

vi. The FCTA will enforce very strictly, the ban on interstate travel. Vehicles conveying goods such as agro products, petroleum products, medical supplies, relief and construction materials as well as courier and security services would be allowed entry subject to the permitted designation in the FCT.

G. SCHOOLS AND ACADEMIC INSTITUTIONS

I. All schools in the FCT remain closed until further notice. Schools are not permitted to commence third term operations in any form until directed otherwise by the relevant authorities.

II. Schools are however encouraged to continue with e-learning and virtual teachings.

H.  MEDICAL ADVISORY

I. Residents are once more reminded that COVID-19 can be fatal and all are hereby advised to take all prescribed measures to avoid contracting it. Persons with underlying medical conditions especially hypertension, diabetes, asthma and low immunity are advised to remain at home. Equally, Persons 65 years and older are also advised to remain at home.

II. Use of face masks by residents in all public places is mandatory.

III. All business owners and government institutions are hereby directed to de-contaminate their premises, prior to re-opening.

I. ENFORCEMENT

The security agencies have been mandated to arrest and prosecute anyone found to be contravening any of these guidelines through the mobile courts.

The Honourable Minister reminded residents that COVID-19 is a very serious ailment that can be fatal and there was the need for residents to follow all laid down health protocols.

He also thanked public spirited individuals, associations and corporate organisations who made very generous donations for the provision of palliatives to those most in need in the Territory.

Malam Bello also thanked volunteers who devoted their time and resources in fighting the pandemic especially the journalists who made appearances on the various radio and television stations to educate residents of the FCT on their personal and collective responsibilities in the fight against COVID-19.

Led by its president, Amb. Oluebube Sharon James, and Secretary, Uloma Naomi James, with their ever-supportive humanist par excellence Dad, Dr. Raphael James, the ” We run the world – Girls have said they have been working round the clock to save Nigerians from Covid-19 with the production of face masks.

Making the donation on behalf of We Run The World Girls NGO, Ms. James asserted that donating the face masks was their own “little way of supporting you and also encouraging people to wear nose masks to avoid the spread of Covid-19 virus”

Responding, Dr. Joe said wearing of face masks is now compulsory to further prevent community-based transmission” as COVID-19 infection hits 2,170 nationwide.

She also contributed in encouraging the laudable initiative while appealing for support as ‘We Run The World- Girls’ sew and distribute 5,000 face masks at the rate of N150 each.

President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the appointment of AVM Muhammadu Alhaji Muhammed (Rtd.) as the new Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).

In a press release by the Director, Information, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Willie Bassey, he said that this appointment took effect from Thursday, 30th April, 2020, for an initial period of 4 years in accordance with Section 3 of the National Emergency Management Agency Act.

The erstwhile Director General, Engr. Mustapha Y. Maihaja has been directed to handover all official matters to AVM Muhammadu Alhaji Muhammed (Rtd.) immediately.

“The President thanked the out-gone Director-General for his services and charged the new appointee to serve with diligence and commitment, the statement concluded

The Mona Audu Foundation has referred to Alhaji Aliko Dangote as Nigeria’s Cancer.

In a press release signed by the President, the Mona Audu Foundation, Princess Zahrah Mustapha Audu, she said that, “it is shambolic to see the efforts being put towards Corona Virus Pandemic relief effort as the money seems to be recycled, donated and then used to purchase food items from his companies and affiliates. He is creating monopolies in many sectors especially the food industry where his entry into each sectors renders other businesses obsolete, as they cannot compete; this is something the Nigerian Federal Government should look into.

The statement read, “The world refers to him as Africa’s richest man; he makes his money from Kogi State, one of the most impoverished states in Nigeria. He has been spewing fumes and green house gases into the environment for over a decade, thereby raising the temperature of the Lokaja – Obajana Area a great deal and making it a long term health risk and a potential looming environmental disaster for residents and future generations.

“He has the largest carbon footprint in Africa. He has destroyed the communities of Okaba/Odagbo in Ankpa where he mines coal to power his factories. The residents have begun to develop health issues ranging from eye problems to respiratory difficulties due to the poor mining methods applied in harnessing the coal for powering his factory. This is a double whammy as the Covid 19 Corona Virus attacks the respiratory system in human beings.

The dangote trucks have completely destroyed the road infrastructure in Kogi State from Okaba/Odagbo in Ankpa to Itobe to Ajeokuta and its bridge through to Okene/Lokoja to Obajana, due to the overturned trucks to pot holes to huge number of deaths due to trucking accidents. With no significant investments in these communities, he continues to exploit our people and resources.

“It is shambolic to see the efforts being put towards the Covid 19 Corona Virus Pandemic relief effort as the money seems to be recycled, donated and then used to purchase food items from his companies and affiliates.He is creating monopolies in many sectors especially the food industry where his entry into each sectors renders other businesses obsolete, as they cannot compete; this is something the Nigerian Federal Government should look into.

“He is a continuous friend of every government, good or bad, APC or PDP without ever speaking out on what is either good or bad for Nigerians and especially Kogites. He is a friend to all simply for his own personal benefit.

“The Mona Audu Foundation will be instituting a lawsuit against Alhaji Aliko Dangote and his companies on behalf of the great people of Kogi State, especially those in Okaba/Odagbo in Ankpa and Obajana for the wanton destruction and exploitation of its resources, the environment, its people, its infrastructure and lack of employment opportunities for indigenes and residents of Kogi State. We will also be seeking foreign redress for our people.

“One can ask what exactly has Alhaji Aliko Dangote done for the people of Kogi State prior to the pandemic, during the pandemic and what are his future plans for the people of Kogi State? Will it be continued exploitation as is going on right now, will he continue to destroy our infrastructure, livelihood, environment and health or will the courts force him to be more humane to the people of Kogi state where he makes all his money from, the statement concluded.

………NLC, TUC, Pensioners Laud Bayelsa Governor On Workers Welfare

As workers across the world marked May Day on Friday, Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has said his administration would focus on labour-friendly policies to alleviate the condition of workers in the state.

He also advocated the need for the organised labour to work towards building a stable and inflation-free economy to enhance workers’ welfare.

Senator Diri stated this while addressing labour leaders as part of this year’s May Day celebration in the state.

In a press release by his Acting Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, the governor noted that increase in workers salary alone would not guarantee any meaningful improvement in their standard of living.

While saluting labour for their untiring efforts toward bringing about prosperity and national progress, Senator Diri assured that his administration would continually place premium on workers by virtue of its slogan on prosperity.

He however expressed regrets that the COVID-19 pandemic had robbed him of the opportunity to join in celebrating workers being his maiden May Day event.

Responding to the demands of labour, the governor said his administration was aware of the challenges facing civil servants in the state and would constitute an ad-hoc committee chaired by his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, to look into their issues.

He said the committee would advise government on how to meet their demands within short and long term periods.

Other members of the committee include Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Konbowei Benson, Head of Service, Mrs Biobelemoye Onyeama, Chief of Staff, Chief Benson Agadaga, and the chairman of the Establishment Committee of the House of Assembly.

On the payment of N30,000 new minimum wage to lawyers in the Ministry of Justice, the governor said already he had directed the Head of Service and the finance team to work out the modalities for payment of the arrears.

He also said the state government was looking into the issue of the minimum wage arrears and the three months salary arrears of some workers in the Environmental Sanitation Authority, with a view to addressing them.

Diri, who called for patience and understanding, reminded workers of the dwindling revenue accruing to the state since he took office in February 2020, stressing the need to look inwards for other sources of funds to address outstanding challenges.

On the need to adopt the Oracle system for payment of salary, the governor explained that his finance team was already implementing the policy and had directed the state government’s financial dealings to be posted on the website to enable it access funds from the World Bank, Federal Government and other organisations.

In a joint address by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) presented by the state NLC chairman, Comrade John Ndiomu, the unions commended Governor Diri for his humane disposition and sense of duty towards workers welfare, particularly retirees in the state.

They applauded his decision on prompt payment of workers monthly salaries, gradual payment of the January salary arrears, payment of gratuity and death benefits, payment of 2014 33% Harmonised Pension Increase, payment of Weigh-In arrears to media workers among others.

The labour leaders highlighted a number of issues affecting civil servants to include the non-payment of promotion arrears to civil servants since 2015, non-payment of the minimum wage to some workers in the rural development authorities as well as the moribund state printing press.

In a press statement, Comrade Ndiomu and the state chairman of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), Comrade Renner Hobobo, equally hailed the governor for prioritising the welfare of pensioners and retirees in the state.

They expressed gratitude to the governor and his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, for fulfilling their campaign promises to retirees.

The labour leaders said since it was sworn in, the Diri administration had been consistent in payment of their monthly pension, implementation of the approved 33% pension harmonization from January 2020 as well as released funds for payment of gratuity and death benefits to pensioners.

“The Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Bayelsa State Council and the Nigeria Labour Congress on behalf of our esteemed pensioners in the state wish to express our profound gratitude to Senator Douye Diri and his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, for consistently paying our monthly pension, 33% pension harmonisation approval and implementation from January 2020 and to have released funds for the payment of gratuity and death benefits to pensioners in the state,” they said.

The Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, has felicitated with workers especially media workers on this auspicious Workers’ Day celebrations.

In a press release on Friday, 1^st May, 2020 signed by the the National President Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Chris Isiguzo, he said that the day is set aside all over the world, Nigeria inclusive, to celebrate and appreciate workers for their tenacity and contributions to the development of Economies.

The statement read, “This year’s celebration is low keyed due to the rampaging Coronavirus pandemic.

“The NUJ specially appreciates Nigerian journalists for their doggedness, professionalism, diligence and dedication to their professional calling despite the peculiar occupational hazards they face in the line of duty.

“The Union therefore calls on media workers as they go about their duties covering the Coronavirus issues, to be careful and take all precautionary measures as prescribed by WHO and the NCDC.
We also use this occasion to once again call on governments at all levels to come to the aid of the Media workers who work round the clock in information dissemination.

“Media workers are also on the frontline in containing the COVID-19 pandemic, hence the need for comprehensive insurance, palliatives, safety kits and very importantly hazard allowance.

“The Union also calls for the unconditional release of Kufre Carter, sports presenter with XL 106.9 FM in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. Carter who was reportedly detained by the DSS over a leaked telephone conversation he had with a medical doctor on the method deployed by the Akwa Ibom state government in handling the spread of Coronavirus in the state had been arraigned before a Magistrate Court in Uyo presided over by Magistrate Winifred M. Umohandy Esq on a three-count charge bothering on defamation of character.

“NUJ also uses the opportunity of this celebration to request debtor media companies to do the needful by clearing several months arrears of salaries owed their workers. Once again, NUJ urges its members not to be dissuaded by these challenges but continue to keep hope alive, the statement concluded.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Delta State has rejoiced with workers in the State as they mark this year’s May Day that is also being commemorated across the globe.

In a press release signed by the Delta State PDP Publicity Secretary, Dr. Ifeanyi M. Osuoza, he specially congratulate the workers for their commendable efforts at work and synergy that unveiled them as dependable partners with Government in service delivery to the good people of Delta State.

The statement read, “Indeed, of particular interest to us in the PDP is the theme of this year’s commemoration, “STOP THE PANDEMIC”, which is not only fitting but germane, given the danger that the deadly COVID-19 poses to humanity.

“This is the reason we urge all workers to endeavour to stay safe by diligently observing the already established rules towards curbing the spread of the pandemic.

“We remind you, therefore, to engage in washing your hands regularly, wear a face mask, assiduously observe the social distance rule, restrict traveling and avoid crowded gatherings, even as you also assist in sensitizing loved ones and family members in your communities on the need to observe all the rules necessary to curb the spread of the CoronaVirus pandemic, the statement concluded.

…….Urges adherence to precautionary measures against COVID-19

Governor Abubakar Sani Bello of Niger State felicitates with the civil servants and the organized labour in the State as they join their counterparts all over the world to Mark this year’s workers day.

Governor Sani Bello expressed this in a press release made available by his Chief Press Secretary, (CPS), Mrs. Mary Noel Berje, saying that the Civil Service remains sacrosanct to his administration.

He describes Civil Servants as pivotal to the success of the policy implementation of his administration adding that, when the civil service is properly positioned, every aspect of government runs smoothly.

Governor Bello, who acknowledged that every government needs a vibrant workforce, maintained that priority attention must be accorded to the critical role the civil service plays in good governance, because it has the onerous duty to execute government’s policies and programmes.

“The impact of government’s policies and programmes on the citizens is determined by whether they have been implemented excellently or shoddily. This in turn depends on the efficiency and effectiveness of the civil service”.

He stressed the need for government to identify the weaknesses of the service, streamline past efforts to revamp it, and apply vigorous measures to make it a truly enduring and supportive institution.

The Governor assured of his administration’s desire to continue to give priority to their welfare and development for optimal performance, promising that conducive atmosphere will continue to be provided for the private sector to thrive as they have been adding value to the State.

Governor Sani Bello commended the Nigeria Labour Congress, (NLC) and the Organised Labour for marking the day even at the most difficult time occasioned by the outbreak of the Coronavirus (COVOD-19) pandemic.

He also commended the organised labour for their understanding with the government at this trying period, urging them to abide by the safety measures put in place by health professionals and government orders, so as to avoid contracting and spreading the virus, while also maintaining the practice of personal hygiene.

The Governor remains optimistic that the world will soon overcome the pandemic and life will return to normalcy so that the trade union and government can continue to synergize and contribute towards the development of the State and the country at large.