News

May Day: Labour Laments Dearth Of Workers In Edo Civil Service

Published

2 years ago

May 1, 2023

Comrade Charles Momoh, the Acting State chairman of Trade Union Congress, TUC, Edo State, on Monday, bemoaned dearth of staff in the state civil and public sector.

Momoh noted that as a result of the scarcity of staff in the state civil service, one worker now performs the work of five or ten men, adding that this has make the work very excruciating and uninteresting.

He said ministries in the Edo State civil service are under staffed.

“We acknowledged the effort you have made to employment but Mr Governor, please employ more workers to the ministries and classrooms so that out output can improve.

“Let those that have been given job be made permanent especially EdoStar and EdoBest fellows in schools”, he said.

The TUC chairman who also lamented the lack of infrastructure in the state’s public schools, noted that there are no seats, laboratories, libraries, good office for principals, teachers as well as non-academics like cleaners, gardeners’, stenographer, library attendance, clerical staff among others.

On his part, Comrade Odion Olaye, the State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), condemned the stagnation in the promotion of health workers in the Edo State Primary Health Care Development Agency in the past four to five years.

Odion also condemned the discrepancy in salary payment that exist across the different local governments.

The NLC chairman, who described the recent intervention in employment in the state like a tip of the iceberg compared to the vacancies that exist.

He, however, appealed to the state government to direct the immediate recruitment of more staff into the state public and civil service.

The leadership of the organized labour, however, commended the state government for the prompt payment of workers’ monthly salaries, the N40,000 minimum wage, regular payment of pension among others.

In his remarks, the State Governor, Godwin Obaseki described workers as “unsung heroes of the society.

Obaseki said his government will continue to prioritize workers welfare and ensure that they are fairly treated so that their take home pay can “take them home”.

“Our government has kept faith with prompt and regular payment of staff salaries and retirees in the state in the last six years.

“As a tradition, salaries must be paid latest 26th day of every month and if there are holidays or ceremonies, we will make sure we pay workers before those ceremonies so that they will have enough to celebrate,” he added.

News

Group Throws Weight Behind Benin Monarch’s Decision On Iyaloja

Published

1 hour ago

October 7, 2025

Editor

Group known as Edo Art and Cultural Heritage Institute (EACHI) has thrown its weight behind Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, on the royal father’s stance on the traditional leadership of markets in the Benin Kingdom.

A statement isdued by Okpioba Osaro Idemudia, on behalf of the group, said the “institute aligns with the Oba’s stance that the Iye-Eki is the only recognized traditional head of the markets, and we believe that this position should be respected and preserved in accordance with our cultural heritage.

“EACHI stands firm on the ground that the Iye-Eki holds a significant and revered position in the Benin Kingdom, serving as the main market traditional head. We believe that any attempts to impose external leadership structures that contradict our cultural norms and traditions would undermine the rich heritage of the Benin people.

“We are proud of our royal rather, for his unwavering commitment to upholding the cultural values and traditions of the Benin Kingdom.

“EACHI reassures the people of Edo State and the broader community that we will continue to support and promote the preservation of our rich cultural heritage.”

The group, while calling on Edo sons and daughters in home and in diaspora to “stand in unity to support our royal father Oba Ewuare II’s disapproval of IYALOJA,” commended
Edo market women for talking a bold stand against the imposition of IYALOJA

News

JUST IN: Tinubu’s Minister Resigns Amid Allegations

Published

2 hours ago

October 7, 2025

Editor

The Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Geoffrey Nnaji, has resigned from President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet amid controversies surrounding his academic records and allegations of certificate forgery.

Nnaji, who was appointed in August 2023, announced his resignation in a letter to the President on Tuesday, expressing appreciation for the opportunity to serve.

Confirming the development in a statement on Tuesday, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said, “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has accepted the resignation of Geoffrey Uche Nnaji, the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, following some allegations against him. President Tinubu appointed Nnaji in August 2023.

“He resigned today in a letter thanking the President for allowing him to serve Nigeria. Nnaji said he has been a target of blackmail by political opponents. President Tinubu thanked him for his service and wished him well in future endeavours.”

Nnaji’s resignation comes amid a lingering controversy over alleged certificate forgery and questions surrounding his academic qualifications from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

Nnaji and the Enugu State Government had traded words over allegations that he presented forged certificates.

The dispute intensified after the Federal High Court in Enugu rejected Nnaji’s bid to stop the University of Nigeria from releasing his academic records.

The court had ruled that the institution was within its rights to release the minister’s academic details in response to a freedom of information request, a decision that fuelled further public scrutiny.

Nnaji, however, maintained that he was being blackmailed by political opponents determined to tarnish his reputation.

News

UNIBEN Bans Students’ Sign-out Celebration

Published

3 hours ago

October 7, 2025

Editor

The University of Benin (UNIBEN) has prohibited all forms of sign-out celebrations by graduating students.

The ban is contained in a circular by the university’s Registrar, Mr Ademola Bobola, on Tuesday in Benin.

In the circular addressed to members of the university community, the management warned that violators risk severe disciplinary actions, including rustication, expulsion, or withdrawal of certificate.

Bobola said the decision was reached at a meeting on Monday, where it reaffirmed an earlier resolution of the university’s Senate banning such activities on campus.

“The management declared that no sign-out celebration of any kind, including signing on T-shirts and playing of music, will be tolerated,” he said.

He stated that the university would not condone any form of disorderly conduct or unauthorised gathering during or after examinations.

“Indiscriminate parading around the campuses in any brand of vehicle will not be permitted,” the circular warned.

According to him, unauthorised vehicles will not be allowed into the campuses all through the last week of the second semester examination.

“The management also prohibited large gatherings around faculties, schools, or institutes after examinations.

“Photographers will not be permitted to put up photo stands or galleries for the purpose of such celebration,” he said.

He said the management equally cautioned parents and guardians of final-year students against visiting campus premises during the final days of examinations.

“Parents and guardians of final-year students are advised to stay away from the Faculty, School, or Institute premises, especially on the last day of examination,” he said.

Bobola emphasised that the university’s stance was aimed at maintaining order, discipline, and academic decorum on campus.

“Members of the university community are kindly invited to note the above position for strict compliance.

“Any violation will attract severe disciplinary sanctions, including withdrawal of certificate, rustication, and expulsion of violators,” he warned.