Business
Kogi Workers Woo Buhari On N30.8bn Bailout
Kogi workers have appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari to approve the release of the balance of N30.8 billion of the state share of the bailout fund for the payment of their salary arrears.
The state Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Mr Onuh Edoka, made the appeal yesterday in Lokoja at the delegate conference of the state chapter of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN).
He noted that that the state government had embarked on “endless screening” of state workers, adding that the exercise had become strenuous, telling on the health of the workers who traveled from many parts of the state to Lokoja for the screening.
Edoka suggested to the Federal Government set up a committee that would comprise representatives of the state government and the labour to oversee the disbursement of the money, when released.
The State Head of Service, Mrs Deborah Ogunmola, disclosed that the state government had reabsorbed 870 out of the workers sacked in the wake of the screening in 2017.
Ogunmola, who was represented at the event by the Permanent Secretary in her office, Alhaji Okeme Abdulahi, did not disclose the number of the staff retrenched in the exercise.
She, however, said the staff affected were those who the screening committee questioned their educational qualifications during the exercise.
The head of service said the workers concerned were reabsorbed after their various institutions affirmed that their certificates were not forged.
She promised that more workers would be reabsorbed as soon as they put their records straight, saying that the reabsorption would be a continuous exercise.
Ogunmola also said that the various institutions contacted by the government had been responding, adding that government had been updating screening reports on the workers.
According to her, the insinuation, by the organised labour, that government had embarked on endless screening was not correct.
Declaring the conference open, the National President of ASCSN, Mr Bobboi Kaigama, said that corruption had assumed “a big proportion” in spite of efforts by government to tame it.
” The Nigerian political class should know that there is no way this country can be inspired to greatness if this beast is not decapitated,” he said
Kaigama,who was represented by Mr John Inalegwu, the National Treasurer of the association, stressed the need to reduce corruption to the barest minimum “in our system before it leads to catastrophic consequences.”
Thhe state Chairman of the ASCSN, Mr Aaron Yusuff, who was re-elected, thanked the delegates for the support and the confidence reposed in him.
He promised that issues of welfare, especially salary payment, regular promotion, training and training would engage his attention during his new term in office. (NAN)
Nkpemenyie Mcdominic
Reports say that the training is designed to equip youths with practical technical skills for employment in the oil and gas and construction sectors, with emphasis on employability, safety, competence and self reliance.
In attendance at the flag-off ceremony this week, at the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI) Conference Hall, Effurun, were stakeholders, dignitaries, and political representatives, among others.
Dafinone, represented by his Chief of Staff, Adelabu Bodjor, said the initiative reflects a deliberate political investment in human capital development across Delta Central.
He explained that the training focuses on rigging and scaffolding, noting that “both are essential technical competencies required in industrial operations, construction projects, and oil and gas installations”.
Bodjor added, “The programme is intended to reduce dependency among youths by providing job-ready skills capable of supporting long-term economic opportunities and self-sufficiency. The initiative aligns with Senator Dafinone’s broader development agenda, which prioritises practical skill acquisition as a pathway to sustainable empowerment.”
Also addressing the participants, the NCDMB, Felix Omatsola Ogbe, represented by Mr. Teddy Bai, commended Dafinone for sponsoring the programme, describing it as “a timely response to critical manpower gaps in the industry”.
Bai explained that rigging and scaffolding remain safety-sensitive skills required across fabrication yards, offshore platforms, and construction sites, stressing that the programme bridges the gap between certification and practical competence.
He also charged the training consultant, OROH Contractors Limited, to maintain strict standards of professionalism, safety, and discipline, while urging participants to remain committed, focused, and disciplined throughout the exercise.
The Senate Liaison Officer for Sapele Local Government Area, Chief Patrick Akamuvba, , described the programme as a major step in strengthening human capital development in Delta Central.
Akamuvba said scaffolding and rigging skills are in high demand across residential, commercial, and industrial construction projects, noting that the training offers real employment opportunities for beneficiaries
He urged participants to prioritise knowledge and certification over short-term material expectations, stressing that discipline and seriousness would determine their long-term success.
He also cautioned youths against social vices and distractions, advising them to remain focused to maximise the opportunities provided by the programme.
