The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has expressed its willingness to partner with the United Nations (UN) to accelerate the development of the Niger Delta region.

Dr Samual Ogbuku, Managing Director of the NDDC, made the appeal in a statement issued by the commission’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Mrs Seledi Thompson-Wakama, in Port Harcourt on yesterday.

According to the statement, Ogbuku sought the UN’s support during his visit to the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator (UNRHC), Mr Mohammed Fall, at the UN regional office in Abuja.

He called on the global body to provide the NDDC with technical assistance and expert services to support the region’s development.

“We are eager to collaborate with the UN, recognising that the state governments in the region and the NDDC alone cannot achieve the level of regional development required,” he said.

Ogbuku identified key areas where support would be needed, including the provision of portable and affordable drinking water powered by high-tech solar energy sources.

He also highlighted the importance of reforesting the mangrove swamps, which have been severely damaged by decades of environmental degradation caused by oil exploration in the Niger Delta.

“Although the NDDC has made progress in providing solar-powered streetlights across the region, we still require UN support in delivering solar energy solutions for residential buildings.

“We also wish to explore the possibility of installing solar mini-grids in homes across communities, which would boost local commerce and trade,” he added.

The NDDC managing director further appealed for increased UN involvement in areas such as healthcare, education, youth training, gender development, and food security.

Ogunku stated that such interventions would significantly enhance the standard of living in the region.

In response, Fall affirmed the UN’s readiness to collaborate with the NDDC to fast track development in the Niger Delta.

He assured that the UN would support initiatives in food security, job creation, education, and renewable energy, among other areas.

“We aim to approach development in the Niger Delta holistically, rather than focusing solely on environmental pollution.

“This is merely an entry point; however, the UN’s development vision aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are designed to positively impact various aspects of people’s lives,” Fall stated.

He assured the NDDC of continued and fruitful engagements to drive the region’s development.

Gov. Ademola Adeleke of Osun says he has approved N4 billion bond for the payment of retirees under the contributory pension scheme in the state.

Adeleke made this know in his speech at the Workers Day celebration at Fakunle High School, Osogbo, yesterday.

He explained that bond was for retirees in the state and local governments.

“I have just approved, through the Office of the Head of Service, the payment of bond for retirees under the contributory pension scheme worth over N4 billion.

“Civil service parastatal, secondary schools, tertiary institutions, Uniosun Teaching Hospital retirees will get N2, 175, 280, 322.54 while N2, 098, 466, 528.87 will be given to local governments and primary schools retirees,” he said.

Adeleke said he was in tune with the high cost of living in the country, adding that he was aware of the economic situation.

The governor expressed commitment to the welfare of workers and residents of the state.

“As a sub national government, we have been collaborating with the Federal Government to ease the burden of economic hardship.

“As a matter of policy, we have gone out of our ways to ensure the success of federal government’s efforts.

“We back the centre to reform the national economy and ease the burden on our people.

“At the state level, our government is repositioning the state economy to service the people. We are managing state resources in various ways that no sector is left behind.

“While we are not borrowing to fund governance, we have reduced the inherited state debt by over 40 percent. The Debt Management Office confirmed this much in its recent reports,” he said.

Adeleke said that his administration was rebuilding the state economy to benefit the people, adding that “through the government’s local content policies, our professionals, suppliers and artisans are fully engaged, Osun money is servicing Osun people.”

Mr Christopher Arapasopo, Chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Osun Chapter, appreciated the governor for his rancour-free and workers friendly administration.

He commended the governor for paying salary arrears owed by past administration, approving and paying promotion areas of workers, paying N75,000 as new minimum wage, among others.

Arapasopo appealed for the provision of housing and vehicle refurbishing loan to workers, training and retraining of workers, and recruitment of more people into the civil service.

He said the 2025 Workers Day theme “Reclaiming the Civic Space in the Midst of Economic Hardship” was chosen as both a call to action and a rallying point for advocacy and change.

“This theme encapsulates the urgent need for workers to reclaim their rights, voices, and civic engagement in times of adversity,” he noted.

The President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mr Afam Osigwe (SAN), has urged employers of labour to provide protection and enhanced wages for Nigerian workers.

Osigwe made this known in a statement in Lagos to commemorate 2025 Workers Day.

The Tide source reports that workers Day, also known as Labour Day or May Day, is celebrated on May 1 and is a public holiday in over 80 countries.

It is meant to celebrate the contributions of workers, promote their rights and  celebrate the labour movement.

According to Osigwe, Workers Day is a day to honour the resilience, hard work and sacrifices of Nigerian workers who remain unsung heroes of national development.

“We celebrate the vital role workers play in sectors of our national life; their dedication sustains our economy, institutions and daily lives.

“Beyond celebration, today presents an opportunity for sober reflection.

“Too many Nigerian workers still face harsh economic realities, unsafe working conditions, job insecurity and pay that falls far short of the rising cost of living.

“It is, therefore, not enough to offer praise without concrete action. They deserve a living wage and many more benefits,” he said .

According to him, Nigerian workers give their best to the country and, therefore, deserve a living wage.

” A living wage is not a privilege, it is a constitutional and legal entitlement of workers.

“We also urge employers, both in the public and private sectors, to imbibe good labour practices, ensure safety in workplaces, and create environments where workers can thrive without fear of exploitation, intimidation or discrimination,” he said.