Business
TUC Tasks Enugu On NHF Contribution Refund
The Trade Union Congress (TUC), Enugu State Council, has advised the state go vernment to set aside N5million monthly for payment of the planned National Health Fund contribution refund to retired workers.
The Chairman of TUC in the state, Comrade Chukwuma Igbokwe, gave the advice in an interview with newsmen, recently.
“The planned refund of the National Housing Fund contributions to the retired workers of Enugu State is hampered by the non-release of the arrears of deductions made from workers’ salaries but not remitted to the Federal Mortgage Bank by Enugu State Government between 2003 and 2007.
“The TUC appeals to Your Excellency (Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi), to approve for monthly release of N5 million for a period of 20 months to offset the arrears of N88 million,’’ Igbokwe said.
According him, the TUC believe that this refund no matter how little will impact positively in the lives of these retirees.
The chairman, however, urged workers in the state to continue to remain committed to contributing their best towards the development of Enugu Public Service by being committed to their duties and “zero tolerance for corruption practices’’.
“TUC liaises and partner with the state government on how to ensure that together we shall join hands to build Enugu State while at the same time pursue the interest of workers of Enugu State.
“Dialogue, constructive reasoning and superior argument should be the primary weapon for this struggle while other severe industrial actions can be applied as the last resort,’’ he added.
Business
Kenyan Runners Dominate Berlin Marathons
Kenya made it a clean sweep at the Berlin Marathon with Sabastian Sawe winning the men’s race and Rosemary Wanjiru triumphing in the women’s.
Sawe finished in two hours, two minutes and 16 seconds to make it three wins in his first three marathons.
The 30-year-old, who was victorious at this year’s London Marathon, set a sizzling pace as he left the field behind and ran much of the race surrounded only by his pacesetters.
Japan’s Akasaki Akira came second after a powerful latter half of the race, finishing almost four minutes behind Sawe, while Ethiopia’s Chimdessa Debele followed in third.
“I did my best and I am happy for this performance,” said Sawe.
“I am so happy for this year. I felt well but you cannot change the weather. Next year will be better.”
Sawe had Kelvin Kiptum’s 2023 world record of 2:00:35 in his sights when he reached halfway in 1:00:12, but faded towards the end.
In the women’s race, Wanjiru sped away from the lead pack after 25 kilometers before finishing in 2:21:05.
Ethiopia’s Dera Dida followed three seconds behind Wanjiru, with Azmera Gebru, also of Ethiopia, coming third in 2:21:29.
Wanjiru’s time was 12 minutes slower than compatriot Ruth Chepng’etich’s world record of 2:09:56, which she set in Chicago in 2024.