Nation

Unpaid Salaries: Health Workers Embark On Indefinite Strike

Published

3 years ago

June 2, 2021

Non-doctors under the auspices of the Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals (NUAHP), University College Hospital, Ibadan Branch, yesterday commenced an indefinite strike.
The union, made up of professionals in the health sector such as; Medical Laboratory Scientists, Physiotherapists, Radiographers, Dieticians and Dental Technologists, embarked on the strike to protest the non-payment of five month salaries of some of its members.
Other members of the association include; Therapists, Health Information Managers, Nutritionists, Social Workers, Speech Therapists, Dental Therapists, Optometrists, Clinical Psychologists, Prosthetics/Orthotics, Medical Physics, Audiology, EEG and ECG Specialists.
Addressing a news conference, NUAHP Chairman, Oladayo Olabampe, said that the last time the affected members, which include over 300 staff, collected a salary was in December 2020.
“It is on a sad note that I stand before you this morning to address the press on the current situation of our health system in the country and more especially in UCH as regards the welfare of staff who invariably are members of this noble union.
“It should be noted that we have been silent for too long, until it became glaring that silence is no more golden.
“We have therefore decided to speak aloud for well-meaning Nigerians to be aware of the dilemma of poor and helpless health professionals in UCH.
“See members of this union who were employed in the year 2020 have not been collecting salaries from the beginning of this year till date,” he said.
The NUAHP chairman claimed that the five-month salaries being owed them by the tertiary institution had made it difficult for them to cater for their dependents and other needs.
Olabampe alleged that dialogue with the teaching hospital’s management had not yielded any positive results, prompting the union members to call for the indefinite strike.
“While we wait endlessly and hopelessly, all financial responsibilities are not waiting as the affected staff has to feed their various families, pay school fees, pay rent among many other responsibilities in the face of the prevailing economic situation in the country.
“Resident doctors who were in the same shoe with our members have been paid a month’s salary.
“This union has been magnanimous and understanding to the extent of encouraging her members to work despite the non-payment of salaries.
“Things have so degenerated to the extent that workers who have worked with zeal and total commitment must go on strike before they can be considered for their pay,” he said.
According to him, the union is also demanding an end to all forms of discriminations and unfair treatment against them by the UCH management.
The Tide recalls that resident doctors of the hospital, on May 1, embarked on an indefinite strike over non-payment of salaries and non-enrolment of some members on the Integrated Payroll and Personal Information System (IPPIS)

Nation

VCDF in Partnership with LDSVA Sensitise Women on Gender Equality, Financial Literacy & Entrepreneurship

Published

2 days ago

May 3, 2024

The Tide

Women, the pillars of our society, are resilient and determined as they play essential roles in nurturing families and leading businesses. Despite facing challenges like limited financial resources and unequal opportunities, they persist, inspiring generations and driving positive change.

In honour of Women’s History Month, Vcare for Development Foundation (VCDF), in collaboration with Sterling Oil Exploration & Energy Production Co. Ltd. (SEEPCO) and the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (LDSVA), embarked on a transformative journey to empower 100 community women, focusing on sexual and domestic violence prevention, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship, on March 27, 2024, in Eti-Osa LGA, Lagos State.

When women are empowered, they become catalysts for progress, influencing not only their own lives but also the lives of their families and those around them. The programme gave the women the opportunity to acquire knowledge on tools that can help their businesses grow, also providing a safe space for women to learn and connect with others, making them feel more confident and capable in making decisions for their businesses.

Distinguished guests present at the event were Mrs. Bello Oluwakemi, Head of the Field Operations Department, Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (LDSVA), Chief Mrs. Eletu-Odibo Wasilat, Community Development Committee Chairman of Eti-Osa LGA, Lagos State, and Mrs. Adenike Akintoye, Head of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation Unit, Eti Osa LGA.

While giving her feedback, Chief Mrs. Eletu-Odibo Wasilat said, “community-driven efforts like this initiative are instrumental in driving sustainable change and enabling women to realise their full potential.”

Mrs. Bello Oluwakemi noted during her closing remark, “training women in our communities will improve their livelihoods and contribute to household income, thereby leading to better standards of living.”

This collaborative initiative aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – Gender Equality (SDG 5) and Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10), which aim to ensure everyone is treated equally and reduce differences between people.

VCDF will continue to educate and empower women for a greater inclusion in society, supporting their advancement and ensuring their meaningful participation in all spheres of life. Together, let us continue to champion the cause of women, celebrate their achievements, and pave the way for a brighter and more equitable future for all.

Nation

Ibom Developers Supports 160 Women with Skill Acquisition Training in Akwa Ibom

Published

2 days ago

May 3, 2024

The Tide

Empowering women with vocational skills is a vital step towards fostering gender equality and inclusive growth in society. This effort involves equipping women with practical expertise that can be applied across various aspects of life, including professional, personal, and entrepreneurial settings. Ibom Developers’ recent initiatives to provide skill acquisition training to women in its host communities aim to help them thrive in society.

On April 8, 2024, Ibom Developers commenced its ongoing skill acquisition training programme, themed ‘Virtuous Women’ in Egwenwe and Okoroinyong communities.
Dignitaries, including His Royal Highness Chief Johnson J. Osiba (Ijongo IV), the Okaama of Egwenwe Community; Mr. Warribo Isaiah, Community Development Chairman, Egwenwe Community; Pastor Johnson Christian Ubulom, Youth President, Egwenwe Community; Mrs. Catherine Monday Ogbofork, Women Leader of Egwenwe Community; Mrs. Sarah Evans Nfeija, Health Officer, Egwenwe Community; and representatives from Okoroinyong community, were present at the inaugural event.

This skill acquisition programme aims to empower 160 women in these communities with expertise in catering, packaging, hairdressing, wigging, ventilation, and styling. The program took place from April 8 to April 20, 2024, at Egwenwe Town Hall and Okoroinyong Town Hall in Eastern Obolo LGA, Akwa Ibom State, imparting essential entrepreneurial skills to the women in the communities.

During the inaugural event, Chief Johnson J. Osiba (Ijongo IV), the Okaama of Egwenwe Community, expressed, ‘‘This empowerment initiative will provide our women with the autonomy and decision-making power they need to become self-sufficient contributors to the growth and development of our community.’’

The participation of women in several economic activities makes their upliftment a potent strategy for economic growth. Their involvement expands the workforce, cultivating heightened innovation and efficiency within the community.

Mrs. Catherine Monday Ogbofork, Women Leader of Egwenwe Community, emphasised, “Access to training tailored to the needs of women allow them to develop specialised skills. I am glad that this programme has offered options that suit our women’s preferences and goals.’’

Acquiring skills for livelihood elevates family status and unlocks entrepreneurial avenues. Ibom Developers is dedicated to promoting entrepreneurship among women and supporting socio-economic empowerment in local communities.