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RSG Pays N2bn Monthly To Clear Pension, Gratuity Backlog …Promises To Implement New Minimum Wage
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has disclosed that the Rivers State Government now pays N2billion monthly to offset the backlog of pension and gratuity to retired civil servants.
Speaking during the 2024 Rivers State Civil Service Week, themed: ‘Building Resilient Education for Increased Access to inclusive Lifelong Quality and Relevant Learning in the Rivers State Civil Service’, at the Alfred Diete Spiff Civic Centre, Port Harcourt yesterday, Governor Fubara explained that, he decided to increase the payment from one billion monthly to two billion Naira to clear the backlog as well as ensure effective implementation of payment of gratuities and pensions to retired civil servants.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Tammy Danagogo, Governor Fubara further disclosed that Rivers State will be amongst the first states to adopt Federal Government approved new minimum wage immediately it is implemented.
According to him, “As soon as the implementation modalities for the new minimum wage are released by the Federal Government, I re-assure you that Rivers State will be one of the first states in the country to implement it.
“We recognise that the civil service is the institutional memory of government. No government can stand without its support…, you are the health professionals that care for our health, the teacher that train our children, judicial officers who ensure that there is justice, virtually every spectrum of life and governance, you are the people”, he said.
The Governor acknowledged that because growing and developing the state is an important task that must be accomplished, his administration has reintroduced the training of resident doctors and recruitment of new medical doctors, recruitment of tutorial and non-tutorial staff for Universal Basic Education nd Ignatius Ajuru University of Education; approved the certification of ICT staff in various digital certifications, instituted the state health insurance scheme, appointed new permanent secretaries with new vehicle to enhance performance and promised that his administration will do all within its means to ensure the improved lives of civil servants.
“In realizing this, I want you to note that to whom much is given, much is expected. I therefore charge you to live up to your call to duty.
“I enjoin you to embrace the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to enhance your productivity and improve the overall efficiency of the State Civil Service,” he stressed.
Also speaking, the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Victor Oko-Jumbo congratulated the civil servants on their week as he called on all to remain committed to building a resilient and inclusive civil service that places education and continuous learning at its fore.
The Head of Service, Dr. George Nwaeke thanked Governor Fubara for his continuous devotion to ensure an improved and efficient civil service.
”I commend His Excellency, Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS, for his unwavering support and visionary leadership in promoting the growth and strengthening of our civil service. His dedication to enhancing our capabilities and resources is a testament to his great love for our state and its people.
“The theme of this year’s celebration, Building Resilient Education for Increased Access to Inclusive Lifelong Quality and Relevant Learning in the Rivers State Civil Service, is not only apt but also timely. It underscores our dedication to fostering a civil service that supports continuous growth and adaptation in an ever-evolving world,” he stated.
Prof. Godwin Okon delivered the keynote address on the theme for the Rivers State Civil Service Week.
The celebration also had in attendance former Chairman, Rivers State Civil Service Commission, Chief Oris Onyiri as Chairman of the Occasion; members of the State Executive Council, special advisers, permanent secretaries, among others.
The Organised Labour yesterday, called on the Federal Government to ensure inclusiveness in policy making and guide against erosion of rights, such as free speech and association.
The President, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Mr Joe Ajaero made the call at the 2025 Workers’ Day celebration held at the Eagle’s Square, Abuja.
The Tide source reports Ajaero and the President, Trade Union Congress, Mr Festus Osifo delivered a joint statement on behalf of the organised labour at the event.
Ajaero described May Day as, not only a moment to honour workers’ sacrifices, but also a platform to demand justice and accountability from those in public office.
He frowned at the alleged suppression of protests, and the erosion of rights of workers by some agents
According to him, workers have a duty to resist economic injustice, insecurity, and policies that undermine their dignity.
Speaking on the theme of the day, the NLC President underscored the need for Nigerian workers to reclaim the civic space and resist policies that contribute to worsening economic conditions.
“Our theme this year – “Reclaiming the Civic Space in the midst of Economic Hardship – reflects the urgent need for citizens to protect democracy and push back against repression.
“The civic space, where Nigerians express their concerns and challenge injustices is shrinking.
“If we fail to reclaim this space, the foundation of our democracy risks collapse,” he said
Ajaero, therefore, urged workers to unite and resist division, fear, and despair.
He also urged them to mobilise and organise for change, declaring that the right to demand better conditions is non-negotiable.
“Without workers, there is no society; without labour, there is no development. We must take our place in the fight for economic justice and democratic governance.”
Speaking in the same veins, Osifo said workers are the backbone of the nation—the educators, healthcare providers, builders, farmers, and innovators who sustain its economy -.
He stressed the need for the labour to reclaim the civic space even in the midst of economic hardship.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has disassociated itself from a fraudulent site requesting payments from candidates who missed the ongoing 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
The board said that the site, “Copyrightwriter Personal J Rescheduling Flw” and account number 8520641017 at Sterling Bank, associated with it, are scam.
The disclaimer is contained in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja on Thursday by the Board’s Public Communication Advisor, Dr Fabian Benjamin.
Benjamin said the account is being exploited to defraud unsuspecting candidates who missed their UTME.
“We issue this urgent notice to inform the public about this nefarious scheme targeting candidates who were unable to participate in the UTME.
“Some unscrupulous individuals are deceitfully soliciting payments of N15,700 under the false pretence of offering rescheduling services for the examination.
“Let us be unequivocal: this, it is a blatant scam, and we are confident that the public will not fall prey to such cheap and regressive tactics.
” The individuals behind this scam have no affiliation with JAMB or any legitimate government agency.
“The account details provided in these communications are entirely fictitious and bear no connection to any official processes; they exist solely for the purpose of perpetrating fraud,” he said.
Benjamin called on Sterling bank to take immediate and decisive action against this criminal activity.
According to him, JAMB has reported the matter to the relevant security agencies and actively pursuing those responsible for this deceitful act.
He further said that “JAMB does not reschedule examinations for candidates who miss their scheduled tests due to reasons unrelated to the Board’s actions”.
He, however, said that the Board is conducting a thorough investigation for candidates whose biometrics failed during verification and were thus unable to sit for the examination.
He said those without discrepancies would be invited to retake the examination at no cost , stressing that “no cost is required”
“It is imperative to understand that JAMB does not charge any fees for examinations after a candidate has completed their registration.
“We strongly urge all candidates to remain vigilant and not to succumb to these fraudulent schemes.
“Protect yourselves and report any suspicious activity immediately,” he explained.
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.