Nation

ASUU Strike: Yar’Adua’s Consent Delays Agreement

Published

15 years ago

July 3, 2009

The Federal Ministry of Education has stated that its inability to secure the consent of President Umaru Yar’Adua has prevented it from acceding to the demand of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).
The education ministry also said the inability to secure the presidential consent is affecting talks with the budget office and salaries and wages commission.
Education Minister, Sam Egwu, however, told the Senate Education Committee, Tuesday, that the agreement being alluded to by ASUU is actually a draft document.
ASUU, President Ukachukwu Awuzie, who briefed the Senator Joy Emodi-led Committee earlier, reiterated that there was an agreement signed with the government two and half year ago on how to resolve the crisis.
The indefinite strike called by ASUU has entered its second week and officials of the union and the Minister of Education, Sam Egwu, Tuesday appeared before the Senate Committee on Education shortly after the ministry met with the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Egwu told the committee that what was delaying the signing of the agreement was that President Yar’Adua wanted an approved, enduring and sustainable salary structure for the striking university lecturers.
“There is no concrete agreement on salary, we are waiting for the president’s consent to determine the exact amount to pay”, he said.
Furthermore, Egwu also told the committee that the issue of new salary was the only critical issue delaying the agreement, saying “it is because it involves the budget office; Salaries and Wages Commission”.
The minister also told the committee that as part of government’s effort at resolving the crisis, an inter-ministerial committee, which had just concluded its assignment, was set up to work on the new salary structure.
“But before the Inter-ministerial Committee ended its assignment, the ASUU went on strike, but we are now about to invite them to a meeting and reach an agreement”, Egwu said.
Egwu had earlier in the day met with the leadership of the PDP led by its National Chairman, Vincent Ogbulafor, where he informed them that “a realistic and sustainable” solution was being worked out by the government.
He informed the party leaders that government had agreed to increase the salaries of the striking lecturers to a realistic and sustainable level, but that though government has acceded to increase salaries of the striking lecturers, the percentage increase will fall short of the 109 per cent increase they are demanding.
“They only issue that is outstanding is salary.
The are asking government to pay academic staff 109 per cent over what they are receiving now. In other words, over 109 per cent should be their new salaries.
“Government is saying in as much as there is nothing bad in paying academic staff that amount, it has to be something that is realistic and sustainable, something that they can pay today and tomorrow and pay next tomorrow, something that they can pay and be happy that they are also touching other needs of the country and that is where we are now.
“I want to assure you that before the end of this week we shall call ASUU and tell them that this is realistically what government can pay and what they can sustain .“The president has approved that there should be an Inter-ministerial Committee to look at this salary issue because, as you are talking about salary for ASUU, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) is also talking about salary increase for every member of public service. The other unions, the medical workers are also demanding for increase”, the minister stated.

Rivers State Deputy Governor, Engr. Tele Ikuru (left) receiving from Senator T.B. Wada, the Mid-Term Award for Excellence in Governance 2009 by the Western Publishing Company Limited, Publishers of Nigerian Compass Newspapers on behalf of Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi at Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, recently.

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.