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Organised Labour Staged Protest Across The Country
- the protest was in obedience to the directive by the NLC President
- Wants FG To Fix Refineries,
- Halt school fees increase
The organised labour staged protest accros the country, on Wednesday 2nd August, 2023. adsbygoogle || []).push({}); com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js">
The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), affiliates in Plateau State called on government to halt the arbitrary increase of school fees across the country’s higher institutions, as well as the unexplained taxes and utilities tariffs.
Mr Eugene Manji, NLC Chairman in Plateau, while addressing the workers, said that subsidy removal had exposed Nigerians to untold hardship.
Manji said that some Nigerians could barely feed their families because of the harsh economic situation.
“I wonder how many parents will be able to pay their children’s school fees in September?
“The increase of fuel from N195 to N617 has affected every sector of the economy.
“We are not antagonising government, but we are suffocating under the current economic challenges.
“Before you remove subsidy, fix our refineries and stop importing refined petroleum products, and ensure that every transaction concerning petroleum is done in our local currency (Naira and Kobo),” he stated.
The chairman further appealed to the government to pay attention to the plight of the masses, and rescind it decisions.
Mr Kenneth Shamah, Chairman, Trade Union Congress (TUC), Plateau chapter, said that it was the first time organised labour made a chatter of demands and also suggested practical solutions.
Shamah said that the peaceful protest was not only about workers, but for everyone suffering in Nigeria.
According to him, many people can no longer feed their families as many businesses have crumbled.
Prof. Chris Piwuna, National Vice President, Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), said that the union had always stood for students and Nigerian citizens.
Piwuna urged government, and indeed the ruling class, to have a rethink and listen to the cries of the masses.
“There are taxes everywhere, electricity tariff has gone up, and the cost of food has skyrocketed.
“In the span of just two months, the price of petrol has gone up to over 300 per cent.
“Our leaders should listen, fix our refineries and go back to the resolutions reached between the Federal Government and the NLC on subsidy removal.
“They should also pay university staff their eight months outstanding salaries,” the ASUU scribe said.
Meanwhile, the protest was in obedience to the directive by the NLC President, Mr Joe Ajaero, that nationwide protests be staged against the fuel subsidy removal and other Federal Government policies.
Speaking with newsmen, the Caretaker Secretary, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in the state, Mr Victor Amusan, called the attention of the Federal Government to the plight of Nigerians, occasioned by the fuel subsidy removal.
NAN reports that from the venue of the protest, the workers later marched through the streets of Osogbo, singing solidarity songs and stopping to enlighten market people and road users on the basis for their action.
Amusan said that the subsidy removal was done without provision for measures to cushion its effects on Nigerians.
He said that there should have been palliatives in place before the removal of the subsidy.
According to the labour leader, Nigerians are currently going through serious hardship because of high cost of living.
Amusan said that some tertiary institutions had also increased their tuition, expressing the fear that the situation might force many students to drop out of school.
He urged government to roll out palliatives or reverse any policy inimical to the wellbeing of Nigerians.
Vice-President of National Union of Electricity Employees (NUWEE), Mr Sadiq Adewale, said that the fuel subsidy removal was having adverse effect on everyone in the country.
Also, the immediate past President, Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Mr Biodun Ogunyemi, who joined the protesters in solidarity, said that they were expressing their rights to protest against what they felt government was not doing right.
Ogunyemi said that subsidy removal would only benefit the elite, adding that government should be about the people as well as their welfare and wellbeing.
He appealed to government to pay the backlog of salaries being owed ASUU members, as the cost of living had gone up due to the subsidy removal.
NAN reports that the protest was peaceful, as the police, NSCDC and other security agencies provided security for the protesters while they marched through Osogbo metropolis.
However, business activities were not disrupted by the protest, as banks, shops and government offices were open for business activities.
NAN reports that it was only the vehicular movements that were disrupted on the routes marched through by the protesting workers.
NAN.
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Insecurity: Ododo Briefs President Tinubu On Proactive Measures Put In Place
From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi state on Monday, paid a working visit to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, at the State House, Abuja, briefing him on proactive measures put in place to tackle insecurity and the overall development of the state.
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Kogi State’s Commissioner for Information and Communications, Hon. Kingsley Femi Fanwo in a statement made available to journalists in Lokoja, indicates that Governor Ododo during the visit, highlighted the proactive measures being taken by the state government in collaboration with security agencies to safeguard lives and property.
According to the commissioner, Governor Ododo expressed deep appreciation to President Tinubu for his consistent and unwavering support, particularly in bolstering security operations across Kogi State.
He noted that the federal backing has significantly enhanced the capacity of security forces to respond swiftly and effectively to threats.
Governor Ododo also conveyed the profound gratitude of the Government and the good people of Kogi State to the President for the landmark approval of the Ajaokuta Economic City, also known as the Kogi–Hunan Free Trade Zone.
He described the project as a historic and transformative initiative that will reposition Kogi as a major industrial and investment hub, create massive employment opportunities, and stimulate sustainable economic growth.
In his response, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, commended Governor Ododo for his effective leadership and strong collaboration with federal security agencies in tackling security challenges in the state. The President assured him of the Federal Government’s continued support in both security and development efforts.
The high-level meeting also featured fruitful discussions focused on advancing infrastructural development, expanding economic opportunities, and improving the overall well-being of the people of Kogi State.
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Kogi State Intercept Child Trafficking
From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
The Kogi State Government has successful intercepted a group of underaged children trafficked into the State, in what is suspected to be a covert recruitment attempt for banditry training.
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The State’s Commissioner of Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo in a statement, disclosed that at about 1500hrs on December 5, 2025, eagle-eyed security operatives of the National Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Yagba Area Command in collaboration with other security agencies in Isanlu, acting on credible intelligence from community hunters, intercepted a truck conveying 21 children aged between 6 and 17 years into Kogi State.
According to the statement “Initial investigations revealed that the children had been moved from different northern states under suspicious circumstances by adults who could not provide legitimate justification for their movement.
“Several suspects linked to the trafficking operation have been arrested, including individuals who claimed they were transporting the children to establish an informal “Islamic school” within Yagba East.
” Further arrests were made as security operatives intensified surveillance within the area, uncovering additional persons allegedly connected to the movement of the minors. Some of the suspects were also found with items raising significant security concerns.
“The rescued children have since been transferred to the State Command of the NSCDC in Lokoja for detailed investigation and proper profiling of all persons involved.
“His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, Executive Governor of Kogi State, has directed the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development to take full custody of the underaged victims, ensure their wellbeing, and provide the necessary psychosocial support pending the conclusion of investigations.
“Upon completion of profiling and verification, the children will be handed over to their respective State Governments for further investigation and eventual reintegration with their families. Meanwhile, all individuals found culpable in this trafficking operation will be prosecuted in line with Kogi State’s Child Trafficking and Child Rights Protection Laws.
“The Kogi State Government reiterates its uncompromising stance against child trafficking, criminal infiltration, and any form of security threat. The administration of Governor Ododo will continue to work closely with security agencies and local communities to safeguard every part of the State.
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President Tinubu Extols Late Prince Abubakar Audu’s Legacies
From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has described late Prince Abubakar Audu as a “friend, ally, and trailblazer of democracy declaring that his foot-print in Kogi state as former Governor remains the best since the creation of the state.
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The President gave the commendation while speaking at the 10th Memorial Anniversary and Book Presentation organised by the state government in collaboration with the immediate family in honour of the late political ICON
Tinubu who was represented by the Hon. Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, lauded late Prince Audu’s commitment to democratic ideals and the development of Kogi State.
President Tinubu noted that Prince Audu’s leadership was marked by courage, vision, and dedication to the prosperity and security of his people, calling his legacy “a living template for good governance” that continues to inspire leaders across the nation.
The event drew political leaders, statesmen, and dignitaries from across Nigeria, including the representation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to commemorate a decade since the passing of the iconic leader whose vision and leadership continue to influence the political and developmental trajectory of Kogi State.
Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, son of the late statesman, reaffirmed his commitment to advancing his father’s legacy.
He described the memorial as a solemn reminder of the enduring influence Prince Audu holds in the hearts of the people and the continued relevance of his contributions to the growth of Kogi State.
The Minister recalled his father’s visionary leadership, foundational reforms, and passion for public service, noting that successive administrations still draw from the structures and institutions he established.
Prince Shuaibu Audu highlighted his ongoing efforts to revitalize the Ajaokuta Steel Company and strengthen Nigeria’s steel sector as a continuation of his father’s dream for industrial and economic development in Kogi State.
He thanked all partners and stakeholders supporting these initiatives, reiterating that the collective aspiration for a stronger Kogi State and a more prosperous Nigeria is rooted in his father’s enduring vision.
The Minister also expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR for his continuous support to the Audu family.
He also thanked the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, CON, who attended the event. He described Senator Akume as a friend and colleague of his late father from the class of 1999 governors, acknowledging his role in supporting and honouring Prince Audu’s memory.
He further commended the Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, and members of the State Executive Council for hosting the memorial as a state event, noting that it reflects the enduring respect Kogi State holds for Prince Audu.
He also acknowledged former Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello, CON, Capt. Idris Wada, and Rt. Hon. James Abiodun Faleke for their continued dedication to preserving his father’s legacy, describing their presence as a testament to the late leader’s far-reaching impact.
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, Chief Host of the event, described Prince Audu as a visionary leader whose transformative governance continues to shape Kogi State.
In a symbolic tribute, he announced the renaming of a major township road as Prince Abubakar Audu Boulevard, directing relevant agencies to install signage, repair roads, install streetlights, and beautify the area. The Governor emphasised that these measures are part of his administration’s ongoing commitment to uphold Prince Audu’s ideals of unity, progress, and service to the people.
In his remarks, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume CON said that the late Prince Abubakar Audu was marked as an icon of development and great vision, noting his contribution to the development of Benue State in the time he served in Benue State.
He described him as a man who was genuinely loved by his people as one of the first Nigerians that won in a free, fair and credible elections.
The immediate past governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Adoza Bello urged everyone to reflect on the life and times of the late former governor who was a revolutionary and served with all sincerity, who while in office took bold steps that have continued to impact positively of the people of Kogi State and Nigeria even long after his demise.
The memorial also featured the inauguration of the Board of Trustees of the Prince Abubakar Audu Leadership Foundation, alongside a lecture and book review of “Prince Abubakar Audu: A Legacy of Visionary Leadership”, reviewed by former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Prince Adetokunbo Kayode, SAN.
Other dignitaries present included former Governors Capt. Idris Wada and Yahaya Adoza Bello, Rt. Hon. James Faleke, and numerous political and community leaders who paid tribute to the late statesman.
The 10th memorial celebration served as both a solemn remembrance and a reaffirmation of the enduring impact of Prince Abubakar Audu’s leadership, inspiring current and future generations to continue the work of unity, progress, and transformative governance in Kogi State.
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