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African Economy
Makinde approves N1bn gratuity for retired LG staff, others
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde has approved a sum of 1 billion monthly for payment of gratuity and death benefits to retired Local Government Staff and public primary school teachers in the state.

The Chairman of the Local Government Staff Pension Board, Ademola Ige announced this while delivering his speech during the flag-off ceremony for the payment of gratuity and death benefits to another batch of retirees, held at the Mini Hall of the Local Government Staff Training School, Agodi, Secretariat in Ibadan.

Ige said, ”The pensioners friendly governor, Makinde has increased monthly allocation for payment of retirement benefits twice within one year from N250 million to N500 million, and now N1billion.

“This is unprecedented and highly commendable.

“This is aimed to fastrack completion of payment and increase the number of beneficiaries.

” It is interesting to know that the governor will fulfill the promise made to ensure that no inherited debt and accrued retirement benefits is left before the expiration of his tenure in May 2027.”

In his remarks, the Chairman of the state Local Government Service Commission, Akinwale Akinwole, lauded Makinde’s exemplary leadership qualities.

This, according to him, has positively impacted lives and transformed all sectors since he assumed office in May 2019 till date.

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Local Government Staff Pension Board, Lukman Muraina said, “Makinde approved N1.650billion for this payment exercise. I, therefore, congratulate all the 454 beneficiaries.”

In their various goodwill messages, the state Chairmen, Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Retired Local Government Staff Wing, Muniru Adesope and Dosu Akinpelu, respectively and also the Full Time Commissioner, Local Government Service Commission, Yusuff Temitope commended Makinde for being pensioners’ friendly, who has been doling out various welfare packages to senior citizens since he came on board.

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Nigeria Politics
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Kano targets 3 9 million children for polio vaccination in June
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Nigeria Politics
Democracy Day Plateau gov unveils 15 new metro buses
As Nigeria celebrates Democracy Day, the Plateau Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, on Thursday unveiled 15 new metro buses as part of a broader effort to revive the state’s public transportation system.The governor also commissioned other projects executed by his administration, including the laboratory, paediatric ward, and Office complex at the Plateau State Specialist Hospital in Jos, Utonkon Bridge and adjoining roads along Utonkon–Abattoir road in Jos, and a storey administrative block. He refurbished Joshua Dariye Hall, Plateau State Polytechnic, Barkin Ladi, Jos Campus.The PUNCH recalls that the governor had, last year, commissioned the first set of 15 Metro Buses to mark his first year in office, bringing the total number to 30 buses.Speaking at the commissioning event to mark June 12, Governor Mutfwang expressed gratitude to God for reviving the Plateau Express Service, one of the state’s legacy institutions that had faced numerous challenges over the years.He noted that the last time the service operated effectively was under the previous People’s Democratic Party (PDP) administration and proudly stated that the current PDP-led government is realigning with national initiatives.Mutfwang highlighted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s charge to governors to alleviate citizens’ suffering, especially following the removal of the fuel subsidy. He said that the transport sector was identified as a key area to directly pass benefits back to the people.The governor announced that Plateau Express Service was now a functional transport system within the Jos metropolis, already benefiting residents and boosting mobility across the state. The governor recalled the overwhelming joy and excitement that greeted the arrival of the new buses.“Plateau Express Service began many years ago and has gone through numerous challenges. But I am proud to say that the last time Plateau Express truly served the people of Plateau was under the last PDP administration. And today, again, under a PDP-led government, we are proud to align with the initiatives of Mr. President.“When Mr. President came into the office, he charged governors across the country to do everything possible to alleviate the suffering of the people. We believed one of the key sectors to address the challenges brought by the removal of fuel subsidies was transport. And so, we decided that the best way to bring subsidies directly back to the people was through the transport sector. I’m glad to say that today, we now have a functional transport service within the metropolis, benefiting our people immensely”, he said.Commending the leadership of Plateau Express, Governor Mutfwang said the success proves that institutions thrive under clear, patriotic leadership.Besides the transport service, he revealed ongoing efforts to revive other institutions, including ASTC (Plateau State Transport Corporation), Jos International Breweries, Payam Fish Farm, Hill Station Hotel, and Plateau Hotel.A historic moment at the event was the introduction of the first female driver for the Plateau Express buses. The governor shared his pride in supporting female empowerment, recalling how he sent nine boys and three girls for automotive training during his tenure as a local government chairman.He reiterated that the new buses were purchased brand new, not used “Tokunbo” vehicles, and were funded from the state’s constitutional allocations, not federal grants or donations. He noted it was made possible by reallocating resources and prioritising the transport sector over luxury purchases for other ministries.Looking ahead, he revealed plans for “Plateau Express 3.0,” signalling continued expansion and modernisation. He also highlighted partnerships to upgrade Jos Airport into an international cargo hub and ongoing talks with the federal government to improve railway infrastructure.He called on all residents to protect the investment for the benefit of current and future generations, stressing that development must take precedence over politics.These projects reflect the administration’s drive toward infrastructural renewal and enhanced public service delivery for the people of Plateau State,” Mutfwang added
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Nigeria Politics
Print Democracy Day Unite to build prosperous nation NGF urges Nigerians
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Nigeria Politics
Abiola s mandate alive in Tinubu says Shettima
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Safety
Anambra celebrates Democracy Day without protests
Major streets across Anambra State have remained peaceful and calm and devoid of any June 12 protest currently going on in some states across the country.Our correspondent who visited major cities of the state such as Awka, Onitsha, Nnewi, observed that both economic and commercial activities were going on without any hitch.This is just as operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, were seen positioned at some strategic places providing security to prevent any form of lawlessness.Checks by our correspondent on Thursday also revealed that some of the residents did not have idea if protests were going on.Speaking on the development, the state NSCDC Commandant, Maku Olatunde, who disclosed that the command mobilised and deployed no fewer than 750 personnel to protect critical national assets across the state.According to Olatunde, the deployment which covers all the 21 local government areas of the state included specialised units such as tactical squads, anti-vandalism squad, female special forces and counter terrorism squad.He said they were strategically positioned in government buildings, public utilities, transportation hubs, telecommunication facilities, electricity infrastructures, high-risk areas, areas prone to violence, blackspots and other vulnerable points.“The Command is committed to providing a secure environment for Anambra citizens to celebrate without fear of any security threats.“We are fully prepared to neutralize any potential security breach and ensure the state maintains its relative peace.“We urged Anambra residents to remain alert and report any suspicious movements or activities to the nearest NSCDC formation or other sister security agencies,” he added.He extends his warm wishes to Nigerians for a joyous Democracy Day celebration, reaffirming the NSCDC’s dedication to maintaining peace and security in collaboration with other sister security agencies throughout the state.
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