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The Kaduna State Government has taken a significant step to boost agriculture in the state by increasing funding and introducing new schemes to support farmers.

 

The Commissioner of Agriculture, Alhaji Murtala Dabo, at a quarterly ministerial press briefing on Thursday, said the state has allocated N74.2bn to the agricultural sector in the 2025 budget, representing 9.36% of the total budget.

 

“This is an exponential growth of 5,000% compared to the N1.48 billion allocated to agriculture by the previous government in 2023.

 

“We are committed to ensuring that our agricultural sector is well-funded and supported to drive economic growth and food security in the state,” Dabo said.

 

The Commissioner noted that 97.7% of the agricultural sector budget is earmarked for capital projects, while only 2.3% is allocated to recurrent expenditure, reflecting a strong emphasis on long-term, impactful investments.

 

He added that under the current administration, the state government has distributed over 500 trucks of free fertilizer to verified smallholder farmers under the Agricultural Input Supply Support, which is the largest agricultural input support programme in Kaduna’s history.

 

Additionally, he said, 69,000 smallholder farmers were supported with quality maize seeds and agrochemicals during the rain-fed season under the ‘Tallafin Noma (A Koma Gona)’ initiative.

 

“This allocation is a testament to our commitment to developing the agricultural sector and ensuring that our farmers have the necessary resources to thrive.

“We believe that agriculture is the backbone of our economy, and we are committed to supporting our farmers with the necessary inputs and resources to increase productivity and food security.

 

“Our goal is to make Kaduna State a major player in the agricultural sector and contribute to the nation’s food security,” he added.

 

According to him, the government has also distributed free agricultural implements and inputs to cooperatives, including tractors, solar-powered irrigation pumping machines, and fertilizers.

 

He also said a new public-private partnership framework has been developed to operationalise these tractors via revived mechanisation hubs, which would be purely private sector-driven but will be hired out to farmers at highly subsidised rates.

 

“The scheme will be sustainable, and revenue acquired from these private operators will be used to acquire more tractors. This will ensure that there is a penetration of this mechanisation to all nooks and crannies of the state over the years,” he said.

 

Furthermore, the Commissioner continued that the state is developing the Agricultural Quality Assurance Centre (AQAC) with the support of the Afrexim Bank, which will ensure that agricultural produce meets both domestic and international quality standards.

“The AQAC will enhance Kaduna’s competitiveness in the global market, particularly under the AfCFTA framework,” Dabo said while adding that “this means that our farmers and agro-industries will not only produce more but will produce better—meeting the highest standards required for export and premium markets.”

As workers in the country commemorate May Day, 2025, the Nasarawa State chapters of the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress have lamented the poor electricity supply being experienced by residents across the state’s 13 local government areas.

 

Organised labour also called on the state government to improve the welfare packages of workers, especially staff of tertiary institutions, who have yet to benefit from the N70,000 approved by the Federal Government.

 

The state chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Ismaila Okoh, made the call during the event, which was held at City Stadium in Lafia, the state capital, on Thursday.

 

While noting that issues of power outages had been severely reported by communities to the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company, with no solution in sight, Okoh urged the state government to conduct a proper investigation into the matter to unravel the reason for the blackouts.

He added, “There is a need for collaboration with the AEDC to improve electricity supply in Lafia, the state capital and other parts of the state. This is because the plight of the power sector has not changed over time.

 

“The only way to make progress in the power sector, which is crucial for state and national development, is to review the approach of finding a lasting solution which will boost economic activity within the state.”

 

The state NLC chairman also requested an upper review payment for the state and local government pensioners due to the current economic hardship in the country, so as to give succour to the senior citizens who may currently be battling with terminal illnesses.

 

He further called for the establishment of the state’s Research, Innovation and Training Centre for civil servants, noting that it would help to boost research to improve the various sectors of the state.

 

Okoh explained that a lack of research could reduce the pace for maximum productivity from civil servants in the state, hence the need for the state government to expedite action on the matter, adding that research is a basic necessity towards the technological advancement of any state or nation.

 

While emphasising the need for the state government to improve the welfare of workers generally, the NLC chairman noted that no society can make progress by excluding the workers and the masses from having an equitable share of the state’s resources.

 

“If we are serious about increasing productivity and making progress as a state, then we must seek ways of ensuring that the rights and privileges of workers are not only protected but that they are granted unparalleled access.

“To this end, we suggest deliberate action by the government to expand and strengthen the state’s existing social security framework in order to sustain the peaceful condition enjoyed in the state. This will deepen the engagement of workers in all areas and provide higher productivity,” he added.

 

On his part, the state chairman of Trade Union Congress, Mohammed Doma appealed to Governor Abdullahi Sule for tax relief to all civil servants in the state, noting that the fuel subsidy removal had threatened the survival of civil servants and rendered the N70,000 minimum wage recently implemented ineffective.

 

He further urged the governor to, as a matter of urgency, work towards paying the arrears of the N70,000 minimum wage to workers in the state, noting that it was long overdue.

The TUC chairman, however, commended Sule for his intervention in resolving the long-lingered crisis of pensioners, which was in court, but has now been withdrawn, and expressed his gratitude to the patriotic, and the concerned groups of pensioners for the maturity and agreement to opt for out-of-court settlement in the interests of the state.

 

“Our collective resolve, resilience, and victory that resulted in the minimum wage implementation in the state show our resolve to reclaim the civil space. While we also thank the state government for agreeing to the implementation, I call on all workers to redouble our efforts in our various places of work to ensure optimum productivity,” he added

 

Governor Abdullahi Sule was represented by the state’s Head of Service, Barr. Abigail Waya acknowledged the challenges faced by workers in the midst of the economic hardships.

 

The Governor emphasised the importance of protecting democratic spaces, where dialogue and progress can thrive.

 

He explained that his administration had made significant steps towards empowering workers, noting the implementation of the new minimum wage of N70,000 in December 2024, following the consequential adjustment of the 2019 N30,000 minimum wage.

 

While noting that the state government has prioritised job creation and career advancement, Sule said, “Thousands of teachers, medical personnel, and casual workers have been absorbed into permanent positions. Over 3,200 civil servants were promoted between 2018 and 2023, with outstanding promotions approved for state-owned institutions.

 

“To enhance service delivery, this administration has invested in training civil servants, updating them with modern trends and global standards. The embargo on in-service training has been lifted, demonstrating a commitment to continuous learning and development.”

 

Workers in Delta State have called on the government to strengthen enforcement of labour laws to protect employees from exploitation, wage theft, discrimination, and unsafe working conditions.

 

The call was made during the 2025 May Day celebration held at the Cenotaph in Asaba on Thursday, in a joint statement by the state Chairmen of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Goodluck Ofobruku, and the Trade Union Congress, Comrade Martins Bolum.

 

“This can help ensure that workers’ rights are upheld and their employers are held accountable for any violations,” the labour leaders stated, decrying the growing economic hardship faced by Nigerian workers.

 

They further urged the government to expand social safety nets, including unemployment benefits, healthcare coverage, and food assistance programmes.

 

“This can help alleviate financial stress and provide a safety net for workers facing job loss or income reduction,” the NLC and TUC chairmen added.

 

Addressing a large gathering of workers, the labour leaders emphasized the need for unity and solidarity.

 

“We must unite as a community to surmount the prevailing economic hardship,” they said.

 

Representing Governor Sheriff Oborevwori at the event, Deputy Governor Monday Onyeme described workers as “the backbone of government’s wheel of progress,” while stressing the importance of acknowledging workers’ contributions to the state’s development.

 

Oborevwori, in a message delivered by his deputy, said, “Workers’ Day is not just a celebration but a moment to reflect on our shared journey and renewal of our commitment to building a Delta State and Nigeria where every worker is valued, empowered and rewarded.”

Commenting on the 2025 Workers’ Day theme, ‘Reclaiming the Civic Space in the Midst of Economic Hardship’, the governor noted that it was “apt, as it serves as a powerful call to action and rallying point for all.”

 

“Even in the face of adversity, we must reclaim our rights, amplify our voices and engage fully in the civic processes that govern our lives,” he said.

 

Oborevwori highlighted several initiatives his administration has implemented under the M.O.R.E Agenda to support workers, including prompt salary and pension payments, pension backlog clearance, capacity-building training, and infrastructure upgrades in schools and healthcare facilities.

 

He also pointed to entrepreneurship programmes aimed at job creation and income generation.

 

“Our entrepreneurship initiatives have empowered artisans and small business owners, creating jobs and boosting incomes,” the governor stated.

In addition, Oborevwori announced the introduction of a whistle-blower policy with a dedicated phone line, designed to promote transparency and accountability in governance.

 

“This policy protects workers who expose wrongdoing, ensuring that your voices are heard and that public resources are used to serve the common good,” he added.

 

As Delta workers joined counterparts across the country to mark Workers’ Day, their message remained clear: genuine protection of labour rights, meaningful economic relief, and a commitment to ensuring that workers are not just celebrated, but truly supported.

 

Popular Nollywood actress and filmmaker Funke Akindele has spoken about her experience in politics, describing it as a transformative journey that empowered her and deepened her understanding of leadership, governance, and national development.

 

Speaking at the #WithChude Live talk hosted by media entrepreneur Chude Jideonwo, Akindele opened up about her motivations for entering politics and the lessons she learnt along the way.

 

“I need to support others, I need to give back. That is why I went to politics. Getting into it, seeing the violence, seeing the shouting, then I started watching female politicians, you know, the way they speak, and the way they command respect and authority. And I’m like, hey, you can do it,” she said.

 

Akindele, who ran as the deputy governorship candidate for Lagos State under the People’s Democratic Party in the 2023 elections, said her experience in the political arena taught her boldness, resilience, and the power of knowledge.

 

She continued, “I stood, I spoke, I learnt that from there, that you have to be bold, you have to be courageous, you have to be strong, what will be will be, fear will only put you in a place.

 

“So all this I learnt from doing politics. And I got to know a lot of numbers, I got educated more, acquire more knowledge, you know, I’m reading more now, knowing more about my country, knowing more about my state.

“When I want to speak, I’ll speak with the statistics, you understand, with the data. So I am glad I went to politics. And ask me, am I going to do it again? Oh, yes!”

Watch video below

 

The North-East Governors’ Forum on Thursday resolved to adopt multi-dimensional approach through kinetic and non-kinetic strategies in tackling insecurity challenges in the region.

 

The form made the decision in a nine-point communiqué read by Governor Agbu Kefas of Taraba at the end of its 11th meeting in Damaturu.

 

The governors said addressing insecurity in the region must go hand-in-hand with tackling youth unemployment, poor infrastructure, weak education systems and widespread poverty related problems.

 

The Forum while commending the Federal Government toward improving the national security also expressed concern with the resurgence of insurgents’ activities in some parts of the region.

 

“The Forum calls on the Armed Forces, other security agencies, and community leaders to reappraise their strategies in the ongoing counter-insurgency operations,” the governors said.

 

The forum also drew attention to the deteriorating condition of federal roads in the region, which they said had worsened insecurity and hampered economic recovery.

 

The governors, however, called on President Bola Tinubu to prioritise the completion of abandoned federal road projects.

 

The Forum pledged to deepen collaboration in attracting investments in agriculture, renewable energy, climate adaptation, and vocational training to create employment and reduce youth vulnerability to extremist ideologies.

The governors expressed appreciation for the efforts of the North-East Development Commission (NEDC) and urged it to intensify stakeholder engagement and prioritise road and transport infrastructure projects.

 

The forum also supported the expansion of the Nigerian Law School Yola Campus and resolved to assist with hostel accommodation, water supply, and other facilities.

 

The governors further pledged to support the National Commission for Al-Majiri and Out-of-School Children Education by providing offices in each state and adopting a unified regional strategy to reintegrate out-of-school children into formal and vocational learning systems.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the meeting was attended by the Governors of Adamawa, Borno, Gombe, Taraba, and Yobe States, while Bauchi State wad represented by the Deputy Governor.

 

The meeting was chaired by Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno and Chairman of the Forum.

 

NAN reports that the forum announced that its 12th meeting will hold from July 27 to 29 in Jalingo, Taraba.

 

The Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has said that his administration has complied with the Minimum Wage Act because no civil servant in the state is earning less than N70,000.

 

The Governor who reiterated his antecedents as a human rights activist, further said that the least paid worker in Kaduna State is being paid N72,000 because he believes in the dignity of labour.

 

Addressing workers at Murtala Square where the Workers Day was celebrated on Thursday, the governor said that he has been in the streets to agitate for the return of democracy and workers’ rights in the past.

 

Sani however acknowledged that what has not been resolved is the issue of incremental adjustment of salaries, promising that the issue will be resolved.

 

‘’I have been involved in the struggle for labour rights, workers rights. That is my antecedent. Because of my background, I sat down with the leadership of the Nigerian Labour Congress.

 

‘’I made it clear to them that though we have met the minimum wage requirement but there is something called incremental adjustment which is discretionary.

 

‘’Because of my relationship with both NLC and TUC, I asked them that we should sit down and come up with a formula that will make every worker in Kaduna State happy, irrespective of his or her status and they came up with three different options,’’ he disclosed.

 

He promised that ‘’today I want to reaffirm to all of you here that by the grace of God, we will look at the incremental adjustment and ensure that even senior civil servants will benefit because we have to make our workers happy.’’

 

Sani further said that the upliftment of the living conditions of pensioners is of topmost priority to his administration, adding that last month his government released N3.8 billion to settle outstanding gratuities, death benefits and accrued rights under the Contributory Pension Scheme.

 

‘’Since the inception of our administration, we have paid cumulatively the sum of N10.4 billion in gratuity, death benefits and accrued rights in the Contributory Pension Scheme,’’ he added.

According to him, the payment of such a huge sum to pensioners is unprecedent, adding that ‘’I’m happy that the Chairman of NLC has said that we inherited most of these problems.’’

 

The Governor said that he has approved the recruitment of 1,800 medical personnel to strengthen the state’s Primary Health Care System and 3,000 teachers have also been employed to boost the capacity of public schools.

 

He disclosed that three months ago, Kaduna State bagged the award of the best subnational in Primary Health Care in Nigeria because ‘’we are the only state that has upgraded 180 of our 255 PHCs to Level 2 status.’’

 

Speaking on the ongoing strike by the Kaduna State University Branch of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, the governor said that his administration has done everything to reposition the school.

According to him, more than 60% of their courses were not accredited when he assumed office but his administration expended over N300 million to ensure that it secures NUC’s accreditation.

 

He added that the demands of the striking lecturers accumulated over a period of 17 years, which about three of his predecessors were unable to settle the liabilities, totalling N5 to N6 billion.

 

‘’In spite of this, the lecturers want us to settle these liabilities now and I said no. I said that we have to sit down and have a dialogue. I then asked them where were their voices in the last 17 years?’’

 

‘’’We have to sit down and see how we can address the issue gradually. It is not something that can be addressed in one day. A problem of 17 years can’t be settled in a day,’’ he added.

 

Sani promised that the problem is going to be addressed because education is the greatest leveller, adding that ‘’we will ensure that both the academic and non academic staff of KASU are settled.’’

The Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly, Emomotimi Guwor, has commended “the hard work and dedication of the state workforce” as they joined nations across the globe to mark International Labour Day.

 

Guwor, in a goodwill message to the Nigeria Labour Congress and all the affiliate bodies in Delta State, reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of the Delta State Legislature to supporting policies that improve the welfare and working conditions of workers in the state.

 

This was contained in a statement signed by the Speaker’s Chief Press Secretary, Nkem Nwaeke, copies of which were made available to journalists in Warri on Thursday.

 

The Speaker wished the workers the best at all times, saying, “ May your efforts be recognised and rewarded”.

 

Guwor particularly appreciated members of the Delta State chapter of the Parliamentary Association of Nigeria for their resilience and contributions to the law-making process in the State Assembly.

He said their support and commitment to duty have helped in no small measure to the stability in the state legislature as well as peace and good governance of the state.

 

The Speaker felicitated with Nigerian workers across states of the federation on the International Labour Day, wishing them moments of unending joy.

 

He said, “To workers across Nigeria, I celebrate your sacrifice and contributions. May your voices be heard and your rights protected.

 

“The Delta State House of Assembly will continue to advocate for policies that promote workers’ welfare and national development.

 

“Happy International Workers’ Day celebration”.

The Director-General of The Progressive Institute, Dr Lanre Adebayo, has stated that there is currently no opposition party strong enough to defeat the All Progressives Congress and President Bola Tinubu in 2027.

 

The Progressive Institute is a policy and ideological centre established by the APC to train emerging young Nigerians in democratic principles and provide strategic direction for the ruling party.

 

Adebayo, a chieftain of APC, made this assertion while briefing the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Jibrin Barau, on Wednesday, on the party’s progress during a courtesy visit to the National Assembly, which he led.

 

He said, “2027 is very close. When you look at the Nigerian political environment now, I don’t think there is a party that can challenge the APC. But we must continue working very hard to ensure that the leadership God has given to us is maintained.

 

“We are doing this as part of the TPI national project to take stock of what we’ve achieved over the last two years. That is the only way the party will remain strong and resilient and serve as an example to others. We must work under our leaders, like Senator Jibrin, to ensure the APC leads and provides direction for the future.

“One of the key areas is ideology – to reshape the political environment in our country. We need to move away from mundanity and petty discussions on the media, such as people talking about sexual harassment. We should be focusing on governance and other serious issues that affect our people.”

 

While welcoming the delegation, Barau expressed satisfaction with the progress made by The Progressive Institute since its inception.

 

The Deputy Senate President also praised the National Chairman of the APC, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, for introducing innovation and a winning mentality to the ruling party.

 

“First of all, let me welcome the DG and members of his team to the National Assembly, particularly to my office. I was among those who witnessed the unveiling of the Institute. I am also one of its admirers and supporters.

 

“I commend the National Chairman of our party for his foresight and innovative ideas. Wherever you find yourself, strive to be innovative because, without innovation, you cannot progress. You have done something that aligns with current global trends,” he said.

The Nigeria Labour Congress on Thursday demanded the upward review of retirement age for all categories of civil servants.

 

The National President of the NLC, Joe Ajaero, made this demand during the ongoing May Day celebration in Eagle Square, Abuja.

 

While presenting some of the demands of the NLC, Ajaero said, “It is imperative to extend the revised retirement age of 65 years or 40 years of service currently enjoyed by teachers, health professionals, and judges to all public servants.”

In 2023, Ajaero told The PUNCH that the NLC would do everything within its power to ensure that it dialogues with President Bola Tinubu on the matter.

 

Already, teachers under the employment of the government at all levels are enjoying the implementation of a new retirement age, an act signed into law by the former president, Muhammadu Buhari.

An operative of the Osun State Security Network Agency, codenamed Amotekun Corps, Lamidi Abiodun, has reportedly been killed during an attack by some armed hoodlums in Papa Area of Iwo.

 

Also, after the attack on Wednesday, one Nurudeen Alowonle, a member of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria, was reported missing and has not been found since then, while one Alex Sola was shot in the leg.

 

Announcing Abiodun’s death in a statement on Thursday, the Public Relations Officer, Osun Amotekun Corps, Yusuf Idowu, said Abiodun, alongside his team of Amotekun operatives and some VGN men, had responded to distress calls by farmers from Papa village.

 

“It is deeply saddened to announce the tragic death of one of its operatives, Mr. Lamidi Abiodun, who was killed during an ambush by suspected armed hoodlums at the Papa boundary area in Iwo, Osun State.

 

“The incident occurred on Wednesday, following a distress call from local farmers operating in the Papa Farm area Iwo. The farmers alerted the Iwo Area Command of Osun Amotekun Corps about an ongoing attack on their farmland. In swift response, a team of Amotekun operatives, in company with members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN), mobilised to the scene to confront the threat and safeguard lives and property.

 

“Upon arriving at the location, the team was ambushed by a group of armed men allegedly led by a notorious criminal known as Akeem Olofa, who has been a menace in the region. During the confrontation, Mr. Abiodun was attacked. Although initial gunfire did not penetrate his body, he was brutally assaulted with a machete to the head and died instantly at the scene,” the statement read.

The statement further explained that after the attack, many of the operatives managed to escape the ambush, adding that “One member of the VGN identified as Nurudeen Alowonle remains unaccounted for as of the time of this report and one Alex Sola was shot in the leg. The tragic loss of Mr. Abiodun has sent waves of grief throughout the Amotekun Corps and the entire security community in Osun State.”

 

The Corps said the incident had been reported at the Iwo Police Divisional Headquarters, while the remains of the deceased were deposited at a local mortuary for further procedures.

 

It further read, “Investigations are ongoing, and efforts are being intensified to bring the perpetrators of this heinous crime to justice.

 

“The Osun Amotekun Corps remains resolute in its mission to protect the people and communities of Osun State from all forms of insecurity. We urge residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities.

 

“We extend our deepest condolences to the family of Mr. Lamidi Abiodun and stand united in honour of his bravery and ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.”