Ogun State Governor, Prince Dr. Dapo Abiodun, has approved a new minimum wage of N77,000 for the state’s lowest-paid workers, with immediate implementation beginning in October.

This decision followed a meeting between the State government, led by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr. Tokunbo Talabi, and leaders of the Organized Labour in Ogun State, including representatives from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), and the Joint Negotiating Council (JNC).

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During the meeting, Talabi revealed that the directive came from Governor Abiodun, who insisted that no worker in Ogun State should earn less than N77,000.

He emphasized that the governor is committed to alleviating the financial challenges faced by residents and urged private sector employers to follow suit in addressing the economic realities affecting workers across the state.

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Talabi also noted that the governor plans to set up a monitoring team to ensure private sector companies comply with the new wage standards, encouraging them to hold discussions with relevant stakeholders to establish a fair minimum wage for their workers.

Comrade Hameed Benco, Chairman of the Ogun State NLC, expressed satisfaction with the governor’s decision, pointing out that the N77,000 minimum wage is the highest in the country.

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He mentioned that while other states have adopted the new minimum wage, they are generally paying between N70,000 and N70,250.

He also confirmed that the new basic salary in Ogun would not be subject to taxation, as approved by the government.

Comrades Akeem Lasisi of the TUC and Isa Olude of the JNC praised the state government for its worker-friendly policies and indicated that further details, including pension adjustments, will be addressed after consultations with relevant stakeholders.

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Ogun State Head of Service, Mr. Kehinde Onasanya, lauded the governor’s decision, stating that the generous wage increase demonstrates the government’s responsiveness to the welfare of workers.

He expressed optimism that this move would enhance the morale of public servants and boost their commitment to implementing government policies effectively.

Vice President Kashim Shettima, at the Nigeria Economic Summit in Abuja, acknowledged the ongoing hardships faced by Nigerians due to the government’s economic policies but stressed that the difficult decisions are necessary to secure long-term growth for the nation.

Shettima, speaking on behalf of himself and President Bola Tinubu, expressed empathy for the burdens being borne by ordinary Nigerians, particularly the poor and the youth, as they navigate this tough period.

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He assured that the reforms, while painful, are the only viable path to putting Nigeria on a sustainable economic trajectory.

He pointed out that the Nigerian economy has long been over-dependent on oil and has struggled to generate enough employment for the country’s fast-growing population.

To tackle these issues, the administration has prioritized economic diversification, focusing on sectors like agriculture, manufacturing, and the digital economy.

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The Vice President highlighted government initiatives aimed at supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs), improving critical infrastructure, and cutting through regulatory red tape to create a more business-friendly environment.

Among the initiatives introduced are single-digit interest loans for manufacturers and a newly established credit corporation offering consumer loans to workers.

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On security, Shettima reiterated the government’s firm commitment to addressing terrorism and banditry, which continue to threaten stability.

In addition, he underscored the importance of fiscal reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidies and improved debt management practices, to stabilize the nation’s economy.

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Calling for a collaborative approach, Shettima urged the public and private sectors to work together to navigate Nigeria’s economic difficulties.

He emphasized that the Nigeria Economic Summit provides a crucial platform for dialogue and the development of actionable solutions that can help the nation achieve economic stability and growth.

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“The road ahead may be challenging, but it is navigable,” Shettima concluded. “With sound policies, strong partnerships, and national unity, Nigeria can overcome these obstacles and emerge stronger, more competitive, and resilient.”

Tinuade Ladoja, one of the wives of former Oyo State Governor and Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Rashidi Ladoja, has passed away.

She died on Monday morning at the age of 71 after a brief illness.

Her death was confirmed by the former governor’s media aide, Adeola Oloko, during an interview in Ibadan. Oloko stated, “Yes, it is confirmed. She is dead. May God rest her soul.”

Tinuade Ladoja

Tinuade Ladoja was a prominent figure in the Celestial Church of Christ (CCC), serving as a key member of the Pastor-in-Council, the church’s highest decision-making body.

The CCC Ikeja Parish 1 Cathedral, where she worshipped, also acknowledged her passing in a heartfelt post on its Facebook page.

The post read, “It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; we are His people and the sheep of His pasture. We submit to His will. #farewell.”