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Marcos on Undas: Extend devotion to helping others

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. called on Filipinos to extend the devotion shown during All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day to acts of kindness and concern for others.

In his Undas message, Marcos encouraged the public to draw inspiration from the selflessness of saints and the sacrifices of those who came before them, and to reflect these examples in how they care for one another.

“Across the country, families return to cemeteries, offering prayers and celebrating the lives and legacies of departed loved ones. Some travel great distances for these visits, finding an opportunity to reunite with relatives and recall the moments they once shared,” Marcos said.

He said the memories of departed loved ones continue to strengthen the bonds of Filipino families and communities.

Marcos also urged Filipinos to extend the same care shown in honoring the departed to people who are struggling.

“If we can make time to revere those who have passed, we can also make room to listen to those who struggle, and let that same concern guide our society and the work of government,” Marcos said.

He ended his message by wishing peace to those who mourn and reminding Filipinos to cherish those who remain.

East African Community ministers approve AI strategy, university technology module

Arusha. East African Community (EAC) ministers responsible for education, science, technology, culture and sports have adopted regional artificial intelligence (AI) and digital transformation strategies, approving a special AI module for undergraduate students across the region.

The decisions were made at the 21st Sectoral Council meeting held on Saturday, October 31, 2026, at the new headquarters of the Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA) in Kampala, Uganda.

An EAC statement released on Saturday, October 31, 2026, said the meeting, chaired by Uganda’s Minister of State for Education and Sports, Phyllis Chemutai, sought to establish common technological frameworks for education, health, agriculture and social services.

The AI module will be taught across disciplines to equip students with skills for the appropriate and responsible use of emerging technologies.

IUCEA, in collaboration with the East African Science and Technology Commission (EASTECO), has been tasked with overseeing the regional AI university network.

Ministers also agreed to establish criteria for recognising AI systems in Kiswahili, in line with efforts by the East African Kiswahili Commission (EAKC) to make the language an official working language of the Community.

The statement said the Council was dissatisfied with some public and private universities that continued to charge students from EAC partner states higher tuition fees than local students, contrary to directives requiring equal treatment and payment in the host country’s currency.

‘IUCEA has been directed to conduct a regional audit of these violations, which should not continue because all partner states, through their universities, are aware that university students from EAC member states should be charged the same fees as students from the host country,’ reads part of the statement.

As preparations gather pace for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), to be co-hosted by Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda, the three countries were urged to accelerate plans for a ‘Pamoja Visa’ to facilitate the movement of fans across borders.

The Secretariat will convene technical experts by November 2026 to review a proposal on the EAC’s cultural and commercial participation in the tournament.

Ministers also called for faster progress on mutual recognition agreements for professional qualifications among partner states.

The agreements would cover engineers, architects, accountants and veterinary doctors, allowing them to work across borders without unnecessary restrictions.

They also adopted the Regional Qualifications Framework for Technical and Vocational Education and Training, which seeks to harmonise technical certificates across the region.

Eunisell marks 30th anniversary, restates focus on customers, industries

Eunisell, an industrial and specialty chemical solutions company has reaffirmed its commitment to innovation and delivering meaningful value to its customers and the industries it serves as it marks 30th anniversary.

This was disclosed by the Chief Executive Officer Eunisell, Ken Okeiyi in a statement issued by the organisation announcing the 30th anniversary.

According to Okeiyi, since its establishment in 1996, Eunisell has evolved into a solutions provider supporting customers across oil and gas, manufacturing and other industrial markets.

Through its specialised chemical solutions, industrial products, technical expertise and engineering services, CEO Eunisell, explained in the statement that the company has continued to address complex operational challenges while helping customers improve performance, efficiency and reliability.

In addition, he said that the milestone, celebrated under the theme ‘Eunisell at 30: Celebrating 30 Years of Excellence, Innovation and Impact,’ recognised the company’s achievements, strategic partnerships and the contributions of the people who have shaped its journey.

The statement therefore reads in parts: ‘over the years, the organisation has strengthened their capabilities, expanded their solutions portfolio and built enduring relationships with customers, partners, industry professionals and other stakeholders.

‘These achievements reflect the trust placed in us and the dedication, professionalism and resilience of our people, whose contributions remain central to our success.

‘As we celebrate this milestone, we recognize that our story is not just about how far we have come, but also about the opportunities ahead. We remain committed to deepening our partnerships, embracing new technologies and delivering solutions that help our customers overcome challenges and achieve sustainable growth.

‘The next chapter of Eunisell will build on the strong foundation of the past three decades as we pursue greater innovation, excellence and impact.

‘Over the past three decades, Eunisell has focused on connecting global expertise with local market knowledge to deliver practical solutions for African industries.

‘Its customer-focused approach, technical capabilities and emphasis on trusted partnerships have been instrumental in strengthening its position in the markets it serves’.

Going forward, the statement said that Eunisell remained focused on expanding its capabilities, responding to evolving industry demands and creating greater value for customers and stakeholders.

‘The anniversary also provides an opportunity to acknowledge its employees, clients, partners, suppliers and industry professionals whose trust and support have contributed to its progress.

‘Thirty years on, Eunisell’s commitment remains unchanged: delivering excellence, driving innovation and making a lasting impact’, the statement added.

Caleb British School emerges national champion at Zenith Bank’s young innovators’ challenge

Caleb British International School (CBIS), Abijo, Lagos, has emerged national champion at the Zenith Bank Future Innovators Challenge Zecathon 6.0.

Represented by a quartet of senior secondary students – Deborah Iweha, Makayla Inyere, Fife Alonge, and Okeke Janelle, the winning team, carted home the grand prize of Five Million Naira (N5,000,000) for their groundbreaking project, ReLearn.

ReLearn actively bridges educational gaps by allowing children in underserved communities to access quality learning materials at a fraction of the market price.

Instead of allowing old textbooks to sit idle in homes after an academic session, the ReLearn platform seamlessly redistributes them to students in need.

The Future Innovators Challenge is Zenith Bank’s innovation contest dedicated to senior secondary schools, organised in partnership with Beyond Limits as part of the broader Zecathon 6.0 2026 innovation programme.

The programme provides African students early exposure to technology, teamwork, and problem-solving, offering a combined N10 million prize pool for the top three schools.

With the N5,000,000 prize money, the CBIS team plans to scale the ReLearn

platform beyond Caleb group of schools to provide more textbooks for *indegent* Nigerian students.

‘This national success is a firm validation of our huge investment in modern, state-of-the-art ICT learning hubs, tech innovation labs, and world-class audiovisual laboratories,’ Oladega Adebogun, the director of the Caleb Group of Schools, stated.

He described the CBIS team as worthy ambassadors of the Caleb brand, which prioritises excellent academic performance with high moral standards.

Adebogun added that the feat is no surprise, as the Caleb Group of Schools-spanning Lekki, Magodo, and the Lagos Mainland has consistently established itself as a citadel of academic excellence and a nurturing ground for future entrepreneurs.

‘The platform helps families save money and ensures no child goes to school without the right set of books,’ Deborah Iweha, one of the CBIS team members stated.

According to her, the ReLearn project directly aligns with three United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Quality Education (SDG 4), Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10), and Responsible Consumption (SDG 12).

No girl should miss school, feel ashamed because she can’t afford menstrual products – Ruth Chidiebere, founder, Extraordinary Female

Ruth Ozioma Chidiebere is the founder of Extraordinary Female and Extraordinary Stitches. In this interview by ADERONKE ADESANYA, she speaks on the challenges of building sustainable ventures, tackling period poverty, and expanding opportunities for women and girls.

What inspired you to establish Extraordinary Female in 2018, and how has your vision for the organisation evolved over the years?

Extraordinary Female was born out of my desire to create a platform where women could be celebrated, inspired, and reminded of the extraordinary potential they carry within them. I have always believed that every woman deserves an opportunity to grow, be seen, and make a difference.

We started in 2018 with the Gathering of Extraordinary Females. In 2021, the vision evolved into the Face of Extraordinary Female and Extraordinary Female Awards. Today, we also organise the Gathering of Extraordinary Females as a biannual event and run Pad a Girl Child as part of our community impact efforts.

My vision has grown beyond organising events. I want to build a sustainable platform that empowers women, supports girls, and creates opportunities that make a lasting difference in society. Ultimately, I intend to leave the world a better place than I met it.

How does Extraordinary Female ensure that its programmes translate into tangible opportunities for women beyond awards and recognition?

For me, recognition should be a starting point, not the destination. Through our platforms, we create opportunities for women to gain visibility, build confidence, develop leadership skills, and connect with others who can contribute to their growth.

The Face of Extraordinary Female provides a platform for young women to showcase their abilities, while the Extraordinary Female Awards celebrate women making meaningful contributions in their respective fields. Through the Gathering of Extraordinary Females, we also encourage networking, inspiration and the exchange of ideas.

We are continually working towards building stronger partnerships that will translate these opportunities into mentorship, business development, and sustainable growth for women.

What measurable impact has Extraordinary Female made in the lives of women who have participated in its programmes?

Since 2018, Extraordinary Female has grown from a gathering of women into a platform with flagship events, community outreach and an expanding vision for women’s empowerment. Successfully executing the fifth edition of the Face of Extraordinary Female and Extraordinary Female Awards in 2025 was a significant milestone.

Our programmes have created opportunities to celebrate women, showcase emerging talents and encourage confidence and leadership. Through Pad a Girl Child, we have also carried out outreaches in several rural communities, providing support to girls facing menstrual hygiene challenges.

We are committed to strengthening how we document and measure our impact because I want us to demonstrate not just the activities we organise but the difference they make in people’s lives.

What challenges have you faced in sustaining a women-focused advocacy organisation, particularly in securing funding and corporate partnerships?

One of our biggest challenges has been securing consistent funding. People may believe in a vision, but getting the financial and institutional support needed to sustain it is a different challenge. Building Extraordinary Female has taught me to be resourceful, persistent and strategic. I have had to learn how to build relationships, communicate our value, and keep moving forward even when resources are limited.

These experiences have strengthened my desire to work with corporate organisations, foundations, and individuals who understand the importance of investing in women and girls. I believe that with the right partnerships, we can expand our reach and build a more sustainable organisation.

Through Pad a Girl Child, you address menstrual hygiene among underprivileged schoolgirls. What more needs to be done to tackle period poverty and its impact on girls’ education?

I believe we need to raise much more awareness about period poverty and make sanitary pads affordable and accessible to girls from less privileged backgrounds. No girl should have to miss school or feel ashamed because she cannot afford menstrual hygiene products.

Through Pad a Girl Child, we have taken our outreach to several rural communities, but the challenge is much bigger than any single organisation can address alone. Government, schools, businesses, foundations and individuals must work together to provide affordable sanitary products, improve access to proper sanitation facilities and educate communities about menstrual health. We must also address the stigma surrounding menstruation.

For me, this is about dignity, education, and equal opportunity. Every girl deserves the chance to learn and pursue her dreams without her menstrual cycle becoming a barrier.

As the founder of Extraordinary Stitches, how have you navigated the challenges of building a sustainable fashion business in Nigeria?

I started Extraordinary Stitches from home with a manual sewing machine and basic tools. My journey has taught me that you do not need to have everything before you begin. Sometimes, you start with what you have and build along the way.

Like many Nigerian entrepreneurs, I have faced challenges with the cost of materials, access to equipment, funding and the demands of building a sustainable business. These experiences have taught me that talent alone is not enough. You also need business knowledge, discipline, consistency, and the ability to adapt.

My vision for Extraordinary Stitches extends beyond bespoke fashion to include skills development and fashion training. I want to build a brand that expresses creativity while creating opportunities within the fashion industry.

How do you balance your entrepreneurial ventures with your commitment to women’s empowerment and social advocacy?

I see my businesses and advocacy work as different expressions of my desire to create value and opportunities. Extraordinary Female allows me to champion women and girls, while Extraordinary Stitches gives me an avenue to express my creativity and build a business in the fashion industry.

Balancing both can be demanding, but I am learning to prioritise, manage my time, and approach my responsibilities more strategically. I also recognise the importance of building strong teams and systems. I believe a woman can build a business, pursue a purpose, and contribute to society simultaneously. For me, the goal is to grow personally and professionally while creating something meaningful for others.

How has your involvement in international entrepreneurship platforms shaped your approach to business and women’s economic empowerment in Nigeria?

My involvement with Flux Global Entrepreneurship Magazine Ventures (FGGV), where I serve as an ambassador and have held leadership and editorial roles, connected to its Lagos chapter, has broadened my understanding of entrepreneurship, visibility, and strategic relationships. These experiences have reinforced my belief that talent alone is not enough; entrepreneurs also need access to knowledge, networks, funding and markets.

For women in Nigeria, economic empowerment must go beyond encouraging them to start businesses. We must create environments where they can grow sustainable enterprises, access opportunities, and contribute meaningfully to economic development.

I hope to apply the lessons and relationships gained through these engagements to strengthen my businesses and expand the impact of Extraordinary Female.

As you prepare for the sixth edition of the Extraordinary Female Awards, what are your plans for expanding the organisation’s reach and impact across West Africa?

The sixth edition of the Face of Extraordinary Female and Extraordinary Female Awards, scheduled for December 2026, is an opportunity to strengthen the vision we have been building since 2018. Our immediate focus is to deliver an impactful event, build stronger partnerships, and create greater value for our contestants, award recipients, and supporters.

Beyond Nigeria, I envision Extraordinary Female building meaningful collaborations across West Africa, creating opportunities for women to connect, learn, showcase their talents, and access resources that support their growth.

Achieving this requires strategic partnerships, sustainable funding, and programmes that respond to the needs of different communities. My goal is to build an organisation whose impact extends beyond its annual events and continues to empower women and girls for years to come.

Your personal philosophy is, ‘In as much as I am content with what I have, I do not settle for less.’ How has this principle influenced your journey as an entrepreneur and advocate for women?

This philosophy captures how I approach life. I believe in gratitude and appreciating how far I have come. But I also believe that being grateful should never prevent us from pursuing greater possibilities. When I started Extraordinary Female and Extraordinary Stitches, I did not have everything I needed. However, I chose to begin with what I had and continue working towards what I envisioned. There have been challenges, but they have taught me resilience, patience and the importance of continuous growth.

I want women to understand that they can appreciate their present circumstances while still aspiring to more. For me, it is not about comparing myself with others; it is about becoming better, doing more, and making a greater contribution. I am content with what I have because I am grateful, but I do not settle for less because I believe there is always room to grow, create opportunities, and leave the world a better place than I met it.

Sticky shocks and the case for a fiscal bridge

Since 2020, the world economy has absorbed shock after shock: a pandemic, the 2022 food and energy spike, an aggressive global tightening cycle and now the 2026 Middle East war. The IMF, in its October 2026 Regional Economic Outlook for sub-Saharan Africa, calls the region resilient but warns that risks remain ‘decidedly tilted to the downside’. For non-resource-intensive economies such as Uganda, it expects growth to slow from 6.4 to 6.0 percent and current account deficits to widen from 3.4 to 5.8 percent of GDP.

Governments have not met this shock with interest rates alone. The IMF’s Global Policy Tracker, covering 175 countries, shows that fiscal measures were the most common tool. Peers in the region mixed their instruments: Rwanda combined price adjustment with monetary tightening and targeted support, Zambia cut fuel taxes to cushion pump prices, and Ethiopia set temporary fuel subsidies by product and customer.

Uganda feels such shocks first in its balance of payments. Bank of Uganda, in its October Monetary Policy Statement, reports that the current account deficit widened by $1.4b to $4.6b in the year to August, as freight costs rose, coffee earnings weakened and portfolio money left. The Shilling has taken the strain. It recently closed at about 4,500 to the dollar, roughly Shs835, or 23 percent, weaker than at end-June.

History warns that this level may stick. The Shilling moves like a staircase: its annual average jumped from Shs2,181 in 2010 to Shs2,530 in 2011, and from Shs2,599 in 2014 to Shs3,246 in 2015. Each time, it settled on the new step and never returned.

A weaker Shilling turns an oil shock into a broad price shock. Pump prices have risen to about Shs7,000 a litre, from below Shs6,000 before the war. Headline inflation rose from 2.8 percent in March to 4.6 percent in September, and core inflation, the clearest gauge of second-round effects, has crept up to 3.7 percent. The Bank projects headline inflation of 7.0-7.5 percent over the next year, a projection made before the Shilling reached Shs4,500.

The Bank has responded firmly, raising the cash reserve requirement to 13.5 percent and the Central Bank Rate by 225 basis points to 12 percent. This is commendable. But a rate rise cannot lower freight costs or the price of a barrel. The IMF assumes oil averages $96 this year and $87 in 2027, provided the Strait of Hormuz gradually reopens. Brent is already above $100; if the stalemate persists, it could stay there. The IMF itself cautions that monetary policy can look through such a shock only if it is temporary and its second-round effects are contained.

Tightening alone carries a cost, and the Bank has already priced part of it by cutting its FY2026/27 growth projection to 6.0-6.5 percent, from 7.0-7.5 percent.

On nominal GDP of Shs250.4 trillion FY 2025/26 and inflation of about 7.25 percent forecast FY2026/27, a percentage point of lost real growth removes about Shs2.7 trillion of output. With taxes at about 14 percent of GDP, the Treasury stands to forgo Shs0.19-0.38 trillion in revenue, depending on whether half a point or a full point of growth is lost as forecast by BoU in its latest monetary policy statement.

The exchange rate adds a second bill. The Uganda Bankers Association October Uganda Economic Bulletin estimates that every Shs100 depreciation adds about Shs1.6 trillion to the external debt stock and Shs0.14 trillion a year to its servicing. At Shs4,500, that is roughly Shs13 trillion more debt and Shs1.2 trillion more in annual payments. Together, lost revenue and higher debt service put the budget under Shs1.4-1.6 trillion of pressure this financial year.

This is not a case for blanket subsidies. The IMF notes that generalised fuel-price smoothing can cost about 4 percent of GDP, while protecting the poorest 40 percent costs at most 0.5 percent. A Ugandan fiscal bridge should, therefore, be narrow: relief aimed at diesel for freight, public transport and farming, and at vulnerable farmers facing dearer inputs. It should carry an end date and an automatic exit, for instance once oil stays below $90 for two months, and be budgeted, capped and funded by reprioritising spending rather than new borrowing. But doing nothing is not free, and a modest bridge that shortens the shock could cost less than the growth and revenue it protects.

I, therefore, implore the Finance ministry and Central Bank to run joint simulations now, comparing tightening alone with tightening plus targeted, temporary fiscal relief, and to publish the results. If the evidence points where our peers’ experience points, policy should anchor towards a coordinated fiscal intervention.

Until first oil flows in 2027, the staircase is the risk to manage. Monetary resolve, paired with smart and temporary fiscal relief, is how Uganda keeps a passing shock from becoming a lasting one.

Fire razes 110 shops at Kano timber market

A fire outbreak has destroyed 110 buildings and structures at Kofar Ruwa Timber Market in Kano State, leaving traders and business owners with significant losses.

The Kano State Fire Service, while confirming the incident in a statement, said the inferno razed 75 permanent buildings and 35 temporary structures across different sections of the market.

The Service’s Public Relations Officer, PFS Kabiru Isah Jafaru, said the fire broke out at approximately 7:39 a.m. on Saturday.

The agency received a distress call from a timber dealer identified as Alhaji Abba, prompting the immediate deployment of firefighters from various stations across the Kano metropolis.

Jafaru disclosed that upon arrival at the scene, firefighters discovered that the flames had spread to several sections of the market, causing extensive damage to properties.

According to him, the firefighters eventually brought the inferno under control, preventing it from spreading to other sections of the market and causing further destruction.

The Fire Service spokesperson urged traders and business owners to remain vigilant and adopt appropriate fire-safety measures to prevent similar incidents.

He particularly warned that extra caution was necessary during the harmattan season, when dry and windy weather conditions could increase the risk of fire outbreaks.

As at the time of filing this report, the cause of the fire and the total financial losses suffered by affected traders had yet to be established

First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva watched “Thikra: Night of Remembering’ dance production [PHOTOS]

On November 1, the dance production “Thikra: Night of Remembering” was performed at the Azerbaijan State Academic National Drama Theater as part of the Baku International Arts Festival (BIAF-2026).

First Vice-President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Mehriban Aliyeva, along with her family members, watched the performance.

“Thikra: Night of Remembering”, the latest work by acclaimed director and choreographer Akram Khan, was commissioned by Wadi AlFann, a global destination for contemporary art based in Al-Ula, Saudi Arabia.

Created in collaboration with award-winning visual artist Manal Al-Dowayan, Akram Khan Company’s final touring production draws on the ancient landscapes, mythology and cultural heritage of Al-Ula.

Through sacred rituals and shared recollections, an all-female ensemble transcend the boundaries of time, bridging past and present to invoke an act of spiritual renewal.

The production features an original score by Indian-American singer and composer Aditya Prakash.

The visual aesthetics of the play were created by “Wadi AlFann” artist Manal Al-Dowayan, renowned for her large-scale multimedia installation featured at the Saudi Arabian pavilion during the 60th Venice Biennale.

In the Thikra project, the artist blends traditional craftsmanship with contemporary forms. Natural dyes mirror the color palette of the desert, while geometric motifs rooted in Al-Ula’s heritage highlight the symbolic role and significance of each character.

The production draws on the ancient landscapes, mythology and cultural heritage of Al-Ula. The site-specific world premiere of the play was presented in January 2025.

2027: Miyetti Allah holds rally for Tinubu, declares re-election support

The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has declared its support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.

The association said the establishment of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development had given pastoralists and livestock farmers hope after decades of neglect.

Speaking at a rally in Kaduna on Saturday, MACBAN National President, Baba Othman Ngelzarma, said livestock stakeholders across the country were ready to support Tinubu in appreciation of his administration’s decision to establish a dedicated ministry to address challenges in the sector.

The rally was organised by the Fulbe APC Forum and Tinubu Yeso-Yeso Political Forum (TYPF), in collaboration with the Coalition of Pastoralists and Traders Associations, the Amalgamated Union of Livestock Dealers, Butchers and other stakeholders in the sector.

Ngelzarma said livestock farmers and pastoralists had campaigned for the establishment of the ministry for decades.

‘We are here today to extend our appreciation and support to the administration of President Tinubu. The creation of the livestock ministry is something we have been advocating for and looking forward to for decades,’ he said.

He added that the initiative had encouraged some state governments to establish similar institutions to coordinate livestock development, describing it as an opportunity to address longstanding challenges facing pastoralists and other operators in the industry.

The MACBAN president said the association’s support for Tinubu’s second-term ambition was an expression of appreciation for the administration’s recognition of the economic importance of livestock development.

The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, urged pastoralists, livestock farmers and other operators to take advantage of the ministry’s programmes to improve their businesses and livelihoods.

Maiha said the livestock sector had remained below its potential for decades due to inadequate veterinary services, limited access to pasture and water, high feed costs, poor market infrastructure and low productivity.

He said Nigeria had about 58 million cattle, 124 million goats, 70 million sheep, 9.3 million pigs, 3.2 million donkeys, 700,000 camels and 300 million birds, describing the figures as significant economic opportunities waiting to be harnessed.

The minister said the Federal Government was implementing policies to improve animal health, breeding, feed production, dairy farming, meat processing and access to markets.

He disclosed that seven veterinary hospitals had been completed and equipped under a World Bank-supported programme, while additional facilities were at various stages of completion.

According to him, the government plans to expand veterinary services across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, with primary veterinary facilities also planned for the 774 local government areas.

In his remarks, Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, represented by the Commissioner for Agriculture, Murtala Dabo, said the state government was complementing the Federal Government’s initiative through investments in livestock infrastructure and services.

Dabo said Kaduna’s budgetary allocation to livestock development had increased from N1.48 billion in 2023 to more than N100 billion in 2026.

N70,000 transport allowance: JNPSNC tackles TUC, insists rejection won’t stop implementation

Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council (JNPSNC) has dismissed the Trade Union Congress (TUC)’s rejection of the N70,000 monthly transportation allowance for public servants, insisting that the opposition will not affect the implementation of the agreement reached with the Federal Government.

The council said the agreement, which provides for the payment of the allowance for six months beginning from November 2026, followed extensive negotiations involving the Federal Government, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), JNPSNC and Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU).

In a statement signed by its National Secretary, Trade Union Side, Comrade Olowoye Gbenga, the council disclosed that the meeting held on October 27 and presided over by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Mohammed Maigari Dingyadi, lasted more than six hours before an agreement was reached.

Reacting to TUC’s rejection of the transportation allowance, JNPSNC acknowledged the Congress’s right to express its views on labour matters but maintained that it was not part of the negotiations that produced the agreement.

‘The rejection of any of the items by any Trade Union is inconsequential to the implementation of the agreement, especially the payment of N70,000 transportation allowance,’ the council declared.

It said the agreement was reached through constructive engagement and exhaustive negotiations, stressing that workers’ interests, irrespective of their union affiliations, should take precedence over disagreements among labour.