Category: Auto Guid

The director-general of the Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies (MINILS), Comrade Issa Aremu, has urged political leaders to prioritise employment and workers’ welfare, saying that labour issues will increasingly determine electoral outcomes.

Speaking at an event marking the Workers’ Day celebration organised by the institute and themed ‘Re-inventing Labour-Management Relations’, Comrade Aremu, who said unemployment remains Nigeria’s most pressing challenge, called for a renewed labour-management partnership as a critical tool for job creation, productivity and national development.

Aremu also advocated a shift from over-reliance on policing to industrialisation, arguing that sustainable security lies in job creation.

He said idle youths could be productively engaged in teaching, vocational skills and manufacturing if adequate opportunities are provided.

‘Government must not govern by policing alone. We need industries and factories that will engage our youths meaningfully,’ he said, adding that a whole-of-society approach involving communities and institutions is key to addressing insecurity.

He noted that Nigeria has sustained its participation in global Workers’ Day celebrations for over four decades, commending the Federal Government and state authorities for keeping the tradition alive.

In a lecture on labour-management relations, Director of Trade Union Education (TUE), Mr Raji Michael, underscored the need for workers to clearly understand their roles, noting that productivity depends on responsibility and collaboration. He described the workplace as a platform for partnership rather than conflict.

Also speaking, Head of Department, Labour Management Relations, Dr Moshood Lawal, emphasised continuous engagement between management and employees, urging leaders to remain responsive and attentive to workers’ concerns.

In his presentation, Chairman of the Senior Staff Association, Idris Dele Abdulmojeed, described the theme ‘Re-inventing Labour-Management Relations in the Institute’ as timely, stressing that institutional growth depends on trust, transparency and mutual respect.

He advocated regular consultation with unions, prompt resolution of grievances, fair policies and recognition of excellence, while also urging workers to uphold discipline, professionalism and loyalty.

Abdulmojeed said that sustainable industrial harmony requires cooperation and a shared commitment to organisational goals, noting that both labour and management must work as partners to achieve lasting progress.

A raging fire has destroyed the Nigeria Labour Congress secretariat in Sokoto, reducing decades of property and vital records to ashes.

The blaze reportedly broke out around 3:00 a.m., sweeping through the building before firefighters later brought it under control.

The Secretary of the council, Hamisu Hussaini Hamisu, said the incident was believed to have been caused by an electrical spark.

‘We suspect an electrical fault triggered the fire. Before anyone could respond, it had spread rapidly through the office,’ he said.

According to him, the inferno destroyed computers, printers, refrigerators, televisions, office furniture, and sensitive documents preserved for more than 30 years.

‘We have lost everything. Records gathered over decades are gone, and no item was recovered,’ Hamisu lamented.

He added that the security guard on duty tried to contain the flames but could not stop the fast-moving fire.

Witnesses said firefighters arrived about an hour later and succeeded in extinguishing the blaze.

The total destruction has left members of the labour council devastated, with efforts now expected to focus on rebuilding the secretariat and replacing the lost records.

The immediate past Minister of Power and an aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2027 election in Oyo State, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, has rejected the purported endorsement of the Senator representing Oyo South Senatorial District, Senator Sharafadeen Alli, as the party’s consensus gubernatorial candidate by some leaders of the party.

Also, some leaders and stakeholders of the party, including Alhaji Mufutau Adisa Gbayawu (Ibadan South-East Local Government), Alhaji Isiaka Alimi (Akinyele Local Government), and Alhaji Wale Sanusi (Ibadan North Local Government), among others, have also distanced themselves from Alli’s endorsement as the APC consensus candidate in the 2027 election in the state.

Speaking in Ibadan on Saturday while meeting with Oyo APC leaders, stakeholders and members in Ibadan South-East Local Government, Adelabu warned that endorsing an aspirant as the party’s consensus gubernatorial candidate at this critical time, without the consent of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-who has said the party should adopt direct primaries in choosing its candidate-will ruin the chances of the party in the forthcoming election.

He cautioned that the desperation of those leaders who endorsed Alli will not only weaken the chances of the party in the election but might also lead to the APC not having a gubernatorial candidate in the 2027 election in Oyo State, in the event that one of the governorship aspirants, who has already obtained nomination and expression of interest forms, goes to court to challenge Alli’s candidacy.

He lamented that instead of the APC uniting as a party to win the 2027 elections in the state, some members are bent on weakening the party’s strength through what he described as a kangaroo endorsement of an aspirant as the party’s consensus candidate, against the wishes of many APC stakeholders, leaders and members in the state.

He said: ‘Any endorsement done without the consent of the state APC chairman and its executives, together with other gubernatorial aspirants, is null and void, and it won’t stand.

‘The endorsement is a joke and can best be described as a bastardisation of democracy. President Tinubu is a core progressive and a democrat; he is fair and will not be partial to anyone.

‘The President has said we should go for direct primaries in choosing the party’s gubernatorial candidate if the consensus option fails. Whoever says President Tinubu has endorsed any aspirant as the party’s consensus candidate is not telling the truth.’

Adelabu, however, said he would overcome the current challenges, contest the party’s primary election and win, adding that he would be sworn in as governor of Oyo State in 2027.

He urged the people of the state to continue supporting him, saying they would enjoy the dividends of democracy if he is elected governor in 2027.

The Grade A Customary Court sitting at Mapo in Ibadan, Oyo State, has adjourned a divorce case filed by a woman, Morenike, against her husband, Abdulmatin, whom she accused of irresponsibility, abuse, battery, and domestic violence.

Morenike told the court that her husband neglected his responsibilities at home, leaving her to shoulder most of the burden.

She stated that she single-handedly catered to the needs of their only child and was also responsible for paying the house rent.

She further described Abdulmatin as violent and abusive, alleging that he frequently beat her and sometimes threatened her with a knife during fights.

She stated that on one occasion, he attempted to suffocate her.

According to her, he was verbally abusive, often insulting and humiliating her in public by calling her a prostitute.

Morenike asked the court to grant her custody of their child and to compel her husband to take responsibility for their child’s welfare, giving attention to feeding, education, and healthcare.

She also requested an order preventing him from threatening or interfering with her private life.

In his response, Abdulmatin denied all the allegations but agreed to the dissolution of their marriage.

Morenike, in her testimony, said, ‘My husband and I began living together shortly after meeting.

‘We did not hold any formal marital rites, neither did my husband pay my bride price.

‘Our relationship was troubled from the beginning of our union.

‘My husband was irresponsible throughout the marriage.

‘I was the one who provided for the family the entire time we were together.

‘He failed in his duties as a father and contributed nothing to our child’s welfare or education.

‘I enrolled her in school and paid most of her fees.

‘My husband was verbally and physically abusive.

‘Instead of appreciating my efforts, he constantly insulted me, even in public.

‘He beat me over trivial issues and once tried to suffocate me.

‘He also threatened me with a knife.

‘I eventually left our marriage out of fear that my husband would one day butcher me.

‘My lord, I am ready to move on with my life.

‘I plead that this relationship be dissolved.’

Morenike begged the court for custody of their child.

She further entreated the court to enforce that her husband assume full responsibility for their child’s upkeep, giving feeding, education and health care preference.

The plaintiff, in addition, requested an order preventing the defendant from threatening and infringing on her private life.

The president of the court, Mrs. S. M. Akintayo, adjourned the case until May 12 for the defence.

Concerns are mounting over the diversion and misuse of critical child nutrition supplies in Oyo State, raising fears that hard-won progress in reducing malnutrition could be reversed.

The issue came to light as the state government uncovered widespread irregularities in the distribution of nutrition commodities meant for children under the age of two, one of the most vulnerable groups.

Commissioner for Health, Dr Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, speaking at the inauguration of the Oyo State Aid Diversion Committee, warned that the diversion of these supplies is undermining efforts to tackle malnutrition and safeguard child development.

She said the committee was established following reports that life-saving nutrition commodities were not reaching their intended beneficiaries.

According to Ajetunmobi, the state government, in partnership with UNICEF, contributed funds last year to the Child Nutrition Fund to provide small-quantity lipid-based nutrient supplements and ready-to-use therapeutic food for children under two.

She explained that the intervention was designed to prevent malnutrition-including severe acute malnutrition, stunting, and wasting-while also providing treatment for affected children.

‘The first 1,000 days of a child’s life are critical for brain development. If proper nutrition is not ensured during this period, it can affect a child’s growth and performance later in life,’ she said.

The commissioner noted that the supplements were procured and distributed across all 33 local government areas through primary healthcare centres.

However, she expressed concern over serious lapses in the distribution process.

‘We discovered a lack of accountability and transparency. Some of these supplements are not reaching the children who need them. In some cases, they are given to children outside the specified age range, diverted, or even sold in markets, despite being meant for free distribution,’ she said.

Ajetunmobi stressed that such practices undermine government efforts and could reverse the progress already recorded in the state.

She revealed that malnutrition rates in Oyo State had dropped significantly-from 34.7 percent to 24.7 percent-and said the government is determined to sustain and improve on these gains.

The newly inaugurated committee includes representatives from the police, the National Orientation Agency, and civil society organisations. Its mandate is to monitor health facilities, investigate reports of diversion, and ensure proper distribution of nutrition commodities.

‘We want full accountability. These supplements must reach the children they are meant for. If they are diverted, the purpose of the programme will be defeated,’ she said.

The commissioner also called on residents to support the initiative by reporting suspicious activities.

‘Let us all be involved. Visit healthcare centres, check the markets, and report if these products are being sold. They are not for sale,’ she urged.

She added that clear distribution and referral systems have been established to ensure eligible children can access the supplements at primary healthcare centres and designated distribution points.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, and Chairman of the State Committee on Food Security, Tunde Ayanleke, acknowledged that while progress has been made in reducing stunting, the state still faces challenges with wasting-a more acute form of malnutrition.

He expressed optimism that targeted interventions would address the issue but warned that progress could stall without sustained investment and stronger inter-agency collaboration.

Ayanleke also praised the state government’s role in securing grants under the Child Nutrition Fund in partnership with UNICEF, noting that the intervention has significantly strengthened nutrition programmes.

‘Our state risks missing out if we do not maintain the required level of support. We are appealing for continued backing so that we can benefit again this year,’ he said.

He further disclosed that the state is conducting a general household survey to map poverty levels and better understand the drivers of malnutrition across local government areas.

According to him, the survey will help identify areas contributing most to malnutrition indicators, enabling more targeted interventions.

‘The essence is to know where the problems are most severe so that resources can be directed effectively,’ he added.

Executive Secretary of the Oyo State Primary Health Care Board, Dr Muideen Olatunji, described the situation as a systemic problem driven by internal misconduct, warning that it could endanger children’s lives and reverse public health gains.

He recounted disturbing audit findings that illustrate the extent of malpractice.

‘In one instance, officials reported having 30 cartons of supplies. Physically, the cartons were intact. But when auditors opened them, some were filled with stones instead of the actual commodities,’ he revealed.

He added that similar deceptive practices had been uncovered during facility inspections, where health workers allegedly manipulated stock records to evade detection.

Olatunji also cited malpractice in the administration of malaria treatment, where proper diagnostic procedures were bypassed or falsified.

‘We instructed that anti-malaria drugs should not be given without proper testing. But some workers manipulate results. In some cases, positive samples are reused to falsify multiple test kits just to justify drug usage. That is deeply troubling,’ he said.

He emphasised the role of law enforcement in tackling diversion, particularly through market surveillance and local intelligence. He also disclosed plans to strengthen monitoring systems, including the introduction of a dedicated hotline for reporting cases of diversion and malpractice.

The Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Ayodeji Abimbola-represented by ACP David Apampa-assured that the command would provide full operational support to ensure accountability in the distribution of critical supplies.

To strengthen coordination, the command called for designated contact persons to liaise directly with security agencies in cases of suspected diversion.

Earlier, Director of Nutrition at the Oyo State Ministry of Health, Dr Kadijat Alarape, disclosed that the state received 3,970 cartons of nutrition commodities from UNICEF. Of these, 2,278 cartons have been distributed across all 33 local government areas, while 1,692 cartons remain in storage.

She added that for the treatment of malnourished children, the state received 600 cartons of ready-to-use therapeutic food, with 330 cartons already distributed and 270 cartons still in storage.

Providing further insight, Alarape explained that small-quantity lipid-based nutrient supplements are intended for children aged six to 18 months to prevent malnutrition during the critical first 1,000 days of life.

She added that severely malnourished children are treated with specialised therapeutic foods, which are often expensive but provided free under the programme.

‘One sachet of therapeutic food can cost about N5,000, and a child may require several sachets weekly. Yet, we have reports of people diverting and selling these products,’ she lamented.

A new report by the civil society organisation Urban Alert has revealed the devastating environmental and economic impacts of gold mining in Osun State, describing the current regulatory framework as a system of ‘extraction without development.’

Published on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, the comprehensive document highlights a stark contrast between the region’s immense geological wealth and the severe pollution and financial exclusion burdening local host communities.

The report details an ongoing environmental emergency centred on the Osun River, which serves as a primary drinking water source for approximately 100,000 residents.

Building on its 2021 findings that proved the existence of mercury, lead, and cyanide in local waterways, Urban Alert’s latest water quality testing exposed catastrophic pollution levels.

The data revealed arsenic levels at 850 percent above World Health Organisation limits, mercury exceeding limits by over 2,000 percent, and lead contamination soaring between 1,000 and 2,000 percent above acceptable thresholds.

‘Arsenic levels 850% above WHO limits, mercury over 2,000% above limits, and lead contamination 1,000-2,000% above limits’. The consequences are dire, as ‘scientists have projected five-year mortality impacts if remediation is not initiated’.

Despite scientific projections warning of severe mortality impacts over the next five years if remediation is not initiated, the report noted that the government had yet to mandate any cleanup programme as of March 2026.

This environmental degradation is juxtaposed against the massive wealth currently being extracted from the state.

According to the document, the Segilola Gold Project in Atakumosa East-Nigeria’s most active commercial gold mine-produced 85,057 ounces of gold in 2024 alone, generating an estimated $196 million in revenue.

However, the report highlights that ‘geological richness does not automatically translate into community prosperity’.

‘If Osun State adopted a community-first model like Ghana’s Newmont Ahafo Development Foundation (NADeF)-which mandates a contribution of $1 per ounce of gold sold plus 1% of annual net profit-the communities hosting the Segilola mine would receive a combined annual community fund of ‘approximately $1.34 million per year’ to build hospitals, schools, and water treatment plants. Over the remaining life of the mine, this could result in an estimated ‘$13.4 million into a ring-fenced community endowment’.

Furthermore, the publication exposed significant regulatory loopholes within the Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining (ASM) sector, which it described as a licence to extract without accountability. The report observed that corporate clusters are acquiring multiple small-scale leases to supply centralized refineries.

‘The failure to do so is not a resource failure. It is a governance failure. And governance failures are the only category of failure that policy can fix’

Because these sites are technically classified as small-scale operations, they carry no obligation to report production quantities, environmental status, or community benefit payments, creating an untracked pipeline of wealth that completely bypasses local residents.

Concluding that the state possesses more than enough mineral wealth to fund critical infrastructure in every extraction community, the authors declared that the ongoing crisis needs urgent policy reforms.

A coalition of various support groups in the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun State, on Friday, staged a solidarity parade to garner support for the reelection of President Bola Tinubu and the election of Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola as the next governor of the state in 2027.

The minister of state for health and social welfare, Dr Iziaq Kunle Salako, joined the groups, which included the City Boy Movement, Caucus 7202, and Ogun West Assembly, in the parade on major streets in Ayetoro town.

The group declared their readiness to work together for the victory of the APC in next year’s poll.

Salako, who is the convener of the solidarity walk, said the rally was put together to celebrate the emergence of Senator Adeola as the consensus candidate of the party and also to demonstrate their support towards the reelection of President Tinubu.

The minister said, ‘We are to celebrate and rejoice in the choice of Senator Adeola as the gubernatorial consensus candidate of the APC in Ogun State. This is the first time a person from Ogun West will be unanimously endorsed as a consensus governorship candidate.

‘Our sincere appreciation goes to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Dapo Abiodun for the pivotal and leadership roles they played in ensuring a rancour-free consensus arrangement. This solidarity parade is to demonstrate the readiness of our dear party in Yewa North Local Government to embark on massive grassroots mobilisation for the reelection of President Tinubu and the electoral victory of Senator Adeola in the February 2027 governorship poll.

‘The APC administration, both at the national and state levels, has prioritised the development of Ogun West. The party has also helped the senatorial district to break the jinx of over five decades. We appreciate the PBAT and DA for standing by Ogun West. I want to also thank former governors Ibikunle Amosun and Gbenga Daniel for supporting Yayi.’

Salako appealed to members of the party and the support groups to commence door to door step campaign in ensuring that the party coast to victory in the elections.

The minister also encouraged them to register with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and obtain their Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs), for them to perform their civic responsibilities in the election.

The Director-General of Caucus 7202, Seni Koiki, explained that the event was organised to rally support for all APC candidates, particularly President Tinubu and Senator Adeola.

He thanked the leaders of the party in the local governments for participating in the solidarity parade, disclosing that more such events meant to sell the party and its candidates to the electorate will be organised in other locations across Ogun State.

Newly matriculated degree students of the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU) and the Federal Polytechnic, Bauchi, have been warned against drug abuse, sexual harassment, cultism, cybercrime and other forms of social vices.

The warning was given by the Vice Chancellor of ATBU, Professor Ibrahim Garba, and the Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Alhaji Sani Usman, in their separate remarks during the matriculation ceremony for 120 admitted students into the affiliated degree programmes of both institutions for the 2025/2026 academic session.

Speaking, Ibrahim Garba, who was represented by Professor Abubakar Sadiq Bappa, Chairman, Central Admission Screening Committee of ATBU, said both ATBU and the Polytechnic have a policy of zero tolerance for all forms of vices and anti-social behaviour.

He further warned that students who fail to conform to the rules and regulations governing their stay on campus would be shown the way out.

The VC added that their duty is not only to provide students with access to knowledge but also to help shape their character so they become responsible citizens.

He said, ‘The oath you have taken today is an indication of your readiness to abide by ATBU laws and statutes as well as a promise that you will conduct yourself with decorum during your stay in this institution.’

According to him, ‘As for your stay here, everything has been done possible to ensure an acceptable standard of educational facilities and welfare for your studies.’

‘You should therefore give the Polytechnic all the needed support to realise the vision and mission of both the Polytechnic and our University,’ said the VC.

Earlier, the Rector of the Polytechnic, who was represented by his Deputy, Dr Dalhatu Sa’idu Abubakar, reiterated that any student found culpable of engaging in these vices would face appropriate disciplinary actions, including rustication, suspension or outright expulsion.

He urged students to demonstrate respect for constituted authority, including lecturers, administrative staff, and institutional regulations guiding their conduct.

The Rector said, ‘This institution is determined to maintain a peaceful, disciplined, and academically conducive environment for all.’

He added, ‘I encourage you to direct your energy towards purposeful academic engagement, apply yourselves diligently to your studies, and maintain regular attendance at lectures.’

‘You are also advised to participate actively in all academic activities and nurture values that will set you apart as worthy ambassadors of both Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University and the Federal Polytechnic, Bauchi,’ he added.

Vitiligo is a chronic skin condition in which patches of skin lose their pigment, resulting in lighter or white areas. Vitiligo is a long-term (chronic) skin disorder that causes the skin to lose its natural colour due to the destruction or malfunction of melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing melanin, the pigment that gives skin, hair, and eyes their colour. The affected areas may appear as small spots (macules) or larger patches, and hair in these areas can also turn white or silver.

The exact cause of vitiligo is not fully understood, but it is considered an autoimmune disorder, where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy melanocytes. Genetic factors may also play a role, as about 30% of people with vitiligo have a family history of the condition.

Certain triggers, such as sunburn, emotional stress, or chemical exposure, may worsen or initiate the condition. Loss of skin colour in patches, which may appear anywhere on the body, including hands, feet, face, genitals, and mucous membranes. Hair colour changes in affected areas, turning gray or white.

Itching may occur before depigmentation starts in some cases.

The condition can be localised (focal), segmental (one side of the body), or generalised (symmetrical patches across the body), with universal vitiligo affecting most of the skin.

Vitiligo affects people of all ages, races, and sexes, though it is often more noticeable in individuals with darker skin. Most cases appear before age 30, and people with other autoimmune conditions, such as thyroid disease, diabetes, or lupus, may have a higher risk.

While vitiligo is not life-threatening or contagious, it can affect self-esteem and quality of life. Treatments aim to restore skin colour or slow progression, including topical medications, light therapy, and, in some cases, surgical options. However, treatment does not guarantee permanent results, and new patches may still develop. Some people choose not to treat vitiligo and manage it with cosmetic approaches like makeup or skin camouflage.

Vitiligo is a manageable condition, and support from dermatologists and patient communities can help individuals cope with its physical and emotional effects.

Three people have been confirmed dead in a lone accident along the Oke-Onigbin and Omu-Aran road after the Workers’ Day celebration in Kwara State.

The Tribune gathered that those involved in the accident were members of the Medical and Health Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MHWUN), Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State.

The Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Kwara Command, Kabir Kazeem, who confirmed the incident, said it occurred around 3 p.m. when the celebrants were returning to their local government from Ilorin, the state capital.

‘A commercial bus, a black Mazda with registration number ARP627KY, was on May 1 involved in a lone accident due to overspeeding.

‘Seven people were involved in the accident, comprising three males and four females, but unfortunately, three females died on the spot,’ he said.

Kazeem noted that FRSC officers rushed to the scene and evacuated the injured passengers and the bodies of the deceased to the nearest hospital in Omu-Aran.

He added that the driver lost control after one of the vehicle’s tyres burst at high speed, leading to the fatal crash.

The Sector Commander said the FRSC would continue to sensitise drivers on road safety and urged passengers to caution drivers where necessary.

The Chairman of Ekiti Local Government Council, Mr Awelewa Gabriel, described the incident as a painful blow to the council, the health sector, and the state as a whole.

‘Our hearts are heavy. These were dedicated professionals who left their homes to celebrate the dignity of labour, only to meet this unfortunate fate on their way back.

‘We have lost patriots who served our communities with compassion and commitment,’ he said.

The Chairman assured that the local government would work with the state government and relevant agencies to support the affected families and assist with medical expenses.