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December 3, 2024

December 3, 2024December 3, 2024 IFMNEWS

Minimum Wage: Zamfara NLC Halts Planned Strike as Government Pledges Payment Starting March 2025

In a bid to prevent an indefinite strike by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Zamfara, the state government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the union to implement a N70,000 minimum wage.

The agreement, reached on Monday evening after extensive negotiations between government representatives and NLC officials, also addresses other labor concerns, including improved welfare packages for state employees.

NLC Chairman in Zamfara, Comrade Sani Haliru, announced the suspension of the planned industrial action, calling the agreement a win for workers' rights. He commended Governor Dauda Lawal’s administration for prioritizing dialogue and workers' welfare.

"In all our communications, we emphasized the need for agreements or commitments to be made. Tonight, we witnessed progress, with the governor himself actively involved in the process," Haliru said.

Initially expressing dissatisfaction with the delays, Haliru acknowledged the government’s commitment and noted that the union would update its national headquarters on the development.

Representing the state government, Secretary to the State Government Abubakar Nakwada described the meeting as productive. He confirmed the government’s acceptance of the N70,000 minimum wage and reiterated its commitment to fostering a positive relationship with labor unions.

"After many days of negotiations, we reached an agreement on the minimum wage. This is a balanced outcome—no victor, no vanquished," Nakwada stated.

He also confirmed that the new wage implementation will begin in March 2025. This timeline allows the state to complete ongoing verification of its workforce to ensure alignment between nominal rolls and payroll systems.

"We are over 50% through the verification process. This is crucial for balancing the workforce data with payroll. Based on the assurance from labor unions, we do not anticipate any strikes," Nakwada added.

The Zamfara NLC had initially planned to commence an indefinite strike on Tuesday if its demands were not met. Zamfara is among the 12 states identified by the NLC national body for potential industrial action due to delays in implementing the federally approved minimum wage.

December 2, 2024

December 2, 2024December 2, 2024 IFMNEWS

Customs Officer, Wife, and Four Children Killed in Midnight Fire in Osun

A devastating fire claimed the lives of a customs officer, Tijani Kabiru, his wife, and four of their children in the early hours of Monday in the Akankan Area of Ede, Osun State. Kabiru, who served with the Oyo/Osun Command, tragically lost his family in the blaze that has left the local community in shock and mourning.

The fire broke out around 3 a.m., prompting neighbors to alert firefighters. One neighbor, Kola, recounted the tragic scene:
“I can’t say when the fire started, but we noticed smoke at about 3 a.m. While the firemen responded quickly, the house was already severely damaged. Sadly, Kabiru, his wife, and four of their children were burnt to death. Only one child managed to escape.”

Firefighters from the Ede Zonal Command and a backup team from the Fire Service Headquarters in Abere worked to extinguish the flames, but the inferno had already consumed much of the residence by the time they arrived.

Osun State Fire Service spokesperson Ibraheem Adekunle confirmed the incident, sharing a statement from the agency’s director, Olaniyi Alimi. The statement provided details about the tragedy:
“The fire was reported at 3:21 a.m. through a distress call. The victims included Mr. Tijani Kabiru, aged in his late 40s, his wife in her early 40s, and four children—three boys and a girl, aged between three and ten. A 13-year-old boy miraculously survived.”

The estimated damage is valued at ₦200 million, though firefighters managed to save property worth ₦500 million. The street where the tragedy occurred is named after the deceased officer, highlighting his standing in the community.

The remains of the victims have been handed over to the Nigeria Police Force's A’ Division, while investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing. The incident has cast a somber shadow over the Akankan area as residents mourn the loss of a family.

December 2, 2024

December 2, 2024December 2, 2024 IFM Social Media

Former World Snooker Champion Terry Griffiths Passes Away at 77

Former world snooker champion Terry Griffiths has passed away at the age of 77 after a prolonged battle with dementia, his family has announced.

Griffiths made history in 1979 when he emerged from qualifying to defeat Dennis Taylor in the crucible final, claiming the World Snooker Championship. Over his illustrious career, he also secured victories in the Masters and the UK Championship, completing snooker’s prestigious Triple Crown.

His son, Wayne Griffiths, shared the news on Facebook:
“To our friends and snooker followers, we are deeply saddened to share the news of our loss. Terry Griffiths passed away peacefully on 1st December, after a lengthy battle with dementia. He was surrounded by his family in his beloved hometown in South Wales.”

The World Snooker Tour paid tribute to Griffiths, calling him an “all-time snooker great” and extending condolences to his family and friends.

During the 1980s and early 1990s, Griffiths was a dominant force in the sport, reaching at least the quarter-finals of the World Championship for nine consecutive years, including a return to the final in 1988. He retired in 1997 after a first-round loss to Mark Williams at the World Championship.

Beyond his playing career, Griffiths became a highly respected coach, mentoring stars like Stephen Hendry, Mark Allen, and three-time world champion Mark Williams. Williams honored Griffiths on social media, describing him as a “mentor, coach, friend, legend.”

World number one Judd Trump also reflected on Griffiths' passing, calling him a “legend of the game.” He recalled Griffiths' sense of humor, particularly at the Welsh Open, where the snooker great would often share a joke.

Griffiths’ legacy as a player, coach, and beloved figure in the snooker world will endure, leaving a lasting impact on the sport he championed.

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