By Our Correspondent

To end lingering strike of Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and non-academic staff unions, the Executive Governor of Taraba State, Agbu Kefas, has approved the release of additional N300 million to the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and non-academic staff unions of Taraba State University in a major move to resolve the ongoing strike at the institution, bringing the total sum to N500 million.

The Commissioner, Ministry for Tertiary Education, Dr. Mike Dio Jen disclose this while speaking with Journalists in Jalingo.

He said that the present administration under Governor Dr Abgu Kefas inherited backlog of salaries, approved over N3 billion to clear all that is owned to members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), including Non-academic staff of the institution, NASU.

“Governor Kefes has released another N300 million added to the N200 million earlier released few days ago as part of agreement to clear all outstandings owing staff of the institution.

“Today, ASUU has no justification to continue with its ongoing strike action, this present administration inherited blacklog of salaries from previous administration,” he said.

According to him, the Governor has shown greatly commitment to the University.

“When Governor Kefas assumed office nearly three years ago, he inherited over N4 billion in unpaid salaries at the university. He immediately intervened with more than N1 billion, but within a shorter time after he increased the minimum wage of workers the salary bill rise to Seven Hundred Million Naira monthly.

He highlighted that the governor spent over two billion naira for building of female hostels, Nakowa hostel and renovations.

“This are efforts the governor has put to ensure that the University maintained its standard.

“The governor few weeks ago approved over two hundred and fifty million naira for Accreditation of courses and one hundred and sixty one for Convocations in all the Tertiary institutions of the state.

According to him, over N2 billion has been spent on the renovation of hostels in the institution, while a new Hostel known as the Makowa has also been constructed to improve students’ living conditions.

“Immediately we came on board we sworn into action, they were Seven demands brought by the academy union and the non-academy staff union, and all the seven demands were discussed and solved, five of them were completely settled, then the two major demands that were left is the issue of pension and gratuities, payment of backlog of salary areas and the EAA and AA.

“When the governor came in, he proved the point of agreement where two hundred million was released to them, and there was an agreement that the government will release the sum of N50 million monthly until such a time that the entire thing will be settled.

“Be it as it may, the situation we have in this country the income or resources at the disposal of the government is not consistent, its fluctuate, even what we get from the federal account is not consistent and there are competing demands, look at insecurity, it is consuming the resources we have in the State.

“When the government slashed the school fees by 50% which is the main revenue, the government decided to take over the entire payment of salaries which was Three hundred and Eight million (308,000,000) per month to Six hundreds and thirty seven million, eighteen thousand four hundreds and fourthy four naira, ninety seven Kobo per month because of the implementation of the new minimum wage which is the highest paid institution in the northern Nigeria,” he said.

The Commissioner highlighted some of the governor’s achievements in the University, noted that, Governor Agbu Kefas had earlier spent over N2b for the renovation of the hostels and N400,000,000 was expended for the building of the new hostel in the institution also gave approval of over N1.43b was given to release for the accreditation of courses in the six higher institutions in the state.

He therefore called on ASUU to reciprocate the government’s efforts by calling off the ongoing strike action and returning to classrooms, adding that the present administration remains committed to strengthening the university and improving the welfare of both staff and students.

By David Owei,Bayelsa

The *Kiloshele Campaign Organization (KCO)* made a powerful appearance at the *National Pre-Convention of the National Association of University Students (NAUS)*, as the team arrived in large numbers to demonstrate strong support for their principal, *Mr. Kiloshele.*

The atmosphere at the convention venue was electrifying as members and supporters of the campaign organization stormed the event with enthusiasm, solidarity and determination. The presence of the *KCO* team clearly reflected the growing momentum behind *Mr. Kiloshele’s* vision for a more united, progressive and impactful *NAUS.*

*Mr. Kiloshele* reaffirmed his commitment to building a stronger and more inclusive *National Association of University Students* that will truly represent the interests, welfare and aspirations of Nigerian university students.

He emphasized that his ambition is centered on reform, active student representation and creating opportunities that will empower students across the country. According to him, the time has come for a new era where *NAUS* will stand firmly as a voice for students in national development.

Members of the *Kiloshele Campaign Organization* also reiterated their confidence in Mr. Kiloshele’s leadership capacity, stating that his vision, experience and dedication make him the right choice to lead *NAUS* to greater heights.

The strong turnout of supporters at the *pre-convention* signals a growing wave of support as the journey toward the *NAUS* convention continues. With renewed energy and determination, the *KCO team* remains focused on mobilizing students nationwide to achieve their goal of making *NAUS* greater.

By David Owei,Bayelsa

The Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Dr. Peter Akpe, has assured the people of the state of the Senator Douye Diri-led administration’s irrevocable commitment towards impacting their lives with more development projects and programmes before it’s terminal date in 2028.

Dr. Akpe gave the assurance on Monday while granting audience to the leadership of the Bayelsa Elders Council at his office in Government House, Yenagoa.

He noted that although the Assured Prosperity Administration had recorded impressive progress since inception in February 2020, it would continue to pursue development issues with renewed vigour.

The Deputy Governor, who appreciated the Elders Council for their collaboration with government over the years, however, stressed the need for both parties to sustain the cooperation to achieve their overarching goal of building a more prosperous, safe and better Bayelsa.

Describing the visit as remarkable, Dr Akpe thanked the Bayelsa Elders and other well-meaning individuals of the state for their support, and urged them not to relent in terms of providing guidance and counseling for the present administration to finish strong.

His words: “Life is continuous learning. So, like Solomon in the Bible did, I should be the one looking for you (elders) to tap wisdom from you because you are the custodians of wisdom.

” So, I want to appreciate you for this very remarkable visit and for all you have said concerning the little that I have tried to do in our service to society and humanity over the years.

“Some of you here have always been there to give me counsel in my journey before today. I am not new in government, yet I am new in this office. So, please do not leave us alone; we need the wisdom that God has bestowed on you.

“We appreciate you as a government, and on behalf of the Governor, I want to say thank you. But we want you to continue with your collaboration. As we round off this lap, we strongly believe that with your support, we will get better developmental results for the state.”

Earlier in his remarks, the Chairman of the Bayelsa Elders Council, and former Deputy Governor of the state, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah (Rtd.), said one of the Council’s core duties was to collaborate with the government to foster development in the state.

Rear Admiral John Jonah, who congratulated Dr. Akpe, on behalf of the Elders Council, on his recent elevation as deputy governor, assured him of their support in the overall development of the state.

The Bayelsa Elders Council Chairman was accompanied on the visit by his Vice, Elder Zee Debekeme, the Secretary-General, Chief Douyi Douglas Naingba, Retired Major Andrew Oputa, Prof. Francis Sikoki, Lady Love Amaseimogha, Dr Josephine Igodo, Chief Augustine Lugbenwei, Dr Georgina Ngeri-Nwagha, and Chief Mrs Cecilia Olisa.

Top government functionaries in attendance included, the Acting Chief of Staff, Government House, Hon. Irorodamie Komonibo; the Deputy Chief of Staff, Deputy Governor’s Office, Comrade Gowon Toruyouyei, and the Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy, Mrs. Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai.