By Suleiman Yakubu

Niger State Government says it has resolved all contending issues with organised labour after a marathon meeting.
The governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, who held a closed-door meeting with officials of the Nigerian Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress, told journalists that Labour were initially angry with the government because of its passive response to its demands.
He said after the interface, the government had agreed on the demands of labour and was expected to call off the strike. The governor disclosed this yesterday at Government House, Minna.
He explained that most of the contending issues were inherited from the previous administration, and agreements for final resolutions would be concluded by officials of both parties.
The organised labour had, however, called off the strike late in the night yesterday after its emergency meeting in furtherance of the agreement reached with the government.
In a press statement trending on social media and signed by both the leadership of the NLC and TUC, it said labour was satisfied with the agreement reached with the government and asked workers to resume at their duty posts.
He disclosed that a tripartite committee comprising representatives from the state government, the House of Assembly, and organised labour has been set up to look at the laws on the issue of the appointments of executive directors, among others, with the view to finding a lasting solution to the issue.
The agreement reached by both parties centred on some appointments made by the governor, a wage award, a 2019 leave grant, the liability of third-party deductions, and consequential adjustments, among others.
Some of the agreements reached included the payment of N20,000 to state and local governments across the board in the month of March and payments of outstanding leave grants within the next six months.

By Suleiman Yakubu

Niger State Deputy Governor, Comrade Yakubu Garba, has felicitated his principal, Farmer Governor Mohammed Umar Bago, on the occasion of his 50th (Golden Jubilee) birthday anniversary.
In a felicitation message signed and made available to newsmen by his press secretary, Ummikhaltume Abdullahi Kuta, Comrade Yakubu Garba described the Golden Jubilee birthday anniversary of his principal as a rare privilege from Allah SWT.
He said the Farmer Governor is an answer to the prayers of Nigerlites, considering the uncommon developmental stride the state has witnessed since his assumption of office.
The Deputy Governor also appreciated Allah for the good health granted to his principal and prayed for divine blessings for him to continue to pilot the affairs of the state in the right direction.
"Your passion for the development of Niger State has been uncommon since the creation of the state, as evidenced by your New Niger Agenda drive," he added.
Comrade Garba said that being the Deputy Governor and confidant of Farmer Governor Umaru Bago, he was filled with gratitude to Almighty Allah for blessing the state with the Farmer Governor's exceptional leadership prowess, unwavering commitment, dedication, and ability to navigate through challenges and strive towards their shared dreams of building a prosperous Niger State.
He equally called on all Nigerlites to support the present administration, saying Farmer Governor Bago has the interests of the masses at heart and will stop at nothing to enhance the lives and livelihoods of the citizens.
The Deputy Governor also wishes the Farmer Governor more blessed and fruitful years ahead with Allah's guidance as he continues to dedicate himself to serving the people of Niger State and Nigeria.