Gov. Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti has approved the immediate extension of the retirement age of teachers in the state, from 60 years to 65 years and service year raised from 35 to 40 years.

The governor also rewarded outstanding teachers in the state with cash gifts totalling N46 million.

Oyebanji approved an upward review of Science Teachers and Head of Department allowances, as well as immediate payment of 2019 leave bonus arrears to further motivate the teachers.

The governor made these declarations on Sunday at the 2025 World Teachers’ Day celebration held at the Ekiti Parapo Pavalion, Ado Ekiti.

Oyebanji, who thanked the teachers for their invaluable contributions to the growth and development of the state, described them as the foundation upon which the future of the state is built.

He affirmed that the gesture os part of his administration’s efforts to motivate teachers, recognise their immense contributions to the development of education, and enhance their welfare in line with the shared prosperity agenda of his administration.

He explained that the extension of the retirement age is in fulfilment of his promise to reposition the education sector and retain competent and experienced hands in the teaching profession.

“A committee will be set up to oversee the elongation of the service year and ensure that only the agile individuals enjoy the privilege.”

Oyebanji further assured the teachers that his administration would continue to prioritise their welfare and continue to create an enabling environment for effective teaching and learning.

The governor also informed the gathering that he would be seeking re-election and solicited for their continued support.

Earlier in her opening remarks, the Commissioner for Education, Dr Olabimpe Aderiye, expressed gratitude to the governor for his efforts at repositioning the education sector and ensuring that teachers’ welfare are taken care of.

The commissioner highlighted various efforts of the governor at improving the general well-being of teachers in the state to include, release of over N1.6 billion as running grant to schools in the last three years, and payment of over N6.2 billion as UBEC counterpart fund to ensure renovation of schools in the state.

“The governor also paid over N1.5 billion for WAEC in the last years of his administration as well as prompt payment exam fees for students, placement, BECE, and SS2 exams, among others.”

In their separate goodwill messages, the National President of ASUSS, Mr Sola Adigun, Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), represented by Mr Lateef Adesiyan, and Ekiti State NUT Chairman, Mr Adedeji Egbeyemi, commended the governor for his continued demonstration of love and passion for teachers and the profession.

They also commended the governor for his significant achievements in the education sector, including sustenance of free and compulsory education in the state, appointment of retired teachers as political office holders, and massive renovation of schools across the state.

They said the governor also approved the career progression of graduate teachers, upward review of gratuities paid to retired teachers, employment of 1500 primary school teachers, and 2500 secondary school teachers, among others.

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has raised concern over what it described as a calculated plot by entrenched interests to cripple the operations of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, warning that such actions pose a grave threat to Nigeria’s economic stability and investment reputation.

The Northern socio-political group said this In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Prof. T.A. Muhammad-Baba,
expressing concern over Refinery’s challenges, including regulatory interference, crude oil disruptions and labour union disputes.

According to the Forum, the refinery, reputed as “Nigeria’s largest and most modern indigenous crude oil processing outfit”, has been subjected to “an unrelenting onslaught” since its inception.

“Evidentially, the challenges are the handiworks of entrenched subterranean interests or the proverbial cabals, bent on maintaining an asphyxiating hold on the oil sector and the national economy,” the ACF declared.

The Forum alleged that some vested interests are uncomfortable with the refinery’s potential to reform Nigeria’s petroleum products supply chain, which for decades has been mired in controversies, subsidy rackets, and inefficiencies.

“From conception, implementation and commissioning, the Dangote Refinery has faced all sorts of obstacles, confident that its success would change the sordid narrative about petroleum supply long dominated by sharp practices and inefficiencies,” the statement noted.

The ACF further condemned the alleged pressure on Dangote Refinery workers to join PENGASSAN, describing it as coercive and unconstitutional.

“What is questionable has been the forceful nature of demand for workers at the Dangote Refinery to join PENGASSAN. The constitutional provision does not confer automatic membership on anyone; it is an individual’s right to accept or reject membership,” it stressed.

Backing Alhaji Aliko Dangote’s legal action to protect the refinery from industrial disruption, the Forum expressed dismay that PENGASSAN had allegedly refused to obey a subsisting court order restraining it from interfering with operations at the facility.

“It should be concerning to all law-abiding citizens that PENGASSAN refuses to comply with a subsisting court order against any disruption to the Refinery’s operations,” the Forum stated.

The ACF aligned itself with calls by Senator Adams Oshiomhole and Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, who both advised that workers should allow the refinery to stabilize before pursuing unionization.

“ACF believes that a prime consideration for the workers should at this time be ensuring that the Refinery is fully functional as a workplace before workers can unionize,” it added.

The Forum warned that attempts to destabilize the multi-billion-dollar refinery could discourage both domestic and international investors and send negative signals about Nigeria’s business climate.

“Putting down the Dangote Petroleum complex is a potent disincentive to domestic and international investors because it sends wrong signals to investors,” the statement read.

Describing the Dangote Refinery as a “strategic national asset”, ACF urged the Federal Government to protect it from what it termed “internal and external sabotage.”

It recommended that the refinery be listed in a National Register of Strategic Assets, ensuring it enjoys special protection under national security provisions.

The Forum also called for the establishment of a judicial commission of inquiry to identify and sanction individuals or groups behind recurring industrial actions that paralyze vital industries.

“We call for a commission of enquiry, with judicial powers, to unearth the brains behind incessant strikes by employees of vital national and private institutions, so that strikes do not result in acts of sabotage,” the statement said.

ACF further urged the Federal Government to take firm measures — without violating labour rights — to prevent any union from undermining the country’s economic stability through unnecessary industrial actions.

Nigeria’s labour unions ought to be wary of the real international conspiracy and related machinations aimed at sabotaging Nigeria’s and Africa’s quests for indigenous industrial development,” it cautioned.

While welcoming ongoing government negotiations to resolve the impasse between the refinery and labour unions, ACF expressed hope that the truce reached would be permanent.

“The Dangote Refinery must not be allowed to fail. Protecting such a facility is not just about one businessman; it is about defending Nigeria’s economic sovereignty and future,” the Forum emphasized.

It has been jubilation galore among civil servants in Imo State as the state government made good its promise of paying an improved minimum wage of N104,000.

Governor Hope Uzodimma had, a few weeks ago, approved the payment of N104,000 for any fresh government worker, ₦513,000 for medical doctors, and N220,000 entry-point salary for lecturers in the state tertiary institutions.

With this development, Imo State is now the highest in payment of minimum wage in the country. Othre states with minimum wage above the federal government approved N70,000 are, Lagos State and Rivers State with ₦88,000 and 85,000 respectively while Akwa Ibom and Bayelsa are at par, each offering ₦80,000.

Justifying the government’s increase in minimum wage, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Public Enlightenment, Prince Eze Ugochukwu, said it would boost the economy of the state, and change the fortunes of civil servants in the state.

The Special Adviser in a statement made available to the media on Sunday said: “Governor Hope Uzodimma’s administration is spearheading this considerable policy change, which is poised to have a substantial impact on the state’s economic and social well-being.

“The goal of this wage hike is to bolster the financial capacity of workers, empowering them to better address their requirements and invest in goods and services. This, in turn, would give a shot in the arm to local businesses.

“Following Imo, Lagos is offering the next highest minimum wage, clocking in at ₦88,000, with Rivers coming in at ₦85,000. Akwa Ibom and Bayelsa are close behind, each offering ₦80,000.

“The ramifications of this adjustment will be far-reaching, with economic activity getting a boost. Increased spending will give the local economy a lift.”