Segelu Celebrates Muslims and Christians as Ramadan, Lent Commence

  A chieftain and community leader, Chief Olayinka Segelu Akintola Oladimeji, has extended warm felicitations to Muslim and Christian faithful as the sacred seasons of Ramadan and Lent commence. In a goodwill message made available to journalists in Ibadan, Chief Segelu congratulated Muslims on the commencement of Ramadan, describing the holy month as a period devoted to fasting, prayer, charity, and sober reflection. He urged adherents of Islam to embrace the core values of compassion, self-discipline, sacrifice, and generosity which define the sacred season. According to him, Ramadan is not only a time of abstinence from food and drink, but also a period of deep spiritual renewal and strengthened commitment to humanity. Similarly, Chief Segelu congratulated Christians on the observance of Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of Lent, a solemn season of fasting, repentance, and devotion in the Christian calendar. He encouraged Christians to reflect on the virtues of humility, forgiveness, and love for one another throughout the Lenten period. The community leader noted that the coincidence of Ramadan and Lent this year serves as a powerful reminder of the shared values that bind Nigerians together, including faith, unity, peace, and service to others. He described the moment as a unique opportunity to promote interfaith harmony, mutual respect, and collective prayers for the progress and stability of the nation. Chief Segelu further called on citizens to use the sacred period to pray for peace, security, and sustainable development, while extending hands of kindness and support to the less privileged in society. He wished Muslim and Christian faithful a spiritually fulfilling Ramadan and Lenten season, praying that their sacrifices and supplications would bring divine blessings, renewed strength, and lasting peace to communities and the nation at large.

Breaking: ASUU Commence Indefinite Strike 

  The statement emphasized that the decision to embark on a “total and comprehensive indefinite strike” was made after several attempts at negotiation yielded no results. Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Imo State University (IMSU) chapter, on Friday, September 20, 2024, declared an indefinite strike to push for the resolution of long-standing issues related to their benefits. In a joint statement signed by the Chairperson and Secretary of ASUU-IMSU, Comrade Odinakachukwu Ejiogu and Comrade Lazarus Chikwendu, the union expressed frustration over the failure of authorities to address concerns that have persisted for several years. The statement emphasized that the decision to embark on a “total and comprehensive indefinite strike” was made after several attempts at negotiation yielded no results. The statement read, “We are embarking on a total and comprehensive indefinite strike effective from Friday, 20th September. The decision stems from several unresolved issues persisting for years.” “We demand an end to promotion without financial benefits since 2016, ASUU-IMSU staff salary disparity with other tertiary institutions, undue delay in staff assessment and promotion, selective salary payment, and non-payment of arrears of salaries”. “Non-payment of earned academic allowance since 2009, non-remittance of Union check off/welfare dues from 2020-2021, non-remittance of pension deduction from May 2016 to date, non-payment of annual increment in salaries, the inclusion of IMSU into Treasury Single Account, funding of the University and erosion of the University autonomy.” It said, “We have made several attempts through letters, rallies, meetings and press releases and no concrete action has been taken by the university administration, governing council, and the visitor to the university”. “We issued 21 days’ notice on the 18th of July this year so that the University could resolve all the issues but no solution came. We were compelled to proceed on indefinite strike to press home our demands.” However, they called for the understanding and support of the public as they stand for justice improved conditions and a brighter future for the university.

OYSPHCB Recruitment: About 16,000 Candidates Commence CBT Exam

  By Adeleke Maria  The Oyo State Primary Health Care Board (OYSPHCB) has begun recruitment exercise with a two-day Computer-Based examination for candidates who applied for various positions. While monitoring the exercise at the University of Ibadan Distant Learning Center, Ajibode, Ibadan, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi explained that the ongoing recruitment exercise is significant as it will help to bridge the human resource gap that the primary health sector is facing. The Commissioner explained that 16,000 applicants put in for the exercise,adding that Governor Seyi Makinde approved 30% of the recruitment for the first batch, while subsequent exercises will take care of the remaining batches. According to her, the recruitment exercise will take care of the different categories of workers that are needed at the Primary Health Care Centers such as Community Health Extension Workers, Pharmacy Technicians, Community Health Workers, Medical Officers of Health, among others. “Their recruitment will further promote quality healthcare delivery in Oyo State. In his remarks, the Chairman, Oyo State House Committee on Health, Hon. Saminu Badamosi applauded Governor Seyi Makinde for approving the recruitment exercise,demonstrating his commitment and priority to the health sector of the State. The Executive Secretary, Oyo State Primary Health Care Board, Dr. Muyideen Babatunde Olatunji explained that the Minimum Service Package (MSP) Document which was prepared by the Board revealed a huge gap in the human resource aspect, which prompted the Governor to approve the recruitment exercise. He maintained that the present administration has renovated about 264 PHCs across the State, which are fully equipped, hence “people to be employed now are the ones to work at the various Health Centres”. He added that this will afford people access to qualitative healthcare delivery across the State. Dr. Muyideen reiterated that the candidates writing the examination now are those who applied since 2021 and the CBT exam, which will last for 2 days, is the first step, after which it will be followed by an oral interview.