NEWS
Minimum Wage: NLC, RATTAWU Shut Down Lagos Broadcast Stations
Operations at Lagos Television (LTV), Eko FM/Radio Lagos, and Lagos Traffic Radio were disrupted on Monday as members of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Lagos State chapter, and workers staged a protest over the non-implementation of the N85,000 minimum wage.
The protest, organized in collaboration with the Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Workers Union of Nigeria (RATTAWU), saw workers picketing the stations’ premises at the Agidingbi complex.
Demonstrators blocked all entrances and exits while displaying placards with messages such as “Give us Oracle and take the revenue generated,” “Oracle is the answer, it’s all we need,” and “Pay us Minimum Wage.”
READ MORE: Osun’s Mining Reforms Focused On Fairness, Equity – Governor
Recall that the workers had previously issued several notices to the management of the three stations, warning of impending industrial action if the minimum wage was not implemented.
Despite a 21-day ultimatum, followed by 14- and 7-day warnings, no agreement was reached, prompting the shutdown.
Comrade Funmi Sessi, Chairperson of the Lagos State NLC, led the protest, alongside union members chanting solidarity songs.
Speaking to journalists, Sessi described the protest as a peaceful demonstration against what she termed an “injustice” to the workers.
“We started peacefully, and we are going to end it peacefully. Nobody is going to push us through the wall,” she said.
“These workers are government employees in communication departments—LTV, Eko FM, and Traffic Radio. They work to the best of their abilities, yet they are being shortchanged by not receiving the new minimum wage approved by law.
Since the government began implementing the N85,000 minimum wage in November, these workers have not received it. They are also owed arrears for three months and the 13th-month salary. Why this disparity in treatment, especially in these difficult times?”
Sessi further called on Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to intervene in the matter, commending his previous efforts to improve workers’ welfare.
“Though the governor has been showing empathy to workers, we are appealing to him to prevail on the management to do the needful. This situation could disrupt operations unnecessarily, and it’s in the best interest of all parties to resolve it swiftly,” Sessi added.
In addition to the minimum wage, the workers also demanded to be placed on the Oracle payroll system, which they believe would streamline salary payments and improve transparency.
“We have followed due process by engaging management at different levels, but our efforts have not yielded results. Now they are asking us to sheath our swords. How can we do that when our rights are being trampled upon?” Sessi said.
The workers have vowed to sustain the protest until their demands are met, emphasizing their resolve to fight for equitable treatment.
As the stalemate persists, the NLC has reiterated its commitment to ensuring the protest remains peaceful while urging the Lagos State Government to act decisively to address the workers’ grievances.
Pope Francis will on Sunday be discharged from Rome’s Gemelli hospital, where he has been receiving treatment since February 14 for breathing difficulties and pneumonia.
The 88-year-old pontiff will return to his residence at Saint Martha’s House in the Vatican, where doctors have advised that he undergo “a long convalescence… of at least two months.”
Speaking to reporters on Saturday, Dr. Sergio Alfieri explained that while the pope’s health is improving, further recovery is best achieved at home.
READ ALSO: Pope Francis’ Condition Improving, Says Vatican
“Further progress will take place at his home, because a hospital — even if this seems strange — is the worst place to recover because it’s where one can contract more infections,” Alfieri said.
Dr. Luca Carbone, another physician at Gemelli, added that there are positive signs in the pope’s condition. “We hope that he will soon be able to resume his normal activities,” he stated.
Before leaving the hospital, Pope Francis is expected to greet the public and offer a blessing from a hospital balcony after the Angelus prayers on Sunday, marking his first appearance in weeks.
Speculation about a possible resignation has been circulating due to the pope’s prolonged absence from public duties, but Vatican officials have firmly denied such claims.
When asked if the topic had been discussed, Vatican Secretary of State Pietro Parolin was clear in his response: “No, no, no, absolutely not.”
The pope, who had part of a lung removed in his youth, has received an outpouring of prayers and well-wishes from Catholics worldwide.
Supporters have been gathering outside Gemelli hospital, leaving flowers, candles, and messages of encouragement.
His hospitalization, the longest of his papacy has led to questions about how Easter celebrations will be handled in his absence.
However, Vatican officials remain optimistic about his gradual return to his duties in the coming weeks.
Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has assured the people of Ilobu and Ifon communities that speedy conflict resolution steps are being taken to restore peace even as he expressed directed the emergency services agency to activate its operations
He gave the assurances in response to a Save Our Soul message from the people of Ilobu and Ifon.
Gov Adeleke said his administration has re-strategized on resolving the conflict with multiple peacebuilding options which are being unveiled and implemented.
“I assure the people of Ilobu and Ifon that I am committed to securing their lives and properties. I have updated the presidency of development in the state. We are on top of the situation”, the governor was quoted as saying.
ALSO READ: Okpebholo Joyful As Work On Edo State’s 1st Flyover Bridge Reaches Advanced Stage
Meanwhile, we seek to bring to the attention of the public that old videos of communal conflicts in some parts of Osun state are being circulated by opposition elements to spread false pictures of insecurity in Osun State.
While the ongoing conflict is regrettable and while all hands are on deck to stop the violence, we inform the public to take note of the activities of fake news merchants who are digging up old videos to discredit the state government.
The videos being circulated of violence in other towns and villages in Osun are fake news and should be disregarded by the members of the public.
Gov Adeleke has stepped up conflict de-escalation moves on Ifon- Ilobu conflict, imposing a 24-hour curfew, mobilising joint security task force and hosting a peace deal between the two warring communities.
Following the escalation of the crisis between the warring communities of Ilobu and Ifon, Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has approved that the curfew be extended to Erin-Osun town.
According to a government house statement in Osogbo, on Saturday, the curfew time is now 24 hours daily.
The statement has it that this is as the Governor directs all security agencies such as the Military, Nigeria Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corp NSCDC, Immigration, NDLEA, and AMOTEKUN among others to extend its security surveillance to the community.
ALSO READ: Okpebholo Joyful As Work On Edo State’s 1st Flyover Bridge Reaches Advanced Stage
All the security agencies are to ensure strict compliance to the curfew, which is now 24 hours daily until peace is restored.
The imposed curfew was necessary to forestall escalation of the crisis and breakdown of law and order due to the communal clashes in the communities.
According to the statement by Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, where Governor Adeleke was quoted as expressing dissatisfaction over the resurgence of the crisis in the warring communities. The curfew on Ifon-Ilobu Communities has now been extended to the Erin-Osun community until further notice.
“His Excellency, Governor Ademola Adeleke is saddened at the escalation of the communal clashes between Ilobu and Ifon communities.
“To ensure that the crisis is curbed in the environment, the Governor has approved that the curfew be extended to Erin-Osun community and the curfew time is now 24-hours daily, effective immediately (today March 22, 2025) until further notice.”
Gov Adeleke has further directed that the joint security team comprising the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Police, Nigerian Immigration Service, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NDLEA and AMOTEKUN among others to continue to maintain their usual 24-hour surveillance and forestall breakdown of law and order.
“The Governor expresses his sympathy on lives and property lost in the escalated communal crisis and assures that perpetrators will face the wrath of law,” he said.
He added that “Osun State is a place of peace and harmony, and the government will not allow it to be truncated. This communal clash has to stop now, and we will ensure that it happens.
“I urge everyone to imbibe the ethos of Omoluabi and shun communal crisis, embrace peaceful co-existence as brothers and sisters, the statement concludes.
Pope Francis To Return To Vatican After Month-Long Treatment
Ifon-Ilobu Crisis: Adeleke Assures Of Quick Restoration Of Peace
Ifon-Ilobu Communal Dispute: Adeleke Extends Curfew To Erin-Osun Town
Okpebholo Joyful As Work On Edo State’s 1st Flyover Bridge Reaches Advanced Stage
NDSF Torch Tour Takes Off From Bayelsa
