By Afolabi Oyekunle. NRC MD calls for more support for local engineers Lagos, November 28, 2025:  The Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Dr Kayode Opeifa, has thrown his weight behind local engineers, calling on the Federal Government to accord them more recognition and support for their passion, industry and resilience. Dr Opeifa spoke while receiving the leadership of the Nigeria Society of Engineers, led by Engr. (Mrs) Margaret Aina Oguntala, FNSE, who were in his office, Wednesday, on a courtesy visit. According to him, if the Federal Government could invest more on our local engineers, we would be saving the country billions of dollars.  Citing the example of the NRC, Dr Opeifa said the corporation's local engineers have continued to save the country huge foreign exchange as they continue to improvise in keeping the corporation’s rolling stocks moving. “The Nigerian Railway Corporation is blessed with the very best of our local engineers. They ha...

By Afolabi Oyekunle. The Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN) has commended the security operatives who swung into action to secure the freedom of four out of the six Defence Ministry Directors kidnapped.   In a press statement issued in Abuja and signed by its National President, Comrade Shehu Mohammed, and the Secretary-General, Comrade Joshua Apebo, the Union enjoined the Defence Ministry to intensify efforts and ensure that the remaining two Directors are released.  The six (6) Directors who are members of the Association serving at the Command Day Secondary School (CDSS), Ojo, Lagos, were kidnapped on 10th November 2025 on Kaba-Lokoja highway while travelling to Abuja to sit for promotion exams while four (4) of them have been rescued, the remaining two (2) are yet to regain their freedom.  Those released and still undergoing medical observations are: Mrs. Helen Ezeakor. C, Mrs. Ladoye C. A, Mrs. Ngozi Ibeziakor, and Mrs. Essien Ca...

By Afolabi Oyekunle. Managing Director of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), Barrister Oluwaseun Faleye, has re-emphasised that prevention of accidents is a top priority for the Fund. He stated that every compensation is a story of pain and no amount of compensation can replace a human life adding that is why the Fund is strengthening safety compliance initiatives, investing in digital systems for claims processing, building capacity across industries, and collaborating with organizations to maintain global best practices. Faleye made this submission at the 15th International Safety Conference and Awards 2025 with the Theme: ‘From Tragedy To Transformation: Learning from the Cost of Violating Safety Rules,” which held at the Federal Ministry of Works, Mabushi Abuja on Wednesday, November 26th, 2025 In a keynote address to the conference, the NSITF MD, who was represented by General Manager of the Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) Department of NSITF, Tesh K...

By Afolabi Oyekunle. The renewed attack on Christians in the country has been condemned by Archbishop Taiwo Akinola, of Rhema Church & Towers, calling for decisive national action. "As the Archbishop of Rhema Christian Church & Towers, and the Apostolic Presbyter of both the Christ Global Network (CGN) and the International Communion of Charismatic & Apostolic Ministers (ICCAM), I wish to express deep concern over the escalating incidents of violent attacks affecting Christians, Christian communities, places of worship, and other vulnerable populations across Nigeria."            Archbishop Taiwo Akinola  Archbishop Akinola noted that over the past months, the nation has been gripped by horror, fear, and persistent terror,  citing a recent report by the International Society for Civil Liberties and the Rule of Law (Intersociety), which claimed that at least 7,087 Christians were massacred between January 1 and August 10, 20...

By Afolabi Afolabi Oyekunle.   A man of great impact who has demonstrated that great achievements can be recorded in pace of little time. That is Honourable Abiodun Jimoh Isola, Chairman Agbado-Oke LCDA. Since assumption of office, he has embarked on projects and has shown tremendous impacts in the lives of the people. As part of his administration's mission to reposition grassroot governance for the benefit of residents of Agbado Oke-Odo local council development area, the executive chairman of the council, Alhaji Abiodun Jimoh Isola has also announced the commencement of construction of twelve major roads across  seven wards of the council.  Alhaji Isola made the announcement at the council secretariat on Wednesday,26th November,2025 while briefing the media on his achievements in his first 100 days in office and future plans for residents of the council. The council chairman, during the briefing, stated that the construction of the roads is a testament to his administr...

By Afolabi Oyekunle. Managing Director and Chief Executive of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), Barrister Oluwaseun Fale ye has identified workplace safety and social protection as keys foundation for national development as they are social pillars of economic stability and national development. The NSITF MD made this assertion when stakeholders from the legal profession converged in Abuja Monday at the Barcelona Hotels to deliberate on the operationalization of the Employees' Compensation Scheme (ECS) and ways of enhancing its success. "Workplace safety and social protection are not   optional; they are foundational to our national   development, economic productivity, and human   dignity. "They are not just moral obligations, they are pillars of social justice   and human dignity, they are pillars of Economic   stability and national productivity. They are   pillars of peace of mind for workers and risk   mitigation for employers." "Wh...

By Afolabi Oyekunle.   Ogun State Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (OGUNCCIMA) has faulted the Federal Government’s decision to suspend the proposed implementation of the 15 percent import duty on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and diesel imports, saying the move could slow down the nation’s progress toward energy independence and weaken investor confidence in the refining sector.   Reacting to the announcement by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) that the tariff was “no longer in view,” OGUNCCIMA’s President, Lion Niyi Oshiyemi, described the suspension as a setback to Nigeria’s economic reform drive and a missed opportunity to protect local refiners, particularly the Dangote Refinery and other modular refining initiatives.   According to him, “The suspension of the 15 percent fuel import tariff is disappointing. The policy was a step in the right direction to promote local refining, reduce dependenc...

By Afolabi Oyekunle  The Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC)  Dr Kayode Opeifa has reiterated his commitment that no legitimate trader will loose out as a result of the facelift being planned for the Iddo Train Station by the corporation’s management         NRC MD...Dr. Kayode Opeifa  NRC Chief CPRO, Callistus UNYIMADU in a press release, said  Dr Opeifa made this known at a meeting with the leaders of the Iddo Train Terminus Traders, Ijora Olopa/Ajeloro Fish Traders, Ifelodun Traders and Otto Traders, operating in and around the Iddo Train Terminus, at the NRC Conference Room, on Friday. Dr Opeifa said he had invited them to the meeting in order to assure them of the safety of their businesses and investments on the heels of the facelift being planned for the nation’s old train station by the corporation’s management. NRC MD Dr. Opeifa in a picture with the Stakeholders. Dr Opeifa said the exercise...

By Afolabi Oyekun   The success of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund,  (NSITF), and that of its Employees' Compensation Scheme (ECS), depends a lot on collaboration with financial institutions, labour unions, governments, and other stakeholders. The Managing Director and Chief Executive of NSITF, Barrister Oluwaseun  Faleye made this known on Friday in Lagos at the 12th Triennial Delegates Conference of the Association of Senior Staff of Banks, Insurance, and other Financial Institutions, (ASSBIFI ). Speaking on the topic , "The Benefits of NSITF to The Nigerian Worker and The Roles of Financial Institutions in The Success of the Fund," Barrister Faleye said financial institutions "touch every employer, every employee, every organisation." "Your system drives compliance, accountability, and efficiency. And your partnership can determine how widely, how quickly, and how successfully NSITF can deliver support to workers." The MD went on...

By Afolabi Oyekunle. To many observers, the one year in office of PenCom DG, Ms.Omolola Oloworaran is full of great impacts, innovations in the Pension industry, and new ideas to address  Pension challenges in the country. It is therefore not surprising that  top management staff of PenCom pulled a surprise package for her as she was welcomed into office on the day of her first anniversary, commending her achievements in the first year in office.         Welcoming her to office   The National Pension Commission staff commended the Director-General, Omolola Oloworaran, for her visionary and impactful leadership of the Pension industry.  They gave the commendation on the occasion of Oloworaran’s first year in office as the boss of the organization. The staff,who pulled up a surprise welcome to honour the DG on her remarkable one year in office, spoke glowingly about the successes recorded, especially the timely payment of accrued pension...

 By Afolabi Oyekunle  The Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, Dr Kayode Opeifa has reiterated, the commitment of the management to the building of a culture of integrity, transparency and accountability within the corporation's workplace. According to a press release by Callistus Unyimadu, Chief Public Relations Officer Nigerian Railway Corporation ,Dr Opeifa stated at the inauguration of the newly reconstituted Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) of the Nigerian Railway Corporation. "Today marks another strong step in our collective journey to building a culture of integrity, transparency and accountability within our corporation. I appreciate the presence and support of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), especially our Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner, whose partnership continues to strengthen our internal governance structure,"  According to the NRC Managing Director, as the Corporation opera...

By Afolabi Oyekunle Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubura,  has hailed  the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) for projecting the administration of President Bola Tinubu  positively through the Employees' Compensation Scheme(ECS). Governor Fubara stated this when he received the Managing Director and Chief Executive of the Fund, Barrister Oluwaseun Mayomi Faleye, and his team  in his office on Wednesday November 19, 2025. Governor Fubara centre, on the left is NSSITF, Barrister Faleye and his team. Barrister Faleye and his team had paid a courtesy visit to the Governor in Port-harcourt after presenting cheques to different beneficiaries of the Employees' Compensation Scheme, (ECS) in Port-Harcourt. Governor Fubara in a photograph with NSITF team officials led by the Trust Managing Director. Fubara heartily welcomed Barrister Faleye and thanked him for bringing the Employees Compensation Scheme to the notice of the Rivers Sta...

By Afolabi Oyekunle. Managing Director and Chief Executive of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), Barrister Oluwaseun Mayomi Faleye has celebrated his Technical Adviser, Dayo Alao who was confered with an honorary doctorate degree by Crown University, Delaware, USA. In his written congratulatory message, Barrister Oluwaseun Faleye congratulated Dr. Àlàó on behalf of the NSITF. On behalf of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund, I warmly congratulate you on being confered the Honorary Doctorate of  Public Policy and Administration (D. P. A.) by Crown University, USA." Barrister Faleye wrote. "The distinguished honour is a well-deserved recognition of your vast expertise, dedication, and outstanding contributions to economic policy analysis, financial policy management, infrastructure development, and organizational leadership. Your international experience coupled with your commitment to capacity building and national development, continues to inspire us all. ...

By Afolabi Oyekunle. The order of the Senate to NAFDAC to ban alcoholic beverages in sachets and less than 200ml bottles will have serious adverse effects on the economy, resulting in Labour loss and discouraged investors coming to the country. Speaking to newsmen in Lagos on the Senate directive, the National President of Food, Beverages and Tobacco Senior Staff Association, (FOBTOB), Comrade Jimoh Oyibo said the ban  will have serious implications on the economy and the producers as  the investment in machinery and raw materials  close to Two Trillion Naira, may go down the drain if the ban is effected.  FOBTOB National President Comrade Oyibo speaking at the Conference. He said in addition, over 500,000 direct employees, and an estimated 5 million indirect workers , this include those companies supplying materials needed for the production, those involved in marketing and distribution, and other logistics) will have their employment jeopard...

By Afolabi Oyekunle. National Chairman of the Petroleum Tankers Drivers (PTD) Branch,Comrade Augustine Egbon (JP) is dead. He died Sunday 16th of November 2025.  Reacting to his death in a statement,   the General Secretary, National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, (NUPENG),Comrade Afolabi Olawale described his death as irreplaceable and loss to the entire union.  According to the statement, Comrade Egbon was a dedicated leader, a steadfast Comrade, and a formidable pillar within NUPENG.  The Association acknowledged his unwavering commitment to the welfare of members and visionary leadership of the PTD. NUPENG says it will continue to keep the people informed concerning his burial  .       .   . NUPENG HDQTS NUPENG commissirate with his family and the entire members of NUPENG.

By Afolabi Oyekunle. Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has been honoured as the Most Outstanding Governor in 2024 by the Labour Writers Association of Nigeria (LAWAN) Oyo State Governor  Seyi Makinde.... Outstanding Governor 2024. The labour writers bestowed the award on the governor on account of his exceptional performance and  unwavering dedication to poverty alleviation and empowerment citizens welfare and others. His Chief Press Secretary,Pastor  Suleiman Olarenwaju, received the award on behalf of Governor Makinde,at the 2025 Workshop and Award Ceremony  of the Labour Writers Association of Nigeria (LAWAN), held in Ibadan,Oyo State recently  He described the award as befitting and timely for his boss,whose exceptional leadership has improved governance and added value to the lives of workers in Oyo State. "Makinde's uncommon thirst for service,Olarenwaju said,has endeared him to all and sundry,  No governor in the history of Oyo State hol...

By Afolabi Oyekunle. The Management of the Nigerian Railway Corporation has apologized to all passengers on the afternoon belt of the Abuja-Kaduna Train Service (AKTS) over the delay they experienced following a procedural safety decision as the backup engine loses power moments after the train departed. The Managing Director of the Corporation Dr Kayode Opeifa in a statement, described as misleading the report which indicated that passengers on the train were stranded by the corporation.           NRC MD.... Dr. Kayode Opeifa  He said the Corporation’s premium on safety at all times informed the reason why the train returned to Kaduna, the moment it was discovered that the back-up engines was losing power. “Though the train can push through but for security concerns on the route and since they are less than 30 minutes into the journey, it is advisable to pull back to Rigasa, Kaduna for safety reasons,” Dr Opeifa said. The journey resumed at 4pm...

B y Afolabi Oyekunle.  The Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN) has expressed shock over the kidnapping of Six Directors in the Federal Ministry of Defence on Monday 10th November 2025, just as it assured its teeming members throughout the country and the families of the kidnapped victims that necessary machinery has been put in place to secure their freedom. In a press statement issued in Abuja on 11th November 2025, the ASCSN National President, Comrade Shehu Mohammed, and the Secretary-General, Comrade Joshua Apebo, stated that the Directors were kidnapped at Kaba-Lokoja road on their way to Abuja for Promotion Examinations for the Directorate level in the Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).   “Those kidnapped are Mrs. Ngozi Ibeziakor, Mrs. Emeribe C.A, Mrs. Helen  Ezeakor C., Mrs. Ladoye C.A, Mrs. Onwuzurike J.A and Mrs. Essien Catherine .  “These Directors who are members of our Union working at Command Day Secondary Scho...

By Afolabi Oyekunle. Nigeria  can be better, if every Nigerian makes his/her mind to change their mindset  positively towards making the country better and the leaders lead by good examples and formulate good policies and pursue good economic development. This is coming from ArchBishop Taiwo Akinola of Rhema Christian Church Worldwide, while speaking at the Grand finale of the Church 34th Worldwide Convention held between 2nd November to 9th November at the Champion Peace Cathedral, Lagos- Abeokuta Expressway, Temidire, Sango-Ota, Ogun State . Archbishop Akinola stepped out to deliver powerful messages to the congregation during the Grand finale. Archbishop Akinola challenged every citizen to play his/ her role very well as many through their ways of life contribute negatively to the progress of the country. Man of God, Archbishop Taiwo Akinola  The man of God who spoke on several issues challenged Christians to play their parts positively in setti...