News
House of Reps seek 5 months leave for widows
House of Reps seek 5 months leave for widows
A bill seeking to grant five months leave for female and male workers who lost their spouses has scaled second reading at the House of Representatives.
The bill, sponsored by Rep. Sa’idu Musa Abdullahi (APC, Niger) was titled, “A Bill for an Act to make Provision for Widowhood Leave to be given to Man or Woman whose Spouse died during the Subsistence of the Marriage to enable the Widow and Widower mourn the deceased Spouse and make immediate arrangements for the challenges ahead and for Related Matters (HB.401)”.
The bill proposed that a widow is eligible for five months Widowhood leave while a Widower is eligible for Widowhood leave of one month with full pay in any of the two instances.
It stated, “This bill shall apply to employees of both public and private sectors of the federation.”
In his lead debate at the plenary on Tuesday, March 19, Abdullahi said that death has a devastating effect on spouses when they lose their partners, as such they need time to mourn within a specified period.
Abdullahi noted that there is provision for mourning period for women only in most cultures and religions in Nigeria, hence the need to formally recognize and provide a legally recognized period for spouses to mourn the death of their partners.
“This crucial piece of legislation aims to address the pressing issue of supporting individuals who have lost their spouses, helping them navigate the challenging period of widowhood,” Abdullahi said while introducing the bill
He said that research findings had shown that in Nigeria, public sector organisations grant up to 14 days leave for workers who lost their spouses for the burials.
He continued: “Therefore, one may say the 14 days prescribed by Public Sector Rules is sufficient but when one looks at the prevalent cultural and religious practices of Nigeria, it seems inadequate.
“It is always necessary that an organisation looks at the cultural context as the way people mourn is deeply rooted in culture.
“In Eastern Nigeria, for instance, the burial of the deceased usually takes place after a few weeks or months and the mourning period for a widow in modern times is three months, even though traditionally it is up to a year.
“In Islam, while mourning is usually three days, the waiting period for a widow is up to four months.
“During this period the bereaved spouse receives visitors for at least a month.
“Therefore, with our culture in view, giving a widower 30 days and a widow five months of widowhood leave for the death of a spouse may be reasonable.”
Rep. Ademorin Kuye, who supported the bill, recalled what his mother went through when their father died while they were young as she had to resign from her job to observe the mourning period.
In his ruling, the Speaker of the House, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas referred the bill to the House Committee on Public Sector Reforms for further legislative actions.
House of Reps seek 5 months leave for widows
NiMet predicts 3-day sunshine, thunderstorms from Sunday
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted sunshine and thunderstorms from Sunday to Tuesday across the country.
NiMet`s weather outlook released on Saturday predicted sunny skies on Sunday with patches of cloud over the northern region.
It forecast isolated thunderstorms are expected over parts of Katsina, Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Kaduna, Kebbi, Jigawa and Taraba States during the morning periods.
According to it, isolated thunderstorms are anticipated over parts of Adamawa, Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi, Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna and Taraba States later in the day.
“Cloudy skies with intervals of sunshine are expected over the North Central region with prospects of thunderstorms over Kwara, Niger, Benue and Kogi States during the morning hours.
“ Widespread thunderstorms are expected over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Benue, Niger, Nasarawa, Plateau and Kogi States later in the day.
“Cloudy skies with intervals of sunshine are anticipated over the southern states with chances of thunderstorms over parts of Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River and Delta States during the morning periods, “ it said.
According to him, thunderstorms are anticipated over parts of Ebonyi, Enugu, Imo, Abia, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Rivers and Delta States later in the day.
NiMet envisages sunny skies on Monday with patches of cloud over the northern region during the morning periods.
“ Later in the day, isolated thunderstorms are anticipated over parts of Kaduna, Adamawa and Taraba States.
“The North Central region should be cloudy with chances of isolated thunderstorms over parts of Kogi, Benue, Niger the Federal Capital Territory and Kwara States during the morning hours.
“In the afternoon/evening hours, isolated thunderstorms are expected over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Niger, Plateau, Benue and Nasarawa States,“ it said.
According to it, the southern region should be cloudy with thunderstorms over parts of Edo, Ondo, Enugu, Imo, Anambra, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, and Delta States during the morning hours.
It anticipated thunderstorms over parts of Oyo, Ebonyi, Imo, Abia, Ekiti, Edo, Ogun, Ondo, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, and Delta States later in the day.
It predicted sunny atmosphere on Tuesday with patches of cloud over the northern region with prospect of thunderstorms over parts of Taraba during the morning hours.
It predicted isolated thunderstorms over parts of Kano, Katsina, Kaduna, Adamawa and Taraba States as the day progresses.
“ The North Central region should be cloudy with sunshine intervals with prospects of isolated thunderstorm over parts of Niger State during the morning hours.
“Later in the day, isolated thunderstorms are expected over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Kogi, Kwara and Benue States.
“Cloudy atmosphere with intervals of sunshine is expected over the southern region during the morning hours,“ it said.
The agency predicted thunderstorms over parts of Lagos, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Delta and Bayelsa States later in the day.
NiMet urged the public to take adequate precaution as strong winds might precede the rains in areas where thunderstorms were likely to occur.
The agency also advised Airline operators to get updated weather reports and forecasts from NiMet for effective planning of their operations.
NiMet predicts 3-day sunshine, thunderstorms from Sunday
Fuel scarcity will soon be over, Senate leader assures Nigerians
The Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, has assured Nigerians that the fuel crisis experienced in the country will soon be a thing of the past.
Bamidele gave this assurance in an interview with newsmen on the sidelines of the Oil Technology Conference (OTC) in Houston, Texas, on Friday.
According to him, the legislature is working tirelessly to ensure that fuel scarcity and frequent queues at filling stations are resolved.
He said that there were plans to involve more private-sector players in the construction of new refineries.
“The Senate is working to ensure that more private-sector players are licensed to own and operate refineries.
“This is to support other smaller ones that are springing up in several parts of the country.
“In addition to licensing new refinery operators, the Federal Government and Senate are working to ensure that the existing refineries are turned around with repairs and replacement of parts carried out where necessary.
Bamidele said the Senate had gotten assurance from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd., (NNPC Ltd.) that two of its refineries in Warri and Port Harcourt would come on stream before the end of the year.
He also noted that the commitment to licensing new refinery operators and revitalising existing refineries remained vital for increasing domestic oil production.
Opeyemi maintained that the focus was to ensure that Nugeria meets its OPEC production quota.
He explained that achieving such milestones would provide more revenue for the government and halt lack and borrowings.
By enhancing local refinery capacity, the Senator said that the country could reduce its dependence on fuel imports, leading to a potential decrease in petrol prices.
He explained that what drives pricing is the ability to meet demand in the face of every product, finding its level and place in a free market.
Also speaking, the Chairman,
Senate Committee of Downstream, Sen. Ifeanyi Ubah, said the last Turn Around Maintenance (TAM) that happened at the refineries was about 15 years ago, which led to the comatose state of the facility.
Ubah said that the non-deregulation of the downstream sector had put undue pressure on NNPC Ltd., as the entire industry depends on company for its petroleum needs.
He pointed out that no country could meet its energy needs by having a single entity; importing its petroleum product needs.
However, to be self-sufficient, Ubah urged the government to create a cluster of five to eight modular refineries within the riverine communities.
Fuel scarcity will soon be over, Senate leader assures Nigerians
BRAVE-IT lauds Nigeria military in fight against security challenge
By Halima Abdulkadiri
A non-governmental organization, Building Resilience Against Violent Extremism Insurgency and Terrorism (BRAVE-IT) has on Friday voice out their concern to violent extremism and terrorism.
This was contained by the National Coordinator of BRAVE-IT, Aisha Rabo, during breakfast meeting.
In her welcome address she said: “I am delighted to extend a warm welcome to all of you gathered here for this key meeting, which has been call to discuss the current security landscape of our nation and to laud the commendable efforts of our Armed Forces”.
BRAVEIT has always advocated for the non-kinetic strategy employed by the military in combating insurgency and addressing many security challenges. This strategy has shown to be highly effective, and we urge our Armed Forces to keep on in their implementation.
We envision a future where the people of Nigeria recognize and value the sacrifices made by our servicemen and women, thereby motivating them to continue their perfect service with dedication and professionalism.
Distinguished guests, both ladies and gentlemen, I extend my heartfelt welcome to each and every one of you.
BRAVE-IT lauds Nigeria military in fight against security challenge
-
Education10 months agoMathematics Teacher Reportedly Stung By Bee While Preparing Students For Exam
-
Health3 weeks agoOnly 58,000 doctors renewed licence out of 130,000 registered doctors – MDCN
-
News1 year ago3 escape death in Ore-Sagamu expressway accident
-
Politics3 weeks agoAPC IN A FIX AS GOVERNORSHIP ASPIRANTS REJECT THE ONDO STATE PRIMARY ELECTION RESULTS
-
Crime2 weeks agoPolice arrest cultists who killed rival in his daughter’s presence
-
Sports2 weeks agoAsaba to host Wheelchair Basketball Atlantic Conference League
-
Education3 weeks agoUTME: JAMB to refund registration fees to deserving visually-impaired candidates
-
Defence & Security3 weeks agoMan begs I-G to assist in locating missing police wife
Pingback: Google highlights 6 ways AI can boost music creativity