…Also Commended State, Federal Govts on Minimum Wage Implementation
DEBO ADEOYE, IBADAN
The Oyo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists has commenced the process towards assessing the CBN N50 Billion Targeted Credit Facility (TCF) for its members.
The State Council Chairman of the Union COMRADE ADEMOLA BABALOLA, made the statement during his state broadcast on International Workers’ Day. He also promised to intensify efforts to secure the loan for interested journalists in the state.
“While colleagues in the Govt-owned media establishments are savouring the little increase in their monthly pay, many of us in the private establishments continue to groan in silence,” BABALOLA stated.
“Their meagre salaries have either been slashed by at least 50% since the outbreak of pandemic about two months ago in Nigeria, or not paid at all for several months by our wicked employers.
According to business news published recently on nairametrics page, the Federal Government through the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget, and National Planning have announced some monetary and fiscal measures to help mitigate the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the economy, Nigerian businesses, and households.
The CBN on its own, through various circulars and pronouncements, has announced some stimulus packages that will impact different sectors like the health sector, Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), manufacturers, households, and so on.
The apex bank introduced an N50 billion Targeted Credit Facility (TCF) as a stimulus package to support households and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) that are affected by the coronavirus pandemic
The novel coronavirus outbreak has a severe impact on the livelihood of households and business activities resulting to drop in global demand for goods and services, declined consumer confidence, and a slowdown in production among others.
Meanwhile, COMRADE BABALOLA advised every journalist to think of an alternative means of livelihood. “What this means is that we need to think out of the box and venture Into other areas for survival – possibly agriculture/agribusiness!,” he advised
“At Oyo NUJ level, we are talking to some of our leaders and there is hope in the horizon for some of us to get *CBN soft loans* to do business of our choice, to augment for the miserable salaries of yore and till date.
“Frankly speaking, it is no doubt yet uhuru for all of us because what we jointly expected (living wage) have not been fully materialised yet, we need to still thank God for the little we have,” he pointed out.
“What’s important is grace of God and abundant mercy in all we do and receive as incomes, may the coming years be gracious and fulfilling for us all,” he prayed.
BABALOLA also commended Oyo State and Federal Governments for implementing new minimum wage which the union was among those who clamoured for its implementation.
“Yet, we must rejoice and take stocks. Many grounds have been lost and yet to cover by the State and Federal Govts since the last celebration. A year ago, we clamoured for the implementation of new minimum wage and same has been approved for Nigerian Workers. Kudos to both the State and the Federal Governments,” BABALOLA stated.
In-addition, BABALOLA gave reason why workers should be grateful to God and celebrate this year Workers’ Day in low key despite the unfortunate novel Coronavirus pandemic.
“I rejoice with you all as we witness this year’s May Day Celebration. It is a day of mixed feelings, devoid of fun and usual hilarious get-together because of the ongoing pandemic.
“Let’s celebrate with our families and keep safe at all times. May God keep and grant us the grace to celebrate many more lofty years ahead, amen,” he prayed.
