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Nigeria’s unemployment rate stands at 5.4% in 2023 – NBS

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At the state level, Abia recorded the highest unemployment rate at 18.7 per cent, while Nasarawa had the lowest rate at 0.5 per cent.

The NBS said this in its Nigeria Labour Force Survey for 2023 released in Abuja on Tuesday.

In a statement issued by Mr Sunday Ichedi, Director of Communications and Public Relations, NBS, the report provided a comprehensive picture of Nigeria’s labour market performance for 2023, offering vital insights into key labour market indicators.

Ichedi said the release of the 2023 annual report marked the first of its kind, conducted in line with the International Labour Organisation (ILO) guidelines between the 4th Quarter of 2022 and the 3rd Quarter of 2023.

He said the findings offered detailed state-level data on critical labour market indicators such as unemployment, underemployment, wage employment, informal employment, and youth participation in education, employment, or training.

Further highlights of the report showed that in terms of educational attainment, the rate of unemployment was highest among persons with post-secondary education at 9.4 per cent in 2023.

“This was followed by those with secondary school education at 6.7 per cent, and those with primary education at 4.1 per cent.

“The lowest rate was recorded among those with no formal education at 3.2 per cent.”

The report said in 2023, the working-age population was 116.6 million, representing 53.8 per cent of the total population, with women accounting for 52 per cent and men with 48 per cent.

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It said the annual labour force participation rate was 76.3 per cent, which was equivalent to 88.9 million individuals.

“Bauchi state recorded the highest participation rate at 92.3 per cent, while Ekiti State had the lowest rate at 63.4 per cent.”

The report said 84.1 million individuals were employed out of the total working-age population in 2023, which included 20.6 million persons between the ages of 15 and 24 years.

It said in 2023, the national employment-to-population ratio was 72.2 per cent, with rural areas accounting for 77.3 per cent and urban areas at 68.7 per cent.

“Bauchi state had the highest employment-to-population ratio at 88.4 per cent, while Rivers recorded the lowest at 55.7 per cent.

“By sex, the employment-to-population ratio was 73.7 per cent for males and 70.7 per cent for females.”

The report said 77.6 million individuals were engaged in informal employment in 2023, accounting for 92.2 per cent of the employed population.

It said Kano state had the highest number of informal workers, with about 5.2 million individuals engaged in informal employment.

“This was followed by Lagos state with 4.6 million people (excluding agriculture).”

The report said the national time-related underemployment rate stood at 11.1 per cent, with men accounting for 8.3 per cent and women at 13.4 per cent.

“Plateau had the highest time-related underemployment at 33.9 per cent, while Nasarawa recorded the lowest rate at 0.3 per cent.”

It said time-related underemployment rate was the share of employed people who were working less than 40 hours per week, but who would be willing and available to work more.

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The report said the Youth not in employment, education, or training (NEET rate) was 15.6 per cent in 2023, with Abia recording the highest NEET rate at 38.1 per cent and Zamfara recording the lowest at 4.5 per cent. (NAN)

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Alleged sexual harassment: Suspended professor closes defence

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Prof. Cyril Ndifon, the suspended Dean, Faculty of Law, University of Calabar (UNICAL) on Friday closed his defence in the alleged sexual harassment case before a Federal High Court in Abuja.

Justice James Omotosho adjourned the matter until July 2 for adoption of final written addresses.

after the Ndifon’s lawyer, Joe Agi, SAN, indicated his intention to close his case.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the suspended professor closes his defence after calling two witnesses to counter the allegations levelled against him and his co-defendant, Sunny Anyanwu, by Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

While Ndifon was the first defence witness (DW-1), CSP Babagana Mingali, a Forensic Analyst, who works at the laboratory of the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), was the DW-2.

Justice Omotosho had, on March 6, 2024, dismissed the no-case submission filed by Ndifon and Anyanwu against the ICPC charge.

Justice James Omotosho, in a ruling, held that the evidence led by the prosecution constituted a prima facie case against the duo.

The judge, therefore, ordered Ndifon and Anyanwu to enter their defence.

The ICPC, in the alleged sexual harassment charge, preferred a four-count amended charge against Ndifon and Anyanwu, who was earlier a member of his team of lawyers.

They were accused of alleged sexual harassment, cybercrime and attempt to pervert the course of justice.

The ICPC alleged that Ndifon, while serving as the Dean of the Faculty of Law at UNICAL, asked the female Diploma student, identified as TKJ and a star witness, to send him “pornographic, indecent and obscene photographs of herself” through WhatsApp chats.

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Anyanwu, one of the lawyers of the defence, was joined in the amended charge filed on Jan. 22, 2024, by the commission on the allegation that he called the star witness on her mobile phone during the pendency of the charge against Ndifon to threaten her.

They, however, pleaded not guilty to all the counts.

The anti-corruption commission had, on Feb 14, 2024, closed its case against the suspended professor Anyanwu.

ICPC counsel, Osuobeni Akponimisingha, told Justice Omotosho after Bwaigu Fungo, the 4th prosecution witness, a Forensic and intelligence Analyst with the commission, was cross-examined by the defence lawyer.(NAN)

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Taraba Socio-cultural Group Condemns Threats Against Sarkin Hausawa in Takum, Urges Government Action

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By Nahum Sule, JALINGO

The Takum Samba Socio-Cultural Development Association has raised alarm over a live broadcast by Japhet Kwabche on his online platform, True Comrade TV, which they claim threatens the life of Sarkin Hausawa Takum, Alhaji Hudu Ismail Madugu, and endangers the peace of Takum.

Speaking at a press conference on Friday, the chairman of the association, Comr. Victor DanUsman said the association described Kwabche’s statements as inflammatory, alleging they imply intent to harm the Sarkin Hausawa and destabilize the town.

The association highlighted that Takum has enjoyed relative peace, attracting development projects, and such threats risk reversing progress.

They noted Kwabche’s declarations suggested he has the authority and capacity to act against the Sarkin Hausawa, raising concerns about planned actions that could affect the entire community. The group also questioned Kwabche’s motives, pointing out he is from Ussa LGA and not a resident of Takum.

Citing recent incidents of violence, including kidnappings and killings in the region, the association warned that Kwabche’s broadcast could incite further unrest. They called on the Taraba State government, led by Governor Agbu Kefas, and security agencies to intervene urgently to protect the Sarkin Hausawa, his family, and Takum residents.

The group urged the Nigeria Police Force to arrest and investigate Kwabche, emphasizing that his statements constitute a criminal threat.

The association reaffirmed its support for the state government and the rule of law, appealing for swift action to prevent any planned attacks and maintain peace in Takum.

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Kachia APC Stakeholders Back Tinubu, Gov. Sani For Continuity Beyond 2027

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By Israel Bulus, Kaduna

Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State, have thrown their weight behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani, pledging their unwavering support for the duo’s continuity beyond 2027.

The declaration was made during a stakeholders’ meeting held on Friday at the Kachia Council Secretariat.

PUNCH reports that the meeting was convened to receive briefings on security and developmental updates in the area.

Addressing journalists after the meeting, the Executive Chairman of Kachia Local Government and Chairman of the APC Stakeholders Forum, Dr. Manzo Maigari, said the forum serves as a platform for regular feedback and coordination between the Government and the grassroots.

“We briefed stakeholders on the progress regarding security, the new Federal University of Applied Sciences, and other developmental milestones,” Dr. Maigari said.

“After reviewing the political landscape in Kachia, the stakeholders unanimously endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani for their achievements and leadership, and called for their continuity beyond 2027.”

Dr. Maigari also addressed the emerging political opposition, particularly the Social Democratic Party (SDP) being championed by former Governor Nasir El-Rufai. He dismissed the SDP as a fleeting political movement with little long-term relevance.

He described the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as a more formidable opposition due to its longstanding presence, but expressed confidence in the APC’s hold over Zone 3 and Southern Kaduna.

“I can assure you that Zone 3 and our allies will return both the President and the Governor to power in 2027,” he said.

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“Given the gains we’ve made as a region, it would be difficult for anyone to convince the people of Southern Kaduna to abandon this path.”

Dr. Maigari highlighted security improvements under the current administration, particularly crediting the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) for reducing insecurity in Southern Kaduna by over 80 percent.

He emphasized the transformative impact of the newly established Federal University of Applied Sciences in Kachia, noting its potential to spark massive economic and social development.

“Within 24 months of commencement, we expect the University to attract at least 30,000 people to Kachia. In 3 to 4 years, that number could exceed 100,000, stressing the resulting growth and opportunities will elevate not just Kachia but all of Southern Kaduna,” he stated.

He concluded by saying that many in Southern Kaduna now feel a sense of fulfillment, as long-held prayers for federal presence and development are finally being answered.

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