• Rates Tinubu, AbdulRazaq, Abba Yusuf high on labour issues.

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

The Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies (MINILS), Comrade Issa Aremu, has enumerated a number of issues that would shape the 2027 general elections in Nigeria.

According to him, such issues include critical labour market issues such as mass decent employment, non- retrenchment, job creation, job security, regular payment of salaries, pension payment and gender equity, adding that the issue of security would equally influence how organised labour and millions of informal workforce would vote in next year’s presidential and state elections.

Aremu, who stated this at two separate labour-related functions in Ilorin and Kano, had led the management and staff of the premier National Institute for Labour Studies to confer the institute’s Fellowship on Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir, for the Governor’s “commitment to decent work agenda of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu with respect to public service job creation, job security, pension and gratuities arrears payments hitherto unpaid by past governors”.

The colorful event at the parade ground of Kano State Government House attracted hundreds of pensioners led by the President of National Union of Pensioners (NUP), host Chairman of the Kano State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Kabir Inua, two former Presidents of NLC, Ayuba Wabba and Abdulwaheed Umar as well as the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe Yilwatda..

The MINILS boss, who said that singular historic event pointed to labour endorsement of Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, for a second term in office, commended Governor Abba Yusuf for following “the foot print of progressive labour market policies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu with respect to increased minimum wage, cleared trillion Naira contributory pension arrears, non-retrenchment amidst revenue crisis”.

The notable high-point of the event was the disbursement of the sixth batch of gratuities and death benefits worth N5bn. N33bn has been so far paid by the Governor out of the accumulated pension. arrears.

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe Yilwatda, commended the governor’s performance, noting that his administration has met the expectations required of an incumbent seeking re-election, citing Yusuf’s investment in people-oriented programmes and commitment to improving citizens’ welfare as key indicators of his suitability for a second term.

The APC Chairman also pledged support for Yusuf’s re-election bid, alongside that of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.

Comrade Aremu had earlier observed that Kano State has been historically reputable for labour friendly policies which started with the first late democratically elected Governor Abubakar Rimi, who initiated first May Day in 1980, who also belonged to the People Redemption Party ( PRP) led by late No 1 labour Leader Micheal Imoudu.

In his response, Governor Yusuf expressed appreciation for the endorsement and the honour bestowed on him, pledging continued commitment to delivering meaningful development across the state.

He assured that the people of Kano would support the re-election of President Tinubu, adding that his administration would sustain efforts aimed at improving living standards.

Meanwhile, beneficiaries of the gratuities expressed gratitude to the Governor, with some noting that the payments had eased their financial hardship and restored hope.

In a related development, the Director General has acknowledged the growing positive impact of women in leadership in Kwara State and the country at large.

He made this known during the 2026 International Women’s Day extended celebration organised by the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) Women Committee, Kwara State Council, held on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at the Labour House Hall in Ilorin.

Aremu noted that Kwara State has made significant progress in promoting gender inclusion, highlighting that Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazak has exceeded the 35% affirmative action benchmark for women’s representation in his cabinet.

He also acknowledged the efforts of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for appointing women into key national positions within the context of Renewed Hope Agenda citing the Head of Service, Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, the Director General of the National Pension Commission, Ms Omolola Oloworaran, and the first female Director General of the Nigerian Law School, Mrs Olugbemisola Odusote among others.

In her remarks, the Wife of the Kwara State Governor, Olufolake Abdulrazaq, emphasised that investing in women and children is essential for building thriving communities. She reiterated her foundation’s commitment to advocating against gender-based violence and addressing the underrepresentation of women in decision-making spaces.
“Women who are empowered with rights and responsibilities become catalysts for transformation within their communities,” she stated.

Earlier, the Chairperson of the NLC Women Committee in Kwara State, Comrade Victoria Agboola, in her welcome address, highlighted the global theme for this year’s celebration, “Rights, Justice, Action for All Women and Girls,” alongside the campaign theme, “Give to Gain.” She noted that both themes underscore the importance of collaboration and collective action in advancing gender equality.
“No woman advances alone, and no society truly progresses when half of its population is left behind,” she added.

The event attracted several dignitaries, including Dr Olufunke Mercy Shittu, Acting Head of Service, Kwara State; Comrade Saheed Olayinka, Kwara State NLC Chairman; Dr Mrs H.T. Umar, President CAILS Women in Academia; Dr Mrs Oyeleke (representing the TUC Chairperson, Comrade Bukola Olowoniyi); Dr Abdulateef Amin of the Ministry of Women Affairs; Engr Olufolake Jimoh of IBEDC; and the State Controller, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, among others.