63rd Independence Anniversary: President Tinubu increases minimum wage ...Low turnout of people in Benin

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By Bernadette Idalu

The 16th President of Nigeria, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR,  today, October 1, 2023, in a national broadcast, made provision for an additional twenty five thousand naira monthly increment to the existing minimum wage of workers.

The president said he carried out this measure based on, "Talks with labour, business and other stakeholders." He also informed, "We are introducing a provisional wage increment to enhance the federal minimum wage without causing undue inflation. For the next six months, the average low-grade worker shall receive an additional Twenty-Five Thousand naira per month."

Based on the backdrop of a proposed indefinite strike by the organized labour slated for October 3, 2023, the increment elicited mixed reactions from workers even with the new wage increase to fifty five thousand naira.

Sampled opinion of respondents/civil servants showed skepticism and non belief in the content and actualization of the speech despite the president's avowed declaration, "I am attuned to the hardships that have come. I have a heart that feels and eyes that see. I wish to explain to you why we must endure this trying moment. Those who sought to perpetuate the fuel subsidy and broken foreign exchange policies are people who would build their family mansion in the middle of a swamp.  I am different. I am not a man to erect our national home on a foundation of mud. To endure, our home must be constructed on safe and pleasant ground.

"I have inaugurated a Committee on Tax Reforms to improve the efficiency of tax administration in the country and address fiscal policies that are unfair or hinder the business environment and slow our growth.

"To boost employment and urban incomes, we are providing investment funding for enterprises with great potential. Similarly, we are increasing investment in micro, small and medium-sized enterprises."

With President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's soothing plea to Nigerians, "This nation belongs to you, dear people. Love and cherish it as your very own," it is worthy of note that in Benin City, the Edo State capital, roads were mostly devoid of gridlock and commercial activities.

Though transport fare remained the same, there were however no brisk sales of independence memorabilia on major roads.

At the Oba Ovoranmwen King Square popularly referred to as "Ring Road" mini table flags were on display outside a store at Mission Road but people walked by briskly without stopping to price nor buy. At the New Benin market axis, there was trading on walkways and the main road. Traders hawked vegetables, clothes, bags, rubber shoes and household stuff.

Makeshift game stands and aligned promotional paraphernalia with associated activities geared to attract families to come patronize eateries during this anniversary were clearly missing earlier on in the day. Nonetheless, as at 4:50pm fun seekers were seen making their way to, or  from fast food joints on Sapele road.

Being a Sunday, a day set aside for most christian denominations to fellowship and worship God, a large retinue of Christians were sighted at church, constructively deconstructing all spiritual arrows let loose from household enemies, "returning them back to senders" backed with firebrand prayers aimed at liberating the country from the shackles of demonic manipulations.