Headlines

Just In: G20 Announces African Union (AU) Permanent Membership

Published

3 weeks ago

September 9, 2023

At the G20 summit currently held in New Delhi today, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the African Union’s elevation to permanent membership within the group of the world’s wealthiest and most influential nations.

This status change grants the African Union, a continental organization consisting of 55 member states, equal standing with the European Union, making it the only regional bloc to hold full membership. Prior to this, the African Union held the status of an “invited international organization.”

In his opening address at the summit, Prime Minister Modi extended an invitation to the African Union, represented by Chairperson Azali Assoumani, to take a permanent seat among the G20 leaders.

A draft declaration reviewed by Reuters earlier stated, “We welcome the African Union as a permanent member of the G20 and strongly believe that inclusion of the African Union into the G20 will significantly contribute to addressing the global challenges of our time.”
This historic decision was originally proposed by Prime Minister Modi in June and marks a significant milestone in the African Union’s global engagement.

Nairametrics reported a scoop from Bloomberg earlier this week about the intention of the G20 to grant permanent membership to the Africa Union (AU)

Other issues to be discussed

Other key topics under consideration during the summit include increased loans to developing nations by multilateral institutions, the reform of international debt structures, regulations related to cryptocurrencies, and the influence of geopolitical events on food and energy security.

A 38-page draft document circulated among summit participants left the paragraph on the “geopolitical situation” blank, reflecting ongoing divisions related to the conflict in Ukraine. However, there was broad consensus on 75 other paragraphs covering issues such as cryptocurrencies and reforms in multilateral development banks.

About the G20

Previously, the G20 consisted of 19 individual countries and the European Union, collectively representing approximately 85% of global GDP, over 75% of global trade, and about two-thirds of the world’s population.

The post Just In: G20 Announces African Union (AU) Permanent Membership appeared first on Jomog.

Education

ASUU SET TO COMMENCE INDEFINITE STRIKE NEXT WEEK

Published

8 hours ago

October 1, 2023

Eniola sanni

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has officially announced the decision to embark on an indefinite strike starting next week.

This announcement comes as the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) prepares for a nationwide indefinite strike, set to commence on October 3rd, 2023.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), a prominent umbrella body for workers in Nigeria, has also declared an indefinite strike, set to commence on October 3rd, 2023.

The NLC’s decision comes in response to various grievances, including concerns over fuel price hikes, electricity tariff increases, and calls for improved living conditions for Nigerian workers.

It’s important to note that ASUU is under the NLC umbrella, and their decision to embark on an indefinite strike aligns with the broader nationwide action called by the NLC.

This coordinated effort amplifies the call for improved conditions not only in the education sector but also across various sectors of the Nigerian workforce.

The coming days will be instrumental in determining the course of action, and stakeholders will be watching closely as efforts to address these concerns unfold.

Education

NASU SET TO EMBARK ON INDEFINITE STRIKE THIS WEEK

Published

8 hours ago

October 1, 2023

Eniola sanni

Education

SSANU SETS TO JOIN NLC STRIKE ACTION THIS WEEK

Published

8 hours ago

October 1, 2023

Eniola sanni

The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities has said it will join the proposed strike of the Nigeria Labour Congress.

Recently, the NLC and Trade Union Congress declared an indefinite strike action from October 3, 2023, to protest the insensitivity of the government in providing palliatives to cushion the effects of the removal of fuel subsidy.

SSANU, in a communique issued at the end of the 45th regular National Executive Council, held at the University of Maiduguri, Borno State, and made available to The PUNCH on Sunday, read, “NEC in session after due deliberations agreed that SSANU as an affiliate of the NLC, will join the strike to protest the insensitivity of government in providing palliatives to cushion the effects of removal of fuel subsidy.

NEC, therefore, mandated all branches to mobilise her members to join the strike as declared as the demands before government also includes the release of withheld salaries of university workers.”

The communique, signed by the SSANU national president, Mr. Mohammed Ibrahim, complained that it felt seriously agitated by the report of the ad hoc Committee of Pro-Chancellors of state-owned universities, which among other things, recommended that state universities should not participate in nationwide industrial actions.

“It was obvious that SSANU complied with all legal provisions including giving adequate notices to the appropriate authorities but were forced to embark on that strike due to the government’s failure to honour her part of the agreement.

“SSANU, therefore, earnestly requests the government to pay the withheld salaries without any further delay considering the harsh economic realities currently faced by citizens in the country as the government is aware, the value for the money has already been eroded by hyperinflation.”

“NEC recalled the renegotiation of salaries for her members with the committee led by the late Professor Nimi Briggs that was at the final stage where SSANU demanded 700 per cent wage increase but the committee offered a 23.5 per cent and 35 per cent review to our members,” it read.