The number of New Nigerian Newspaper retirees who died waiting for their benefits rose during the weekend with the death of Yahaya Z. Bako, formerly of the Marketing Department.
A post on the New Nigerian Newspapers’ Northern States’ Governors’ Forum (NSGF) beneficiary Whatsapp platform by Alhaji Idris said, “We lost another beneficiary in person of Yahaya Z Bako of Marketing Department. He died today, March 22, 2025.”
Twelve days ago a New Nigerian Newspaper retiree waiting for payment, Mr Zakka Bitiyong of the Commercial Printing Department and Radio Room died, taking the death toll to 107. His death occurred on March 11, 2025.
The development has thrown the beneficiaries into mourning as members lamented Bako’s death on the Whatsapp platform.
Lamenting on the platform, a member said, “We, the entire NNN family, are bereaved of a nice gentleman, harmless and always readily available to assist in his own way. Imagine losing such a caring father, brother and colleague without enjoying the fruits of his labour, after waiting all these years in vain.
“God will surely handle whoever has a hand in the delayed payment of the unpaid salaries, half-month salaries and three quarters salaries Yahaya has laboured for are still yet to be paid since early 2000s. His surviving colleagues will intensify prayers for God to hold those guilty by their jugulars and soonest too.”
Another member of the platform said, “Oh what a dark weekend. Oh Lord show mercy unto your servant. Mr. Y. Bako rest in the LORD. May He bless your posterity. My condolences to your wife, children, relations, friends and colleagues.”
Meanwhile the retirees are praying for the life of another of their colleagues, Ado Umar (Baba Ado).
A message on the platform said, “Good Morning members of this great Forum, we are soliciting for prayers, one of our former colleagues, a driver and also beneficiary in person of Ado Umar (Baba Ado) have been operated for hernia treatment at Yusuf Dantsoho Memorial Hospital Tudun Wada Kaduna.”
Investigation has revealed that about 29 other retirees waiting for the payment from Northern Governors’ Forum are severely sick or hospitalized.
The Northern Governors Forum raked in N7 billion after selling New Nigerian Newspaper properties but the former staff of the organization have not been paid. A total of N2.5 billion is owed the retirees.
Source: Daily Post
