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Folarin Kehinde

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BREAKING: Labour unions order indefinite shutdown of power supply, flights in Imo state

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

In response to the recent brutalisation of the National President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, by the Nigeria Police Force in Imo State, the Organised Labour, comprising the NLC and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), has declared a comprehensive shutdown of services in the state.

Decisions taken at an extraordinary National Executive Council meeting on Tuesday afternoon mandated a shutdown, including the cessation of electricity and fuel supplies. Aviation workers have also been directed to suspend flights into and out of Imo state.

A communique released after the meeting stated, “The NEC-in-session orders the immediate withdrawal of services and shutdown of Imo State beginning midnight today. All workers and affiliates are expected to ensure compliance from wherever they are. All flights into and out of Imo state, fuel supplies and electricity be stopped immediately as applicable. All Public and Private Sector workers are to immediately down tools indefinitely.”

The Organised Labour’s implementation is set to begin at midnight on November 8, 2023, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing standoff between the unions and the state authorities.

The labour centres had issued a five-day ultimatum on Friday, demanding the redeployment of the Imo State Commissioner of Police and the arrest and prosecution of a government aide allegedly involved in the assault on Ajaero.

Ajaero’s arrest ahead of a statewide protest in Imo triggered a contentious narrative between the police, who claimed his custody was protective, and Governor Hope Uzodimma, who accused the labour leader of interfering in state politics.

The assault on Ajaero has garnered condemnation from various quarters, including notable figures such as Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 elections, and human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN).

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Canadian Embassy suspends operations in Nigeria after Fire Outbreak

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Canadian High Commission has suspended operations in Nigeria after a fire outbreak at the embassy in Abuja on The announcement did not comment on providing visa and immigration services for persons seeking to visit or emigrate to Canada.

Also, there is no offer of services to Canadians visiting and living in Nigeria and to Canadians in Equatorial Guinea, as well as Sao Tome and Principe.

Such services include adoption and surrogacy, birth abroad, citizenship services, marriage abroad, passport services, notarial services, studying abroad, and visa and immigration services. at 13010G, Palm Close, Diplomatic Drive, in the Central Business District of Abuja.

The High Commission had, on its official X platform, announced the temporary suspension of its operations after a section of the embassy in Abuja was gutted by fire.

The announcement did not comment on providing visa and immigration services for persons seeking to visit or emigrate to Canada.

Also, there is no offer of services to Canadians visiting and living in Nigeria and to Canadians in Equatorial Guinea, as well as Sao Tome and Principe.

Such services include adoption and surrogacy, birth abroad, citizenship services, marriage abroad, passport services, notarial services, studying abroad, and visa and immigration services.

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”APC has not paid me for my campaign work” – Rapper Terry G reveals

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Renowned Nigerian singer Gabriel Oche Amanyi, professionally known as Terry G, has brought attention to an alleged unpaid debt owed by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) following his performance at President Bola Tinubu’s pre-inauguration concert in Abuja.

The artist, who was among the entertainers at the event held at the MKO Abiola National Stadium in May, voiced his grievances in a widely circulated video, claiming that certain individuals were in possession of money that was rightfully due to him for his contribution to the campaign event.

In a statement posted on his Instagram story on Monday, Terry G candidly addressed the situation, asserting that he had entrusted the matter to a higher power, seemingly disappointed by the unresolved financial disagreement.

He said: “For the people or whoever wey chop the money I worked for this APC campaign matters so make he no worry say nothing don do them o. I leave am to God. It’s only a matter of time.”

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Is your teen struggling with social issues? Tips to boost your teenager’s mental well-being

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Social issues encompass the complex challenges that impact large segments of society, ultimately influencing the overall functioning of a community. It’s important to recognize that teenagers, just like adults, grapple with these social issues.

In fact, adolescents may be particularly vulnerable to these difficulties due to their ongoing brain development and rapid physical changes.

The ramifications of these social problems, often labelled as “teenage woos,” extend to emotional and physical well-being.
A study conducted by the Pew Research Center, focusing on youths aged 13 to 17, identified anxiety and depression, bullying, as well as drug and alcohol use (and misuse), as major concerns.

Notably, teenagers today encounter more profound complexities in their interpersonal relationships, than
most adults.

The ubiquity of digital communication has fundamentally altered the dynamics of how adolescents engage with people. Consequently, many teenagers now find themselves deficient in critical interpersonal communication skills, such as the ability to decipher social cues effectively. This deficiency can be largely attributed to the excessive reliance on technology.

Astonishingly, the average teenager devotes more than nine hours daily to their electronic devices. Their patterns of social media engagement and media consumption have not only reshaped their modes of communication but also affected the way they approach social connections, academia, wellness, physical activity, amongst other aspects of their lives.

  • Depression & Anxiety – Research suggests a striking seventy percent of teens acknowledged anxiety and depression as significant concerns within their peer group

Comprehensive data on the exact prevalence of anxiety disorders among teenagers remains somewhat elusive. Depression stands as a notable example of an issue affecting adolescents throughout history, albeit now receiving a welcome surge of public awareness in recent years.

  • Bullying – Concerns related to personal safety weigh heavily on the minds of American teenagers. A notable 55% of teenagers identified bullying as a significant issue within their peer circles.

Despite the implementation of anti-bullying initiatives, this problem endures. The persistence of this issue can be attributed to the coexistence of young, vulnerable, and easily influenced individuals within a social environment where shared fears and anxieties prevail, creating a breeding ground for instances of bullying.

  • Drug & Alcohol Use – In recent years, there has been a notable surge in daily marijuana consumption among senior high school students, surpassing the rates of cigarette usage.

Concurrently, the use of other illegal drugs has reached unprecedented lows, with ongoing studies indicating that since 2017, teenage engagement in illicit drug activities has reached an all-time nadir. Additionally, the consumption of alcohol and instances of binge drinking have both displayed a significant decline.

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BREAKING: Labour unions declare nationwide strike from next week Tuesday

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have jointly declared a nationwide strike scheduled for next Tuesday, November 14, 2023.

The decision was reached after an extraordinary meeting of the National Executive Council in Abuja.

The leadership of the two major labour unions confirmed that the nationwide mobilisation of their members and supporters had commenced immediately in preparation for the impending strike.

This move by the Organised Labour is in response to the recent assault on NLC National President Joe Ajaero, which occurred last week in Imo State.

The incident sparked widespread outrage within the Labour community, with accusations directed at Imo State’s Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Barde, alleging complicity in the attack on Ajaero in Owerri, the state capital.

In the aftermath of the assault, Organised Labour issued a five-day ultimatum to the Federal Government, demanding the replacement of the police commissioner.

Additionally, Governor Hope Uzodimma, seeking re-election, faced allegations from the Labour unions.

The unions have further demanded the arrest and prosecution of some of the governor’s aides.

In response to the escalating situation, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, redeployed Commissioner Mohammed Barde on Sunday, citing the need for “neutrality” ahead of the November 11, 2023, governorship election in Imo State.

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Global Life-Tower Builders Foundation Excites Parents, Pupils in FCT Community with Scholarship, Free Educational Materials

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

……… Seek FCT Minister, Stakeholders Support to achieve SDG Goal on Education

In a bid to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG4) on education which aim to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all, and ensure its access to every child, the Global Life-Towers Buidlers Foundation on the the 21st of October, 2023 under its project OneChildCampaign provided educational materials to pupils of zazadna community kugbo2 of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and paid the school fees for some of the pupils in the community.

The Founder and Executive Director, Global Life-Towers Builders Foundation, Mr. Godwin Uwakolam while speaking at the distribution of the educational materials stated that OneChildCampaign believes that every child has the right to accessing quality and sustainable education but identified that there are children who are either out of school or their parents find it very difficult to pay their children’s school fees, hence the distribution of the educational materials.

Uwakolam however explained that so far, OneChildCampaign has been able to get a sizeable number of children into the program, been working with some communities and secured partnership of private and government institutions within the community.

Uwakolam disclosed that OneChildCampaign discovered that lack of interest is one of the major reasons from the parents as they don’t really see the need for educating their children but rather prefer farming and petty trading. He assured that the organization will embark on massive awareness campaign amongst community leaders and parents whilst involving others stakeholders to champion the course.

He however called on the FCT minister and other stakeholders in the educational sector at the local level to look into the fees being paid by the pupils as some parents cannot still afford to pay.

“It is holistic, it is something the government and stakeholders need to sit down and work out to ensure that SGD goal 4 is accessible and available to every child”. So he said when asked about how to ensure quality education is made available and accessible to every child.

Uwakolam further highlighted the enormous need for different forms of educational interventions in the rural communities within the FCT such as the need for government established educational system in both Kiada and Kutunku communities where they recently discovered while on “NEEDS ASSESSMENT TOUR” around some suburbs within the federal capital territory with high level of school drop-outs in these communities due to lack of funds.

Similarly, some of these communities rely o missionaries within the community who were able to setup and operated churches and schools in the community.The schools which are mostly operated in the community missionary’s residence have not enough space to accommodate the children.

The staff and teachers in the missionary community school work on a volunteer basis as the churches and community can’t afford to pay the teachers.

The schools also lack basic needs such as whiteboard, student desks, writing materials, and school wears.

There is also no form of government presence in the community, no access to healthcare services, no Electricity, no government established schools, and no access roads etc Uwakolam added.

According to the missionaries, some of the practices they met prevalent in the communities includes killing of twins and the likes which the advent of Christianity has suppressed to a reasonable extent.

Expressing her delight as beneficiaries of the educational materials, the Proprietor, Hilltop Baptist School, Kugbo Mrs Taiwo Adesayo stated that the school has
benefitted immensely from OneChildCampaign with five pupils whose fees are being paid hence supporting the parents and serves as an inspiration to the pupils to be more serious in their studies and added that surprisingly, beneficiaries of OneChildCampaign took first and second position in the last exams.

Mr. John Pedro, father to one of the beneficiaries lauded the initiative and support from OneChildCampaign for paying his son’s school fees and buying him school uniform, Books and other educational materials. He urged the organization to continue the gesture on yearly basis.

Also, Holiness Andrew, a beneficiary also applauded the kind gesture and express optimism that her vision of becoming a teacher in future will be achieved.

The Palace Secretary, Kugbo Community, Prince Samuel Fenu while appreciating OneChildCampaign stated that education is key to success and the benefits is enormous, he urged the beneficiaries to use the items received for the intended purpose.

Items distributed includes, books, pencils, biros, uniforms and payment of school fees.

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JUST IN: Trailer kills 8, injures many in Abuja

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Eight persons, including students, were crushed to death when a trailer conveying sharp sand lost control in Mpape, a settlement around the Maitama district of Abuja.

The incident, it was gathered, occurred on Thursday evening before the Keke Park along the road that leads to Mpape junction.

A witness, Mustapha Aminu, said the truck rammed into some tricycles and vehicles, killing at least 8 people.

Aminu said the driver, having seen the havoc he had caused, abandoned the truck and ran away with the help of a motorcycle.

“When the incident happened, I was close to the road. It was very damaging. It killed about eight people as I counted. People were saying the trailer brake failed. To me, what caused the incident at first was that one of the truck’s tires burst, which made it lose control.

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BREAKING: NLC, TUC declare nationwide strike over attack on Ajaero

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The organised labour unions, comprising the Trade Union Congress, TUC, and the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, have declared a nationwide strike over the attack on its NLC President, Joe Ajaero.

Announcing the development at a briefing in Abuja on Friday, the leadership of the NLC and TUC issued a 6-pount demand to the Federal Government, including the immediate removal of the Imo State Commissioner of Police and the Area Commander, among other police officers, for their alleged involvement in the brutalisation and humiliation of Ajaero and other workers.

The nationwide strike is to commence Wednesday, November 8, 2023.

Leading reporters recalls that the NLC President was reportedly captured and brutalized during the organised labour protest in Imo State on Wednesday.

Ajaero was whisked away by men of the Nigerian Police Force and later appeared with injuries on his face, revealing that he was beaten.

Speaking on the development on Thursday, the NLC Publicity Secretary, Benson Upah, said Ajaero could not be treated at the Federal Medical Centre, FMC, Owerri, because of the degree of injuries he sustained, hence the need to fly him abroad for treatment.

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“The price keeps increasing on a daily basis” – Manufacturers lament as diesel price hits N1,300/litre

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Manufacturers have expressed concerns as the price of diesel has risen to N1,275 per litre in Lagos and above N1,300 outside the state, Daily Trust reports.

The product sells for N1,270 per litre in Kano state and above that outside the metropolis.

This implies a 26 per cent increase in the price of the product in less than one week. It had sold for N1,030 on the 23rd of October.

As of Thursday, many filling stations in Lagos yesterday had adjusted their price to between N1,250 and N1,270.

A bakery owner, Ibrahim Nagode, said: “The price keeps increasing on a daily basis. You can buy it in the morning for a certain price, and in the evening, you are told that the price has changed.”

“We were planning to buy diesel yesterday, and we have planned our budget on the rate we bought it the last time only to be told that the price is now N1,275,” said another source.

Commenting on the situation, the Chief Executive Officer of Golden Rice Mill, Ilya Nazifi, said since logistics and power are affected, the cost of production and prices of finished goods would go up.

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JUST IN: Naira gains as dollar falls to N1,140 in black market

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The dollar’s value against the naira witnessed a significant drop from its peak of N1,310 last week, resulting in a marked appreciation of the naira, particularly on the black market.

Business Day reports that on Thursday, the naira showed a notable gain of 2.56 per cent as the dollar traded at N1,140, a decrease from its previous rate of N1,170 on Wednesday in the black market segment of the foreign exchange (FX) market.

Traders attributed the naira appreciation to specific government-proclaimed policies, causing uncertainty among speculators.

The government’s plan to digitize FX transactions and discourage speculative demands and hoarding of cash in foreign exchange played a crucial role in shaping the market dynamics.

Additionally, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) made strides in resolving unsettled matured FX forward contracts in banks, clearing approximately 75 per cent to 80 per cent of the contracts. This move significantly relieved pressure on the foreign exchange market.

The official market also saw positive trends, experiencing a considerable increase in the value of the naira against the dollar. At the Nigerian Autonomous Foreign Exchange Market (NAFEM), the naira strengthened by 3.59 per cent on Wednesday and a remarkable 17.96 per cent on Tuesday.

The dollar’s exchange rate exhibited a noticeable shift in the official market, as per data obtained from the FMDQ. Wednesday recorded a trading rate of N786.02, showcasing strength compared to Tuesday’s rate of N815.32, which improved from Monday’s rate of N993.82.

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