Category:

Headlines

Headlines

Obaseki pays N70,000 new minimum wage to Edo workers

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Edo State Government has paid the N70,000 new minimum wage to workers in the State, in fulfilment of the promise to increase the minimum wage from the month of May, 2024.

Governor Godwin Obaseki had during the 2024 Workers’ Day celebration increased the minimum wage for workers in the State from N40,000 to N70,000, to reflect the current economic realities of the country and cushion the impacts of the harsh economy on the people of the State.

In a statement, Edo State Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, said the payment of the N70,000 minimum wage to the workers, further demonstrates the commitment of the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration to the welfare of Edo workers.
Hide quoted text

According to him, “The Edo State Government has paid the May salaries of workers in the State, reflecting the implementation of the N70,000 new minimum wage.

“This is in fulfilment of the promise made by Governor Godwin Obaseki to increase the minimum wage from N40,000 to N70,000 beginning this May, as part of efforts to cushion the impacts of the harsh economy occasioned by fuels subsidy removal and other economic decisions by the Federal Government.”

“It is also in furtherance of the commitment of the State Government to meet its statutory obligation even before the end of the month,” he added.

The commissioner urged workers to be committed to their duties, while contributing effectively to ensuring the governor finishes strong, to reciprocate the gesture by the state government to their welfare.

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestThreadsBlueskyEmail
Headlines

BREAKING: CBN lays off 200 staff members

by Nelson Ugwuagbo
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

No fewer than 200 officials of the Central Bank of Nigeria were on Friday relieved of their duties.

This is an addition to the long list of ongoing disengagements in the apex bank.

This adds to the list of 117 staff sacked by the bank between March 15 and April 11, 2024.

The termination of appointments affects directors, deputy directors, assistant directors, principal managers, senior managers and lower-ranking staff.

Impeccable sources who are staff of the bank confirmed the sack to our correspondent on Friday, saying that those sacked are not less than 200.

They revealed that affected persons include older directors who were not affected by the last round of retrenchment.

One of the sources in a 20-second call with our correspondent simply stated, “It is true and confirmed.”

The staff member who could not disclose further details for fear of victimisation added that the move has caused apprehension among staff of every cadre as the management has not specified any criteria for the decisions.

Another source confirmed the information, indicating that additional dismissals are expected in the months ahead, spread out across staggered phases.

The official said, “It is real and is even more than 200 officials but the actual number is unconfirmed yet. The sack is coming in staggered phases and that is why we can’t confirm the number yet. But it is not less than 200.

“The sacked persons include directors, and other cadres but the ones that are easily known are the directors. Some of the batch of old directors that were not affected during the last round of sacks are now affected.”

The sack letter obtained by our correspondent and issued by the Human Resources Department on May 24, 2024, said the policy was to reorganise the organisation for effective operations.

The letter, lacking a signature read, “The new strategic direction of the bank has been widely publicised. In line with our new mission and vision, the bank is currently undergoing a significant organisational and human capital restructuring process.

“As a result of this review, I have been directed to notify you that your services will not be required with effect from Friday, 24th May 2024.

“Your final entitlements will be calculated and paid to you in due course. Thank you”

In February, at least 1,500 members of staff of the apex bank of Nigeria were redeployed from the headquarters located at Central Area to its Lagos office.

At the time, the CBN said the action was necessitated by several factors, including the need to align the bank’s structure with its functions and objectives and redistribute skills to ensure a more even geographical spread of talent.

It added that it was also in compliance with building regulations, as indicated by repeated warnings from the facility manager, and the findings and recommendations of the Committee on Decongestion of the CBN Head Office.

A memo issued to staff read, “This is to notify all staff members at the CBN Head Office that we have initiated a decongestion action plan designed to optimise the operational environment of the Bank.

“This initiative aims to ensure compliance with building safety standards and enhance the efficient utilisation of our office space”.

Efforts to get the reaction of the bank’s Director of Corporate Communication, Hakama Sidi Ali, was not successful as she did not pick up her call or respond to the text messages to her line.

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestThreadsBlueskyEmail
Headlines

Hawkers arrested in Abuja as NAFDAC seals shops selling illegal drugs

by Nelson Ugwuagbo
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, on Friday, sealed three shops at Kpaduma community 2, Asokoro District and Nyanya motor park of the Federal Capital Territory.

Recall that the agency on Thursday also raided drug hawkers at the Area 1 and Deidei motor parks of the territory.

NAN reports that 19 drug hawkers and shop owners were arrested during the two operations, and are currently undergoing investigation at the agency’s head office in Abuja.

Mr Umar Ahmed, the Assistant Chief Regulatory Officer, Investigation and Enforcement Unit, Federal Task Force, NAFDAC, said that the raids were part of efforts to sanitise the country of unwholesome goods and counterfeit drugs.

He said the activities of drug hawkers have now become rampant in the FCT, hence the need for NAFDAC enforcement to check unwholesome acts.

Ahmed said that the raid, which is also going on nationwide, followed complaints from stakeholders like the Department of State Services, DSS.

“We have raided not less than 55 hawkers’ outlets in Kpaduma in Asokoro District of the FCT, and Nyanya, some of these hawkers absconded, but we were able to arrest nine of them, and equally arrested 11 of them on Thursday.

“All the seized products, including those of those who absconded, are with NAFDAC, with an estimated value of about N58 million for today, and N70 million for Thursday.

“These drugs are very expensive, most of them are hard drugs, including herbal preparations, majority of the drugs are aphrodisiacs and analgesics, with hard drugs like tramadol, controlled drugs like cocodamol and the rest,” he said.

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestThreadsBlueskyEmail
Headlines

Ondo community goes spiritual over invasion of strange insects

by Nelson Ugwuagbo
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

Residents of the Afin community, Akoko Northwest local government, have resorted to inter-denominational prayers to curtail the spread of insects currently ravaging the community.

The monarch of the community, Oba Mustapha Adejoro, has also mandated all residents to clear bushy premises as well as maintain a hygienic lifestyle.

The insects were said to have invaded farms and homes.

Residents expressed fears that offensive smell from the insects could lead to an epidemic.

They said the town and farmlands have been fumigated.

A resident, Raymond Omolasoye, said the use of hot water and Gammalin 20 was less effective.

He said it was difficult to eat in the open in the community before the fumigation exercise was carried out.

It was gathered that Oba Adejoro also declared Saturday’s environmental exercise as a special one for the entire community to be swept clean.

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestThreadsBlueskyEmail
Headlines

FG approves N35bn financing to revive Ajaokuta

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Federal Government says it has reached an advanced stage of raising more than N35 billion required to restart the Light Mill Section (LMS) of the Ajaokuta Steel Company.

The Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Audu, said this at the Ministerial Sectoral Update on the performance of President Bola Tinubu’s administration in the last one year,on Thursday in Abuja.

Audu said that a presidential approval had been given to raise the amount from a local financial institution, as part of the Tinubu’s administration resolve to boost the economic profile of Nigeria.

“The local financial institution has given us a final offer.

“I have done a cover letter and forwarded the relevant documents to the Minister of Finance to be able to take the financing on behalf of the Federal Government,” he said.

He said that the LSM had the capacity of producing 400,000 metric tonnes of iron rods per annum, and was critical in shoring up industrialisation in Nigeria.

According to him, he is working closely with the minister of works to supply the iron rods needed for road construction projects in the country from the section.

“There are so many roads being constructed in the country, about 30,000km of roads across the six geo-political zones.

“We understand that the ministry of works needs about seven million metric tonnes of iron rods over that four year period (first term) to construct these roads, Ajaokuta can produce 400,000 tonnes,” he said.

There are so many roads being constructed in the country, about 30,000km of roads across the six geo-political zones.

“We understand that the ministry of works needs about seven million metric tonnes of iron rods over that four year period (first term) to construct these roads, Ajaokuta can produce 400,000 tonnes,” he said.

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestThreadsBlueskyEmail
Headlines

BREAKING: Labour Rejects FG’s Fresh ₦57,000 Wage Proposal Demand ₦497,000

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Organised Labour comprising the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) has again rejected the Federal Government’s new offer of ₦57,000 minimum wage.

The Organised Labour rejected the government’s fresh offer, the third proposal in about a week when negotiation talks resumed on Wednesday.

However, the NLC and the TUC shifted ground from their initial ₦615,000 to ₦497,000.

A prominent member of the Tripartite Committee for the negotiation of a new minimum wage for Nigerian workers told Channels Television labour correspondent that the Federal Government and the Organised Private Sector side of the talks proposed a ₦57,000 monthly minimum wage as against the ₦54,000 they proposed on Tuesday when the committee resumed negotiations. The government had initially proposed ₦48,000 last week, which was also rejected by the Organised Labour.

According to the source, the Organised Labour also saw reasons to drop their demand from the initial ₦615,000 minimum wage to ₦497,000.

The Organised Labour had pulled out of the negotiation last week, accusing the government and private sector of showing unwillingness to agree on a new minimum wage.

At the resumption of the negotiations on Tuesday, the NLC and the TUC also rejected the new proposal of ₦54,000 minimum wage by the government.

The committee is yet to agree on a new minimum wage just about 10 days before the May 31 deadline the labour unions gave to the government to conclude the negotiations.

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestThreadsBlueskyEmail
Headlines

JUST IN: FG bans processing of Nigeria’s mineral resources abroad

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Federal Government has effected a new policy, which makes it imperative for mining companies interested in using its solid minerals to set up their plants in country and process such materials rather than ferrying them away to process abroad.

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Mr. Dele Alake, disclosed the development while briefing the media as part of the one-year anniversary of the President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Alake said announced that in order to prove the seriousness of the administration to the development f the Solid Mineral sector, the ministry has revoked the mining licenses of no fewer than nine thousand dormant companies, that got approvals but did not use the licenses to produce anything.

The minister announced that although the dormant licenses were promptly revoked by the Tinubu’s administration, it had also put in motion new policies that have attracted no fewer than 10,000 new applications for licences, out of which 4000 new ones have been issued to applicants.

Alake boasted that the Tinubu administration was determined to turn the solid mineral industry into a major economic sector to compete favourably with the oil and gas industry and create new source of wealth for Nigeria.

The minister spoke just as his Steel Development counterpart, Mr. Shuaib Audu Abubakar, revealed that the federal government had approved the sourcing of $25 million to revive the Ajaokuta Steel Plant in Kogi State, starting with the production of iron rods for the construction industry.

Abubakar said that the ministry was at the final state of obtaining private sector funding to get the plant partially producing important military hardware and save the country from importing the core items abroad.

Abubakar stated that the ministry was also deliberating on the desirability of bringing back the Russian firm that constructed the Ajaokuta steel plant or engaging other companies from China, India and Nigerians to get the place working maximally for the benefit of the country.

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestThreadsBlueskyEmail
Headlines

I won’t vacate office on June 16, Rivers LG Chairman dares Fubara

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Chairman, Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State, Dr Samuel Nwanosike, has vowed not to vacate his office at the end of his tenure on June 16.

In a viral video circulated on Thursday, Nwanosike directly addressed the state governor, Siminalayi Fubara, stating his intention to remain in office beyond the stipulated date.

He cited an extension of tenure by state lawmakers under the leadership of Martin Amaghule as justification, due to the state government’s failure to conduct local government elections.

In the two-minute video, Nwanosike asserted that he would continue in his role based on the lawmakers’ directive.

He warned that the people of Ikwerre LG would resist any attempt to remove him from office.

He declared, “Let them come and try to remove me if they dare. The countdown begins—23 more days to go.”

Nwanosike also challenged those questioning the authority of Martin Amaewhule, stating, “Who are you to say Martin Amaewhule is not the Rivers House of Assembly Speaker?

“If Amaewhule declares that the governor’s failure to conduct local government elections means I should remain in office, then I will stay in office. This is the law in Rivers State.”

He further warned potential challengers, “We don’t wear jeans in Ikwerre Local Government. We wear white, we tie wrappers, we wear Ogbakata. Come and disobey the law, we will wait for you. The law of Nigeria is the law passed by Martin Amaewhule. If you have the courage, show your face.”

The chairman’s statements have sparked widespread reactions as the situation unfolds.

He added, “Who are you to say Martins Amaewhule is not the Rivers House of Assembly Speaker? If Amaewhule says that because the governor of Rivers State failed in his duty to conduct local government elections.

“And that, I, Dr Nwanosike Samuel, whose tenure by the oath of office I took and the certificate of return I was issued when I contested my second tenure election should remain in office. So shall we remain in the office in Rivers State!

“We are sending a message to those who are threatening them to wear their jeans – do like this, don’t do like that. We don’t wear jeans in Ikwere local government. We wear white, we tie wrapper we wear Ogbakata. Come and disobey the law, we will wait for you. The law of Nigeria is the law passed by Martin Amaewhule. If dem born you well, show your face. Thank you.”

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestThreadsBlueskyEmail
Headlines

Protest rocks Abuja over Sanusi’s reinstatement as Kano emir

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

A group of protesters besieged the Presidential Villa and the National Assembly in Abuja with placards to express their dissatisfaction over the dissolution of five Kano emirates by Governor Abba Yusuf’s administration on Thursday, May 23.

The aggrieved Nigerians urged President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the Kano emirates’ crisis to avert a breakdown of law and order in the state.

Some of their placards read, “Governor Abba Yusuf has desecrated the revered Northern Traditional Institution for Political vendetta and to settle old scores with perceived Political Adversaries,” “Kano is Boiling,” “Kwankwaso using his puppet (Abba) to foment Political Crisis in Kano State, President Tinubu must intervene,” “Abba focus on governance,” and “Don’t destroy Kano State.”

The protesters, under the aegis of Northern Nigeria Peace and Development Foundation, marched to the Presidential Villa and the National Assembly where they expressed concerns about what they described as an escalating situation in Kano State.

The protesters said that Governor Yusuf has taken what they described as abuse of office to another level by dissolving the traditional councils.

Coordinator of the protest, Abdullahi Muhammed Saleh, said, “A lot had been going wrong in the state but the Concerned Patriots of Nigeria had thought it best to allow Kano state to sort out its thorny issues.

He continued: “However, Thursday’s brash actions of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State, who sacked five emirs to reappoint Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi as the 14th Emir of Kano has awoken us to the urgency of raising the alarm about the destructive excesses of the state governor.

“Since being sworn into office, Governor Abba Yusuf has had a string of loutish acts that run like a hardened criminal’s rap sheet.

“All in the name of rubbishing his predecessor, he started with a demolition spree that has served to impoverish the people whose lives he took an oath to improve. Thus he proved himself to be anti-people.

“The governor then attempted to destroy the structures of political parties in the state. The impish fanaticism with which he pursued this illicit mission saw him intruding into the structure of other political parties, including hiring some charlatans who purportedly suspended the national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, who is interestingly his predecessor. Thus he proved himself to be anti-democratic.

“This latest stunt of sacking five emirs to install his acolyte was achieved by manipulating the Kano State House of Assembly, which he had successfully turned into a rubber stamp for endorsing his illegal acts.

“He has eroded the autonomy guaranteed by the separation of powers as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

“It is inconceivable that any right-thinking person will descend low to the point of manipulating the traditional institution for political gimmicks.”

“We believe that President Tinubu’s intervention is crucial at this critical moment. We are counting on his leadership to find a lasting solution to the crisis and ensure peace returns to Kano State,” he added.

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestThreadsBlueskyEmail
Headlines

Court seizes $4.7m, N830m, multibillion assets linked to Emefiele

by Nelson Ugwuagbo
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

AFederal High Court sitting at Ikoyi, Lagos has ordered an interim forfeiture of the sums of $4,719,054 million USD, N830,875,611 million, and several properties linked to the embattled former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele.

Justice Yellim Bogoro made the order on Thursday, May 23, 2024 following an ex-parte argued by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) counsel, Bilkisu Buhari and C.C Chineye.

“I find merit in the application and same hereby granted as prayed.

“The applicant should publish this order in any daily newspapers circulating all over the federation for anybody who is interested to show cause why the final order final order of forfeiture should not be made,” Justice Bogoro held.

The monies forfeited to the Federal Government in the interim, were said to be warehoused in some banks operated by Omoile Anita Joy; Deep Blue Energy Service Limited; Exactquote Bureau De Change Ltd; Lipam Investment Services Limited; Tatler Services Limited; Rosajul Global Resources Ltd and TIL Communication Nigeria Ltd.

Emefiele’s properties forfeited to the federal government include; 94 Units of 11 Storey building under Construction at 2, Otunba Elegushi 2nd Avenue (Formerly Club) Road, iKoyi, Lagos; AM Plaza, 11 Story Office Space, Situate on 1E,Otunba Adedoyin Crescent, Lekki Peninsula Scheme 1, Lagos; Imore Industrial Park 1, Esa Street, Imoore Land purchased with (Deep Bive Industrial Town, Oriade LCDA, Amuwo Odofin LGA, Lagos; Mitrewood and Tatler Warehouse (Furniture Plant at Bogije) near Elemoro Lagos, Owolomi Village, ibeju-Lekki LGA, Lagos and 2 properties purchased from Chevron Nigeria, Closed PFA Fund, Block B.Lot.Twin Completed property Lakes Estate. Lekki, Lagos.

Others include; One plot measuring 1,038.069 sqm, at Lekki Foreshore Estate Scheme, Block A, Plot 4, Foreshore Estate, Eti-Osa, LGA; Estate located at 100, Cottonwood Coppel Texas Drive, Coppel, Texas, Owned by Lipam investment Services; a Land at 1, Bunmi Owulude Street, (Maruwa), Lekki Phase 1, Lagos and a Property Situate on 8, Bayo Kuku Road, lkoyi Lagos.

The EFCC had approached the court for an interim forfeiture of the monies and properties, pursuant to Section 17 of the Advance Fee Fraud and other Fraud Related Offence Act. 14 2006, Section 44(2)(b) of the Constitution and under the inherent jurisdiction of the court.

Specifically, the anti-graft asked the court for the followings; “an Interim Order forfeiting to the Federal Government of Nigeria the funds warehoused in the accounts particularized in Schedule ‘A’ which funds are reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities.

“An Interim order forfeiting to the Federal Government of Nigeria Properties provided in 2nd Schedule ‘B’ which are proceeds of unlawful activities.

“An Order directing the publication In any National Newspaper, the interim order under reliefs 1-2 above, for anyone who Is interested in the properties and funds sought to be forfeited to appear before this Honourable Court to show cause within 14 days why the final order of forfeiture of the sald properties and funds should not be made in favour of the Federal Government of Nigeria.”

In granting the ex-parte motion Justice Bogoro after he had taken submission of the EFCC’s counsel held; “I have listened to the submission of the applicant’s counsel and also perused the motion just moved, together with the affidavit in support.”

The case was adjourned to July 2, 2024 for motion for final forfeiture.

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestThreadsBlueskyEmail
Newer Posts
Older Posts