Cloned Nigerian Anchor

Author: Doris Israel Ijeoma

  • NLC demands probe of UBA Fire, market Infernos

    NLC demands probe of UBA Fire, market Infernos

    Insists that the fires are totally not accidents of fate

    The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has demanded an independent probe into the recent United Bank for Africa (UBA) fire and other infernos on Lagos Island.

    This is according to a statement signed by the Acting President of NLC, Prince Adewale Adeyanju,  on Thursday in Abuja.

    It would be recalled that on Sept. 16, no fewer than  six people died in the UBA Afriland Building blaze, while several others sustained injuries and remain hospitalised.

    “Our grief is worsened by the fresh memory of another devastating fire that consumed shops and warehouses in the same axis, destroying livelihoods and goods valued in billions of Naira.

    “These fires are totally not accidents of fate. They are products of systemic rot, institutional negligence,, and disregard for safety rules which expose citizens to needless deaths and losses,” it said.

    The NLC said that the sight of workers jumping out of windows to escape the UBA fire was disheartening.

    “Were there safety precautions in the building design? Were workers trained? Where were crisis management teams?” the statement asked.

    The congress also expressed concern over recurring market fires in Lagos, calling them an annual ritual that should have been addressed with adequate safeguards.

    It added that every society was judged by how it safeguarded citizens.

    “In Lagos, we see the opposite fires without water, collapsing buildings without rescue, citizens without emergency response.

    “Why do emergency agencies continue to budget billions annually yet arrive unprepared in moments of crisis?.

    “Why are corporate institutions allowed to compromise safety standards without accountability?” it asked.

    The NLC,  therefore, demanded the investigation of the fires, compensation for victims, mandatory safety enforcement, and adequate funding for emergency services.

    “No worker should leave home for work and end up in the morgue because of preventable disasters,” it said.

    The NLC also warned against reducing the tragedies to mere statistics.

    “The blood of the workers cries out for justice,” the statement said.

    The NLC commended NEMA for issuing flood warnings but urged proactive evacuations and long-term solutions to annual flooding linked to water releases from Cameroon.

    It called on Nigerians to resist normalising tragedies.

    “We must demand institutions that work, safety that is guaranteed, and governance that protects, not abandons,” the NLC stated.

  • Celebrity Chef, Hilda Baci sets another world record

    Celebrity Chef, Hilda Baci sets another world record

    – Hailed by Tinubu’s wife

    Nigerian chef Hilda Baci has secured another place in the Guinness World Records after cooking the largest pot of jollof rice and serving the dish in Lagos.

    Baci first gained international attention in May 2023 with her 100-hour cook-a-thon in Lagos.

    Baci, in partnership with Gino Nigeria, achieved the second feat  on Sept. 13, where she cooked 4,000 kilogrammes, about 200 bags of Basmati rice in a 22,619-litre pot, measuring six metres wide and six metres tall in a procedure that lasted about nine hours.

    The Guinness World Records confirmed the achievement on Monday in a post on X: “New record: Largest serving of Nigerian style Jollof rice – 8,780 kg (19,356 lb 9 oz) achieved by Hilda Baci and Gino in Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria.”

    Acknowledging the feat, Nigeria’s First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, congratulated Ms Baci, for setting another Guinness World Record for cooking the largest serving of Nigerian-style Jollof Rice.

    Mrs Tinubu in her congratulatory message issued in Abuja on Tuesday, acknowledged that Hilda Baci’s achievement was rare, and  had brought her to international limelight.

    She further prayed for greater accomplishments for Hilda Baci and other Nigerian youth who dared to dream.

    PLEASE READ: Strike: Dangote, NUPENG talks deadlocked

    According to the First Lady, “Your passion, resilience and creativity in showcasing your craft as a Celebrity Chef of one of Nigeria’s most loved dishes on the global stage is inspiring.

    “Your art of culinary techniques has not only brought pride to our dear nation, but has gained national and global recognition.

    “Through this feat, you have shown what young Nigerian women can accomplish with hard work, determination and power of innovation.

    The 28-year-old chef had initially planned to cook 5,000 kilogrammes, 250 bags of rice but reduced it to 200 bags due to weighing challenges.

    Guinness rules required strict, precise measurement of ingredients and output, with organisers ensuring no food was wasted.

  • Storm -water drain project to end Asaba flooding – Commissioner 

    Storm -water drain project to end Asaba flooding – Commissioner 

    The  Delta Government has assured residents of Asaba and its environs that its ongoing storm-water control project will  provide lasting solutions to perennial flooding in the capital city.

    The state Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads) Mr  Reuben Izeze, gave the assurance at an inspection of the multi-billion-naira flood control measures on Tuesday in Asaba.

    Izeze expressed optimism that the project would be  ready for inauguration by December by the governor.

    The commissioner stated that the project when completed, would help to achieve the original storm-water master plan for Asaba, ensuring that flooding would  be a thing of the past.

    “By the time the entire stretch is delivered, it will transform Asaba into a flood-free city.”

    Izeze commended Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori for keeping faith with his administration’s promise of meaningful development, realistic reforms, peace, and security.

    “Firstly, let me commend the audacity and courage of His Excellency in keeping the covenant he made with the people of Delta.  This project is part of that promise.

    “Haven  inspected the work from chainage 0 to 650, I can confidently say the quality of work is not in doubt, ” he said.

    The commissioner noted that the consulting firm has demonstrated capacity and experience to supervise the project.

    ”The consulting firm has demonstrated capacity and experience to supervise this very important project,” Izeze said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the project when completed,  is expected to bring relief to residents and visitors, transforming Asaba into a more livable city.

  • Police clear gridlock on Third Mainland Bridge as residents protest Oworonshoki demolition

    Police clear gridlock on Third Mainland Bridge as residents protest Oworonshoki demolition

    Says CP Jimoh directed the use of minimal force to disperse the crowd

    Residents of Oworo turned out in large numbers, early on Monday to protest the decision of the state government to carry out massive demolition of their houses without adequate notice or compensation, leaving many families displaced.

    The Police Command in Lagos State says normalcy has been restored on the 3rd Mainland Bridge following a protest staged by residents of Oworo over demolitions in their area.

    The command Deputy spokesperson, DSP Babaseyi Oluseyi made this known in a statement on Monday in Lagos.

    He said that the protesters had blocked the section of the bridge near Iyana Oworo Bus Stop, obstructing movement from the Island to the Mainland.

    Oluseyi said that upon receiving the information, the Commissioner of Police(CP), Mr Olohundare Jimoh, swiftly moved to the scene alongside detachments of the Mobile Police Force, Tactical Units, and Police Mobile Force personnel.

    “His presence was to ensure immediate engagement, de-escalation, and the protection of lives and property.

    “CP Jimoh personally interfaced with the protesters in a bid to understand their grievances and persuade them to vacate the bridge, ” he said.

    The image maker said that when the commissioner appeal failed and the road remained blocked, he ordered the use of minimal force to disperse the crowd.

    “Despite his appeals, the protesters remained adamant, resulting in continued blockage of the busy route and worsening the distress of commuters, including reports of sick individuals trapped in traffic who required urgent medical attention.

    “In the interest of public safety and to avert further breakdown of law and order, CP Jimoh directed the use of minimal force to disperse the crowd.

    “Barricades erected by the protesters were dismantled, traffic obstructions were cleared, and the free flow of vehicles was restored without any loss of life, ” the spokesperson said.

    According to Oluseyi, the command reassures the public of its neutrality and unwavering commitment to maintaining law, order, and peace across the state.

    He called on residents to always channel their grievances through lawful means while assuring that the police remained dedicated to protecting the rights of all citizens.

  • NUPENG strike suffers setback as key associate withdraws

    NUPENG strike suffers setback as key associate withdraws

    The Association of Distributors and Transporters of Petroleum Products (ADITOP) has dissociated itself from the intended strike by the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and its cohorts.

    The National President of ADITOP, Alhaji Lawan Dan-Zaki, said this in an interview with newsmen on Monday in Abuja.

    Nigerian Anchor reports that NUPENG had announced that its members would commence a nationwide strike from Monday, and warned of an imminent nationwide fuel scarcity.

    The strike is in protest against what it described as anti-labour practices linked to the deployment of newly imported Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered trucks by the Dangote Refinery, for direct distribution of petroleum products.

    Dangote’s programme on direct distribution of petroleum products to end users is aimed at eliminating logistics costs, enhancing energy efficiency, promoting sustainability and supporting Nigeria’s economic development.

    Dan-Zaki, while stating that the purported strike was uncalled for, added that ADITOP was in support of Dangote’s new petroleum products distribution scheme.

    He said that Dangote’s transformational efforts would not only sanitise the industry, but would further stabilise both supply and distribution, while providing jobs and new skills to millions of unemployed Nigerians.

    “We, members of ADITOP, hereby inform the General Public and the Federal Government that we dissociate ourselves from any intended strike or disruption by NUPENG and its cohorts.

    “We intend to continue moving petroleum products across the country without fear of molestation.

    ADITOP is in support of any petroleum products distribution scheme aimed at distributing products to the end users seamlessly and promoting economic development,’’ he said.

  • N104,000 monthly pay for Imo workers

    N104,000 monthly pay for Imo workers

    The state’s doctors’ pay was also raised from N215,000 to N503,000, while that of tertiary institution teachers went up from N119,000 to N222,000

    It’s a bumper season in Imo as Gov. Hope Uzodimma approves a new minimum wage of N104,000 for civil servants in the state.

    Uzodimma made this known during a meeting with various labour union leaders on Tuesday night at the Government House in Owerri.

    The current value represents a 84.2 percent increase from N76,000 that was the minimum wage previously approved by the governor.

    Similarly, the minimum wage of doctors was raised from N215,000 to N503,000, while that of tertiary institution teachers went up from N119,000 to N222,000, among others.

    He said Imo citizens had faced numerous challenges since his government took office, including insecurity, the COVID-19 pandemic, economic hardship from reform policies, and disputes over minimum wage and subsidy removal.

     “There is no way any government will do well if it doesn’t have a friendly and cordial relationship with the organised labour.

    “When workers are paid well, productivity rises, families are happier, and the local economy grows.

    “This is our way of investing in Imo people. Government believes in stimulating political and economic activities, carrying bureaucrats along, and making sure that workers’ welfare was highly respected,” he said.

    Uzodimma said that the state Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) had grown from N400 million to over N3 billion monthly.

    According to him, in 2020, we were receiving allocations between N5 billion to N7 billion, but has increased to N14 billion.

    “In 2020, the state recorded a debt profile of over N280 billion but has reduced to less than N100 billion,” he added.

    The governor recalled that when he assumed office in 2020, the major infrastructure in all sectors were totally collapsed.

    He said a lot had been expended to rebuild the collapsed infrastructure especially roads and combating the insecurity challenges.

    He stressed that the removal of fuel subsidy had equally raised the cost of living in Nigeria as much as it had its own advantages.

    “It is a thing of joy that we have started seeing the dividends of that bold decision of President Bola Tinubu to remove fuel subsidy.

    “What government is confronted with now is how to ensure that the dividends of that policy trickles down to the common man on the street.

    “Cognisant of the fact that our effort has started yielding dividends and that our IGR had improved and that reform policies of the President has also increased our allocations to sub-national governments, every responsible government must be transparent about it,” he said.

    The governor further said that the state government will on Aug. 27, begin  payment of the last batch of gratituity of N16 billion owed pensioners in the state.

    He said his administration had carried out major reforms in the health sector, including initiating health insurance scheme and equipping health facilities to ensure world class treatment for Imo citizens.

    He said his government had keyed into the Federal Government project of establishing 1,000 businesses in every active INEC ward.

    He charged labour unions to unite to foster good working relations between labour and government,

    Uzodimma, who solicited for value addition from workers, also cautioned them against unethical practices and redundancy at work.

    Responding, the state Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Mr Uchechigemezu Nwigwe described the increase in minimum wage in the state as “victory for the entire work force in the state.”

    Nwigwe said Uzodimma did not only rescue the workers from the economic challenges, but had made the state one of the highest in payment of minimum wage.

    “Today, no worker in Imo will say you (Uzodimma) have not been fair to us,” he noted.

    Nwigwe prayed God to continue to protect the governor, assuring him that workers will reciprocate the gesture with more diligent, efficient and effective service.

    Also speaking, the state Chairman of Trade Union Congress, Mr Uchenna Ibe, also lauded the governor for his “strong political will in taking up strong projects, including the increase in minimum wage.”

  • EFCC to beam searchlight on real estate sector – Olukoyede

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) says it will carry out a thorough investigation into the real estate sector of Nigeria’s economy as part of concerted effort to curb corruption.

    Mr Ola Olukoyede, Executive Chairman of EFCC, made this known at an event organised by the Law Corridor Firm on Wednesday in Abuja.

    Olukoyede in his keynote address on “Policy Dialogue on the Critical Issues Affecting Nigeria’s Real Estate Ecosystem, said the investigations will begin in the Federal Capital Territory.

    He added that the agency would collaborate with other sectors and stakeholders in the real estate sector to ensure that the investigations are thorough.

    “This action is to determine real owners of lands across the FCT and possibly identify whether the estates are products of illicit transactions.

    “Some of the estates in Abuja have been abandoned because they were being funded by some civil servants through stolen public funds and having either lost their jobs or had the source of illicit funds blocked’’.

    He pleaded with Nigerians to collaborate with the EFCC as is being done by the Law Corridor Firm, to fish out the criminals using real estate sector to launder stolen public funds.

    He noted that preliminary investigations had already revealed that some business ventures, including real estate, were established to scam innocent and unsuspecting Nigerians.

    He promised that such businesses would be brought down at the end of the investigations and assured that the anti-corruption agency will throw its full weight behind genuine businesses.

    “Efforts are already on with bankers in the country to reduce lending rates for companies to survive in the country.

    “Bankers will be encouraged to opt for single digit lending rates for genuine businesses to create room for employment and reduce the propensity to commit crime by the youths.

    “Let me say it here that those who set up businesses with the primary motive to scam unsuspecting Nigerians, would be brought down’’.

    He said that statistics of real estate would be obtained and a comprehensive register of owners developed because operationalization is key to real estate growth.

    “It is only in Nigeria that you will see a civil servant owning a property of N500 million and nobody asks questions for baseless fears of uncertainties.

    “We can make things work in Nigeria, the mentality of let go in corruption must be changed. We must form ourselves into pressure groups to make the fight against corruption more meaningful’’.

    He appealed to the federal and state governments to set up special funds to support growth of the real estate sector, adding that concrete efforts must be made to make the sector survive.

    He counselled investors to always follow due process so as not to fall victim to fraudsters.

    “I have seen foreign investors establishing banks in Nigeria with clean record, clean documentation and clean compliance with the law.

    “We in EFCC don’t disturb such financial institutions but we move against the ones built on fraud’’.

    Mr Ayokunle Erin, the Practice Group Lead, Real Estate, Construction and Infrastructure of the Law Corridor, had earlier noted that the policy dialogue was to herald the evolution of Nigeria real estate ecosystem.

    Erin said the move was with a view to making the sector a major driver of Nigeria’s economy.

    “The real estate sector bears more than just concrete structures and land registries but it is an economic power house that directly influences urban development, job creation, wealth distribution and social stability’’.

    He revealed that Nigeria’s current housing deficit stood at between 17 to 20 million housing units with a required annual delivery of 700,000 units to meet the demand.

    He added that the output unfortunately falls drastically short, with Abuja having only about 5000 new units constructed in 2024, to satisfy less than 10 percent of the needs in the FCT.

    “The gaps reflected deep rooted policy failure, regulatory lapses and legal ambiguities that continue to embolden fraudsters, quacks and unlicensed agents’’.

    He, therefore, called on stakeholders in the real estate sector to act with clarity, courage, and coordination that would shape the landscape of Nigerian real estate. 

  • ASUU Kano zone disowns branch over Council appointment

    ASUU Kano zone disowns branch over Council appointment

    The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Kano Zone, has distanced itself from a petition by a group of academics from the Yusuf Maitama Sule Federal University of Education, Kano (YUMSFUEK).

    The petition was issued to protest allegation of irregularities in the institution’s leadership process.

    It was jointly signed by Dr Bashir Ibrahim and five others, was addressed to the Minister of Education.

    The petition demanded the removal of the Chairman of the Governing Council of YUMSFUEK and criticised the council’s alleged attempt to appoint a new vice chancellor without following due process.

    However, in a statement issued on Saturday in Kano, the ASUU Zonal Coordinator, Prof Abdulkadir Muhammad, said the institution was not a recognised branch of the union.

    He clarified that YUMSFUEK is yet to attain observer status, adding that only chartered branches of ASUU are authorised to issue petitions or press statements in the union’s name.

    “It is important to state that only a chartered branch of ASUU can legitimately issue a petition or press statement in the name of the union,” Muhammad said.

    He said while ASUU supports strict compliance with due process in the appointment of Vice-Chancellors in Nigerian public universities, the union was not involved in matters relating to YUMSFUEK.

    “We wish to inform the public and all relevant stakeholders that the petition did not emanate from ASUU but from a group of academics at YUMSFUEK,” he said.

    Muhammad urged members of the public to disregard any correspondence from the university’s academics that was presented under the ASUU’s name.

  • ‘One-way’ driver kills tri-cyclist, flees scene – LASTMA

    ‘One-way’ driver kills tri-cyclist, flees scene – LASTMA

    The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) says a one-way SUV driver fled after colliding with a tricycle operator, resulting in the operator’s tragic death.

    LASTMA General Manager, Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki, made this known in a statement on Sunday by Mr Taofiq Adebayo, Director of Public Affairs.

    Bakare-Oki stated the fatal crash occurred at Origan, Oko-Afo, along the Badagry Expressway corridor in Lagos State.

    The crash involved a commercial tricycle with registration MUS 716 QM and a Mercedes-Benz 4MATIC SUV with the custom plate “OSUNFNKE.”

    Preliminary findings indicate the SUV driver was travelling in the wrong direction — commonly known as “one-way” — from Ile-Epo towards Oko-Afo, flouting traffic rules.

    According to Bakare- Oki, this serious violation led to a head-on collision with the oncoming tricycle, resulting in fatal injuries to the tricycle operator.

    The operator suffered severe trauma, including a dislocated knee, and was confirmed dead at the scene.

    “In a shocking act of negligence, the SUV driver abandoned both his vehicle and the victim’s body and fled the scene.

    “LASTMA officials quickly secured the site and escalated the matter to the Morogbo Division of the Nigeria Police Force.

    “Police officers promptly took over the location, while the Federal Road Safety Corps transported the body to Badagry General Hospital mortuary.

    “To clear traffic, the damaged tricycle and SUV were removed by LASTMA and handed to police for investigation and possible prosecution,” he said.

    Bakare-Oki condemned the incident, calling the driver’s conduct a grave threat to public safety and a breach of transport laws.

    “This death highlights the deadly consequences of traffic lawlessness,” he said, expressing deep sorrow over the avoidable loss of life.

    He lamented that, in spite of ongoing campaigns and enforcement, some drivers still display reckless disregard for traffic rules and other road users.

    He reaffirmed LASTMA’s mission to ensure safer roads through active traffic control, public education, and strict law enforcement.

    “This tragedy could’ve been avoided had the driver obeyed traffic signs and regulations,” Bakare-Oki stated.

    He urged motorists to act responsibly, noting that even one life lost is a tragedy too many.

    The general manager offered sincere condolences to the deceased’s family, praying they find strength and peace in their grief.

    LASTMA reminded all road users to respect life and avoid dangerous acts like one-way driving that endanger public safety.

  • EFCC Questions Ex-Minister Over Alleged N138m Fraud

    EFCC Questions Ex-Minister Over Alleged N138m Fraud

    Controversial erstwhile Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye has been taken into custody by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over allegation of stealing N138million.

    The anti-graft agency accused her of breaching procurement rules and diverting public funds while distributing the ministry’s 2023 budget.

    Kennedy-Ohanenye arrived at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja on Thursday around 11 a.m. and was still being questioned as of the time of this report.

     Sources within the commission claim that donations meant for the P-Bat Cares for Women Initiative were allegedly diverted for personal use. 

    She has not been granted administrative bail, and investigations are ongoing.

    The former minister was among five cabinet members dismissed by President Bola Tinubu in October 2024. Before her removal, she had faced scrutiny from a House of Representatives committee over an alleged N1.5 billion debt owed to contractors. 

    Lawmakers accused the ministry of awarding contracts outside the approved 2023 budget and diverting funds meant for contractor payments.

    The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Commission (ICPC) is also looking into the ministry’s handling of funds.

     The former minister has denied any wrongdoing, stating in previous interviews that she was not under investigation for fund misappropriation.