Cloned Nigerian Anchor

Author: Doris Israel Ijeoma

  • New Minimum Wage: NYSC DG Assures Corps Members

    New Minimum Wage: NYSC DG Assures Corps Members

    The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has assured corps members that their monthly allowance of ₦33,000 will be increased following the implementation of the new minimum wage by the Federal Government.
    This was confirmed by the NYSC Director General, Yusha’u Ahmed, during his visit to Kebbi and Sokoto, where he addressed the 2024 Batch ‘B’ stream two corps members at the orientation camps in both states.
    Ahmed emphasized the critical role corps members play in Nigeria’s socio-economic development and encouraged them to use their service year to build their skills and prepare for a prosperous future.
    He urged corps members to take full advantage of the NYSC’s skill acquisition and entrepreneurship development program, stating, “At the very least, learn a skill while in camp. After the Orientation Course, continue with post-camp training.
    “Aim to acquire a skill that will enable you to create jobs and employ others rather than searching for jobs. Many former Corps members across the country are now thriving in various vocations.”
    The DG highlighted that the NYSC has established partnerships with reputable organizations such as the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Bank of Industry (BOI), Unity Bank, Access Bank, and NNPC Foundation, among others, to provide loans and grants to corps members.
    He also assured corps members of their safety throughout their service year, stating that they would be posted to secure locations but advised them to remain vigilant and aware of their surroundings.
    In her remarks, the NYSC Coordinator in Kebbi, Aghata Banki-Okolo, noted that corps members have adapted well to camp life, participating actively in all camp activities and following instructions.
    She mentioned that there are 240 camp officials in Kebbi, who are using emotional intelligence in their duties. She reported that 1,195 corps members have been registered, with 1,077 stationed in Kebbi and 118 dislodged from Zamfara State.
    Similarly, the NYSC Coordinator in Sokoto, Yakubu Usman, praised the corps members for their discipline and quick adaptation to the camp environment.
    He reported that the total number of corps members in Sokoto is 1,488, including 682 males and 806 females. This number includes 134 males and 66 females who were displaced from Zamfara due to security concerns.
    Recall that in July, after negotiations with the federal government, organized labor agreed to a new minimum wage of ₦70,000.
    The National Assembly passed the bill raising Nigeria’s minimum wage from ₦30,000 on July 23, and it was signed into law on July 29.
  • Still on the Dangote Refinery ‘Clearer Fuel’

    Still on the Dangote Refinery ‘Clearer Fuel’

    President of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, has shed light on why the first batch of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, produced at his refinery appears noticeably clearer than the petrol currently available in the market.
    During a broadcast from his refinery in the Ibeju-Lekki area of Lagos State, Dangote explained that the clarity of this petrol is indicative of its higher environmental standards.
    He emphasized that the cleaner petrol is designed to be more eco-friendly, potentially reducing health risks associated with the pollutants found in traditional petroleum products.
    Dangote also highlighted the benefits of this refined petrol in protecting vehicle engines from the damage typically caused by the lower-quality petrol available on the market.
    “This is the sample of the petrol. You see it as a different colour but that is the real deal. You are now going to have a good and real product,” Dangote stated.
    Speaking about the diesel produced at the refinery, Dangote added, “I am sure Nigerians have not seen this colour of diesel before.
    “This is called Euro-5 diesel. It contains less than 10 parts per million (PPM) of sulfur. This will help vehicles, engines, and generators last longer.”
    He further emphasized the importance of this development for public health and environmental safety, stating, “The health of the people and the environment will not be compromised. This is the real deal.”
  • IGP: Egbetokun to remain in office till 2027

    IGP: Egbetokun to remain in office till 2027

    Continuing in the footsteps of former President Buhari, President Bola Tinubu has approved that the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, remains in office until 2027.

    According to Section 18(8) of the Police Act 2020, Egbetokun, who was born on September 4, 1964, is expected to retire in September 2024, when he clocks 60.
    Against the backdrop of reports that his tenure was extended, a senior police source, who requested anonymity, clarified that the letter was not an extension but rather a confirmation that he should complete the four-year tenure as originally stated in his letter of appointment.
    The source said, “The tenure of the IGP was not extended but rather a clarification on his letter of appointment that stipulated four years in office.”
    In July, the National Assembly passed the Police Act Amendment Bill to enable a person appointed to the office of Inspector General of Police (IGP) to remain in office until the end of the term stipulated in the letter of appointment.
    President Tinubu forwarded the Bill to the House of Representatives and Senate to amend the tenure of the IGP.
    The Bill was expeditiously passed by lawmakers in both green and red chambers. The upper and lower chambers passed the bill at separate sittings.
    The President appointed Egbetokun as the IGP in June 2023 for four years. He was appointed alongside four new service chiefs.
    At the moment, Egbetokun has been in office for one year and three months, with two years and nine months remaining of his four-year appointment.
    The controversy about the tenure of IGP didn’t start with the current police boss. That of Egbetokun’s predecessor, Usman Baba, was not in any way different. Baba clocked 60 years old in March 2023 and attained the mandatory 35 years of service but he remained in office till Tinubu appointed Egbetokun as his replacement three months later
  • 2027: Atiku, Peter Obi, Kwankwaso Resume Merger Dialogue 

    2027: Atiku, Peter Obi, Kwankwaso Resume Merger Dialogue 

    The three prominent opposition leaders in Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso, are reportedly currently engaged in discussions regarding a potential merger ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
    The trio aim to unseat the All Progressives Congress (APC) incumbent administration led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
    This move follows the hunger and widespread insecurity in the country, as stated by a spokesperson for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Monday.
    The deputy national spokesman for the PDP, Ibrahim Abdullahi, made this announcement while appearing as a guest on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily programme.
    He indicated that the three opposition candidates from the previous elections—Atiku of the PDP, Peter Obi of the Labour Party, and Rabiu Kwankwaso of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), – are prepared to set aside personal ambitions to create a strong coalition capable of challenging the ruling APC in 2027, with the goal of “rescuing Nigerians from hunger.”
    Abdullahi further remarked that had the previous leadership of the party effectively managed internal disputes and conflicts, prominent figures such as former Rivers State governor Nyesom Wike, Kwankwaso, and Obi would likely still be active members of the PDP, which could have led to a victory over Tinubu of the APC in the last election.
    He said, “We’ve lost Kwankwaso, we’ve lost Peter Obi, all of these people, imagine if they are in the party, we will have gone to win the elections.
    “This APC said they defeated us with one million plus (votes), just one of these names that I mentioned would have covered that gap for us and we would have been in power today and certainly Nigerians would not have been confronted with this despair and despondency in the land.”
    When asked if the PDP is trying to get Obi, Kwankwaso, Wike and others back into the party, Abdullahi said, “Sure, discussion is ongoing. You will see Peter Obi discussing with Atiku, you will see Peter Obi meeting with (Nasir) El-Rufai. Party management is a very difficult thing and we are doing the best in the quagmire that we have found ourselves. Rest assured, there would light at the end of the tunnel. We have learnt our lessons in a bitter way.”
    When inquired further about the potential outcomes of Obi and the others rejoining the PDP, Abdullahi stated, “One of them would yield to the other, thereby providing us with a clear direction.
    “Our concern as a party and to these people that I have mentioned is to ensure that we salvage Nigerians from this despair and despondency, between maladies of hunger and frightening insecurity in the land. You could see cluelessness and ineptitude on the part of these people managing this country.”
    The PDP chieftain said salvaging Nigerians out of the present hardship is more important than the individual ambitions of the trio.
    He said, “Atiku is saying if it is better for him to get Nigeria out of this hopelessness, he would do so.
    “He (Atiku) must not be in the race. Atiku is saying that it is an entitlement to him as a democrat; the constitution provides for him that he could contest at any time.
    “What he is trying to say is that (there) is no ceiling stopping him from contesting. That is his fundamental democratic right but he is not saying that he will force it on the throat of the party or the country.
    “I am telling you clearly: Peter Obi is suitably qualified; he can aspire and we will support him if he gets the ticket. Atiku is suitably qualified and if he gets the ticket, we will rally behind him and give him the desired support to salvage Nigerians out of this situation.”
  • Nigerian-Canadian arrested over call for mass killing of Nigerians

    Nigerian-Canadian arrested over call for mass killing of Nigerians

    Amaka Sonnberger, a Nigerian-Canadian who recently called for the mass killing of Nigerians from a particular section of the country has been arrested by the Toronto Police  in Canada.
    In a statement titled: “Suspected hate-motivated threatening investigation, woman arrested,” the Toronto Police Service confirmed the arrest and provided details of the ongoing case.
    In a virtual meeting on TikTok, Sunnberger threatened to poison Yoruba and Benin people.
    She is being charged with uttering threats and will face a judge at the Ontario Court of Justice.
    The case is being treated as a suspected hate-motivated offense, with the Toronto Police Hate Crime Unit actively involved in the investigation.
    The statement reads: “Toronto Police have arrested a woman in connection with a suspected hate-motivated threat investigation. The arrest follows a report received on August 28, 2024, regarding a threatening incident. Authorities allege that on or around August 25, 2024, Amaka Sonnberger, 46, of Toronto, posted online content threatening the lives of specific members of the Nigerian community.
    “Sonnberger was taken into custody on September 1, 2024, and has been charged with uttering threats. She is scheduled to appear in court on Monday, September 2, 2024, at the Ontario Court of Justice, located at 2201 Finch Avenue West.
    “The investigation is being treated as a suspected hate-motivated offense. Police are urging anyone with information to contact them at 416-808-3500 or reach out anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 416-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.222tips.com.”
    Details shortly…
  • Hacking: Kano Hisbah board unravel breach

    Hacking: Kano Hisbah board unravel breach

    These are not fun times in Kano as Tech buffs work overtime to unravel those behind the hacking into the official Facebook page of Kano Hisbah Board, a religious and moral enforcement agency, to defile it by posting explicit and inappropriate content.
    Evidence of the breach became manifest late last week as visitors to the site were defiled by sordid, explicit images and videos of pornographic nature which sparked widespread condemnation from the public, who have expressed their dismay over the breach.
    The Commander General of the Board, Sheikh Aminu Daurawa, confirmed the hacking incident to reporters on Friday.
    He reassured the public that the board is actively addressing the situation and is working to resolve the issue as quickly as possible.
    Admitting what has been labeled as sacrilegious Sheikh Daurawa said, “Kano State Hisbah Board is aware that its Facebook page has been hacked and inappropriate things are being shared. On behalf of the board, I call on people to help solve this problem.”
    He further explained that the board’s Information and Communication Technology (ICT) department is currently working to restore the page.
    The board is also in communication with Meta, the parent company of Facebook, to resolve the issue and prevent further unauthorized posts.
    The Head of ICT at the Hisbah Board, Sani Zailani, added that the Facebook account had been targeted by hackers in the past.
    He noted that Meta has been contacted regarding the latest breach and has pledged to resolve the issue within 48 hours.
    Zailani expressed gratitude for the support and concern shown by the public during this challenging time. He emphasized that efforts are ongoing to recover the Facebook page and restore its intended use.
    In the meantime, Sheikh Daurawa urged the community to report the hacked page to Meta in English, to help mitigate the spread of inappropriate content and expedite the recovery process.
  • Tinubu departs Abuja for official visit to China 

    Tinubu departs Abuja for official visit to China 

    Arguably the most travelled Head of State globally, President Bola Tinubu departed the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) today, Thursday, on another foreign trip to Beijing, China, with a layoff at Dubai, UAE.
    During this visit, Tinubu is scheduled to meet with Chinese President, Xi Jinping to discuss key areas of cooperation, including trade, investment, and economic development.
    This was disclosed in a statement by the Special Adviser to the President of Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale on Thursday, August 29.
    The statement reads: “President Bola Tinubu will depart Abuja for Beijing, China, on Thursday, August 29, on an official visit.
    “President Tinubu will have a brief layover in the United Arab Emirates.
    “In China, the President will meet with President Xi Jinping and will hold meetings with Chinese business leaders on the sidelines of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation.
    “President Tinubu will be accompanied by senior government officials on the trip.”
  • Ajaero summon: Labour prepares for a showdown with the NPF

    Ajaero summon: Labour prepares for a showdown with the NPF

    The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) has directed all national officers and 54 affiliate unions to accompany President Joe Ajaero to the Force Headquarters tomorrow, Thursday in response to the police invitation.
    It should be recalled that the Labour leader is facing allegations of involvement in terrorism financing.
    The police invitation, which was extended to Ajaero through the Office of the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Intelligence Response Team (IRT), alleges “criminal conspiracy, terrorism financing, treasonable felony, subversion, and cybercrime.”
    In response, Ajaero’s lawyers, Femi Falana’s chambers, requested an extension of the invitation till Thursday, August 29.
    Meanwhile, in a fresh circular signed by NLC General Secretary, Comrade Emmanuel Ugboaja, the union called on members to mobilize and assemble at the National Headquarters in Abuja or their respective state secretariats.
    From there, they will embark on a peaceful procession to the State Police Headquarters, where they will hold a prayer session until Ajaero’s interaction with the police is concluded.
    The circular added, “This peaceful march is a united stand against the unjust actions aimed at intimidating our leadership and stifling the voice of Nigerian workers. We urge all members to remain peaceful and orderly throughout the procession and prayer session.
    “If for any reason, the President is detained, all workers nationwide shall proceed on indefinite strike. Your unwavering support and solidarity at this critical time are crucial to defending Civic rights and the integrity and rights of the labour movement.”
    “Together, we shall overcome these challenges and continue to uphold justice, fairness, and democracy in our dear nation.”
  • Dangote, Otedola Get FG Appointment 

    Dangote, Otedola Get FG Appointment 

    In furtherance of the effort to reduce the scourge of malaria in Nigeria, the federal government at the weekend, appointed Africa’s richest person, Aliko Dangote, astute businessman Femi Otedola, and renowned banker Tony Elumelu to lead the effort.
    Speaking at the inauguration of the team in Abuja, the minister of state for health and social welfare, Dr Tunji Alausa, stated that the country currently contributes over a quarter of global malaria cases and about a third of the over 600,000 malaria deaths worldwide, mostly affecting children and pregnant women.
    Describing the situation as sad, the minister noted that the ailment contributes about 25 per cent to 30 per cent of childhood mortality and about 60 per cent of hospital attendance.
    According to him, malaria is also a major cause of absenteeism in schools, markets, and workplaces, as well as a significant out-of-pocket expense for most households in the country.
    Dangote is the chairman of the Dangote Group, Otedola is chairman of FBN Holdings Plc, Geregu Power Plc, and several other business concerns, while Elumelu is the chairman of UBA Group, founder of Heirs Holdings, and also chairs Trancorp Group.
    At the inaugural meeting of the Nigeria End Malaria Council (NEMC), which also includes John Cardinal Onaiyekan, the minister stated that the industry heavyweights would collaborate with the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF), National Assembly joint Health Committees and women’s organisations to drive the fresh efforts.
    The minister noted that it was common knowledge that Nigeria, which currently has a population of over 200 million, has its entire population at risk of malaria, a situation that puts a huge challenge on the government.
    He lamented that the implementation of the various interventions, such as the provision of antimalarial medicines, protective interventions such as chemo-preventive treatments, and treated nets and insecticides for indoor and outdoor spraying, had remained inadequate to meet the targeted population.
    “While malaria cases and deaths are shrinking in other countries, Nigeria has continuously recorded a higher number of cases. The bulk of the support for the interventions is donor-driven, hence inadequate and not sustainable.
    “Aware of the fact that no country ever eliminated malaria through donor support, the African Heads of State launched the African Leaders Malaria Alliance (ALMA) during the African Union Summit of 2009 and the Malaria Scorecard was developed in 2011 to monitor the country’s performance and also to be used as an advocacy tool for heads of government,” the minister added.
    He recalled that the council was established in 2017 and was inaugurated by former President Muhammadu Buhari on August 16, 2022, stressing that the inaugural meeting was long overdue.
    According to him, the End Malaria Council was set up to advocate for malaria to remain high on the national and state agendas through strong political commitment from leaders at all levels and mobilise financial and in-kind resources from new sources, including the private sector, to help close resource gaps in the national malaria strategic plan.
    “By reason of your positions in Nigeria, your passion towards health issues, especially malaria, and the interest groups you represent, your membership to this council is inevitable for the benefit of the larger society, and especially children and pregnant women who are the most affected and would remain forever grateful,” he added.
    As part of the event, the minister handed over the leadership of the council to Dangote, who has served as Nigeria’s Malaria Ambassador as well as a member of the Global End Malaria Council.
  • 100 Sacked Staff Sue Nigeria’s Central Bank

    100 Sacked Staff Sue Nigeria’s Central Bank

    …Claim Damages
    About 100 sacked staff of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) have sued the apex bank at the National Industrial Court seeking payment for damages.
    About 200 staff of the CBN were sacked in May, by the Yemi Cardoso administration as part of the bank’s re-organization strategy.
    The sacked staff are, among other things, seeking full payment of their monthly salaries, allowances and all other financial benefits they should have been entitled to if they were still in the employment of the bank, from the time their employments were terminated to the time they should have retired from the apex bank.
    The former CBN staff’s Lead Counsel, Ola Olanipekun (SAN), on Thursday, made the court documents available to select journalists in Jos, Plateau State.
    Olanipekun stated that the sacked staff approached the court to enforce their right to fair hearing as workers who had been unjustly sacked by CBN.
    According to Arise TV, the sacked staff’s lead counsel said, “the unlawful action of the apex bank has caused monumental damages to his clients running into hundreds of millions of Naira, adding that they are praying the court to ensure that the defendant pay all the claimants their monthly salaries, allowances and other emoluments/entitlements.”
    Olanipekun added that “one of his clients who still has nine years of service left with the Bank would have earned, if his employment had not been unlawfully terminated, a sum of ₦1,621,455.70 monthly as evidenced by his salary payment, and such other monies in that regards as his current or subsequent promotion position/grades would be entitled.
    “He is praying for an order of the court to ensure that the defendant pays forthwith, all monthly salaries and allowances that the claimant would have earned in the course of his service/employment, being the sum of ₦178, 360,127.00 or such other sums in that regard, from the effective date of unlawful termination of his appointment up and until his due date of lawful retirement on 4th August, 2033.
    “The counsel said that the claimant is also praying the court to ensure that the sum of N100,000,000 million is paid to him as General Damages against the defendant, for wrongful termination of his contract of employment.
    “The sum of ₦30,000,000.00 as the cost of litigation/prosecuting the suit is also demanded from the defendant with 21 percent post-judgment interest, per annum, on all judgment sums awarded, from the date of judgment until the entire judgment sum is wholly defrayed/liquidated as well as further orders as the court may deem fit to make in the circumstances of the case.”
    Olanipekun explained that the Originating Summons dated 22 August 2024, is supported by a 27 paragraphs affidavit deposed to by the Claimant himself.