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Category: News

Edo Governor Approves 13th Month Salary

Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has given the greenlight for the payment of the 13th-month salary to state workers, slated for December 27.

Chris Nehikhare, the Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, announced this in a statement, emphasizing the governor’s consistent focus on enhancing the well-being of the state’s workforce.

The statement added that Obaseki’s commitment to better working conditions has remained steadfast and reflected in the timely payment of salaries without default for seven years, adhering to a schedule where salaries are disbursed on or before the 26th of each month.

Additionally, the administration has facilitated regular promotions, the most recent being in January 2023, while fostering a conducive work environment across six hubs in the state.

Workers are enrolled in the Contributory Pension Scheme, entitling them to benefits like Life Insurance, portraying a favorable scenario for employees in Edo State.

Meanwhile the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to Godwin Obaseki, Andrew Okungbowa has resigned, citing dissatisfaction with his treatment as the reason.

Reportedly, Okungbowa’s resignation stemmed from the perceived preferential treatment given to social media influencers over his position within the Government House in Benin, which he found unacceptable.

12/06/2023
Shettima Defends N15 Billion Budget For His Residence, Knocks Peter Obi

Vice President Kashim Shettima has defended the N15 Billion allocated for the renovation of his official residence.

Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi had raised concerns about the government’s decision to allocate substantial funds for renovating buildings while only setting aside a small N5 billion budget for student loans in the country.

In a statement by his Spokesperson, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima clarified that the project was initiated during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan.

He emphasized that the project, previously abandoned, was renewed by the current FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.

Nkwocha refuted Obi’s comparison between renovation expenses and student loans, stating the administration’s commitment to completing long-abandoned public projects across the nation.

He also disputed Obi’s comparison between the allocated budget for the Vice President’s residence and salaries paid to university professors, asserting the administration’s focus on educators’ welfare and educational infrastructure.

Nkwocha accused Obi of post-election trauma and divisive rhetoric, urging him and others in opposition to accept defeat gracefully and prioritize Nigeria’s interests.

“There is no other context to situate Obi’s sermon about waste other than the fact that he has refused to swallow the bitter pills of reality.

”It is pitiful that since he was mercilessly defeated by President Tinubu, he and his army of social media cohorts have continued to brazenly unleash a campaign of calumny against the President and now, his administration.

”But despite Obi’s divisive rhetoric, Nigerians have since put a final seal on religious and ethnic politicking so that the country can move forward against the wish of certain persons in the mould of Obi, who have continued to fan the embers of division and falsehood just to create tension and spurn vexatious narratives in the polity”, part of the statement read.

12/06/2023
Tinubu Returns To Nigeria After Controversial COP28 Summit

After his participation at the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference held in Dubai, President Bola Tinubu has returned to Abuja.

Alongside attending the summit, he engaged in bilateral discussions with notable figures like King Charles of England and the President of UAE, aiming to solidify partnerships.

Additionally, President Tinubu observed the signing of an agreement between Nigeria and Germany, focused on enhancing Nigeria’s electricity supply.

He also conducted a significant meeting involving stakeholders and investors, discussing the Nigeria Carbon Market and the Electric Buses Rollout Programme during the sidelines of the COP28 climate summit.

Having commenced his journey from Abuja to Dubai on November 29, 2023, for the summit that was scheduled to conclude on December 12, 2023, President Tinubu faced criticism over the large number of Nigerian delegates registered for the summit.

Despite the controversy, the government clarified that it had funded only 422 individuals to attend, amidst the count of 1,411 registered delegates.

12/06/2023
NIDCOM Boss applauds group for empowering Nigerians in the Diaspora

Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman, Nigerians in the Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) has commended Avenue Impact, a UK- based consultancy firm, for transforming and empowering Nigerians in the Diaspora to enhance their skills and transition into Project professionals not only in the UK but also in the USA, Canada, Europe, and other parts of the world.

Speaking at a networking session with a group of Nigerian professionals in the UK, Dabiri-Erewa also commended them for their support to Nigerians at home to enhance their project management skills and for training and mentoring over 10,000 members of the global Diaspora community.

She further noted the commitment of their various mentees who have themselves turned to mentors and uplifting younger ones .

At the event, which was also attended by the Mayor of Southwark, Mayor Micheal Situ, a number of those who had been trained by Avenue Impact, testified to the tremendous impact the skills acquired had transformed their lives and enhanced their job acquisition and performance.

The NIDCOM boss encouraged them to key into the Commission’s programmes such as National Diaspora Day on July 25, Nigerians Diaspora Investment Summit (NDIS), Badagry Door of Return, Nigeria Diaspora Housing Scheme amongst others.

The Managing director, Mr Funsho Akinwunmi said the event seeks to unite Nigerian Project and IT Professionals, foster networking and discussions on leveraging skills to add value to UK and Nigeria and support the current government’s initiatives.

Earlier, Mr Tunji Ajidahun, Programme Director (Avenue Impact Limited) welcomed all and stressed the commitment of the firm to continue to train Nigerians in the diaspora on skills needed for better placements wherever they find themselves.

Pastor Smart Kemiki – Managing Director of Dominion4Eever Management Limited gave a talk on how to invest wisely in the UK while Dr. Babatunde Adeyemo – CEO of Pelican Valley Estate spoke on investing in Real Estate in Nigeria.

The event was rounded up with a thrilling performance by Music mogul, Paul Play Dairo.

12/05/2023
Nigeria to create the largest electric Mass transit fleet in Africa – Amb Tuggar

Yusuf Tuggar, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs has announced an ambitious initiative to roll out 100 electric buses next year, while perfecting plans to escalate this to 1,000 electric buses in the medium term.

He emphasises that the country aims to create the largest electric mass transit fleet in Africa.

Ambassador Tuggar stressed that the overall plan was to walk the talk by tackling the critical challenges posed by climate change. The Nigerian tip diplomat spoke at the ongoing 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) to the UNFCCC in Dubai.

During his address at the global summit, Tuggar emphasized the urgent necessity for unified global efforts to address the pressing issue of climate change. He highlighted Nigeria’s leadership role in Africa, citing the country’s ambitious yet achievable goals outlined in the Climate Change Act and the establishment of the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC).

“Nigeria has taken concrete steps to convert commitments into actionable climate measures,” Tuggar asserted, underscoring the imperative role of collaboration, innovation, and collective responsibility in combating the intensifying climate crisis.

An This initiative aligns with the administration’s commitment to fostering green projects, generating employment, and industrializing key sectors while curbing emissions.

The Minister emphasized the impact of the severity of the climate emergency on vulnerable communities worldwide.
He also stressed adherence to the Paris Agreement principles, urging all nations to commit to transparent and ambitious climate targets. Nigeria remains dedicated to achieving net-zero emissions by 2060, reaffirming its nationally determined contributions.

Tuggar called upon the global community to transcend political differences and collectively pursue immediate and effective climate solutions. The Minister concluded with a firm commitment to fostering international cooperation, promoting innovation, and securing a sustainable future for generations to come.

Moreover, Tuggar highlighted Nigeria’s backing for initiatives aimed at enhancing climate resilience, technology transfer, and capacity-building in developing nations. He emphasized the significance of financial support from developed nations to aid the transition of developing countries toward low-carbon economies.

12/05/2023
Defend Your Budget: Akpabio Orders MDAs

The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has issued a stern message to Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), cautioning against being lackadaisical in the defense of their budgets for the forthcoming fiscal year.

Akpabio conveyed this warning during an interactive session organized by the Committee on Appropriations titled, “2024 Budget: Budget and Budgetary processes, delivering improved outcomes in 2024,” held on Tuesday at the National Assembly.

Represented by the Deputy Senate President, Senator Jubril Barau, Akpabio emphasized dire consequences for individuals or agencies displaying laxity during budget defenses.

The Minister for Finance, Wale Edun, reinforced the urgent need to explore concessional and climate-related funding, acknowledging Nigeria’s fiscal limitations.

Akpabio reaffirmed the National Assembly’s zero-tolerance policy towards a lackadaisical attitude from government officials across all MDAs during budget defenses. He stressed the need to preserve current commitment of the Federal Government to preserve the January to December budget cycle.

Senate Committee Chairman on Appropriation, Sen. Solomon Olamilakon, highlighted the event’s significance as part of the 10th National Assembly’s efforts to ensure an inclusive budget process and adhere to the January–December budget cycle.

It’s pertinent to recall that President Bola Tinubu presented the proposed 2024 budget of N27.5 trillion at a joint sitting of the National Assembly last week, following which the Senate initiated debates on the budget’s general principles on November 30, 2023, and subsequently passed it for the second reading on December 1, 2023.

12/05/2023
El-Rufai Set To Resume New Job After Missing Tinubu’s Ministerial Appointment

Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, who missed out on Tinubu’s ministerial appointment, is gearing up to embark on a new role as the part-time Chairman of the Board for Afri-Venture Capital Company Ltd.

This announcement comes after his name was not cleared by lawmakers for a ministerial position due to security reasons.

El-Rufai disclosed plans for the VC-PE firm, which aims to support and guide young innovators and entrepreneurs in Nigeria and across Africa.

He shared the news on his X page on Monday , December 4th, expressing optimism about commencing operations in Abuja by January 2024 alongside founding directors Jimi Lawal, Hafiz Bayero, Eyo Ekpo, and Kabir Yabo.

He wrote:

” I can confirm that our VC-PE firm, Afri-Venture Capital Company Ltd will by the Grace of God, begin operations initially in Abuja in January 2024 with Jimi Lawal, Hafiz Bayero, Eyo Ekpo and Kabir Yabo as founding directors and initial shareholders. I am privileged to be the part-time Chairman of the Board.

Please pray for our success and the Nigerian (and in the near future African) innovators and entrepreneurs we hope to finance, nurture, and mentor to be the Dangote Group of the future”.

12/05/2023
Ogun Polytechnic Students Begin Protest Over Robbery Attacks

By Doris Israel Ijeoma

Students at Gateway Polytechnic, Saapade in Ogun State are preparing to stage a peaceful protest due to the surge in armed robbery incidents in their area.

The planned demonstration, scheduled to take place at the polytechnic administration building on Monday, December 4, is aimed at addressing the ongoing security challenges faced by students residing in the community.

This decision follows a distressing incident where a group of armed robbers attacked the Ode-Remo community, a residential area for Gateway Polytechnic students, resulting in the tragic death of a student named Segun.

Reports indicate a concerning increase in robbery activities in the community, causing fear and endangering the safety of residents.

During the recent invasion, the assailants fired shots, looted students’ possessions from hostels, assaulted female students, and inflicted injuries on some individuals, including Francis Dwumfour, who is currently in critical condition.

There are also allegations of sexual assault against female students during these criminal operations.

Students have expressed that these robbery attacks have been an ongoing issue in the area, particularly escalating after the November 19th incident.

The most recent attack occurred on a Saturday morning when armed men stormed the community, broke into hostels, and unleashed violence by shooting students, resulting in the tragic death of Segun and injuries to others.

In response to these distressing events, the students have organized a peaceful protest to draw attention to the urgent need for enhanced security measures and protection for residents in their community.

12/04/2023
Supreme Court Affirms Old, New Naira Notes As Legal Tender

The Supreme Court on Wednesday, ordered that the old N200, N500 and N1000 notes should continue to co-exist with the new notes as they continue to remain legal tender.

The Apex court held that the order insists until the Federal Government put a process in place for its replacement or redesign after due consultation with relevant stake holders.

The seven-man panel led by Justice Inyang Okoro, gave the ruling following an application by the FG, seeking for the court to grant an extension of time for old naira notes to retain in circulation as a legal tender.

The FG also prayed the court to lift its March 3, order noting that the extension of time is necessary as it has not been able to print the volume of new notes that would enable a phase out of old currency before the December 31 order

In the fresh application by the Attorney General of the Federation, AGF, Lateef Fagbemi SAN, the FG further explained that, should the Supreme court decline it’s request to extend the period of circulation of old notes, the country stands the risk of descending into another national, economic and financial crises as witnessed in the first quarter of the year when the naira redesign policy was being implemented under the former CBN governor, Godwin Emefiele.

The Apex court, in a unanimous decision, allowed Fagbemi application in line with the March 3, ruling of the apex court which allowed the old notes continue to be legal tender till December 32, 2023.

Recall that three states, Kaduna, Kogi and Zamfara were the first set of states that headed to the Supreme court, to challenge the naira swap policy announced by the CBN on October 26, 2022.

However, after the Supreme court made its first restraining order in February 8, 2022, thirteen other states joined in the prayer as plaintiffs.

Meanwhile, Edo, and Bayelsa states opted to join the FG as defendants.

At the instance of the court, all the suits were consolidated into one for ease of hearing and determination.

Specifically, the states were not pleased by the way and manner the naira swap policy was announced and implemented.

11/29/2023
5th Day Truce: More Gaza Hostages, Palestinian Inmates Freed

Another 12 hostages held by Hamas in Gaza have returned to Israel via Egypt, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said on Tuesday evening.

This occured as the temporary truce in the Gaza war appeared to hold amid reports of an exchange of fire between the two sides.

According to the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the latest group of freed hostages comprises 10 Israelis and two Thai nationals.

Among the Israeli nationals are senior female citizens – one in her 80s and a 17-year-old teenager, who was released together with her mother.

One of the releases hostages also holds German citizenship, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said on X, formerly Twitter.

This puts the total number of hostages released from Gaza since the beginning of a breakthrough truce agreement between Israel and the Palestinian extremist organisation Hamas on Friday at 81, including 61 Israeli nationals.

In return for the group released from Gaza on Tuesday, 30 Palestinian prisoners were released from different Israeli jails on Tuesday evening, according to the Israeli prison authority.

Among them were 15 women, some of them minors, and 15 male minors, the youngest being 14 years old.

In total, 180 Palestinian prisoners have been released from Israeli prisons since the beginning of the temporary ceasefire negotiated by Qatar and Egypt last week.

In return, Hamas has released a total of 81 hostages, including 61 Israelis.

One male Israeli, who also has Russian citizenship, was released on Monday evening as a gesture of goodwill to Russia, with no Palestinians being released in return.

Some 240 people had been abducted into the Gaza Strip amid the Oct. 7 terrorist attacks on southern Israel by Hamas and other militant groups.

The pause in fighting, which came into effect on Friday morning and was initially set to last four days, has been extended by another two days under the previously negotiated conditions.

It is unclear whether it can be extended further.

The agreement has also facilitated the delivery of urgently needed humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip.

In spite of the ongoing truce, an exchange of fire between Israel and Hamas was reported in the north of the Gaza Strip on Tuesday, according to the Israel army.

Israeli soldiers were reportedly shot at and returned fire.

In addition, a total of three explosive devices exploded next to soldiers at two locations.

This meant that the framework of the ceasefire had been “violated,” the IDF said.

According to the army, several soldiers sustained slight injuries.

The soldiers were at the locations agreed upon as part of the ceasefire.

Hamas confirmed a confrontation with the Israeli army.

The group charged that Israel had violated the truce in the north of the Gaza Strip.

However, Hamas emphasised that it would continue to feel bound to the agreement as long as Israel also felt committed.

Hamas called on mediators Qatar and Egypt to put pressure on Israel to respect the ceasefire.

Netanyahu meanwhile reiterated Israel’s commitment to continue its military campaign in Gaza to destroy Hamas once the truce agreement runs out.

In an interview with German broadcaster Welt TV published on Tuesday, the premier did not comment on for how long the deal could be extended.

“We agreed that women and children as well as the foreign hostages would be released first,” Netanyahu said in the interview, which was conducted in English and later translated by Welt TV into German.

“After that has happened, we will continue the fighting,” he added.

Hamas, who took power in Gaza by force in 2007, had committed the worst murders, Netanyahu said, referring to the brutal Oct. 7 attacks committed by Hamas fighters and other groups from Gaza on Israeli border communities in which some 1,200 people were killed.

“We have absolutely no choice but to destroy Hamas,” Netanyahu said in view of the massacre.

Israel would continue to do everything in its power to spare civilians in the Gaza Strip as much as possible, he said.

However, according to Hamas, almost 15,000 people have already been killed and around 36,000 injured amid Israel’s military campaign in Gaza triggered by the Oct. 7 attacks.

A further 7,000 inhabitants of the densely populated coastal area are considered missing.

The numbers cannot currently be independently verified.

11/29/2023