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Butchers lament poor state of Badagry abattoir

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Butchers in the Badagry area of Lagos State on Monday decried the lack of basic amenities within their abattoir.

Consequently, the butchers, under the aegis of the Alapata Association of Agbalata Market, have called for urgent rehabilitation of the abattoir by the Badagry Local Government Council and the state government.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the call was against the backdrop of the outbreak of Cholera in some parts of the state.

Chairman of the association, Mr Taofeek Mohammed, told NAN in Badagry that the maintenance of the over 40-year-old abattoir was being done by the butchers alone.

“We pay levies to use the abattoir but all the maintenance of the place is being borne by us. We are not seeing the benefits of the money they are collecting from us daily. Presently, the maintenance of the abattoir is getting beyond our capacity; the local government council and the state government should also assist us,” he said.

According to Mohammed, the abattoir lacks basic facilities, including toilets and bathrooms.

He said that several letters had been written to the local government chairman on the need for the basic amenities in the abattoir.

“Also, the office built in the 80s is too small to accommodate members,” he said.

The chairman urged the council boss to help in addressing all the challenges being faced by cow sellers in the area.

Secretary of the association, Mr Abiodun Adebayo, also urged the government to assist members with loan facilities.

Adebayo said that some members of the association had left their jobs for the commercial transportation business due to the current economic hardship.

“Many of our members have left the job for commercial motorcycle driving, while others have become bus conductors because of the economic challenges in the country. The palliatives are not getting to our members; the only way is for the government to give us loans, with favourable conditions for repayment”, he said.

Vice-chairman of the association, Mr Babatunde Yahaya, also appealed to the council chairman to assist in clearing the bushes in the abattoir, saying that members were spending lots of money to tidy up the place.

NAN

Tinubu’s economic reforms meant to refocus our economy – Kwara gov

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Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Monday said that bright days lie ahead for Nigerians in the ongoing reforms embarked on by President Bola Tinubu.

He also said that the President’s economic reforms were meant to refocus the country”s economy and achieve long-term sustainable growth.

Speaking in Ilorin while hosting the Emir of Ilorin, Dr Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari at the annual Bareke, AbdulRazaq pleaded for continuous support for President Tinubu’s administration.

Bareke which is usually held on the second day of Muslim festivals is a colourful cultural event held at the Government House Ilorin during which he hosted the Emir of Ilorin, Dr Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari and his traditional chiefs.

AbdulRazaq said, “The last one year has been a period of determined economic reforms. These reforms are meant to refocus our economy and achieve long-term sustainable growth for our country.”

“We acknowledge how the reforms have affected the purchasing powers of our people. We plead for patience, support, and understanding while different initiatives are designed to bring lasting ease to all.

“As Allaah says, ease is certain to follow a period of difficulties. There is hope on the horizon,” he noted.

AbdulRazaq said his administration is executing various infrastructural projects, agricultural programmes, and economic initiatives to improve the standing of the state.

“This Sallah and before it, we have committed a lot of resources to support vulnerable households and many others across social strata. For sustainable growth and job creation, we are executing various infrastructural projects, agricultural programmes, and economic initiatives to improve the standing of our state,” he said.

“A new national minimum wage is already in the works, along with the consequential adjustments for higher cadres. Kwara will not be left behind in this very important conversation,” he averred.

AbdulRazaq applauded the Emir for his support for the administration and for turning the Ilorin Durbar into a national attraction.

“Tomorrow is Durbar in Ilorin, just as we have some other sociocultural activities in different parts of our state. We thank our communities for reviving our culture. Your Royal Highness stands tall in this regard for how the Durbar is turning out to be a national attraction,” the Governor said.

“I am glad that we have an environment that allows our culture to thrive. I urge our people to be peaceful and orderly as they troop out for these colourful cultural events, which are our heritage.

“I have approved that the Durbar be streamed live on Kwara TV and Radio Kwara (Midland FM and Kakaki FM), including their online platforms, so that everyone can see the beauty of this cultural event.”

Accompanied by a retinue of title holders and community leaders, the Emir commended the Governor for his huge investments in human and infrastructural development of the state, saying he is proud of his remarkable achievements.

“I am proud of your political progression in the state and Nigeria, and I am delighted with your remarkable achievements in different sectors. I must say for your achievement, it is ‘res ipsa loquitur’,” the Emir said.

“The impacts of the Governor could be felt in all spheres of development. In the Governor’s presence, I prayed to God to grant his second term ambition because he did excellently well in the first tenure, and God answered the prayer. You hardly sit in your office due to your commitments towards transforming the state. I am always proud of you, and Kwarans are proud of you. Kwara is witnessing development under your leadership.

“When he came to pay me an appreciation visit, he got a message that he has been appointed as the Chairman of Nigeria Governors Forum and within some minutes, he received another message that he has been nominated for the National Honour of Commander of Order of Niger (CON). Your excellent performance speaks for you. You are a silent achiever, and your achievements are visible even to the blind.”

The Emir urged the people of the state to continue to support the administration of AbdulRazaq for progress and development.

Senior Adviser and Counselor to the Governor, Saadu Salahu had earlier said: “Our people have been giving testimonies for the positive transformation the Governor has given to the state. In all sectors, Your Excellency has provided exemplary leadership. You have shown the way how best governance could be obtained. On all occasions since your assumption of office, you have proved beyond reasonable doubt that you are a true Dahiri of Ilorin Emirate. You have always waited for the Emir in a mark of respect for the Mai Martaba.”

The event was attended by parliamentarians, cabinet members, bureaucrats, and title holders and scholars, including Senator Saliu Mustapha; House of Representatives members Mukhtar Shagaya, Ahmed Yinka Aluko and Ahmed Adam Saba; State House of Assembly Leader Hon. Abdulkadir Oba Magaji; House of assembly members; State Commissioner of Police Victor Olaiya; permanent secretaries; NNPC Non-Executive Director Mohammed Ghali; top party hierarchies led by Chairman Sunday Fagbemi; and the clerics headed by the Chief Imam of Ilorin Sheikh Mohammad Bashir Soliu.

Tinubu mourns Oluremi Atanda

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President Bola Tinubu has mourned the demise of the former Chairman of the Old Oyo State Civil Service Commission, Chief Oluremi Atanda.

In a statement on Monday by his spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, the President also extended his heartfelt condolences to the Atanda family over the passing of their patriarch.

The statement said the late Atanda founded the respected Atanda Continuing Education Centre, which served as a training ground for many students preparing for university education in the South West of Nigeria in the 70s and 80s.

According to the statement, the deceased, who was the Eketa of Iwoland in Osun State, was a member of the 1978 Constituent Assembly and the 1994-1995 Political Reforms Conference.

The statement added: “President Tinubu mourned the renowned educationist and administrator who contributed immensely to the development of Old Oyo State and Nigeria.

“While commiserating with the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Adewale Akanbi, and the people of Iwoland, President Tinubu prayed for the repose of the soul of the elder statesman.”

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from According.

Contact: [email protected]

Nigerian govt’s committee, labour disagree on minimum wage

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The Chairman of the Tripartite Committee on National Minimum Wage, Bukar Goni Aji, has urged Labour to reconsider its minimum wage demand over prevailing economic conditions in the country.
Aji, who addressed journalists at the media briefing in Abuja last weekend, listed various incentives such as the N35,000 wage award for federal workers and N100 billion for gas-fuelled buses as reasons for Labour to accept the government’s offer of N62,000.
The chairman also listed various palliatives and investments in food production, manufacturing, and education as other measures put in place by the government to address the hardship in the country.
He said: “The committee agreed that where major and small businesses were closing down with the consequent loss of jobs, the outcome of a new minimum wage should be such that it would not trigger further massive job losses.”
However, the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, has expressed disappointment in the government’s offer, which appears disconnected from market realities.
In a chat with journalists in Abuja, Ajaero said: “When we requested a breakdown of what constitutes the government’s offer, the response was not forthcoming.
READ ALSO:Former Gov Fayemi says states should negotiate minimum wage they can afford
“This lack of transparency suggests that the government is perhaps aware that its offer does not meet the basic economic needs of Nigerian workers, thereby undermining its credibility
“Perhaps, the government might be ashamed of the paltriness of the offer it was making to Nigerian workers, hence it was too heavy for them to mention.”
The organized labour is demanding N250,000 as a new minimum wage in the country, citing a nationwide survey that reflects the economic realities faced by the average Nigerian family.
The cost of living has increased significantly, with prices of basic commodities skyrocketing and purchasing power severely eroded.
Labour’s demand is based on current market prices, and they have urged the government to present a realistic offer that reflects the cost of living and the dignity of Nigerian workers.
The post Nigerian govt’s committee, labour disagree on minimum wage appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.

Chief Imam’s Sallah ram stolen in Jos

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Drama as the sacrificial ram of the Chief Imam of the Mista Ali community in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State, Imam Abdulkadir went missing on the eve of the Ed-el-Kabir.

Abdulkadir’s ram was reportedly stolen during a heavy downpour in the area on the eve of the Ed-el-Kabir.

An Imam in the community, Haruna Yaqub, disclosed this during the sermon, shortly after the two Raka’at prayers.

Yaqub who condemned the incident, described it as “insensitive”.

He added that the act showed that people lack fear for God.

The Imam said, “The Ram of our Chief Imam, which he purposely bought to sacrifice, has been stolen in the night. We are really shocked by the incident. We were surprised to hear this story. This means that people are not God-fearing.

“It is scary that people have gone to the extent of stealing ram meant for religious activity.”

Speaking further, he urged people to be God-fearing and not engage in either stealing or any act of criminality.

He stressed that everyone will account for their actions on earth and hereafter.

“It is high time people repented and took the path of Allah. It is not too late. People should stop committing bad things and act according to Allah’s commandments,” he urged.

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from According.

Contact: [email protected]

Nigerian govt’s committee, labour disagree over minimum wage

0

The Chairman of the Tripartite Committee on National Minimum Wage, Bukar Goni Aji, has urged Labour to reconsider its minimum wage demand over prevailing economic conditions in the country.
Aji, who addressed journalists at the media briefing in Abuja last weekend, listed various incentives such as the N35,000 wage award for federal workers and N100 billion for gas-fuelled buses as reasons for Labour to accept the government’s offer of N62,000.
The chairman also listed various palliatives and investments in food production, manufacturing, and education as other measures put in place by the government to address the hardship in the country.
He said: “The committee agreed that where major and small businesses were closing down with the consequent loss of jobs, the outcome of a new minimum wage should be such that it would not trigger further massive job losses.”
However, the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, has expressed disappointment in the government’s offer, which appears disconnected from market realities.
In a chat with journalists in Abuja, Ajaero said: “When we requested a breakdown of what constitutes the government’s offer, the response was not forthcoming.
READ ALSO:Former Gov Fayemi says states should negotiate minimum wage they can afford
“This lack of transparency suggests that the government is perhaps aware that its offer does not meet the basic economic needs of Nigerian workers, thereby undermining its credibility
“Perhaps, the government might be ashamed of the paltriness of the offer it was making to Nigerian workers, hence it was too heavy for them to mention.”
The organized labour is demanding N250,000 as a new minimum wage in the country, citing a nationwide survey that reflects the economic realities faced by the average Nigerian family.
The cost of living has increased significantly, with prices of basic commodities skyrocketing and purchasing power severely eroded.
Labour’s demand is based on current market prices, and they have urged the government to present a realistic offer that reflects the cost of living and the dignity of Nigerian workers.
The post Nigerian govt’s committee, labour disagree over minimum wage appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.

GUO founder builds classrooms, hostels for less-privileged

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An Anambra State transport mogul and the founder of GUO Motors, Sir Godwin Okeke, has built a set of classrooms, lodging and learning theatres for the less-privileged people in the state to enable them to have access to quality education.

The classrooms, lodging, hostels, dormitories and vocational centres were equipped with learning facilities.

Speaking during the handing over of the structure in Onitsha, on Sunday, Okeke said the gesture was his way of giving the needy in the society a sense of belonging, following the increasing number of street beggars, including the people living with disabilities roaming the streets every day.

Okeke said, “I and my wife took it upon ourselves to invest in the less-privileged and people with disabilities by building a massive structure for lodging, classrooms for better learning, providing teachers to teach them and enough food for them to eat.

“As also part of celebrating my 75th birthday and my wife’s 70th birthday, we both decided to pay over N30 million to the various accounts of the elderly parents of the society. We did this work just to encourage other rich men in society to come out and invest in the less privileged.

He noted that by doing this, the rate of crime, unemployment and hunger in Nigeria would be reduced making Nigeria, a country worthy of emulation. He added that alongside his wife, Patricia, both with the support of their children have been helping the less privileged for the past 10 years.

“We are happy doing this and will continue to do this, hoping that God is the one that will pay us back. In marking our birthday, we decided to put up two massive structures just to assist people with disabilities. One is a storey building of classrooms with over eight big classrooms and the other is a school hostel, which is well equipped. I supplied enough food, teaching materials and free transport for movements.

“I have given out over N30million in cash to the less-privileged and the elderly, yet we are ready to do more. And I and my wife are doing all this to tell the world that such ones need help and let the rich start helping the poor and the people in need,” he explained.

Gunmen abduct Catholic priest in Anambra

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Gunmen have kidnapped an Anambra State-based priest of the Catholic Church, Reverend Father Christian Ike.

Ike was said to have been taken away by the assailants on Sunday, along Amagu junction, Ndiokpaleke in Ajali community in Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State.

The reason for the incident has yet to be ascertained, but eyewitnesses in the area said the priest was returning alongside two other persons from an early morning Mass at St. Michael Catholic Church, when the vehicle he was moving in, was double-crossed by the assailants.

The source said, “The priest and two other persons were returning from St. Micheal Catholic Church, where they attended morning service.

“On getting to Amagu Junction, their vehicle was double-crossed by armed men operating in three vehicles, while the other two other persons escaped the scene, the criminals took away the priest and some personal belongings of the occupants in the vehicle.”

The latest abduction will be the second incident in two months as it would be recalled that another priest, Reverend Father Basil Gbuzuo, was kidnapped near Onitsha, on May 15, by unknown gunmen.

Gbuzuo was later released some weeks later after some undisclosed amount of ransom was paid to his captors.

Confirming the incident, the Anambra State police spokesman, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the command has heard about the incident and has deployed its intelligence and operational assets for his possible rescue unhurt.

Ikenga said, “Anambra State Police Command received the information of the abduction of Rev Father Christian Ike and has deployed its intelligence and operational assets of the Command for possible rescue unhurt.

“Eyewitness account revealed by 10:30 am on 16/6/2024, the priest and two others were returning from St. Micheal Catholic Church Ndiokpaleke where they attended morning service, along Amagu Junction, they were double-crossed by armed men operating in three vehicles, while the other two escaped the scene, the criminals took away the priest and some personal belongings of the occupants in the vehicle.

“To this end, the Command has activated its intelligence and operational assets for possible arrest of the assailants and rescue unhurt of the priest.”

He added that further development shall be communicated as it unfolds.

Firm plans free eye surgery for elderly in Lagos

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Sterling Homes is set to celebrate its 14th anniversary with a community service project aimed at promoting eye health among the elderly.

This was contained in a statement made available to According Online on Monday.

According to the statement, the company will provide free eye check-ups, free eyeglasses, consultations and cataract surgery for up to 200 elderly individuals residing in various parts of Lagos state.

The statement partly reads, “The beneficiaries of this initiative will be selected from the Berger, Ojodu, Ogba, Ketu Isheri, Magodo, Arepo, Mowe, Simawa, Olowoira, and Ikeja areas of Lagos State. To ensure the most deserving individuals receive this care, Sterling Homes is inviting the public to nominate elderly residents who could benefit from these services.

“Nominations can be made by visiting the Sterling Homes website at www.sterlinghomesltd.com and filling out the nomination form. Alternatively, nominations can be submitted by calling the company or via their Instagram page.”

The statement added that while speaking on the initiative, the CEO of Sterling Homes, Dr. Kunle Adeyemi, emphasised the importance of the initiative as part of the company’s commitment to community service.

Adeyemi stated, “This anniversary is not just a milestone for us, but a reminder of our ongoing responsibility to give back to the communities that have supported us over the years.

“We recognise the importance of good vision for maintaining independence and quality of life, especially among the elderly. This initiative aims to address a critical need and make a positive impact on the lives of our senior citizens.”

He added that the drive behind the initiative is rooted in the company’s desire to support the most vulnerable members of society.

He also noted that by providing free eye care, the real estate firm hopes to alleviate some of the challenges faced by the elderly and enhance their ability to live independently.

“We believe that every individual deserves access to quality healthcare, and this is our way of contributing to that goal. Sterling Homes has allocated over 20 million naira for this initiative, reflecting its dedication to community service and social responsibility.

“Our goal is to make a tangible difference in the lives of the elderly, helping them live normal lives despite
the challenges they may face,” he added.

Adeyemi assured all that the nomination process is straightforward and allows family members, friends, and community members to nominate elderly individuals who might benefit from this initiative.

According to him, all nominees will undergo a vetting process, and successful candidates will be contacted with details on how they can receive their treatments.

CMD laments ‘Japa’ syndrome on Bayelsa medical centre

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The Chief Medical Director, Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa in Bayelsa, Dr James Omietimi has revealed that the major challenge confronting and still lingering in the health facility is the  ‘Japa’ syndrome.

Omietimi disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Monday in Yenagoa.

According to him, the Japa syndrome has impacted negatively on our healthcare delivery system in Nigeria today.

NAN reports that the new CMD has worked with the hospital for over 25 years as staff before his appointment a few months ago.

He highlighted some of the challenges faced due to the departure of health professionals seeking better opportunities abroad and also the rate at which health professionals were being kidnapped in the country.

“This Japa movement has been a major challenge, not only for us here in FMC Yenagoa but most of the hospitals across Nigeria as a country.

“Most of our doctors, nurses, pharmacists and lab scientists are leaving Nigeria for greener pastures abroad and at an alarming rate.

“This movement has led to understaffing here and a big workload on the remaining medical professionals,” he said.

The CMD stated also other aspects included poor remuneration and a lack of security for personnel and infrastructure development.

He called for the retirement age for medical health workers to increase from 60 to 65, or even 70 years, as it was done in other professions like university lectures and judges.

Omietimi reassured the general public of the hospital’s commitment to providing medical services, in spite shortage of clinical personnel.

He said the FMC had grown from what it used to be then and has remained one of the best hospitals in Bayelsa that served the people better.

According to him, government hospitals are not always funded like the private hospitals.

He urged the Bayelsa Government led by Gov. Douye Diri, to open doors for partnerships in the state’s medical sector and not only when there were major problems.

NAN