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States should be allowed to determine minimum wage -Katsina gov

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States should be allowed to determine minimum wage -Katsina gov

The Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda, has argued that states should be allowed to determine their minimum wage, based on a minimum standard set by the Federal Government, noting that challenges and revenues generated differed between states.

Governor Dikko stated this when he appeared as a guest on Channels Television’s Politics Today, on Friday evening.

The According reports that the labour unions, the Nigerian Labour Congress, and the Trade Union Congress had last month, submitted a proposal of N615,000 minimum wage to the tripartite committee set up by the FG.

While the government did not announce an increment in minimum wage during the Workers’ Day celebration held on Wednesday, the FG announced a 25 and 35 per cent wage award for workers, which the NLC President, Joe Ajaero described as “mischievous.”

However, Dikko said sub-nationals should be allowed to come up with their standards for increments in the minimum wage, which the various states would be able to afford.

“So, I think on the issue of the minimum wage, we agree that the Federal government can have a minimum standard of the minimum wage, but sub-nationals should be allowed to come up with a reasonable standard within which their economy can be able to afford.

“That is my view and that is the view of some of our colleagues. Yes, we have agreed that there should be a minimum wage, but there should be a minimum standard within which the sub-nationals can address it”, he said.

Asked whether Katsina state would opt to pay N70,000 as minimum wage like one of its counterparts in Edo states, the governor said “I don’t know what comes into the Edo state coffers, so the governor is at the liberty to say whatever amount he can afford”.

He noted that some states were still unable to pay the N30,000 minimum wage, adding that the state would need to consider its revenue and the strength of its civil service to determine exactly how much it could pay its workers.

“For me to sit down here and tell you that this is the amount that I will agree to pay my civil servants, I cannot do it. Because we are running a government, we need to take this thing into executive council to sit down with all the important people in government, look at our revenue, look at our expenditure, look at the strength of our civil servants before we can conclude.

“You would remember that even the N30,000 minimum wage that was agreed upon over the years, there are some states that up till now, have not implemented the N30,000 minimum wage. So, we have to be very careful and look at it holistically so that we can address the issue appropriately,” he added.

Police abduct FIJ reporter, Daniel Ojukwu ‘On IGP’s Orders’

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Police abduct FIJ reporter, Daniel Ojukwu ‘On IGP’s Orders’

A journalist with the Foundation for Investigative Journalism, Daniel Ojukwu, has been reportedly abducted by the Intelligence Response Team of the Inspector General of Police.

Ojukwu is currently being held at the State Criminal Investigation Department, Panti, in Lagos State, FIJ reports.

Ojukwu was said to have gone missing on Wednesday and was unreachable as his numbers were switched off and his whereabouts unknown to colleagues, family and friends.

Twenty-four hours after he went missing, FIJ made a missing person report at police stations in the area where Ojukwu was headed.

However, on Friday, a private detective hired by FIJ tracked the last active location of his phones to an address in Isheri Olofin, a location FIJ now believes was where the police originally picked him up.

According to the FIJ report, Ojukwu’s family learned of his detention at Panti and understood that authorities were accusing him of violating the 2015 Cybercrime Act.

A relative who visited him told FIJ that the authorities refused to provide contact details of the Investigating Police Officer on jurisdictional grounds as the case was beyond Lagos.

“The arresting officers are part of the IG Monitoring Team. They said when they are done arresting the other people on their watchlist in Lagos, they would transfer him and others to Abuja,” FIJ quoted the family member as saying.

The Nigeria Police Force is yet to speak on Ojukwu’s abduction.

His abduction came at a time Nigerian journalists, on Thursday, joined their counterparts across the globe to mark the World Press Freedom Day.

FIJ noted that on this same day last year, World Press Freedom Day 2023, men of the Area F Police in Lagos arrested Ojukwu for telling them to stop punching a driver.

According to the FIJ, when the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre grilled Bukky Shonibare, the chairman of FIJ’s Board of Trustees, at their Abuja office in March, they had mentioned FIJ’s story on how Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, the then Senior Special Assistant on Sustainable Development Goals (SSAP-SDGs) to the President, paid N147.1 million to an account traced to Enseno Global Ventures (Enseno GV), an Abuja-based restaurant, for — guess what — the construction of a classroom!

Seven days later, Ademuyiwa Adejobi, Police Public Relations Officer, then told ‘Politics Today’, a Channels TV programme anchored by Seun Okinbaloye, that there were “two or three weighty allegations” against FIJ and its founder ‘Fisayo Soyombo.

Niger police arrest four ex-convicts for armed robbery

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Niger police arrest four ex-convicts for armed robbery

The Niger State Police Command has arrested four ex-convicts after they conspired and robbed a Minna residence of valuables worth millions of naira.

The suspects, Yahaya Mohammed, Ayuba Simon, Menasse Makama and Nuhu Azuka; confessed to their crimes during interrogation.

The command’s spokesman, Wasiu Abiodun made this known on Friday in a statement in which he said the suspects were arrested following a complaint received from a concerned resident.

“On 15/4/2024 at about 0250hrs, we received a direct complaint from the Brighter area of Minna, that some suspected armed robbers invaded a residence within the area, robbed the victim and carted away one Honda Odyssey vehicle and other valuables.

“On receipt of the complaint, police operatives attached to Crack Squad of the Command swung into action. With the aid of technical intelligence and information received from the community, the  notorious suspects were arrested;

“During interrogation, the suspects confessed to the crime and other previous thuggery and armed robberies, in which they had previously served a jail term,” the statement read.

Abiodun added that “the confessions of the suspects led to the recovery of the Honda Odyssey vehicle with Reg. No. AG 400 PAK, one POS machine, a Samsung TV, two standing fans and other valuables from them.”

He also disclosed that the suspects would be charged in court as soon as investigations were concluded.

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[ICYMI] Nigerians’ spending power rose in recent times — Tinubu’s spokesperson

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[ICYMI] Nigerians’ spending power rose in recent times — Tinubu’s spokesperson

President Bola Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, said Nigerians have experienced a significant increase in their spending power in the past months.

During an interview with TVC News, he discussed the performance of the Nigerian naira in relation to the US dollar.

Ngelale said, “It couldn’t have been perhaps two months ago. I think that is less the case now when you consider the fact that Nigerians have borne witness that the spending power of Nigerians has substantially increased over the course of the last one month plus, given the reforms that have been put in place by this administration, even within the Central Bank of Nigeria.

“Nigerians are recognising that there is a level of stability. Not just strength. It’s one thing to bring strength to the currency, and it’s another thing entirely to bring stability to the currency. To not have it fluctuating so dramatically up and down obviously enables Nigerians to effectively plan.”

The resurfacing of the video interview on social media on Friday has sparked outrage among Nigerians, who lament that the current economic hardships starkly contradict the statements made in the interview.

This comes at a time when the Nigerian economy is grappling with significant challenges, plunging millions of citizens into severe economic hardship.

In recent times, the country has been facing prolonged inflation, causing prices of essential goods and services to soar to levels unaffordable for many.

The situation has been further compounded by the recent increase in fuel prices and the devaluation of the naira, resulting in a drastic reduction in the purchasing power of Nigerians.

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Tinubu targets increased gas production, unveils plants in Delta, Imo

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Tinubu targets increased gas production, unveils plants in Delta, Imo

President Bola Tinubu will commission three critical gas infrastructure projects undertaken by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited and its partners.

They are the AHL Gas Processing Plant 2 in Delta State, the ANOH Gas Processing Plant, and the ANOH-OB3 CTMS Gas Pipeline Projects in Imo State. The gas projects have a combined estimated output of 1,400 million standard cubic feet per day.

Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, disclosed this in a statement he signed Friday titled ‘President Tinubu to commission critical gas infrastructure projects.’

“The projects support the federal government’s effort to grow value from the nation’s gas assets while eliminating gas flaring…and deepen domestic gas supply as a critical enabler for economic prosperity,” said Ngelale.

The AHL Gas Processing Plant 2 is an expansion to the Kwale Gas Processing Plant, which currently supplies about 130MMscf/d of gas to the domestic market.

The processing plant is designed to process 200MMscf/d of rich gas and deliver lean gas through the OB3 Gas Pipeline. However, the facility already injecting gas is scheduled to ramp up to 180mmscfd by the end of May.

Ngelale said this additional gas supply will “support further rapid industrialisation of Nigeria” and also “produce about 160,000 MTPA of Propane and 100,000 MTPA of Butane, which will reduce the dependency on LPG Imports.”

The AHL Gas Plant is being developed by AHL Limited, an incorporated Joint Venture owned by NNPC Limited and SEEPCO.

Meanwhile, the ANOH gas plant is an integrated 300MMscf/d capacity gas processing plant designed to process non-associated gas from the Assa North-Ohaji South field in Imo State.

The plant will produce dry gas, condensate, and LPG. The gas from the ANOH plant will significantly increase the domestic gas supply, leading to increased power generation and accelerated industrialisation.

The ANOH Gas Plant is being developed by ANOH Gas Processing Company, an incorporated Joint Venture owned by NNPC Limited and Seplat Energy Plc on a 50-50 basis.

With the facility mechanically completed in December 2023, the NNPC says it is finalising pre-commissioning activities.

Third is the ANOH-OB3 CTMS Gas Pipeline Project, which the Presidency said involves the engineering, procurement, and construction of 36”x23.3km ANOH-OB3 Project.

“The Transmission Gas Pipeline will evacuate dry gas from the Assa North-Ohaji South primary treatment facility to the OB3 Custody Transfer Metering Station for delivery into the OB3 pipeline system,” read the statement.

About 600MMscf/d is estimated to be available from two separate 2 x 300MMscf/d capacity gas processing production trains from AGPC & SPDC JV.

The 23.3km Anoh-OB3 PPL is scheduled for mechanical completion by May 15, 2024.

When commissioned, the projects will increase gas supply to the domestic market by approximately 500mmscf/d, creating a better investment climate and promoting balanced economic growth cumulatively, the Presidential Spokesman affirmed

Zamfara establishes economic planning board

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Zamfara establishes economic planning board

The Governor of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal, has approved the establishment of the Zamfara Economic Planning Board.

This was said to be part of measures to promote sustainable development and growth in the state.

Lawal’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Idris, said in a statement on Friday.

“The Economic Planning Board will go a long way in ensuring the state attends all its economic policies for the betterment of the good people of Zamfara State,” he stated.

He explained that the decision was part of key resolutions at the end of an extraordinary meeting of the state Executive Council at the Government House.

He said, “The Zamfara Economic Planning Board will develop and implement economic policies and plans to promote sustainable development and growth in the state which is expected to play a key role in driving economic progress and prosperity in the region.

“The Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Hon. Abdulmalik Abubakar Gajam, will head the Board.

“The Board will be a collaborative effort, comprising all State Executive Council members, Chairmen of the Local Government Areas as well as key drivers of the state economy within the civil service.

“The Board is similar to the National Economic Council.”

In March Lawal hosted the Sweden Ambassador, Annika Hahn-Englund, in partnership on how to grow the state economy and address the current hardships.

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World Press Freedom Day: Nigerian governors laud journalists

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World Press Freedom Day: Nigerian governors laud journalists

Nigerian governors have commended journalists for their commitment to the tenets of the profession as they mark the 2024 World Press Freedom Day.

The theme for this year’s event is, ”A press for the planet: Journalism in the face of environmental crisis.”

Every year on May 3, World Press Freedom Day is observed to emphasise the value of free speech and journalism in light of contemporary global issues.

Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Yahaya, has urged journalists to continue to uphold their role as watchdogs of the society and guardians of public interests while embracing the responsibilities that come with their profession.

The World Press Freedom Day, he said, “serves as a call to affirm the importance of cherishing information as a public good, and exploring what can be done in the production, distribution and reception of content to strengthen journalism, and to advance transparency and empowerment while leaving no one behind.”

Meanwhile, the Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, praised the sacrifices and contributions of media practitioners in deepening the democratic space.

In a statement by the Special Adviser on Media to the Governor, Ismaila Isah, on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day on Friday, Governor Ododo eulogised the press for its role in holding the government to account in the delivery of dividends of democracy to the people.

“As Governor, I am proud to recognise the crucial role that journalists and the vibrant press play in holding those in power accountable and shedding light on the programmes and policies of the government in the way that the people need to be told,” Ododo said.

He added, “On this World Press Freedom Day, I honour the bravery of the men and women who have dedicated their lives to the pursuit of truth and transparency and promoting understanding in the democratic space.”

The Lagos State Government also expressed appreciation for the dedication of journalists in upholding the principles of their profession.

“The administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu will continue to encourage Press Freedom and provide an enabling environment for good journalism to flourish,” Commissioner for Information and Strategy Gbenga Omotoso said in a statement issued today.

Calling on journalists to rededicate themselves to courageous and objective journalism, Omotoso quoted Sanwo-Olu as saying that the theme of this year’s celebration, “A Press for the Planet: Journalism in the Face of the Environmental Crisis,” lends credence to the need for professionals to pay attention to the unconventional events that have confronted the environment, particularly climate change, across nations.

Appeal Court stops Yahaya Bello’s contempt proceedings against EFCC

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Appeal Court stops Yahaya Bello’s contempt proceedings against EFCC

The Court of Appeal, Abuja division on Friday, issued an order stopping the contempt suit filed by the immediate past governor of Kogi State, Mr Yahaya Bello, against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

Recall that Bello had filed a fundamental human rights suit against the EFCC to protect himself from being arrested and detained.

Justice Isa Abdullahi Jamil of the Kogi State High Court delivered a ruling on February 9, where he issued an interim order restraining the EFCC from arresting, detaining, persecuting, or prosecuting Bello pending the determination of the suit.

The anti-graft on its part, filed an appeal to set aside the ruling but later withdrew the appeal because it has been overtaken by events.

This is after the commission filed a suit against Bello at the Federal High Court Abuja that issued an arrest warrant against the ex-governor

However, Bello again approached the Kogi High Court and filed a contempt suit before Justice Jamil.

Consequently, the anti-graft agency approached the Appeal Court to stay the contempt proceedings initiated by Bello against its chairman, Ola Olukoyode.

A three-member panel of the appellate court presided over by Justice Joseph Oyewole, assisted by Justice P. C. Obiora and Justice Okon Abang, granted the request of EFCC, staying the execution and contempt proceeding.

A team of lawyers led by Jibrin Okutepa, (SAN), alongside Eko Ejembi Eko, (SAN) Abdulkareem Musa, Esq, and David Ojogbane Akogu, Esq all appeared for EFCC.

In granting the orders, Justice Oyewole held that the motion ex-parte had merit and adjourned the hearing of the motion on notice to the 20th day of May 2024.

The court in Appeal No: CA/ABJ/CV/413/2024, also ordered for substituted service of all the processes in the case to be pasted at No 9 Bengazi Steet Wuse Zone 4, Abuja, being the last known address of Yahaya Bello.

The justice said, “The 2nd motion moved for an order to serve the respondent Yahaya Bello all the processes in the appeal by substituted means through the mode stated on the face of the motion is hereby granted.

“The court grants the motion that processes be served through substituted means by pasting on the gate of the last known address of the respondent”.

itel Takes S24 Smartphone To Nigerian Campuses With MTN, Imagine Cinemas and Google

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itel Takes S24 Smartphone To Nigerian Campuses With MTN, Imagine Cinemas and Google

In a bid to celebrate creativity and foster a sense of community engagement, itel, in partnership with MTN Nigeria, Google, and Imagine Cinemas, orchestrated the highly anticipated “itel S24 Shoot and Chill”campus activation across two prominent Nigerian institutions, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) and the University of Uyo (UNIUYO).

Spread over two exhilarating days, the event proved to be a delightful amalgamation of photography finesse and cinematic indulgence. Day one kicked off with an immersive photography training session, where enthusiasts and students alike were tutored on the nuances of capturing captivating moments with the latest itel S24 smartphone. From mastering the art of composition to understanding lighting techniques, attendees delved deep into the realm of visual storytelling under the expert guidance provided. Doyin David, former Big Brother Nigeria housemate was a celebrity guest at the event.

Transitioning seamlessly into day two, participants were treated to an unforgettable movie night out, curated to provide an immersive cinematic experience like never before. Against the backdrop of starlit skies and palpable excitement, attendees reveled in the magic of storytelling through film, fostering lasting memories and forging new connections.

The event, spearheaded by itel Mobile, underscored the brand’s commitment to nurturing talent and fostering creative expression amongst Nigerian youth. Partnerships with industry giants such as MTN Nigeria, Google, and Imagine Cinemas further amplified the event’s impact, elevating it to a platform where innovation thrived and camaraderie flourished.

In a quick chat, the Marketing Manager for itel Nigeria, Oke Umurhohwo, expressed his delight in the creation of Shoot and Chill.

“The itel S24 Shoot and Chill event is definitely a success, as we were able to merge students’ passion for fun and learning seamlessly into one event. People can now see how amazing the itel S24 is with photography, and that was our goal”.

As the curtains drew to a close, attendees were rewarded for their participation and ingenuity, with cash prizes and coveted gifts up for grabs. Notably, students who showcased exceptional prowess in capturing moments with the itel S24 were bestowed with a cash reward of N200,000, further fueling their passion for photography and innovation.

The itel S24 Shoot and Chill Campus Tour not only encapsulated the essence of artistic expression but also served as a testament to itel’s unwavering commitment to empowering Nigerian youth through immersive and transformative experiences. As echoes of laughter and camaraderie lingered in the air, it was evident that the event had succeeded in leaving an indelible mark on all who attended, fostering a sense of unity and celebration within the vibrant community.

Don’t rush your children’s education, don cautions parents

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Don’t rush your children’s education, don cautions parents

He gave the advice while delivering the 256th inaugural lecture at the University of Ilorin on Thursday.

Fasasi spoke against the backdrop of children who gained admission into the university at a tender age.

He said parents should allow their children to mature before completing their education to be able to face the exigencies of life.

According to the university lecturer, both physical and mental development will prepare a child to cope with the rigours and challenges of life.

Recall that the Minister of Education, Professor Tahir Mamman, while monitoring the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination in Abuja said that the Federal Government plans to review and peg the minimum entry age into Tertiary Institutions in the country at 18 years.

The minister advised parents against pushing their children and wards “too much” to allow them to attain some level of maturity to be able to better manage their affairs.

Meanwhile, speaking in an interview with our correspondent after delivering his lecture titled “Holding Education Accountable For Resources and Results”, Fasasi cautioned parents and guardians from rushing their wards into higher institutions.

He said, “Parents and stakeholders should be sensitized on psycho-emotional and other consequences inherent in allowing double promotion for their wards.”

The lecturer added that an immature child would not be able to face the exigencies of life.

He urged strict adherence to the National Policy on Education on admission.

“The national policy on education has divided education into stages and accompanied same with ages, but parents are in a hurry. Parents have forgotten that there are stages for the mental and physical development of a child.

“If a child is not well-developed physically and mentally and is rushed to a higher institution he will misbehave in the future,” he added.

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