Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris has stated that President Bola Tinubu is already protesting the economic hardship in the country by addressing food availability and affordability.
He stated this during a press briefing at the presidential villa in Abuja on Monday.
According to him, “the president has listened to the voices of all those who are planning this protest. And the message is that there is no need for it,” he said.
“Indeed, the president is already protesting on their behalf by doing those things that they want a government to do. For example, the effort that the government is making in ensuring that food is being made available.
“The last council meeting here at the briefing, we announced that a number of trucks, 20 precisely, had been given to the state governors for onward distribution to those who actually are in need of them to the poorest of the poor in society and those who are actually in need. Food being made available.
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“But the government did not stop there, there is also rice that is being sold at about 50 percent of its cost — a bag of rice is being sold as we speak now.
“This rice has been taken to various centres across all the states of the federation and is being sold at N40,000. Centres have been created so that those who need this rice can go there and buy this rice at N40,000.
“In the first instance, about 10 trucks have been made available to each of these states and indeed this is just the beginning. I know that some of the comments you hear are that it is never enough.
“The government has not pretended that these supplies are indeed enough. But these are necessary first steps that are being made, and more of such interventions are being made in the interim.”
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HARDSHIP: Tinubu is also protesting on behalf of citizens —Information minister, Idris
N70,000 minimum wage demonstrates Tinubu’s love for Nigerian workers – Lado
The Special Adviser to the President on Senate Matters, Sen. Basheer Lado, has said the signing into law the recently passed new minimum wage reflected President Bola Tinubu’s feeling for the plight of Nigerians.
Lado noted this in a statement made available to TVN in Abuja on Tuesday, stressing that the expeditious passage and assent to the minimum wage bill demonstrated that President Tinubu was a man of his words.
He added that it was a promise kept for the Nigerian workers and the citizens too, adding that, “with time, the people-centric governance model would turn the fortunes of this nation.”
The presidential aide recalled that Tinubu promised Nigerian workers a living wage during his electioneering campaign, hence, the signing of the bill into law was a word kept, adding that the provision for upward review of the wage for workers every three years against the former five years was a good development.
He said: “This shows that workers take home pay will continue to take them home under the present administration.
“The President deserves the commendation of all for staying true to his promise.”
Lado also commended Nigerian workers for their resilience and contribution to nation building over the years.
He urged them to put in more effort in the delivery of effective services for the growth and development of the nation.
He further commended the Organised Labour Movement led by President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joe Ajaero and President of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Comrade Festus Osifo.
He lauded their painstaking, mature and peaceful negotiations that led to the over 100 per cent rise in workers’ wages from N30,000 to N70,000.
Lado equally commended the National Assembly, led by President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abass for the swift passage of the Minimum Wage Bill.
N70,000 minimum wage demonstrates Tinubu’s love for Nigerian workers – Lado
Ghana president, Mahama felicitates with Dr Stanley Uzochukwu at 40
Former Ghanaian President, John Dramani Mahama has sent a message of felicitation to Nigerian young businesses leader, Dr Stanley Uzochukwu on his 40th birthday.
President Mahama acknowledged and highlighted the successes of Dr Stanley in his 30s and wished he could replicate his investments in Ghana.
He said, “Stanley, you are more than a friend to me. I consider you more like my younger brother. It’s four (4) decades (forty years) since you came into this world and yet you’ve achieved far more than somebody else will achieve in a lifetime.
“I wish you all the best on this happy day. I wish you good luck; I wish you long life, good health and may God continue to prosper you.
“You are doing well in your business in the Oil and Gas sector and may more opportunities open up to you.
“Aside from that, your iconic investment which is The Delborough Hotel is such a wonderful place to stay. I consider it a home away from home and you have hosted me several times there.
“You hosted other important dignitaries and that shows the standard of The Delborough. Prince Harry, Meghan and the Angolan President and many other people have found it very comfortable to live in The Delborough.
“I’m looking forward to you duplicating The Delborough here in Ghana in the future as I told you already.
“Your philanthropy is also renowned and your work especially in the education space is going to be very beneficial to the children of Nigeria. May God continue to prosper you so that you can continue to share your kindness to others who are not as fortunate.
“Happy birthday my brother Stanley and God bless you.”
Ghana president, Mahama felicitates with Dr Stanley Uzochukwu at 40
TETFUND mulls learn to work scheme in varsities, others
The Tertiary Education Trust Fund has expressed readiness to establish a “learn to work” scheme in Nigerian campuses in collaboration with industry partners to provide outsourcing employment opportunities for Nigerian students while studying in schools.
The scheme which will link qualified students with industries globally, could guarantee their employment as soon as they graduate from tertiary institutions.
According to a statement, Tuesday, signed by the Fund’s Director of Public Affairs, AbdulMumin Oniyangi, the Executive Secretary of TETFund, Sonny Echono disclosed this at a meeting with the leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students in Abuja, on Monday.
He described the scheme as “A big programme coming to you on campus.”
Echono added, “This programme will ensure that while you are doing your own academic programmes in various subject areas, you would be given an opportunity to be trained in various areas of ICT, and technology, and also be attached to global companies so that you can get outsourcing work while you are in school and you will earn significant income.
“So for the students who are going to key into this programme which will be launched very soon on a national scale. We are supporting all the institutions to be able to create the conditions where these students are learning.”
According to him, students from countries such as Vietnam, India, Cambodia, China and others were already enjoying the programme, adding that 24 million Indian students were earning these funds while in school.
He continued, “Learn to work will provide opportunities for Nigerian students to be able, even in the course of their work, earn a living and to be guaranteed employment immediately they finish their school.
“It’s happening in Africa, it’s happening in Tanzania, Rwanda, it’s happening in South Africa, it’s happening in Egypt, Morocco and Algeria.”
The TETFund boss also noted that the government recently launched the student loan scheme because it felt that no Nigerian student should drop out of school because of the economic circumstances of the parents.
He further stated that once the scheme is launched, the partners will visit institutions and administer aptitude tests on students to select those who can meet their criteria for selection before engaging them in training.
According to him, the training will be on over 40 disciplines, where they have designed curriculum standardised and tied it to the needs of the particular sector and industry, adding that many companies around the globe today are having issues around hiring.
He further stated that the engagement will be spread to all tertiary institutions across the country and not only limited to Abuja and Lagos.
Speaking on universities’ revenue, he described the education sector as a social sector and not a revenue-generating sector, stressing that “when you say Institutions: universities, polytechnics and colleges of education should start contributing of 50 per cent IGR, they really don’t have IGR.
“These are just service charges that are far less than what is required for them to operate, and if you try and take that one from them too, invariably, you are asking them to begin to charge our own students and to transfer that burden.
“So again our father has said we should not charge that to the schools. So we are very thankful again to Mr President for that. There are so many things he is thinking and doing for the students.
On the provision of electricity on the campuses, he said TETFund has commenced conversations, with relevant stakeholders such as the Ministry of Power to find a way to address the issue of power supply in its beneficiary institutions.
“It’s going to be one of the major issues we are going to look at when we call our major stakeholders meeting of all heads of schools. We have to put our heads together to see how we need to have alternative power sources that will reduce the burden.
“As I speak, some universities are getting N300 million, N400 million bill for electricity in one month. How can they cope? Some are even rationing; they have light for only four hours a day.
“So all these things we are talking about improving your learning experience, being able to access the internet, being able to access learning resources, educational content. If you don’t have power how can you do that.
“We are working assiduously to ensure that the issue of power on campuses is addressed. We are looking at all the options on our table,” he said.
He also called on the students to watch their campuses, should there be a national protest, to avoid hoodlums infiltrating them to cause havoc.
Also speaking, the National President of NANS, Comrade Lucky Emonefe, noted that the association has received President Bola Tinubu’s message on his love and dedication to education and resolved not to engage in the national protest.
Emonefe said the commitment of the government towards ensuring an uninterrupted academic calendar was obvious in its negotiation with the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, which has brought stability to the institutions in the last year.
He noted that people were agitated and thinking of using Nigerian students, mobilising them in their various campuses for national protest. Still, NANS will not be drawn to the protest as it has no good result in the offing.
“We’ll pass the message to our people about what this administration is doing through the world-class intervention agency, TETFund,” he said.
NACCIMA, OPS call for dialogue with FG
The Organised Private Sector of Nigeria, including the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, and the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, have disclosed their stance on the planned nationwide protest scheduled for August 1, against the hardship and rising inflation in the country.
In a statement jointly signed by the organisations and sent to According Online on Monday, the OPS reiterated the need for dialogue and engagement between the government and concerned citizens.
Other members of the OPS include the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association, the Nigeria Association of Small and Medium Enterprises, and the Nigerian Association of Small-Scale Industrialists.
The statement reads, “The Organised Private Sector of Nigeria, encompassing the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association, Nigeria Association of Small and Medium Enterprises, and Nigerian Association of Small-Scale Industrialists, has carefully considered the planned protest by certain citizens in response to current challenges affecting public welfare.
“As an apolitical umbrella body representing major business membership organisations in Nigeria, the OPSN prioritises the importance of dialogue and engagement between the government and concerned citizens. We firmly believe that open and constructive dialogue is the most effective tool for addressing the nation’s challenges and encouraging the desired changes. We urge all parties to embrace this path of dialogue to achieve meaningful and lasting solutions for the benefit of our country.
“However, should the decision to protest be made, we earnestly appeal for it to be conducted in a peaceful and orderly atmosphere. A peaceful protest will ensure that citizens can express their concerns without infringing upon the rights of others or disrupting legal and lawful activities. It will also allow the government to respond appropriately and facilitate a productive engagement that could lead to future collaboration on the outcomes of such engagements.
“As representatives of the business community, we are acutely aware of the potential economic impact of mass protests. Our members are crucial drivers of economic growth and job creation; therefore, any disruption to business operations could have significant repercussions on the economy and the livelihoods of the people.”
The OPS added, “We have continuously engaged with the government at various levels to find lasting solutions to the economic challenges facing our nation. It is crucial to remember that many businesses are still recovering from the substantial losses incurred during the hijacked #EndSARS protests a few years ago.
“We call upon security agencies to ensure the protection of lives and property during this period. The OPSN remains steadfast in its commitment to collaborate with all relevant stakeholders to promote a peaceful and prosperous Nigeria for all its citizens.”
Nationwide protest: Gov Adeleke warns against violence
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke has called on members of the Civil Society Organisations, as well as other stakeholders planning to take part in the nationwide protests to eschew any act capable of undermining the peace and security of the state.
He said this during a meeting with the stakeholders.
The advice by the governor, which comes ahead of the planned nationwide protests scheduled to commence on August 1 through 10, 2024, is contained in a statement by Kolapo Alimi, the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment.
Represented by the Deputy Governor, Lola Adewusi, Governor Adeleke acknowledged that the protesters have the inalienable right as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to embark on a protest.
He frowned at any act that has the tendency of mortgaging the peace and tranquility of Osun State and its people.
According to the Governor, “the peace and harmony of Osun state should be of paramount interest to us during the planned protests.
“My administration’s commitments at all times at making Osun a reference point for other states in Nigeria remains germane.
“I therefore implore you to be law abiding before ,during and after the coming nationwide protests, as no act of violence of any kind would be entertained by my administration in Osun State while carrying out your protests.
“In Osun, we are known to be good and peaceful and we should allow that to remain our pride as a state that is always ahead of others in all things that are good and developmental.”
At the meeting were representatives of civil societies organisations, the Osun State Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Umar Abba, Commander, Engineering Construction Command, Ede, Brigadier General Abdul Kareem Aliyu.
Others were the heads of the Director, Department of State Services, Comptrollers of Immigration, Correctional Service, Civil Defence, Air Force and Federal Road Safety Commission.
Nationwide protest: Gov Adeleke warns against violence
Nasarawa: Bill to improve welfare package for NAYEA passes second reading
A bill aimed at enhancing the welfare package for personnel of the Nasarawa Youth Empowerment Agency (NAYEA) and boosting revenue generation has passed its second reading at the Nasarawa State House of Assembly (NSHA).
The bill, sponsored by Mr. Solomon Akwashiki (SDP, Lafia), was discussed during Monday’s plenary session, with Speaker Danladi Jatau announcing its progression.
Jatau pointed out the bill’s potential to empower youth through various skills acquisition programs once it becomes law.
He praised Akwashiki and other lawmakers for their constructive contributions, stating the bill’s importance for the state’s development.
“I commit this bill to the House standing committee on Youth and Sports to work on it and report back to the House on August 21, 2024.
“The committee is to consider various contributions and inputs by members while writing their report, and I expect a thorough job,” he stated.
In presenting the bill, Mr. Solomon Akwashiki outlined its goals, including the provision of adult education and vocational skills for youths and other residents of the state.
Akwashiki stressed that the bill would create job opportunities and enhance revenue for the state government.
While urging his colleagues to support the bill’s passage, he said, “This bill will include adult education and the creation of vocational skills for youths, among others.
“It will create job opportunities and generate revenue for the state’s coffers.”
The bill received unanimous support from lawmakers, including Ibrahim Abdullahi Sa’ad, Suleiman Azara, Daniel Ogazi, Musa Ibrahim Musa Saidu Gude, and Mohammed Garba Isimbabi.
They agreed that the proposed legislation would alleviate challenges faced by the youth in Nasarawa State.
They also called for improved welfare packages for NAYEA personnel to ensure effective service delivery.
Nasarawa: Bill to improve welfare package for NAYEA passes second reading
Resident doctors demand safe return of colleague held captive for seven months
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors has intensified calls for the safe return of Dr Ganiyat Popoola, a resident doctor at the National Eye Centre in Kaduna, who has been held in captivity for almost seven months.
Popoola was kidnapped on 27 December 2023, alongside her husband and nephew.
While her husband was released after a ransom was paid, Popoola and her nephew remain in the hands of their captors.
In a series of social media posts on Monday and Tuesday, NARD expressed concern within the medical community, making appeals for their immediate release.
The association’s campaign is marked by the hashtag #BringBackDrGaniyat.
One of the posts read, “7 months, not 7 minutes, a mother, sister, aunt, wife, helpmaid has been in captivity. Bring Back Dr Ganiyat, please.”
Another post read, “Our beloved friend and colleague, Dr Ganiyat Popoola, was brutally kidnapped on 27 December 2023, alongside her husband and nephew. While her husband has been released after a ransom was paid, Dr Ganiyat and her nephew have been held captive for over six months.
“We desperately need your help to bring her home safely.”
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Police search for missing six-year-old girl in UK
The Metropolitan Police has launched an urgent appeal for a six-year-old girl who went missing in Greenwich, south-east London, on Monday.
According to BBC News, the force said Eudine was reported missing from the Thamesmead Estate at 22:40 BST.
The Met said she was seen alone on CCTV at about midday, and has asked people in the Thamesmead area to check gardens, sheds and CCTV and doorbell footage.
It is believed the girl is between 3ft 6in and 4ft (1.09m to 1.21m) tall and she is thought to be wearing light pink pyjamas. She also had a white shoulder bag with a daisy design with her.
“We are extremely concerned for her welfare and officers are carrying out urgent enquiries to find her,” the force said in a statement.
Anyone with any information on where Eudine may be is asked to call 999.
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Reconsider planned protest – Taraba ALGON tells Jalingo residents
Taraba State chapter of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, ALGON, has urged residents of the state to reconsider the forthcoming protest in the light of the substantial and commendable efforts of the state governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas.
In a statement made available to journalists on Tuesday by the state ALGON chairman, Dr. Aminu Jauro Hassan, he passionately appealed to all youths, women, clubs and associations within Jalingo to distance themselves from the proposed nationwide protest scheduled for August 1, 2024.
Hassan urged the people to consider the development projects the current governor of the state has embarked on and disregard the call for protest.
“I urge you to reconsider this protest in light of the substantial and commendable efforts our Governor, His Excellency, Dr. Agbu Kefas has undertaken for the betterment of Taraba State,” he said.
Citing the introduction of minimum wage, promotion of free education, settlement of gratuities,
humanitarian aid, support for agriculture, etc, among the significant achievements of the incumbent governor, he said embarking on the protest would only drag the hands of the clock backwards.
“The proposed protest might undermine these ongoing efforts and paint a picture of disunity at a time when solidarity and support are crucial.
“I urge the youths, women, clubs, and associations within Jalingo local government to acknowledge and support the positive strides of his excellency the Executive Governor by refraining from participating in the scheduled protest,” he pleaded.
Reconsider planned protest – Taraba ALGON tells Jalingo residents