The Leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele on Thursday chastised the federal government of Nigeria for sending trucks of rice to state governments.
Primate Ayodele said the development would only lead to more corruption and hardship because governors don’t care about the needy.
In a statement by his media aide, Oluwatosin Osho, Ayodele made it known that the rice would not get to those that were really suffering.
He said the governors would rather share it with their party members.
He stated that Tinubu’s government was not ready to listen to good advice.
‘’There is no way this will get to the needy, those who are suffering.
“The Tinubu government isn’t ready to listen to advice. They are not doing what is feasible, Nigerians are hungry and angry, everyone is affected, the president must be careful.
‘’Sending trucks of rice to governors that don’t care about the needs of the people, that don’t share in people’s pains, is tantamount to arbitrary corruption. They will give it to their party members, loyalists and even hoard it.
“Why is this government not listening? The more you bring such, the more the hardship. The truck of rice will only increase hardship and poverty, that’s not the solution.’’
Primate Ayodele further noted that Tinubu’s decisions will kill Nigeria’s economy, advising him to listen to advice that can help the country.
On what the president should have done, the prophet made it known that the trucks of rice should have been taken to markets across the country and sold at lesser prices to the people.
‘’This is simple mathematics, like God revealed to Pharaoh about famine, God has revealed to prophets the situation of Nigeria, we have said this in 2022 about what Nigeria will experience, it is better the government listens before it kills the economy.
‘’The government should have taken the trucks to markets across the country and sold them at a very subsidized rate to the needy. The impact will be felt more than giving it to state governors,” he added.
Sending rice to govs will lead to corruption, Tinubu not taking advice – Primate Ayodele
Sending rice to govs will lead to corruption, Tinubu not taking advice – Primate Ayodele
Allegations of Ooni receiving $180,000 for marriage proposal fake – Palace
The Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi has denied knowledge of collecting the sum of $180,000 from a woman, Oladoyin Fagbule, who indicated interest in becoming one of his queens.
This is as Oba Ogunwusi described the information as fake news.
A user on X (Twitter), 99% OPPRESSED, had claimed that the Ife monarch received the said sum from Fagbule whom he allegedly promised to marry.
But in a statement issued by his Director of Media And Public Affairs, Moses Olafare and sited by TVN on Thursday, the monarch said, “it is worrisome the level at which ladies have been making themselves victims of marriage frauds on the internet despite several warnings to the general public particularly ladies whose ultimate ambition were to become queens of the Ooni by all means.
“The news as posted by a Twitter (now X) handle called ‘99% OPPRESSED’ is fake, untrue and absolutely an unfounded allegation only adopted as a nugatory character assassination tactic aimed at achieving a cheap popularity with a view to drawing huge followers/traffic for avaricious monetization from Twitter (X).
“The so-called Fagbule was and is never known to the Ooni of Ife for any interpersonal communication or relationship whatsoever, talk less of being so promised with a marriage proposal.
“Ooni Adeyeye does not operate any Facebook accounts personally. He runs the palace as an institutional organisation with a functional media directorate which has a section that operates his social media handles: Instagram, Facebook etc.”
Olafare, who advised Fagbule to take the matter to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, and the Nigeria Police for professional investigation instead of the social media, also revealed that the palace letterhead was unique.
Allegations of Ooni receiving $180,000 for marriage proposal fake – Palace
UI management meets students over protests
The management of the University of Ibadan in Oyo State has met with students of the institution over a series of protests in the last two days.
The meeting was connected with the protests embarked upon by the students over the introduction of a 10-hour daily electricity supply in the campus.
TVN reports that the management met with the students led by President of the Students’ Union, Mr Bolaji Aweda on Wednesday.
Aweda listed a number of complaints on behalf of his colleagues.
He maintained that the students were protesting the rationing of electricity on campus, hike in fees, sale of handouts, GES textbooks being made compulsory, poor welfare conditions, poor attention being given in the UHS, victimisation of students who earlier in the year protested the hike in fees, and inadequate security for the lives of the students on the campus.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) of the institution, Professor Peter Olapegba, who spoke on behalf of the management during the meeting with the students, noted that the new policy became necessary due to the monthly electricity bill it was paying to the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company, IBEDC.
He said security was a national problem, and the University was trying its best to secure the lives and property of students and staff on the campus.
Olapegba then used the opportunity to appeal to the students to cooperate with the management to make the campus conducive for all and sundry.
He assured that the management would do its best to address the issues raised within its available resources.
He commended the students for keeping their protest within the University campus and not allowing hoodlums to hijack it.
UI management meets students over protests
Disneyland workers threaten strike action over wages
Slogans among the signs being carried included “Mickey would want fair pay” and “Disney, don’t be the villain” at the march in Anaheim, near Los Angeles.
“We deserve fair wages,” said 44-year-old Disneyland employee Ginny Cristales.
“A strike is our last resort, that we’re not wanting to do. But if Disney doesn’t comply and give us what we need, then we’re all ready.”
Disney has been in negotiations since April with the four California unions representing its park employees.
The talks have so far yielded nothing, and unions accuse the so-called “Happiest Place in the World” of intimidating employees.
Disney is claimed to have reprimanded and issued warnings to more than 500 employees for wearing a union pin featuring an image of Mickey Mouse’s glove clenched in the shape of a fist.
“Last week, I saw a manager telling one of the cast members to remove her badge. He told her that it would be on her record card,” said Cristales.
“She was stressed and she got scared.”
The allegations have prompted an investigation by the National Labor Relations Board.
Disney has said the union buttons violate its “Disney Look” dress code.
Employees will vote on whether to authorize a strike this Friday. If the action is approved, unions will then decide on its terms and duration.
Contract talks with Disney are set for next Monday and Tuesday.
In the wake of last year’s devastating strikes by Hollywood actors and writers, another large-scale walkout at Disney would be historic.
Employees at the Disneyland resort — composed of the Disneyland and Disney California Adventure theme parks — have not gone on strike since 1984, according to the LA Times.
But Cristales, a mother of four, said her $2,800 monthly wage does not even cover her family’s rent.
“We make the magic, they make the money,” went one of the chants heard Wednesday, as passing cars honked in support.
“Disney will invest $2 billion in its park but refuses to pay workers a living age” read a slogan on a protesters’ T-shirt.
Organizers said one thousand protesters attended the rally.
An AFP journalist saw several hundred march to the park’s perimeter, where they tried to set up for speeches, but were told by security to move to a car park some 200 yards (meters) away.
“With today’s rally, we continue to be focused on the wellbeing of our guests and cast members,” said Disney in a statement Wednesday.
“We remain committed to the upcoming meetings on July 22-23 and reaching an agreement with Master Services that focuses on what matters most to cast members, positions Disneyland Resort for growth and job creation and enables us to continue delivering incredible guest experiences.”
AFP
Rate at which Nigerians are becoming impoverished alarming, foundation tells FG
The founder of Jude Charity Organisation, Chief Jude Ejoh, has called on the Nigerian government to as a matter of urgency, tackle hunger and poverty among Nigerians.
This was just as the US-based philanthropist warned that if hunger is not timely addressed, it might become a ticking bomb that will consume the nation.
Jude also called on well-meaning Nigerians in the diaspora to contribute to providing food and shelter to millions of Nigerians languishing in abject poverty.
In a statement made available to According Online on Wednesday, Jude noted that the number of Nigerians who have resorted to street begging in the past few months, as a result of extreme hardship is alarming.
“The rate at which Nigerians are becoming impoverished is alarming. Many have taken to the streets, begging to feed their families and make ends meet. This hardship is largely occasioned by corruption, where resources meant to care for the people are shared among the few, thereby leaving the larger population impoverished.”
He stated further that corruption is the bane of hardship in the country, fueling inequality, and stifling economic growth thereby creating hardship among Nigerians.
“Corruption is deeply entrenched in Nigeria’s political and administrative systems. It undermines governance, fuels inequality, and stifles economic growth. Public funds are often siphoned off, leaving critical sectors like education, healthcare, and infrastructure grossly underfunded. The pervasive nature of corruption also erodes public trust in government institutions, making it difficult to implement meaningful reforms.
“This perceived corruption has equally led to insecurity as many able-body young men have taken to crimes like kidnapping, armed robbery and ritual killings.
“All these factors have led to the rising cost of living which places a heavy burden on families, many of whom spend a significant portion of their income on necessities. This economic strain often forces families to make difficult choices, such as pulling children out of school to help with household income.”
He added that as a charity foundation, helping the poor and less privileged has become its responsibility.
“As a charity foundation, over five thousand Nigerians throng our social platforms to seek help, many of these people are young individuals who are not employed. This is a ticking time bomb as these individuals could take to crime and other vices just to feed.
“The Jude Charity Organisation has taken it as a duty to mitigate hunger in society by trying to ensure that hungry Nigerians are fed with the support of international donors and wealthy individuals in the society. Over the years, The Jude Charity Organization has been at the forefront of alleviating poverty and hunger, by providing monetary support and food supplies to thousands of families in Delta State and other parts of Nigeria.
“Jude Charity Organization is calling on the Nigerian government to do more by empowering young people through the creation of industry, skill acquisition initiatives, and ensuring security to farmers to help boost food production and support families through SMEs.”
Top 10 stories from across Nigerian Newspapers, Thursday, July 18, 2024
Here are the top 10 stories making headlines across the country.
1. Tinubu seeks Senate approval to inject N6.2tn into 2024 budget
President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday forwarded to the Senate for consideration and approval a request for the injection of N6.2 trillion into the N27.5 trillion 2024 budget.Read more
2. Anambra 2025 governorship election crucial to APC – Ganduje
The All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, said on Wednesday the 2025 governorship election in Anambra State is crucial to the party and the Federal Government.Read more
3. More confusion as two courts give different rulings on PDP’s nomination of Ighodalo for Edo guber poll
The conflicting rulings by courts of equal jurisdictions have continued to plague the Nigerian judiciary, causing confusions and conflict in the political space.Read more
4. APC drops Ndume as Senate Chief Whip for anti-Tinubu comments, Tahir Monguno takes over
Senator Ali Ndume has been removed from his position as Chief Whip of the Senate, with Senator Tahir Monguno appointed to replace him.Read more
5. PDP governors charge Nigerian govt, labour to consider states, LGAs in minimum wage negotiation
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors Forum on Wednesday urged the Federal Government and organised labour to consider the states and local government’s ability to pay the new minimum wage in their negotiation.Read more
READ ALSO:Top 10 stories from across Nigerian Newspapers, Wednesday, July 17, 2024
6. Lagos dismisses report on reintroduction of monthly sanitation exercise
The Lagos State government has dismissed a report on the reintroduction of the monthly environmental sanitation exercise in the state.Read more
7. NGX: Briscoe, Tantalizer, others drag down equities market as investors lose N24bn
Investors in the Nigerian equities market lost N24 billion at the close of trading on Wednesday.Read more
8. Biden tests positive for COVID-19, the third in 2 years
The United States President, Joe Biden, has tested positive for COVID-19.Read more
9. FG to evacuate additional 250 Nigerians from UAE
The Federal Government will evacuate an additional 250 Nigerians from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) soon.Read more
10. Madrid captain Modric signs one-year contract extension
Captain Luka Modric has signed a one-year contract extension with Real Madrid after his contract had ended last month.Read more
The post Top 10 stories from across Nigerian Newspapers, Thursday, July 18, 2024 appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.
Gov Otti issues warning as host community accuses Chinese company of neglect
The Mayor of Ukwa West LGA of Abia State, Newman Azu has informed Governor Alex Otti about activities of a Chinese Company, Inner Galaxy in his local government, alleging that the steel manufacturing conglomerate has been polluting waterways in the area on a daily basis.
Azu, who was briefing the Governor during a peace meeting between traditional rulers of Ukwa West and officials of Inner Galaxy, held at Governor Otti’s residence, also alleged that the company has not paid a dime to Ukwa West LGA in the past six years.
Also, the Chairman of Ukwa West Traditional Rulers Council, Eze Augustine Dike during the meeting, told Governor Otti that the company was allegedly paying as low as N15,000 as monthly salary to its staff, adding that the company was not keeping any healthy relationship with the host community.
Eze Dike, who accused the Chinese company of destroying and abandoning community roads with its vehicles, said the company shunned several letters written to it by the community.
Dike appealed to Governor Alex Otti to intervene.
But responding, the Managing Director of Inner Galaxy, Hongming Zhang denied the allegations, saying that his company pays between N60,000 and N500,000 as monthly salary.
Zhang, who denied sacking employees regularly, also claimed that his company has been operating in line with the best international practices and promised to improve the welfare of the host community.
But Governor Otti, who hosted the peace meeting, directed Inner Galaxy steel company based in Umuahala Obuzor Ukwa, to evolve initiatives that can contribute positively to the socio-economic growth of the host communities and the state in extension.
The Governor said that the matter involving the company showed that there was no good communication between the company and the host communities, and threatened to sanction the Chinese company if it failed to make peace with the host community.
He urged the management of the company to conduct an internal audit to find out the exact amount their staff were being paid, even as he reminded them that any turmoil in the host community could lead to the company’s exit from Ukwa West.
“The reality is that if the government gives instructions and it is not carried out, I will shutdown the place.
“This is the second time I am meeting with you and the first time, I told you that your name is not good because anytime your name is mentioned, it does not bring good remarks from people”, Otti told Inner Galaxy’s management.
Otti expressed concern on the reports that the Inner Galaxy management was using security agents to harass the members of host community,
It would be recalled that a female staff of Inner Galaxy, identified as Vivian Ocheze Ogbonna, was allegedly pushed down from a crane in May this year by a Chinese manager, which led to the staff’s death.
The death caused community-wide protests in Umuahala Obuzor Ukwa.
Gov Otti issues warning as host community accuses Chinese company of neglect
LP faults Ndume’s removal as Senate chief whip
The leadership of the Labour Party has condemned the removal of Senator Ali Ndume as the Chief Whip of the Senate on Wednesday.
Following his sack, Ndume was immediately replaced by the Senator representing Borno North, Tahir Monguno.
Ndume’s replacement by the Senate followed a directive issued to that effect in a letter written by the National Chairman of the party, Umar Ganduje and National Secretary, Senator Bashir Ajibola.
The request was put to voice votes by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and loudly affirmed by all the APC senators.
Reacting to the development in a statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday, National Publicity Secretary of LP, Obiora Ifoh, expressed concerns that speaking truth to power is gradually becoming a crime in the country.
According to him, the humiliation of Ndume by the Akpabio- led Senate has portrayed the dictatorial inclination of the ruling All Progressives Congress.
He said, “The crime of Senator Ndume was his bold expression of his concerns regarding the escalating cost of living and food scarcity in Nigeria and his revelation that President Bola Tinubu has chosen to play the ostrich even in the face of acute starvation being witnessed in Nigeria.
“The dimension this administration has taken is grave. A few months ago, Senator Abdul Ningi exposed the rot in the government where the Senate leadership and the executive collaborators allegedly padded the budget. That got him suspended and intimidated out of his lawful representative role as a senator.
“It is needless talking about the economic crisis on going in Nigeria even where a few cabal members are massively enriching themselves. The National Bureau of Statistics recently said that food inflation has risen to 40.66 per cent. Even with all these glaring challenges, the government is said to have paid about N150b for a presidential jet and building roads that have no direct bearing on the economic crises in Nigeria.
“The media practitioners are recoiling into their sheds for fear of reporting the facts about this government for fear of emasculation and incarceration. This is a tyranny of a cabal against a legislative autonomy. Nigeria is gradually descending into dictatorship and we are calling on the citizens to be on an alert and put up a defence against the starvation weapon being deployed by this administration.”
99-year-old former Malaysian prime minister hospitalised
Malaysia’s nearly 100-year-old former prime minister, Mahathir Mohamad, has been hospitalised for “continuous coughing”, his aide told AFP Thursday.
“Mahathir is expected to be treated for the next few days,” Sufi Yusoff said, adding he had been admitted on Monday.
A two-time former prime minister, Mahathir turned 99 last week.
He has suffered several heart problems in recent years and underwent bypass surgeries.
He spent nearly three months in hospital earlier this year.
Born on July 10, 1925, Mahathir served as prime minister twice, first taking office as the country’s fourth national leader from 1981 until 2003.
He then served as prime minister for a second time at the age of 92 from 2018 to 2020.
AFP
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Menstrual hygiene: Nasarawa Assembly passes bill for second reading
The Nasarawa State House of Assembly has passed for second reading a Bill for a Law to provide free menstrual hygiene products to girls in public schools.
Speaker, Rt. Hon. Danladi Jatau announced the passage during yesterday’s plenary session.
The Speaker praised Hon. Hajarat Danyaro for sponsoring the Bill, stating its potential to significantly improve the hygienic conditions and overall health of schoolgirls.
“This bill will be committed to the House Committee on Health, Education, and Women Affairs, excluding the Chairman of the House Committee on Women Affairs.
“The committees are expected to work on the bill and submit their report by August 6, 2024,” Jatau stated.
Hon. Hajarat Danyaro Ibrahim, Chairman of the House Committee on Women Affairs and representative of Nasarawa Central constituency, pointed out the Bill’s importance in preventing cervical cancer and improving hygiene among female students.
She also mentioned its role in addressing issues such as womb blockage.
Support for the Bill was echoed by Hon. Larry Ven-Bawa, Hon. Daniel Ogazi, Hon. Mohammed Omadefu, Hon. Yusuf Chunbaya, and Rt. Hon. Muhammad Oyanki, who all noted its potential to enhance the quality of education for girls and reduce menstruation-related stigmatization.
Menstrual hygiene: Nasarawa Assembly passes bill for second reading