Group suggests N70,000 minimum wage is a strategy to attract voters
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Group suggests N70,000 minimum wage is a strategy to attract voters

An organization based in Benin, the Edo N’Okpa Movement, has expressed skepticism towards the recent increase in salary proposed by Governor Godwin Obaseki, suggesting it may be an attempt to sway voters in favor of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the upcoming governorship election on September 21. The group is advising Edo workers against trading their votes before the crucial governorship election and is cautioning the youth to be vigilant, as politicians may seek their involvement in promoting violence during the election period. In a statement released in Benin on Wednesday, the group criticized the N70,000 minimum wage announced by the state government, labeling it as a mere electoral ploy. Emovon Osaretin, the national convener of the group, accused Governor ...
Inclusion of Minimum Age Requirement for University Admissions Confirmed by Senate
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Inclusion of Minimum Age Requirement for University Admissions Confirmed by Senate

Confirmation has been provided by the Nigerian Senate regarding the statements made about the possible adjustment of the age limit to 18 years. Emphasizing that any modifications to the age limit would necessitate appropriate legislative procedures, whether it pertains to decreasing or increasing the limit. In an interview with journalists on Wednesday, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Adeyemi Adaramodu, highlighted this factor. Last week, Prof. Tahir Mamman, the Minister of Education, mentioned that the government is contemplating revising the minimum age for university admission to 18 years old. According to the lawmaker, "The discussion on the minimum age requirement for admission is not a law. It's simply an opinion. It's not legally binding. If a ...
House of Representatives Push for Nigerian Government to Enforce Living Wage for Workers
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House of Representatives Push for Nigerian Government to Enforce Living Wage for Workers

Addressing the need for fair compensation, the minority caucus in the House of Representatives has called on the federal government to consider implementing a living wage for Nigerian workers. During the 2024 Workers’ Day celebration, Minority leader of the house, Kingsley Chinda, emphasized the urgency of this matter, urging quick enactment similar to the swift adjustments made to taxes and tariffs. In their statement, the caucus emphasized the importance of ending worker exploitation and advocating for equal opportunities for all individuals in the workforce. Furthermore, they urged the government to focus on developing policies that support decent work, social protection, and fair labor standards. Recognizing the dedication and crucial contributions of Nigerian workers, Chinda comm...
US Alleges Russia using Chemical Weapons on Ukraine
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US Alleges Russia using Chemical Weapons on Ukraine

The accusation has been made by the United States, claiming that Russia is employing chemical weapons in the ongoing conflict with Ukraine. According to US officials, Russia violated the global ban on chemical weapons by utilizing chloropicrin, a choking agent, against Ukrainian soldiers. Additionally, they accused Russian forces of using riot control agents as a tactic of warfare in Ukraine. In a statement issued by the State Department on Wednesday, it was noted, "The utilization of these chemicals is not an isolated occurrence, likely motivated by Russian forces' aim to displace Ukrainian troops from fortified positions and gain tactical advantages on the battlefield." Reports from Aljazeera reveal that the State Department criticized Moscow's use of chloropicrin, highlighting...
FERMA’s Insight on the State of Roads in Nigeria
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FERMA’s Insight on the State of Roads in Nigeria

Highlighting the root cause behind the substandard roads in Nigeria, the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency, FERMA, has emphasized that the deterioration of both major and minor road networks stems from insufficient funding allocated for their maintenance in budgetary allocations. During a seminar titled ‘Road Infrastructure: Plans and Priorities of FERMA viz-a-viz the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda,’ held in Abuja at the Bureau of Public Service Reforms, BPSR, the Managing Director of FERMA, Chukwuma Agbasi, brought this issue to light. Addressing the audience, he remarked, “The myriad of causes for the failure of road networks in Nigeria includes the neglect of allocating resources for their maintenance. Ignoring the upkeep of roads inevitably leads to their deterioration.” Agbasi al...
Market in Lagos set on fire as hoodlums clash
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Market in Lagos set on fire as hoodlums clash

In the Ile-Epo area of Lagos State, a violent clash between hoodlums took place, resulting in several injuries. Reports indicate that the dispute began in the market in that locality on Wednesday night and continued into Thursday morning. During the altercation, multiple shops were set ablaze, and merchandise was damaged. Despite attempts by the police to intervene early on, they were met with resistance from the hoodlums. Additionally, when a fire service truck arrived at the market this morning, it had to retreat as it was targeted and attacked with stones.
Settlement Talks Between Cubana Chief Priest and EFCC Scheduled for June 5
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Settlement Talks Between Cubana Chief Priest and EFCC Scheduled for June 5

An agreement for resolving the case against Cubana Chief Priest, also known as Pascal Okechukwu, involving questionable handling of naira notes is expected to be reported on June 5 at a Federal High Court in Lagos. During a social gathering at Eko Hotel in Lagos State, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) accused Okechukwu of improperly spraying and interfering with the naira notes, leading to his arraignment on April 17 on three counts. Okechukwu entered a plea of not guilty and was subsequently granted bail in the amount of N10 million by the court. Upon the adjournment of the case to May 2 by Justice Kehinde Ogundare, for the hearing of the preliminary objection and commencement of the trial. During the latest court session, the prosecution was represented by Mrs. Bil...
The Nigerian Government’s Fresh Requirements for Gas Firm License Following Recent Explosion
Business

The Nigerian Government’s Fresh Requirements for Gas Firm License Following Recent Explosion

Amid the recent explosion in Ogun State, the Nigerian government has introduced new criteria for firms applying for a gas license. During his visit to Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, the Minister of State for Petroleum (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, revealed this development on Wednesday. Ekpo conducted an on-the-spot assessment of the CNG explosion at Ita Oshin last Saturday, which resulted in at least one fatality and several injuries. He emphasized that in the future, companies applying for gas licenses must have the capability to deliver their products to end users without relying on virtual transportation. The Minister also assured that compensation would be provided to the victims of the explosion. "In our efforts to minimize the risks associated with gas ...
Manchester United Faces Resistance from Rashford against Potential Sale
Sports

Manchester United Faces Resistance from Rashford against Potential Sale

Reports from the UK Sun suggest that Marcus Rashford, the forward for Manchester United, is poised to reject any attempts made by the club to offload him during this summer transfer window. Speculations have emerged indicating that virtually the entire United team is available for sale, with exceptions being made for Kobbie Mainoo, Rasmus Hojlund, and Alejandro Garnacho. The new co-owner, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, aims to revamp the team in preparation for the upcoming season in a bid to steer the club back to its former successful trajectory. Despite the potential financial gains that Manchester United could make from Rashford's departure as he is a product of the academy and any proceeds would be considered clear profit, the 26-year-old, valued at £80 million, is determined to resist th...
Economist Alaje Suggests N100,000 as Minimum Wage for Nigerian Workers
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Economist Alaje Suggests N100,000 as Minimum Wage for Nigerian Workers

Chief Economist and Partner at SPM, Paul Alaje, has recommended that the federal government's minimum wage review should be no less than N100,000. This revelation was made during an interview with Channels Television on Thursday. Alaje highlighted that Nigeria's minimum wage has undergone five historical reviews, increasing from N30,000 in 2018 to N125 in 1981. He emphasized that in order for Nigerian workers to break out of the poverty cycle, the minimum wage should range between $100 and $200. In anticipation of rising costs of transportation, energy, goods, imported items, and food in Nigeria, Alaje suggested that the government consider setting the minimum wage between N130,000 and N250,000 by 2024. He stated, "To lift individuals out of poverty, they must earn around $1...