FERMA’s Insight on the State of Roads in Nigeria
News

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
News

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
News

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
Business

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...
Appreciation from South-South Governors for Tinubu on Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project
News

Appreciation from South-South Governors for Tinubu on Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project

A unanimous round of applause was given by South-South Governors to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his efforts on the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project. The commendation was made during a meeting hosted at the Bayelsa State Government House, Yenagoa, on Wednesday. Following the meeting, Governor Obaseki spoke at a press conference, emphasizing that the coastal highway, upon completion, would connect coastal communities with major commercial cities in Nigeria. Additionally, the governors urged the federal government to promptly commence work on the Calabar section of the project. The 700-kilometre coastal highway has faced controversy, particularly due to the demolition of the $200 million Landmark Beach Resort to make way for the project. The total cost of the project for the fed...
US Urges Hamas to Accept Ceasefire Deal in Iran vs Israel Conflict
News

US Urges Hamas to Accept Ceasefire Deal in Iran vs Israel Conflict

In a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken pushed for Hamas to agree to the most recent ceasefire proposal in the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel. Blinken emphasized that the time has come for a deal that would result in the release of hostages and a temporary pause in the nearly seven-month-long war in the Gaza Strip. Throughout the lengthy negotiation process, Hamas has insisted that the liberation of all hostages it is holding should lead to a permanent cessation of hostilities and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. Netanyahu reiterated his determination to launch an offensive in Rafah, which he views as Hamas' final stronghold in Gaza. While acknowledging Israel's s...
Ralf Rangnick Declines Offer to Manage Bayern Munich, Cites Team Commitment
Sports

Ralf Rangnick Declines Offer to Manage Bayern Munich, Cites Team Commitment

Confirmation has come from Austria's head coach, Ralf Rangnick, that he will not be taking up the managerial position at Bayern Munich. Discussions had been ongoing between Rangnick and the former Bundesliga champions, with a deal appearing to be near completion. However, in a statement released on Thursday, Rangnick stated: “I have a strong attachment to my role as the coach of the Austrian team. “I find great fulfillment in this position and am fully committed to continuing our journey with success. “I want to make it clear that my decision is not a snub to Bayern, but rather it is a choice in favor of my current team and our shared objectives. Our primary focus is on the Euros, and we are dedicated to achieving the best possible outcome." With the 65-year-old opting out, Bayern Mun...
Cubana Chief Priest Presents Himself to Court for Ongoing Trial on Naira Abuse Charges
Entertainment

Cubana Chief Priest Presents Himself to Court for Ongoing Trial on Naira Abuse Charges

Entrepreneur from Nigeria, Cubana Chief Priest, has now made his appearance at the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos State for the continuation of his trial on charges related to naira abuse. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had filed a three-count charge against him for alleged naira abuse on April 16. Following this, he was brought before the Federal High Court in Lagos the next day for the arraignment. During the court session when the charges were presented, the social media influencer pleaded not guilty to the accusations. Subsequently, the judge Kehinde Ogundare granted him bail set at N10 million, along with two responsible sureties who must provide the same amount. It was decreed that the bail terms had to be met within a seven-day period. Cubana Chie...