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...
10 Lives Lost in Brazil Due to Severe Storms
News

10 Lives Lost in Brazil Due to Severe Storms

Reports from the Brazilian civil defense agency revealed that the death toll resulting from the recent devastating storms in the southern part of the country has tragically reached 10, with 21 individuals still unaccounted for. During this challenging time, Governor Eduardo Leite made an announcement that due to floods and mudslides, the state of Rio Grande do Sul had to cancel classes for Thursday. This decision coincided with a scheduled visit by Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva to evaluate the situation and allocate federal aid. Expressing the severity of the circumstances, Leite emphasized the immediate need for assistance to rescue those trapped in flooded homes. Describing the situation as unprecedented, Leite outlined the challenges ahead as the meteorological se...
Peter Obi Responds to Umahi’s Allegations, Denies Claims of Incitement
News

Peter Obi Responds to Umahi’s Allegations, Denies Claims of Incitement

In response to allegations made by Minister of Works Dave Umahi, former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi, has vehemently denied the accusations, stating that they are unfounded and intended to tarnish his character. Obi emphasized that Umahi's claims of incitement are without merit and serve as mere distractions. He reiterated his commitment to promoting unity and progress, rejecting participation in divisive political maneuvers. Expressing his dedication to prudent use of national resources, Obi refuted Umahi's assertions during a compensation event for those impacted by the Lagos-Calabar coastal road project. Contrary to Umahi's remarks accusing Obi of fermenting dissent among the Igbo population, Obi maintained his focus on constructive dialogue and inc...
Sports

Update on Leading Goal Scorers in Champions League following First Leg of Semi-Finals

Striker Kylian Mbappe of Paris Saint-Germain and forward Harry Kane of Bayern Munich have both emerged as joint top scorers in the UEFA Champions League for this season, with eight goals apiece. This development comes after the completion of the first leg fixtures of the semi-finals this week, with Bayern Munich drawing 2-2 against Real Madrid, and Dortmund securing a 1-0 victory over PSG. Here is the current list of leading goal scorers in the Champions League: - Kylian Mbappe and Harry Kane: 8 goals each - Antoine Griezmann (Atletico de Madrid) and Erling Haaland (Man City): 6 goals each - Julian Alvarez, Phil Foden, and Galeno (Man City); Rasmus Hojlund (Man United); Alvaro Morata and Rodrygo (Atletico de Madrid); Vinicius (Real Madrid): 5 goals each
Bruno Fernandes’ Future at Man Utd in Question as He Expresses Desire to Win
Sports

Bruno Fernandes’ Future at Man Utd in Question as He Expresses Desire to Win

Speaking about his future at Manchester United, Bruno Fernandes, the midfielder, has expressed his intentions of considering his options after the European Championship this summer. The 29-year-old, emphasizing his strong desire to win, has his focus set on the upcoming FA Cup Final against Manchester City on May 25. Amid ongoing media speculation surrounding a possible departure from Old Trafford, Fernandes, in an interview with Dazn Portugal, mentioned, “I don’t have thoughts for other things at the moment. It doesn’t just depend on me.” He further added, “So, if you want me to be very honest, if I have to think about not continuing in the Premier League, it won’t be until after the Euros. We can end the season by winning the FA Cup, then we have the European Championship, which is ...
IPOB Sets May 30 as Day of Remembrance, Calls for Sit-at-Home Action
News

IPOB Sets May 30 as Day of Remembrance, Calls for Sit-at-Home Action

Across the Southeast, IPOB has announced a sit-at-home day on May 30 to honor the Biafran heroes who sacrificed their lives during the civil war from 1967 to 1970. In a statement by Emma Powerful, the spokesperson of IPOB, all sectors including schools, government offices, private businesses, banks, transportation and market unions are urged to suspend operations on Thursday. The statement issued by Powerful stated, "On Thursday, May 30, 2024, IPOB, under the leadership of Mazi Nnamdi OkwuChukwu Kanu, designates a sit-at-home day in Biafra Land for Biafrans, supporters, freedom advocates, and residents alike to commemorate our fallen heroes and heroines. This day serves as a tribute to those who sacrificed their lives for our existence amidst the tragic Nigerian-Biafran war and the ong...