Friday, May 17

The Nigerian government assures the safety of the N20 trillion pension fund
17May By Afolake IbidunNo Comments
Business

The Nigerian government assures the safety of the N20 trillion pension fund

In a recent statement, the Nigerian government emphasized that the country's N20 trillion pension fund is secure and protected. During a press release on Thursday, Minister of Finance Wale Edun reiterated this assurance. Following last Tuesday’s Federal Executive Council meeting, Edun mentioned a forthcoming strategy to utilize local funds for infrastructure enhancement. His declaration met criticism from the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress, who urged the government to avoid meddling with the pension fund. The NLC President Joe Ajaero and TUC Deputy President Tommy Okon issued a joint statement reminding the government that "Nigerian workers have entrusted their hard-earned savings for retirement security, not for government projects." They stressed the importance ...
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Michael Owen’s thoughts on the potential replacement for Erik ten Hag at Man Utd
17May By Ofomata EdidiongNo Comments
Sports

Michael Owen’s thoughts on the potential replacement for Erik ten Hag at Man Utd

In assessing the Manchester United managerial situation, former footballer Michael Owen casts doubts on Zinedine Zidane's interest while endorsing Thomas Tuchel as a suitable candidate to succeed Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford. Ten Hag finds himself under intense scrutiny amidst a challenging season that has seen Manchester United slump to eighth place in the Premier League, battling to secure European competition qualification. Despite gearing up for a critical FA Cup final showdown against Manchester City on May 25, speculations persist regarding the potential conclusion of Ten Hag's tenure, irrespective of the outcome at Wembley. A slew of names, such as Zidane, Tuchel, Gareth Southgate, Roberto De Zerbi, Kieran McKenna, and Graham Potter, have been floated as potential successors to...
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House of Representatives Approves Wildlife Bill in Second Reading
17May By Mariam AbdullahiNo Comments
News

House of Representatives Approves Wildlife Bill in Second Reading

During Thursday's plenary session, the House of Representatives passed the bill aimed at addressing wildlife trafficking and habitat destruction in Nigeria. Hon. Terseer Ugbor, the bill's sponsor and a member representing Kwande/Ushongo Federal Constituency of Benue State, highlighted the escalating threat of wildlife trade and trafficking. He emphasized the importance of curbing this menace through legislative measures. As the Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Environment, Ugbo stressed the urgency for the lawmakers of the 10th National Assembly to address critical issues such as illegal wildlife trade, habitat loss, and the decline of Nigeria's distinct wildlife populations in accordance with global standards. The proposed legislation aims to enhance the capabilities of law ...
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State Governors Urged to Apply for Mining Licenses by Minister Alake
17May By Afolake IbidunNo Comments
Business

State Governors Urged to Apply for Mining Licenses by Minister Alake

Dele Alake, the Minister of Solid Minerals, emphasized the importance of state governors applying for mining licenses before implementing policies related to mining activities in their regions. On Thursday, Alake made this statement following a meeting with Kwara State Governor AbdulRasak Abdulrahman, who also serves as the Chairman of the Nigerian Governors' Forum. In his address, Alake underscored the crucial role that state governments must play in leveraging the mining sector resources of the country. He stated, "The federal government is committed to collaborating with states to bolster the mining sector. Since solid minerals are under the exclusive legislative list, states should seek approval from the ministry before enacting policies concerning mining activities in their areas....
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Confirmation of Seven Fatalities in Ibadan-Iseyin Road Accident by FRSC
17May By Ofomata EdidiongNo Comments
Metro

Confirmation of Seven Fatalities in Ibadan-Iseyin Road Accident by FRSC

Following a road incident on the Ibadan-Iseyin road on Thursday evening, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has verified the unfortunate demise of seven individuals. Mr Mayowa Odewo, the Public Relations Officer at the Oyo Sector Command of FRSC, identified the victims as five male adults, one female adult, and one female child. Of the 22 individuals involved in the accident, Odewo mentioned that 15 sustained injuries of varying severity levels. The collision, which involved a Nissan Urvan commercial bus marked with registration number SEY 254 ZY and a Mazda commercial bus with registration number LGB 343 XA, was attributed to overspeeding and driver fatigue. Odewo highlighted that the 13 injured victims, comprising three male adults, nine female adults, and one female child, were p...
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Support for OAU after Amphitheatre collapse: Governor Adeleke’s plea
17May By Mariam AbdullahiNo Comments
News

Support for OAU after Amphitheatre collapse: Governor Adeleke’s plea

Expressing deep distress over the collapse of the roof at the Obafemi Awolowo University Amphitheatre in Ile-Ife, Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State conveyed his feelings through a statement shared by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, and obtained by NewsNow in Osogbo on Friday. The governor prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured students and revealed that he had instructed the Commissioner for Education to collaborate with the university authorities to provide necessary assistance to mitigate the impact on those affected. Describing the incident as unfortunate and causing injuries to some students, the statement assured support from the state government to the school management and affected students. In his directive, he emphasized the need for solidarity from the peopl...
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17May By Obi UgochuwkuNo Comments
Politics

2027: Coalition of Six Political Parties Gathers in Kaduna to Challenge APC Dominance

On Thursday, in Kaduna State, six political parties came together with the aim of challenging the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the upcoming 2027 general elections. The gathering, organized by the African Democratic Congress, centered around the theme, ‘Solid political party structure critical to the sustainability of the democratic process’. Participating in the summit were the New Nigeria People’s Party, the People’s Redemption Party, the All Progressives Grand Alliance, the Social Democratic Party, the KOWA Party, along with the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), and the Coalition of United Political Parties. Chairing the summit, Lawal Nalado expressed concerns about the immense challenges faced by Nigerians nationwide, emphasizing the need to address these issues coll...
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Adelabu Reveals: Tinubu’s Approval for Payment of N3.3tn Power Sector Debts
17May By Mariam AbdullahiNo Comments
News

Adelabu Reveals: Tinubu’s Approval for Payment of N3.3tn Power Sector Debts

Part payment of the power sector debts, amounting to N3.3 trillion, has been authorized by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. At the 8th Africa Energy Marketplace in Abuja on Thursday, Nigeria’s Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, made this announcement. The Minister explained that the N1.3 trillion owed by the federal government to power-generating companies would be settled through cash injections and promissory notes. Additionally, the $1.3 billion (equivalent to N1.994 trillion using the current official exchange rate) owed to gas companies will be paid through cash payments and future royalties. The payment process for the N1.3 trillion debt owed to Gencos has already begun with cash payments, and plans are in place to settle the remaining amount through promissory notes over a period o...
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Osun REC, Agboke emphasizes the importance of proper election process for all Nigerians
17May By Mariam AbdullahiNo Comments
News

Osun REC, Agboke emphasizes the importance of proper election process for all Nigerians

Dr. Mutiu Agboke, the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Osun State, INEC, reiterated that it is the responsibility of every citizen in Nigeria to ensure the election process is conducted correctly. During a visit to Prof. Simeon Bamire, the Vice Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Ile-Ife, Agboke expressed the need for more collaboration with the university and praised the lecturers for their role in the past elections. He pointed out that the academic staff of OAU had served as adhoc staff for INEC during the 2022 gubernatorial election and the 2023 general elections. Agboke stressed the importance of innovative thinking to improve the election process, calling for increased cooperation between INEC and the university’s academic staff. He stated, “We appreciate the me...
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The views of the founding fathers have been polluted, says PDP BoT member Alhaji Oyedokun as he quits the party
17May By Obi UgochuwkuNo Comments
Politics

The views of the founding fathers have been polluted, says PDP BoT member Alhaji Oyedokun as he quits the party

A key member of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustees, Alhaji Shuaib Oyedokun, has decided to leave the main opposition party. Expressing his grievances in a resignation letter directed to the party's National Chairman through the ward, local government, and state chairmen, Oyedokun deplored the contamination of the founding members' ideologies. The former Deputy National Chairman of the PDP also disclosed his intention to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Oyedokun emphasized that he believes his experience, dedication, and leadership responsibilities would be more esteemed and acknowledged within the APC. One excerpt from his letter states, "I am pleased to declare my withdrawal from the party based on principles, after recognizing t...
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