The Sokoto State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called off its planned strike regarding the implementation of the ₦70,000 minimum wage.

Speaking at a press briefing over the weekend, the state NLC chairman, Comrade Abdullahi Aliyu Jungle, confirmed that the new minimum wage would take effect in January 2024 and would benefit verified council workers and teachers across the state.

“The state branch of the NLC support the implementation of ₦70,000 announced by the state government effective January 2025.

“We will also assist the state government in the process of implementing the minimum wage even it means conducting screening and verification to ensure only genuinely employed workers benefit from the new minimum wage of ₦70,000,” he stated.

Jungle urged workers to remain patient, expressing confidence in the government’s dedication to introducing additional welfare measures for the state’s workforce.

“We are optimistic that more welfare packages will be rolled out for workers in the state,” he added.

It is worth recalling that Governor Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto, during the presentation of the proposed 2024 state budget to the State Assembly, announced January 2024 as the commencement date for implementing the ₦70,000 minimum wage.

One of Nigeria's most popular singers, Dare Art-Alade and his wife, Deola, are celebrating their 18th wedding anniversary today, November 30.

In a post shared on her Instagram page today, Deola listed the reasons they have remained marriage after all these years. 

She wrote; ‘’18 Years of Love, Lessons, and Growth.

Today, we celebrate 18 incredible years of marriage. 18 years of laughter, tears, joy, trials, victories, and everything in between. Standing here together, we know this truth: love isn’t perfect, and neither are we. But that’s what makes it so beautiful.

Marriage is a journey, not a destination. There were days we laughed so hard we couldn’t breathe, and there were days we weren’t sure we’d make it through. There were seasons of sunshine, and there were storms that tested the strength of our foundation. But through it all, we chose each other. Over and over again.

This milestone reminds us that real love is work. It’s showing up for your partner even when it’s hard. It’s forgiving when you’re hurt, learning when you’re wrong, and celebrating when you’re right. It’s praying, growing, and holding on—especially in moments when letting go seems easier.

To anyone out there struggling in their relationship or doubting if love can endure, let us tell you: IT CAN. Love requires effort, patience, grace, and the willingness to fight for what matters. There’s no perfect blueprint for marriage, but there is power in choosing to stay and build together.

We are living proof that you can overcome obstacles, rebuild when life feels broken, and find a love that not only survives but thrives. And trust me, it’s worth it.

To my partner, my love, my best friend, thank you for walking this road with me, for believing in us, for every sacrifice, and for the memories we’ve created. Here’s to the next chapter and the many more years we’ll share.

18 years and counting, baby. We did it—and we’re just getting started.

Yours in love

@deolaartalade & @dareynow

(aka Mr & Mrs Dee)''

Renowned Nigerian Christian filmmaker and founder of Mount Zion Faith Ministries, Pastor Mike Bamiloye, has opened up about a lesser-known struggle in his early years—an addiction, not to substances, but to secular writing.

He recounted the transformative power of surrendering one’s talents to God and embracing the call to Kingdom service.

In a Saturday post on his Facebook page, Bamiloye detailed how his journey to becoming a pioneer in Christian drama was marked by resistance, relapse, and ultimately, total surrender of his talents to God.

According to him, in 1982, a 22-year-old Bamiloye stood outside a crowded church hall during a convention, listening to the powerful ministration of a renowned gospel singer.

He described the experience as life-changing.

He said, “The anointing that morning was so heavy upon the congregation as the voice of that woman rent the hallowed chamber of the large hall.

“I couldn’t hold back my tears. I fell into deep prayer, crying out to God, ‘LORD, You are using a woman; use me too. I want to serve You. Use me too.'”

He said it was during this emotional plea that he heard a voice within him, urging him to surrender his writing gift for Kingdom purposes.

“I will use you if you surrender your gift at my feet,” the voice told him.

Transition struggles

Meanwhile, Bamiloye stated that at that time, he was already an accomplished writer of drama scripts and novels.

However, his works were secular, focusing on themes devoid of spiritual significance. The divine call to abandon his secular pursuits was daunting.

“I didn’t want to stop writing those theatrical dramatic pieces; I didn’t want to stop writing those adventurous and investigative novels that profited the Heavens nothing,” he admitted.

Despite his initial willingness to submit, Bamiloye soon found himself slipping back into his old habits. Writing had become more than a hobby—it was an obsession.

“It was like I was drugged. It was like I was addicted to writing those plays, poems, and novels. I was like a drunkard addicted to drinking. I was like a smoker addicted to smoking,” he asserted.

Divine call?

Several years later, already a few years into ministry, he revealed that he received a sobering warning through a dream.

According to him, in the dream, God made it clear that if he did not withdraw his secular scripts from the publishers, those works would be used by the enemy to undermine his ministry in the future.

“Unless you obey and urgently withdraw those scripts from the publishing companies, the devil will use the published books to rubbish your ministry later in life,” the dream warned.

He noted that the urgency of the message left him with no choice but to act immediately.

The pastor disclosed that he informed his wife of his decision and embarked on a mission to retrieve his manuscripts from various publishing houses.

One of the publishing directors, a Christian herself, he stated, tried to persuade him to reconsider, arguing that the scripts were harmless.

“I had come to withdraw my script from publishing. I never wanted it to be published again,” he recounted.

Consequently, he said that after signing the necessary documents, the manuscripts were returned to him.

“I hereby submit all my gifts at Your feet,” he declared.

Meanwhile, he admitted that his obedience, today, has yielded an abundant harvest.

Mount Zion Faith Ministries has produced countless gospel films and stage productions that have impacted lives across Nigeria and beyond, he noted.

“Have I not produced better drama scripts for the Lord? Have I not turned many drama scripts into great movies for the Kingdom of God?” he reflected.

Gifts, talents divine deposits

Furthermore, Bamiloye believed that his testimony was a challenge to everyone blessed with a talent.

He emphasised that gifts and talents are divine deposits, entrusted to men for the expansion of God’s kingdom.

“Every gift is deposited in a person’s life by God for the expansion of the Kingdom of God. It is not meant to serve your pleasures, nor was it given to you to do whatever you like with it,” the revered drama minister wrote.

Citing the parable of the talents from Matthew 25, he reminded believers that each of us is a servant entrusted with gifts by a Master who will one day return for an account.

To him, our talents are not our own. They are Kingdom assets, meant to serve a higher purpose.

He concluded, “Everyone possessing one talent or the other has been called to be a servant of God.

“It is a Kingdom issue. It is not a joke matter; it has to do with the matter of eternal life. Gift and talent is a kingdom issue.”

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) at Sa’adu Zungur University (SAZU) in Bauchi has announced an indefinite strike to emphasize its call for improved working conditions from the university administration.

In a statement to the press following an emergency congress convened at the Yuli Campus in Bauchi, the ASUU Chairperson for the SAZU branch, Comrade Awwal Hussain Nuhu, indicated that the congress had determined it had exhausted all available avenues, with previous efforts to engage the authorities proving unsuccessful.

The chairperson highlighted that the congress recognized a lack of willingness and commitment from both the university administration and the government to address its concerns, despite numerous attempts made to facilitate dialogue.

“Therefore, a member of the union moved for a motion for the branch to embark on a total, comprehensive and indefinite strike action which was seconded by another member.

“Consequently, the congress passed a resolution for the branch to embark on comprehensive and indefinite strike action until further notice.

“The strike action has to commence immediately at 12:00pm on Friday the 29th of November 2024. With this, all members of ASUU in SAZU are directed to comply as no academic activity of whatever form or meetings will take place while it lasted.

“Members are directed to embark on a total, comprehensive and indefinite strike action until further notice. This implies that activities such as teaching, marking, meetings, accreditation and any other activities related to academic staff are suspended indefinitely,” the statement reads.

The leadership of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) has instructed workers in 14 states to begin an indefinite strike on Monday over the non-implementation of the new minimum wage and the continued payment of outdated salaries.

President Bola Tinubu in July signed the new Minimum Wage Act into law to increase the minimum monthly salary in the country from N30,000 to N70,000.

This was after the government, the organised labour and the private sector concluded months-long negotiations on the minimum wage when Tinubu haggled down labour’s N250,000/month demand to N70,000/month.

Since the enactment of the new law barely six months ago, only 23 states, excluding Federal Capital Territory(Abuja), have domesticated the law. 

In a press statement issued on Friday, NLC said: “Recall that the NEC of 8th November 2024 in Portharcourt directed that industrial action to compel implementation of the new national minimum wage should commence in any state that has not complied by the end of November 2024. This position was reinforced by the CWC in Kano on the 27th of November 2024.

“Flowing from the above it is our information that some states have not commenced the said implementation as workers are still being paid on the old structure and there is no subsisting agreement to show a date of commencement of implementations They are as follows: Abia, Akwa Ibom, Ebonyi, Ekiti, Enugu, Federal Capital Territory, Imo, Nasarawa, Kaduna, Katsina, Oyo, Sokoto, Yobe and Zamfara states.

“We therefore request that you direct your state councils in the following states to proceed on the said needed actions to compel the implementation as resolved by the NEC & CWC.

“Please do oblige us with copies of your letters to your state councils in this regard for effective mobilisation.”

Nigerian investigative journalist, Fisayo Soyombo, has expressed concern over the kind of security cover available for oil bunkers in the country.

Naija News reports that the founder of the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), in an interview with Arise TV morning show, said he was conducting an undercover investigation when the Nigerian Army arrested him.

Soyombo stated that there are innocent military men, but there is a need to sanitise the saboteurs who enable oil bunkers to thrive.

According to the journalist, it is not only oil bunkers that are thieves but also those who are meant to supervise the sector, adding that “What we would need is an overhaul of the system.”

He said, “It would shock you the kind of people who escort illegal oil bunkers out of Port-Harcourt.

“The army spokesman already compromised my security by going online to say that they found illegal bunkers.

“There are clean men in the military but we need to clean up the saboteurs who enable oil bunkerers to thrive.

“This is a new level for me that I need to do it. Rather than change approach, I will rather stop, maybe I have one, two, three under-cover investigations and I will stop.

“It is not the fun of it but the situations we found ourselves. Imagine the story I did on smugglers. People have to know that in their country they can be safe, and we need to expose these wrongdoings.

“The figure being put out in terms of Crude oil theft are an underestimation of what’s happening. The Crude we were to move was for 50,000 barrel, if the man who got annoyed that he wasn’t bribed didn’t talk, we would have had two trucks move out. There is no institution that can say for a fact the barrels are being lifted daily.”

The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Yemi Cardoso, has appealed to Nigerians to shelve any plan of leaving the country because of economic hardship.

Yemi Cardoso said the current economic hardship in the country required the collective effort of all Nigerians to fix it.

He stated that the government through its policies is building an economy that would sustain and help businesses thrive.

The CBN Governor made the appeal in a keynote address at the 59th annual Bankers Dinner of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, CIBN, in Lagos.

“It is not a good idea to japa at this stage. Two reasons. One, those who may decide they are going to do that, they will sell and get rid of their assets.

“You’ll be doing it for cheap. Predators, who are outside looking for bargains, will come and take it and pocket it, put it in their pocket and wait for the turnaround and sell it away.

“Number two, you want to be part of the solution. You want to be part of the solution, and this is time that we need all hands on them,” Daily Post quoted him.

While acknowledging the hardship Nigerians face because of the government’s economic reforms, he said “the reforms were focused on tackling challenges of today and on securing the opportunities of tomorrow with the aim of building an economy where everybody thrives”.

Abuja-based herbalist identified as Ismail Usman has sustained a severe injury while testing a self-made bulletproof charm.

Naija News learnt that the incident occurred on November 23 at the Kuchibuyi village in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

In a statement on Saturday, the FCT police command spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, said Usman picked a locally fabricated gun after fortifying himself with the charm he had prepared.

Usman reportedly shot himself in the stomach, and the charm failed to protect him, leaving him severely injured.

Adeh said the police received a distress call from a resident at the incident, stressing that officers from the Byazhin Division arrived at the scene and rushed Usman to Kubwa General Hospital.

The police spokesperson further stated that due to the severity of his injuries, the herbalist was later transferred to Gwagwalada Specialist Hospital, where doctors are working tirelessly to save his life.

She said Usman would face charges for unlawful possession of firearms and attempted suicide, which violates Section 231 of the Penal Code Law of Northern Nigeria.

The statement read, “A distress call from Shandam Michael reported a shocking event involving Ismail Usman, a local herbalist known for his unconventional methods. In a misguided attempt to test the effectiveness of a self-made ‘bulletproof’ charm, Usman shot himself in the stomach with a shotgun.

“Unfortunately, the charm failed to protect him, resulting in life-threatening injuries. Officers from the Byazhin Division responded swiftly, arriving at the scene to find Usman in critical condition. He was quickly transported to Kubwa General Hospital for emergency treatment and later transferred to Gwagwalada Specialist Hospital for further care.

“In the aftermath, police conducted a thorough search of Usman’s home, recovering the homemade gun and an array of charms used in his reckless experiment. 

“Investigations are ongoing, and Usman is expected to face charges for unlawful possession of firearms and attempted suicide under Section 231 of the Penal Code Law of Northern Nigeria.

“Commissioner of Police FCT, CP Olatunji Disu, condemned the incident, highlighting the dangers associated with illegal firearms.”

Governor Monday Okpebholo has approved the disbursement of a 13-month salary to Edo State employees.

Additionally, the Governor has instituted a policy that guarantees automatic employment for first-class graduates of Edo origin from any university, whether within Nigeria or abroad, in the state civil service.

This initiative aims to enhance the quality of human resources within the system and to motivate workers, encouraging them to give their utmost effort, says Dr Anthony Okungbowa, the Head of Service.

He further stated that the Graduate Development Programme (GDP) is designed to attract high-quality personnel into the system, ensuring effective and efficient service delivery to foster growth and development.

“Mr Governor has approved the Graduate Development Programme (GDP) that brings together First Class graduates and high-grade degrees into the service with a view to developing and ensuring quality manpower in the system.

“Mr Governor has approved it. He approved the policy of bringing in First Class graduates into the Edo State Civil and Public Service be approved. He believes that the policy will help the state bring top-quality talents into the system.

“It is not just bringing them in but also retaining them because retaining them is one of the major challenges facing the programme.

“Mr. Governor is intentional about bringing them in and retaining these top-level talents in the service. The Governor is using this medium to urge all first-class graduates from Edo extraction across all universities in Nigeria and abroad to come over as they will have automatic employment. We are looking at the younger graduates from 2020, but Mr. Governor may extend that.

“We are happy about this and appreciate the Governor because through this, the service will have quality talents in the system.

“For everyone in that programme, they are moved round various Ministries, Departments and Agencies and plans are also on to move them to the private sector to gather more experiences after which they bring will such experiences to bear, to improve the system, to contribute to the development of the State.

“Sustainability depends on you and me since the political will is there and I am happy because it is the direction of government. We are partnering with Edo Innovate to ensure improvement in the programme,” a press release Date November 28, signed and made available to Naija News from the office of Fred Itua, Chief Press Secretary to Edo State Governor, reads.

With 30 months left in his tenure, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State remains firmly in office.

However, the political stage is already brimming with activity as ambitious contenders begin their campaigns for the 2027 gubernatorial race.

Both ruling and opposition parties are setting the groundwork, and key players are positioning themselves for the Alausa Round House.

APC’s Frontline Aspirants

In the All Progressives Congress (APC), heavyweights are lining up for a chance to lead Lagos. The list of rumored aspirants includes Seyi Tinubu, the son of President Bola Tinubu; Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker, Hon. Mudashiru Obasa; former Governor Akinwunmi Ambode; and Senator Tokunbo Abiru.

The decision on the APC candidate is expected to be influenced by factors such as religion, zoning, indigeneship, and endorsements from influential stakeholders like the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC) and President Tinubu himself.

Seyi Tinubu, a rising political figure, has received endorsements from various groups, while Speaker Obasa has declared his capability to govern the state, citing his extensive legislative experience. Former Governor Ambode is also in the spotlight, with some party members advocating for his return to balance the 16-year religious leadership cycle between Christians and Muslims.

Opposition Gearing Up

On the other side, opposition parties are not left behind. Abdulaziz Olajide Adediran (Jandor) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour of the Labour Party (LP) are reportedly preparing to renew their ambitions.

Both figures made notable impacts during the 2023 elections and are now working to realign with their party structures to increase their chances in 2027.

Jandor, who spearheads the Lagos4Lagos movement, continues to rally support among PDP founding members, while Rhodes-Vivour remains a popular figure among Lagos’ younger electorate, particularly in urban centers.

Religious Dynamics in Focus

Religion is poised to play a significant role in determining the next Lagos governor. Sanwo-Olu, a Christian, succeeded Akinwunmi Ambode, also a Christian, bringing the total duration of Christian leadership to 12 years by 2027. Some stakeholders argue that this is a time to maintain the balance by returning power to a Muslim candidate, while others insist on completing a 16-year Christian leadership cycle to match the tenure of Bola Tinubu and Babatunde Fashola, both Muslims.

Sanwo-Olu’s Journey and Power Dynamics

Governor Sanwo-Olu’s emergence in 2019 marked a turning point in Lagos politics. The incumbent, Akinwunmi Ambode, was ousted by the APC power bloc led by Bola Tinubu, paving the way for Sanwo-Olu’s candidacy as a consensus choice.

His second-term ambition faced initial challenges, with rumors suggesting other candidates such as Femi Gbajabiamila, now Chief of Staff to the President, and Hakeem Muri-Okunola, the Lagos Head of Service, were being considered.

However, public endorsements by Gbajabiamila and Muri-Okunola, coupled with widespread support from party members, solidified Sanwo-Olu’s position, enabling him to secure re-election.

Some APC chieftains were of the opinion that Tinubu is a master planner and can spring surprises at any given time.

Lagos Deputy Governor, Babafemi Hamzat also came into the picture as having plans to succeed Sanwo-Olu but a source told Vanguard that the inner caucus has plans for him to relocate to Epe in order to make a case for the Lagos East Senatorial slot and complete what ought to be Akinwumi Ambode’s card.

Obasa’s Resilience and Ambition

Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, the longest-serving Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, is another key figure to watch. During the 2025 budget presentation, Obasa addressed speculation about his governorship ambitions. While emphasizing his commitment to strengthening the APC, he did not rule out the possibility of running.

“Becoming governor is secondary,” Obasa said. “However, I am not too young or inexperienced to lead. My focus remains on building our party and ensuring that our state’s governance continues to thrive.”

Obasa’s grassroots connections and influence within the Mandate Group, an influential faction in Lagos APC politics, make him a formidable contender.

Opposition Realignment

In the PDP, Jandor is strengthening his ties with party stalwarts and aligning his Lagos4Lagos movement with broader PDP interests. Similarly, Rhodes-Vivour, who gained significant traction in the 2023 elections, is leveraging his popularity to position himself as a strong contender.

The Road Ahead

As the race for the 2027 Lagos gubernatorial election heats up, all eyes are on the APC’s eventual candidate. The decision will likely come down to internal party dynamics, religious considerations, and endorsements from key figures, including President Tinubu. For the opposition, unity and strategic alliances will be crucial in challenging the APC’s dominance.