The Governor of Kogi State, Usman Ododo, has approved the immediate implementation of a minimum wage of ₦72,500 for civil servants in the state.

The Governor also announced a one-year suspension of the Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) tax, adding that no form of deductions would be made within the next year from the salaries of civil servants in the state. 

Governor Ododo made this known on Monday during the unveiling of the new minimum wage package for civil servants in the state.

Signing the agreement after receiving a report from the Kogi state minimum wage implementation committee, the Governor said the new minimum wage is to enable workers cope with the current economic situation in the country.

In his words: “I can not forget where I came from, I am a man from a humble background who became who I am by the grace of God and will therefore not use my position to oppress anyone but to better the lots of the people.

“You people generously elected me as your governor, and the resources of the state belong to you all, I am just your chief servant and I will ensure that the resources are allocated to all sectors fairly and equitably.

“All you have seen today is the painstaking efforts of the labour leaders and government who conducted staff audit screenings in the previous administration all in a bid to ensure that the right people take what belongs to them as workers and not ghost workers.”

Ododo, while assuring prompt payment, appealed to workers in the state to continue to cooperate with his administration and give him all the necessary support to succeed.

The Chairman of the State Minimum Wage Committee, who is also the Head of Service,Elijah Evenemi, said the agreement on the minimum wage is not a victory for any political party but for the good of the masses.

He appreciated the governor for giving the committee a free hand to operate and achieve a common goal.

Former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Bode George, has urged President Bola Tinubu to call the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to order over the lingering political crisis in Rivers State.

Recall that Wike, the immediate past governor of the oil-rich state, has been locked in a political battle with his successor, Sim Fubara, over control of the state.

Also, there has been tension in Rivers State after Saturday’s Local Government Areas election, where Action People’s Party (APP) swept the polls in 22 of the 23 local governments.

Naija News reports that Bode George, in a statement on Monday, raised concerns over recent political developments in Rivers State, warning that if not addressed, they could lead to a crisis with far-reaching security implications for Nigeria, West Africa, and Africa at large.

The PDP chieftain asked Tinubu to prevail on Wike to allow Governor Fubara to work and deliver dividends of democracy to the residents of the state.

Bode George added that President Tinubu would be the biggest loser if democracy in Rivers State gets truncated.

He said, “Now that people of Rivers State have boldly asserted their civic and constitutional rights by coming out to vote in the Local Government election on Saturday, this is the time for former governor of the state and now FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to allow Governor Siminalayi Fubara work and deliver dividend of democracy to the people.

“This is also the time for President Bola Tinubu to advise Wike, who is one of his ministers, to allow the governor to work.

“I say this with all sense of responsibility because if this democracy is truncated, God forbid, Tinubu, as the Commander-in-Chief, will be the biggest loser.

“All lovers of democracy will agree with me that political happenings in this oil-bearing state in the last few months, if allowed to continue, can lead to a re-enactment of the crisis in the defunct Western Region between 1962 and 1966 which eventually led to the first military coup of January 15, 1966. Many of our national figures were killed and events of that day led to a second coup on July 29, 1966 when scores of military officers were killed.

“Since history is no longer taught in our schools, I want to remind the gladiators in this Rivers crisis that the January and July 1966 killings eventually led to the civil war between July 6, 1967 and January 15, 1970. Close to two million Nigerians died in the war.

“I am raising this alarm because what is happening in Rivers now is a cause for serious concern for everyone.

“My understanding of this man-made crisis is that there is a despotic, divisive, wicked and anti-people design to create a conflagration which may eventually consume our country.

“We all know the economic importance of Rivers to the survival of this nation. It is the gateway to the Niger Delta.

“Any threat to peace in this state will eventually lead to huge security implications, not only for Nigeria but West Africa and Africa. It is good to have political ambition, to be the alpha and omega in a partisan setting but this ambition must not be at variance with the expectations of the people.”

Actress Annie Idibia has been named one of the 100 Most Influential Women in Africa by Glocal Unity Women International. 

The organisation will honour Annie at the International Women’s Empowerment and Sustainable Development Summit.

Annie’s recognition is a testament to her immense talent, charisma, and dedication to social impact work. 

Her passion for women’s empowerment and success in both fashion and business have made her a standout figure in Africa.

Reacting to the news via her Instagram story, Annie expressed her shock and gratitude.  

She wrote: “Ok, guys!! This one Loud I am still rubbing my eyes. Gosh!! Pitching myself. So grateful!! Child of Grace Na me be this?? 100 Most Influential in the entire African continent and the world. What?”

Nigerian social media sensation and relentless crusader, Martins Vincent Otse, known as Verydarkman (VDM), has once again turned up the heat in his ongoing clash with Idris Okuneye, aka Bobrisky.

This time, VDM, on Monday, October 7, dropped Part 2 of the explosive audio recordings, a calculated strike against the transgender influencer that has sent shockwaves through online platforms.

Coming in the wake of flat denials from the EFCC and prison officials implicated in the scandal, VDM’s timing, according to his followers, couldn’t have been more perfect—he’s proving he had more up his sleeve all along, waiting for just the right moment to unravel the truth.

The newly released audio, allegedly from May 2024, paints a damning picture of what went down during Bobrisky’s time at the rumored private prison where the crossdresser was said to be held in seclusion.

In this recording, Bobrisky is reportedly caught making yet another phone call, this time revealing far more than he may have intended.

The crossdresser is allegedly heard telling a close friend about her deep ties with a powerful ‘Godfather,’ a shadowy figure who allegedly arranged for a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) to step in and handle the delicate situation.

But that’s not all. Bobrisky is said to have also spoken about dealings with prison officials and even the EFCC, hinted at how far his connections run.

Then came the jaw-dropper: Bobrisky allegedly addressed the discovery of large sums of money in his account by the EFCC, brushing off any criminal implications by claiming the funds came from his influencer work, where he claims he earns as much as $100,000 per job.

Verydarkman, however, was left floored, not only by the supposed earnings, but by the eerie background voice that surfaced in the audio—allegedly that of a maid assigned to Bobrisky during her time in prison. This unexpected detail threw VDM and his followers into a frenzy, raising even more suspicions about the influence and power Bobrisky wields behind bars.

In classic VDM fashion, he didn’t just release the audio quietly. With sharp precision, he captioned the recording and tagged the very prison officials who had previously denied any involvement, calling them out and daring them to listen to the incriminating evidence.

Verydarkman wrote;

“Before them bring lawsut @official_bto come and see what went down in your prison,.this is A well detailed confession from bobrisky,which involves everyone deeply,EFCC,SAN AND,CORRECTIONAL,bobrisky even get maid oo for alleged prlson”

Famous presenter Toke Makinwa has captured attention online with her breathtaking outfit at the grand finale of the Big Brother Naija (BBNaija) reality show, held on Sunday night, October 6, 2024.

The media personality dazzled attendees in a striking red dress featuring intricate net and mesh detailing, which captivated fans and fashion enthusiasts.

The outfit, designed by notable fashion designer Veekee James, showcased Toke’s unique style with its vintage flair, highlighted by stylish gloves.

One glove elegantly adorned her bosom, while another rested on her abdomen.

Toke Makinwa’s bold outfit choice did not go unnoticed on social media, where fans and followers took to Instagram to express their admiration for her stunning appearance.

Many fans and colleagues showered her with compliments, praising her ability to slay in any outfit she wears.

Staff of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, embarked on an indefinite nationwide strike on Monday following the expiration of a 14-day ultimatum issued to the agency’s management.

This is coming after a meeting convened on Friday, October 4, 2024 over unresolved issues.

The staff’s demands include a review and re-evaluation of the 2024 promotion examination results, which currently show a pass rate of only 35 percent.

The union is also advocating for a minimum benchmark of 80 percent for this year’s and future promotion exams.

Another significant demand is the settlement of salary arrears for employees hired in 2022.

In a statement signed by the association’s Secretary, Ejor Michael, the union accused NAFDAC management of neglecting their grievances, labelling the inaction as insufferable.

The striking workers, following the directive of the Senior Staff Association of Statutory Corporations and Government-Owned Companies (SSASCGOC), have been instructed to withdraw all services and vacate their offices.

They were also told to remove personal belongings as the strike commences.

The workers have vowed to continue the strike until all demands listed in their communiqué are fulfilled.

The Minister of Art, Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa has claimed that she has done the National Youth Service Corp (NYSC) at least twice.

Musawa made the claim while addressing the controversy surrounding her NYSC certificate scandal.

She stated this on Sunday during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today.

The Minister has been in the public’s eye after failing to provide the Nigerian Senate with evidence that she participated in the mandatory NYSC scheme when she appeared for her screening after President Bola Tinubu sent her name for confirmation.

Her confirmation in 2023 subsequently led to a legal firework instituted by some aggrieved Nigerians who described her appointment without completing the mandatory service as an aberration.

Speaking on the situation, Musawa said she would not set the record straight concerning the controversy.

She insisted that she was not ready to deliberate the issue with anybody until an undisclosed period when she would be willing to come clean on what transpired.

She said, “I don’t know what you have heard. There have been so many different accounts of that particular situation. The fact that I am sitting here means that I didn’t do anything wrong. But I have not come out to set the record straight as to what happened. The social media has just run rife with different accounts.

“The matter had been adjudicated and one day, I will come out with my account. I have probably done more NYSC than you (presenter). I have done at least two NYSCs in my life.”

When quizzed further on why she was shying away from the question despite knowing that she owed Nigerians an explanation for the exalted office she holds, the minister kicked.

“I think what I owe Nigerians is to say that I didn’t do anything wrong. I didn’t break the law. The NYSC I did and finished. That is the much I can tell you. Everything I did was by the law.

“That was why I also said that one day I would come out with my account of what happened to set the record straight. As of now, I think it is important for me to focus on giving Nigerians the deliverables,” she said.

Naija News reports that according to NYSC regulations, the program is designed as a one-time experience for eligible Nigerian graduates.

The law stipulates that once a corps member has completed the program and received their discharge certificate, they are not permitted to re-enroll.