
FEATURES
2027: Come Back, Rescue Us From Hardship – Nigerians Beg Jonathan After Congratulating Trump
AFOLABINigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has given state governments an ultimatum of December 1, to implement the new minimum wage.
The NLC made this known on Sunday in a communique signed by its President, Mr Joe Ajaero at the end of its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, held in Port Harcourt, Rivers.
Ajaero, who expressed dissatisfaction over the delay by some states to implement the new wage, said workers in affected states were finding it difficult to sustain themselves given the worsening state of the economy.
“The NEC notes with deep frustration the persistent delay and outright refusal by some state governments to implement the 2024 National Minimum Wage Act.
“This betrayal by certain governors and government officials across the country flies in the face of both legality and morality, as workers continue to be denied their rightful wages amidst rising economic hardship.
“It is a blatant disregard for the law and the lives of millions of Nigerian workers, who are being exploited by the very leaders sworn to protect them.
“The NEC therefore resolved to set up a National Minimum Wage Implementation Committee that will commence a nationwide assessment, mobilisation and campaign to educate citizens on the need to resist this assault on their dignity and rights.
“Furthermore, the NLC shall initiate a series of industrial actions in all non-compliant states and shall not relent until the minimum wage is fully implemented across Nigeria.
“To this end, all state Councils where the National Minimum Wage has not been fully implemented by the last day of Nov., 2024 have been directed to proceed on strike beginning from December 1,” he said.
Nigerian investigative journalist, Fisayo Soyombo, has raised the alarm over an alleged plan to smuggle over 130,000kg of rice into Nigeria from the Benin Republic.
Soyombo, known for his in-depth investigative work, made the disclosure on his X platform (formerly Twitter) on Sunday.
Soyombo specifically accused some officers of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) of colluding with smugglers to facilitate the illegal importation of rice on Sunday night. He named Adeyemi Habeeb Abdulganiy, a prominent figure in the smuggling world, as the mastermind behind the smuggling. Abdulganiy, also known as Abuga, is reportedly orchestrating the transportation of the rice in over 2,000 cars, each carrying at least 65 bags of rice.
“Good evening, @CustomsNG. I am aware that your officers have colluded with smugglers to move well over 130,000kg of rice from Benin Republic into Nigeria tonight, Sunday, November 11, 2024,” Soyombo wrote.
He further detailed the smuggling routes, warning that the convoy of vehicles would enter Nigeria through various points, including Sango, Ifo, and the Oju-Ore-Ota route. Some of the cars were expected to drive against traffic at the toll gate near Sango, posing a risk to road users.
“Road users in Sango can expect traffic congestion early tomorrow morning unless this post prompts an about-face from the actors,” Soyombo warned.
He also alleged that soldiers from the 192 Battalion in Owode would be patrolling during the operation to prevent any resistance.
In a sharp rebuke to the Nigeria Customs Service, Soyombo suggested that the public would be skeptical of any future claims of seizures made by the authorities.
“@CustomsNG, just so you know, the people are watching; they will be hysterically laughing at you when you announce ‘seizure of one million bags of rice and 25 cartons of guns’ later this week,” he concluded.
The revelation has attracted public attention, with many awaiting a response from the Nigeria Customs Service and other security agencies regarding the alleged smuggling operation.
[Leadership]
Barring any unforeseen circumstance, the late Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja, would be buried in Abuja on Friday.
His immediate elder brother, Moshood Lagbaja, disclosed this in Osogbo, Osun State during a condolence visit by St Charles Grammar School Osogbo Old Boys Association (SCOBA).
He said the military could not release his remains to the family, but assured them he would be given a befitting burial in Abuja on Friday.
The delegation presented a condolence letter signed by Global President of the association, Tade Adekunle and and General Secretary, Leye Odetoyinbo, to the family.
Speaking on behalf of SCOBA during the condolence visit, the leader of the delegation, who is also the 1st Vice President, Engineer Adesina Salami, described late Lagbaja as an exceptional individual, a proud Charlean, and a distinguished military leader who served the nation with unwavering dedication.
Salami said, “We mourn the loss of an exceptional individual, a proud Charlean, and a distinguished military leader who served our nation with unwavering dedication. Lt. Gen. Lagbaja’s remarkable life, selfless service, and enduring legacy inspire us.
“He made an inspiring and unforgettable impact on the Charlean Family Worldwide during his glorious lifetime.
“May the comforting presence of Almighty God surround you during this difficult time. May His peace, love, and strength sustain you as you navigate the darkness of grief.
“We pray that the cherished memories of Lt. Gen. Lagbaja’s love, wisdom, and accomplishments bring solace to your hearts and may his exemplary life continue to inspire generations to come.”
[DailyTrust]
The Labour Party, LP, presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, Mr Peter Obi, has urged Nigerian students, who want to seek greener pastures outside the country after graduation to do so.
Obi, who gave this advice while donating to two higher institutions in Anambra State, said if Nigeria is fixed, those who have migrated abroad will return.
The institutions were Peter University in Achina/Onneh and the School of Nursing Sciences, Adazi-Nnukwu both in Anambra State.
While addressing students of the College of Nursing Sciences in Adazi-Nnukwu, Obi it was his dedication to keep supporting institutions that nurture skill, professionalism, and character.
“I was here in May this year to support you, and as I had told you, the support was to be done last year, but I couldn’t come because of electioneering, so I came in May.
“This is something I do every year, and today I’m here to give you my donation for this year. Those of us in public life should be able to earn public trust, and that is why I am here to do as I said.
“I have always told the Nursing Council not to restrict you people from travelling abroad after graduation. If it is not going to work for you here, go to where it will work for you.
“We will not advise anyone to stay where it is difficult for them. If you want to seek greener pastures outside, please go. I’m sure that when we build a greater Nigeria, you will come back,” Obi said.
Earlier at Peter University, Obi urged the students to take their studies seriously, describing education as a transformative power, which can form a pillar of national development.
He also encouraged them to pursue academic excellence, emphasising that an investment in education is an investment in the future.
[DailyPost]
The Ballon d’Or is an annual football award presented by the French magazine France Football since 1956 to honour the player deemed to have performed the best over the previous season.
It is decided by votes from 100 journalists representing the top FIFA federations, including Nigeria.
A total of 22 countries awarded points to Ademola Lookman, with Nigeria giving him the highest score:
Here’s the total breakdown of countries that voted for Ademola Lookman and how many points he got.
1. Nigeria – 15 points
2.Greece – 12 points
3.Côte d’Ivoire – 7 points
4.Cameroon – 4 points
5.Gabon – 4 points
6.UAE – 4 points
7.Equatorial Guinea – 4 points
8.Jordan – 4 points
9.Portugal – 4 points
10.South Africa – 3 points
11.Ghana – 3 points
12.Ireland – 3 points
13.North Macedonia – 3 points
14.Finland – 2 points15. Mali – 2 points
16. Morocco – 2 points
17. Burkina Faso- 1 point
18. Uganda- 1 point
19. Trinidad and Tobago – 1 point
20. Senegal- 1 point
21. Ukraine- 1 point
[TheNation]
South African sensation Tyla stunned the audience at the 2024 MTV EMAs, clinching the prestigious Best Afrobeats award and triumphing over fierce competition from industry heavyweights such as Asake, Ayra Starr, Burna Boy, Rema, and Tems.
This historic win was just one of three awards Tyla took home, making her the first African artist to achieve such a feat at the MTV Europe Music Awards.
Her success not only highlights her distinctive artistry but also marks a significant milestone for African representation on the global stage.
Tyla is the first African artiste to win three awards in one night at the MTV EMAs.
She won the Best Afrobeats Award, Best R&B Award, and Best African Act Award at the 2024 MTV EMAs.
PUNCH Online reports that the results for the 2024 MTV EMAs were disclosed on the organisers’ official account on X.
For the show’s 30th anniversary, the MTV Europe Music Awards returned to the UK, with Manchester’s Co-op Live serving as the official venue for music’s biggest global celebration on Sunday, 10 November.
Reacting to her win, Tyla quoted a tweet from the organisers and thanked her fans, posting, “Thank you Tygers once again! Y’all are insane!”
Earlier in July, Tyla was named Best New Artist at the BET Awards 2024, beating Ayra Starr and Asake to the award.
Tyla’s debut single, Water, catapulted her to global fame and earned her several accolades, including the inaugural Grammy Award for Best African Music Performance in February 2024.
2024 MTV EMAs biggest wins
Voting opened with Taylor Swift leading the pack with seven nominations, including Best Artist, Best Video, Best Pop, and Biggest Fans.
Ariana Grande, Billie Eilish, Charli XCX, and Sabrina Carpenter followed closely—each with five nominations across categories such as Best Song, Best Video, and Best Artist.
People reports that other top contenders with four nominations each included Ayra Starr, Beyoncé, Kendrick Lamar, Lisa, and first-time nominees Chappell Roan and Tyla.
Kehlani and Tinashe were among the 19 nominees up for their first-ever MTV EMA nomination.
PUNCH Online reports that the MTV Europe Music Awards (EMAs) is an annual awards ceremony established in 1994 by MTV to celebrate and honour achievements in the music industry, specifically targeting European audiences.
The event is modelled after the iconic MTV Video Music Awards but focuses on European and global artists, recognising music across various genres and regions.
Each year, the awards are held in a different European city, making it a cultural and music highlight, with past locations including Berlin, Paris, and London.
Here is the full list of 2024 MTV EMAs winners below:
BEST SONG
- Ariana Grande – “we can’t be friends (wait for your love)”
- Benson Boone – “Beautiful Things”
- Beyoncé – “TEXAS HOLD ‘EM”
- Billie Eilish – “BIRDS OF A FEATHER”
- Chappell Roan – “Good Luck, Babe!”
- Sabrina Carpenter – “Espresso” – WINNER
BEST VIDEO
- Ariana Grande – “we can’t be friends (wait for your love)”
- Charli xcx – “360”
- Eminem – “Houdini”
- Kendrick Lamar – “Not Like Us”
- LISA ft. Rosalía – “NEW WOMAN”
- Taylor Swift ft. Post Malone – “Fortnight” – WINNER
BEST ARTIST
- Beyoncé
- Billie Eilish
- Post Malone
- RAYE
- Sabrina Carpenter
- Taylor Swift — WINNER
BEST COLLABORATION
- Charli xcx & Billie Eilish – “Guess” featuring Billie Eilish
- Future, Metro Boomin & Kendrick Lamar – “Like That”
- Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars – “Die With a Smile”
- LISA ft. Rosalía – “NEW WOMAN” — WINNER
- Peso Pluma, Anitta – “BELLAKEO”
- Taylor Swift ft. Post Malone – “Fortnight”
BEST NEW
- Ayra Starr
- Benson Boone — WINNER
- Chappell Roan
- LE SSERAFIM
- Teddy Swims
- The Last Dinner Party
- Tyla
BEST POP
- Ariana Grande — WINNER
- Billie Eilish
- Camila Cabello
- Charli xcx
- Dua Lipa
- Sabrina Carpenter
- Taylor Swift
BEST AFROBEATS
- Asake
- Ayra Starr
- Burna Boy
- Rema
- Tems
- Tyla – WINNER
BEST ROCK
- Bon Jovi
- Coldplay
- Green Day
- Kings of Leon
- Lenny Kravitz
- Liam Gallagher – WINNER
- The Killers
BEST LATIN
- Anitta
- Bad Bunny
- KAROL G
- Peso Pluma — WINNER
- Rauw Alejandro
- Shakira
BEST K-POP
- Jimin — WINNER
- Jung Kook
- LE SSERAFIM
- LISA
- NewJeans
- Stray Kids
BEST ALTERNATIVE
- Fontaines D.C.
- Hozier
- Imagine Dragons — WINNER
- Lana Del Rey
- Twenty One Pilots
- YUNGBLUD
BEST ELECTRONIC
- Calvin Harris – WINNER
- David Guetta
- Disclosure
- DJ Snake
- Fred Again..
- Swedish House Mafia
BEST HIP-HOP
- Central Cee
- Eminem — WINNER
- Kendrick Lamar
- Megan Thee Stallion
- Nicki Minaj
- Travis Scott
BEST R&B
- Kehlani
- SZA
- Tinashe
- Tyla — WINNER
- Usher
- Victoria Monét
BEST LIVE
- Adele
- Coldplay
- Doja Cat
- RAYE
- Taylor Swift — WINNER
- Travis Scott
BEST PUSH
- Ayra Starr
- Chappell Roan
- Coco Jones
- Flyana Boss
- Jessie Murph
- Laufey
LE SSERAFIM — WINNER
- Mark Ambor
- Shaboozey
- Teddy Swims
- The Warning
- Victoria Monét
BIGGEST FANS
- Anitta
- Ariana Grande
- Beyoncé
- Billie Eilish
- Chappell Roan
- Charli xcx
- Katy Perry
- LISA – WINNER
- Nicki Minaj
- Sabrina Carpenter
- Shawn Mendes
- Taylor Swift
MTV EMA 2024 BEST REGIONAL ACT NOMINEES
BEST AFRICAN ACT
- Asake
- Ayra Starr
- DBN Gogo
- Diamond Platnumz
- TitoM & Yuppe
- Tyla
BEST ASIA ACT
- BINI
- ILLIT
- Mahalini
- MASDO
- Sakurazaka46
BEST AUSTRALIAN ACT
- Confidence Man
- CYRIL
- Kylie Minogue
- Sia
- The Kid LAROI
- Troye Sivan
BEST AUSTRIAN ACT
- Bilderbuch
- Christina Stürmer
- Esther Graf
- Money Boy
- RAF Camora
- Wanda
BEST BRASILIAN ACT
- Jão
- Luisa Sonza
- Matuê
- Pabllo Vittar
- Pedro Sampaio
BEST CANADIAN ACT
- AR Paisley
- Kaytranada
- Nelly Furtado
- Shawn Mendes
- Tate McRae
BEST CARIBBEAN ACT
- Eladio Carrion
- Luar la L
- Myke Towers
- YovngChimi
- Young Miko
BEST DUTCH ACT
- Claude
- Jonna Fraser
- Mr. Belt & Wezol
- Roxy Dekker
- Son Mieux
BEST FRENCH ACT
- Aya Nakamura
- Dadju & Tayc
- GIMS
- Pierre Garnier
- Slimane
- Vitaa
BEST GERMAN ACT
- AYLIVA
- K.I.Z
- Luciano
- Pashanim
- Shirin David
BEST INDIA ACT
- Armaan Malik
- Chirag Todi
- Dee MC & EPR
- Hanumankind
- Kamakshi Khanna
- Mali
BEST ITALIAN ACT
- Angelina Mango
- Annalisa
- Ghali
- Mahmood
- The Kolors
BEST ISRAELI ACT
- Agam Buhbut
- Anna Zak
- Noa Kirel
- Shahar Saul
- Shahar Tavoch
BEST LAT AM CENTRAL ACT
- Beele
- Blessd
- Kapo
- Manuel Turizo
- Sofia Castro
BEST LAT AM NORTH ACT
- Danna
- El Malilla
- Gabito Ballesteros
- Natanael Cano
- YeriMua
BEST LAT AM SOUTH ACT
- Dillom
- Emilia
- Luck Ra
- Maria Becerra
- Trueno
BEST NORDIC ACT
- Alesso
- girl in red
- Laufey
- Swedish House Mafia
- Zara Larsson
BEST POLISH ACT
- Daria Zawiałow
- Kacperczyk
- Kwiat Jabłoni
- Pro8l3m
- Zalewski
BEST PORTUGUESE ACT
- Bárbara Bandeira
- Bárbara Tinoco
- Dillaz
- Ivandro
- Slow J
BEST SPANISH ACT
- Ana Mena
- Belén Aguilera
- Dani Fernández
- Lola Indigo
- Mikel Izal
BEST SWISS ACT
- Benjamin Amaru
- Faber
- Nemo
- Priya Ragu
- Stress
BEST UK & IRELAND ACT
- Central Cee
- Charli xcx
- Chase & Status
- Dua Lipa
- Hozier
- RAYE — WINNER
BEST US ACT
- Ariana Grande
- Beyoncé
- Kendrick Lamar
- Sabrina Carpenter
- Taylor Swift
[Punch]
More...
Joao Pereira will take over from Manchester United-bound Ruben Amorim as head coach of Sporting Lisbon, the Portuguese champions announced on Monday.
The 40-year-old will step up from his role as reserve-team boss following Amorim’s departure to Old Trafford.
Sporting staged a dramatic fightback from two goals down to win 4-2 at Braga on Sunday in Amorim’s final match in charge and maintain their 100-percent record in the Primeira Liga this season.
Pereira, a former Portugal right-back who enjoyed three spells at Sporting as a player, will hold his first press conference as boss later on Monday, Sporting said on social media.
Amorim left to take over at Man United following the sacking of Erik ten Hag after a golden spell in the Portuguese capital, taking Sporting to their first league title in 19 years in 2021 before regaining the trophy last season.
They also sit second in the Champions League table after thumping Manchester City 4-1 last week in Amorim’s last home game as coach.
[Vanguard]
Monday Okpebholo, Edo governor-elect, has appointed Fred Itua, a journalist with The Sun newspaper, as his chief press secretary.
Itua’s appointment was contained in a statement personally signed by the governor-elect.
Okpebholo’s swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for November 12.
Itua boasts over 13 years as a writer, journalist, and communications consultant.
Until his appointment, he was the assistant political editor at The Sun newspaper.
He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, a Master’s degree in Media Arts from the University of Abuja, and is in the final stages of his PhD thesis in Development Communication at Veritas University, Abuja.
“Itua brings unparalleled expertise to the table, leveraging extensive experience covering national assembly, migration, health, anti-corruption, and environmental issues to provide profound insights into national and international affairs,” the statement reads.
“His commitment to lifelong learning and cross-cultural collaboration makes him a highly adaptable team player, ready to lead and innovate in multicultural settings.”
[TheCable]
Four Suspects Arrested For Stealing Aviation Fuel At Abuja Airport, - Offer Police Officer N500,000 Bribe
AFOLABISome suspects who were arrested for stealing aviation fuel from the Aerotan Hanger tank at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, have allegedly offered a N500,000 bribe to influence the investigation and prevent prosecution.
The suspects were arrested with a Honda salon car conveying fifty jerry cans of the fuel popularly known as Jet A1 by Sani and his men.
The police, however, rejected the bribe.
The spokesperson for the Airport Command of the Nigeria Police Force, CSP Daramola Kazeem disclosed this in a statement on Saturday.
The statement commended the police DPO and his team for rejecting the bribe brought forward by the suspects to evade being prosecuted.
The statement read, “The Divisional Police officer of the Airport Division of Abuja, SP Umar Sani and his team have arrested one Murtala Abdulahi 46 years old with a Honda salon car with Registration number LAGOS GGE 680 EL conveying fifty jerry cans of aviation fuel popularly known as Jet A1.
“The arrest was made possible when on routine patrol at the Airport landside when the vehicle was flagged down for routine checks in the middle of the night at about 0300hrs of 06/11/2024.
“The JET 1 according to the suspects was siphoned from Aerotan Hanger tank at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
"His confession led to the arrest of other conspirators, Abdulahi Jibril 26 years, Kabiru Hassan 25 years and Habibu Abdulrahaman 42 years in other parts of Abuja.
“The Commissioner of of Police in charge of Airport Command, CP Aminu Baba Raji psc has commended the DPO and his team for rejecting the bribe of Five hundred thousand naira (N500,000,00) brought forward by the suspects to evade being prosecuted.
“He said the rejection aligns with the ethos of the Nigeria Police as led by the zero corruption tolerant Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, NPM PhD.
“The product which street value is put at about Two million naira has been impounded while investigation is about concluding to enable arraignment of suspects in court.”
We Are Controlling The Country Now - MC Oluomo’s Son Says After His Father Became NURTW National President
AFOLABIKing West, the son of renowned Lagos transport leader MC Oluomo, has sparked reactions on social media after posting a photo of his father with Nigerian President Bola Tinubu.
The image, which King West posted on his Instagram story, captures MC Oluomo standing with President Tinubu in a setting adorned with Nigerian flags.
Accompanying the photo, King West wrote, “Nah the country we dey control now, no be only Lagos again,” signaling a perceived increase in influence that goes beyond Lagos State.
King West’s statement comes shortly after his father, MC Oluomo, assumed the role of National President of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), a prominent position within Nigeria's transportation sector.
In another caption, King West affectionately referred to his father as "The Beast" and expressed pride in his father's achievements.