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The United Kingdom (UK) has over the years experienced an increase in its migration rate and this has led the nation to implement significant changes to its visa system, which will ultimately affect employers and prospective international employees.
In this article are some of the modifications made to its work visa.
1. Increased Salary Thresholds
As of April 2024, the minimum salary requirement for the Skilled Worker visa in the UK rose from £26,200 to £38,700. The Skilled Worker visa refers to the main work visa for overseas nationals in the UK. It allows employers to sponsor non-UK nationals to work in the UK in eligible, skilled roles.
Applicants are now expected to meet this new threshold or the specific salary dictated by their position, whichever is higher.
2. Replacement of the Shortage Occupation List
The Shortage Occupation List is a list that shows roles/professions that are in short supply in the UK. The jobs that appear on this list are given some benefits within the UK Immigration Rules to make it easier for employers to hire employees through the Skilled Worker visa route.
The Shortage Occupation List (SOL) has now been replaced with the Immigration Salary List (ISL) since April 2024. This comprises roles deemed appropriate for a discounted salary threshold.
3. Adoption of Updated Occupational Codes
The Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) is a coding framework used in the UK to classify occupations, enabling comparisons of occupations across different datasets.
The UK Home Office has transitioned to the Office for National Statistics (ONS) Skills Occupational Codes 2020 system, replacing the 2010 version. This update necessitates employers to reassess and possibly adjust the occupational codes used for sponsoring employees, ensuring alignment with the new classification system.
4. Restrictions on Dependants for Care Workers
Additionally, only Care Quality Commission (CQC)-registered providers in England can sponsor Health and Care Visa applicants.
5. Expansion of the ETA Scheme
The United Kingdom Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is an advance travel permission required from foreign nationals who intend to visit or transit the United Kingdom without a visa.
The UK’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme expanded in November 2024 to include all non-visa nationals except Europeans, who will be included by April 2025. The scheme requires applicants to hold a valid national passport and meet specific criteria.
In summary, the UK’s recent alterations to its work visa system reflect a strategic shift towards attracting higher-skilled labour while managing migration numbers.
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has prohibited local deposits into the newly launched Non-Resident Nigerian Ordinary Account (NRNOA) and Non-Resident Nigerian Investment Account (NRNIA), designed to cater specifically to Nigerians living abroad.
This directive, outlined in a circular issued by the apex bank on January 10, 2025, highlights the CBN’s focus on channelling external inflows and diaspora investments into the nation’s economy.
Signed by Dr W. J. Kanya, the acting Director of the Trade and Exchange Department, the circular stated, “Deposits into non-resident accounts must originate from external sources through approved channels. Local deposits are prohibited, except for traceable proceeds from approved local investments linked to prior foreign currency inflows and settlement of foreign exchange transactions i.e. sale of FCY balances to authorised dealers.
“Transfers to other local accounts within Nigeria are allowed only in Naira.”
The restriction is part of a broader framework to ensure the accounts serve their intended purpose of boosting remittances and investments from the diaspora.
Accounts designed to drive diaspora contributions
The NRNOA and NRNIA accounts aim to provide Nigerians in the diaspora with secure platforms to manage funds and invest in Nigeria’s financial markets.
- The NRNOA allows non-resident Nigerians (NRNs) to remit foreign earnings into the country and manage funds in either foreign currency (FCY) or naira.
- These earnings may include salaries, allowances, dividends, and rental income. Also, the NRNOA supports local spending on family maintenance, education, and healthcare.
- On the other hand, the NRNIA is designed to facilitate diaspora investments in Nigeria, allowing NRNs to invest in assets denominated in foreign currency or Naira. Eligible investments include domestic bonds, equities, government securities, mortgage products, and the Diaspora Bond.
The CBN highlighted that these accounts would provide greater flexibility for NRNs to diversify their investment portfolios while contributing to Nigeria’s economic development.
To ensure compliance with this framework, the CBN has outlined strict guidelines for local transfers. Transfers from these accounts to other local accounts within Nigeria are permitted only in Naira, with no provision for such funds to originate locally unless linked to approved investment proceeds.
The CBN clarified that this measure is essential to maintain the integrity of the accounts as tools for external remittances and diaspora investments.
Framework to enhance compliance and transparency
The apex bank has also emphasised the integration of digital platforms to facilitate seamless onboarding and account management. Partnering with the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS), banks are mandated to offer digital solutions for issuing Bank Verification Numbers (BVNs) and enabling remote Know-Your-Customer (KYC) updates.
- These measures are expected to enhance the accessibility and usability of the accounts for Nigerians in the diaspora.
- Eligibility for these accounts requires proof of residency and identity, such as a valid or expired Nigerian passport, or a foreign passport accompanied by evidence of Nigerian citizenship. Investors based in the United States must also comply with IRS FATCA regulations.
- The prohibition on local deposits reflects the CBN’s strategy to maximise external inflows into the Nigerian economy.
- By restricting the sources of funding for these accounts, the CBN aims to create a transparent and efficient framework that aligns with global Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter-Terrorism Financing (CTF) standards.
- Interest earned on these accounts will be subject to Nigerian tax laws, while specific exemptions, such as those for government bonds, will be detailed in a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document expected to be released soon.
[Nairametrics]
The royal father, who appealed for calm from the residents, urged them to avoid violence and unrest amidst the leadership tussle in the state.
Emir Sanusi pointed out that the battle against those trying to instigate violence in Kano is for God and prayed that such people would reap the rewards of their actions.
He prayed that as God protects the peaceful ones, may fire also consume those who wish to cause chaos in Kano.
Naija News reports Sanusi made the declaration as part of his reaction to the Appeal Court verdict, which on Friday, January 10, 2025, ordered the Chief Judge of Kano to assign a fresh judge to review the case between the 15th Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, the Kano State Government, and the 16th Emir, Muhammad Sanusi II, as well as the Kano State Assembly.
“This battle is not ours but God’s. And God does not need anyone’s help. Let us keep praying for His guidance and intervention. May God protect us, and whoever seeks to ignite chaos in Kano, may that fire consume them instead.
“To those who wish harm upon Kano or its peace, may they face the consequences of their own wishes.
“They may attempt to provoke violence, but let us not respond to their actions. Let us not engage them in any way. Whoever questions God’s judgment will ultimately face the consequences of doing so,” Sanusi said.
[NaijaNews]
The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has appealed to residents to maintain calm and resist any temptation that could provoke unrest in the ancient city, noting that those who want to ignite Kano will be consumed by their wish.
Emir Sanusi, who made the appeal in a viral video while reacting to the verdict of the Court of Appeal, which ruled in his favour, said some people were hell-bent on instigating unrest in the state.
The monarch said, “As you all know, the Appeal Court has confirmed today that the Federal High Court has no jurisdiction over emirate issues. This judgment was expected, and those who initiated the case in court knew this all along.
“Even the judge who issued the initial order was aware of the limits of his jurisdiction. Those who influenced him to make that decision also knew the truth.
“However, for the past eight months, their aim has been to promote selfish interests and instigate unrest in this part of the country.
“Despite their efforts, our greatest achievement is that the state has remained peaceful. There has been no violence or disorder. We call on everyone to continue maintaining peace and unity.
“This battle is not ours but God’s. And God does not need anyone’s help. Let us keep praying for His guidance and intervention. May God protect us, and whoever seeks to ignite chaos in Kano, may that fire consume them instead.
“To those who wish harm upon Kano or its peace, may they face the consequences of their own wishes.
“They may attempt to provoke violence, but let us not respond to their actions. Let us not engage them in any way. Whoever questions God’s judgment will ultimately face the consequences of doing so,” Sanusi said.
Nasarawa Judicial Commission demotes magistrate over Erisco Foods critic Chioma Okoli’s case
AFOLABI
The Nasarawa State Judicial Commission has demoted Emmanuel Jatau, a Chief Magistrate, following his handling of a controversial case involving Chioma Okoli and the Nigeria Police Force.
In a letter dated January 6, 2025, and signed by Yahaya Shafa, the commission’s secretary, it was revealed that Jatau was demoted from Chief Magistrate II (Grade Level 15) to Senior Magistrate I (Grade Level 14) and stripped of his magisterial duties.
“Consequently, I have been directed by the Hon. Chief Judge of Nasarawa State and Chairman Judicial Service Commission to write and inform you that Hon. Emmanuel A. Jatau has been demoted by a grade level lower than his current grade level i.e from Chief Magistrate II on GL 15 to Senior Magistrate I on GL 14 and stripped of his magisterial duties,” the commission said.
The disciplinary action stemmed from Jatau’s issuance of arrest and remand warrants against Okoli, which were deemed “fraudulent” and outside his jurisdiction.
The saga began on September 17, 2023, when Okoli, via Facebook, claimed that Nagiko Tomato Mix, a product of Erisco Foods Limited, was sugary. The company, led by its CEO Eric Umeofia, denied the claim and filed a petition that led to Okoli’s arrest by the police.
She was subsequently arraigned on charges of conspiracy and cyberstalking. Although remanded at the Suleja Correctional Centre, she was later granted bail. Amid the ordeal, Okoli tragically suffered a miscarriage, sparking public outrage and widespread calls for justice.
Petition Against Jatau
Inibehe Effiong, Okoli’s legal counsel, filed a petition against Jatau, arguing that the magistrate had overstepped his jurisdiction.
Effiong highlighted that Okoli neither resides in Nasarawa State nor committed any alleged offences there; the charges of cybercrime fall under the exclusive jurisdiction of the Federal High Court, as stipulated in the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015.
Effiong described Jatau’s actions as a “brazen” abuse of judicial authority and demanded an investigation.
Barely a week after killing two police officers, terrorists belonging to Lakurawa group have killed three staff of a leading telecommunication firm.
The insurgents were said to have invaded a construction site at Gumki village in Arewa Local Government Area of Kebbi State.
It was gathered that the deceased were installing a surveillance mast for the Nigeria Immigration Service in the area when the terrorists struck and killed them and one other person who is yet to be identified.
Though the police report said three of the deceased were Airtel staff, the locals said they were immigration staff.
A staff of Sir Yahaya Specialist Hospital who spoke to our correspondent said three of the deceased brought to the hospital were immigration staff.
But police public relations officer, SP Nafiu Abubakar, said four persons lost their lives, one indigene and three staff of Airtel.
He said on receipt of the report, the Commissioner of Police, Kebbi State Command, CP Bello M Sani alongside with the Comptroller, Nigeria Immigration Service, Kebbi State Command, CIS Muhammad Bashir Lawali mobilized their men to the scene to evacuate the corpses to Sir Yahaya Memorial Hospital in Birnin Kebbi.
He added that the Commissioner of Police had deployed additional tactical teams to the area and charged them to decisively deal with the suspected bandits operating in the area.
He said the CP also had meeting with people in the area and appealed to them to always assist the police and other security agencies with relevant information for their prompt response.
[DailyTrust]
NATIONAL Agency for Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has accused some medical centres and personnel of indulging in organ harvesting in what has become a booming trade in Akwa Ibom state.
The State Zonal Coordinator of NAPTIP, Mr Emmanuel Awhen, made the startling allegation Saturday in Uyo as stakeholders marked the National Human Trafficking Awareness Day 2025 themed, “Strengthening Communities by Connecting the Dots”
Represent by Eme Inionong Ukpabio, Head, Public Enlightenment NAPTIP, Akwa Ibom, Awhen captured that approximately 750,000 to one million children were abducted in Akwa Ibom for trafficking and other exploitative purposes between 2021 and 2024.
Awhen further disclosed the agency’s arrest of one suspect for organ harvesting, having secured 60 convictions of human trafficking offenders under the period in review with 15 cases pending in court.
He said, “The arrest we had on organ harvesting, the person involved is not an Akwa Ibomite. So when we have such a case, we refer to the mother state the suspect comes from. Ours is just do the job and do a referral to the command that covers the person’s state where justice will take it course.
“Organ harvesting is one thing that is very high now. You may not notice it, some clinics in this town, with due apologies to doctors who are carrying out legitimate businesses, there are hospitals in this town (Uyo) that are involved in organ harvesting.”
“Between 2021 and 2024, approximately 750,000 to 1 million children have been abducted for trafficking and other exploitative purposes. These often involve victims being forced, coerced, deceived, or manipulated into providing sexual services or labour through abuse of trust, power, or authority.
“The key elements of human trafficking include recruitment, transportation and transfer of victims to different locations. This heinous act can be carried out by individuals, gangs, or organised criminal networks.
“We have had arrests, I cannot count. The arrest we do, we bring them to the office and when we realize most of these cases are not really human trafficking cases, we send them away. The ones that are arrested and put in our centres and charged to court are many. We have had over 60 convictions.”
The state Coordinator, Network Against Child Trafficking, Abuse and Labour (NACTAL), Peace Edem, highlighted the emotional and phycological dangers of human trafficking, calling on continuous sensitization of communities against the dangers
He said, “Different forms of human trafficking have been mentioned -sex trafficking, labour trafficking and organ trafficking and others. The associated dangers are, first, physical danger, violence and abuse, force labour and rest of them.
“Then there is the emotional and psychological dangers. So, we need to also sensitize our communities against these dangers because some of them innocently go into it without knowing”
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Mrs Eno Ime Akpan commended the collaborative efforts of NAPTIP and NACTAL in the fight against human trafficking in Akwa Ibom.
She acknowledged Governor Umo Eno for establishing the ministry which she noted has enhanced the fight against human trafficking, saddled with the responsibility of improving the dignity of humans.
Interswitch is driving the call for a developer-led approach to fintech innovation.
As a platinum sponsor of the 2024 Google Developer Groups (GDG) DevFest Ibadan, Interswitch reaffirmed its commitment to empowering developers with the tools and opportunities they need to innovate and shape the future of financial technology.
The event, hosted at the Aweni Arena in Ibadan, brought together a diverse audience of tech enthusiasts, industry leaders, and developers to explore cutting-edge topics such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and mobile app development. This year’s DevFest emphasised collaboration and practical solutions, aligning with Interswitch’s mission to foster a developer-centric ecosystem.
“At Interswitch, we recognise the pivotal role developers and tech communities play in driving innovation across the continent. Sponsoring GDG DevFest Ibadan 2024 aligns perfectly with our mission to equip these communities with the tools, platforms, and opportunities they need to innovate, collaborate, and succeed. We are committed to promoting a vibrant ecosystem that accelerates Africa’s digital transformation while nurturing the next wave of innovators shaping the future of fintech in Nigeria and beyond,” he said.
The event afforded Interswitch the opportunity to make significant contributions to the Developer Community.
Developer ecosystem executive, Interswitch, Elizabeth Okaome, delivered an insightful presentation on the company’s robust suite of Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) and their use cases, supported with live demos. Cutting across payments integration, transfers, bill payments and airtime recharge, identity verification or lending services, Interswitch APIs equip developers with tools to enable secure and seamless online and offline payment acceptance).
Another highlight at the event was the introduction of the Quickteller Business Referral Programme, also known as the ‘5 for 5’ Initiative, which offers developers or any referrer an opportunity to earn five percent commission on Interswitch’s share of every transaction charge, for five whole years, while enabling businesses to thrive.
The Interswitch Developer Community and Quickteller jointly hosted an engaging booth featuring educational product videos, customer testimonials, and one-on-one consultations. Attendees enjoyed interactive activities, including a lively ‘Spin the Wheel’ game, and received branded merchandise, enhancing the event’s vibrant and engaging atmosphere.
Through this sponsorship, Interswitch reinforces its commitment to empowering Africa’s tech community by providing innovative solutions, fostering strategic partnerships, and creating platforms that accelerate digital transformation and economic growth. The company continues to solidify its position as a catalyst for innovation and a hub for developer support in Nigeria.
[Leadership]
The presidency on Saturday insisted that President Bola Tinubu will fulfill the agenda of reducing Nigeria’s inflation to 15% by December 2025.
The Special Assistant to President Tinubu on Social Media, Dada Olusegun, said agriculture and food security is one of the ways the President intended to achieve his aim.
Speaking via a statement on his X account, Olusegun said several mechanisms have already been put in place to achieve the agenda.
Recalls that President Tinubu had, during the presentation of the ₦47.9 trillion 2025 budget to the National Assembly, stated that the budget projects a decline in inflation from the current 34.6% to 15%. He also reiterated it in his 2025 New Year message.
His projection has, however, elicited pessimism from certain quarters. But the presidency, on Saturday, insisted that the aim would be achieved.
The media aide disclosed that part of the steps put in place to achieve the dream include the delivery of 2,000 tractors, 4000 disc ploughs, 1000 disc ridges, 1200 tractor trailers and other assorted spare parts to Nigeria in the next few weeks.
He added that an agricultural manufacturing firm, JohnDeere, is also expected to set up assembly/maintenance plants for these equipment in Nigeria.
“On food security, I can categorically confirm that agriculture will be a major priority for the administration in 2025 as President Tinubu has set an ambitious agenda of reducing inflation across the board to 15% by December.
“To achieve this, several mechanisms have been put in place including the delivery of farm equipment which will begin soon.
“It’s not just the 2,000 tractors mentioned by President Tinubu in his new year speech;
– 4000 disc ploughs
– 1000 disc ridges
– 1200 tractor trailers and other assorted spare parts are set to be delivered to Nigeria over the next few weeks as part of a major mechanization project under the National Agricultural Mechanization Programme (NAMP).
“@JohnDeere is also expected to set up assembly/maintenance plants for these equipments in Nigeria as they will be replicating the supply successively over the next five years,” Olusegun noted in the statement.
He added that several states would also receive support through the Special Agro Processing Zone program and several zonal commodity exchanges are expected to come on board in the all-inclusive approach.
Olusegun promised that 2025 will be a great year for Nigerians.
“Several states will also be supported via the Special Agro Processing Zone program which is spearheaded by the Africa Development Bank. This is an entirely different agricultural development scheme as the administration seeks to make the challenge of food security a thing of the past in the country by institutionalizing programs that will maximize our potentials as a major food producing nation.
“On storage and commodity boards, several zonal commodity exchanges are expected to come on board just as much as many state governments have started the process of floating the same to mitigate the effects of hoarding and middlemen-induced inflation.
“It’s an all inclusive approach aimed at correcting the wrongs of the past and there are a lot of reasons to be optimistic. 2025 promises to be a great year because “joy is coming,” he concluded.
The Senior Pastor of the Commonwealth of Zion Assembly (COZA), Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo, has declared that while the devil fears prayers, he does not fear poor people.
Fatoyinbo made the statement while preaching to his congregation in a viral video online.
The clergy emphasised the importance of financial success and stability alongside spiritual growth.
He recounted a story of a man who went to preach the gospel but was chased away by another man who questioned his appearance, asking, “Has God helped you? Look at the way you look.”
According to him, the devil wants people to stay behind and make noise even though “Jesus became poor for our sake that through the grace of God we might become rich.”
Fatoyinbo encouraged his members to pursue spiritual and material wealth, stressing that financial resources can effectively help spread the gospel.
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No fewer than 7,228 inmates were pardoned by federal and state governments, chief justices and nongovernmental organisations between January 2022 and December 2024, as part of efforts to decongest the nation’s overcrowded correctional centres.
The figures were obtained from media reports and compiled by our correspondent on Saturday.
According to recent data from the Nigerian Correctional Service, the total inmate population stands at 79,125 exceeding the system’s capacity of slightly more than 50,000.
Of this number, 52,903 inmates are awaiting trial. Most of these individuals face serious charges such as armed robbery, murder, and culpable homicide, which require lengthy investigations and prosecutions.
In 2022, 707 inmates were pardoned. The figure rose significantly in 2023 to 4,678, with another 1,843 pardoned in 2024.
A major release occurred on November 18, 2023, when 4,068 inmates were freed across the country due to their inability to pay fines.
The gesture initiated by the Federal Government was made possible through N585m raised by corporate organisations as part of their corporate social responsibility.
The NCoS spokesperson, Abubakar Umar, who recently spoke to our correspondent in an interview, attributed the overcrowding primarily to delays in the dispensation of justice.
To address these challenges, the NCoS adopted several measures, including facilitating judicial access for inmates by ensuring their timely appearance in court.
Non-custodial measures, such as community service and probation, have also been introduced to ease pressure on correctional centres.
The agency is collaborating with state governments to grant clemency to reformed inmates and has partnered with state judiciaries to conduct regular jail delivery exercises.
The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a 21-year-old US returnee, David Segun, and two others for allegedly killing an Uber driver in the Obalende area of Lagos State.
The Commissioner of Police, Ishola Olanrewaju, disclosed this while parading the suspects at the state command headquarters on Saturday.
Olanrewaju disclosed that Segun and his friends, Emeka Akwara (19) Samuel Ariori (21) and Lukman Ariori (19) ordered an Uber ride from Chevron in Lekki to Obalende at midnight on Thursday, January 9.
He said upon arriving at a lonely area in Obalende, the suspects allegedly robbed and killed the Uber driver by stabbing him multiple times in the neck.
According to him, the suspects were unable to snatch the vehicle, and two among them were apprehended on the spot by members of the community.
He said, “On January 9, 2025, at about midnight, a case of conspiracy, armed robbery and murder was reported. One Emeka Akwara 19yrs, David Segun, 21yrs, Samuel Ariori, 21yrs and Lukman Ariori, 19yrs ordered an Uber at Chevron in the Lekki area – en-route to Obalende. On getting to Obalende in a lonely area, they robbed and killed the Uber driver by stabbing him multiple times in the neck, unfortunately, they were unable to snatch the vehicle.
“With the intervention of good Samaritans within the environs, two suspects were immediately arrested and were handed over to police operatives attached to Lion Building. “
The Police chief further stated that two other fleeing suspects were arrested in the Chevron area of the state, adding that the deceased’s corpse was deposited in the morgue at Mainland Hospital, Yaba.
Olanrewaju who explained that an investigation had begun into the incident described Segun as a US returnee as well as the gang’s leader.
While pointing at him, Olanrewaju said, “This is their team leader. He was sent home from America by his father. The mother at home could still not handle him. The failure of society is placed on the police. We are not complaining, it is a job we signed up for. They will be facing criminal prosecution right from Monday.
“I wonder the value of what this vehicle will fetch in the market that made them snuff the life out of the owner. Probably the man even took the vehicle on hire purchase,” he added.
Other suspects were paraded for kidnapping, cultism, armed robbery, carjacking and other various acts of criminalities.
The CP also noted that the command had intelligence-led policing during the yuletide season which resulted in a peaceful celebration.
“During this period, we had intelligence-led policing that resulted in the peaceful yuletide season that we had in Lagos. It is on record that Murtala Muhammed airport received nothing less than 500,000 diasporan Nigerians and ninety percent of whom did not go outside of Lagos for celebration,” he added.
The Transmission Company, TCN, of Nigeria has clarified that the National Grid did not collapse but rather tripped off on Saturday, January 11, 2025.
The spokesperson of TCN, Ndidi Mbah, made this clarification in a statement on Saturday.
This comes as it emerged that the National Grid recorded its first collapse in 2025 on Saturday, which plunged parts of the country into darkness.
However, TCN clarified that the Benin-Omotosho line tripped off at around 13:41 pm on Saturday.
TCN, however, confirmed that the tripping off affected the bulk supply of electricity to the Lagos axis.
According to TCN, electricity generation at the national grid stood at 2,573.23 megawatts after the tripping.
“Benin-Omotosho Line Tripping, Not System Collapse The Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN, hereby states that the nation’s grid did not experience any collapse today (Saturday).
“Earlier today, at about 13:41 hrs, the Osogbo-Ihovbor line tripped, followed by the tripping of the Benin-Omotosho line. These consequently affected bulk supply to only the Lagos axis alone.
“It is important to clarify that at about 13:00 hrs today, just before the tripping, total generation on the grid was 4,335.63 MW. After the trippings, however, generation was 2,573.23 MW, showing clearly that the grid did not experience a collapse.
“The transmission line tripping affected Egbin, Olorunsogo, Omotosho, Geregu, and Paras, but these have all been restored except for the Benin Omotosho 330kV line, whose restoration is ongoing,” TCN stated.
DAILY POST reports that in 2024 alone, the national grid collapsed at least 12 times.
National grid collapses, vandalisation, and other challenges the nation’s electricity supply industry faces.
[DailyPost]
The Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodinma, has urged unknown gunmen still in hiding to lay down their arms and join society in contributing positively to the progress of the state.
Uzodinma made the appeal at the funeral of the slain former Imo APC Woman leader, Orlu zone, Jenny Rachael Okonkwo, who was murdered in 2022 by suspected hoodlums
He promised that the government would help in providing financial aid in any kind of business the bandits choose to go into to be useful to themselves and society.
Addressing the mourners at the country home of the late APC woman leader in Ogberuru, Orlu LGA , the Governor condemned the conditions under which the woman leader was assassinated, insisting that the Party and the State lost a gem in her.
Uzodinma prayed for the repose of her soul and the souls of the four other women assassinated with her and proceeded to approve the sum of ₦10 million for each of the deceased families.
He also promised that the government will be willing to employ any of their children who is employable or in the alternative train them if they are willing to learn a trade or skill.
He said, “She was one of the best organizers and mobilizers, not only in Orlu Local Government but in Imo State in general. A very committed party woman, who worked, suffered, served the Party and the government, and because of her commitment, political opponents assassinated her.
“When Rachael was assassinated alongside four others, the senseless political violence and gruesome killings in the area was not known. Those who are behind the political killings in Orlu zone are still at work but very soon the wrath of God will catch up with them.”
Uzodinma hinted that strangers were recruited by unscrupulous politicians to kill and assassinate their own brothers and sisters in the name of politics.
He, however, said with the help of God, Orlu people are beginning to see that those behind the killings in the LGA and other areas do not mean well for the state.
The Governor, called on all affected by the death of late Okonkwo to take heart and remain committed to the Party and the state.