Organised Labour Reacts To Purported Approval Of N500 Million For Inauguration Of New National Minimum Wage Committee
AdminNaija News recalls that Vice President Kashim Shettima had inaugurated a 37-man Tripartite Committee on New National Minimum Wage at the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on January 30, 2024.
However, a letter addressed to the President by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, showed the initial request submitted to Tinubu was a budget of N1.8 billion, which he refused to approve.
The report alleged that Akume submitted another budget of N1 billion, but Tinubu insisted that the committee begin with N500 million.
Reacting to the development, the President of the Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Akeem Ambali, expressed shock at the N500m approved by the President for the committee.
Ambali said the organised labour was never informed of the budget approved for the committee, adding that the leaders of the labour unions would unravel the fact during the committee’s meeting on Monday.
He said, “On the purported allocation of funds to the committee, it is unbelievable because we were never informed or given a kobo. We will unravel the fact behind this soon.”
[NaijaNews]
Lagos, the Federal Capital Territory and Rivers have emerged as states with the highest foreign investments in the fourth quarter of 2023.
The National Bureau of Statistics disclosed this in the latest Nigeria Capital Importation Q4 2023 report.
While the total foreign investment rose by 66.77 percent on a month-to-month basis to $1,060.73, Lagos State received the highest of $771.68 million, accounting for 65.38 percent of total capital importation.
This is followed by Abuja (FCT) with $370.80 million representing, 34.07 percent and Rivers State with US$6.00 million 0.55 per cent.
DAILY POST recalls the three states recorded similar feats in Q3 2023.
The development showed that foreign investors’ confidence was boosted during the review period.
[DailyPost]
The crisis rocking the Labour Party (LP) has taken a new twist as the embattled National Treasurer of the party, Ms. Oluchi Oparah, has asked the National Chairman of the party, Mr. Julius Abure, to step down for unhindered investigation.
Oparah, who was recently suspended by the National Working Committee (NWC), said he needed to step aside to allow a transparent investigation into the allegations of the finances of the party.
Oparah spoke in an interview following the dismissal of her allegation that Abure misappropriated N3.5 billion.
Abure had on Thursday dismissed her allegation, saying that what entered into the party’s accounts was N1.3 billion, in addition to another N700 million that came into the campaign fund.
Abure had also alleged that Oparah was suspended from her position as treasurer in 2017 over alleged inconsistencies in the accounts of the party.
Responding to his assertions, Oparah also questioned the decision of the national chairman to send the audited accounts to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) without her signature.
She said: “He said he had tendered it to INEC, (but) with whose signature? Why would you tender an audit report to INEC without my signature?
“Why would he give it to the National Secretary to endorse? What am I doing?
“The first time that they brought this (audited report) to me, there was a position for me to sign but when I said I wasn’t going to sign it, the next thing he did was to remove the part I was supposed to sign.”, she explained.
According to Oparah, in addition to the N1.3 billion and the N700 million were other funds that came into the party’s accounts during the off-cycle elections.
She said, “ For the reruns, we had over N30 million, this Edo that we are in now will have over N200 Million, Kogi, Bayelsa, Imo, we had over N958 Million. I have not even added the diaspora figures”.
Asserting that she was not being sponsored to smear Peter Obi as alleged by the leadership of Labour Party, Oluchi Oparah said:
“This is not about Peter Obi. Peter Obi is a very wonderful person. I will support him with everything I have. Peter Obi has been an exemplary leader.
“Let him (Abure) step aside; let there be an investigation. Let the NWC see reasons with me that I am not fighting a personal fight, No.
“I have been writing letters for the past seven months. I was trying to exhaust the internal mechanisms of our party but unfortunately, it failed.”
She also hinted that she would seek legal redress over her suspension as the national treasurer for six months by the party, claiming that she was not given a fair hearing.
Earlier on Thursday, the national leader of the party and the presidential candidate of the party in the last presidential election, Obi, had called for a transparent investigation into the financial allegations against Abure.
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), has reopened Sahad Store, a popular supermarket in the Garki area of Abuja.
The commission had sealed the store on Friday.
The management of the supermarket was accused of shortchanging customers by charging prices other than the price tag at the shelves.
The enforcement was led by FCCPC Acting Executive Vice Chairman, Adamu Ahmed Abdullahi.
Briefing journalists on the sidelines of the event, Abdullahi said the commission’s preliminary investigation confirmed that the management of the supermarket was short changing customers.
He said the store would remain sealed until the completion of further investigation.
Quoting sections 115 (3) of the commission’s act, he said “an undertaking shall not require a consumer to pay a price for any good or service higher than the price displayed.”
This business practice, he said, amounted to a violation of consumers’ rights under the FCCPA.
When contacted on Saturday morning, the supermarket’s customer care refused to speak on the issue.
FCCPC, in a statement by Abdullahi on Saturday said the store had resumed operations.
“On February 16, 2024, FCCPC operatives visited Sahad Stores and confirmed through random checks that the deceptive practice did not only continue, but cashiers also charged prices at their discretion, leaving unsuspecting customers vulnerable to unfair pricing.
“Exercising its authority under Section 18(f), the Commission temporarily sealed the premises.
“However, following a mutual understanding and commitment from Sahad Stores to implement transparent pricing practices, the FCCPC reopened the store on February 16, 2024, at about 7 p.m,” the statement read.
The FCCPC urged businesses “to display transparent pricing information to empower consumers to make informed purchasing decisions, especially during challenging economic times.”
St. Valentine’s Day was on Wednesday but the echoes could still be felt from the sight and sound all around us, particularly, on social media.
As usual, at the forefront are the entertainment people who never let the moment pass by without unleashing all the beauty and love they have inside.
St Valentine’s Day is about spreading, sharing and giving love and a handful of the divas pen “love notes” that could echo through the times.
Love is a beautiful thing – Actress, Temidayo Babatunde
“Love is a beautiful thing that should be shown and felt as it makes the world beautiful. Although, I am of the opinion that showing love should not be restricted to a specific date. Love should be shared hourly, daily, monthly and every day of our lives and it should be reciprocated,” she says
“Love is a beautiful thing. I am passionate about love as I am love personified. It is good to love and be loved. I love love and I advocate that everyone should share love with their loved ones,” she adds.
Love is natural gift to humans – Actress Ejine Okoroafor
“To be honest, nothing beats love! It is a natural gift to humans. It feels good to be in love and also to be loved back. No matter how much I have been hurt, I will never give up on love. My advice is for everyone to feel it, enjoy it because life is too short.
Love is special to me – Singer/actress, Sandra Ifudu
Singer and actress Sandra Ifudu does not mince words on her belief in love. She says the day is set aside to celebrate love specially even though love is to be celebrated everyday.
“Of course, I believe in love. Like I said, love is a beautiful thing and it makes the world go round. Love is special to me because I can’t even imagine this world without love in the first place,” she says.
I love everything about Valentine’s Day – Influencer, Eva Adaeze
“Yes I do. Belief is an understatement, I love everything about Valentine’s Day . Apart from the fact that it is mainly of Christian origin (feast of St. Valentine), I believe in Cupid and everything love stands for .Even though here in Nigeria people do too much, I really don’t blame them .What’s that saying about doing whatever rocks your boat,” Eva Adaeze squeals
“ I’ll be partaking in some exclusive intimate activities, don’t ask what? I expect my box of roses wrapped up in plenty of dollars as usual. Love means compassion, it means being able to see someone else as yourself. I’ll just end it with a verse from Miley Cyrus’s lyrics from the song “Someone else”; she adds.
I love unconditionally everyday – Actress Ninny Okoro
Actress Nneoma Okoro doesn’t believe in the celebration of Valentine’s Day because, according to her, love shouldn’t have any special day.
“ I am love and I show it everyday. For me, there’s no special day to show love because I love unconditionally everyday, all year! There are simply no specifics to love. My plan for the day is my routine every Val’s day which is spa, massage and games night with my girlfriends who are single like me! Finally, spoil myself with exotic perfume gifts and return gift favours from those who gifted me as well,” she says.
I will be doing things I love with him – Singer, Annette Cookey
Singer, Annette Cookey is your everyday gleeful lover girl who will be doing things she loves with her man tomorrow. Don’t ask what?
“ As usual receiving gifts from him (laughs) and just doing things we love together (in doors). Yes, I do believe in love. Love means caring, giving (sharing), being honest and open at all times. Loving others becomes very easy when you love God and love yourself,” she declares.
Always a memorable day for me – Actress, Chidinma Anyah
“ The day is to give thanks to God first, for He is the origin of love itself. I intend to share the day with my loved ones. However, it happens to be a day that falls within my little sister’s birthday. Hence it has been a memorable day for me and family to share special gifts,” she says
“ My understanding of love is that it can be seen through actions. It goes hand in hand with sacrifice, caring, and compassionate understanding of who we are as individuals. Love resonates with kind words, a listening ear, understanding, encouragement, and so forth. Love shouldn’t just end at homes, but the society at large. I mean the homeless, the orphans, the poor, to mention but a few,” she adds.
Love doesn’t start on Valentine’s Day – Actress, Mimisola Daniels
“I’m not particularly fond of Valentine’s day and all the excesses that often come with it. I believe that love should be a virtue expressed by all and to all from time to time, and not the romanticized concept we’ve attached to it. Love doesn’t start on Valentine’s Day and shouldn’t end on Valentine’s Day, it should be a part of who we are,” Mimisola Daniels philosophizes.
Val’s Day deserves some form of festivity – Actress, Onyinye Ilechukwu
For actress, Onyinye Ilechukwu, It’s not a question of belief. She holds that, “ These dates and their peculiar significance have been set apart for global recognition, therefore if I choose to celebrate or not , the impact has been made in the global calendar.”
“I believe everyday is special and some days are to be recognized specifically, Val’s Day, like every other remarkable day deserves some form of festivity,” she adds.
On believing in love: “ I believe in love because I believe in God. He instituted love and gave it as the most important commandment. I practice God’s love a lot, which is , giving, forgiveness, kindness, fairness, patience & peace etc. Then along the lines of trying to keep God’s words a good Man comes along , we can try to take God’s word.”
It’s a day love is re-activated and celebrated –Actress, Pelumi Oluwakayode
Actress Pelumi Arameeday Oluwakayode believes St. Valentine’s Day is a day when love is re-activated and celebrated.
“I key into it as well. It falls on Monday this year. It is a workday. Consequently, when I return from the day’s work, I’ll celebrate it in a small way with my man. Even God Himself is love. As such, I believe in love and love means so much to me.
[Vanguard]
The Anambra State-based lawyer, Adachukwu Okafor, who has been accused of abusing her 11-year-old house help, Happiness Nwafor, is now in police net and set to be arraigned in court soon.
Okafor surrendered herself to the Anambra Police Command in Awka, according to a statement by Chidimma Ikeanyionwu, the media aide to the Anambra State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Ify Obinabo, on Friday.
Okafor allegedly used various objects like a broken bottle, knife, and electric iron to harm her house help, in response to an incident involving her daughter.
Recalled that the Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, had placed a N2m bounty on Okafor.
While addressing journalists in Abuja on Monday, the minister asserted her right to intervene in the matter as it relateed to women and children in the country.
Ikeanyionwu said Okafor submitted herself before the police after she was declared wanted and a bounty of N2m placed on her.
The statement read, “One Adachukwu Okafor, the alleged abuser of her 11-year-old housekeeper, has surrendered herself to the Anambra Police Command in Awka.
“Recall that the suspect, who is currently in police net, used knives and other sharp objects to inflict injuries on her 11-year-old housekeeper.
“This took place after she was declared wanted and a bounty of two million naira placed on her.”
Speaking on the development, the Women and Social Welfare Commissioner, Obinabo stated that the suspect will be arraigned before the Children, Sexual and Gender Based Violence Magistrate court in Awka next week.
Meanwhile, the 11-year-old Nwafor is set to be discharged from the hospital.
Obinabo visited the victim to see how she’s doing and further interacted with her.
Nwafor appreciated the state government and urged that her perpetrator be severely punished.
The immediate past National Vice Chairman (North-west) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Salihu Lukman has said with the economic hardship in the country, the ruling party and President Bola Tinubu-led government are becoming increasingly unpopular with Nigerians.
He said no one should be deceived that given the way APC and the government are becoming more and more unpopular; they are faced with the risk of rebellion by ordinary Nigerians.
Lukman in an open letter released in Abuja yesterday tilted; ‘APC and Question of Liability’, the government is taking some measures such as release of 42,000 metric tons of assorted grains and setting up commodity boards to regulate prices of food items, in the long run, the bigger challenge is the issue of guaranteeing local production.
“Given this reality, it is painful to admit that both the APC as a party and the government of President Asiwaju Tinubu are becoming increasingly unpopular with Nigerians.
“No one should be deceived that given the way we are becoming more and more unpopular; we are faced with the risk of rebellion by ordinary Nigerians.
“To avert such danger, it is important that our leaders return to their old mode of acting as visionary politicians and initiate deeply more substantive political reforms in the country to reposition the APC and return it to its founding vision of becoming a progressive political.
“At the same time, we need a different President Asiwaju Tinubu to show up who is a democrat and above all a progressive politician who should have high tolerance level when party members and citizens express disagreements to his decisions. We want a President Asiwaju Tinubu who will be open to engagement by party members and Nigerians.
Popular Nollywood actress, Anita Joseph, has asserted that coping with the cultural differences in her marriage to hype man, Michael Fisayo, better known as MC Fish, has not been easy.
Naija News reports that the Igbo movie star, married to Yoruba, made this known in an interview with PUNCH.
She said, “My mother-in-law speaks Yoruba to me and I say ‘eshe’ (thank you). I have learnt a bit, though it has not been easy.”
Speaking on how the marriage has influenced her life, Anita, who celebrated her fourth wedding anniversary during the week, said, “Marriage has influenced me in a very positive way. I have learnt to be more protective and patient.
“What matters the most is one’s heart. One’s parents or other family members won’t be in the marriage with you, so it is basically one and one’s spouse forever. So, if one chooses someone from a different tribe, it is okay. One’s happiness comes first.”
Anita also stated that though many people thought her marriage would not last long, she is happy to prove them wrong.
She added, “As regards my post on Instagram on my wedding anniversary, I wrote that some people and even blogs said that my marriage won’t last, but I ‘sent’ it back to them and their sisters. God’s grace has kept my husband and I together.”
Nigerian tennis icon, Aruna Quadri has suffered food poisoning which has forced him to withdraw from the ITTF World Table Tennis Championships.
The World Table Tennis Championships started on Friday, in South Korea, and most table tennis enthusiasts were stunned not to see Aruna Quadri in action.
Due to the uncertainty over his absence from the tournament, the 33-year-old Nigerian tennis icon took to his official Facebook page to announce his health condition.
In the post, the 2023 African Champion said his current illness wouldn’t permit him to participate in the tournament as he wished team Nigeria luck in the tournament.
“Unfortunately, I will not be participating in world championships in Busan, I am seriously ill with food poisoning,” he wrote.
“I wish the team good luck.”
Note that Japan easily walked over Nigeria’s men’s tennis team led by Segun Toriola on Friday, February 16.
While noting that the absence of Aruna Quadri made it easier for the Japanese to defeat Nigeria in their first group stage game, Toriola insisted that his table tennis team will make it out of the group.
“I am aware that the Japanese are afraid of Aruna and their coaching crew have been worried about the formation of their team but when the news filtered that Aruna would not be coming, they were a bit relieved that they have a bye to the next game,” Toriola said.
“But we can’t give up even though it is a big blow to the team here in Korea and we will not give up hoping that we can progress from the group.”
The Nigerian table tennis team are expected to reach the quarter-finals of the ITTF World Table Tennis Championships to grab one of the eight spots available for the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Tonto Dikeh, the famous Nollywood actress and politician, recently took to social media to celebrate her son’s 8th birthday with a heartfelt message.
In an emotional note she wrote, along with adorable pictures of her son, Tonto Dikeh expressed her love and gratitude for her son, whom she described as her greatest blessings.
She shared how proud she is of the young boy he has become, and thanked him for bringing so much joy and happiness into her life.
She wrote:
“On this special day, as you turn 8, my heart swells with love and gratitude for the incredible joy you bring into my life. Being your mom is the greatest gift, and every day with you is a treasure beyond measure.
You, my sweet one, are the reason for every smile, every sacrifice, and every ounce of strength I muster. Your laughter is my favorite melody, and your dreams light up my world. I want you to know that everything I do is for your happiness and well-being.
Watching you grow, learn, and discover the world is a privilege I cherish. Your kindness, curiosity, and resilience inspire me, and I am endlessly proud of the wonderful person you are becoming.
Life may have its challenges, but our bond is unbreakable. Together, we face each day with courage, love, and the unwavering belief that the best is yet to come. No matter what lies
ahead, I am here, cheering you on, supporting
you, and loving you more than words can
express.
Happy 8th birthday, my precious one. May your days be filled with laughter, your dreams reach new heights, and your heart always know the warmth of my love.
Forever yours,
Mummy”
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Popular Nigerian singer, Habeeb Okikiola, aka Portable, has recounted his losses as his music studio was attacked by robbers.
He revealed that he was not around at the time of the incident and noted that he does not trust anyone. Besides, he said that the group that attacked his studio had always meant to harm him. According to him, it is the reason one should always carry their ‘aje’ around.
Portable said in crisp pidgin on his Instagram stories:
“Trust nobody. If you dey comot, carry your ‘aje’ follow body. E don tay wey dem wan achieve me. They have always wanted to burst my studio. Hustle o, so that another man’s property will not enter your eyes. It is those that are close to me that did it. Hungry wants to finish them, They will beg me for help. Yet, they are still coming to steal from me.”
A video of the studio showed its bad state as the place was scattered and a Play Station, television, discs, clothes, among other items were stolen. Check out videos of the disruptive work by the armed robbers and Portable’s reaction below:
Some fans of the controversial singer have reacted to his robbed studio. See some of their comments below:
@dokitorsavagexclusive: “This is sad! Seriously, one day we may hear that Portable has been seriously hurt fatally. I pray it doesn’t happen but he is at harm’s way. You can’t blow up and still remain in the hood without protection. He should move out of the hood and visit from time to time. American artistes who remained in their hood were robbed or killed.”
@_otos_world_: “Make e comot for hood and move to island. He’s now a big man and enemies go plenty.”
@officiial_young_duu: “It’s time for him to move from trenches.”
@iamkellyeazy1: “Na who know man dey kpai man. It is well my brother, you no go Fall.”
@depuffboss: “Na instrument the person thief, no be talent.”
@tribe_of_olise: “He should install CCTV around his house, bar and office.”
@iamking_myles: “Dem don already show baba em bills before e show.”
Media
“I’m coming for all of you who think I’m a comedian or fake prophet” – Pastor Odumeje issues warning to critics
AdminPastor Chukwuemeka Ohanaemere, popularly known as Odumeje, has addressed accusations of being a fake prophet and dismissed claims that his teachings and preaching style are a form of entertainment.
In the video, the controversial pastor expressed his frustration with those who mock him and use his videos for comedic purposes.
He sternly warned the public to stop referring to him as an entertainer and to cease spreading his content for fun.
The pastor went on to address allegations of fake miracles.
Odumeje further emphasized that he would pursue legal action against those who falsely accuse him of staging phony miracles, even if the healing is attributed to Jesus.
He labelled his detractors as foolish and vowed to deal with anyone making untrue accusations against him.
The controversial pastor’s warning comes amid ongoing criticism and skepticism surrounding his ministry, with some questioning the authenticity of the miracles he claims to perform.
In his words;
“Many of you are using me as comedy. If nobody in your generation or history in Igbo land has ever done the kind of miracles that Jesus is using me to do and you are using me as a comedy, and you’re calling me an entertainer, I am coming for you.
If I have done fake miracles and posted it on social media, you are idiots to call me a comedian, you are an idiot to call me an entertainment man…. thunder will fire you. Anyday you mention my name before that stvpid things, that day you are in trouble,” he said.
Super Eagle’s goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, has seen his transfer value skyrocket to a whopping N3.8 billion following his outstanding performance in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Nwabali saved two penalty shots in Nigeria’s semi-final match against South Africa.
The goalkeeper, who played a pivotal role in Super Eagle’s successful campaign during the African Cup of Nations, has garnered attention from several clubs both locally and abroad, resulting in a considerable increase in his market worth.
Following a couple AFCON matches, Nwabali was valued at 250,000 pounds on the transfer market.
Stanley Nwabali is now worth two million pounds (more than N3.8 billion), according to insiders at Chippa United.
Rumor has claimed that the South African team wants to maximize profits from the Nigerian goalkeeper.
Brilla.net reports that many clubs, including Union Saint Gilloise, are interested in Nwabali’s services.
Pooja, a sports photojournalist, also wrote about it on X:
“Nwabali now worth over £2m after AFCON. One month the tournament & his worth skyrocketed. Mr. Composure.”
Bishop David Oyedepo, the founder of Living Faith Church, also known as Winners Chapel Worldwide, visited the Commonwealth of Zion Assembly (COZA) in Abuja recently.
Oyedepo’s visit to COZA was perfectly timed with the joyous celebration of the church’s 25th anniversary, spearheaded by none other than Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo himself.
COZATV treated viewers to a captivating video capturing the revered cleric’s arrival at the church’s premises, shared on its YouTube page.
Oyedepo, recognized for his distinctive white outfit, was seen gracefully alighting from a Rolls Royce amid other car convoys.
He was then escorted into the church by Fatoyinbo and other clergy members, where he received a standing ovation from the excited congregation, thrilled to have him among them.
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