The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’adu Abubakar, and the vice president, Senator Kashim Shetima, have warned pilgrims departing Kebbi State via the Sir Ahmadu Bello International Airport, Birnin Kebbi, bound for Saudi Arabia for the 2024 Hajj, to adhere strictly to guidelines provided by the Saudi authorities.
Addressing the first batch of pilgrims as they embarked on their journey to the holy land, the Sultan emphasised that this marked Kebbi’s inaugural flight for the Hajj operation, underscoring the importance for pilgrims to remain focused on their Hajj obligations while in Mecca.
A total of 423 pilgrims hailing from two local government areas, Jega and Arewa, departed the state at the Sir Ahmadu Bello International Airport for the holy land on the inaugural flight.
“I urge you all to maintain focus, steer clear of any banned items during your time in the holy land, and represent Kebbi and Nigeria admirably,” the Sultan said.
Likewise, the vice president highlighted the spiritual significance of Hajj as an opportunity for believers to seek forgiveness for their sins.
He assured pilgrims that the presidency was fully aware of the prohibitions set in place by Saudi authorities for the safety of pilgrims and urged strict adherence to them.
Governor Nasir Idris expressed satisfaction that his administration had fulfilled all requirements to meet the standards set by NAHCON for the Hajj operation.
He particularly lauded the commencement of the first airlift of pilgrims for the 2024 Hajj at the Sir Ahmadu Bello International Airport in Birnin Kebbi, the capital of Kebbi State.
Kano commences vaccination for prospective pilgrims
The Kano State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board has started the medical screening and vaccination process for prospective pilgrims for the 2024 Hajj.
Alhaji Laminu Danbappa, the director general of the board, revealed this development to Daily Trust on Tuesday.
Danbappa, while supervising the process at Sheikh Muhammad Jidda General Hospital and the Hajj Camp clinic, explained that the screening aims to assess the health status of each pilgrim, aligning with the requirements for international travel and directives from the Saudi Arabian government.
Don’t compromise pilgrims’ welfare, Makinde tells officials
Meanwhile, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has urged the state’s Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board not to compromise the welfare of the 1070 pilgrims from Oyo while in Saudi Arabia.
He stated this yesterday during a ceremony for the state’s first batch of intending pilgrims who are scheduled to depart for Saudi Arabia on Saturday.
Makinde also encouraged the pilgrims to represent the state well as ambassadors in the holy land.
S/Arabia launches guides in Hausa, 15 other languages
In another development, the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has launched comprehensive guides in 16 languages, including Hausa, aimed at assisting pilgrims from around the world during the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimage.
The guides provide easy-to-follow information covering all stages of the Hajj rituals, supporting the ministry’s efforts for the 2024 Hajj season.
“The guides address common questions from pilgrims in over 16 widely spoken languages, including Arabic, English, French, Urdu, Bengali, Indonesian, Hausa, Amharic, Persian, Spanish, Turkish, Russian, Sinhalese, Uzbek and Malaysian,” the ministry said in a statement on Wednesday.
[DailyTrust]
Senator Ali Ndume, the Chief Whip of the Senate, has said that he would not support death penalties for corrupt politicians who steal in millions or billions but for those who steal in trillions.
Ndume pointed out that corruption within Nigerian politics was primarily influenced by individuals.
He suggested that it may not necessitate severe consequences.
The senator acknowledged that politicians engaged in corruption but also distributed resources to the public.
He said, “If you compare us, politicians, to all the corruption, it is very small. Our corruption is people-driven,” he told Channels Television.
“If you steal it, you will go and share it with the people. If you don’t, you are not coming back for four years. There is no reason for stealing.
“I have been to the National Assembly, I can’t say because we are on TV now and not telling the truth.
“If the death penalty is supposed to be included in corruption, I will support it but you don’t go and kill someone that stole one million or one billion, no. But someone who steals one trillion of government money should be killed.”
[dailyPost]
A Professor of educational management at the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), Yunus Fasasi, has said that both physical and mental development will prepare a child to cope with the rigours and challenges of life.
He, therefore, cautioned parents and guardians against rushing their wards into higher institutions.
He said: “parents and stakeholders should be sensitised on psycho-emotional and other consequences inherent in allowing double promotion for their wards.”
Prof. Fasasi added that an immature child would not be able to face exigencies of life.
The professor spoke to our correspondent after delivering the 256th inaugural lecture of UNILORIN.
He urged strict adherence to the National Policy on Education on admission.
“The national policy on education has divided education into stages and accompanied same with ages, but parents are in a hurry. Parents have forgotten that there are stages for the mental and physical development of a child. If a child is not well developed physically and mentally and he is rushed to the higher institution, he will misbehave in future.
“He may be brilliant- that is mental development but he may be not physically alright. When a child is both physically and mentally developed, he will be able to cope with all aspects of education initially and in future all aspects of life,” he said.
The lecture was entitled: “Holding education accountable for resources and results.”
Prof. Fasasi recommended adequate funding of the existing government and private educational institutions for them to actualise the nation’s educational objectives.
“Proliferation of educational institutions does not translate to national development.
The government’s establishment of new institutions and licensing the operation of private ones should be done with caution, as quality requirements for take-off and future expansion of the institutions must be guaranteed.
“Carrying capacity should be considered before determining the number of students to be admitted into an institution. Large-size schools and classrooms without corresponding facilities tend to complicate administrative and supervisory duties.
“There should be long-term policies like the 1955 Universal Primary Education (UPE) and 1999 Universal Basic Education (UBE) which would increase the population at the implementation stage and in future when the students get to a higher level of education,” he said.
[TheNation]
The Sokoto State House of Assembly has adopted a matter of urgent public importance regarding the arbitrary sale of petrol at exorbitant prices by filling stations in the state
Alhaji Aminu Gidado (APC- Sokoto South II) raised the matter, expressing concern over the high prices despite improved nationwide supply.
He said that independent marketers in Sokoto sell the product at prices as high as between N1,000, and N1,200, while those in the neighbouring Kebbi state sell at lower rates.
Gidado urged the assembly to convene a round table meeting with the stakeholders in the petroleum industry to address the issue and alleviate the financial burden on the electorate caused by the high petrol prices
Meanwhile, the family of one late Abubakar Gwandu has dragged the Sokoto State Commissioner for Land and Housing, Alhaji Nasiru Dantsoho, and two others to the state House of Assembly, alleging a land fraud and forceful land grabbing in the state.
The petition, dated May 14, and signed by Nurudden Gwandu, was presented during the plenary sitting of the Assembly on Wednesday.
The family appealed to the assembly to investigate a piece of land allocated to their late father for the construction of a Mosque and Islamic school along Kano Road in 1994.
It stated, “The piece of land was allocated to our late father to construct a Mosque and Islamic school in 1994.
“He was able to construct a befitting Mosque, leaving the remaining part of the land for the construction of an Islamic school.
“However, in October 2022, we noticed strange construction activities on the land by one Murtala Dan’Iya and Numerical Empire and Investment Limited, who we believe have forcefully grabbed the land for personal use,” the family alleged.
According to the letter, the family reported the matter to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), resulting in a temporary halt to the construction.
“But upon investigation construction has since resumed and the letter of grant bearing our late father’s name was cancelled even though we have no notice of such.
“Moreover, we have not received any notice officially from the state government of revocation neither have they contacted any family member on the issue,” it said.
The Deputy Speaker, Alhaji Kabiru Ibrahim, presiding over the sitting, referred the petition to the joint House Committee on Public Petition and that of Land and Housing for investigation.
[VAnguard]
Jonathan Vatsa, a former commissioner for information and culture in Niger state, says the proposed wedding of 100 girls in the state will go on despite public outcry.
Abdulmalik Sarkindaji, the speaker of the Niger state house of assembly, had dissociated himself from the wedding after Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, minister of women affairs, threatened to sue him.
The minister said the development was unacceptable, arguing that the girls should be in school or learning vocational skills.
Sarkindaji, who had provided financial support and was billed to host the event on May 24, withdrew his involvement.
The speaker said it was at the discretion of the girls’ parents and traditional leaders to proceed as they deemed fit.
Addressing journalists on Wednesday, Vatsa, a chieftain of the All Progressive Congress (APC), advised Kennedy-Ohanenye not to go into “issues that she knows nothing about”.
He said the minister knew nothing about the situation of the girls and should have done due diligence before issuing threats.
“No amount of threat of court action can stop these parents from giving out their daughters in marriage after receiving the necessary supports,” Vatsa said.
“The minister should have done her investigation first to know if these girls have attained the age of marriage by law or if they were being forced into marriage before going to the air to threaten the speaker, who is merely offering assistance.
“You cannot just sit in an air-conditioned office in Abuja and be threatening people without knowing what these orphans are going through after losing their parents to insecurity and those whose parents cannot afford their marriage expenses even though they have attained the age for marriage.
“Does the minister have any plans for people whom she has never seen or known about their plight, or is she trying to encourage prostitution in the area?
“You don’t play politics by interfering with the people’s culture and tradition; more so that these girls have suitors who want to marry them.
“I am sure the speaker, being a trained lawyer, is not afraid of going to court. The speaker is not giving the girls out in marriage but just rendering support to the families, and there is no law in Nigeria that forbids someone from giving assistance towards marriage. That is why I said the minister is fighting a lost battle.”
Vatsa said banditry activities across 12 LGAs of the state have produced over 5,000 orphans, widows, and widowers.
He urged the minister to visit Niger and “see the sufferings of these orphans, the majority of whom are girls.”.
He urged Sarkindaji not to succumb to any threat, as “the people will feel disappointed if you withdraw your support for them”.
[TheCable]
[STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE] President Tinubu To Ogoni Leaders: We Will Unlock The Human And Natural Resource Potential Of Ogoniland
Admin![[STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE] President Tinubu To Ogoni Leaders: We Will Unlock The Human And Natural Resource Potential Of Ogoniland](/media/k2/items/cache/5c11e5e273ea7ee7380c6775ae7cf43a_M.jpg)
President Bola Tinubu says his administration is committed to unlocking the human and natural resource potential of Ogoniland, while ensuring the environmental and economic security of Nigerian communities.
The President stated this on Wednesday at the State House during a meeting with members of the Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers of Ogoni, Rivers State, led by King Samuel Nnee, Gbenemene Tai Kingdom and Paramount Ruler of Kpite Tai.
The President was responding to requests presented by the Ogoni leaders at the meeting, which was also attended by former Governor of Rivers State and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mr. Nyesom Wike; the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Engr. Abubakar Momoh; the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Mr. Heineken Lokpobiri, and the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris.
Among the requests to the President is the resuscitation of oil and gas production in Ogoniland, which comprises the Eleme, Khana, Gokana, and Tai Local Government Areas of Rivers State.
"We must heal the wounds of the past. We must live and prepare for the future of our children, and we must be committed to uplifting the livelihoods of our people in a free Nigeria.
"This is all part of the healing process for the Ogoni people. There is equally the Ogoni clean-up programme that I inherited. That will be pursued diligently and honourably. The number of people that we will empower will increase as time goes on.
"I am glad that this meeting has emphasized peace and stability through the resuscitation of businesses in Ogoniland. Without these businesses, the recovery of this country will be adversely affected.
"Safety precautions, environmental and other challenges must be looked into, and we will certainly do that.
"My unwavering dedication to freedom for all people and the value of democratic governance has not diminished because I have been elected by the people, and I have to make the people the central focus of our governance of Nigeria," the President stated.
Having appointed his Official Spokesperson and most recently, the Director-General of the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) from the area, the President committed to deepening collaboration with Ogoni leaders to create mutually-beneficial economic opportunities for Ogoniland and Nigeria at large.
"I am ready to work with the Ogoni people and engage with the Government of Rivers State and the people of Nigeria to ensure that we give all of you a bright future in this country,” the President affirmed.
President Tinubu commended the former Governor of Rivers State and Minister of the FCT for his dedication to alleviating the plight of the Ogoni people.
"I share the same view about Ogoniland with the Minister of the FCT. He is very much concerned about the progress, peace, and stability of Ogoni people, and he has discussed this with me on a number of occasions, and I thank him for that," the President said.
In his remarks, King Nnee commended President Tinubu for his numerous achievements within one year in office, highlighting the ongoing construction work on the Onne-Junction/Eleme-Junction axis of the East-West Road.
"Your unspeakable dedication to service and empathy are the propelling forces behind your prompt response to our people's yearnings which the past administrations have persistently promised and failed to meet," he said.
According to the Paramount Ruler of Kpite Tai, previous administrations were unable to resolve the pertinent issues associated with the shutting down of oil production in Ogoniland.
He informed the President that the Ogoni people are prepared for the commencement of oil and gas production in Ogoniland with the potential unbundling of OML 11 - bearing an additional production capacity of 100,000 barrels per day and 120 million cubic feet of gas per day.
''This will contribute $5 billion per annum to Nigeria's GDP on an asset that is currently owned 100 percent by the NNPCL.
"The people-driven vision of the Ogoni Economic Rebirth Project is the matter of the moment among our kith and kin. Our people’s hope is glowing with the expectation that the time to revitalize the economic nerves of our land is now.
"Ogoni people are gifted, peace-loving, and hospitable, and our children are making an impact across all sectors, as well as the oil industry, from where they are prepared to bring their expertise to bear for the good of our people and the entire country,” the monarch said.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity
The acting Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission, Chris Maiyaki, said, on Wednesday, that the Federal Government was working to reconstitute the governing councils of universities.
He said the Minister of Education, Prof Tahir Mamman, had put in place a panel to work on the list.
The NUC Executive Secretary said the councils would be inaugurated once the list was consummated.
Maiyaki spoke at a media parley with education reporters in Abuja on Wednesday.
He was responding to the two-week ultimatum issued by the Academic Staff Union of Universities to the government to reconstitute the governing councils of public universities.
ASUU had on Tuesday given the government a two-week ultimatum to reconstitute the governing councils of federal universities.
“To reconstitute the councils of 61 universities is not a small feat. The government is working to ensure that people who are qualified and with the right pedigree are put in those councils so that they can deliver on Mr. President’s Renewed Hope Agenda. We know ASUU is a body of academics and are concerned about the welfare of their members and the activities in universities but we want them to be patient with the government during this period.”
Speaking on the number of universities in the country, the NUC boss said the commission was committed to expanding access to higher education.
“And for this, the current 272 universities in the NUS are not sufficient to accommodate the ever-growing demand for university education by Nigerian youths. “Each year, Nigerian universities receive close to two million applications, only a small fraction of them are admitted. That is why there is a need for Nigeria to continue to increase access by establishing more universities to meet the demand for quality education in the country,” Maiyaki said
On the initiatives put in place by NUC to boost the nation’s university system, he said the NUC had identified strategic priorities that encompass curriculum development, quality assurance, research and innovation, infrastructure development, and internationalisation, among others.
“To encourage partnerships with industry and promote blended learning, the NUC carried out an extensive review of university curricula from the Benchmark Minimum Academic Standard to the Core Curriculum Minimum Academic Standards, which reflect the aspirations of Nigeria to attain a knowledge economy, driven by the 4 Industrial Revolution, known as 4IR, and the 21-century skills.
“The CCMAS features an expansion of academic disciplines from 14 to 17. The implementation of the new curricula came into effect in September 2023 for the 2023/2024 academic session.
“The implementation framework of the CCMAS makes provision for the training of staff in student-centred tuition-delivery capabilities and development of textual materials to enhance teaching and learning.
“Open and Distance Learning Guidelines In a bid to assure quality in the regulation of the NUS, the Commission developed guidelines to provide a framework for the orderly adoption, integration and mainstreaming of e-learning into the conventional face-to-face modes of teaching and learning in Nigerian Universities, among other objectives.
“This initiative was needed to assure quality in the delivery of university education, via the Open and Distance Education mode, and keep pace with contemporary global best practices. The Commission produced the following guidelines, as part of the efforts to broaden open and distance learning in the Nigerian University System, “ he said.
The acting Executive Secretary said various guidelines, including Guidelines on Trans-National Education in Nigeria; Guidelines for e-Learning in Nigerian Universities;Guidelines for the Implementation of the National Policy on Open Educational Resources in Nigerian Higher Education, and the Guidelines for the Establishment of Private Open Universities in Nigeria, have also been churned out by the commission.
“The Guidelines for Transnational Education allows foreign Universities to collaborate in creating high-quality institutions in Nigeria through six competitive models This effort aims at making Nigerian graduates competitive, globally, so as to reduce the need for the nation’s young men and women going abroad to seek university education.
“The launch of these ODL guidelines marks a significant milestone in the history of the NUC towards its dedication to greater quality, equity and access to university education in Nigeria. It all follows from the recommendations for the establishment and expansion of universities, deeper IT penetration, and enhanced competencies in online delivery,” he added.
The Nigerian government lost billions of Naira annually for not applying airport tolls to Very Important Persons and VIPs.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Space Development, Festus Keyamo, disclosed this, justifying the inclusion of VIPs in airport toll payments.
Recall that at the end of Tuesday’s Federal Executive Council meeting in Abuja, the Minister announced a new rule requiring VIPs, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kasim Shettima, to pay airport tolls.
He explained that funds that would have been used for the infrastructural development of Nigerian airports were wasted under the old rule.
According to him, VIPs will be the first to lament poor infrastructure in Nigerian airports, yet they were exempted from paying tolls under the old rule.
“This has led to the annual loss of billions of Naira, not millions, in the past. Yet, our airport infrastructure, you know, is decaying. I am helpless. I’m looking for concessionaires. I’m looking for help with decaying infrastructure.
“They will be the first to cry out, these same VIPs— ‘Why are the toilets like this? Why are your toilets smelling? Why can’t you can’t you do this?’
“They are the same people but don’t pay for the services. So, if we want improved infrastructure at the airport, we must pay for services,” he said.
Just like before, all nine Commissioners in the Executive Cabinet of Governor Sim Fubara of Rivers State believed to be loyal to the ex-governor, Nyesom Wike, were on Wednesday exited the Government.
The five Commissioners were Chinedu Mmom; Education Commissioner; Gift Worlu, Commissioner for Housing; Inime Aguma, Commissioner for Social Welfare; Austen Ben-Chioma, Commissioner for Environment; and Jacobson Nbina Commissioner for Transport.
It will be recalled that two Commissioners had earlier resigned in protest of their redeployment by Governor Sim Fubara.
They were Isaac Kamalu, who resigned after he was redeployed as the Commissioner of Finance to Ministry of Employment Generation and Economic Empowerment; as well as Zacchaeus Adangor, a Professor, who resigned as Commissioner after he was redeployed as the Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General of Rivers State to the Ministry of Special Duties (Governor’s Office).
The first two resigned after they were given Federal appointments by President Bola Tinubu; Commissioner of Works, Dax George-Kelly also resigned to take up appointment as the Director-General of the Border Communities Development Agency (BCDA); and Emeka Woke (Wike’s chief of staff) who resigned as Commissioner for Special Projects to take up appointment as the CEO of Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority.
The remaining Commissioners are adjudged to be loyal to Governor Fubara.
BusinessDay gathered that new Commissioners are expected to be appointed in the coming days and will be presented to the House of Assembly for confirmation.
Now that all the Wike loyalists have left the Fubara cabinet, and the 27 lawmakers have been pushed into the defensive, observers expect two fiercely opposed camps in the State not spare any arrow in the fight.
The cabinet is expected to act and move faster but the detractors with deep inside knowledge may join the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the State and begin serious attacks in all fronts.
Meanwhile, coming days and weeks promise to be tense, considering tensed situation of things already being experienced in the State.
Labour Party National Chairman, Julius Abure, on Wednesday, appealed to the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Joe Ajaero, to set aside his differences and work together with the party leadership for old-time’s sake.
Abure made the plea at his first press conference following the April 3 fire incident that almost claimed his life at his Abuja residence.
Both Abure and Ajaero had been at loggerheads following several attempts made by the congress to take control of the party structure over claims the embattled LP chairman was running a one-man show amid allegations of financial malfeasance.
The LP camp had also made a counterclaim that Ajaero was desperately seeking to evict the Abure-led National Working Committee with an ulterior motive to use the party as a transactional platform ahead of the 2027 election.
Addressing newsmen at the party secretariat in Abuja, Abure described the NLC president as a friend and brother having worked together in the trenches over the years fighting for the welfare of workers.
The LP national chairman therefore urged the union leader to put aside his grievances and support their effort to rebuild the country in the interest of Nigerians.
He said, “Consequently, I want to appeal first to my brother, friend and Joe Ajaero, President of the NLC whom we have worked together in the trenches over the years in the struggle for workers, to put aside whatever may be his grievances. Let’s work in the interest of our people.
“Fighting the Labour Party is uncalled for and unwarranted, especially at this time when the working people of Nigeria are suffering. As we speak today, the minimum wage is still N30,000. There are unfair workers practices by employers across the country. The inflation in Nigeria is unprecedented and nobody talks about workers welfare.
“For us, we need to team up together to be able to fight for better working conditions for our people. We need not waste or dissipate our collective energies in fighting ourselves over nothing. The NLC should know by now that the attempt being made to take over the leadership of the party will not work. It is my appeal that working together is better.”
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The Executives of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Igbotako Ward II, Okitipupa local government area of Ondo State, have announced the suspension of the Senator representing Ondo South, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, over alleged anti-party activities and insubordination.
The notice was signed by ward executive members including Omotoye Olusola, Bakere Usuf, Tore Obwoselu, Oloyinmi Idowu, Borewaye Louyomi, Oladipupo Bose, Alkimbobola Seyi, Lawal-Babatunde, Aritawe-Ademole, Akinkuoju Olarewaju and Fabioye Ajoke, among others.
Ibrahim’s suspension is coming on heels of the direct APC governorship primary election in the State in which he lost out.
The party executives said their action to suspend Senator Ibrahim was pursuant to Article 21, Section A of the APC Constitution.
The 16-member Executive Committee in a letter said the decision to suspend the governorship aspirant and lawmaker was taken during its meeting held on Monday, May 13, 2024.
The party recalled that the APC National Chairman, Alhaji Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, had met with all the governorship aspirants in Abuja on the need for them to cooperate with the party’s candidate and incumbent governor of the state, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
The executives noted that despite the development, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim proceeded to sue the governor and APC, blatantly disregarding party’s instructions.
The letter made available to journalists in Akure, the state capital on Wednesday, it reads, “We, the members of the APC Executive Committee of Igbotako Ward II in Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State, convened a meeting on Monday, May 13th, 2024.
“During our meeting, we deliberated extensively on various issues affecting the progress and development of our party, notably indiscipline and insubordination among some members.
“We have found Senator Jimoh Ibrahim’s actions and activities to violate the party’s constitution, particularly his decision to sue the party as well as his anti-party activities.
“As such, we have resolved to take appropriate disciplinary action against him as outlined in the party’s constitution. Senator Jimoh Folorunso Ibrahim is hereby suspended from the All Progressives Congress (APC) with immediate effect for acts of insubordination and anti-party activities By Article 21, Section A of the APC Constitution.
“It is worth recalling that the National Party Chairman of APC, Alhaji Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, met with all Ondo State governorship aspirants on April 25th, 2024, in Abuja.
“During the meeting, he urged them to cooperate with the party’s candidate and incumbent Governor of Ondo State, Honorable Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa. Despite this, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim Folorunso proceeded to sue the Governor and APC, blatantly disregarding party instructions.
“Additionally, he has engaged in anti-party activities by urging his supporters in Igbotako and Ondo State to join NNPP, claiming he will soon receive the gubernatorial ticket from them. Senator Jimoh has openly declared his intent to disrupt APC before leaving the party, as evidenced by his actions in the Federal High Court in Abuja and his derogatory remarks about APC in various media outlets.
“For emphasis, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim Folorunso has been suspended from the All Progressives Congress (APC) with immediate effect, and he is hereby prohibited from participating in any APC activities nationwide.”
THE Organized labour on Wednesday stormed out of the minimum wage committee meeting with the Federal Government over the later’s offer of N48,000 new wage.
Recall that the organized labour had made a demand of N615,000 as the new minimum wage and had given the government up till May 31 to conclude negotiations on new living wage.
The Tripartite Committee on New National Minimum Wage resumed negotiations on Wednesday.
Vanguard was reliably informed that representatives of the organized labour comprising the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, TUC, were enraged over the government offer.
Professor Theophilus Ndubuaku, who is one of the representatives of the NLC told Vanguard that, “we asked whether the N45,000 is for transport, food, clothing, housing or for what.
“So we just told them that since they are not serious, we better just leave, so we stormed out of the place.”
He said that the government offer was presented to them by the Permanent Secretary, Secretary to the Government of the Federation Office.
The Nigerian Senate has approved the $500 million World Bank loan request by President Bola Tinubu.
Naija News reports the loan is for the production of electricity meters for the citizens.
The Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) was granted the funds following a thorough review of the report by the Committee on local and foreign debts, which was presented by Senator Haruna Manu, who serves as the Vice Chairman of the Committee.
On November 1, 2023, President Bola Tinubu requested Senate approval for a $7.94 billion World Bank loan package, which included a $500 million loan.
The Federal Government will receive fresh loan funding from the World Bank, with approval expected for loans totalling $2.25bn on June 13, 2024.
Naija News recalls that the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, at the spring meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank last month, had announced that the nation had qualified for processing a loan, described as ‘virtually a grant’ of $2.25bn from the World Bank at one per cent interest rate.
He stated, “We have qualified for the processing just this week to the Board of Directors of the World Bank of a total package of $2.25bn of what you can call ‘the closest you can get to a free lunch’- virtually a grant. It’s for about 10- 20 years moratorium and about one per cent interest.”
The package, approved by the World Bank Board of Directors, offers a 40-year term with a 10-year moratorium and a nominal one-percent interest rate.
According to the latest information on the World Bank website, the funding will be received via two major development projects.
The first project is the Nigeria Reforms for Economic Stabilization to Enable Transformation Development Policy Financing, which is set to receive $1.5bn.
The second project, NG Accelerating Resource Mobilization Reforms Programme-for-Results, has proposed funding of $750m.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima says President Bola Tinubu approved N90 billion to subsidise the cost of the 2024 hajj pilgrimage.
Shettima spoke on Wednesday during the 2024 inaugural hajj airlift at the Sir Ahmadu Bello International Airport in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi capital.
About 430 pilgrims from the state are scheduled to depart for Saudi Arabia today.
“You may recall that this year, we had a major challenge in announcing the final hajj fare for the 2024 Muslim pilgrimage due to fluctuation in foreign exchange rates,” NAN quoted Shettima as saying.
“President Bola Tinubu also worked round the clock to control the downward spiral of our local currency to bring relief to our pilgrims and other Nigerians.
“A move that eventually succeeded in lowering the fare. The President approved the release of N90 billion to subsidise the cost of pilgrimage for this year’s hajj.”
The vice-president said Tinubu places great importance on religious pilgrimage, noting that it plays a crucial role in changing the social vices of individuals beyond the hajj exercise.
“Due to this high regard, the government took time to carefully select men of integrity with administrative acumen and records of selfless dedication to manage the affairs of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria in the interest of Nigerian pilgrims,” he said
“Government at the highest level monitors all arrangements meant for the well-being of our pilgrims both in Saudi Arabia and within the country before embarking on the journey.
“We are aware of the provision put in place for the safety, security and comfort of the Nigerian contingent to the 2024 hajj of our pilgrims.”
Shettima urged Nigerian pilgrims to pray for the progress of Tinubu’s administration for a better country “we are proud to call our motherland”.
“Indeed, it is through our collective prayers and individual contributions that our country will prosper,” he added.