AFOLABI

AFOLABI

A 300-level student of Federal University Gashua (FUGA) in Yobe has died after a hostel fire outbreak.

Mohammed Goje, executive secretary of the Yobe State Emergency Management Agency, confirmed the incident on Saturday.

Channels reports that the fire, which started around 1 pm, ripped through 29 rooms housing 301 students.

A 300-level student has been confirmed dead while several others who fled the hostel sustained injuries.

Students who required medical attention have been treated at the Gashua Specialist Hospital.

A video from the scene showed Maimuna Wazir, the university’s vice-chancellor, consoling students who escaped the fire.

Campus sources have attributed the incident to a cooking gas explosion.

But Abubakar Mamudo, the university registrar, said the cause of the fire is still being investigated.

In a statement, Mamudo said Maimuna Wazir, the university’s vice-chancellor, has temporarily suspended academic activities.

“A female hostel of the Federal University Gashua, Yobe State was gutted by fire on Saturday, 23rd March 2024 destroying a complete block of 29 rooms accommodating about 301 students,” the register was quoted as saying.

“A 300-hundred-level student of the Geography Department by the name of Shamsiya Murtala was confirmed dead in the inferno.

“Three other students who sustained injuries were treated and discharged from the general hospital, Gashua.

“The vice-chancellor and chairman of the senate has directed for the immediate closure of the university due to escalating students’ unrest on campus”.

This FUGA tragedy comes one month after a fire similarly ravaged a female hostel at Yobe State University in Damaturu.

Federal University Gashu’a

Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Kebbi, Nasarawa, Zamfara default payment of N30,000

 

 

Many of the 36 states are in a quandary on how to cope with payment of the new minimum wage according to reports from some of the states.

Negotiation is already intensifying between the federal government and labour over the new minimum wage with investigation showing that six states

Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Kebbi, Nasarawa and Zamfara- are yet to implement the current minimum wage of N30,000,almost six years after its introduction.


Four other states –Ebonyi, Benue, Kogi and Osun – are only paying the minimum wage to workers on levels one to six and in the case of Osun, beneficiaries are those from level 7 and below.

Many of the states have also not done well in the payment of wage award to workers to cushion the effect of the current rise in the cost of living, according to a report prepared for the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).

 

In the NLC report sighted by The Nation states confirmed as paying the current minimum wage are: Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Bauchi, Borno, Delta, Edo, Ekiti, Enugu, Gombe, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kwara, Lagos, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Oyo, Plateau, Rivers, Taraba and Yobe.

The excuse often given by the states that have not been paying the minimum wage is paucity of funds.


Although the monthly allocations to the three tiers of government have increased substantially in the aftermath of the fuel subsidy withdrawal, the defaulting states are still foot dragging on effecting payment of the minimum wage.

The situation appears even worse in respect of payment of wage award by the states.

Only Ondo and Lagos states are recorded as having paid anything close to the N30,000 per month for a half year as initiated by the federal government.


Ondo paid N35,000 and Lagos N31,000.

Some other states pay amounts ranging between N10,000 and N25,000 while some have not even paid anything yet.


States yet to pay the wage award are: Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Edo, Kaduna, Kebbi, Kogi, Nasarawa, Rivers, Taraba and Zamfara.

Akwa Ibom is said to have paid palliative allowance for Christmas only while Anambra paid only N12,000 and Niger State N20,000 also in December.

Delta paid N10,000 for September, October and November.

Reports from the states said the governors were not amused by the high figures demanded by labour activists during the recent zonal public hearing on the minimum wage organized by the 37-member committee set up on the issue by the federal government.

The figures range between N447,000 and N850,000 per month.

The committee which is headed by a former Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Bukar Aji, has six governors among its members: Mohammed Bago (Niger State, representing the North Central); Bala Mohammed (Bauchi State, representing the North-East); Dikko Radda ( Katsina State, representing the North-West);Charles Soludo (Anambra State, representing the South-East); Ademola Adeleke (Osun State, representing the South-West); and Otu Bassey (Cross River State, representing the South-South).

Also on the panel are Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha; Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; Minister of Budget Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu, and the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr. Yemi Esan.

The governors, who said unrealistic demands from Labour would not do anyone any good, urged the Minimum Wage Committee to consider the capacity of the states to pay the new minimum wage.

The committee is scheduled to meet again later this week.

Experts: How governors can cope with new minimum wage

A former Director-General at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Dr. Muda Yusuf, believes that the states can pay a reasonable minimum wage if they have the right policies in place.

“Well, the point is that the states are getting more revenue now and so, their capacity to pay has increased,” he told The Nation by phone yesterday.

He added: “There is no doubt about that. But the major thing I think they can do to meet up with the minimum wage obligation is to take a cue from what the federal government is doing.

“Many of them (states) have over-bloated workforce, whether at the state or local government levels. Some of them do not need more than half or two thirds of the current workforce that they are carrying.

“There are so many idle hands in the state bureaucracies. There are too many political appointments and too many people on their payrolls. So, they have to also prune down that.

“Because if you must engage people, you must give them a wage that makes sense. You don’t just engage people for the sake of engaging them. What is worth doing at all is worth doing well. “So, let them just retain the size of the workforce that they can give a wage that is a bit reasonable, especially given the realities of inflation that all of us are facing now. I think those are the things I think they should do first and foremost.

“Then of course, they should also be more creative in getting more revenue internally. Many of them are too dependent on the federal allocation. So, they need to be a lot more creative.”

On whether the state governments need to consider raising taxes in order to jack up their revenue base, Yusuf spurned the idea, but would rather they get more ingenious with the tax administration.

“Asking the states to boost their revenue profile is not about raising taxes at all. It’s about efficiency in tax administration. In many of the states, their tax administration system is so very loose. People are doing business in those places and it is their responsibility to pay tax. We are not talking about increasing the taxes regime. We are talking about efficiency, we are talking about using technology to ensure that the citizens’ taxes, especially the corporate citizens also live up to their statutory obligations to the government.“

According to him, “Some people are doing businesses across the states and some of those businesses are doing well and some of them are not paying any taxes at all. If you go to some of those states, you have some big properties that people have built there; it’s not poor people that built them there. In many of those places, many of them are not paying any form of taxes. So, the point to make is about efficiency in tax administration.”

Pascal Efe, a public affairs analyst, shares the same sentiments with Yusuf. “I agree that a new minimum wage is indeed inevitable given the current state of affairs. What the state governors can do is to ensure proper management of their resources by cutting down on many wasteful expenditures. That way they can pay the minimum wage and still be able to carry our critical infrastructure in their respective states.”

There was rumpus in Osun State weekend after Olawale Rasheed, the spokesperson of the Osun State governor, Ademola Adeleke was invited for probe by the Department of State Service (DSS), for allegedly sponsoring fake news against Femi, son of Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola.

The Nation recalled that an Abuja-based blogger published a news report, claiming that Femi was extorting directors of the Ministry of Marine. Subsequently, the blogger was arrested by operatives of DSS and she reportedly confessed that Rasheed sponsored the report.


Rasheed in a statement earlier the week denied the claim of giving any report to an online publisher on Oyetola’s son, noting that he would meet the investigators this weekend.

Meanwhile, in a recent development, the governor’s spokesman, Rasheed filed an originating summon for the enforcement of his rights before a Federal High Court, Osogbo against DSS and Femi Oyetola.

Adeleke’s spokesman in suit number FHC/OS/C5/89/2024 sought three reliefs which include: a restraining order on DSS from inviting, arresting, including or detaining him.

igeria-born activist Richard Taylor, who lost his son Damilola to murder in UK at only 10 years, is dead.

He died yesterday following a protracted illness, his family announced.


He was aged 75. Following the circumstances of Damilola’s death in November 2000, the father set up the Damilola Taylor Trust to campaign against knife crime and dedicated years to improving the lives of disadvantaged children.


He said he wanted his son to be remembered as a boy of hope and for his legacy to be a better life and opportunities for underprivileged young people.

Damilola was left bleeding to death in a stairwell in Peckham, South-east London, after he was attacked and slashed with a broken bottle on his way home from a library.

After three crown court trials, his two killers, brothers Ricky and Danny Preddie, were finally put behind bars.

Abia declines hosting party’s national convention

 


The Julius Abure led National Executive Committee has shifted the March 27,2024 national convention of the party from Abia State to Anambra State after an alleged cold shoulder from the party’s only state governor,Alex Otti.

Abure had earlier moved the convention from Edo to Abia.


Abure and his team are currently embroiled in a crisis of legitimacy with some stakeholders in the party.

The Lagos State chapter of the party joined the fray yesterday, asking Abure to quit.


Chairman of the party in the state, Rasheed Bamishe asked the embattled National Chairman to quit now.

Abure,he said should prioritise the party’s interest by giving way for a Caretaker National Chairman to organise state congresses ahead of the National Convention.

 

Speaking at the party secretariat in Lagos, Bamishe said all stakeholders owe it a duty to stop Abure from proceeding with the March 27 convention.

“The Labour Party which was formed by the founding fathers to be a beacon of hope for millions of Nigerians is gradually being destroyed by Barrister Abure and this should not be allowed to continue,” he said.


Bamishe added that Abure was free to create his political party and manage its business, but the Labour Party as a democratic organisation cannot function as a one-man show.

Read Also; NLC, LP battle for supremacy
He claimed that allegations of dishonesty, forgery, and fabrication of signatures have brought public shame and embarrassment to the Labour Party’s National Chairman.

“In a civilized clime, Barrister Abure should have exited office since the flurry of fraud cases against him became public knowledge but because of the culture of impunity in Nigeria, he is still clinging to power.

“Barrister Abure should tell the world where the National Convention of Labour Party in which he emerged as National Chairman was held.

“Barrister Abure is plotting to install himself again as the National Chairman of Labour Party through another illegal Convention and this should not be allowed to happen.”

 

National convention moved to Anambra

In a letter to the Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on the change in the venue of the convention, Abure and the LP National Secretary Labour Party, Umar Ibrahim said: “We write to kindly refer you to our letter on the above subject matter in which our National Convention rescheduled for 27th of March 2024 at the International Conference Center Umuahia, Abia State..

“We are however constrained to change the venue as a result of non-availability of the proposed venue on the scheduled date.

“We hereby inform you of the new venue for the convention as follows;

“Venue: GRAND SEASONS HOTEL NNEWI, ANAMBRA STATE.


Date: 27th of March 2024,

Time: 10 am prompt.

“We kindly request you to be present and monitor the Convention.

“Kindly accept the assurances of our esteem high regards as always.”

The Deputy National Chairman of the party, Ayo Olorunfemi, who confirmed the letter, said the change in venue was one of the issues discussed at the recent National Executive Committee meeting in Asaba, Delta State where the party ratified the programme for the convention.

He said both the NEC and state chairmen of the party endorsed the programme for the convention.

Olorunfemi said with that, the party was going ahead with the convention despite oppositions from the Nigeria Labour Congress, the House of Representatives caucus of the party and some supporters of the former Presidential candidate of the party, Peter Obi.

He said: “We have changed the venue because of security reasons. We need a place that is accessible and secure. Nnewi is a stone thrown from Onitsha and it is secure. We don’t want people who will be travelling from all over the country to pass through those dangerous zones.

“We have decided on this convention and we are going ahead with it. All the state chairmen and secretaries have taken a position.”

Sources however said Abia State Governor Otti’s refusal to host the convention necessitated the shift of venue.

A ward-winning actor Lateef Adedimeji has showered his wife, Mo Bimpe with economiums on her birthday.

He said she made him the man he is today.

Lateef, in a lengthy post on his Instagram page appreciated her, noting how not everyone is fortunate to have someone like her in this chaotic world.


He noted how he was confident, and goal-driven before his wife, but she gave him an extra touch.

Questioning which of the blessings of Allah would he deny, he further appreciated her for making his life so easy and for being his number critic.


He wrote: “Rahmah, Not many individuals are as fortunate as I am to have found someone like you in this chaotic world. Thanks to you, I am the person I am today.

“I am confident, and goal-driven, I have so much confidence in myself but you have forced me to examine myself closely and develop an affection for the image of myself that I see in the mirror.

” I am goal-driven, but you gave me more purpose and determination to reach those goals; you are my God-sent. I am a lucky child and God brought me YOU RAHMAH ADEBIMPE another lucky charm. Which of the blessings of Allah will I deny?

“Thank you for making life so easy, my number one critic, my check and Balance, my joy, and my all. Happy birthday my love, long life and prosperity in good health. I love you so much, too much baby.

“Thank you for helping me grow, thank you for making me believe in the beautiful things of life, and thank you for being who you are. Happy birthday my love. Here’s to many more years of happiness together. To forever with you my Queen”.

Everything you should know about Moscow terrorist attack

 

In a harrowing act of violence, Crocus City Hall, a renowned concert venue on the outskirts of Moscow, became the scene of a brutal terrorist attack.

The incident occurred just as the popular rock band “Picnic” was preparing to perform to a sold-out crowd.

According to Russia’s prosecutor general, at least four individuals clad in camouflage stormed the venue, unleashing chaos and fear.

The aftermath is grim. More than 60 lives have been claimed, with over 100 individuals sustaining injuries.

The terror group ISIS has purportedly taken responsibility for the attack through its affiliated news agency Amaq on Telegram, yet no evidence has been provided to substantiate this claim.

As flames engulfed the concert hall, emergency responders sprang into action, evacuating approximately 100 people from the basement and initiating rescue operations for those trapped on the roof.

The Russian Investigative Committee is treating the incident as a terrorist act and has confirmed that the death toll has risen to at least 133, with the possibility of further casualties as the search through the rubble continues.

In response to this atrocity, Russian President Vladimir Putin addressed the nation, condemning the attack as a “barbaric act of terrorism” and expressing his determination to bring the perpetrators to justice.

Amidst the turmoil, President Putin has also levelled accusations against Ukraine, suggesting the neighbouring country had plans to aid the suspects’ escape, a claim that Kyiv has vehemently denied.

The swift action of Russian authorities led to the arrest of 11 individuals, including the four gunmen believed to be responsible for the attack.

The head of Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) reported these developments directly to President Putin.

This tragedy has not only shaken Russia but has also caught the attention of the international community.

U.S. officials, having previously gathered intelligence on potential ISIS activities in Russia, had issued warnings against attending large gatherings.

Nollywood actress Uche Ogbodo has shed light on what she described as harsh realities lurking within the Nigerian entertainment sphere.

Speaking out against the prevalent toxicity, Ogbodo described the industry as a breeding ground for envy, wickedness, and deceit.

Sharing her thoughts on her Instagram page, Ogbodo lamented the lack of genuine love and camaraderie among industry insiders, asserting that instead of celebrating each other’s successes, individuals are consumed by jealousy and a relentless pursuit of personal gain.

Ogbodo’s assertions underscored a longstanding issue within the industry.

According to her, indeed, the entertainment realm has perpetually been a crucible of contention, with celebrities rarely displaying genuine love or support for one another.

“The Nigerian entertainment industry is so dark,” Ogbodo emphasized, “People there are wicked, vile, and envious. They won’t rejoice with those who are rejoicing because they want to be in that person’s place.”

She urged stakeholders to address the underlying issues plaguing the Nigerian entertainment landscape and foster a culture of support and solidarity.

Operatives of a neighbourhood security outfit, Oluyole Security Network have arrested a bricklayer and an operator of a commercial motorcycle otherwise called okada for allegedly raping and impregnating a 14-year-old teenager in Ibadan, Oyo.

One of the suspects, Sodeeq Ojediran, admitted forcibly sleeping with the girl.

According to TheNation report, the 30-year-old bricklayer tricked the minor to his house where he raped her.

Also explaining his complicity in the saga, the second suspect, 27-year-old Okebukola, a commercial motorcycle operator, said she met the victim in December 2023 and asked her to be his girlfriend.

“She declined my request to know her parents and I took her to my house where she spent one week with me.

“My landlord was not happy about the fact that she is a teenager. So he asked me to send her away from my house.

Report Ad
“She came back to me two Sundays ago and I made love to her again.

“I didn’t ask for her hand in marriage and I did not deflower her at all, but I slept with her.

“I am an okada operator and she boarded my motorbike in Ayegun area of Ibadan.

“She was to pay N300 as fare but instead, she paid me N200. I stirred a conversation with her and collected her mobile phone number.

“Three days later, I told her to come with me to a church for prayers. But instead of taking her to a church, I took her to my house where I slept with her.

“However, I did not sleep with her every day, but she is carrying a two-month pregnancy,” he disclosed.

On her part, the victim said she stopped schooling after her father died.

She recalled that her father was the first to sleep with her when she was younger, after which she left home.

“I was in Primary 6 when my father died and I stopped going to school since then.

“My mother is the one that ruined my life because after my father was buried, everyone told my mother to use part of the cash gifts given to her by sympathisers to send me to school but she refused.

“Instead, she took me to the home of her first child from her previous marriage,” she narrated.

Baba Dee, the veteran Nigerian singer and rapper, whose real name is Dare Fasasi, has shared insights into his brother’s passing, Sound Sultan, and the illness that ultimately claimed his life during an appearance on Teju Babyface’s podcast.

The former music executive disclosed that six months before Sound Sultan’s demise, he had a premonition that his time was limited, despite receiving treatment from one of the world’s leading Hodgkin’s lymphoma hospitals.

In an emotional revelation, he recounted how his brother informed him about the doctor’s grim prognosis, saying, “This is the first time I am talking about this but everything happened very fast. He told me, ‘Dee, the doctor said I don’t have time.’

That was the first time I was hearing that kind of thing. He was okay; we were in the studio recording, and he flipped it on me. I couldn’t do anything again; I was like, ‘What is this guy saying?’

And he said again, ‘The doctor said I don’t have time.” Fasasi recounted, tears evident in his eyes.