Category: General News

Tinubu to consult further on new minimum wage

Consultation

By Salif Atojoko

Abuja, June 25, 2024 (NAN) President Bola Tinubu will consult further before arriving at a final decision on the new national minimum wage for Nigerian workers.

Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation, said this at the end of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting in Abuja on Tuesday.

He said the report of the tripartite committee on the new wage was presented and deliberated on at the FEC meeting, but was stepped down to enable the President consult further.

Idris said this would allow the President take an informed decision on it before sending its bill to the National Assembly for consideration.

“We discussed the new minimum wage issue at the council meeting.

“The new national minimum wage is not just that of the federal government, it is an issue that involves the federal government, the state governments, local governments, and organised private sector.

“And of course, the memo was stepped down to enable Mr President to consult further, especially with the state governors and organised private sector,” he said.

The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, also briefed on government finances and debts, including ways and means.

“When we interrogate the figures over the first quarter of this year, starting from middle of December 2023 and the end of March this year; if we want to be positive, what we will say is that the glass is half full.

“We are halfway there. If not, we can be negative and try and say the glass is half empty. Why do I say this? The total debt stock of Nigerians in dollars terms fell by 15 per cent, that is very positive.

“Any rating agency, any creditor, any investor looking at that will see it as a positive move.

“We are a country that has petrodollar, we have ability to earn in dollars. So it’s highly relevant that we look at what is our exposure in dollars terms,” Edun said.

According to him, on the other hand, the exchange rates increased by 8 trillion in actual debt issuance, and the total external debt and domestic debt in Naira terms had increased by 25 per cent.

“That brings me to the foreign exchange movement which can change tomorrow, as we know. Linked to that is the all important question of the government’s capacity to pay its way.

“Debt is all about the revenue to service it, and of course to use those funds properly, judiciously,  accountably and in a way that gives positive returns.

“At no time have we gone to Mr President to seek permission to go the the Central Bank to pay anybody, be it external debt service, be it share capital cash calls for any of the liabilities that the government has,” he said.

Edun explained that as with all agencies, the government was focused on ensuring that the revenue due to it was collected robustly using technology, avoiding blockages associated with manual processing, which he said had led to a very robust revenue effort.

“Likewise, we are implementing debts or expenditure controls, also very ably empowered by technology.

“Mr President inherited a legacy of N3.4 trillion in outstanding ways and means which have been securitised on the eve of the entry of President Tinubu’s administration.

“We are doing a forensic audit, we are interrogating that figure because its a liability which we have to pray interest on. So, any deficit that you might see to the consolidated revenue account, may be automatic debit on a figure that is still being interrogated,” said Edun.

Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, also said the Council gave approval for the upgrade of key infrastructure in the country’s healthcare system.

He said that the Council approved the engagement of a transaction adviser to develop a public private partnership (PPP) to expand, modernise and refurbish six teaching hospitals’ equipment.

The hospitals are: University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu, University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, University College Hospital Ibadan, National Hospital Abuja, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital and Usmanu Dafodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto.

“That is a massive upgrade of infrastructure. The transaction adviser will develop full business case and then come back to the Council for approval for mobilisation to execute the contract over the next 12 to 20 months.

“The second item is the expansion of the pathology lab and the mortuary at the University College Hospital, Ibadan. The contract was awarded, and it also includes building hostels for nurses and other health professionals. That is under a PPP arrangement,” said Pate.

He gave an update on diseases ravaging the country, particularly Cholera, which he said was discussed extensively, in addition to the emergence of yellow fever in Bayelsa.

He said the National Centre for Disease Control was working with Lagos State, which has a very strong institutional ability to be able to contain the disease.

The Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Mr Lateef Fagbemi, said the Federal Government has approved procurement of Mikano CNG vehicles for the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

He said that council also approved the procurement of two full body scanners for Lagos and Abuja International airports.

Also, Minister of Works David Umahi gave an update on road projects across the country, assuring that by October, most of the ongoing road construction and rehabilitation would be completed. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

SA/IS 

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Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Condolences

By Muhammad Nur Tijani

Kano, June 25, 2024(NAN) Vice President, Kashim Shettima, on Tuesday condoled with the APC National Chairman,  Abdullahi Ganduje, over the demise of his mother-in-law, Hajiya Asiya Gauyama.

Shettima said at Ganduje’s residence in Kano that the contributions of the late Gauyama in the lives of so many, especially the less-privileged, would remain indelible.

The vice-president said they were in Kano to commiserate with Ganduje and his family on the sad development.

“May Almighty Allah grant the late Hajiya Asiya Gauyama eternal rest and provide comfort to her family and loved ones,” he prayed.

In his response, Ganduje thanked Shettima for the visit.

He also commiserated with him on the death of his mother-in-law, who was buried on Monday in Kano.

The late Gauyama died after a protracted illness and she is survived by many children, and grandchildren.

The funeral prayer, which was held at the Tarauni cemetery, was attended by a Federal Government delegation led by the Deputy President of the Senate, Sen. Barau Jibrin.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

MNT/CHOM/BRM

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Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Bashir Rabe Mani

Inductees’ at the 54th Physicians Oath-Taking Ceremony in UniCal

MoU

By Sani Idris

Kaduna, June 25, 2024(NAN) The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) and HYPERTECH, a technology firm, have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote local content production and advance skills development.

The partnership aims to leverage the Almajiri, out-of-school children and the youthful population to achieve its objectives, providing a unique opportunity for growth and development.

Speaking at the NBTE Headquarters on Tuesday in Kaduna, the Managing Director (MD) of HYPERTECH, Muhammad Mustapha, said the MoU was in advancement of the local content policy.

He added that the MoU, which is hinged on national development, aimed at driving the Federal Government’s renewed commitment towards capacity building.

This is through the utilisation of human capital, which is the nation’s key asset in terms of turning the population into viable engagements.

Mustapha equally said the campaign by NBTE particularly on skills has reached an advanced stage.

According to him, it  has a relevant interface with the local content policy to coordinate the potential huge work force into maximum utilisation for the nation’s economic development.

Mustapha explained that local content was captured in the Mambilla power project that was in view.

He added that it was signed by the Nigerian and Chinese Government and working toward implementation is an effort, among others, to build local capacity.

Mustapha also said the MoU was expected to benefit thousands of Almajiri students, out-of-school children, and the youthful population.

This is by providing them with access to modern education and skills, and empowering them to contribute to the nation’s development.

“The partnership between NBTE and HYPERTECH is expected to have a positive impact on the nation’s education sector and economic development, serving as a model for future public-private partnerships.

“Overall, the partnership is a significant step towards promoting local content production, advancing skills development, and driving economic growth and development in the country,”he said.

Mustapha assured of HYPERTECH’s commitment to ensuring the success of the initiative, leveraging its expertise and resources to drive progress and growth.

Speaking to newsmen after the event, the Executive Secretary, NBTE, Prof. Idris Bugaje, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership.

Bugaje stated that it aligned with the board’s vision to promote technical and vocational education, bridging the gap between traditional and modern education.

He added that the partnership would provide opportunities for skills development and entrepreneurship, particularly among the Almajiri and out-of-school children, fostering economic growth and development.

Under the agreement, he said HYPERTECH would provide technical support and expertise to develop digital content and infrastructure for enhancing the learning experience and providing access to modern education and skills for the children.

He equally said the partnership would leverage on existing training centres nationwide to serve as platforms for the skills development, where the firm would facilitate the training while NBTE provides necessary quality assurance.

“By training the local youths across the nation, we will mop up the unemployed youths by giving them skills to fit into some national projects like the Mambilla power project, railway expansion and many others across the nation.

“The youths, including the Almajiris will be mobilised, trained and certified to fit into some of the Infrastructural projects,”Bugaje said.

He commended HYPERTECH for its commitment to promoting local content and skills development, emphasizing the importance of public-private partnerships in achieving the nation’s development goals.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that HYPERTECH is the national consultant on local content for the Mambila HydroElectric Power project, among others.

NAN also reports that the initiative was praised by the stakeholders present at the MoU event.

They described it as a significant step towards bridging the gap between traditional and modern education, thereby promoting economic growth and development.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

SA/BRM
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Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

Fire

By Aderonke Ojediran

Lagos, June 25, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has urged participants at the Lagos International Fire Safety Conference to be committed to fire prevention advocacy to keep a safe and secure environment.

The governor made the appeal at the opening of the conference  held at the Federal Palace Hotel on Victoria Island.

The conference had the theme: “Stakeholders Collaboration: A Panacea to Incessant Fire Disasters in Lagos”.

Sanwo-Olu also urged the participants to collaborate with the state government to educate residents on fire disaster prevention.

The governor said that the government would continue to promote safety culture through robust policies, strategic investments and community engagement.

“We want a Lagos that fire outbreak is significantly reduced. We can reduce it if we work collaboratively, if we see ourselves as our brothers’ keepers.

“Fire disaster knows no boundaries. If you are careful, the other person may not be careful. We need to educate everyone around us.

“Our government cannot do this alone and we still have a lot more to do. Community involvement is  very vital,” Sanwo-Olu said.

He called on education, religious and traditional institutions to enlighten their followers about safety measures especially during dry season and harmattan.

” Religious organisations, educational institutions, traditional institutions all have pivotal roles in knowledge sharing.

” Stop storing petrol in your shops. Don’t refill generator tanks when it is on. It will not only affect you. Everyone within that parameter has been endangered by you.

” We need more advocacy, we need to sentise residents of the state. These fire incidents are avoidable,” he said.

The state Commissioner for Special Duties and Inter-governmental Relations, Mr Olugbenga Oyerinde, said that the state government had been proactive in its response to fire incidents, with the provision of fire equipment.

” We pride ourselves as the best in terms of emergency management, our governor has been proactive, our equipment are world-class,” he said.

The Controller-General, Federal Fire Service, Mr  Ibrahim Liman, said that the Federal Government was committed to collaborating with states in saving lives and property through fire prevention.

He urged Lagos  State to continue to embrace advanced and cutting edge solutions in fire prevention and control.

The Chief Executive Officer, Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Mrs Margaret Adeseye, harped on the need for public/private partnership in preventing fire incidents.

She applauded the governor for building more fire service centres across the state. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

OAF/BEKl/IGO

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Edited by AbdulFatai Beki/Ijeoma Popoola

LWC

By Henry Oladele
Lagos, June 25, 2024 (NAN) The Lagos Water Corporation (LWC) has relaunched Quickteller and Pay Direct channels for easy payments of water bills.

The LWC Managing Director, Engr. Mukhtaar Tijani, said this in a statement on Tuesday in Lagos.

Tijani added that the corporation was going through reorganisation and rebranding process.

He urged its customers to take full advantage of the payment channels for easy payments of water bills to enhance ease of doing business and improve payment efficiency.

“This means water customers have varieties of payment channels, Quickteller and Pay Direct and can make payments at the comfort of their homes,” he said.(NAN)
HOB/JNC
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Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

Disorder

By Kazeem Akande

Lagos, June 25, 2024(NAN)  A Nigerian award-winning actor and model, Emmanuel Ikubese,  has begun an awareness campaign  to alleviate burdens of sickle cell warriors in the country.

Ikubese spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Lagos.

According to him, he aims to support sickle cell warriors through the ‘Mzigo Project’, a campaign leveraging mainstream media to raise awareness about sickle cell disorder.

“Misconceptions and ignorance surrounding the condition have caused harm and stigma for those affected.

“By dispelling false narratives and myths, I and my team can educate people and foster support.

“I believe that increased awareness will encourage more people to get involved and help alleviate the burden of sickle cell disease.

“I can’t do this alone, but together, we can make a difference and create a more supportive community for those living with the condition,” he said.

Ikubese, a former Silverbird male Pageant Mr Nigeria in 2014, said he aimed to assist and enlighten a significant number of individuals living with sickle cell disorder.

According to him, ‘Mzigo Project’ has partnered  SAMI, a sickle cell disorder focused organisation, on initiatives like the #Run4AWarrior.

“This partnership will enable us to provide medical insurance to numerous individuals in low-income areas who are living with sickle cell disease.

“Unfortunately, many warriors have lost their lives due to limited access to quality healthcare.

“To address this, we participate in the Lagos State City Marathon, running to raise funds and awareness for this critical cause.

“Over the past two years, our collaboration with SAMI has successfully raised millions of Naira, which has been used to provide medical insurance for sickle cell warriors in need,” he added.

The award-winning actor said that his Mzigo Project was currently focusing on highest prevalence of sickle cell disorder in Nigeria compared with other countries globally.

“ We’re starting from home, as the saying goes, charity begins at home.

“However, our long-term vision is to expand the project across Africa, as the same challenges and misconceptions surrounding sickle cell disease exist in other countries like Kenya, Tanzania, and beyond,” he told NAN.

Ikubese said that to address the issue, the sickle cell project would create a model that could be replicated and adapted in other African countries, ultimately making a broader impact on the continent.

He said that the pan-African approach would enable them to reach more communities, raise awareness, and support those living with sickle cell disorder,  thereby fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment for all.

NAN reports that Nigerians living with sickle cell disorder faced staggering healthcare costs, with monthly expenses ranging from N70,000 to N1,000,000, largely due to frequent hospital admissions and costly medications.

Health insurance coverage falls short for many, with plans often failing to cover essential treatments like routine medications and consultations.

Government and Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs) efforts to support people with sickle cell disorder are insufficient, highlighting the urgent need for improved public healthcare infrastructure and more comprehensive assistance programmes in Nigeria.(NAN)

AKA/VIV

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Edited by Vivian Ihechu

Agege LG nabscman selling adulterated bottled water

Cholera

By Kazeem Akande

Lagos, June 25, 2024(NAN) Agege Local Government Environmental officials have nabbed a man selling adulterated bottled water to the public in the community.

The stride is in consonance with the directive of the Council Chairman Chief Ganiyu Egunjobi, to environmental health officials.

Mr Taiwo Awonuga, the Head, Environmental Health Department in the Council, disclosed these to newsmen on Tuesday.

According to him, the culprit was swiftly intercepted by the environment department staff following information given by market leaders.

“While being questioning by our council officials, he said that he bought some bottled water, got empty plastic bottles, filled them with adulterated water and sold to the public at Agege Market.

“He has been handed over to the Pen Cinema Divisional Police Station for onward investigation and prosecution,” he said.

Awonuga said that the council chairman had appealed to the residents to be wary of what they consume, to prevent the spread of Cholera disease.

Recall that Agege had suspended operation of food vendors in schools under the council as part of measures to curb the spread of  cholera in the state.

The Lagos State Government has so far reported a death toll of 29 resulting from the disease.

It said 579 cases had been recorded across the state.

The Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, disclosed these on Monday during a press briefing held in Ikeja, to intimate residents on efforts to curb the spread across Lagos.(NAN)

AKA/SOA

Edited by Oluwole Sogunle