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Category: General News

  • NLC strike: KADCIMA urges FG to expedite action on minimum wage

    NLC strike: KADCIMA urges FG to expedite action on minimum wage
    Strike
    By Aisha Gambo
    Kaduna, June 3,2024(NAN) The President of Kaduna Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (KADCCIMA) , Mr Ishaya Idi, on Monday urged the Federal Government to expedite action on the minimum wage.
    The president also called on the government  to provide other palliatives and accompanying measures including downward review of electricity tariffs .
    This, he said, was to effectively alleviate the suffering of ordinary Nigerians  in view of the current economic hardship.
    Idi ,who made this known in a statement, said that the indefinite strike embarked upon by the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) would cause negative repercussions on the overall economy.
    “While the arguments put forward by NLC and TUC on their decision to embark on the indefinite strike are well noted, there is the need to tread with caution on account of negative repercussions on the overall economy.
    “As a matter of fact, abandoning negotiations and shutting down the country will have untold hardship on all segments of the economy.
    ” This hard stance will also fatally impact on the survival, resilience, productive capacity and competitive advantage of the more than 39 million-strong MSMEs ecosystem,” he said.

    Idi explained that the MSMEs significantly contribute to economic stability through job and wealth creation as they account for 48 per cent of Nigeria’s GDP and 84 per cent of employment.

    He  called on the organised labour to sheath its sword and go back to the negotiation table while urging the three-tiers of government to implement a cost-cutting regime .

    According to him, the regime should condemn, ban and severely punish any display of an inflated sense of personal importance and substantially reduce the overall cost of governance.
    He advised that the regime should start with a downward review of emoluments and allowances of public office holders, cabinet officers and all Parliamentarians.
    “This regime should also consider a downward review of all perks of office such as official vehicles, foreign trips and attendant estacodes among others,” he said.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    AMG/BRM
    ================
    Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

  • Strike: Workers in Delta comply with directive

     

    Strike: Workers in Delta comply with directive

    Delta
    By Ifeanyi Olannye
    Asaba, June 3, 2024 (NAN) Civil servants  in Delta, on Monday, complied with the directives of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) to begin an indefinite strike.
    The labour unions had handed down the order over the Federal Government’s failure to approve and implement a new minimum wage for workers after the May 31 deadline.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) correspondent, who monitored workers compliance at the federal and state secretariats in Asaba at 9.00 a.m., reports that most government offices were not opened.
    Also, the State House of Assembly and the State High Court complex were closed and officials of the labour unions were seen enforcing compliance with the directive.
    At the state secretariat, a security official, who did  not want his name published, said that the gates to the premises were locked by officials of the unions on Sunday night.
    He said that the labour enforcement team led by the TUC Chairman, Martin Bolum, returned this morning to check the situation at the secretariat.
    Also, students of public primary and secondary schools in the state, who had gone early to school, were seen returning home due to their teachers’ compliance with the strike.
    In a telephone interview, Bolum told NAN that the unions’ enforcement team had in the early hours of Monday picket some banks, Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Asaba, schools and other establishments in the state capital to ensure total compliance.
    NAN reports that police personnel were deployed in strategic locations in Asaba metropolis including the Federal Medical Centre to prevent breakdown of law and order. (NAN) (www.nannews.com.ng).
    IO/AOS
    ===========
    Edited by Bayo Sekoni

  • Organisation distributes food items worth N15m to FCT communities

    t

     

    Organisation distributes food items worth N15m to FCT communities

    Food

    By Justina Auta

    Abuja, June 2, 2024 (NAN) A group known as Emmanuel TV Partners, on Sunday, distributed food items worth over N15 million in FCT communities.

    Mrs Ogechi Tagbo, Coordinator of the group, said that the food items were distributed in commemoration of the third anniversary of the passing of Temitope Joshua (TB Joshua), Founder of the Synagogue Church of all Nations (SCOAN).

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Emmanuel TV is the media arm of SCOAN

    According to Tagbo, the initiative is to honour the legacy of the late Joshua and support to the less privileged in the society.

    She recalled his humanitarian services and it’s impact both within and outside Nigeria, especially during natural disasters and conflicts.

    “Emmanuel TV Partners Abuja made a vow to continue spreading the love and teachings of Jesus Christ, as exemplified by TB Joshua.

    “Our outreach today is a testament to his selfless and generous spirit of our late Prophet. We aim to continue his legacy of love, faith, and support for the less privileged,” she said.

    She said that the essential items including 350 tubers of yam, 300 bags of rice, 350 cartons of noodles, wrappers, mobile phones for the elderly, bread, and beverages, drinks, toiletries and cash gifts were distributed.

    Tagbo said these would support the elderly, widows, and other vulnerable members in the community, especially with the economic challenges bedeviling the nation.

    Tagbo said that the group would also visit the Gifted and Talented Orphanage in Trademore and the FCT School of the Blind in Jabi to support the vulnerable groups as part of the evangelical outreach.

    She revealed that similar gestures would also be replicated by Emmanuel TV partners all over the world, where food items and livelihood support would be distributed to support the less privileged.

    Eno Ekanem, one of the partners, said that the outreach was to show love and give back to the community to show God’s blessing.

    “Our goal is to reach out to those who can not provide for themselves, especially the elderly and the downtrodden,” he said.

    Similarly, Nneka Mba, another member, commended the substantial nature of the donations in spite of the current economic situation.

    “Considering the current economic situation, we have managed to gather significant quantities of rice, beans, noodles, and other essentials.

    “Our contributions are valued between N15 million to N16 million,” she said.

    Japhet Akawu, traditional ruler of Tasha Village Jiwa Chiefdom, expressed appreciation for the gesture.

    “Today’s generosity from Emmanuel TV Partners signifies a turning point for our community. This act of kindness brings hope and is a blessing for us all,” he remarked. (NAN)

    JAD/SH

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    edited by Sadiya Hamza

     

     

  • New National Anthem captures whole essence of our being, says NUJ President

    New National Anthem captures whole essence of our being, says NUJ President

    Anthem

    By Collins Yakubu-Hammer

    Abuja, June 2, 2024 (NAN) The President of the Nigeria Union of Journalist. (NUJ), Dr Chris Iziguzo has that the now new anthem captures the whole core of being Nigerians.

    Isiguzo made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja.
    “Look at Nigeria, we have different languages and tribes. This anthem unite us better regardless of our differences.
    “The new anthem of ‘Nigeria we hail thee’ says a lot about us as one country with one destiny.
    “However, I think the first thing they would have done was to put the old and new on the table side by side and review it.
    “If in the wisdom of the president and members of the National Assembly, we should revert to the old anthem, why not.
    “After all, it highlights the fact that we have different tribes and tongues in one nation and yet we still exist as one. So be it,” Isiguzo stressed.
    NAN reports that President Bola Tinubu Tinubu signed the National Anthem “Nigeria, We Hail Thee” Bill 2024 into law on May 29.

    The return of the old anthem elicited divergent views, with some commentators criticising the move as yet another case of “misplaced priority” given the slew of challenges confronting Nigerians.

     Tinubu said that returning the old national anthem was a priority for him.

    Tinubu made this known during a meeting on Thursday with the leadership of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) at the presidential villa in Abuja.

    Tinubu said Nigeria’s diversity should be protected and celebrated, adding that the country’s population should not be seen as a burden.

    “But the question of diversity. Who gave us the name Nigeria? Is it not Britain? Or somewhere? Have we changed our name? We are Nigerians. Our passport shows that,” he said.

    “As long as we are Nigerians and one family, we remain and protect our diversity and love one another as brothers and sisters.

    “It is God Almighty that puts you in that particular place and makes you a member of that family. You have no control over it,” Tinubu said.NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    CMY/BEKl/SH
    ===========
    Edited by AbdulFatai Beki/Sadiya Hamza

  • Accident claims 3, injures 5 in Anambra

     

    Accident

    By Monday Ajogun (08034514384)

    Oba (Anambra), June 2, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has said that three persons died in a multiple accident on Sunday in Oba in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra, along Owerri-Oraifite-Onitsha road.

    Confirming the incident to journalists in Onitsha, the FRSC Sector Commander in Anambra, Mr Adeoye Irelewuyi, said that the multiple accident involved eight vehicles.

    Irelewuyi said that it involved a commercial motorcycle with no registration number, three yellow tricycles with no registration number, two toyota Hiace commercial buses with no registration number.

    He said that other vehicles involved in the accident were a white Mack trailer with no registration number, a navy blue Toyota Camry with no registration number.

    The commander attributed the probable cause of the fatal crash to a loss of control as a result of break failure.

    According to him, an eyewitness said that tax collectors were stopping tricycles collecting taxes when the driver of the Mack truck failed break, lost control, and rammed into the other vehicles.

    “15 people were involved in the crash, five persons injured, comprising three male and two female adults.

    “Three persons were killed, comprising two male, one female child and seven people were rescued unhurt.

    “Passersby took casualties to the hospital before the arrival of FRSC rescue team from RS5.36 Oraifite Unit Command Anambra,” he said.

    The sector commander noted that the scene was tensed as hoodlums and angry mob came with machete protesting towards the revenue collectors for orchestrating the crash.

    Irelewuyi sympathised with the families of the dead victims and wished the injured victims quick recovery.

    He warned motorists to desist from disobeying traffic rules and regulations by servicing their vehicles to minimum safety standard before plying the road. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    AJOM/EBI/MNA

    Edited by Benson Iziama/Maureen Atuonwu

     

     

     

     

     

  • Strike: WAEC appeals to NLC, TUC to consider candidates

    Strike

    By Chinyere Nwachukwu
    Lagos, June 2, 2024 (NAN) The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has appealed to the organised  labour to consider  students  sitting for  West African  Senior Secondary Certificate Examination, as it plans an indefinite strike.
    The Head of National Office of WAEC, Dr Amos Dangut, made the appeal in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Lagos.
    He said that the council shared in the concerns of the organised labour and those of the entire Nigerian workers.
    According to him, most of WAEC’s employees in Nigeria are  members of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) or Trade Union Congress (TUC), both of which called for the strike scheduled to start on Monday.
    “The attention of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has been drawn to a notice of the commencement  of an indefinite strike by NLC and TUC effective Monday, June 3.
    “WAEC shares in the concerns of the generality of Nigerian workers, as most of its employees in Nigeria consist of members of both unions.
    “It is also worthy of mention that the unions have always been partners with WAEC in the successful implementation of its mandate through the years.
    “On this premise, therefore, we wish to, however, gently remind the unions  of the ongoing conduct of the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE)  for School Candidates, 2024.
    “The examination commenced in Nigeria and other member-countries of WAEC,  The Gambia, Liberia and Sierra Leone, on April 30, and is scheduled to end by June 24.
    “The  week, June 3 to June 7, is scheduled for the conduct of such papers as Physics, Economics, Government and Civic Education across the federation and some West African countries,” the WAEC boss said.
    According to him, any  disruption in the activities  and arrangements for the conduct of the examination will place candidates at a major disadvantage in their academic pursuits.
    “We hereby appeal to all stakeholders and the unions  to cooperate with the council, as always, to allow the continuous smooth and peaceful conduct of the examination as has been scheduled.
    “We remain committed to excellence and the service of the Nigerian people within the mandate of the council,” he said. (NAN)
    CCN/IGO
    ========

    Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

  • Assembly Rerun: Enugu LP candidate wants new INEC team to conduct election

     

    Rerun

    By Alex Enebeli

    Enugu, June 2, 2024 (NAN) Mr Bright Ngene of the Labour Party (LP) has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to send a new team to conduct the June 8 rerun election for the Enugu South Urban Constituency.

    Ngene, who was the LP candidate in the 2023 General Election said he had lost confidence in the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Enugu State, Mr Chukwuemeka Chukwu and Enugu South Electoral Officer, Mr Francis Chigbu, in conducting the rerun.

    The LP candidate made the call in a press conference held on Sunday in Enugu.

    Narrating his ordeal, Ngene said that INEC declared him winner of the March 28, 2023 House of Assembly election for Enugu South Urban Constituency after scoring 5,862 votes while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) scored 2,098 votes.

    “Consequently, I was inducted into the 8th Assembly of Enugu State with certificate of return issued to me by INEC.

    “So I consider this press conference an opportunity to inform the good people of Enugu State and Enugu South Urban Constituency in particular of what is happening around me and to the mandate they overwhelmingly gave to me.

    “However, the PDP candidate, Sam Ngene, went to court challenging the victory, and praying the court to declare the election inconclusive, and order for a re- run.

    “His contention was based on the ground that there was violence in the eight polling units situated at Ward 5, Uwani and Robinson Primary School that had 4,257 registered votes,” he said.

    Ngene said the court found favour in argument of the PDP candidate that there was need to conduct a re-run election in the said eight polling boots which INEC scheduled the first re-run election on Feb. 3, 2024.

    “On the said date the election could not hold because the original result sheet mysteriously and suddenly got missing under the watch of Enugu REC and Electoral Officer who could not give account of what happened to the original result sheets.

    “Consequently, INEC re-scheduled the second re-run election on Feb. 14, 2024 but the election could not hold because PDP interrupted the election alleging that the original result sheet provided by INEC was fake.

    “Furthermore, thugs started destroying INEC cubicles and other sensitive materials,” he said.

    He regretted that INEC for reasons best known to them deliberately refused to investigate who in particular disrupted the election and refused to call for evidence even when it was brought to their notice.

    He expressed disappointment that in spite of the alleged disruption of the election and also captured all over our social media, none of them had been apprehended or prosecuted till the time of this press conference.

    “My utmost concern of this proposed 3rd time re- run election is that INEC is intending to allow or use the same Chukwu and Chigbu to conduct the election.

    “While up till today no account has been given by the duo or INEC on what actually happened to the said original result sheet,” Ngene lamented.

    According to him, I have lost confidence and trust in the integrity ofthe REC to conduct a credible, free and fair election.

    “I equally wish to let the world know that it is now over nine months that Enugu South Urban Constituency seat has remained vacant and unrepresented at the Enugu State House of the Assembly.

    “I therefore, passionately and humbly request the media, Non Governmental Organisations, Civil Society Organisations, Election monitors, European Unions, and Other International Organisations to be on ground to supervise and monitor the election,” he appealed.

    Reacting, the PDP candidate, Sam Ngene, denied the allegation of leading thugs to disrupt second rerun, challenging him to show the world the picture and video evidence.

    He said, “I am working hard to prepare for my election on Saturday and what he is doing is laying blame and trying to preempt the election, which he needed to prove it.

    “INEC conducted the election the first time that favoured him and he was in the House of Assembly for six months. He shouldn’t come out now to condemn the umpire that made him win first election.

    “The said area for the rerun is my ward and stronghold where I had been a Councillor and also made me go for first term in 7th State Assembly.

    “I have enough influence because of things I put on ground which has been fear,” he said.

    All effort to reach Enugu REC proved abortive as he neither answered his phone calls nor return the text messages sent to him. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    AAE/MNA

    Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

     

  • Clergy seeks measures to reduce hardship of Nigerians

     

    Clergy seeks measures to reduce hardship of Nigerians

    Hardship

    By Mohammed Baba Busu

    Mokwa (Niger) June 2, 2024 (NAN) The Bishop of Anglican Communion, Kutigi Diocese in Lavun Local Government Area of Niger, RT. Rev Jeremiah Ndana-Kolo, has called for more measures to reduce the current hardship faced by Nigerians.

    The Bishop stated this at the end of this year’s three-day Synod held at St. John’s Anglican Church, Mokwa in Niger on Sunday.

    ”Nigerians can no longer afford the prices of foodstuffs and other essential commodities in the markets,” he said.

    Also speaking, the Administrator of the Diocese, Rev. Solomon Gana, expressed gratitude for God’s mercies that kept them together to another session of the 2024 Synod,

    In his sermon on Friday, the first day of the Synod, the administrator admonished Christians to imbibe the historical background of Christianity.

    In his goodwill message, the Bishop of Bida Diocese, Jonah Kolo, commended the Bishop of Kutigi for making this year’s Synod successful a historic  moment as part of activities to enhance the work of God.

    The communique issued at the end of the first session of the fifth Synod signed by Bishop Jeremiah Ndana-Kolo, reiterated the need for the government to redouble efforts to urgently combat insecurity.

    He listed the crimes to include banditry and kidnappings.

    The  Synod asked Christians to be content with whatever they have, Love God with all their hearts and strength and to as well love their neighbours as themselves in spite of the economic hardship.

    The communique also urged the government to be more proactive in curtailing all forms of insecurity.

    It commended Gov. Umar Bago for his exceptional attention to youth employment, agriculture and infrastructural development across the state.

    It also extolled the efforts he is putting in place to curtail insecurity particularly youth restiveness.

    It, however, urged the Christians faithful to double their efforts in spreading the gospel to inculcate the habit of Godliness in the human race.

    The Synod added that Christians were not only to confess their faith but to put it to practice no matter the life challenges.

    The theme of this year’s synod was: “Confession of Faith and its Confirmation”.

    It also witnessed the widows’ end of the year thanksgiving and awards to some distinguished personalities.

    Those honored included Mr James Bake-Tetengi, recently appointed a Permanent Secretary, and Princess Rachel Yisa, who was recently given a political appointment by the Niger Government.

    Also honoured were six eminent personalities who celebrated their 70 years, and who have contributed immensely to the growth of Christianity in the Diocese.

    Twenty eight House of Clergy and 37 House of Laity graced the 3-day annual event held at the St John’s Anglican Church, Mokwa.(NAN)(www.nannewsngr.com)

    BAB/BRM

    ============

    Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

     

  • Foundation donates food items, clothing to 250 widows in FCT

    Some of the beneficiaries at the widows empowerment programme

    Foundation donates food items, clothing to 250 widows in FCT

    Widows
    By Ibironke Ariyo
    Abuja, June 2, 202 ((NAN) Still Waters Foundation has distributed food items and clothing to over 250 vulnerable widows in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to support their efforts in catering for the family.

    Speaking during the event in Abuja, the Founder, Dr Femi Lanre-Oke said that the theme of the event tagged: “Renewed hope” was timely due to the present economic situation of the country.

    Lanre-Oke said that the basis for diligently driving the foundation was derived from the passion and need to impact lives.

    He emphasised the importance of food in the lives of people especially the underprivileged widows who were facing series of societal challenges and had gone through pain, discrimination and neglect.

    Lanre-Oke said that the foundation was not just about helping the widows and the less privileged but also discovering and empowering the youths to become ambassadors of peace.

    “This is because the first thing about a widow was that you see a person whose joy has been taken away.

    “The husband is no more and more likely to be the strength of that family; so, when you identify with people like that, you are fulfilling the covenant of God In Isaiah 58, ” he said.

    According to him, when you see a widow, you see somebody whose joy was stolen, whose strength failed, and who is now alone.

    “So when you identify with that, you bring encouragement to them, you bring support to them, you are bringing strength to them. That is the major thing, “ he said.

    Lanre-Oke, who is also the Lead Pastor, Jesus Praise Evangelical Ministries International (JPEMI) urged government to identify with the windows and their children for the growth of the society.

    He also urged government at all levels to make life easy and convenient for widows, adding that granting them access to soft loan for a business would go along way.

    “If these widows are strengthened number one, they take care of their children.

    “If they are encouraged and supported, they make provisions for them, make assistance for them, ” he said.

    He reiterated the commitment of the foundation to continue to impact the lives of the less privileged people in the society and other vulnerable.

    In their separate remarks, some of the widows expressed gratitude to the foundation as some were seen with smiles and relief on their faces.

    Some of the widows that got Tailoring/ Sewing machines, hair dressing materials among others

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that aside the food items and clothing materials donated, five widows were empowered with two hair dressing machines, two tailoring machines and one melon grinding machine.

    The Foundation also promised to help the widows by paying the children’s school fees, setup some of them with business among others in the next edition of the program.(NAN) (http://www.nannews.ng)

    ICA/BEN/SH

    ==========

     

    Edited by Benson Ezugwu/Sadiya Hamza

  • Lagos stops 25% rebate on bus, ferry, train fares

    Lagos stops 25% rebate on bus, ferry, train fares

     

    Rebate

    By Chiazo Ogbolu

    Lagos, June 2, 2024 (NAN) The Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) says the 25 per cent   rebate on fares  for regulated public bus, ferry and train services ends on Sunday (June 2).

    LAMATA made this known on its official X handle.

    “From June 3, fares on all regulated transport services in the state will return to the original 100 per cent,” it said.

    Recall that Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Feb. 23, announced a 25 per cent rebate on the fares to mitigate the impact of the removal of petrol subsidy on Lagos residents. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    CAN/IGO

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    Edited by Ijeoma Popoola