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  • Stranded Super Eagles players now in Uyo – Olajire

    Stranded Super Eagles players now in Uyo – Olajire

    Eagles

    By Olanrewaju Akojede

    Lagos, June 4, 2024 (NAN) Ademola Olajire, Director of Communications, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), on Tuesday confirmed that the stranded Super Eagles players in Lagos and Abuja had arrived Uyo, capital of Akwa Ibom.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that some of the Super Eagles players were said to have challenges joining the rest of the team in camp, as a result of the joint NLC/TUC strike.

    The striking unions had shutdown the country’s airports on Monday, thus preventing  some Super Eagles players, who were  supposed to connect flights to Uyo from Lagos and Abuja from flying.

    It was also reported by the NFF that only 15 players out of the 23 players trained in Uyo on Monday and returned to their camp at Ibom Hotel and Golf Resort.

    NFF said in a statement; “A total of 15 players trained on Monday morning in Uyo.

    “Head Coach Finidi George told the players afterwards that the three points at stake in Friday’s encounter must end up in Nigeria’s kitty.”

    The statement also said that the quintet of defenders Semi Ajayi, Bright Osayi-Samuel and Calvin Bassey, midfielder Frank Onyeka and forward Paul Onuachu were already in the country.

    “They are trying to make their way to Uyo to join the 15 other players already on ground for the Super Eagles’ preparations for Friday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match.”

    However, a check by NAN with Olajire in a text message, said that the stranded players had arrived in Uyo.

    “They just landed in Uyo,” he said.

    Olajire, however, confirmed that Defenders Semi Ajayi, Bright Osayi-Samuel and Calvin Bassey, alongside Midfielder Frank Onyeka and Forward Paul Onuachu, had landed at the Victor Attah International Airport.

    “They landed in Uyo just after noon, aboard a private jet arranged by the NFF,  and were driven to Ibom Hotel and Golf Resort, to meet up with their team mates for lunch,” he said. (NAN)

    KOJE/BEN/IFY

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    Edited by Benson Ezugwu/Ifeyinwa Omowole

  • Strike: Operations resume at MMA

    Strike: Operations resume at MMIA

     

     

    Operations

    By Itohan Abara-Laserian

     

     

    Lagos, June 4, 2024 (NAN) Aviation Unions have opened barricaded airport terminals, following suspension of an indefinite strike by the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC).

     

    Mr Francis Akinjole, General Secretary of Air Traffic Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), said that the strike was ‘relaxed’ for a week to enable  the  unions  to continue talks with the Federal Government on a new minimum wage.

     

    Akinjole said that all blocked access points at the domestic airport terminals I (General Aviation Terminal) and II (Murtala Muhammed Airport II) and others had been opened.

     

    Mr Alale Adedayo, President General of Association of Nigerian Aviation Professionals (ANAP), said that the organised labour had accepted Federal Government’s offer for continued negotiations.

     

    Adedayo said that flight operations had re-started on the domestic wing of the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Ikeja.

     

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that activities at the domestic wing are in full swing.

    Passengers were seen boarding Value Jet, Ibom Air, Arik Air and United Nigeria Airline at  Murtala Mohammed Airport II managed by Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Ltd.

     

    Mr Muyioluwa Maraiyese, a Value Jet passenger going to Abuja, said that he  expected  the labour  unions to barricade roads during the strike to disallow road transport  since they disrupted flight operations.

     

    However, at the  Lagos to Abuja check-in stand of the Air Peace, it was announced that flights had been re-scheduled.

     

    An aggrieved passenger of the airline, Monalisa Phillip said that the airline did not give any reason for the flight re-scheduling.

    NAN reports that the NLC and TUC on Tuesday suspended the indefinite strike for a week to enable continued negotiations with the Federal Government on a new minimum wage.

    Tbe unions embarked on the strike on Monday following inconclusiveness of negotiations on a new minimum wage (NAN) www.nannews.ng

    ITM/IGO

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    Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

     

  • Economist decries revocation of Heritage Bank by CBN

    Revocation

    By Gregory O. Mmaduakolam

    Abuja, June 4, 2024 (NAN) An Economist, Mr Abba Adaudu, has decried the revocation of the licence of  Heritage Bank by the Central of Nigeria (CBN) due to a breach of banking regulations.

    Adaudu, who is also a financial consultant, spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja.

    He said that the revocation of the bank’s licence would have adverse effects as all its customers would flood the bank’s offices nationwide to collect their deposits.

    According to him, the revocation of the licence of the bank has multiplier effects on the economy as many staff of the bank will lose their jobs and will again be thrown to the labour market.

    Adaudu  said that the revocation would have a lot of negative effects on the banking system as many people might be afraid to put their money in the bank.

    NAN reports that the CBN on Monday revoked the banking licence of unlisted lender Heritage Bank Plc due to a breach of banking regulations.

    According to CBN, the bank has continued to suffer and has no reasonable prospects of recovery; thereby making the revocation of the licence the next necessary step.

    The central bank said its action followed a period of engagement with the bank where it prescribed various supervisory steps intended to stem a decline in Heritage’s performance.

    Adaudu, however, argued that  as the nation was facing economic crisis presently, the revocation would trigger more hardship on the people as the economy, dependents and staff of the bank would suffer.

    He advised that CBN would not have revoked the bank but dissolve its board as it did to the Keystone, Union and Polaris banks and takeover the financial institution for proper management.

    He listed letters of credit, promissory notes, provision of admirable customer’s service, providing adequate information and providing account statement as some of the services the customers would lose.

    “Other services customers will lose are protecting customer deposits, honouring cheques, provision of access to financial services and protecting customer confidentiality,’’ he said.

    On the Minimum wage crisis between Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Adaudu said that Nigerian workers’ salaries were very meagre coupled with the hyperinflation facing the country currently.

    He urged the Federal Government to constitute cooperative farming for successful businessmen in the six Geo-political Zones to curtail the current high prices of foods in the country.

    According to Adaudu, no amount of money paid to the civil servants will be enough by the Federal / state governments if high rate of inflation is not lessened.

    He said forming cooperative farming would assist to cushion the effects of food shortage and high prices of food in the country.

    The economist added that empowering successful businessmen in the six geo-political zones would help to address the current food crisis in the country.

    Adaudu explained that if this policy was implemented with adequate supervision and security to protect the farmers in these zones, more food and employment opportunities would be created.(NAN)

     

    GOM/CJ/

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    Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

  • Foundation empowers widows in Adamawa

    Foundation empower widows in Adamawa

    Widows

    By Ibrahim Kado

    Yola, June 4, 2024 (NAN) An NGO, Women at the Well of Living Water Foundation, Adamawa chapter, has empowered 10 widows and struggling families with foodstuff to alleviate hunger.

    Jessica Edmund, the Founder of the group based in the UK, said during the distribution of the items on Tuesday in Yola, that the move was to alleviate the sufferings of the beneficiaries, following the current inflation in prices of food items.

    Edmund, who was represented by Kate Ransom-Stephen, the Adamawa Coordinator of the foundation, said “today, we are here to help people with foodstuff and teach them how to catch fish to succeed in life.

    “knowing that the situation is hard that is why we are here to cushion the effects of hunger among our people.”

    Bishop Ransom Stephen, the Adamawa Grand Patron of the foundation, said the gesture was timely, going by the current economic situation.

    He thanked the foundation for the gesture and prayed the founder succeeds in her future endeavours.

    Stephen called on other well-meaning Nigerians to emulate the gesture by assisting less privileged persons in their respective communities and beyond.

    Victoria Favour, who spoke on behalf of the beneficiaries, appreciated the foundation for the gesture and prayed for its success. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    IMK /BEKl/HA

    Edited by AbdulFatai Beki/Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Heritage Bank: Acquisition better option than licence revocation – Economist

    Licence
    By Ige Adekunle
    Sango-Ota (Ogun), June 4, 2024 (NAN) An economist, Prof. Evans Osabuohien, says acquiring Heritage Bank by another investor would have been a better option than outright revocation of its operating licence by Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
    Osabuohien, who is the Head, Department of Economics, Covenant University, Ota, Ogun, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday.
    NAN reports that CBN had, on Monday in Abuja, announced the revocation of the operational licence of the bank.
    The apex bank, in a statement by its acting Director of Corporate Communication Department, Sidi Ali, attributed the licence revocation to alleged threats to financial stability in the country.
    Osabuohien, however, described revocation of the financial institution’s licence as shocking, adding that this might lead to loss of jobs and ignite tension among customers.
    “CBN says that withdrawing the licence was the last option. If not, one would have expected a merger or acquisition, if only for the good of the economy,” he said.
    The don urged CBN to re-strategise and strengthen its regulatory framework in the financial sector so as to prevent such crisis in banks in future. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    IGE/ARIS/WAS
    Edited by Idowu Ariwodola and ‘Wale Sadeeq

  • LASU adopts hybrid teaching for general courses

     

    Technology

    By Oluwakemi Oluwakemi/Oluwatope Lawanson

    Lagos, June 4, 2024 (NAN) Lagos State University (LASU) has infused technology into its pedagogy by adopting hybrid teaching for general courses.

    The Vice-Chancellor, Mrs Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, made this known  at LASU’s 27th Convocation Lecture on Tuesday.

    The  Convocation Lecture had the theme: “Embracing the Future: Navigating the Intersection of Technology and Humanity”.

    She said that  the infusion allowed  students to receive lectures anywhere around the campus without being in crowded classrooms for courses with a large number of students.

    “We also use technology to conduct virtual examinations, which earned the university accolades from far and wide, including its recognition as the most digitally-advanced state university in Nigeria, at the Nigeria Information Technology Awards.

    “These innovations have not cost any staff their jobs nor has any student been shortchanged in any way; rather, it has improved their learning and service delivery experiences.

    “Technology  has continued to enhance our lives and the ways we communicate, educate our learners, move around and do businesses,” she said. 

    The vice-chancellor noted that it had been argued that technology was separating  man from common humanity, making him more isolated, eroding his privacy and hampering his abilities for genuine empathy.

    “Not all people agree with these positions, but these observations need to be addressed.

    “It is, therefore, imperative that we find a balance between technology and humanity by harnessing the power of technology to improve our lives and humanity in general,” she said.

    Olatunji-Bello said that LASU was committed to leveraging technology to enhance service delivery to make life better for its staff and students.

    In his remarks, the Chairman of the event, Emeritus Prof. Peter Okebukola, said: “Humanity and technology intersect into each other because of the impacts on social values, morals, education and others.

    “We thank a former Governor of Lagos State, during his tenure, Dr Babatunde Fashola, for elevating LASU and increasing  its budgetary allocation and  research innovation,” he said.

    Okebukola said that LASU had been outstanding. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    OKG/LAW/IGO 

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    Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

  • Prioritise your health over work, Physician urges Nigerians

    Health
    By Chidinma Ewunonu-Aluko
    Ibadan, June 4, 2024 (NAN) A family physician, Dr Folajimi Senjobi, has urged Nigerians to prioritise their health over work in the interest of their wellbeing.
    Senjobi, of University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibadan on Tuesday, said prioritising one’s health over work had become imperative for long-term success, happiness and fulfillment.
    He emphasised that by recognising the importance of self-care, setting boundaries and seeking support when needed, individuals could achieve a healthier balance between their professions and personal lives.
    Senjobi, who is the Publicity Secretary of Society of Family Physicians of Nigeria (SOFPON) in Oyo State, said that practising self-care and prioritising activities outside the work routine were essential components of a healthy lifestyle.
    According to him, recognising the value of self-care activities, such as exercise, adequate sleep, relaxation and hobbies as well as spending time with loved ones are also paramount.
    “These activities not only recharge and rejuvenate but also enhance productivity and creativity in the long run.
    “Organisations that prioritise employees’ wellbeing tend to have higher levels of job satisfaction, lower turn-over rates and increased productivity.
    “A supportive workplace culture that values work-life balance can contribute to the overall employees’ happiness and health,” he said.
    Senjobi also said that establishing clear boundaries between work and personal life was crucial for maintaining balance.
    This, he said, might involve setting limits on working hours, disconnecting from work-related communication during personal time and prioritising activities that promote relaxation and rejuvenation.
    The medical expert stressed the need for workers to always recognise warning signs of burnout, such as chronic fatigue, irritability, decreased motivation and physical symptoms like headaches or muscle tension.
    He warned that ignoring these signs could lead to more significant health issues and hinder long-term success.
    “If work-related stress or health issues become overwhelming, it is essential to seek support from colleagues, friends, family members and professional sources, such as therapists or counselors.
    “Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness, this and can lead to effective coping strategies and solutions.
    “Periodically reassessing priorities and goals can also help in ensuring that personal health and wellbeing remain in the forefront.
    “This may involve adjusting workloads, pursuing new opportunities that align with values and interests as well as making lifestyle changes,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    CC/NCI/WAS
    Edited by Nkiru Ifeajuna and ‘Wale Sadeeq

  • Pro-democracy activists solicit enduring democratic values

    Democracy
    By Oluwatope Lawanson
    Lagos, June 4, 2024 (NAN) Women Arise and Kudirat Initiative for Democracy, two non-governmental organisations, have called for a united front to build a democratic nation that will serve its people.

    Dr Joe Okei-Odumakin, President, Women Arise and Dr Hafsat Abiola, President, Kudirat Initiative for Democracy, made the joint call in Lagos on Tuesday in remembrance of Alhaja Kudirat Abiola, who was killed on June 4, 1996.

    They noted that the challenge to national development had never been in military interventions but in the failure of democratic processes to deliver a better life.

    They, therefore, enjoined governments to prioritise consensus building, development and delivery of tangible results to citizens.

    They recognised the efforts and pro-democracy struggle of the late Kudirat Abiola and her ultimate sacrifice for democracy and human rights.

    “We honour her legacy as a champion of democracy and human rights in Nigeria.

    “Her sacrifice and that of others who fought for democracy remind us that the battle was not easily won.

    “Unfortunately, the challenges that drove many to join the pro-democracy movement persist today,” they observed.

    They, nonetheless, explained that in spite of the challenges, the progress made and the sacrifices of those who fought alongside Kudirat Abiola, would be forever acknowledged.

    “We recognise that democracy is a continuous process that requires effort and dedication from all stakeholders.

    “As we look beyond our borders, we see that democracy faces challenges across West Africa.

    However, we believe that by working together, we can build a brighter future for all,” the groups said.

    Alhaja Kudirat Abiola, simply Kudirat Abiola, was a Nigerian pro-democracy campaigner.

    She was assassinated while her husband, Moshood Abiola, was being detained during the 1993 presidential elections.

    She was arrested shortly after the elections, believed to have be won by her husband, were annulled.

    Although she was assassinated in her car on June 4, 1996, her personality and death have remained symbols of struggle for democracy.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    LAW/CHOM/KAY
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    Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Kayode Olaitan

  • Nigerian workers deserve living wage- ZLP

     

    Nigerian workers deserve living wage-ZLP
    Wage
    By Adeyemi Adeleye
    Lagos, June 4, 2024 (NAN) The Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) says Nigerian workers deserve living wage in order to cope with prevailing  economic realities and render quality service to the nation.

    The Lagos State Chairman of ZLP, Mr Adekunle Mode-Adenipebi, said  this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Lagos.

    Mode-Adenipebi, who was also the party’s gubernatorial candidate in Lagos in the 2023 elections , said that the government must go beyond minimum wage to  living wage for workers.

    He was reacting to impasse between the organised labour and the Federal Government on the new minimum wage for workers, which led to the strike declared by labour unions on Monday.

    “There is nothing wrong for the Federal Government to provide workers living wage far above the much talked-about minimum wage, given  the inflation rate at the moment.

    “The Organised Labour is right by not agreeing with the N60,000 new minimum wage proposed by the government.

    “What can N60,000 buy in the market today for a young couple not to talk of a family of five?

    “We plead with the government  to listen to workers  and meet the  demands of labour .This is the way to go for workers to breathe,” he said.

    The chairman noted that there is hardship in the land  and that  the per capital income had dropped drastically.

    Mode-Adenipebi added: “The government must step up its game and make sure that the standard of living is elevated.

    “We want to plead with the government  to consider not only the workers in the organiser sector  by increasing their salaries, but those who are not workers.

    The chairman, however, urged  labour  to also fight for the welfare of workers not in the organised sector.

    “The Nigerian workers should go beyond the organised sector. What is the labour doing to make sure that workers in this sector also live well?

    “We still have many teachers with good degree certificates collecting N40,000 and below in private schools, factories and others.

    “It is high time the NLC and TUC considered the highly oppressed workers out of the organised sector and defend them,” he said.

    He urged the government to come up with policies to alleviate the hardships faced  by  workers out of the organised sector.

    NAN reports that despite earlier pleas by the government  for consideration, the organised labour on Monday declared an indefinite strike to push for a new national minimum wage for workers.

    The industrial action followed a series of unsuccessful negotiations involving the the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) and government’s representatives .

    Representatives of labour had on May 28 walked out of the Tripartite Committee meeting on minimum wage after the government increased its offer from N57,000 to N60,000.

    The government and the Organised Private Sector had initially proposed ₦48,000, then ₦54,000 and N57,000, which were all rejected by labour.

    The organised labour had also proposed ₦615,000 as new minimum wage, but later came down to ₦497,000 and then to ₦494,000, to reflect the current rising cost of living.
    Meanwhile, following the Federal Government expression of commitment to raising the proposed minimum wage of N60,000 at a meeting with labour leaders on Monday evening, the organised has just announced suspension of the industrial action for a week. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    AYO/BHB

    Edited by Buhari Bolaji

     

     

     

     

  • Osun residents, business owners decry power outage caused by labour strike

    Osun: Residents, business owners decry power outage caused by labour strike

    Strike

    By Olajide Idowu

    Osogbo,  June 4, 2024 (NAN) Residents and business owners in Osogbo, Osun, on Tuesday,  decried the power cut nationwide by the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) following the industrial action declared by organised labour.

    The residents and businesses owners, who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria’s (NAN) on Tuesday, said that they had to resort to generators and alternative energy to run their businesses.

    Mr Adetunji Adewale, a barber, said that his salon since Monday has been running on generator.

    Adewale said he had been operating almost at a loss since commencement of the strike, and the money spent on fueling the generator had taken all his profit.

    “We are used to having constant electricity supply in Osogbo and I hardly have any need to use the generator.

    “But because of the strike, I had to service my generator and fùel it. I have not used it in a long while before yesterday .

    “I have spent almost N10,000 on the generator alone and I didn’t even have much customers yesterday.

    “This means that I have not really made the money I spent on powering my shop.” he said

    Adewale, who described electricity as very essential to his type of business, therefore, appealed to labour leaders and government to resolve their differences as soon as possible “so that electricity can be restored”.

    Also, Mr Kazim Adeoye, a resident and a real estate agent, said the battery of his two phones were already dead, because there was no electricity to power them since Monday.

    Adeoye said he and his family also had to endure heat throughout the night, as there was no way to turn on the fan without electricity.

    “As I speak to you now, I am looking for where I can charge my phones. I am a real estate agent and I transact most of my business on my phones.

    “Only God knows the number of people that would have been trying to reach me now, since my phones were off.

    “I just pray that the NLC and Federal Government resolve their differences today for TCN to restore the lights.

    “The absence of electricity is just adding more pains to what we are already going through in this country,” he said

    Similarly, Mrs Felicia Ogungbemi,  a vendor of frozen food, said she has been apprehensive due to the power outage.

    According to her, the apprehension stems from the fact that she is a vendor of frozen poultry and fish

    Ogungbemi said that if power was not restored in the next 24 hours, all the frozen items in her freezers would get spoilt.

    The frozen food vendor explained that because she was on band A and has had constant electricity for the past two months, there conse has not seen the need to repair her broken down generator.

    Ogungbemi, therefore, appealed to the Labour Unions and the Federal Governmnet to quickly resolve the issue of national minimum wage “so that Nigerians can enjoy power supply”. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    ID/MA/AOS

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    Edited by Muftau Adediran/Bayo Sekoni