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26Jun By Gami TadanyigbeNo Comments

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Tinubu pledges to strengthen organised private sector, rebuild economy

By Joan Nwagwu President Bola Tinubu has pledged to strengthen the Organised Private Sector(OPS) and rebuild the country’s economy. Tinubu made the pledge at the third edition of the Nigeria Employers Summit ,organised by the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) ,on Tuesday in Abuja. The two- day summit has the theme, “Economic Renaissance:Harnessing Government Reforms and Private Sector Agility”. Tinubu ,represented by Mrs Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, Minister of State for Labour and Employment ,said the summit was timely. According to him, government, since its inception, has rolled out several reforms aimed at rebuilding the economy and impacting organised businesses. “It is without a doubt that this administration is committed to strengthening the private secto...

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26Jun By Gami TadanyigbeNo Comments

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Any amount above N62,000, as minimum wage will create job losses -‘NECA

By Joan Nwagwu The Nigeria Employers Consultative Association (NECA) says, any amount above N62,000 approved as minimum will create job losses. Mr Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, Director-General of NECA said this, while speaking with journalists on Tuesday in .Abuja . He spoke on the sidelines of the third edition of the Nigeria’ Employers Summit with the theme, “Economic Renaissance: Harnessing Government Reforms and Private Sector Agility,” Oyerinde said that the organised private sector cannot afford above the N62, 000 as agreed during the tripartite committee negotiation meetings. According to him, any figure above N62,000, will create two different dynamics – setting the the tone for non-compliance and attendant litigations -. He stressed that setting a national minimum wa...

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25Jun By Gami TadanyigbeNo Comments

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Nasarawa University ASUU protests proliferation of universities, others

Olukayode Babalola Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) Nasarawa State University Keffi (NSUK) branch has held a peaceful protest over the proliferation of universities and other unattended issues with the federal government. Prof. Samuel Alu, Chairman of the ASUU NSUK branch made this known at a press conference held in Keffi local government area of Nasarawa state on Tuesday shortly after holding a peaceful protest in the university. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that members of the union in NSUK held placards with inscriptions "Our agreement must be respected", "Save the Ivory Tower from total collapse", "Keep to agreement" among others. According to Alu, one of the issues still unresolved in the engagement with the federal government is the proliferation ...

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25Jun By Sharpedge NewsNo Comments

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Man Begs Court To Dissolve His Marriage Of 49 Years Over Wife’s Stubbornness

One Oyewumi Abdulrasaq filed for divorce from his wife, Silifat Abdulrasaq, on Monday after 49 years of marriage over alleged stubbornness. The petitioner told the court that his wife was disrespectful and arrogant. Mr Abdulrasaq alleged that “she does not obey my instruction but prefers to do things her way.” “I have unofficially divorced her thrice, and each time she packed to her father’s house, her relatives will beg for reconciliation, but she will repeat the same thing each time she returns. “I am tired of her attitude and cannot live with her again. I want to officially divorce her,” Mr Abdulrasaq said. Mrs Abdulrasaq told the court that she loved her husband and could not leave her matrimonial home. “I have pleaded with him, but he does not want to accept my apol...

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25Jun By Sharpedge NewsNo Comments

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Plateau Has no Recorded Cases Of Cholera, Says Official

Cletus Shurkuk, Plateau’s Commissioner for Health, says the state has not recorded any cholera cases. In a statement on Monday, Mr Shurkuk said that despite the ongoing outbreak in 30 other states, Plateau had yet to record any cases, as the two suspected cases reported tested negative for cholera. Mr Shurkuk urged the public to inculcate the act of hand washing with soap and water or alcohol-based sanitisers and boil their water before drinking it if it was not from a safe source. He also urged the public to thoroughly wash their fruits and vegetables with salt and clean water before consumption and refrain from open defecation. He advised anyone with symptoms suggestive of cholera to visit the nearest health facility for prompt treatment. Mr Shurkuk said the ministry had ...

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25Jun By Sharpedge NewsNo Comments

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Terrorists Abduct Nigerian High Court Judge, Wife, Aides In Borno

Suspected Boko Haram terrorists have abducted a High Court Judge, Justice Haruna Mshelia together with his wife, driver and orderly along Biu to Maiduguri road In Borno State. The judge was abducted on Monday, while he was travelling in his vehicle, accompanied by his driver, a security escort and his wife, a source familiar with the region, Zagazola Makama, said. "As they approached a curve in the road between Burutai and Buni-Gari, a group of armed men emerged from the bushes, their weapons blazing and barricaded the road. "The judge's vehicle screeched to a halt, then attempted to maneuver its way to escape. In the chaos that ensued, Justice Mshelia’s vehicle was stopped by another team of insurgents," he said. The terrorists took them hostage and later whisked them into th...

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25Jun By Gami TadanyigbeNo Comments

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NGO pledges partnership with pharmaceutical firms to assist vulnerable Nigerians

By Diana Omueze Hope Everyday Foundation, an NGO, says it is seeking partnership with Emzor Pharmaceuticals and other pharmaceutical companies to provide medical aid to underprivileged Nigerians. Dr Nkechi Akinwale, Executive Director of the foundation said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Abuja. Akinwale who spoke shortly after official inauguration of her NGO, said that the foundation is planning to hold a medical outreach to some hard to reach communities within the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. “Today is actually the official inauguration of the foundation, however we have been carrying out medical outreaches since the foundation was founded in March 24. “Hope Everyday foundation was founded out of the passion and the desire t...

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23Jun By Sharpedge NewsNo Comments

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EFCC Arrests Former Union Bank Staff For Allegedly Stealing N4.2 Million From Deceased Customer’s Account

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested two former staff of Union Bank in Makurdi over alleged stealing of N4,199,500 belonging to a deceased customer of the bank. Its spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, said this in a statement on Saturday in Abuja. According to him, the suspects, Idah Ogoh and Agbo Okwute were arrested on Friday in Makurdi, Benue state. “Their arrest followed a petition against them by the bank for fraudulent debits on a deceased customer, Emmanuel Azer Agenna’s account. “Their dealings were uncovered when the family of the deceased approached the bank for the balance on the account of the deceased for probate processing. “The family disputed the balance given to them by the bank and subsequently sent a complaint to the bank regarding una...

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23Jun By Sharpedge NewsNo Comments

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Oil Theft: Army Destroys 14 Boats In Abia, Arrests Six Suspects

The Nigerian Army, on Friday, destroyed about 14 illegal oil bunkering vessels arrested with stolen crude oil in the oil-bearing Asa Community of Abia. Army operatives set the vessels ablaze, including eight large Cotonou boats, at Isimmiri Waterside in Ukwa West Local Government Area. The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division, Maj.-Gen. Hassan Dada, who led the operation, told journalists that six suspects were arrested in connection with the illegal oil bunkering. Mr Dada, who was accompanied by the Commander, 14 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Ohafia, Brig.-Gen. Olusola Diya, said that the suspects had been handed over to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps for further investigations and prosecution. He said that the army was at the creek in respect of carrying out ...

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23Jun By Sharpedge NewsNo Comments

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Hajj: Forum Berates Infiltration Of Illegal Migrants, Calls For Improved Security

The Forum of Chief Executive Officers of State Pilgrims Welfare Boards, Agencies and Commissions has condemned the infiltration of Mina by illegal migrants (Takarai) during the period of the core hajj rituals. The forum’s chairman, Idris Al-Makura, made the condemnation while briefing journalists on the outcome of the just-concluded 2024 Hajj rituals on Saturday in Makkah, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Mina, also known as Muna and commonly known as the “City of the Tents,” is a valley located eight kilometres southeast of Mecca. Mr Al-Makura, chairman of the Nasarawa State Pilgrims Welfare Boards, said the infiltration of Mina by the illegal migrants constitutes a nuisance to the environment. He, therefore, called on Saudi Arabia’s government to tighten its hole in the Mina ent...

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23Jun By Sharpedge NewsNo Comments

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Ogun Govt Bars Traditional Rulers From Signing MoUs On Land For Mining, Other Purposes

Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun has issued three executive orders, an official said on Saturday in Abeokuta. Two of the three orders are establishing two new agencies, while the third restrains traditional rulers from signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on land in the state. Mr Abiodun’s media aide Kayode Akinmade, in a statement, listed the agencies as the Ogun State Mineral Resources Development Agency and Ogun State Landscaping and Recreation Agency. “In addition to the establishment of these two agencies, the third executive order restrains traditional rulers from entering into any form of agreement or MoU concerning mining activities or any other land matters in their domain,” he said. Mr Akinmade said the Mineral Resources Development Agency would establish a worki...

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22Jun By Gami TadanyigbeNo Comments

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Climate Change: Forum to assist NGOs, SMEs, others access funding

The Africa Business Ventures and Investment Group, says it will assist Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and others access funding to address climate change and infrastructure deficit in Africa.The Chairman of the Board, Mr Moses Owharo made this known at the inaugural Washington DC edition of the African Infrastructure, Climate Change and Investment Summit (AICIS) and Exhibition held via zoom, on Friday.The Summit with the theme “Fastening Collaboration with United States of America in Fostering Climate Resilient, Economic and Infrastructure, and Industrialisation in Africa” was organised by the Group.Those in collaboration with the Group include Office of Secretary to Government of the Federation (SGF), and the private sector.Owharo, who is a...

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21Jun By Gami TadanyigbeNo Comments

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ILO urges media practitioners to combat child labour

By Joan Nwagwu Akwanga (Nasarawa State), The International Labour Organisation has urged journalists to create awareness to combat the menace of child labour in the country. Dr Vanessa Phala, ILO Country Director for Nigeria, Ghana and Sierra Leone, said this at a three-day Communication Training Workshop for Media Practitioners on the elimination of child labour on Friday in Akwanga, Nasarawa State. The training was organised by ILO, funded by the U.S. Department of Labour through the Action against Child Labour in Agriculture in West Africa (ACLAWA) project, and the Ministry of Labour and Employment. Phala, represented by Dr Agatha Kolawole, Project Coordinator of ILO’s ACLAWA, said child labour had cast a long shadow across Nigerian communities, particularly within the agri...

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21Jun By Sharpedge NewsNo Comments

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Sowore: Death Penalty Is For Petty Thieves In Nigeria -Ayodele Fayose And Kayode Fayemi Stole Billions Of Naira From Ekiti State’s Coffers; Yet They Are Freemen

Human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore has condemned what can be regarded as selective justice in Nigeria. According to what he posted on his verified Facebook page, "death penalty is usually for petty thieves in Nigeria." He accused two former governors if Ekiti state of stealing billions from the state’s coffers and yet they are freemen. "Unbelievable! Two former governors of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose and Kayode Fayemi, stole billions of naira from Ekiti state's coffers." "Ayodele Fayose is undergoing trial for ₦6.9 billion fraud and money laundering, but I could bet he won't get a jail term, let alone the death penalty." "Fayemi even got a court order to stop the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission from probing him, but the Nigerian justice system is to hang two pe...

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21Jun By Gami TadanyigbeNo Comments

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GIZ signs MoU with SMEDAN to formalize cooperation, strengthen MSMEs in Nigeria

The German Development Agency (GIZ) on Wednesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN). Mrs Oladoyin Olawoye, Head Component Entrepreneurship Ecosystem, GIZ-SEDIN programme, who made this known on Thursday in Abuja said the memorandum was to formalise cooperation and strengthen Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) development in Nigeria. Olawoye said that the MoU was also to formalise the existing cooperation between the agencies. According to her, the MoU will aid GIZ to ensure continued support for MSMEs, especially in the area of innovation, digitalisation and access to new markets places such as e-commerce market. “The GIZ-SIDEN programme is the sustainable and inclusive economic develo...

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21Jun By Gami TadanyigbeNo Comments

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Withheld salaries: SSANU, NASU gives 2- weeks ultimatum

By Joan Nwagwu The Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions(NASU), and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities(SSANU), has given the Federal Government two weeks ultimatum to pay their four months withheld salaries. The unions under the Joint Action Committee(JAC), stated this in a letter addressed to the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman on Thursday in Abuja. The letter titled, “Re-Four months withheld salaries: Demand for immediate payment,” was signed by NASU General Secretary, Mr Peters Adeyemi and SSANU President, Mr Mohammed Ibrahim. According to the letter, the Honourable Minister would recall that the JAC of NASU and SSANU embarked on a one week warning strike between March 18th, 2024 and March 24th 2024. “This is to ...

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20Jun By Sharpedge NewsNo Comments

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Four Vessels To Discharge Products At Lekki Deep Sea Port

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) said at least four vessels will discharge various products at Lekki Deep Sea Port in Lagos. On Thursday, the NPA disclosed this in its Shipping Position, the organisation’s daily publication. The four vessels will discharge crude oil, bulk urea and fuel oil. NPA said that six more vessels were expected to berth at various ports in Lagos. It also said that two of the expected vessels would berth with containers of different goods. “The remaining expected vessels will berth with diesel, bulk gas, fuel oil, and cargo. Two vessels are waiting to berth with wet cargo and general cargo at two ports in Lagos,” the report said.NAN

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20Jun By Sharpedge NewsNo Comments

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Money Laundering: Court adjourns Yahaya Bello nephew’s trial

On Thursday, the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court adjourned an amended money-laundering charge preferred against Ali Bello and his co-defendant, Daudu Sulaiman, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission until July 15. On Thursday, the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court adjourned an amended money-laundering charge preferred against Ali Bello and his co-defendant, Daudu Sulaiman, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission until July 15. Justice James Omotosho adjourned the matter for trial continuation after the defence counsel cross-examined the EFCC’s witness, Olom Otane Egoro, an Access Bank employee. Some weeks ago, EFCC counsel Rotimi Oyedepo presented Mr Egoro from the bank’s compliance unit as the EFCC’s sixth prosecution witness (PW6). The banker...

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20Jun By Sharpedge NewsNo Comments

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Court Cancels 33 LCDAs Created By Ex-Governor Akeredolu

The Akure Division of the Ondo High Court on Thursday nullified the 33 Local Government Development Areas (LCDAs) created by then-Governor Rotimi Akeredolu. Delivering judgment, Justice A.O Adebusuoye described the LCDAs as inchoate and not lawfully created. The court held that it was illegal for a governor to sign a law outside the state. The court added that the Local Government Creation Law 2023, signed by Mr Akeredolu in Ibadan, outside the state, was unconstitutional, illegal, and null and void. Mr Akeredolu had, on September 9, 2023, assented to the bill creating 33 LCDAs. The bill for the creation of the LCDAs was presented to the then-governor by the speaker of the House of Assembly, Oladiji Olamide, during a ceremony at the governor’s residence in Ibadan.NAN

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20Jun By Sharpedge NewsNo Comments

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Tricyclist Jailed One Year For Slapping Policeman, Shooting At Him

The Jos Magistrates’ Court, on Wednesday, sentenced a 24-year-old tricycle rider, Benjamin Bulus to one year in prison for smoking marijuana and assaulting a policeman. The magistrate, Shawomi Bokkos, summarily tried and sentenced the convict after he pleaded guilty to the two-count charge of assault and possession of marijuana. Mr Bokkos, who sentenced Bulus to one year jail term on each of the two-count, said that the sentence was to run concurrently. The magistrate said that the sentence on the first count of assault was without an option of fine while Mr Bulus was given an option of N20,000 fine on the second count. Earlier, the prosecutor, Insp Ibrahim Gokwat told the court that the case was reported at the Laranto Police station Jos by Mathias Chung, on May 25. Mr Gok...

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