Northern Youth Group Preaches Against October 1st Nationwide Protest

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September 28, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Arewa Youth for Peaceful Coexistence, a Northern coalition, has appealed to youths to reconsider the consequences of protest at this time urging them not to join the planned protest of 1st October as planned by some groups.

A statement by the Chairman Arewa Youth for Peaceful Coexistence, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) branch, Mr. Mark Okpanachi, urged young Nigerians to reconsider the action.

The statement explained that protests can lead to riots, and stressed the need to prioritize peace and stability Instead.

It stated that the businesses people depend on for their daily sustenance could be crippled, and the ripple effects on jobs, trade, and investment would be damaging.

The Group, however, proposed engagement and constructive dialogue with the government to address concerns instead of protest.

It acknowledged the efforts of the Tinubu administration in implementing policies that aim to improve the nation.

“The rollout of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses, for instance, is a step towards providing affordable and efficient transportation for our citizens.

“Additionally, the Ministerial performance bond is a bold move to ensure accountability and effectiveness within the government.

“The planned implementation of the new National Minimum Wage in April is also a welcome development.”

The Group appealed to Nigerians not to allow frustrations to push them towards actions that could derail the progress of the nation.

“We urge Nigerians to avoid the October 1st protest and instead embrace constructive dialogue with the government.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration has shown a willingness to listen, to engage, and to make adjustments where necessary. Let us use this avenue to voice our concerns and collaborate on solutions that will bring long-term relief.”

It, however, called on the Federal Government to continue listening to the concerns of the youths and addressing the issues that affect them.

Enugu Sets Up CNG Centres, Creates New Ministry For Energy To Drive Investments In Sector

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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September 28, 2024

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Rising from its Executive Council meeting on Friday, September 27, 2024, the Enugu State Government announced that it has kick-started the process that will lead to the establishment of Compressed Natural Gas Conversion Centres across the State to ease the difficulties created by the removal of petroleum products subsidies .

This is just as it informed that a new Ministry for Energy and Mineral Resources has been created to drive investment in the sector.

The State Commissioner for Transport, Dr Obi Ozor, while addressing the Media, also noted that the Government is set to purchase new buses, with a view to supporting the private sector, in investment in the transport sector.

According to him, the primary aim of establishing the CNG conversion centres is to lower the demand for Premium Motor Spirit( fuel) which cost has gone up astronomically due to the removal of subsidy.

He expressed the hope that the conversion to CNG buses and others will lead to the reduction in transportation cost for commuters and the movements of goods and services.

Dr Ozor stated that the Enugu State Government is very much conscious of the imperativeness for the people to migrate from PMS to CNG, as it substantially reduce the burden of high cost of transportation by at least half.

“These initiatives aim to establish a safe affordable and sustainable transportation system in Enugu.

By embracing the CNG, the State is creating a favourable environment to attract investors and has partnered with Greenville Energy in this wise”, the Transport Commissioner noted.

He, therefore, called on vehicle owners across the State who are interested in migrating from the use of petrol to the CNG to register with the Ministry of Transport.

He also informed that efforts are ongoing, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Transport, to procure the CNG conversion kits.

The Secretary to the State Government SSG, Prof Chidiebere Onyia, also while speaking, said the new Ministry will serve to regulate and supervise activities within the energy and mineral resources sectors ,which he noted Enugu is abundantly endowed with .

He stated that the State Government, before now, had passed and signed into law the Enugu State Electricity Law which among other things, provides for the setting up of a regulatory agency that will supervise activities in the energy sector.

“The Government decided at today’s Executive Council meeting to create the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources ,with the mandate to oversee investment opportunities within our Solid Mineral resources .

“This initiative will also stimulate investment in renewable energy and coal-to-power projects.The new Ministry will take effect immediately, and we will begin the process of setting up its office”, the SSG noted.

Edo Gov Election: APC Offers Families Of Deceased Policemen Monetary Rewards

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Ayodele Oni

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September 28, 2024

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Abdullahi Ganduje and Families of Edo Police Officer

By Ayodele Oni

National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, has announced monetary rewards to families of five police officers, who died in a motor accident while returning from Edo State.

He also announced monetary donations to other ten officers that sustained injuries in the accident.

The affected officers were returning from Edo state, where they monitored last Saturday’s governorship election when the accident happened.

The incident occurred along the Zaria-Kano road at Karfi Village near the Trailer Park, as stated by the Public Relations Officer of the Kano command.

Ganduje spoke at Bichi Central Mosque, on Saturday while offering prayers for the deceased police officers.

He described the incident as a sad moment for the Police Force, himself, and the nation.

The Party donated N2 million to each of the five deceased officers’ families. One million naira each to ten injured officers

He noted that the accident was a sad one not only to the Police Force but to the entire nation in general.

“I decided to personally come down to Bichi because of the enormity of the death, and because the officers died in active service.

The Chairman House Committee on Appropriation Abubakar Kabir Abubakar, also shared condolences, and prayed for the repose of the Departed souls.

New Minimum wage: “Any Delay Tactics Will Attract Our Wrath” – Organized Labour To States

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Ayodele Oni

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September 28, 2024

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By Ayodele Oni

The Organized Labour may have commenced moves to ensure state governments pay the new minimum wage of N70,000 as soon as possible.

It was gathered that this is to ensure that all states comply with the new minimum wage act to give the workers new lease of life.

As at last count, not less than ten states defaulted in the payment of the N30,000 minimum wage approved during the immediate past administration of President Mohammadu Buhari.

To this end, organized labour have urged the 36 State Governments not to foot drag in the payment of consequential adjustments in salaries arising from the National minimum wage Act 2024 to workers in order to avoid the wrath of organized Labour.

This was contained in the circular issued by the National Public Service Negotiating Council (JNPSNC), Trade Union Side and signed by the acting National Secretary JNPSNC Olowoyo Gbenga dated 27th September,2024.

The circular, was addressed to all State Councils’ Chairmen and Secretaries of joint Public Service Negotiating Council titled “Circulars on the implementation of consequential adjustments as a result of new national minimum wage.”

The circular warned that any surreptitious attempt to create artificial bottlenecks that will scuttle timely implementation of the Consequential Adjustments arising from the National minimum wage Act 2024 will not be treated with kid gloves by the Organized Labour, hence, the discussion must be expeditiously handled by the State governments

The circular reads in part “I have the directive of the National leadership of JNPSNC to forward the various circulars issued by the National Salaries, income and Wages Commission for the implementation of the New National Minimum Wage Act and to serve as the template for New salary structures for implementation at the sub national and Local Government levels

“These circulars were issued as a result of the outcome of the meeting of committee on the Consequential Adjustments in Salaries arising from the National minimum wage Act set up by the Federal Government where the Head of Civil Service of the Federation was the Chairperson from the Government Side, while the National Chairman of the joint National Public Service Negotiating Council (JNPSNC) was the Chairman from the Trade Union Side. ”

The circular stated that the Heads of Service at the State levels are to be the Chairperson from the Government side, while the state chairpersons of joint Public Service Negotiating Council are to be the Chairperson from the Labour side in the negotiation process.

“It’s also important that all JNPSNC State Chairmen should work cohesively with their State NLC and TUC leadership for a successful negotiation

“These clarifications are very expedient in order to ensure a seamless negotiation process that will accelerate quick discussion so as to facilitate implementation of the New National Minimum Wage Act 2024 to the entire workers in Nigeria.

“From the foregoing, State Council’s leadership should not hesitate to contact the National leadership of JNPSNC for any further clarification where and when necessary .

“It is desideratum to call on the State and Local Governments not to foot drag unnecessarily in the implementation of the New National Minimum Wage Act to workers, so as to mitigate the current economic hardships being faced by both workers and the entire populace in Nigeria, in a little way.

“Any delay tactics will attract the wrath of the Organized Labour.”

Obi In Athens International Dialogue On Security, Says insecurity Linked To Poverty, Unemployment

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The Source

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September 28, 2024

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Mr Peter Obi-Andres Pastran and Adalberto Costa Junior-President of UNITA- Angola

The Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi, has said that the security challenges bedeviling Africa are directly linked to poverty, with over 50% of the population multi-dimensionally poor.

Speaking at the weekend in Athens, Greece’s capital, at an international dialogue of global leaders that includes former Presidents and top government officials, Obi listed unemployment, corruption, poverty, and inequality among the variables militating against security and peaceful co-existence in Africa.

“I joined global leaders, former presidents, prime ministers, serving and retired senior government officials, military chiefs, renowned academics, sports personalities, and others in Athens, Greece, for a Leadership Dialogue focused on governance, particularly in the areas of security and the economy in today’s world, and the lessons for future leaders.

“In my brief presentation, I emphasized that as leaders, we must acknowledge the profound global and generational transformations confronting us. Despite vast human and material resources, there remain significant unmet needs in global governance.

“Urgent attention must be given to enhancing collective security, lifting people out of poverty, and reducing injustice and inequality in society.

“In Africa, we face high levels of insecurity, alarming corruption, worsening poverty, huge youth unemployment, and gross inequality. Over 50% of the world’s multidimensional poor live in Sub-Saharan Africa. Nigeria and Congo both have over 60% of their populations living in poverty and suffer from unacceptable levels of inequality. Non-state actors have now taken over the security in some African nations. “Furthermore, many African countries underinvest in critical areas of development, such as health and education.

“Future African leaders must take bold, accelerated, just, and transformative actions to achieve far-reaching, people-centered development.

“They must confront insecurity head-on and reassure citizens of the state’s ability to maintain security without being undermined by non-state actors. Corruption must be tackled with vigor. Leaders must invest in critical areas of development to improve health and education while addressing poverty, unemployment, hunger, and other pressing societal challenges.

“Nigeria has all the resources needed to move in this direction, and we remain committed to placing the nation on the right path.

A New Nigeria is POssible.

Uzodimma Congratulates Anaele On Reelection As President, Imo Newspapers Publishers Association

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The Source

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September 28, 2024

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Governor of Imo State, Sen. Hope Uzodimma has congratulated the Publisher of an Owerri-based newspaper, The Lead Express, Mr. Declan Anaele on his reelection as the President of Imo Newspapers Publishers Association (INPA), describing his choice as fitting and commendable.

Anaele was overwhelmingly reelected President of INPA recently by his colleagues in a keenly contested and transparent exercise involving the Publisher of News Guild, Mr. Chidi Emeagi.

Anaele scored 19 votes to defeat his opponent who scored three votes.

Governor Uzodimma said that Anaele’s reelection shows that his colleagues were comfortable with his performance during his first tenure of two years in office and would want him to continue to provide them with purposeful and professional leadership in his second term.

The Governor reminded Anaele that the INPA office he occupies is that of public trust, hence he should use the opportunity to serve both his colleagues, the society and God.

Also, the Governor advised Anaele to be magnanimous in victory, ensuring that he carries every member of the association along, particularly those who contested for the same position with him.

The Governor noted that it is only through team work that Anaele will realise the mission and vision statements of INPA and at the end of his second tenure, leave lasting legacy of service.

Governor Uzodimma assured the INPA leadership that his administration will continue to partner with the media to provide quality service to the good people of Imo State on the one hand and the public, on the other.

Akwa Ibom First Lady’s Death Shocking, Painful, Says Uzodimma

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The Source

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September 28, 2024

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Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma has bemoaned the sudden passing of the First Lady of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor (Mrs.) Patience Umo Eno, describing her death as shocking and painful.

Mrs. Eno reportedly died peacefully in the hospital after a brief illness on Thursday, September 26, 2024 in the presence of her family, according to a statement by the State’s Commissioner for Information.

Chief Press Secretary/ Special Adviser Media to Governor Uzodimma, Oguwike Nwachuku, said in a statement on Friday, September 27, 2024, that the Governor was grief-stricken by the unexpected passing of Mrs. Eno.

The Governor regretted that Mrs. Eno’s vibrancy and commitment to the responsibilities of the Office of the First Lady of her State had been cut short by her sudden death.

Pastor Mrs Patience Umo Eno — Pastor (Mrs.) Patience Umo Eno

He expressed his heartfelt condolences to his brother Governor and deceased’s husband, Pastor Umo Eno, the government and people of Akwa Ibom State, the First Lady of Nigeria, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu and the Forum of First Ladies over this painful sunset.

On behalf of his family and the government of Imo State, Governor Uzodimma prayed God to rest the soul of Mrs. Eno in his bossom and grant her loved ones the fortitude to bear the huge loss.

Chiaka Ogbogu: Paris Olympics Best Volleyball Middle Blocker, Medalist

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The Source

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September 28, 2024

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By Charles Igbo

She is Proudly Nigerian! Proudly American

The City of Coppell, Texas, United States of America, will, literally, stand still Saturday, September, 28, 2024, for Chiaka Ogbogu.

At 6.00pm (Texas time) meaning 12 midnight, Nigerian Time, Chiaka will be hosted to a high profile reception in Coppell. She is the “City Girl.” The Face of Coppell. A citizen in whom the City is proud of, and for whom the Mayor of Coppell, Wes Meys, and its authorities, declared September 24, 2024, as her day – Chiaka Ogbogu’s Day.

She deserves it, and more. Chiaka is the pride of the City. For years, she brought Coppell City joy in her craft. She is the Queen of Volleyball, winning medals in High School, College, National and International Competitions. In 2021, she upped the ante during the 2021 Tokyo Olympics.

She was an invaluable member of the USA Olumide Female Volleyball Squad who took the World by storm, and gave the US its first Volleyball Olympics Gold Medal.

Coppell was ecstatic. Agog. And so was Texas. And the whole of the US. Coppell citizens and residents revelled in her outstanding performance. And, on her return from Tokyo, she was given a rousing welcome by the City led by its Mayor, Wes Maya. There was a Parade in her honour.

Again, at the Paris Olympics 2024, Chiaka and her US Female Volleyball Team were at their best. Even though they came back with a Silver Medal this time, Chiaka came back with a huge honour. She won the award for the Best Olympics Female Volleyball Middle Blocker at the Paris Olympics.

Meaning that Chiaka Ogbogu is not just a two-time Olympics Medalist (Gold and Silver) she is also a proud winner of the best there was in her field at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

For the pride, honour, and joy Chiaka has brought to Coppell, Texas and the USA, the Mayor of Coppell declared September 24 as Chiaka Ogbogu’s Day.

Nigeria, Imo and Anambra should be celebrating too. Chiaka, who stands at 6ft-2″ is a Nigerian-American. She is the beautiful daughter of Uzor Ogbogu, a top-notch Medical Doctor and his lovely wife, Vicky Adaku Ogbogu, née Ugorji, a top notch home maker, International specialist in furniture, home decor and entrepreneur. They all, including Chiaka’s two younger brothers, live in Coppell, Texas . While Dr. Ogbogu is from Nkpor, Anambra State, Nigeria, his wife is from Emekuku, Owerri North, Imo State. Along with their three children, they are proudly Nigerians and Americans.

Chiaka, 29, is a combination of brain, beauty and brawn. She majored in Health Promotion with a minor in Human Development and Family Sciences.

And, in her Volleyball Journey, aside from her Olympic honours, has these in her bag:

Member of US Women National Team since 2018.
Played professionally in Italy, Poland and Turkey.
Three-time AVCA First Team All-American at Texas.
Left Texas with most blocks, block assists in school history.
Represented US on Women’s Collegiate National Team.
2024 USA Volleyball Cup Friendlies vs Netherlands.
2024 Volleyball Nations League Final Round.
2024 Volleyball Nations League Weeks One, Two, and Three.
2023 NORCECA Continental Championship – Silver.
2023 Volleyball Nations League Final.
2022 World Championship.
2022 USAV Cup Friendlies vs Turkiye
2021 FIVB Volleyball Nations League Final Round.
2021 FIVB Volleyball Nations League. Gold.
2019 FIVB World Cup.
2019 FIVB Volleyball Nations League Final.
2018 Pan American Cup -Gold; made U.S. Women’s National Team Debut.
Led Coppell HS to Texas 5A State titles in 2021.
Earned 2012 Gatorade Texas High School Player of the Year.
Played club ball for Texas Advantage.

In addition to all that, Chiaka is also a model and has modeled for Ralph Lauren and Milani Cosmetics.

In proclaiming September 24, 2024, as Chiaka Ogbogu Day Mayor Maya, among other praises heaped on her ended by noting:

“NOW, THEREFORE, I Wes Maya, Mayor of the city of Coppell, do hereby proclaim, Tuesday, September 24 2024,

“CHIAKA OGBOGU DAY

in recognition of her outstanding achievements and contributions. Let it be known that we honor and celebrate Chiaka for her extraordinary accomplishments as a two-time Olympic Champion and express our deepest appreciation for the pride she has brought to Coppell and our country.

“IN WITNESS THEREFORE, I have set my hand and caused the seal of the City of Coppell to be affixed this 24th day of September 2024.”

The PROCLAMATION was, attested to by Ashley Owens, City Secretary.

Chiaka Ogbogu: Proudly Nigerian! So very proudly American!!

Former FCT Minister Did Nothing But Pray Inside His Office

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Adesina Soyooye

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September 27, 2024

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By Adesina Soyooye

An elder statesman, Buba Galadima, has said that the immediate past Minister for the Federal, Mohammed Musa Bello was a failure. He said there was nothing he achieved while in office.

Bello was the FCT Minister under former President Muhammadu Buhari.

In an interview on Channels Television Friday night with Seun Okinbaloye, Galadima submitted that the FCT under the current Minister, Nyesom Wike has had some achievements, especially in the provision of infrastructure, roads in particular. He picked Wike as one of the performing Ministers under President Bola Tinubu when asked about the performance of the Tinubu Government and the imminent Cabinet reshuffle.

Comparing Wike to Bello, Galadima, an estranged political friend of Buhari, and now, a member of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP, said Bello did nothing as FCT Minister except to pray in his office.

He, however, pointed out that Wike has a free hand to operate and has been given some privileges not quite available to some others.

Corruption: EFCC Confirms Arrest Of Former Gov

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Tosin Olatokunbo

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September 27, 2024

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC has arrested Darius Ishaku a former governor of Taraba State.

According to Daily Trust, former governor Ishaku was detained by officials of the commision as of Friday, September 27, over allegations of N27 billion fraud.

The ex-governor who served between 2015 and 2023 was said to have been arrested at his residence in Abuja on Friday early morning.

According to sources, the commission has slammed at least 15-count charges of fraud on the governor.

It was also gathered that Ishaku would be arraigned before a court once all evidence against him has been compiled.

Also, the former governor’s arrest was confirmed by the EFCC’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale.

Ishaku who left office in 2023 has now joined the long list of former governors currently being probed by the anti-graft agency.

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