Dangote: NUPENG Defies FG Over Strike; Nigerians Appeal To Union

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September 8, 2025

The President of the National Union of Petroleum Gas Workers, NUPENG,Williams Akporeha has declared that there is not going back on its plan to embark on a nationwide strike beginning from Monday September 8, 2025 despite the federal government’s plea to the union to shelve the plan, The Punch reports.

Akporeba said the union leadership has agreed to meet with the federal government today, but will still go ahead with the strike.

The magazine reported that the federal government, on Sunday, begged the union not to embark on the strike because of the negative consequences it will have on fuel supply and economy generally.

The Tinubu administration also appealed to the Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC, not to join the strike after the umbrella workers union in the country, said its members will embark on a solidarity strike with NUPEND to press home their demand to force the Dangote Refinery from acquiring 4000 CNG-powered trucks for the distribution of its products across the country.

The management of the $20 billion petrochemical refinery in Lagos had recently irked NUPENG over its decision to purchase the trucks as part of its plans to ensure a seamless distribution of the products produced from the refinery.

In a chat with one of our correspondents, the NUPENG president, who admitted that the union was invited by the government to a meeting on the matter, insisted that the group would begin its strike today.

Akporeha said the Federal Government and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company have reached out to the union over the planned strike. He, however, told The PUNCH that the intervention of the government was not enough to stop the planned strike.

“The Federal Government and the NNPC are reaching out, but there is nothing concrete yet,” Akporeha said. Asked if the strike would still start on Monday, Akporeha replied, “Yes, though the Minister of Labour has called for a meeting. The meeting will be held tomorrow (Monday) in Abuja. But the strike starts tomorrow morning as planned.”

Nigerians will be faced with excruciating hardship, and huge revenue will be lost, if the planned strike action is implemented by the two unions, emphasizing the role that the refinery had played in stabilizing fuel supply in the country.

In a statement issued on Sunday by the Patienec Unuobia, shared by, Head of Information and Public Relations, Patience in the Ministry of Labour and Employment, the federal government said it’s doing all in its powers to avert the strike.

The statement: “I have invited all the parties for a conciliation meeting tomorrow, Monday, September 8, 2025. Since I have intervened, I plead with NUPENG to rescind its decision to shut down the petroleum sector. I also appeal to the NLC to withdraw the red alert it issued to its affiliate unions to prepare for a nationwide strike in solidarity with NUPENG

“The petroleum sector is very important to this country. It constitutes the core of the nation’s economy. A strike in the petroleum sector, even for just a day, will have an adverse impact on the economy. It will not only lead to heavy revenue losses, but also cause untold hardship for Nigerians,”

“Hence, I plead with the unions to give peace a chance. I assure them that this matter will be resolved amicably to the satisfaction of all the parties involved.”

Not a few Nigerians insist that the strike is capable of affecting the stability that has so far been enjoyed in the sector in the last one year, urging NUPENG to have a rethink.

Ebola Virus: NSCDC Urges Nigerians To Be Vigilant

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Ayodele Oni

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September 8, 2025

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By Ayodele Oni

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has issued a nationwide advisory on the need to stay calm and vigilant in the wake of outbreak of Ebola virus disease in neighbouring country of Democratic Republic of Congo, (DRC).

The agency, assured that there is no reported case of the disease in Nigeria, but that its call on the citizens is to guard against possible spread.

NCDC, in a statement stated that “Due to the recent reports of Ebola virus disease outbreak reported in Kassai province, Democratic Republic of Congo, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has issued a nationwide advisory on the need to stay calm and vigilant.

“Although there is currently no case of Ebola Virus Disease in Nigeria, NCDC is actively monitoring the situation and has put stronger measures in place to protect Nigerians.”

It announced some measures to ensure safety which include regular washing of hands with soap or hand sanitizer as well as avoiding contact with anyone showing fever, vomiting, or unexplained bleeding.

“Do not touch body fluids of sick persons, avoid raw or undercooked bushmeat, if you traveled to or from affected countries, watch your health closely and seek help if symptoms appear.”

Fulani Council Bans Under-aged Grazers, Night Grazing, Firearms Usage By Herders In South-West

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Akinwale Kasali

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September 8, 2025

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By Akinwale Kasali

Following series of complaints against Herdsmen wielding Firearms at residents in their host communities in the South West, the Council of Fulani Chiefs in the zone has put a ban on such act.

It further banned Night Grazing as well as Underaged-grazing in all South West States including Kwara State in the North Central geopolitical zone.

This was contained in an address read by Chairman of the Council and Sarki Fulani of Lagos, His Highness Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar Bambado II, during a world press conference held in Lagos on Sunday September 7, 2025.

The move by the Council of Fulani Chiefs and Ardos is part of its continuous effort to bring lasting peace to Farmers/Herders clashes and sustain existing cordial relationship between them and their settlements’ host communities.

The Council called for a holistic measure in stopping the menace of insecurity in the region and, by extension, Kwara State in North Central Nigeria.

Speaking on behalf of the Council, Alhaji Bambado II said, “The council unanimously, with strong terms, affirms an absolute ban on Night grazing, Underage grazing, and herders carrying firearms and other related dangerous weapons that are not relevant to the profession.

“This indeed will contribute to effective sanity and peace in the sector,” he said.

It recalled that for over 200 years, there has been a peaceful coexistence between the Fulanis and indigenous owners of the land in Yoruba Land of South West.

The Chairman further stated categorically that his Council was firm, committed and determined to pass on to future generations, the sustained cordiality of relationship and peace that they have maintained for those two centuries.

According to him, Council of Fulani Chiefs of South West Nigeria expressed its affirmation of commitment to those decisions it made which included collaboration with Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN Commission), the apex body of Fulani community in the South West, in ensuring safety and security across the region.

Condemning criminal acts among its members through any direct or collaboration of any sort with locals, the Sarki Fulani of Lagos said, “We condemn in totality any act of banditry, kidnapping, farmland destruction, and any form of farmer-herder conflict that could be linked to the Fulani community, as we charge the Security Agencies, specifically the Office of the National Security Adviser, to be deeply committed to fishing out the criminal element and their conspirator within the host communities while we charge media houses to report responsibly to mitigate ethnic profiling.”

Sarki Bambado II, continuing, touched on the council’s decision as it bothers on state-to-tate ban of migrant herders, announcing his resoluteness in a total ban on excessive influx of unregulated herder “with their highly voluminous cattle, which has recently become a major cause of farmers/herders’ conflict across Southwest Nigeria.”

He said, “Considering the current security realities of the country, it becomes pertinent to discourage herder migration from one state to another and encourage modern grazing patterns at any of our respective locations that could be sustainable.”

Other decision made by the council was said to be that of ratification of the appointment of Sarkis, which Alhaji Mohammed Bambado II said must be brought under a standing rule of the organisation, adding that it will enable the body scrutinise before approving any new Sarki Fulani or representative being proposed to the council.

On achieving peace and livestock development, he said, “We have agreed to launch a comprehensive sensitisation and engagement tour to educate our people on adopting global best practices in livestock production and strict adherence to the law of the land, promoting peaceful coexistence, given the current security realities of the country.

Bambado added that across South West and parts of North Central, the Council has taken a decision to integrate Fulanis of Kwara State into its fold to ensure joint solution that is easy.

“Kwara State should be included under this council for a joint security solution, as any insecurity tendency I’m Kwara tends to spread into the southwest due to the close border posts through Ekiti State, Oyo State, and the Benin Republic, respectively,” he said.

He however, highlighted the need for revival of nomadic education centers across Fulani settlements in the Southwest region, sadly noting that illiteracy had been one of the major causes of insecurity in Northern Nigeria and settlements of Fulani across the Southwest.

“Revival of nomadic education centers across Fulani settlements in the Southwest, Nigeria. It has been established that illiteracy is one of the major causes of insecurity in Northern Nigeria and settlements of Fulani across the Southwest. The significant decline in the establishment of nomadic schools at Fulani settlements is a threat to the future of our teeming youths,” he said.

The Council said it is taking the proactive steps towards promoting peace, security, and harmonious coexistence between Fulani herders and host communities in the region.

APC To Tambuwal: ADC Is A “Comedy Movie”, Cannot Unseat Tinubu

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James Orji

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September 8, 2025

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The Lagos state chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC, has replied a former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal over his recent remark that Nigerians have reached a consensus to unseat President Bola Ahmed Tinubu from office in 2027.

The former Speaker had while speaking on Channels Television programme Politics Today said the quest to oust President Tinubu from power, through democratic means, is not being instigated by only northerners. According Tambuwal, a former governor of Lagos state Nigerians have made up their minds to replace Tinubu with another leader through ‘national consensus.”

Reacting in a statement on Sunday, the state APC spokesman of , Mogaji Seye Oladejo, said Nigerians are waiting to re-validate the good governance under President Tinubu in the next presidential election.

According to him, the opposition coalition party that the former governor belongs has not been able to put their house in order, as key leaders in the party are only pursuing personal ambitions, and are not prepared to concede the presidential ticket to one another.

Oladejo said it “will be a cold day in hell’ for key leaders in the opposition talks, such as, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Nasir El rufai, Rotimi Amaechi to concede the 2027 presidential ticket to each other, as they are not concerned on how to develop the country, but are only driven by greed for power and bloated ego, adding that their interest are in conflict with the generality of Nigerians.

The spokesman said, “Even more amusing is the opposition’s endless talk of “consensus” ahead of 2027. We watch with close interest as they struggle to build what will be, no doubt, an elusive alliance – sabotaged by their own greed, inflated egos, unbridled desperation for power, and self-righteousness.

“It will be a cold day in hell before the likes of Peter Obi, Atiku Abubakar, Goodluck Jonathan,Nasir El-Rufai, Rotimi Amaechi, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and others concede to one another.

“Their ambitions are incompatible, their interests conflicting, and their loyalty lies only in the direction of personal advantage.

“We, the ruling party, wait with bated breath as the comedy movie hits cinemas nationwide. Nigerians are watching too – popcorn in hand.”

He stressed that Nigerians had “overwhelmingly” rejected the opposition in the 2023 election, as people of all faith, creed and background voted for Tinubu, adding that they will do so again by rejection the opposition in 2027, to prove that they are happy with the president’s efforts to stabilizes the country through the legacy projects he has embark on in the administration’s efforts to fix the country.

“Nigerians overwhelmingly rejected the opposition in 2023 to continue to support a government that is focused on performance, not propaganda,” he said.

Adding that “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was not imposed. He was elected by Nigerians from every region, faith, and background.

“Unlike the noise-makers in the opposition, he has hit the ground running. From economic stabilisation efforts to legacy infrastructure projects, the Renewed Hope Agenda is already yielding visible results.

“Halfway into his first term, the entire nation is beginning to appreciate the clarity, courage, and competence of his administration.”

The magazine had earlier reported that Tambuwal is a member of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, the adopted political party by major opposition leaders in the country planing to unseat Tinubu and the ruling APC in the next presidential election.

If I Were Governor Hope Uzodinma

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The Source

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September 8, 2025

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By Willie Amadi

“Uzodinma has never played second fiddle in life, and (in his position now), can sacrifice or gamble anything around him to stay connected to the centre (for the sake of Imo’s progress)”

Last week, Imo State Governor, Lagos State Governor and other Governors saw the President of Nigeria off at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja, who left the country on a 10-day working vacation to the United Kingdom and Paris.

Conventionally, you cannot be present in such brief occasion if the President’s protocol list, approved by him, does not contain your name. Unknown to many, Mr. President has a private lounge at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport where he receives those he wants to have a last minute chat, issue instructions and make approvals before departure. Many emergency and timeous directives are issued at the Airport before departure. Uzodinma’s presence, with other Governors, may not just have been to go and wave him good bye and/or wish him journey mercies.

Following this normal and official activity, the social media in Imo State went berserk and viral in condemnation of the Governor’s presence at the Airport. Many argued that it was a waste of time, others saw it as sycophantic, while some, particularly, Imo commentators, heavily desended on their Governor with misplaced aggression, misplaced anger about the hardship in the country. Few others, without any reason other than ignorance, envy and jealousy embedded in political opportunism.

For the purposes of this personal opinion, let us talk the talk and provoke the thoughts on Governor Hope Uzodinma’s penchant for connecting to the national power architecture of politics.Very few Imo people who know the broader mindset of Uzodimma’s DNA and lifestyle in business, religion and politics as well as in private social life, DO NOT and may NEVER understand that what matters in Uzodimma’s life, at all material time, is having “ACCESS” to the melting point of social, economic and political power firmament of his immediate environment. He has never played a second fiddle and can gamble or sacrifice anything around him to stay connected to the ruling class. The new friends and majority of Imolites do not have any idea and may be wasting.

The Governor of Imo from his days in business, has been close to former military players in the country. This inroads gave him the insight of the derivatives of playing in the national big league of older men in authority. In the process, he has had to suffer personal humiliation to break into the centre of the cartel at great costs, while many have continued to tap from that enermous goodwill-yielding sacrifices that has attracted success in political appointments and economic yield to them.

I recall my personal conversation with him in 2016 in his room at Amazon street Maitama Abuja. He had invited me for a very important assignment. He said to me… “Ukwa, do you know that some people do not know how to take advantage of opportunities when they see it. Whenever they have any rare opportunity to make demands from Mr. President or a Governor of what they want, they will talk about contracts, employment and appointments etc, etc. As good as these demands are of immediate need and relief, they don’t realize that they are but a one off- lifetime opportunity like asking for a mat for sleeping rather than asking for land to place the mat”

He further revealed to me how his Abuja house landlord and personal friend, the former President, late Muhammadu Buhari, invited him to the villa on becoming the President of Nigeria and asked him what he wants him to do for him as his friend. In reply, Uzodinma, then a Senator representing IMO West said “Your Excellency, I want you to grant me ACCESS TO VILLA always sir”. This is the strategic Hope Uzodinma, for you!

After the 2019 Governorship election, he was eventually declared the Governor of Imo State on the 15th of 2020. It is a notorious fact that he had unfettered access to the villa throughout President Buhari’s eight year tenure which ended in 2023. This powerful ACCESS CARD gave him an edge over the rest of his colleagues who, in their difficult moments, used his access card to penetrate the Presidency to receive immediate attention to solve difficult situations affecting their States.

This unfettered access resulted in Mr President’s visit to Imo State as the first Presidential visit in Nigeria after he was sworn in as Mr. President. Imo was Buhari’s second home as he honored all invitations to the State and attended in person, not by proxy. It was that unfettered ACCESS that made Governor Hope Uzodinma to convince Mr. President to reopen and revisit the rested issue of Alvan Ikoku College of Education becoming a University of Education, which former Governors unrelentlesly tried to bring to fruition. Uzodinma did it within his first tenure. The conversion of Federal Medical Center Owerri to Federal University Teaching Hospital, the approval of establishment of a Naval Base in Imo State to support the highly needed dredging of Orashi-Oguta river channel into a seaport connecting the few nautical miles into the Atlantic Ocean to become an emerging reality with the huge economic transformation a seaport will bring into the commercial lives in Imo and the South East when actualised. It is also this same ACCESS that brought the approval for the State to construct the refundable Owerri-Orlu, Owerri to Okigwe, Owerri-Umuahia and recently Owerri to Elele round about federal roads. The list is endless.

Now my question is,

“Who is benefitting in this ACCESS and FREQUENT VISITS TO THE VILLA in Abuja ?

Are IMO MASSES the beneficiaries or Hope Uzodinma as an individual considering where we all met Imo State between 2011-2019?

We ought to be extremely grateful to Governor Uzodimma for all he is doing to reposition our State in the hearts of any sitting President in order to bring due and undue advantages to the State despite the discomfort he may personally experience in the Presidecy while trying to push Imo agenda into the competing power bracket with othe States of the federation.

Finally, in waving goodbye to Mr. President as Chairman of APC Governors Forum, frequent and demanding visits to Abuja for Imo’s development, fighting for Imo’s right within the APC party in terms of seeking for appointments of Imo citizens, making intentional humiliating sacrifices to activate the benefits of the “ACCESS CARD”, he should for God’s sake be appreciated.

A lazy Governor with a competent cabinet and a cooperative civil service will not bother taking frequent risks in the air to pursue limited opportunities and low hanging fruits within the Presidency. Of what use are the appointees if they cannot hold the State running while the Governor is away, or will it be better to simply sit down in Imo, play local politics and enjoy the comfort zone and pecks of the office as his predecessors did?

If we are witnessing high quality road networks taking place accross the three zones, construction of a world class International Conference Center, Flyover, Civil Service reforms, Steady fight against insecurity, Construction of the multi billion naira Egbema Power Station which will guarantee a minimum of 18 hours power supply in Imo State amongst many others, WHY ARE WE DOGS IN THE MANGER ?

The above achievements and many more makes are sensible and imperative for this continued engagements with the Abuja power block to seek for more federal presence in our State through such sustained and follow up visits, notwithstanding the attendannt humiliating servitude in Abuja. Mbakwe of blessed memory did same and also cried in addition. Great leaders make unhidden sacrifices like pregnant women in families.

It is, therefore, very demoralising and discouraging that while the Governor takes these travel- risks, undergo personal humiliation before power brokers, ministries, departments and agencies of government to bring Imo to the front burner in the national cake- sharing and dividends of democracy scramble, the encouragement his brothers and sisters back home should give him, is to rather vilify, abuse and condemn every sincere intentions, even before he embarks on their implementation.

If I were Governor Uzodinma, I will stop visiting Abuja henceforth, give myself a good break for the remaining two and half years and play with IMO treasury like one of his predecessors who took Imo on an eight year cruise, dancing and partying with Imolites, as a preferred sit-at- home government that we are painfully rebuilding today. If Governor Uzodinma adopts that module, Imolites will be forced to see the difference and cry once again, since to them, humility is self agradisement.

However, history and posterity will vindicate Uzodinma, and I believe that he will return to Imo as a Hero after his service having enthroned the Charter of Equity for a peaceful and fair transition, God willing.

Keep representing, Governor Hope Uzodinma. Keep tolerating as a father of all. Keep the flag flying, for the future beckons from today’s testimonial of service.

Amadi, LL.B, BL, LL.M, Ph.D inview & Scholar at Cambridge, writes from Owerri

SERAP Asks Court To Stop Salary Increase For Tinubu, Govs

By

James Orji

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September 8, 2025

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The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, SERAP, has dragged the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission,RMAFC, to court over its plan to raise the salaries of political and public office holders in the country.

The commission had recently proposed a 100 percent increase for the president, vice president, governors and their deputies, judges and members of the National Assembly, saying what they currently earn does not befit the country’s image as the biggest in the continent with over 200 million population.

RMAFC Chairman, Mohammed Shehu, disclosed that the salary is grossly inadequate for the public office holders.

Not a few Nigerians have kicked against the proposed increase, because according to them, it’s against the current economic reality in the country.

In the lawsuit NO FHC/ABJ/CS/1834/2025, filed last week by SERAP at the Federal High Court in Abuja, SERAP, the public accountability and transparency body claimed that the proposed increase is against the Nigerian Constitution and violates the human rights of Nigerians.

According to a statement issued on Sunday, by SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the rights body is asking the court to declare that the proposed salary hike for politicians is unlawful, unconstitutional, and contrary to the rule of law, as it breaches the provisions of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution (as amended) and the RMAFC Act.

SERAP also prayed the court to order the Revenue agency to review the salaries of these public office holders downward in line with the economic situation in the country.

SERAP Demands: “An order of injunction restraining RMAFC, its agents and privies from taking any step to review upward the salaries of the president, vice-president, governors and their deputies, and lawmakers in Nigeria.

“An order directing RMAFC, its agents, to review downward the salaries and allowances of the president, vice-president, governors and their deputies, and lawmakers in Nigeria to reflect the economic realities in the country.

“Reviewing downward the salaries of the president, vice-president, governors, their deputies, and lawmakers would be entirely consistent and compatible with the Nigerian Constitution, the country’s international human rights obligations, and the current economic realities in the country.”

A Tribute To Late IGP Solomon Ehigiator Arase

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The Source

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September 8, 2025

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By Taiwo Lakanu, DIG rtd

My first encounter with late IGP Solomon Arase fdc was in 2002, when we both served as Principal Staff Officers to the then Inspector General of Police, the late Tafa Balogun. At that time, he headed the more herculean Abuja office while I was posted to Force Headquarters Annexe in Lagos. From that moment, I knew I had met a man of rare intelligence, deep cerebral capacity, and uncommon focus.

Arase was a workaholic in every sense of the word; weekends never existed for him as days of rest. Yet, despite his demanding schedule, he always wore an affectionate smile and fondly coined a nickname for me “Lakay”, from my surname, Lakanu. We worked in perfect harmony, and he was always willing to lend his voice to issues of importance.

His brilliance and dedication were never in doubt. It is no surprise that successive Inspectors General of Police retained him as their Principal Staff Officer, relying heavily on his loyalty, intellect, and tireless work ethic. His accelerated promotions, which culminated in his rise to the apex of the Force as Inspector General of Police, were well-deserved. In that role, he distinguished himself by formulating and implementing policies that uplifted the dwindling fortunes of the Force and restored dignity to the office.

On a personal note, Arase played a defining role in my career. He deployed me as Commissioner of Police to Imo State—a posting that the then governor, Rochas Okorocha, initially resisted, preferring another candidate. But Arase stood his ground and appealed to the governor to assess me for just two weeks. Those two weeks blossomed into two years of fruitful collaboration. By the end of my tenure, the governor had named a street after me, gifted me a house in the GRA, and extended a generous financial reward for my performance—all as Arase had confidently predicted.

Beyond policing, he was a reformer, a bold thinker, and a man of vision. He single-handedly relocated the Police Service Commission from its dilapidated old premises to its current befitting edifice—an achievement that speaks to his courage and foresight. He was also a respected scholar and prolific writer whose works will continue to serve as a guiding “bible” for the Nigeria Police Force for generations to come.

Solomon Ehigiator Arase lived a life of impact, service, and excellence. His legacy will endure in the annals of policing, scholarship, and reform. May the Almighty God grant him eternal rest and comfort his family, colleagues, and the entire police community.

Amen.

DIG Lakanu rtd, a Lawyer, is Federal Commissioner, Police Matters
Police Service Commission

Ekiti To Consider 65 Years Retirement Age For Teachers – Gov Oyebanji

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Ayodele Oni

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September 8, 2025

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By Ayodele Oni

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji has assured that his administration will look into the issue of proposed 65 years retirement age for teachers in the state, as requested by the Nigerian Union of Teachers, (NUT).

The Governor also promised an upward review of allowance payable to science teachers, as well as efforts to defray all outstanding gratuity before the end of his first tenure.

Oyebanji noted that teachers in the state are critical agents in the actualization of the shared prosperity agenda of his administration.

Governor Oyebanji stated this in Ado- Ekiti, when he received the new leadership of the State Chapter of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), led by its Chairman, Lawrence Egbeyemi, accompanied by the Chairman of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Kolapo Olusola.

According to a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Yinka Oyebode, in Ado- Ekiti on Sunday, Oyebanji hailed the teachers for their remarkable contribution to human capital development agenda of the administration, assuring them of more welfare packages.

The Governor stated that their overall well-being would have a multiplier effect on the government’s drive for quality education for students in the State.

While maintaining that the era of looking down on teachers as second class citizens is over, the Governor said his government would leave no stone unturned in bringing the state into the forefront of education in the country.

While explaining that education remains the foundation of sustainable development in the state, Governor Oyebanji noted that teachers are the one shaping the future of the state, through daily efforts in classrooms, adding that the prosperity and future of the State is tied to the quality of education its children receive.

He further assured them that his government would continue to prioritize their welfare, provide opportunities for professional growth, and create a supportive environment that will make their work more rewarding and impactful.

Congratulating the new executives of the NUT, the Governor said his administration will continue to invest in human capital development as a pathway to growth, stressing that teachers are critical partners in this regard.

“Let me start on the note of appreciation to the NUT for your support before I became Governor and since I became Governor of this state.

“The NUT is one of the unions that stand out when it comes to support for our administration, and I am extremely grateful to you.

“Education is the most important factor we can give to our children and you are in the business of educating our children.

“If you are happy, you will build a future for us because the children are the future of any society, so whatever investment we made in education is for our own peace and that is the reason we have to do everything possible to ensure that we make you happy. The era of looking down on teachers is over.”

Earlier in his remarks, the Chairman of NUT, Lawrence Egbeyemi, who thanked Governor Oyebanji for showing genuine love and concern for teachers in the state, noted that the Governor has consistently placed the welfare of teachers at the forefront of his administration.

He explained that under the present administration, teachers have enjoyed prompt payment of salaries, improved working condition, career progression of teachers to grade level 16, employment of over 2000 teachers, and greater recognition for their contributions.

Dangote: FG Begs NUPENG, NLC To Shelve Planned-Strike

By

James Orji

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September 7, 2025

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The Federal Government has urged the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG, and the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, to shut down dangote Refinery over alleged anti-union activities.

Nigerians will be faced with excruciating hardship, and huge revenue will be lost, if the planned strike action is implemented by the two unions, emphasizing the role that the refinery had played in stabilizing fuel supply in the country.

The federal government has also called all the parties to a reconciliation meeting on Monday, September 8, 2025.

A statement issued on Sunday by the Patienec Unuobia, shared by, Head of Information and Public Relations, Patience in the Ministry of Labour and Employment, un behalf of the Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, said efforts are in top gear to reconcile the feuding parties.

The statement: “I have invited all the parties for a conciliation meeting tomorrow, Monday, September 8, 2025. Since I have intervened, I plead with NUPENG to rescind its decision to shut down the petroleum sector. I also appeal to the NLC to withdraw the red alert it issued to its affiliate unions to prepare for a nationwide strike in solidarity with NUPENG

“The petroleum sector is very important to this country. It constitutes the core of the nation’s economy. A strike in the petroleum sector, even for just a day, will have an adverse impact on the economy. It will not only lead to heavy revenue losses, but also cause untold hardship for Nigerians,”

“Hence, I plead with the unions to give peace a chance. I assure them that this matter will be resolved amicably to the satisfaction of all the parties involved.”

NUPENG had last week threatened to shut down the Dangote Refinery saying the management has prevented union activities from thriving. On its part, NLC said it will also embark on a solidarity strike in support with NUPENG.

Sowore To DSS: I Will Not Apologise For Branding Tinubu “Corrupt”

By

James Orji

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September 7, 2025

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Sahara Reporter’s publisher, Omoyele Sowore has rebuffed the DSS demand to delete a tweet where he described President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a “criminal”.

Sowore’s remark, shared on his verified X handle, was made in a reaction to Tinubu’s comment in Brazil during a recent visit to the North American country, that he has ended corruption in the country after becoming president.

In its reaction, the DSS had protested to the X management, demanding that Sowore’s post be taken down, saying his remark violates Nigerian law, and capable of threatening national security, citing the negative reactions from Nigerians since the remark became viral on social media.

The Nigerian secret police had demanded that the post be removed within 24 hours.

Reacting, Sowore, while sharing the message from X insists that he will not bow to the DSS’ demand to take down the post.

“One option I will NOT be taking is deleting that Tweet. Thank you, @X,” he said.

X had informed Sowore that the post will not be taken down, but urged him to seek legal option on the issue.

The social medium platform said: ““As X strongly believes in defending and respecting the voice of our users, it is our policy to notify our users if we receive a legal request from an authorised entity (such as law enforcement or a government agency) to remove content from their account. We provide notice whether or not the user lives in the country where the request originated.”

“We understand that receiving this type of notice can be an unsettling experience. While X is not able to provide legal advice, we want you to have an opportunity to evaluate the request and, if you wish, take appropriate action to protect your interests.”