I won't renege on paying N18k minimum wage- Amosun
Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun says he will not renege on his promise to pay the N18, 000 minimum wage despite calls by some other state governors to have the minimum wage reduced due to the reduced Federal allocation.
Governor Amosun stated this during the presentation of the 2016 Appropriation bill to the members of the State House of Assembly in Abeokuta yesterday November 24th.
He said his administration which had been consistent in paying its workers in spite of dwindling revenue from the Federation Account was committed to increasing the minimum wage if the economy improves. Amosun added that Ogun State remained the only State that pays marginally above minimum wage, assuring that government’s attention would be shifted to rural roads to complement the ongoing urban infrastructural projects in the next fiscal year.
Governor Amosun stated this during the presentation of the 2016 Appropriation bill to the members of the State House of Assembly in Abeokuta yesterday November 24th.
He said his administration which had been consistent in paying its workers in spite of dwindling revenue from the Federation Account was committed to increasing the minimum wage if the economy improves. Amosun added that Ogun State remained the only State that pays marginally above minimum wage, assuring that government’s attention would be shifted to rural roads to complement the ongoing urban infrastructural projects in the next fiscal year.
Buhari will decide on MTN’s N1.04tn fine- Minister of Communication says
“I don’t think there is any conflicting position on where government stands on the MTN issue. Recall that there were violations which were established against MTN. The violations were to the tune of five million subscribers.
Photos: Pope Francis arrives in Kenya
Share your story in #MyToughJobStory contest
Tell us how tough times made you a better person and shaped you to achieve more. Record a one minute video and upload it on YouTube using #MyToughJobStory or send your write up to: ToughJob@fidelitybank.ng. All video and script entries will be aggregated on www.fidelitybank.ng/mytoughjobstory.
Photos of some of the Nigerians deported from the UK today
FFK slams the military for denying that 105 soldiers were killed by Boko Haram recently
It's Club 57's 1st year Anniversary Already...
57 will be celebrating its one year anniversary this weekend, starting with a special We Own Thursday Night (WOTN) on the 26th of November 2015 and on Friday, 27th of November 2015 with International Artiste- OT Genasis as the headline guest. A new floor will also be opened for the first time (See pictures also) to increase capacity.
Photos: Pope Francis departs Rome for his first African tour
Analysis: Downing of Russian jet hardly a surprise
The shooting down of a Russian Air Force Sukhoi Su-24 jet by Turkish F-16 fighters after it reportedly violated Turkish airspace is a dangerous escalation in the context of Russia's continuing confrontation with NATO in Eastern Europe and Syria.
However, it should not come as much of a surprise.
Turkish authorities claim that the Su-24 fighter bomber ignored repeated warnings over the course of five minutes on Tuesday and was then shot down after violating Turkish airspace near Yayladagi, Hatay.
Russia claims that the Su-24 did not cross the Syria-Turkey border and was, therefore, illegally attacked
Turkey and Russia in war of words over downed jet
Turkey, Russia and their respective allies have entered a war of words about the downing of a Russian warplane near the Turkey-Syria border - raising tensions in a region struggling to cope with the ongoing Syrian conflict.
The Russian Sukhoi Su-24 warplane was shot down for violating Turkish airspace on Tuesday morning, Turkish officials said, angering Russia's President Vladimir Putin, who likened the incident to being "stabbed in the back".
The plane crashed in Syrian territory in Latakia's Yamadi village.
"Today's loss is linked to a stab in the back delivered to us by accomplices of terrorists. I cannot qualify what happened today as anything else," a visibly angry Putin said in televised comments.
IT stakeholders set agenda for Communications Minister
By Emeka Aginam
Despite persistent calls by stakeholders for the creation of Information Technology, IT, Ministry, the Federal government of Nigeria recently renamed the Communications Technology Ministry as the Ministry of Communication with the appointment of Mr. Adebayo Shittu as the new Minister.
Although the IT professionals had earlier urged the government to appoint a seasoned IT professional to head the Ministry and other IT agencies so as to maximize and deepen the benefits of electronic governance and digital transformation in Nigeria, the appointment of Mr. Adebayo Shittu as the new Communication Minister has started attracting reactions from the industry with the stakeholders setting agenda.
Governors and the minimum wage
THE Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) started courting trouble with the organised Labour last week when they met at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, and announced they can no longer pay the N18,000 national minimum wage. According to them, it was introduced when the price of crude oil was $126 per barrel, arguing that now that it had plunged to about $41 per barrel the states could no longer afford to pay.
In a sharp retort, the two factions of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) led by Comrade Ayuba Wabba and Comrade Joe Ajaero respectively, struck a united chord and warned the governors to “prepare for war” if they went ahead to implement their resolution. Labour even signified its intention to demand for the increment of the minimum wage, thus heightening the sense of an impending Labour showdown.
Buhari to launch Lagos police patrol choppers
By Olasunkanmi Akoni
LAGOS—President Muhammadu Buhari is billed to commission three helicopters purchased by Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s administration as part of efforts to beef up security in the state.
Meantime, the state government has disclosed plans to rehabilitate 189 identified deplorable roads, including the Ilasa-Ijesha bus stop, along Apapa-Oshodi Expressway.
Arrest incessant fuel shortages, NUPENG tells FEC
By Victor Ahiuma-Young
Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG, has urged the Federal Executive Council, FEC, headed by President Muhammadu Buhari, to immediately hit the ground running by arresting the worsening fuel scarcity across the country.
NUPENG in a statement, yesterday, by its President, Igwe Achese, contended that since President Buhari was in charge of the Petroleum Ministry, he and his team must put up short and long term measures to end the sufferings of the masses and get products available to Nigerians without wasting man– hours at the filling stations.
Biafra: We won’t succumb to intimidation —MASSOB
Group slams FG over Kanu’s detention
Traders woo Buhari
Uwazurike hosts Bianca Ojukwu
By Nwabueze Okonkwo & Chimaobi Nwaiwu
Nnewi—The Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB, has said that no amount of intimidation, harassment and blackmail will ever deter its leader Chief Ralph Uwazurike from dropping the agitation for the actualization of Biafran Republic.
This was disclosed by the Regional administrator for MASSOB, in Isu, Imo State, Prince Ogaraku Venatus in a statement made available to Vanguard.
“We have absolute confidence, trust, respect, and faith in our leader and father of the agitation for Biafra actualization Chief Ralph Uwazuruike’s leadership traits and strong conviction to actualize Biafra.
Bayelsa decides: Jonathan, PDP Govs, others storm Bayelsa for Dickson
From Femi Folaranmi, Yenagoa
FORMER President Goodluck Jonathan, members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Executive Council ( NEC), Governors elected on the platform of the party and National Assembly members and former governors are set to storm Yenagoa, for the grand finale of the PDP governorship campaigns on Saturday, November 28..
The Director of Publicity, Bayelsa Restoration Campaign Organisation (BYRCO), Hon Jonathan Obuebite who disclosed this in Yenagoa said the rally is tagged ‘Mother of All Rallies’ as supporters of the Dickson government across the Ijaw nation are expected to attend.
Fake miracles: Army nabs pastor, 2 others in Port Harcourt
From Tony John and Aniefon Dick, Port Harcourt
The 2 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, has arrested a pastor and two others for allegedly faking miracles and healing to deceive church members and the public.
This is also as the Army has nabbed two persons, who posed as majors in the Nigerian Army.
Parading the suspects yesterday, the Army Public Relations Officer of the 2 Brigade, Port Harcourt, Captain Eli Lazarus, said the pastor and his accomplices conned several members.
Lazarus stated: “We got a tip-off from a member of the church, who complained of immoral and fraudulent activities going on in the church.
This is also as the Army has nabbed two persons, who posed as majors in the Nigerian Army.
Parading the suspects yesterday, the Army Public Relations Officer of the 2 Brigade, Port Harcourt, Captain Eli Lazarus, said the pastor and his accomplices conned several members.
Lazarus stated: “We got a tip-off from a member of the church, who complained of immoral and fraudulent activities going on in the church.
Confab report implementation’ll end Biafra agitation –Ohazulike
By Brown Chimezie
Eze Ndigbo of Lagos, Hyacinth Ohazulike has declared that implementation of the national conference report would end protests by Pro-Biafra agitators and other militants in the North-East and other parts of the country.
Ohazulike, who is also the president of Ndieze Ndigbo in the Diaspora, South, said protests and violence in different parts of the country are symptoms of discontent among the geopolitical entity, which make up Nigeria.
Ohazulike, who is also the president of Ndieze Ndigbo in the Diaspora, South, said protests and violence in different parts of the country are symptoms of discontent among the geopolitical entity, which make up Nigeria.
NYSC DG says the ban on wearing of hijab in camps will not be lifted
Members of Muslim Youths in Da’wah on Tuesday had a peaceful protest at the headquarters of the National Youth Service Corps in Abuja against the ban on the use of hijab by female Muslim corps members, especially during orientation camps.
However the Director-General of the NYSC, Brigadier-General, Johnson Olawumi, insisted on the ban, saying it was “for security reasons” and will not be lifted.
The national coordinator of LMYiD, Luqman Hassan; and the Deputy Coordinator, Kamarudeen Adefila, had told the NYSC DG that a major protest by Muslims was averted because of the ban on hijab in most orientation camps.
Nigeria and Japan have started plans to boost military cooperation with the aim of improving security in both nations.
The military cooperation plan was discussed at a security forum held on Monday in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital city, by the Nigerian Defence College and Japanese Maritime Self Defence Force.
At the meeting, the Commandant of the National Defence College, Rear Admiral Samuel Alade, stressed the need for enhanced military co-operation between Nigeria and Japan on security matters.
Mr Alade told the President of the Japanese Maritime Self Defence Force, Vice Admiral Umio Otsuka that it was important to invigorate the seemingly dormant military relationship in order to collectively enhance the nations’ chances of addressing the amorphous nature of contemporary global security challenges.
Meet Jules Pringle in Lagos, Ibadan & Abuja..enjoy automatic £3000 Tuition discount!
Farmer jailed for biting off another man's lip
The Judge, Mr. Abolade Banigbe, in his ruling, sentenced Olaniyi to three months imprisonment with an option of N 1,000 fine on the first count and three years imprisonment on the second count with an option of N 13,000 fine.
Get paid for being social
Follio.mebring together all your social media contacts on one platform thus, enhancing social interaction and commerce across the globe.
Heidi Klum poses topless as she promotes her lingerie line
Heidi Klum promoted her line of lingerie, 'Heidi Klum Intimates' with a very sexy Instagram photo of herself topless and she captioned it
'Love being cheeky in my @heidiklumintimates,
Newborn baby found abandoned in the manger of a nativity scene
The baby boy's umbilical cord was still attached when he was discovered around 1.30pm on Monday afternoon at a church in Queens, New York.
The custodian at Holy Child Jesus Church in Richmond Hill told police the manger was empty when he left for lunch and when he returned, he heard a baby crying, Pix11 reported.
When he looked at the nativity scene, he found the infant wrapped in towels lying in the manger.
The tot was taken to hospital where he is reportedly in good condition.
Police are now trying to trace the baby's mother, who they believe left him at the church.
Biafra agitation reveals state of S/East neglect, marginalization – Igbo leaders
By Francis Igata & Anayo Okoli
ENUGU—THE undying resolve of the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra,MASSOB, and the Indigenous People of Biafra,IPOB,who ab initio, were protesting the continued detention of Director,Radio Biafra,Nnamdi Kanu by the Department of State Services, DSS, have shifted attention to the gross neglect, marginalization, and the abandonment the people of South-East geopolitical zone have suffered under the present and past administrations.
MTN to settle `Baba 2010’ N500m Copyright suit out of court — Lawyer
Abuja – Multi-national Communication giant, MTN has commenced `out of court settlement’ process in a N500 million copyright suit filed against it by Mr Omenuwoma Dovie a.k.a Baba 2010, an Abuja based entertainer/ artist.
Counsel to Baba 2010, Mr Rockson Igelige, made he disclosure on Tuesday in Abuja.
“We (Baba 2010 attorneys) met three days ago with MTN and steps are being taken to resolve the case out of court.
“Because we are dealing with figures, we will not want to disclose the details,’’ he said.
Baba 2010 had demanded N500 million damages from MTN for copyright violation of four of his original musical compositions and recordings.
How Nigeria can become a solar super power, by Patrick Owelle
Dr. Patrick OWELLE is a Solar Energy Scholar/Research Fellow. He is currently the Managing Director of PSC SOLAR UK Limited based in Lagos. He believes that “with the right policies in place, Nigeria can easily become a “Solar Super Power”
THERE is a “Green Energy Revolution” underway in Nigeria that can increase prosperity for millions of poor families by harnessing the abundant and clean energy of the sun.
With the right policies in place Nigeria can easily become a world leader in solar energy. This solar endeavor could also help address acute power shortages, and make a real difference in slowing the pace of climate change.
States politicking with bailout funds’ll have them withdrawn —CBN
By Emma Ujah, Abuja Bureau Chief
ABUJA — The Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, said it will withdraw bailout funds from states whose governments are politicking with the funds allocated to them.
The Governor of the CBN, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, disclosed this while briefing journalists on the outcome of the Monetary Policy Committee, MPC, meeting in Abuja, yesterday.
Insurgency: Army to deploy more troops in N-East
By Emma Una
OGOJA—The Nigerian Army is doing all it can to meet President Muhammadu Buhari’s deadline to defeat Boko Haram insurgency, as more soldiers are to be deployed in the zone to ensure that the operation succeeds.
The Chief of Army Staff Lt-General T. Y. Buratai, who stated this in Ogoja, Cross River State, yesterday, while addressing officers and men of the 130 Batallion Ogoja, called on the soldiers to be dedicated, loyal and exhibit all the professional skills acquired while in training, as soldiers from the Battalion would be posted to the North East to combat the insurgents.
“Our operations in the North East code named Operation Lafia Dole, is gaining momentum and is making the Nigerian Army proud. Some of you have served there while more of you will still be sent there in keeping with our mandate to meet the President’s directive to stop insurgency in December, and we can do it,” he said.
Amosun presents N200bn 2016 appropriation bill to Ogun Assembly
By Daud Olatunji
ABEOKUTA—Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State has presented over N200 billion as the state’s 2016 appropriation bill entitled “budget of optimization“ before the state house of Assembly.
The governor, while presenting a total budget of N200,274,453,352 which is about 4.9% lower than that of last year, disclosed that the budget was targeted at optimising the opportunities and maximising the resources.
Like the previous year’s budget, the Education Sector has the largest share with N40.1 billion, which is about 20.06% of the total budget, followed by Health which garnered a total of N14.3 billion, at 17.3%.
The Agriculture sector, having N10.2 billion, represents 5.08% of the total budget while others are Urban Renewal and Housing sector which has the sum of N26.56 billion.
Make systemic plan for business sustainability before your death
By Rosemary Onuoha
MOST businesses have not been able to outlive their founders, due to their failure to make deliberate and systematic plan before their death. In other words, most businesses have failed after the original founder due to lack of deliberate and systematic plan in the transfer of the ownership of the business from one family to the next.
FG to adopt new job creation measure — Minister
By Anayo Okoli
UMUAHIA—THE Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige has said the Federal Government would design a new approach to tackle the massive youth unemployment, saying that the new approach would help to move the economy forward for the benefit of the people.
Ngige, who spoke, yesterday, in Umuahia when he called on the Abia State governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, said that the government would depart from old ways of tackling the perennial problem of youth unemployment.
Oil and gas operators get 4 weeks to submit project costs
By Clara Nwachukwu
LAGOS — Industry regulator, the Department of Petroleum Resources, DPR, has issued a four-week deadline for oil and gas operators to furnish it with the cost components of projects currently under execution in the country.
This follows DPR’s establishment of “a mechanism to monitor and benchmark Nigerian oil and gas industry costs of projects and operations across the terrains and business arrangements.”
This comes as Nigeria’s daily crude oil production is down to 2.1 million barrels, as DPR initiates a National Production Monitoring System, NPMS, to monitor the country’s actual production volumes.
Oshiomhole commissions eight projects at AAU
By Simon Ebegbulem
BENIN—GOVERNOR Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State, yesterday, commissioned a 500-capacity lecture theatre, a Moot-Court Building abandoned since 1991 and six other projects constructed by the government at the state-owned Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma.
Senate to pass N466bn supplementary budget next week
By Henry Umoru & Joseph erunke
ABUJA—STRONG indications emerged yesterday that the Senate will next week pass the 2015 supplementary appropriation bill of N465, 636,926,857 billion.
The 2015 Supplementary Appropriation Bill passed the second reading yesterday after it was presented for consideration by Senate leader, Senator Ali Ndume, APC, Borno South.
3,000 new members join APGA in Anambra
Among the new members were 850 former members of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, who defected to APGA during the kick-off of the exercise by the state governor, Dr Willie Obiano and the national chairman of the party, Chief Victor Oye....
Blogger Sisi Yemmie and Genevieve Nnaji: How Actress Snubbed Blogger
Lifestyle blogger Yemisi Aiyedun popularly known as Sisi Yemmie met Genevieve Nnaji today and says the encounter was nasty.Sabotage and theft undermining power supply- Buhari, says Fashola to begin work on Lagos-Ibadan expressway next week
President Muhammadu Buhari has identified sabotage and theft of gas as factors undermining the efforts of the government to increase power supply in the country. To tackle the problem, the President announced that existing Military Task-Forces will be reorganized to ensure a successful protection of the network of gas pipelines.
More photos from 2face Idibia's Chieftancy ceremony in Kaduna
Samson Siasia releases list of 21 players for Under 23 Nations Cup
Nigeria's under - 23 team coach Samson Siasia, has announced a 21-player list for the upcoming Africa U - 23 Cup of Nations to take place in Senegal. Golden Boot winner at the 2015 Fifa Under 17 World Cup, Victor Osimhen, and Liverpool loanee Taiwo Awoniyi are the big names on the list.
In the Nigeria Under 23s latest friendly, they were held to a 1 - 1 draw by the Under 20 National Team of Gambia, with skipper Oghenekaro Etebo opening scoring in the 53rd minute.
The u-23 team will depart their training camp in the Gambia on Thursday, November 26 ahead of their first game against Mali on Sunday.
Barcelona 6 Roma 1
Lionel Messi finished off a 27-pass move and Luis Suarez scored a great volley as Barcelona celebrated Champions League Group E qualification with victory over Roma.
Suarez tapped home the opener and then Messi finished off a sublime move, before Suarez volleyed in his second.
Arsène Wenger accuses Uefa of targeting Arsenal and accepting doping
Arsène Wenger has claimed his criticism of Uefa over doping resulted in 10 anti-doping officers turning up at Arsenal’s training ground last Friday to carry out random checks on his players.
Wenger has been outspoken about doping in football since his side were beaten by Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League this season. Arsenal, who play the Croatian side at home on Tuesday night, lost 2-1 in Zagreb but the Dinamo midfielder Arijan Ademi tested positive for a banned substance after the game. Ademi denies deliberately doping but Uefa has suspended the player for four years, subject to an appeal.
Arsenal cantered to a 3-0 victory over Dinamo Zagreb
A fine performance from Arsenal, who were emphatically superior to their opponents and scored a couple of lovely goals. Their place in Europe is therefore secure – all that remains is to work out which competition they’ll be playing in.
FULL TIME Maccabi Tel Aviv 0-4 Chelsea
laycenter Nigeria Presents Face Off 2015
Face Off is a creative blend of basketball, Music, Dance and all round entertainment facilitated by intensive media coverage across Nigeria as a medium to drive key social values amongst the young people in our society.
Congratulations to the Winner on Soccer Jackpot Week Two with Etisalat!
Nigerians react to persisting fuel scarcity
Mocheddah stuns in a beautiful blush pink gown
Celebrities encourage Jazz as Cadilly's Jazz Act, ED iZycs launches EP titled 'The SongZ of iZycs'
The sensational multi-instrumentalist and music composer thrilled his guests, fans, relatives and entertainment personalities with classic live music in an evening filled with glitz, glamour, razz matazz and huge display of creativity and amazing talents.
Uranta-2 Dialogue with pro Biafra agitators, group urges FG
By NDUBUISI ORJI
The United Niger Delta Energy Development Security Strategy (UNDEDSS), has urged the Federal Government to dialogue with the members of Indigenous People of Biafra( IPOB) and other pro-Biafra agitators.
The group made the call in a statement issued by its Executive Secretary,Mr Tony Uranta.
According to UNDEDSS, “the federal government should, without further delay, open channels of communication with the dissenters in the South-East of the nation who, so far, are merely peacefully exercising their freedoms to associate, to speak and to aspire towards non-violent self-determination, such as we’ve seen happening, even this year, in Britain and Canada, without causing any untoward reactions.”
The group made the call in a statement issued by its Executive Secretary,Mr Tony Uranta.
According to UNDEDSS, “the federal government should, without further delay, open channels of communication with the dissenters in the South-East of the nation who, so far, are merely peacefully exercising their freedoms to associate, to speak and to aspire towards non-violent self-determination, such as we’ve seen happening, even this year, in Britain and Canada, without causing any untoward reactions.”
Obama: 'Turkey has the right to defend its airspace'
Russian President Vladimir Putin has bitterly condemned the downing of a Russian jet on the Turkey-Syria border.
Michel Platini: Fifa seeking life ban for suspended vice-president
Fifa vice-president Michel Platini could be facing a life ban from football, according to his lawyer.
The suspended Uefa chief is serving a 90-day suspension on corruption charges alongside outgoing Fifa president Sepp Blatter, while Fifa’s adjudicatory committee considers its verdict.
Platini’s lawyer Thibaud d’Ales said the ethics investigators’ “excessive” recommendations are a “scandal”.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)