The Lagos State coordinator of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Mohammed Momoh, has said that the federal government is yet to release a circular ordering the implementation of the newly approved N30,000 minimum wage for corps members.The federal government in April 2019 had approved the N30,000 minimum wage for workers in the country by signing it into law.
But the law is yet to be implemented by the NYSC, in the payment of corps members.
Reacting to a statement by the former NYSC Director General, Suleiman Kazaure, giving assurance that there would be an increase in the payment for corps members in accordance with the increment in national workers’ wage, , Mohammed Momoh in an interview said that the service is waiting for the federal government to give it the go ahead to begin the implementation of the new law.
“The effective date of implementation would be stated on the circular and any corps member that falls within that said period and is qualified for the monthly allowance would benefit from the increase if and when the implementation starts.
“Corps members are Nigerians and it is only expected that they would benefit from the increase. At the appropriate time, the federal government would fix the allowance for corps members. This would then be made public by the NYSC.
“I have no doubt that the federal government would do the needful in accordance with the minimum wage.”
Source: TVC News
In a letter to the Senate Committee on Petroleum (Upstream), the DPR said that the three states could only be declared oil bearing states if the oil firm in the area, Orient Oil, scales up its operations from oil prospecting to oil mining lease.
Chairman of the Committee, Senator Tayo Alasoadura, said that the issue at stake has to do with a referral to the committee on the contentious boundary between the three states, adding that a report that said “the Federal Government confirms Anambra oil producing status” threw up the matter to the front burner.
Alasoadura said that his committee lacked the power to declare an oil-producing status on a state even as he said that the committee believed that the agency is in the best position to settle the matter with the National Boundary Commission (NBC).
The Ondo Central senator said that the committee wrote to the DPR “but their response was not quite satisfactory. That is why we want to hear from your commission.”
He noted that the committee decided to hear from the National Boundary Commission because “when we had a similar issue in Ondo State in the past, it was your commission that resolved it.”
Senator Chukwuka Utazi (Enugu North) noted that the issue of OPL 915 and 916 dated back to antiquity.
“I didn’t know that this motion would come up, because we had already resolved the issue when Senator Isaac Mohammed Alfa was away.
“Kogi and Enugu states do not have problem; the two are in agreement. But Enugu and Anambra are not in agreement.
“We in Enugu want to be declared as oil producing state too. Let that be done pending when the boundary commission finishes its work.”
He added that Orient Oil, within seven years, moved from 3,000 to 10,000 barrels a day.
According to him, “an oil company that had been able to move from 3,000 to 10,000 barrels per day should have graduated from oil prospecting to oil mining lease.”
He said that they would go to the DPR to find out why Orient Oil refused to move from oil prospecting to oil mining lease.”
Senator Alfa said there was no contention on the desire to recognise the affected communities as oil producing communities.
Acting Director-General of the National Boundary Commission, Adamu Adaji said that the issue is a tripartite one involving the three states.
He said: “We carried out preliminary field work on Kogi-Anambra boundary, but the challenge we have is the document we are using, which was produced before independence.
“We had to use a provincial boundary map produced by the colonial masters. We discovered that the descriptions on the map are not too clear.
“We scaled out seven points, and about five of them were discovered, but the remaining two resisted.
“Some youths from Ibaji community accosted our staff at some point that they will not agree with the legal document we were using. We are relying on Legal Instrument of 1954.
“The work was stalled because the people of Ibaji were of the view that we must identify the points between Anambra, Kogi and Enugu before we could do anything.
“When we made an attempt in 2015, our effort was aborted. We met with the then governor of Kogi State and he promised to talk to the community to cooperate with us.
“What we want now is to get the states to cooperate so that we can work. The three states were not quite forthcoming for us to do the job. That is what we have been trying to do now.
“If we cannot rely on the map, we plead that the states should cooperate for us to come to a boundary that is acceptable to all.”
Senator Magnus Abe noted that from what the commission said, “it’s already doing something, but the problem is except the commission does what some people want, the work can’t be done. Except there is the right atmosphere for them to work, nothing can be done.”
Abe suggested that the only way the issue could be resolved is for the committee to invite the states to come and “we set up a joint team with the boundary commission so that we can have adequate security before they can go and do their job.
“Now that there is oil there, the next thing you may have is that the people will start acquiring guns and start shooting themselves.”
Senator Gershom Bassey said that the National Boundary Commission cannot completely be exonerated from the blame. He noted that in his state, Cross River, “there have been communal clashes because the commission has not done its job.
Philip Gyunka said that it appeared the commission does not want to hurt some communities.
“I want to advise here that whatever you think can solve the problem, please try and do it.”
Alasoadura, however, explained that the Boundary Commission cannot do anything without the cooperation of the states.
States, he said, should also establish their own boundary commissions so that they can work directly with the NBC.
Source: The Nation.
Bishop Mathew Hassan KukahThe Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Hassan Kukah, has said that Nigeria is one of the most dangerous countries in the world to live even as he lamented that quacks have taken over every institution in the country, including the country’s political space.
The cleric, who spoke at the National Conference and Annual General Meeting of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), said that the quest to achieve a united Nigeria, devoid of rationalization and fictionalization, will only be an illusion.
“The quest for national cohesion remains an illusion and the result, therefore, is that marketing Nigeria becomes an act of frustration. In part because too many issues have still not been resolved. Tragically as the population has increased we have not been able to craft a narrative.
“Is there any institution in Nigeria that has not been taken over by quacks, including our politics?
“There is no institution you can blame in this country, everywhere. That is why it is even so dangerous and so important to think about how to advertise Nigeria. I mean, where do you start?
“I think that the problems in Nigeria have very little to do with the things that we ascribe, but is everything to do with our inability, sheer incapacity to manage diversity. Managing diversity is a science.
“If we do not have a sense of direction and purpose; a nation that does not have a clarity of vision as to where it is going, and what the tools that are required.
“When you live in a country like Nigeria, where people are safer with their nephews, cousins, brothers, sisters, as special assistants, personal assistants, then we are in trouble.
“How we manage diversity in Nigeria then becomes an issue.”
Continuing, he said, “The question then is if you want to market Nigeria, where do you start from. We are practising politics of a very poor quality.
“Our politics have become so regionalised, fractionalised. Whenever I look at the map of the last elections, I do not feel proud as a Nigerian. That you will have an election where very clearly, the country is divided into two and the lines are precise.
“If this is the kind of country that we have, how do we develop the capacity to manage diversity. When a president is travelling, the governors are struggling to go with him.
“And yet in reality, for those journeys, like when the president is going to China, there must be an academic expert who understands China, who should be able to brief the President.
“This is the only country where the only experts are those manufactured by those in power. Does it not surprise you? The country has become averse to expertise, to intellectual contribution.
“The incredible capacity of our people is in suspended animation. It is really frightening what is happening in Nigeria. With the kidnapping in Katsina yesterday, there are no more sacred spaces in the country.
“it is a mortal sin and a massive scared on Nigeria’s face the millions of young people who are moving around and have turned to crime. It is totally unacceptable that we would live with so much and so many of our people are objects of humiliation around the world.”
Kano State Governor, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has relieved all permanent secretaries of their appointment with immediate effect.The Spokesman of the Head of Service, Mustapha Ibrahim Fagge, in a statement signed by his principal, Auwal Naiya, said that the state has 33 permanent secretaries manning several ministries/agencies and parastatals.
The statement reads: “In line with the present administration’s resolve to vigorously pursue/implement the reform initiative embarked upon since its inception, and cognizant of the need to further ensure greater efficiency in service delivery, as well as reinvigorate the top echelon of the civil service , the Kano State Government has relieved all permanent secretaries of their appointment with immediate effect.”
The statement also directed all the affected permanent secretaries to handover to the most senior directors in their respective ministries and parastatals, saying: “accordingly, they are to handover to the most senior director in their ministries and parastatals on or before Wednesday May 8, 2019 and they are to report to the office of the Head of Service for reassignment.
“In the same vein, all substantive directors on grade level 16 or 17, as well as the permanent secretaries relieved who are interested can apply for the position of permanent secretary in the state civil service, and should submit their application along with their curriculum vitae and notification of last promotion or appointment to this office on or before Thursday May 9, 2019.”
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has, again, made interventions in the Retail Secondary Market Intervention Sales (SMIS) of the Foreign Exchange market totaling $271.83million and CNY41.14million.Today’s, Friday transaction was in addition to the $205 million injected into the Wholesale, Small and Medium Enterprises, and Invisibles segments of the market on Tuesday.
Okorafor expressed satisfaction with the performance and stability of the country’s economy, noting that the country would experience more growth as the Bank has placed restrictions on the purchase of forex from the Nigerian foreign exchange market for items in the textile and cotton value chain.
Meanwhile, the Naira exchanged atN360/$1 on Friday, May 3, in the Bureau De Change (BDC) segment of the market.
Sultry singer, Tiwa Savage has secured an international recording deal with Universal Music Group after parting ways with Supreme Mavin Dynasty run, owned by music producer, Don Jazzy.This was announced by the American global music corporation through its official Instagram account, saying that they were “thrilled to welcome Tiwa Savage, one of Africa’s biggest stars to the Universal Music Group Family.”
Reacting officially to the deal singed by Tiwa Savage, Efe Ogbeni and Vannessa Amadi-Ogbonna of Stealth Management, partners of UMG Group said: “We’re very proud to be a part of this ground-breaking partnership between Tiwa Savage and Universal Music Group.
“Tiwa is undoubtedly the most hard working and talented female artist crossing over from Africa to the rest of the world, and UMG has demonstrated its commitment to the Continent by placing its formidable machinery behind her amazing career.
“Partnerships like these symbolise the hopes and dreams of so many talented artists back home in Africa and it is an honour to be the executive producers of her project.”
Under the new agreement signed on Thursday, Tiwa’s future music will be released internationally through UMG’s operations in more than 60 countries worldwide and projects would be executively produced by Efe Ogbeni and Vannessa Amadi-Ogbonna.
Tiwa has also reacted to pitching tents with Universal Music Group saying; “My biggest goal is to make Africa proud. I’m so excited for this moment and I’m thankful to Sir Lucian Grainge and my new UMG family for their belief in my dreams.
“I’m looking forward to this next chapter in my career and I’m more ready than I have ever been.
“It’s like a dream and more importantly it means that I’m part of the legacy, I’m part of a huge engine and it’s definitely an honour,” she added.
Meanwhile, Mavin head honcho Don Jazzy has sent his farewell message to Tiwa Savage who spent seven successful years on the label.
Don Jazzy took to his Instagram account to send a “Thank you for an amazing seven years” photo which he captioned:
“Our darling Tiwatope. We at Mavin would like to say a very big thank you for being such an inspiration to all of us, a friend, a sister.
“It’s been an epic journey with you and we are very proud of what we have achieved together.
“As you start this new chapter in your life we want you to know that we are solidly behind you and can’t wait for the world to see what we have always believed you can be.
“Your jersey as the `First Lady of Mavin’ will forever be yours as we do not intend to fill that position with anyone else.
“We love you from the bottom of the heart and pray GOD’s blessings to continue to follow you. Amennnn.”
Source: RipplesNigeria
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has closed down Gombe and Kebbi airports over an N800 million debt.The closure of the airports was contained in a FAAN notice on the withdrawal of its safety and fire rescue and aviation security personnel from the two airports.
FAAN had two weeks ago, threatened to withdraw its services from the airports should the two state governments fail to clear their debts.
It was learnt that governments of the two states have not made any move to avert the situation despite the efforts of FAAN to collect the debt. It was also learnt that the debt drive which is in phases would be shifted to other airports after that of Gombe and Kebbi.
Sources said that FAAN wanted to carry out the threat at once in all the affected airports but was stopped by officials in the presidency.
Source: LEADERSHIP
The Director General of National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Ishaq Kawu has appeared before the Federal High Court in Abuja over alleged N2.5 billion fraud.Kawu, who was arraigned at the Court today, Thursday was charged by the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), on 12-count charges.
He is being tried for allegedly diverting over N2.5 billion meant for the digital switch-over system introduced by the Federal Government.
Also joined as defendants in the suit are Lucky Omoluwa and Dipo Onifade, chairman of Pinnacle Communications Limited and the company’s chief operating officer respectively. The company, Pinnacle Communications Limited, is also joined in the trial.
Justice Folashade Giwa had, in March, ordered Kawu to appear before the court in April even if it requires him being brought in a stretcher.
When hearing was called today, Thursday, the judge granted the defendants bail of N100 million each with two sureties in like sum alongside other conditions.
“In the event that any of the defendants did not meet these conditions within the window of 10 working days from today, they shall be taken into the custody of Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences and be remanded in prison pending when their bail conditions are met,” she ruled.
The case was adjourned to tomorrow, May 3 for commencement of trial.
A training aircraft belonging to the International Aviation College (IAC), Ilorin, Kwara State, crash-landed at the Ilorin International Airport yesterday, Wednesday.According to report, the aircraft with registration Number 5N-BNH had two pilots on-board, who were said to have came out of the crashed plane unhurt.
Meanwhile, the Accident investigation Bureau (AIB) is reported to have opened investigation into the acccident.
Source: Daily Trust.
Former Enugu State Governor, Sullivan Chime has filed a petition before an Abuja High Court, seeking to divorce his wife, Clara, after about 11 years together as husband and wife, even as his wife seeks for the custody of their 10-year-old son.Clara begged the Court, sitting at Apo village, to grant her the child’s custody, saying that she was ready to accept the divorce which her husband brought before the court but that he must be made to pay her child maintenance fee of N500,000 monthly.
She said that she was depressed during her marriage because her husband only had marital relations with her only on their wedding night and never touched her, so it led to her depressed condition.
Clara denied any allegation of schizophrenia but said she only saw the CMD of neuropsychiatric because her husband brought him to their home.
The Judge, Justice Angela Otaluka adjourned the case to June 10 for continuation of hearing. Source: Punch
