Germany Approves 8.5 Euros Per Hour As National Minimum Wage

July 3, 2014

The German parliament has approved 8.50 euros (about N2,500) per hour as the country’s first minimum wage. The approval which came after a vote in the Bundestag today showed in increment in wage that is higher than the equivalent in the US and UK.

Reports have it that the Angela Merkel’s Christian Democrats approved the new policy as part of a power-sharing deal with the Social Democratic Party.

Under the plan, employers would have had to pay workers a minimum 22 Swiss francs (about $25; £15; 18 euros) an hour.

Germany has previously relied on trade unions and business groups to fix minimum pay instead.

At the moment, the country is one of seven in the 28-nation EU without a minimum wage level.

The minimum wage has been the subject of much controversy in Germany, with business leaders warning that it would result in fewer jobs, or force companies to move production facilities to other countries, where labour is cheaper.

Lobbyists have also claimed that the policy would make Germany less competitive.

However others have been angered by concessionary measures, including a two-year grace period for some employers to phase in the policy.

Additionally, the wage does not cover minors, interns, trainees or long-term unemployed people for their first six months at work.

For the rest of Germany’s employers, the regulations will come into effect on January 1, 2015. The wage will be reviewed annually from 1 January 2018.

Regardless of the outcome of Thursday’s vote, the policy will still need to be passed by Germany’s upper house, the Bundesrat.

Other European countries have been adjusting their minimum wage policies.

In March, the UK government announced a 19p increase to the national minimum wage, bringing it to £6.50 per hour.

In May, Swiss voters overwhelmingly rejected a proposal to introduce what would have been the highest minimum wage in the world, in a referendum. [myad]

Senate Confirms Shekarau, Ex Kano Governor, As Minister

Greenbarge Reporters

July 2, 2014

The Senate has confirmed the former governor of Kano State, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau as minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Shekarau was confirmed along with others whose names were submitted to the Senate a fortnight ago by President Goodluck Jonathan for appointment as a Ministers.
The former governor, who is likely to head education ministry, was confirmed after a screening exercise at plenary today.
Other nominees confirmed as Ministers are Abdu Bulama, Stephen Oru and Adedayo Adeyeye.
President Jonathan had.
Shekarau had in January, defected to the ruling Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) from All Progressives Congress (APC).
The defected APC members called the process ‘PDP Islamiyya’ which they said was a replacement of ‘APC Islamiyya’.
Shekarau had said that the decision was taken after series of negotiations and counter negotiations with the APC’s leaders at the national level.

You’re A Role Model, Atiku Tells Mrs. Ekwueme Who Just Turned 80

Greenbarge Reporters

July 2, 2014

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has congratulated Dame Beatrice Ekwueme, wife of Dr. Alex Ekwueme and the entire Ekwueme Royal family of Oko Anambra State, as she turns 80 today.
In a personal letter of felicitation to the celebrant, Atiku recalled with nostalgia, the utmost grace and dignity with which Mrs. Ekwueme carried herself as the Second Lady of the Federal Republic and the high quality of support she gave her husband, Dr. Alex Ekwueme, who served as Nigeria’s Vice-President from 1979 to 1983.
“Your Excellency , as the wife of Nigeria’s Vice President in the Second Republic, you carried yourself with dignity always as you were aware that Nigerian women looked up to you as a role model and you took that responsibility very seriously, but effortlessly.
“As you celebrate this milestone, my family and I join other Nigerians in celebrating your life and work as we fervently pray to God to continue to guide and protect you, and your family, and to give you and your husband the strength to continue to provide the needed leadership for your people and the people of this country,” Atiku said.
[myad]

Dangote Penetrates Markets With New 42.5R Cement

Greenbarge Reporters

July 2, 2014

Dangote Group has gone deep in the Nigeria markets with its new 52.5R grade of cement used for bridges, 42.5R for casting of columns, beams, slabs and making blocks.
The Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON) has recently directed cement manufacturers on classification of cement grades and usages.
SON may have been forced to issue the directive in view of the menace of collapse building in the country which has been attributed to poor grade of cement. It then insisted on reversion to 52.5R be used for bridges, 42.5R be used for casting of columns, beams, slabs and making blocks, while the low grade 32.5MPA was restricted to plastering.
Dangote Cement Plc is the only company that produces the multipurpose 42.5R grade.
Speaking during a sensitization seminars organized by the Dangote Cement Plc for the block makers in North, they said that most of them now use 42.5R for making blocks.
Fielding questions from newsmen in Kaduna, chairman of the Kaduna State Blocks and Concrete Makers Association, Alhaji Hamza Haruna Gambo said all his members have complied with the SON directive on cement classification.
Alhaji Gambo who owns block making factories across the country said the directive was in national interest and that most of block makers in North now use Dangote 3X cement as it is the only cement with 42.5R grade which meets SON’s specification.
He warned those who have not complied to do so as his Association is in support of the government in its effort to stamp out what he described as “senseless killing of innocent people” as a result of the phenomenon of collapse building in the country.
“We’ve been using the new improved cement for the past two months. Those of our members who will refuse to comply, we would deal with them according to our constitution,” he added.
He commended the Dangote Group for organizing the seminar across the country, saying it would add value to block making businesses and safety of Nigerians.
Speaking to newsmen in Kaduna, Sales Regional Director of the Dangote Cement Plc Mr. Shola Alo said the seminar is aimed at sensitizing the block makers on the new directive of SON, as well as educate them on issues bordering on manufacturing, marketing, sales, cement usage; and at the same time lend a helping hand and get a feedback.

[myad]

Labaran Maku To Nigeria Media: You Are Boosting Boko Haram

Greenbarge Reporters

July 2, 2014

Nigeria information minister, Labaran Maku has turned the heat on the media, saying that their frequent reportage of the activities of Boko Haram insurgents has been the main source of their survival the strength.

Responding to a question from newsmen shortly after today’ Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting at the Presidential Villa, Maku insisted that continuous attention being given to Boko Haram’s exploits in parts of the country is all they need to continue to cause more havoc.

He said that terrorist all over the world thrive most where they get maximum media reportage of their activities, adding that their aim is to destabilize the polity and make show of such dangerous activities.

“Editors are just too happy to make headline of the terrorists bomb explosion, forgetting that the more you give them headline the more they are energized because that is all they need to remain in business. If you black them out of the news for six months, they will feel frustrated.

“But as it is now, our media are fond of casting political headlines, attacking the government. They make it look as if it is the terrorists that deserved all the attention, when it is obvious that we are not dealing with enemies on one side. The enemies are with us.”

Maku is worried that uptil now, journalists in Nigeria have not understood the ingredients of guerrilla warfare, saying that such war is often oiled and energized by shouting newspaper headlines and analysis.

He said that what the media has succeeded in doing so far is to continue to blame government instead of joining the government to condemn and fight the terrorists.

[myad]

U.S Cautions Its Citizens Traveling To Nigeria Against Boko Haram Attacks

Greenbarge Reporters

July 2, 2014

The United States of America has cautioned its citizens that are planning to travel to Nigeria, against the background of the increased bomb explosions by members of Boko Haram.
In a message from USA to American Citizens in Abuja, the U.S. Mission in Nigeria said that the security message has become necessary in view of the June 25 bombing in the Wuse II neighborhood of Abuja.
The statement from one of the Executive Directors, Stephen P. Brunette, added that given the history of bombing attacks on weekends (some associated with holidays), as well as the recent bombing at Emab Plaza in Wuse II, the Mission urges all U.S. citizens living and traveling in Nigeria “to take extra precautions for your personal security and safety.
“The U.S. Mission urges against non-essential travel to or within Abuja during the upcoming weekend.
“The U.S. Mission advises all U.S. citizens to be particularly vigilant around churches and other places of worship, locations where large crowds may gather, government facilities, and areas frequented by expatriates and foreign travelers during the upcoming weekend. “Security measures in Nigeria remain heightened due to threats posed by extremist groups, and U.S. citizens should expect additional police and military checkpoints, additional security, and possible road blocks throughout the country.
“We recommend that U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in Nigeria enroll in the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). STEP enrollment gives you the latest security updates, and makes it easier for the U.S. embassy or nearest U.S. consulate to contact you in an emergency. If you do not have internet access, enroll directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.”
The statement encourage regular monitor of the State Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs website, where they could find current Travel Warnings, including the Travel Warning for Nigeria, Travel Alerts, and the Worldwide Caution.
“Read the Country Specific Information for Nigeria. For additional information; refer to the “Traveler’s Checklist.”

[myad]

Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Grows Turnover By 11 Percent, Pays 30k Dividend

Greenbarge Reporters

July 1, 2014

The Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc (NAHCO Aviance) has grown its turnover by 11 per cent from N7.4billion in 2012 to N8.1billion in 2013, the chairman of the company, Alhaji Suleiman Yahyah has said.
Speaking at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the company, he said that the company increased its Profit Before Tax (PBT) by 29 per cent from N853milion in 2012 to N1.123billion in 2013.
NAHCO, he said, has also increased earnings per share by 37 per cent.
“Accordingly, the Board is pleased to recommend a modest increase of 20 per cent in dividend payout from 25 kobo to 30 kobo per share.”
The chairman said that the liquidity position and cash flow of the company have been increased, adding: “Our diversification process is still ongoing. Our Free Trade Zone Licence has been signed by President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan…We are developing a 25 years master plan for NAHCO FTZ in that direction this year.”
He said that NAHCO is ready to help Nigeria move the aviation industry forward, after the company handled a record three million international passengers in 2013.
Managing Director/CEO of the company, Kayode T. Oluwasegun-Ojo said the company’s total asset grew by 25 percent from N11.162billion in 2012 to N13.994billion in 2013.
Speaking at the AGM, one of the shareholders, Mukhtar Mukhtar said the board and management deserve commendation for what he described as a ‘very impressive result’.
NAHCO Aviance Plc is an African diversified group with interests in aviation cargo, aircraft handling, crew, passenger transportation and service delivery among others.

APC Fingers PDP Loyalists In Ile Ife Bomb Explosion Today

Greenbarge Reporters

July 1, 2014

A suspected bomb device was reported to have gone off today in Ile Ife, the popular university town in Osun state, even as All Progressives Congress (APC) accused members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of having a hand in it.
The device was said to have gone off at the back of a house that is not far away from the family compound of the state Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Sikiru Ayedun.
The APC-led state government said that the state had been peaceful until very recently when PDP vowed to take over the state from under governor Rauf Aregbesola.
A leader of the APC in Ife who is also the Special Adviser to Governor Aregbesola on Youths and Special Needs, Comrade Biyi Odunlade, confirmed the explosion and said the explosion went off in an area usually populated by APC loyalists.
“This is an APC strong hold. I am sure the intention is to kill many of our people in this area,” Odunlade said.
On Monday, several campaign billboards of Governor Rauf Aregbesola were said to have been pulled down in Ilesa area of the state.
The governor has calmed the people of the state against being provoked urging them to eschew violence and go about their businesses peacefully.
A leader of the APC in the state, Prince Gboyega Famodun, said “the PDP has suddenly become bold to unleash terror on our people since they came back from Ekiti.”

[myad]

Panic In National Conference As Boko Haram Gives Notice Of Attack

Greenbarge Reporters

July 1, 2014

There was a palpable panic amongst members of the ongoing National Conference yesterday when a member said that he received a threat message from Boko Haram terrorists.
The delegate, Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN), told the conference that he received a message on his telephone threatening an “attack bigger than Nyanya blast” and sought the permission of the Chairman of the confab, Justice Idris Kutigi (retd.), to read the message.
Kutigi granted the permission and Ozekhome accordingly read the text.
The message read: “News got to us that our enemy is planning something bigger than Nyanya blast between Tuesday and Wednesday, in Abuja. Mind your movement and be careful. The date is still unknown. Please, pass it around to save loved ones.”
After listening to the text of the message, one of the delegates, who asked not to be named, shouted, “We are in trouble in this country. Bombing everywhere; when will this stop? Even here, we don’t know what is going to happen. Things are so bad in the country. Things are so bad.”
Many of the delegates were seen discussing the development in hushed tones but with panic on their faces.
Another delegate, Obi Onoliefo, had on Thursday last week, raised the issue of safety of delegates when, having looked at the perimeter of the National Judicial Institute, observed that there were no security operatives manning them.
Onoliefo, therefore, called for security operatives to be drafted to the perimeter fences to forestall insurgents from breaking into the premises and causing bloodshed.

[myad]

Yobo: How Not To End 13 Year International Career

Greenbarge Reporters

July 1, 2014

It wasn’t exactly the way Joseph Yobo wanted to mark his 100th and final appearance for Nigeria. With one of his last touches in international football, the man who has held Nigeria’s defence together for the past 13 years scored an injury-time own goal in a 2-0 loss to France in the last 16 of the World Cup on Monday.
“I would have loved to have done it differently,” Yobo said with a wry smile.

The 33-year-old Yobo announced after the match in Brasilia that he would be retiring from international duty to concentrate on his club career and spend more time with his family.
He became the first Nigerian to reach a century of international caps and will go down as one of his country’s greatest defenders, appearing at three World Cups.
“It’s a bittersweet end [for him], yeah,” Nigeria striker Shola Ameobi said. “He’s been a great leader of this team for over 13 years. He’s been a stalwart of this Nigeria defence—our captain and our leader.
Yobo was emotional in the changing room after the final whistle as the defender made a stirring speech to the squad.
“He’ll be hard to replace,” Ameobi added.
Yobo almost didn’t even make it to Brazil as he struggled with a calf injury in the final few months of the season on loan at English club Norwich from Turkish side Fenerbahce.
He recovered just in time to be selected in the squad and capitalized on an injury to Godfrey Oboabona to play Nigeria’s final two group games—against Bosnia-Herzegovina and Argentina—and keep his place for the France game.
Aside from inadvertently turning in Mathieu Valbuena’s low cross for France’s game-sealing second goal, Yobo enjoyed an impressive final appearance for the ‘Super Eagles’ and kept Karim Benzema and Olivier Giroud relatively quiet.
He should have a good few years left in him at club level, where he has also represented Standard Liege, Everton and Marseille.
“I’m moving on with life,” Yobo said.
“It’s time to spend more time with the family and focus on club football. I’d like to thank the Nigeria fans and thank all the players. It’s been a pleasure, it’s been wonderful.
“I won the African Nations Cup, came this far at a World Cup I never thought I’d make because of injury. “Hopefully [the young players] will carry on from here. We have done a lot of things behind the scenes, put a lot of hard work together. As a leader, they know what I’ve brought in so it’s just to carry on where we finished.”

[myad]

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