By Callistus Agwaza
JALINGO – The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Taraba State University chapter, has called on the state Governor Dr Agbu Kefas to expediently address critical issues affecting the academic staff of the university to ameliorate the hardship of the staff and avert possible industrial disharmony.
The chapter Chairman of the Union Dr. Garba, Mbave Joshua made the call at a Press conference held in Jalingo on Thursday, following the resolutions reached at their Congress earlier.
According to Joshua, the five critical issues that need urgent attention from the government include lack of pension scheme for lecturers, non payment of backlog of salaries, non payment of Earned Academic Allowances since 2014, non payment of promotion arrears and lack of perimeter fence for the university.
He lamented that the lack of pension scheme has not only made life difficult for families of their bereaved colleagues, but also gives the members a sense of insecurity for their future.
“Today, we gather with a sense of urgency and concern to address critical issues that affects not only our present but also our collective future. As a union, we recognize the pivotal role that security and stability play in shaping the trajectory of our lives and the well-being of our families.
“I address you today with grave concern regarding the absence of a pension scheme at Taraba State University. This critical issue demands immediate attention as it affects the welfare and livelihoods of our esteemed academic community. Of particular concern is the plight of the families of our deceased members. Without a pension scheme in place, these families are left to navigate the challenges of financial insecurity and uncertainty on their own. This is a completely unacceptable situation that highlights the urgent need for action.
“It is with deep concern that we bring to the public’s attention the excruciating pains and hardships that our members are currently enduring due to the prolonged delay in receiving their withheld salaries. As each day passes without the payment of these outstanding salaries, the financial strain on our members intensifies, pushing them further into distress and uncertainty.
“It is with great concern that we bring to your attention the prolonged delay in the payment of EAA, which has created significant discontent and frustration among our members. The non-payment of these allowances not only undermines the commitment and dedication of our academic staff but also poses a threat to the overall industrial harmony within our educational institution. The Earned Academic Allowances are an integral component of our members’ remuneration package, and their non-payment has caused undue financial hardship and uncertainty for those who have diligently earned these allowances over the years.
“You may wish to note that a substantial number of our members have not received the promotion arrears owed to them, causing considerable frustration and discontent within our workforce. These promotion arrears are not just financial entitlements but also symbolize recognition of our members’ hard work, dedication, and contributions to the growth and development of our nation. The non-payment of promotion arrears not only creates financial strain for our members but also erodes their morale and diminishes their trust in the fairness and integrity of our institution.
“The University does not have a complete perimeter fence. It is on record that hoodlums and kidnappers have continued to attack our members and students within the University premises due to the porous nature of the campus. We sincerely request the government to expeditiously complete the construction of the perimeter fence to ensure the security of staff and students” the statement reads in part.
SIERRA LEONE- Health authorities in Sierra Leone and Ghana have issued cautionary alerts that the fitness of the herbal mixture, Coco Samba, manufactured by the Bullion Go-neat Global Ltd, Ogun State, Nigeria cannot be guaranteed in terms of safety and quality.
In a press release dated February 20, the Pharmacy Board of Sierra Leone agreed with the Food and Drug Authority of Ghana that the mixture contains dangerous levels of Sildenafil Citrate, confirming previous suspicions on the negative side effects of consuming the mixture which includes complicated health issues and damage to the penis. “The said product confirmed that each bottle of Coco Samba contains heavy dose (193 mg) of Sildenafil Citrate as an adulterant as compared to the usual prescribed dose of 50-100 mg,” the release signed by the registrar of the board, James Komeh, read.
“Please be aware that overdose of Sildenafil Citrate has the tendency to cause serious side effects like significant drop in blood pressure which may be life-threatening, visual disturbances, headache, dizziness, chest pain, painful and prolonged erection which may cause permanent damage to the penis,” it added.
The suspicions were based on preliminary tests run in Sierra Leone laboratories spurring the authorities to issue a warning pending the confirmatory tests.
Sildenafil Citrate is typically used to treat erectile dysfunction but is often abused by individuals seeking to boost their sexual prowess without medical supervision or prescription.
The statement also added that analyses were conducted on other products including Olekoko Akson Bitters, Oga Abeg and Good Time Natural Herbal Formula, mixtures which were all revealed to contain Sildenafil Citrate of different measures.
The pharmacy board further tasked the public “to stop the consumption of these harmful products and report any individual or institution found marketing these products.’’
“In addition, please report any side effects relating to these products or any other product to the Pharmacy Board of Sierra Leone,” it said.
Nigeria’s National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has also issued a public alert on the product suspected to have circulated in local liquor shops and rural retail sellers.
The agency said a 100ml bottle of the herbal mixture contains more than the approved daily dose of sildenafil.
“The product was seized by German customs and analysed by the German Official Medicines Control Laboratory. The analysis report showed the product contained undeclared amounts of sildenafil (150mg), which is above the maximum daily dose for sildenafil,” the agency’s February 20 statement read.
ADO-EKITI- Ekiti’s first lady, Olayemi Oyebanji, has appealed to market women for compassion and not to exacerbate the sufferings of Nigerians due to the current economic crisis.
Mrs Oyebanji made the appeal on Thursday during a meeting with female market leaders (Iyalojas) from the 16 local government areas in her office in Ado-Ekiti.
She said Governor Biodun Oyebanji was worried about the high cost of food and other essential items in markets.
The governor’s wife, therefore, asked the market women to lower the prices of food and other goods that do not depend on foreign exchange to help the ordinary citizens who are struggling with the situation.
She also urged the market women to cooperate with the current administration in the state by implementing policies that would alleviate hunger and poverty.
Mrs Oyebanji urged the market leaders to spread the message to all the traders in the state and encouraged them to find ways to reduce the burden on the people, in line with the government’s efforts to ease their hardship.
“My mothers, I beg you, you are the leaders in your markets. For those goods that are not affected by the dollar, please reduce their prices. We should not use this situation to take advantage of our people.
“Let us go to our markets and talk to other market women. We have to find ways to ease the suffering of our people. This storm will pass, but the little we can do to make it easier, let us do it for our people to have some relief,” she said.
Ms Oyebanji said her husband had recently introduced some palliative measures, including a N12 billion economic stimulus package and payment of arrears of salaries and pensions.
Others are increasing funding for tertiary institutions, approval of N331 million for the purchase of food items for distribution in all the local government areas, free transportation for workers and students, and others.
She further said her recent visit to the Irona Market in Ado-Ekiti, where she gave cash and food items to poor traders and elderly people, was part of the measures to cushion the effects of the economic downturn.
Ms Oyebanji announced her plan to start a market outreach programme called ‘Aya Gomina N Be Oja Wo’ (Governor’s Wife Visits Markets), where she would visit all the markets, buy from local market women, and empower needy traders.
The Iyaloja General of Ekiti, Habibat Ogunjobi, who spoke earlier, said market women in the state have always supported Mr Oyebanji’s developmental programmes.
She assured that the market leaders would take the message to the traders in the local markets and ensure they follow the government’s advice to benefit the masses.
(NAN)
…as C’mte calls for memoranda from Nigerians
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu has said that the first draft report of the ongoing review of the 1999 constitution would be ready in August 2025 just as the final clean copy for the presidential assent after the voting on the expected issues of concern by the two chambers of the national assembly would be out in August, 2025.
Kalu dropped the hints at a press conference by the House Committee on Constitution Review on Thursday.
It will be recalled that the committee on its inauguration, Monday, in Abuja gave a 24 month timeline for the conclusion of the exercise.
At the press conference, Kalu who doubles as the chairman of the committee said: “We are pushing to ensure that in our activities, that in no distance time, the first draft of the work we are trying to do in the constitution will be ready.
According to the statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Levinus Nwabughiogu made available to Precise Post, this will be subject to approval of the work done by the subcommittee. Let me mention that our target, the first draft of the constitution will be out in August 2024.
“Second draft will be out in October 2024, we will commence zonal inputs from October 2024, we’ll keep collecting inputs from citizens from 14th October 2024 as we prepare for the last version or that last draft copy of the constitution.
“We are hoping that there will be a harmonization of the issues, on the 27th, 28th February 2025.
“We are hoping that during a technical working retreat that will take place in February 2025, the Senate and the House of Representatives documents will be harmonized.
“It is our desire that on the 17th of March 2025, we will have harmonized documents considered in the House. It is our believe that by April 2025, we will have the final copies of draft amendments produced.
“We are optimistic also that by 12th May 2025, we’ll have, the final clean copy of amendments bills agreed on.
“And we are looking at 22nd May 2025, as a time when we will have final report laid for consideration and voting.
“This is to say that members will be voting on the work we have done on this important date of 22nd May 2025
“We are believing that around the 29th of May or 13th of June knowing fully well what these important dates mean to Nigerians, we will expect the final concurrence of state assemblies secured.
“If it delays more than that, it will not go beyond August of 2025 because we believe that by August 2025, the president will receive the bills that will be presented to him for presidential assent. So, our targets that transmission of bills to Mr President for assent will take place August 2025.
“And with this, we are sure that our target to get this job done in 24 months will be achieved if we send it Mr President by August 2025 and hoping that by December we will have a constitution that’s fully amended. Thank you very our guests and honorable colleagues”.
The Deputy Speaker also called for submission of memoranda from different interest groups, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), Labour Unions, relevant institutions of government and the members of the general public to aid the committee’s work.
He said that the thematic areas included Federal Structure and Power Devolution; Local Government/Local Government Autonomy; Public Revenue, Fiscal Federation, and Revenue Allocation; Nigerian Police and Nigerian Security Architecture; Comprehensive Judicial Reforms; Electoral Reforms to strengthen INEC to deliver transparent, credible, free and fair elections; Socio-economic and cultural rights as contained in Chapter 2 of the
constitution and Traditional Institutions.
Other were Issues of Gender; Strengthening the Independence of oversight institutions and agencies created by the constitution or pursuant to an Act of the National Assembly; Residency and Indigene Provisions; Immunity; The National Assembly; Process of state creation and State access to mining.
“In exercise of the powers conferred on the Legislature by Sections 4, 8, and 9 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as
Amended) and Order 20, Rule 30 of the Standing Orders of the House of
Representatives (11th Edition) and the Legislative Agenda of the 10th
House of Representatives, I am pleased to invite the Executive and
Judicial bodies, State Governments, Women Groups, Academics, Civil
Society Organizations, Labour Unions, Professional bodies, Ethnic
Nationalities, Nigerians in the Diaspora, Diplomats and the general public,
to submit memoranda or proposals for further alteration(s) of the 1999
Constitution (as amended) on the following thematic areas: The Federal Structure and Power Devolution; Local Government/Local Government Autonomy; Public Revenue, Fiscal Federation, and Revenue Allocation; Nigerian Police and Nigerian Security Architecture; Comprehensive Judicial Reforms; Electoral Reforms to strengthen INEC to deliver transparent, credible, free and fair elections; Socio-economic and cultural rights as contained in Chapter 2 of the
constitution; Traditional Institutions; Issues of Gender; Strengthening the Independence of oversight institutions and agencies created by the constitution or pursuant to an Act of the National Assembly; Residency and Indigene Provisions; Immunity; The National Assembly; Process of state creation; State access to mining”, he said.
The committee however extended the call for memoranda to “any other matter that will promote good governance and the welfare of all persons in our country on the principles of freedom, equality, and justice”.
KANO- Kabiru Inuwa, Chairman of the Kano State chapter of the NLC, says the National Headquarters of the congress is impressed with the leadership style displayed by the Police during Tuesday’s labour protests in Kano.
Inuwa conveyed the commendation while addressing newsmen on Thursday in Kano.
Inuwa said labour hailed the Commissioner of Police, Usaini Gumel, as “labour friendly” due to his disposition to protesters and professionalism in handling the situation
He said the essence of the protest was to draw the attention of the Federal Government to the current hardships and insecurity bedeviling the country.
He said the national body noted the performance while reviewing the protests on the first day and concluded that the aim of the exercise had been achieved.
This, therefore, prompted the union to discontinue with the protests earlier slated for Wednesday (NAN)
IMO- The First Lady, Remi Tinubu, on Tuesday inaugurated the maiden Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) women’s agricultural support group programme for the South-East to boost agriculture in the region.
In a speech at the ceremony in Owerri, Mrs Tinubu said the programme was in fulfilment of her commitment to continuing to promote the welfare of the womenfolk, particularly farmers in the country.
She said that RHI was committed to supporting women farmers with the broader national agenda to strengthen the agricultural sector.
“President Bola Tinubu’s administration recognises the pivotal role that agriculture plays in achieving sustainable development and ensuring food sufficiency.
“To this end, this is a two-in-one programme designed to support our women farmers nationwide.
“On one hand, the RHI is supporting 20 women farmers per state with the sum of N500,000 each,” she said.
The first lady also said that N10 million would be distributed to beneficiaries in each of the five Southeastern states through the RHI state coordinators.
“On the other hand, the National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA), in partnership with RHI, is supporting extra 80 women farmers, together with our 20 women farmers per state, making it 100 women per state to be supported financially,” she said.
She also said that the beneficiaries in Imo would commence their training during the week while other beneficiaries in the zone would commence their capacity training as scheduled by NALDA.
Mrs Tinubu said that the women would receive agricultural inputs, such as fisheries: 50 fingerlings and feeds for each farmer – and poultry: 25 three-week-old birds and feed for each poultry farmer.
She said that those for arable farms will receive a bundle of improved cassava and fertiliser for each agrarian farmer.
“All farm produce will be bought over by NALDA after the harvest.
“The financial support to the 20 women farmers in each state from the RHI is to enhance and encourage productivity while the training by NALDA for all the 100 women farmers per state is to reduce crop waste and promote more efficient production and farming techniques.
“This dual approach of the RHI and NALDA demonstrates a comprehensive strategy to address the various challenges faced by women farmers,” she said.
Mrs Tinubu advised the beneficiaries to seize the opportunity to expand their agricultural scope, contribute to local and national food production and serve as role models for other aspirants to enter the agricultural sector.
She expressed confidence that the initiative would not only transform the lives of individual beneficiaries but also contribute to the overall economic development of the zone.
She urged all the stakeholders, including government officials, community leaders and non-governmental organisations, to work hand-in-hand to ensure the smooth implementation of the programme.
Mrs Tinubu further said that the RHI Social Investment programme would empower 100 persons with disabilities, mainly small business owners in Imo, with the sum of N100,000 each to recapitalise their existing businesses.
She commended the RHI coordinators, who are wives of the state governors in the various states, for their support and commitment toward ensuring that the goals and objectives of RHI were achieved.
In a remark, Gov. Hope Uzodimma said that the struggle for food security must be a collective effort.
Mr Uzodimma expressed confidence that the empowerment of the rural farmers would contribute to food sufficiency in the state.
“Nigerians should be made to see that we must be able to farm and produce what we must eat,” he said.
He, therefore, commended the first lady for extending the gesture to the South-East.
The executive secretary of NALDA, Paul Ikonne, said the authority was “committed to partnering with the wife of the president to make sure that we lure our mothers and young women into farming.”
Also speaking, the governor’s wife, Chioma Uzodimma, said that the empowerment of women forms the progress and development of any society.
“It is a crucial step toward ensuring gender equality and building a more inclusive prosperous community.
“Agriculture, being the backbone of our nation, provides a significant avenue for women and not only creates economic opportunities but also contributes to food security and sustainable development,” she said.
(NAN)
…As Senators Nwoye, Echocho biker over kogi state status
By Chris Udochukwu
The Senate Wednesday rejected move to include Anambra State in the membership of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
This was as the move and rejection led to bickering between Senators Tony Nwoye (LP Anambra North) and Jibrin Isah popularly known as Echocho ( APC Kogi East) .
Senator Nwoye had in his lead debate on the bill seeking for amendment of the NDDC Act for inclusion of Anambra State , being an oil producing State , argued that Anambra deserved membership of NDDC since it has been collecting 13% derivation since 2021 on account of appreciable volume of oil production on yearly basis .
But most of the Senators who made contributions on the bill , Nwoye spiritedly sought second reading for ; kicked against his argument on the grounds that States like Kogi and Lagos States are not covered by NDDC operations despite being oil producing states .
Specifically , Senator Jibrin Isah ( Echocho) , said NDDC by its name , is more of regional or geographical intervention body and not just for oil producing states .
He said his state ( Kogi ) , has also been collecting 13% derivation as an oil producing state , a claim , Senator Nwoye vociferously countered , by repeatedly declaring with relevant documents in his hand , that Anambra and not Kogi , has been collecting 13% derivation .
” Mr President and distinguished colleagues , Anambra as an oil producing state has been collecting 13% derivation from oil exploited from her wells by the federal government since 2021 , and eminently deserves to be included in the operational radius of NDDC .
” Kogi State was also declared as an oil producing state , but has not been collecting any 13% derivation “, he said .
Irked by the submission , Senator Echocho furiously took to the floor by admonishing Senator Nwoye to limit his argument to Anambra State and allow the senate to decide the fate of his bill.
” Senator Nwoye with all due respect , please stop dragging Kogi State into your argument for membership of Anambra State in NDDC . Kogi State is an oil producing State and has also been collecting 13% derivation since October 2022″, he said.
In a tension dousing move , the President of the State , Godswill Akpabio , said if the argument of Senator Nwoye on proposed membership of Anambra State in NDDC, is to be accepted by the Senate , then Lagos State , which has two oil wells in Badagry, will also clamour for membership of the commission .
On submissions made by Senator Nwoye that even if NDDC is considered to be a geographical or regional interventionist body , Anambra State qualifies to be a member on account of its proximity to Niger Delta area, Akpabio said the National boundary commission , would have decide that.
He accordingly put passage of the bill for second reading to voice votes with nays from Senators against it , overwhelming those in favour of it .
By Chris Udochukwu
The Senate Wednesday summoned the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory ( FCT, Abuja), Nyesom Wike and the Commissioner of Police , Benneth Igweĥèĥ3 to appear before it over spate of kidnapping in the territory.
Summoning of Wike and the FCT Police Commissioner by the Senate , was sequel to adoption of prayers contained in a motion sponsored by Senator Ned Nwoko ( PDP Delta North) on kidnap and killing of his Senior Legislative Aide ( SLA), Barrister Chris Agidy in Galadimawa last year .
Other prayers adopted by the Senate after exhaustive debate on the motion by Senators are that the Inspector – General of Police, ( IGP) Kayode Egbetokun , should urgently increase security patrols and surveillance within Abuja and across the Nation for proactive measures against kidnappings .
That the IGP should see to the installation of CCTV Cameras in strategic locations within and around Abuja Highways and that the Police should dedicate a three digit emergency number for effective emergency response .
That the Nigerian Communications Commission ( NCC) , should urgently ensure the functionality of dedicated emergency numbers for Police , Ambulance and Fire Service emergencies to enhance switft response to security and public safety incidents .
The FCT Minister and Police Commissioner , according to the President of the Senate , Godswill Akpabio , are to meet the Senate in closed door session on a date to be written in letter of summons to be forwarded to them by the Clerk of the Senate , Chinedu Akubueze .
” The FCT Minister and Police Commissioner , would appear before us in closed session on a date to be sent to them by the Clerk of the Senate .
” Their expected appearance before the Senate , is to hear from them , measures and strategies being put in place to stem the ugly tide of kidnappings in FCT .
” Incidences like kidnapping and killing of SLA of Senator Nwoko and some residents of FCT, are worrisome and must be stopped not only in FCT but in Nigeria generally “, he said .
The late Barrister Chris Agidy was kidnapped along with 19 others in Galadimawa in November 2023 .
By Chris Udochukwu
Chief Whip of the Senate, Mohammed Ali Ndume, has revealed plans by the National Assembly to amend relevant laws establishing the National Commission for Persons with Disability, and melt sanctions against heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) who refuse to hire qualified disabled Nigerians.
He spoke on Wednesday when members of FCT Para-soccer Team honoured him with an award in Abuja.
The Borno South senator said disabled Nigerians who have the requisite qualifications should be allowed to get gainful employment in MDAs and rise to become senior servants.
The lawmaker who donated N1 million to support the team said he’ll use his connections to get more opportunities for disabled soccer players.
He said: “This is the Para-soccer team of the FCT. They want to honour me. We’ve been supporting people with disabilities. These people have families and they have made us proud. They’ve won laurels for Nigeria. This team was founded over 30 years ago.
“I want to donate N1 million to support FCT Para-soccer. I’ll arrange for you to meet the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike. He will give you all the support.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu believes in his Renewed Hope Agenda. We’ll have the national event in a grandeur manner and all major political leaders will be there. We can arrange that this year. This year will be a year of Renewed Hope for every Nigerian.
“We’ll make it mandatory for every MDA of government to employ people with disabilities. They’ll be placed in offices and respected, become chief executives of such government agencies, become permanent secretaries. We’ve had a disabled senator who was the Chief Whip.”
Misbahu Lawan Didi, Founder of Para-Soccer, who presented award plaque, Ndume played a critical role in the passage of the Bill that established Disability Commission in Nigeria.
He also revealed how Ndume reached to the disabled community during the COVID-19 pandemic, and offered financial and materials assistance to them.
“Para-soccer game was founded in Nigeria. There are over 5,000 members across Nigeria. You’ve done more the disability community than any other politician in Nigeria. You played a role in the establishment of the Disability Commission. During the COVID-19 pandemic, you reached out to many disabled people.
“You’ve given over 5,000 tricycles to disabled people. You’ve sponsored many of our events. We want other senators to copy what Ndume is doing for disabled people in Nigeria. They need to copy him,” he said.
By Chris Udochukwu
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has finally given reasons why he elected to remove fuel subsidy, saying that the decision of his administration to remove subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) was premised on the need to ensure long-term energy security and economic prosperity of Nigeria.
Disclosing this in a statement signed by
The Deputy Director ( Press and Public Relations) Oluwakemi Ogunmakinwa Mrs., who disclosed this in a statement said, Tinubu stated this in his keynote address at the opening ceremony of the 7th Nigerian International Energy Summit (NIES) at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja on Tuesday, 27th February, 2024.
The President who was represented at the event by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, noted that the petroleum subsidy had, over the years, strained the country’s economic resources, leading to inefficiencies and, most importantly, hindering ability to invest in critical areas of energy security.
Tinubu admitted that the decision to remove the petroleum subsidy was a challenging one, but stressed that it was a step that must be taken to secure Nigeria’s energy future and foster economic growth.
He added that by removing the subsidy, “We are creating a more transparent and accountable energy sector. The funds that were previously allocated to subsidizing petroleum products are now redirected towards developing and upgrading our energy and other social infrastructure”.
“While we are immersed in energy security, let us not forget that Energy Transition is another key aspect of our discussions. We stand on the brink of a new era, where traditional energy sources are being complemented and, in some cases, replaced by cleaner and more sustainable alternatives. This transition is not only an environmental necessity but also an economic opportunity. We must leverage innovation and collaboration to ensure a smooth and just transition that will leave no one behind”, the President stated.
Highlighting some of the gains of the removal of the subsidy, the President said the private sector have been encouraged to participate in the energy industry with potential of attracting more local and international investors, fostering innovation and competition that will drive down costs and improve the overall efficiency of our energy sector.
In his address at the opening ceremony, the Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon, Ekperikpe Ekpo, advocated for a shift towards the vast potential that lies in Nigeria’s gas sector.
He emphasized that the shift towards gas was not merely an option but a necessity for the country’s economic resilience, adding that the gas industry presents a unique opportunity to diversify revenue streams, reduce dependence on oil, and create a more robust and sustainable economic foundation.
ABUJA- The Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC), has attributed the power outage experienced in some parts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to its faulty 33kV NIPP feeder.
The management of AEDC in a statement on its official X handle on Wednesday said that the power outage was also due to repairs on the transmission station at AT4.
“The management of AEDC wishes to notify its esteemed customers in Abuja that the power outage being experienced is due to a fault affecting the 33kV NIPP feeder.
“Repairs on the transmission station at AT4 are ongoing,” it said.
The company listed the areas affected to include, Dantata Estate, FO1, Chikakore, Byazin, Byazin Across, Gbazango, Guida Community, Military Pension Board and its environs.
“While we regret the inconvenience caused by the power outrage, please be assured that all relevant stakeholders are working to ensure power supply is restored soonest,’’ it said. (NAN)
LAGOS- Air Peace on Wednesday, announced N1.2 million and N4 million respectively on its London route for Economy and Business classes, effective March 30.
This is contained in a statement in Lagos by the airline’s Corporate Communications Lead, Mr Stanley Olisa.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that flight tickets for London in Nigeria are between N2.3 million to N4.2 million for economy and N6 million for business class.
According to Olisa, the flight schedules for Air Peace London route is now available on our website, and we are crashing the price of flight tickets.
”A return economy class ticket goes for N1.2 million, while a return business class ticket sells for N4 million.
”Nigerians studying in the United Kingdom can also now access their special 15 per cent rebate on the already reduced economy fares.”
NAN recalls that the airline had announced a special fare for Nigerian students in the UK when it hosted travel agents in Lagos in preparation for the launch of the London route.
Olisa also disclosed that London would be the airline’s seventh international destination since kicking off operations, almost 10 years ago.
NAN reports that Air Peace currently leads Nigeria’s aviation industry with a rapidly expanding network of 21 domestic routes, 10 regional routes and six international destinations with a growing modern fleet of more than 30 aircraft. (NAN)
UNITED STATES- U.S. rapper Sean “Diddy” Combs is enmeshed in a new legal as his former producer accused him of pressuring him, Meek Mill and other artistes into having gay sex with him in exchange for Grammy nominations and awards.
Rodney Jones, who also goes by Lil Rod, on Monday filed a 70-page lawsuit at the Federal District Court in Manhattan against Mr Combs detailing the allegations of sexual assault, drug dealing, hiring sex workers and participating in various sexual activities, all of which he was forced to endure while living with Mr Combs to work on his album.
Lil Rod claimed to have produced nine of the tracks in Diddy’s latest “The Love Album: Off the Grid,” and was only paid a pittance of $21,000 despite living in Diddy’s house for the 13 months it took to work on the album.
He claimed Diddy on several occasions groped his “anus and crotch without consent,” and even exploited his admiration of Stevie J, whom he idolised and looked up to, to force him into engaging in homosexual acts.
Lil Rod said he was showed a video of Stevie J having gay sex with a Caucasian male without condom, and was told by Diddy that “this is a normal practice in the music industry, look even Stevie J is doing it.” He attached a screenshot taken of the video to the lawsuit.
According to the producer’s account, he was forced to watch Diddy taking showers through his glass door bathroom, and was given drinks that had been heavily laced with cocaine and other hard drugs to make him lose his willpower not to have gay sex.
The producer, describing himself as a “heterosexual Christian man” said he was “uncomfortable with Mr Combs’ advances” and complained to his Chief of Staff, Kristina Khorram (“KK”), who flippantly dismissed him saying “you know, Sean will be Sean.”
Ms Khorram downplayed the constant groping of his anus as Diddy’s way of “showing that he likes you.”
To sweeten his advances, Lil Rod said Diddy promised to make him a Grammy winner in the producer of the year category provided he “engaged in homosexuality.”
“Mr Combs promised to make sure that Mr Jones wins producer of the year at the Grammys if he engaged in homosexuality,” the lawsuit said.
Diddy, according to Lil Rod, also disclosed that he had had sex with a male rapper whose description fit Meek Mills’.
“Mr Combs informed Mr Jones that he had engaged in sexual intercourse with rapper5 (Redacted), R&B singer6 (Redacted), and Stevie J.”
The lawsuit described rapper 5 whose name was redacted, as Philadelphia bred and a former boyfriend to rapper Nicki Minaj.
Meek Mill hails from Philadelphia and dated Nicki between 2014 and 2016. His rap album “Championships” received a Grammy nomination in 2020 and a second nomination with his “Back of My Mind” album in 2022. He won none.
In 2020, Nigeria’s award winning Afrobeats artiste Burna Boy announced that Diddy was among the executive producers for his ‘Twice As Tall’ album. The album eventually won Burna Boy his first Grammy award in 2021.
The Afrobeats artiste was also tapped to perform at the Grammy awards premiere ceremony in 2021.
“I Executive Produced his Grammy Award winning album Twice As Tall,” Diddy wrote on X in September 2023 praising Burna Boy for featuring in ‘Interlude,’ one of the tracks on his latest album.
“I’ve been blessed to work with incredible talent on this album. Me and my brother @BurnaBoy, we developed a brotherhood during quarantine,” Diddy added in his X post.
Diddy was also exposed to sexual assault and rape allegations last year when his former record label signee and ex-girlfriend, Cassandra Ventura, who sued him for $30 million. Diddy’s team of lawyers said their client denied the allegations and swiftly swung into action “amicably” settling the suit within 24 hours.
Lil Rod is similarly demanding $30 million as compensation for his work on the album as well as the abuse he claimed to have endured in Diddy’s home.
But Diddy’s lawyer Shawn Holley, labelled Lil Rod “a liar” that was “shamelessly looking for an undeserved payday,” Rolling Stone cited him as saying.
“His reckless name-dropping about events that are pure fiction and simply did not happen is nothing more than a transparent attempt to garner headlines,” Mr Holley told Rolling Stone.
A Nigerian migrant identified as Jonathan A, residing in Germany is exploiting the German immigration law to earn approximately €22,000 in monthly child support for the 24 children he claims to father
He led an extravagant lifestyle on social media.
Considered poor and “destitute” by German authorities which pays thousands of euros every month to support his so-called 24 children, Mr Jonathan leads a lavish life on Instagram and TikTok where he constantly flaunts his fleet of expensive cars and goes by the username, Mr Cash Money, according to an investigative report by ARD-Kontraste and Rbb24-Recherche.
The German immigration law allows children of its citizens to receive automatic citizenship whether or not they resided in Germany. The law also recognises the mothers and close relatives of these children as citizens.
Mr Jonathan has already racked up the number of his dependents to 94 persons including his 24 children, their mothers and close relations giving them easy access to the foreign citizenship which entitles him to a minimum of $22,500 to care for them. The Nigerian migrant still has two additional applications underway for children he claims to father.
But the report titled “fake fathers” found out that many people like Mr Jonathan receive payments from the so-called mothers, as fees to file for their citizenship, as a gateway to a better life loaded with benefits for their children and opportunity to live legally in Germany.
“Sham paternity is about allowing people who actually have no prospects of staying in Germany to stay in Germany,” Axel Boshamer, an immigration officer told ARD-Kontraste and Rbb24-Recherche.
“These people are willing to pay money for this, usually to the person who takes on the fictitious paternity.”
He stressed that many women from West African countries were taking advantage of the porous law to occupy North Rhine-Westphalia.
Andreas Keppke, who co-wrote the report, told the media that Mr Jonathan alone benefited over a million euros from taxpayers’ money from the German government.
“This man alone costs significantly more for the social security system than €1.5 million per year,” Remix News cited Mr Keppke as saying.
The German immigration law holds no sanction or punishment for persons who lie about fathering children just to obtain citizenship. Lying about paternity was not in any way considered a criminal offence.
Also, the fact that Germany lacked a central civil status register as a measure to protect the data and privacy rights of citizens, has been abused and now caused paternity fraud to thrive.
Certifying entities such as consular officials, registries, youth welfare offices have no way to verify the number of children an applicant has previously acknowledged before paternity is approved for new ones.
The nation’s ministry of justice has reacted swiftly to the report published on February 22 and was already preparing a draft law to deter other paternity abusers.
ONDO- President Bola Tinubu, on Wednesday in Owo, Ondo State, paid a condolence visit to the family of the late former Governor of the state, Rotimi Akeredolu, and visited the palace of the Olowo of Owo Kingdom, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye III.
Speaking at the palace of the Olowo of Owo Kingdom, the President eulogised the late Mr Akeredolu as a statesman and a distinguished legal luminary who served his people with unwavering dedication.
‘‘We lost an illustrious son. Akeredolu was very close to me and an ally. He was a son of the soil, and I have come to pay homage,’’ the President said at the Olowo’s palace.
He extended his prayers for the good health, progress, and prosperity of the traditional ruler and the community and thanked the people of Owo for their support to the bereaved family.
Accompanied by the Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Mr Tinubu also commiserated with the late governor’s widow, Betty, the children, and other family members.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
February 28, 2024
