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  • NLC kicks against calls for different minimum wage for states

    NLC kicks against calls for different minimum wage for states

    NLC kicks against calls for different minimum wage for states

    The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has opposed the call by some politicians for decentralizing minimum wage negotiations allowing states to have different minimum wages.

    In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Ibadan, the Secretary of NLC in Oyo State, Mr. Adebayo Aribatise, stated that decentralizing minimum wage negotiations would disadvantage workers in some states.

    Explaining the broader implications of a centralized minimum wage, Fayemi noted that only a small percentage of the population benefits directly from minimum wage negotiations.

    However, Aribatise strongly opposed decentralizing minimum wage negotiations, stating that it is not ideal for the country.

    He pointed out that some states have not yet fully implemented the old N30,000 minimum wage despite the efforts of the NLC at both the national and state levels.

    He said, “The fact remains that the law binds states to pay national minimum wage. It is expected that the federal government will continue to set the minimum wage. If not, some governors will continue to do as they like.”

    “Some governors will bastardise the agreement if we allow it and junior workers will continue to earn nothing worthwhile,”

    Backstory

    Former Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, had earlier emphasized the need for states to conduct wage negotiations with their labour unions independently from the Federal Government.

    Fayemi explained that the position of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, which he once chaired, was that states should be allowed to negotiate with their labour unions separately, as “fingers are not equal.”

    What you should know

    The negotiation for a new minimum wage has lingered on in the past months due to the difficulty of different stakeholders in reaching a consensus.

    While the federal government and the private sector have agreed on a new minimum wage of N62,000, organised labour led by the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) are proposing N250,000.

    According to organised labour groups, a N62,000 minimum wage is not enough for the average worker in light of the significant increase in the cost of goods and services across the nation.

    The federal government had earlier stated that it cannot sustain the proposed minimum wage by organised labour which would amount to around N19 trillion yearly.

    On the other hand, the private sector led by NECA had also complained that it cannot meet the demands of labour unions now or any time soon stating the goal of the tripartite committee is to focus on job creation.

    The negotiation for a new minimum wage has been thorny leading to strike action that nearly crippled the economy with the shutting down of the national grid.

  • BREAKING: Fire Guts Chris Oyakhilome’s Christ Embassy Church Headquarters In Lagos

    BREAKING: Fire Guts Chris Oyakhilome’s Christ Embassy Church Headquarters In Lagos

     

    BREAKING: Fire Guts Chris Oyakhilome’s Christ Embassy Church Headquarters In Lagos

     

    The church owned by Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, and located in the Oregun area of Ikeja, Lagos State, reportedly caught fire on Sunday morning.

    Property worth millions of naira have been destroyed in a fire incident that occurred at the headquarters of the Christ Embassy Church in Lagos.

     

    The church owned by Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, and located in the Oregun area of Ikeja, Lagos State, reportedly caught fire on Sunday morning.

    Multiple videos from the scene were seen by SaharaReporters.

    Posting on X, @Guavv918 said, “JESUS CHRIST… I just got to church. And the building is on fire. Christ Embassy Church.. Head Quarters (CELVZ) Billings way Ikeja is on fire.  Love World Convocation Arena Is On Fire. God have Mercy.”

     

     

  • FG to purchase 3.5 million electricity meters in 2024

    FG to purchase 3.5 million electricity meters in 2024

    FG to purchase 3.5 million electricity meters in 2024

    The federal government announced on Friday its plan to procure 3.5 million electricity meters by the end of the year to improve revenue for its cash-strapped power sector, where more than half of the customers are billed by estimates.

    The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu stated that most of the supply would be sourced from international vendors, while a smaller quantity is expected to come from local manufacturers due to their limited capacity. Chinese companies have frequently supplied meters to Nigeria.

    He made these remarks during an energy conference organized by BusinessDay Newspapers.

    He said, “This year 2 million meters would be procured plus the 1.5 million meters being procured with World Bank support. We are going to have 3.5 million meters installed by the year-end,”

    The minister added that competitive bidding for the first batch of 1.5 million meters has already been concluded, with delivery expected within months.

    He also mentioned that the government has agreed to release 20 billion naira to electricity distribution companies to procure meters for large users, whose tariffs were raised in April. This will ensure they are all metered by September.

    Nigeria’s metering gap

    The current Minister of Power, Bayo Adelabu, estimates the number of unmetered customers in the country to be between 7 and 8 million.

    However, a PwC analysis suggests a much higher figure, estimating 38.91 million unmetered customers. The report hypothesizes that around 50% of Nigeria’s installed meters are either obsolete or faulty, representing 1.7 million customers, 4.09 million unmetered, and 33.1 million unconnected potential customers.

    According to the NERC in 2023, the overall metering rate across all DisCos was 44.51%. Ikeja DisCo had the highest metering rate at 72.0%, while Yola DisCo recorded the lowest at 18%.

    Out of 12.82 million customers, approximately 5.70 million were metered, leaving 7.11 million consumers unmetered. This represents a metering gap of 55.49% as of September 30, 2023.

    Customers without meters are required to pay a fixed, estimated charge, regardless of the erratic supply from the aging grid. Last year, 57% of all complaints received were about disputed bills, according to a report by the 5.49% as of September 30, 2023.

    Customers without meters are required to pay a fixed, estimated charge, regardless of the erratic supply from the aging grid. Last year, 57% of all complaints received were about disputed bills, according to a report by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).

    World Bank loan for electricity sector

    Recently, the federal government secured a $500 million World Bank facility to improve the power sector part of which will be channelled into providing meters for electricity consumers.

    The Bureau of Public Enterprise (BPE) announced that the World Bank approved the loan in 2021. It was included in the government’s borrowing plan this month after certain milestones were achieved.

  • he Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) has dismissed rumours linking Herve Renard with the Super Eagles head coach position,

    he Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) has dismissed rumours linking Herve Renard with the Super Eagles head coach position,

    Nigeria Football Team News: Herve Renard not on NFF’s shortlist to replace Finidi George

    A senior NFF official has reportedly revealed that they have not approached Renard, who currently coaches the French women’s national team, to replace Finidi George.

    Finidi, it would be recalled, stepped down after just two games in charge of the Super Eagles, leaving the NFF searching for a new head coach

    Despite Renard’s impressive record in African football, including Africa Cup of Nations victories with Zambia in 2012 and Ivory Coast in 2015, the NFF is not considering him for the role. Renard also recently led Saudi Arabia to a notable World Cup victory over Argentina.

    An NFF official told BBC’s Oluwashina Okeleji, “This report is inaccurate. We’ve not contacted Renard or his reps (representatives).”

    Renard, a three-time CAF Coach of the Year, is currently focused on preparing the French women’s team for the upcoming Olympics.

    The NFF is under pressure from fans to appoint a high-profile coach, but they have yet to make any moves towards Renard.

    Instead, they are reportedly considering other candidates, including former Cameroon coach Antonio Conceicao.

    The NFF’s primary goal is to ensure the Super Eagles qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after missing out on the 2022 tournament in Qatar. With the search ongoing, the NFF aims to find a coach capable of leading Nigeria back to the global stage.

     

  • Nigeria Football News: We’ve Changed NNL Narratives for Good, Says Aluo

    Nigeria Football News: We’ve Changed NNL Narratives for Good, Says Aluo

    Chairman of Nigeria National League, (NNL) Mr. George Aluo, has said that the present board of the second-tier league under his watch has in less than one year in office succeeded in changing the narratives of the most important league in the country even as he commended sportswriters for being partners in progress with the league body.

    Speaking with journalists in Lagos as a special guest of the just concluded Paddysco Sports Award, Aluo described the league and Super 8 at Enugu as a huge success noting that the league house will build on the successes recorded to prosecute a more successful league next season.

    “The just concluded league was a huge success and let me start by saying a very big thank you to my colleagues. They’ve been wonderful.The support they’ve given us has been massive and don’t forget that football is a media event and as we tried to change the narratives, my colleagues in the media cued in and as such they deserve special recognition for their role in supporting the NNL.

    “I decided to single out the media because if we’re doing a good job and the media refuses to put us on the spotlight, we won’t be able to make Nigerians appreciate what we’re doing,” he stressed

    Aluo explained that when the present board took over July last year, the NNL was described as cash and carry league while some people described it as Inter House League but in less than one year on the saddle, the perception has changed.

    According to him, when the NFF President, Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau gave him the mandate to lead the NNL, he felt it was a challenge because he knew that other journalists who have been there before him namely; Fan Ndubuoke, Mitchel Obi, Danladi Bako, Mainasara Iloh and Paul Bassey performed excellently well and with Aisha Falode being on the board of NFF with him, he has no reason to fail.

    “When the NFF President Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau first appointed me as the chairman of NNL, I saw it as a challenge because other journalists before me performed excellently well on the NNL. But today I can beat my chest to say that after one year, we have re- branded the league.

    The NNL boss further described the Super 8 as a testimony to the fact that 8 teams that came to Enugu got there on merit and at the end of the day, the best four teams were promoted to the NPFL positing that it was the excellent administrative frame work put in place that enabled an academy team like Beyond Limits to gain promotion to the elite league which goes to show the quality of the league and that there was a level playing ground.

     

  • Protesters shot and fire at parliament as Kenyans demonstrate against tax rises

    Protesters shot and fire at parliament as Kenyans demonstrate against tax rises

     

    Protesters shot and fire at parliament as Kenyans demonstrate against tax rises

     

    Dozens of injured sent to main referral hospital
    published at 14:23
    14:23
    Some 45 injured people have been sent to Nairobi’s Kenyatta National Hospital, the country’s biggest referral hospital

    They are receiving treatment and surgery, the hospital says on X, external.

    “Seven being female with different kinds of injuries… We have had no mortalities from the demonstration so far.

     

    Protesters inside parliament
    published at 14:14
    14:14
    More footage of the protest is starting to emerge as the unrest intensifies. In a video posted on X, external, several men men are seen pulling apart a stand that displays flags in the Parliament building, smashing the poles against the floor.

    Another man attempts to kick in the doors to the senate.Glass covers the ground and shouting and the sound of whistles can be heard in the background.

     

     

    At least 10 killed – paramedic
    published at 14:04
    14:04
    Several people are feared dead from the clashes between police and protesters.

    A paramedic has told the Reuters news agency that at least 10 protesters have been killed so far.

    The death toll is likely to rise as police continue to battle the protesters inside and outside parliament.

    Ambulances can be seen carrying the injured from the streets.

    I am at All Saints Cathedral, close to the Central Business District, where medics and doctors have set up a medical camp. Dozens of doctors are here receiving casualties.

    People are running into the cathedral chased by police who are lobbing tear gas. And just in the past few minutes we have seen two ambulances arrive carrying some of the wounded.

    The police are shooting with live ammunition. We have seen two people arrive with gunshot wounds. They are injured but conscious.

    There are dead but not here.

    Earlier I was at the Nairobi expressway where I could see bodies on the street. They were lying in pools of blood, with one’s head completely blown off.

  • Ghana: Artist stunned the crowd with an emotional songs

    Ghana: Artist stunned the crowd with an emotional songs

     

    Everyone has their own way of dealing with heartbreak. Some take to drinking and heavy smoking, while others cry and lock themselves in their rooms for days without eating.

  • #CHIVIDO24: Davido Shed ‘Tears Of Joy’ As Chioma’s Father Blesses Their Marriage

    #CHIVIDO24: Davido Shed ‘Tears Of Joy’ As Chioma’s Father Blesses Their Marriage

    Afrobeats star and newlywed, David Adeleke, widely known as Davido, was moved to tears as Chioma Rowland’s parents prayed for the couple at their traditional wedding.

    A touching video circulating online captured Davido shedding tears of joy while Chioma’s father bestowed blessings upon them.

    the much-anticipated wedding of Davido and Chioma in Lagos State has flooded social media with joyful and touching moments. Amidst the celebrations, there were also deeply emotional scenes.

    In the video, the couple is seen kneeling before Chioma’s parents as her father prayed for them.

    Chioma’s father prayed, “David and Chioma, on Christ the solid rock you will stand. If you think you have made it, what the Lord will do is almost ten times what you see. You are blessed in the morning, afternoon, and night. Everywhere you go, there will be light. Anywhere you go where there is confusion, your presence will bring direction.

    “You are a solution and never a problem. God is blessing you and will continue to bless you. You are a fountain of blessings to the Adelekes, not a disgrace. You have fought battles, and God says he has taken over.”

    As the prayer concluded and Davido raised his head, his tear-streaked face was evident, and his groomsman quickly dabbed away his tears.

    Before the blessings, Davido had expressed his commitment to Chioma and their future, promising her parents that he would cherish and protect their daughter.

    Davido proclaimed, “I promise you that your daughter will be protected, respected, and connected. Mummy, Daddy, I love you. Everyone knows I am happy today; this is the happiest day of my life.”

  • #CHIVIDO2024: Obasanjo Arrives Davido, Chioma’s Wedding Venue

    #CHIVIDO2024: Obasanjo Arrives Davido, Chioma’s Wedding Venue

    Former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, alongside Former Akwa Ibom Governor, Udom Emmanuel, has arrived David Adedeji Adeleke, popularly known as Davido and Chioma Rowland’s wedding venue in Lagos.

    Kicnews reports that dignitaries and top celebrities are expected to attend this highly anticipated wedding, which is strictly by invitation.

    It’s well-known that Davido and Chioma are getting married today, June 25th, 2024. The power couple has been in the headlines recently after releasing their pre-wedding photos.

    Meanwhile, Davido, is fully dressed up alongside his groomsmen for his wedding with his wife, Chioma.

    The Grammy-nominated singer is excitedly ready to go home with his wife, Chioma. He expressed his excitement, calling it a blessed and great day for him.

    In a video, Davido, preparing for his big day with a fresh haircut, he said: “I feel good, the best day of my life, it is a great day and we’re here to receive our wife.”

    Ahead of the wedding ceremony, Governor Ademola Adeleke, who was dressed in his usual traditional outfit, was seen in a viral video catching up with Davido, who was also heavily dressed in traditional attire.

    mmediately the governor got close to Davido, the “Fall” crooner screamed at the top of his voice saying: “the future president” as he bowed to Adeleke as a sign of respect in line with the Yoruba tradition.

    See video of the moment Obasanjo arrived the wedding venue:

     

  • IT SKILLS: Kaduna Digital Academy Graduates 40 In IT Skills

    IT SKILLS: Kaduna Digital Academy Graduates 40 In IT Skills

    As part of efforts to reduce unemployment and provide youths with employable skills, Ihifix Digital Academy in Kaduna has graduated 40 individuals in software development, product design, and data analytics.

    The graduates include secondary school leavers, undergraduate students, bankers, housewives, and others who were trained for several months in various tech-related skills.

    One of the course instructors disclosed that, as a graduation requirement, the students were tasked with identifying a problem in their surroundings and solving it using their IT skills

    Notable projects by the students include: Diety, an app to simplify meal planning for individuals with specific dietary needs; Rental App to enhance rental property management by streamlining tenant-landlord communication, rent payments, and maintenance management.

    Other projects carried out by the graduates includes creation of TradeCrafts, a platform supporting young artisans and entrepreneurs by showcasing their handmade creations and providing access to mentorship and among others.

    Founder of the Academy, Emmanuel Adikpe, stated that the graduates are job-ready and can apply their skills wherever they find themselves. “We will not stop until you get a job,” Adikpe said.