PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

 Abia cocoa association alleges extortion by monitoring team, demands probe The Abia State chapter of the Cocoa Association of Nigeria has called on Governor Alex Otti to disband the recently constituted Cocoa Monitoring Team in the state for allegedly using the deputy governor’s name, Ikechukwu Emetu, to extort N1.5 million from cocoa merchants in the state. The association, in a statement signed by its chairman, Mr Johnson Chidi-Uche, also urged the state government to set up a panel of inquiry to probe and investigate the activities of members of the monitoring team, including Mrs Sarah Uzochukwu, its Secretary, Mr Enoch Eke Kalu, the Chairman and Chibunna Osondu Nkwocha, whose bank account was reportedly used to collect the illegal money through transfers from her members. CAN also pray that the state government compels the persons mentioned above to return the over N1.8 million they illegally and fraudulently collected from its members. It averred that trouble started when mem...

 Human Rights Commission receives 1,238 complaints on abuses in Abia The National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, in Abia State said it received 1,238 written complaints on human rights abuses from January 2024 to date. The state coordinator of NHRC, Mrs Uche Nwokocha, gave the figure on Monday in Umuahia during the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and beginning of 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, GBV. Nwokocha said that the number of the abused persons would have been more than 5,000, if those who walked into the commission’s office to complain or did so through phone calls were to be included. NHRC, which in conjunction with National Orientation Agency, marched through major streets of Umuahia campaigning against GBV, said that the written complaints were mostly about civil liberties, such as abuses by security agents and GBV. She said that the commission received five complaints on rape, but decried the bottlenecks faced in prosecu...

 Gov Okpebholo lavished over N30bn left by Obaseki in 14 days – PDP alleges Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has accused the Governor Monday Okpebholo-led government of squandering over N30 billion left in the state’s coffer by the immediate past government of Godwin Obaseki, two weeks after he was sworn-in as governor. The caretaker committee chairman of the party in the State Dr Anthony Aziegbemi made the allegation at a press conference titled, “State of the Nation Address”. Aziegbemi alleged that the money was spent by the governor to compensate “godfathers” who worked for him during the September 21, 2024, governorship election The PDP caretaker committee chairman, who accused the APC-led government of not paying the state’s civil and public workers the November monthly salary, noted that the development was contrary to the record set by the former PDP-led government under the Governor Godwin Obaseki where the state’s workers received monthly salary on o...

 John Alfred Tinniswood, the world’s oldest man, has passed away at the age of 112.  Born on August 26, 1912, Tinniswood lived a remarkable life spanning over a century. His death was confirmed by family members, who shared that he passed away peacefully on Monday at the Southport care home in northwest England, where he had been living. Tinniswood became the world’s oldest man earlier this year in April after the death of Juan Vicente Pérez Mora of Venezuela, who was 114. A lifelong fan of football, Tinniswood was especially devoted to the English club Liverpool. His family revealed that his final day was spent “surrounded by music and love,” reflecting his warm and cherished personality. Tinniswood lived through some of history’s most significant events, including both World Wars, and was born in the same year as the Titanic tragedy. When asked about the secret to his long life, Tinniswood often credited “pure luck.” Speaking to Guinness World Records, he once said, “You eit...

 Drake has filed a lawsuit against Universal Music and Spotify, accusing the companies of manipulating streams for Kendrick Lamar’s diss track, Not Like Us. In court documents filed in New York, Drake’s company, Frozen Moments LLC, alleges the two companies orchestrated a scheme involving bots, payola, and other tactics to boost the song’s popularity artificially. According to Drake’s legal team, Universal Music launched a deliberate campaign to influence streaming platforms and radio airplay rather than relying on organic fan demand. “They did not rely on chance,” the lawsuit states, claiming the campaign targeted the song’s visibility through various unlawful means. Universal Music has denied the allegations, with a spokesperson calling the claims “offensive and untrue.” The spokesperson added that “fans choose the music they want to hear,” rejecting the idea of artificial promotion. The lawsuit adds another layer to the ongoing rivalry between the two artists, further intensifyi...

 Nigerian economy is still very tough, but a worse situation is still coming– Primate Elijah Ayodele warns Tinubu The Leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, on Tuesday warned President Bola Tinubu about the situation of the Nigerian economy and what is to come. Primate Ayodele said the Nigerian economy is still very tough, but a worse situation is still coming. In a statement signed by his Media Aide, Oluwatosin Osho, the prophet, who foretold the current economic situation of Nigeria two years ago, advised the President to work on how to make the country better because what is coming ahead is tougher than what is currently being experienced. He said: “The Nigerian economy is still very hard; everyone is just managing, but what is coming isn’t small at all. It will be tougher than what we are experiencing. This is not a doom prophecy but what is going to happen, and it would be better for the President to listen because it won’t be business as usual.” ...

 It means more to me as it’s a testament to the power of collaboration, perseverance, and passion” – May Edochie grateful as she wins Brand Ambassador of the Year award May Edochie bags Brand Ambassador of the year award May Edochie, the estranged wife of Nollywood actor Yul Edochie, has been left overwhelmed and honored as she bags another award. The mother of four was honored with the Brand Ambassador of the Year award at the just concluded Nigerian Social Media Awards. Though the fast-rising ambassador and influencer weren’t available to receive the award, her daughter, Danielle, had stood in the gap for her. Taking to her Instagram page, May expressed her heartfelt gratitude to her family members and online family for their encouragement and unwavering support which made it happen. She also gave thanks to all the brands working with her for allowing her to represent their organizations. She noted how without them, the achievement wouldn’t be possible. May Edochie stated that th...

  STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE PRESIDENT TINUBU NOMINATES THREE NEW BOARD MEMBERS FOR THE CODE OF CONDUCT BUREAU In a move to enhance oversight mechanisms, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has nominated three new members to fill existing vacancies on the board of the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB).    The announcement was made in a formal letter addressed to the Senate President.   The nominees are Alhaji Fatai Ibikunle from Oyo State, Kennedy Ikpeme from Cross River, and Justice Ibrahim Buba, a retired judge of the Federal High Court.   Established in 1979, the Code of Conduct Bureau plays a critical role in maintaining integrity within public service and ensuring compliance with the country’s ethical standards.    The Bureau operates with a 10-member board.   On October 23, 2024, President Tinubu swore in the chairman of the board, Dr. Abdullahi Usman Bello.    The current board includes: Barr. Muritala Aliyu Kankia, Hon. E J Agbomayinma, Barr. ...

  Dad who flew to LAX to find missing daughter Hannah Kobayashi dies by suicide near airport A Hawaii woman's father who flew to Los Angeles looking for her after she was reported missing has been found dead near Los Angeles International Airport. The body of Ryan Kobayashi, 58, was found in a parking lot on Sunday, according to the Los Angeles County medical examiner. Los Angeles Police Department officials said they responded to reports of a body in the 6100 block of Century Boulevard about 4 a.m. Sunday and discovered someone dead of an apparent suicide. Kobayashi was in Los Angeles looking for his daughter, Hannah Kobayashi, 30, who was last seen at LAX on Nov. 8 and last contacted her family by phone Nov. 9, according to an LAPD news release. Relatives confirmed Ryan Kobayashi's death in a Sunday statement, saying they had "endured a devastating tragedy." "After tirelessly searching throughout Los Angeles for 13 days, Hannah’s father, Ryan Kobayashi, tragica...

 SANWO-OLU PERFORMS GROUND BREAKING OF ALABA RAGO TRANSNATIONAL MARKET    The Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Tuesday performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the new ultramodern Alaba Rago Transnational Market in the Iba Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of the State, saying the development was in line with its administration’s market transformation moves of the THEMES+ development agenda. The new Alaba Rago Transnational Market, when completed in the next two years, will comprise of over 5,000 shops, an event hall, banks, a hotel, a fire station, an abattoir, a place of worship, a sewage treatment plant, a police post, a recreation center and a parking arena, among others. Speaking during the groundbreaking ceremony, Governor Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by his Special Adviser on EGIS and Urban Development, Dr. Olajide Babatunde, assured traders whose shops were demolished for the re-development of allocations once the project is completed within...

 UK Supreme Court Considers Case on the Definition of 'Woman' The UK Supreme Court began hearing a significant case on Tuesday, addressing a long-standing dispute between campaigners and the Scottish government over the legal definition of a "woman." The case, initiated by the group For Women Scotland, argues that sex is biologically fixed and immutable, a stance that could have far-reaching implications for debates surrounding trans rights and the legal distinctions between sex and gender in the UK. The outcome of the case could influence the country’s gender-recognition process and access to single-sex spaces for trans individuals. The campaigners contend that the definitions of "woman" in the UK's 2010 Equality Act and the 2004 Gender Recognition Act are incompatible. The 2010 Equality Act prohibits discrimination based on characteristics like sex, gender, and gender reassignment, defining a woman as “a female of any age.” In contrast, the 2004 Act al...

 Senate Moves to Require 20% Cassava Flour in Wheat Products The Nigerian Senate has moved forward with a bill requiring the inclusion of 20% high-quality cassava flour in wheat used by local producers or imported into the country. The bill, which successfully passed its second reading, aims to reduce Nigeria’s annual wheat importation costs, currently exceeding $3 billion. The proposed legislation seeks to promote cassava farming, create a sustainable market for cassava flour, and regulate the proportion of cassava to wheat in flour production. Senator Saliu Mustapha, the bill's sponsor, highlighted the potential for the initiative to cut wheat import costs, support Nigeria’s position as the world’s largest producer of cassava, and stimulate job creation in agriculture. The bill also proposes tax incentives for wheat and cassava flour producers and importers, with an emphasis on reducing Nigeria's food import bill and boosting rural development and food security. This move ali...

 STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE PRESIDENT TINUBU CELEBRATES REVIVAL OF PORT HARCOURT REFINERY AND DIRECTS NNPC LIMITED TO PROMPTLY REACTIVATE WARRI AND KADUNA REFINERIES President Bola Tinubu extends his heartfelt congratulations to the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) on the successful revitalization of the Port Harcourt refinery, marked by the official commencement of petroleum product loading on November 26, 2024.   The President acknowledges the pivotal role of former President Muhammadu Buhari in initiating the comprehensive rehabilitation of all our refineries and expresses gratitude to the African Export-Import Bank for its confidence in financing this critical project.   Furthermore, President Tinubu commends the leadership of NNPC Limited's Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Mele Kyari, whose unwavering dedication and commitment were instrumental in overcoming challenges to achieve this milestone.   With the successful revival of the Port Harcou...

 STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE PRESIDENT TINUBU HONOURS INVITATION FOR A STATE VISIT TO FRANCE President Bola Tinubu will depart Abuja on Wednesday to begin a state visit to France in honour of an invitation from President Emmanuel Macron.   The Nigerian leader's three-day visit, which will  focus on strengthening political, economic, and cultural relations and establishing more opportunities for partnership, particularly in agriculture, security, education, health, youth engagement and employment, innovation, and energy transition, promises significant benefits for Nigeria.   President Tinubu and his wife, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, will be received on Thursday at the 350-year-old French military museum, Les Invalides and Palais de l'Élysée, by Macron and his spouse, Brigitte, for initial ceremonies that will dovetail into bilateral meetings.   During the visit, President Tinubu and President Macron will harmonise positions on stimulating more interest in exchange progra...

JOINT SECURITY TEAM BURSTS A NOTORIOUS CRIMINAL GANG OF THREE, ARRESTS TWO OF THE ARMED SUSPECTS AND DECLARES THE OTHER POPULARLY KNOWN AS AKADA WANTED OVER ARMED ROBBERY, ILLEGAL POSSESSION OF FIREARM AND ENFORCEMENT OF ILLEGAL SIT-AT-HOME Police-led Anti-Sit-Home Joint patrol with Anambra Vigilante Operatives on 25/11/2024 by 10 am burst a notorious criminal gang of three in Nkwelle - Ezunaka, 3-3 area, arrest two of the armed suspects and declared the other popularly known as Akada wanted over armed robbery, illegal possession of firearm and enforcement of illegal Sit-at-Home. The Operatives recovered one English-made pistol and other incriminating items.  The suspects include one Chinedu Amah and Prince Nwogu all males and residents in Nkwelle - Ezunaka. They were arrested during a hot chase by the Operatives after the victim raised an alarm about how they held him at gunpoint and dispossessed him of his iPhone and other personal belongings.  They all confessed to the crim...

 Besigye wife urges Uganda to arraign him in civilian court The wife of Ugandan opposition politician Kizza Besigye has said she does not expect him to get a fair trial after he was detained in neighbouring Kenya, brought home and accused of possessing weapons and other offences in a military court, Reuters reported. Winnie Byanyima said last week her husband was seized as he prepared to attend a book launch in Nairobi on November 16 – in what both rights group Amnesty International and a senior official at Kenya's foreign ministry have described as an abduction. Uganda's government spokesperson, Chris Bar yomunsi, said last week his country does not carry out abductions, and that arrests abroad were done in collaboration with host countries, but did not comment on the specific case. "In the military court, we do not expect to get justice," Winnie Byanyima told Reuters in an interview in Kampala on Saturday. "We can only wait for them to appear in a civilian cour...

 Police Confirm Abduction of Chevron Staff in Akwa Ibom The Akwa Ibom Police Command has confirmed the abduction of Mr. Samuel Ekerenam, the owner of Hephzibah Shopping Mall in Eket, located along the Afaha Uqua Obok-Idim road in the Eket Local Government Area. ASP Timfon John, the State Police Public Relations Officer, provided the update during an interview with journalists in Eket on Tuesday. He confirmed that the abduction took place on Saturday at approximately 10:55 p.m. at Ekerenam's shopping mall. According to John, armed kidnappers took the victim after killing his personal driver and incapacitating his police escort. The gunmen then abducted Ekerenam. “The Commissioner of Police, Mr. Joseph Eribo, and his tactical team have visited the crime scene, and efforts are underway to safely rescue the victim,” John stated. It is worth noting that this incident follows a previous kidnapping of Ekerenam's wife, Mrs. Glory Ekerenam, on October 17, 2019, in Eket. She was held in ...

 Reps Urge FG to Provide Reliable Data on Housing Deficit The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to provide accurate, scientific, and verifiable data on the nation’s housing deficit and to enhance access to affordable housing. The resolution was made during Tuesday’s plenary after adopting a motion titled "Provision of Affordable Housing in Nigeria," sponsored by Emmanuel Ukpong-Udo, the lawmaker representing Ikono/Ini Federal Constituency in Akwa Ibom State. In his support for the motion, Ukpong-Udo emphasized that reliable data is a crucial factor in the planning and execution of government projects at all levels. He pointed out that the housing sector in Nigeria, which faces a significant deficit, is hindered by the lack of credible data to effectively plan and implement housing policies and strategies. "The housing sector in Nigeria, with its vast deficit, lacks reliable data for the planning and execution of housing policies and strategies...

 Reps Approve Finance Ministry Amendment Bill for Second Reading The House of Representatives on Tuesday passed for a second reading a Bill aimed at repealing the Ministry of Finance Incorporated Act of 1959 and replacing it with the Ministry of Finance Act of 2024. Leading the debate on the Bill's general principles, Ademorin Kuye explained that the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MoFI) was established in 1959 by an Act of Parliament to act as the sole custodian of Federal Government assets across the country. However, Kuye pointed out that since its inception, MoFI has failed to function effectively due to issues such as asset mismanagement, diversion, and abuse. Kuye emphasized that the 1959 Act, which consists of only six sections, is outdated and lacks the framework necessary for MoFI to operate efficiently in modern Nigeria. He highlighted that the proposed new Act would introduce a comprehensive framework with 49 sections, addressing the conduct, management, and custodians...

 Gov. Mbah Proposes N971bn 2025 Budget for Enugu State, Focuses on Education and Infrastructure Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, has unveiled a N971 billion budget for 2025, a significant 86.4% increase over the 2024 budget. The proposed budget allocates 86% to capital expenditure (N837.9bn) and 14% to recurrent expenditure (N133.1bn). Key priorities include education, with N320.6bn set aside for the sector, as well as major investments in roads, water, energy, and healthcare.  Mbah also highlighted a dramatic 286.2% increase in the state's Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), which rose to N144.7bn in September 2024. The Governor expressed confidence in elevating Enugu to a top-three state in national GDP and securing inclusive economic growth. The Enugu State House of Assembly has committed to early passage of the budget to support the governor's development plans.

 Reps Join Senate, Demand Sack of CCT Chairman The House of Representatives, like the Senate, has invoked the provisions of Paragraph 17(3), Part 1, Fifth Schedule of the Constitution to call for the removal of Umar Danladi, Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT). Hon. Julius Ihonvbere, who moved the motion, cited Paragraph 17(3), Part 1, Fifth Schedule of the Constitution and Section 22(3) of the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act, which mandates the President to act on an address supported by a two-thirds majority of both the Senate and the House of Representatives to remove the chairman for misconduct. The House highlighted Danladi’s recent public altercation with a security guard at the Banex Plaza Shopping Complex in Abuja, an incident that led to his invitation by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions.  While Danladi initially appeared before the committee and admitted to the altercation, he later refused to attend further hea...

 PRESS RELEASE JOB RACKETEERING: POLICE ARREST FOUR SUSPECTS FOR FORGERY, JOB RACKETEERING AND IMPERSONATION As Police Operatives Foil Kidnapping Attempt in Katsina State, Other States, Rescue 207 Kidnap Victims. Following a report received from the office of the Special Assistant to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and subsequent extensive intelligence gathering, operatives of the IGP-Special Investigation Unit have apprehended four (4) suspects alleged of criminal conspiracy,  forgery of official documents, job racketeering, impersonation, and obtaining money under false pretence. The suspects, identified as Khuzaifa Tafida ‘m’, Zakari Abdullahi ‘m’, Abdullahi Baba ‘m’, and Adeyemo Morufu ‘m’, belong to a syndicate involved in forging classified documents emanating from Government Agencies/ Organizations in the bid to deceive unsuspecting victims and extort money from them under the guise of securing a job for them at the prestigious Nigeria Police Academy, ...

 I congratulate my adorable wife on her win at BON Awards 2024 - Nigeria Businessman Alhaji Kazeem Adeoti congratulate wife Nigeria Business Man Alhaji Kazeem Adeoti aka Adekaz have taken celebration to his verified social media handle to congratulate wife on the BOm Award 2024 as best supporting actress. The proud husband and supportive husband noted that the award means alots to them and the entire production teams. To the glory of God and humanity, I congratulate my adorable wife on her win at BON Awards 2024 as BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS for her impeccable performance in ADA OMO DADDY. This win means a lot to us and the entire production team, for truly there is no victory in isolation. Many thanks to the Executive Governor of Kwara state, Mallam Abdulrahman Abdulrasaq His wife, and his amazing cabinet for their unmatched hospitality. I also congratulate organizers of BON Awards under the leadership of Mr. Seun Oloketuyi. As we fast approach the release of THIN LINE come December ...

 There’s no Mercy Aigbe without y’all – Mercy Aigbe overwhelmed with gratitude as she wins Best Supporting Actress at BON Awards Nollywood actress Mercy Aigbe has expressed gratitude after winning the Best Supporting Actress at BON Awards We reported on Sunday that Nollywood stars, filmmakers, and practitioners gathered at the Sugar Factory Film Studios in Ilorin Kwara State for the Best of Nollywood awards. Mercy Aigbe, who was in attendance with her husband, Kazim Adeoti, has won the Best Supporting Actress award. Taking to her Instagram page, she stated that she was overwhelmed with gratitude as she dedicated the award to everyone who has supported her this far. She noted how there would be no Mercy Aigbe without their love and support, which means the world to her. She also dedicated the award to everyone who went to the Cinemas last year December to see her first Cinema movie, Ada Omo Daddy.

 May this special day be etched in your memory forever – Iyabo Ojo prays for Dayo Amusa as she storms her son’s naming ceremony with Tope Osoba Nollywood actress Iyabo Ojo was among the few Nollywood stars who attended Dayo Amusa’s son’s naming ceremony We reported a week back that the movie star had welcomed her first child, a baby boy, which she christened Oluwafirewamiri, which could be shortened as Olufire. On Monday, the actress held a naming ceremony for her son, which had in attendance a few of her colleagues. Iyabo had shared a video of her and recovery actress, Tope Osoba at the ceremony. In the clip, the movie stars were captured meeting the newborn. In her caption, Iyabo stated that it was an absolute delight celebrating with her as she wished Dayo the best as she embarks on her new journey.

 Dayo Amusa releases beautiful photos of herself and son Nollywood actress Dayo Amusa had released beautiful photos of herself and her son on social media The photos found online captured the mother and son looking beautiful in a bright yellow outfit. The young boy was dressed as a little prince while the mother embraced him with love. Beautiful reactions followed the released photos as many continued to congratulate and pray for the mother and son.

 Tell us if your husband is missing – Dayo Amusa finally replies those asking her about the father of her newborn son, speaks on motherhood Nollywood actress Dayo Amusa has finally responded to those querying her over the father of her newborn son We reported on Monday last week that the actress had welcomed a baby boy, Oluwafirewamiri. Noting how her treasure has arrived, Dayo expressed gratitude to her Maker as she expressed how excited she was to be a mum. On Monday, November 25th, the Yoruba actress held a naming ceremony for her newborn son, which had in attendance a few of her colleagues like veteran Fali Werepe, Omowunmi Ajiboye, Damola Olatunji, Iyabo Ojo, and Tope Osoba. From the clips of the naming ceremony, many noticed that the father of her son was noticeably absent, which left many bombarding her with questions. Replying to them in a Live session, Dayo Amusa questioned if their husbands were missing or if they were counting census. She told her haters that it wasn’t a...

  Four Troops Killed As Thousands Defy Pakistan Crackdown to Rally for Imran Khan's Release  Four Pakistani security troops were killed on Tuesday in the capital, Islamabad, run over by a convoy of protesters seeking the release of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan, the prime minister's office said. Thousands of Khan's supporters marched on the capital, breaking through barricades in response to his call for a sit-in protest near parliament to press demands ranging from their leader's release to the government's resignation. Mr. Khan, who has been in jail since August of 2023 and faces more than 150 criminal cases, remains hugely popular despite attempts by the military-backed civilian government to suppress his support. His party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, or P.T.I., says the cases are politically motivated. Mr. Khan accuses the government and military of teaming up to crush his party, rig elections and undermine democracy. The government argues that Mr. Khan...

 Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria Pays Historic Visit to Onitsha Basilica  By Juliana Nwachukwu/Anakor Judith/Ngozi Okoli The Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria, His Excellency, Most Rev.Michael Francis Crotty paid a historic visit to the Basilica of the Most Holy Trinity, Onitsha Anambra State Most Rev.Crotty who is also the Ambassador for Vatican City in his homily during the Solemn Mass, expressed gratitude to the Nigerian Catholic faithfuls for their steadfastness in faith as well as their zeal in worshipping God. He highlighted the universal church solidarity with Nigeria, affirming the Pontiff's prayers and blessings for the country’s peace, unity and progress.  The visit which marked  his first official visit to Onitsha Catholic Archdiocese since his appointment as the Vatican’s representative to Nigeria, underscored the Vatican’s commitment to the spiritual growth of the Catholic Church in Nigeria. Receiving the Apostolic Nuncio, the  Archbishop of Onitsha, His Grac...

 Onitsha North LGA Secretariat Regains Electricity After 15 Years By Uche Azuka and Anthonia Amaechina In a significant development, the Mayor of Onitsha North Local Government Area, Mr. Tony Nworah, has successfully restored electricity to the council's secretariat after over 15 years of darkness. The Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) reconnected power to the premises, marking a major milestone for the local government. According to the Mayor, the move is expected to greatly improve working conditions for staff housed by the council, including local, state, and federal government employees.  He noted that he is committed to provide a conducive environment for public servants. * Azuka and Amaechina are of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *

 Anambra Commences New Minimum Wage Payment in October - Mefor  By Uzo Ugwunze  Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor has described Governor Chukwuma Soludo as labour friendly for being among the first set of governors to implement payment of the New Minimum wage since October 2024. According to a press release made available to newsmen Wednesday by the State Spokesperson, "the attention of the Anambra State Government has been drawn to some media reports that have excluded Anambra State from the states in Nigeria that have paid the new minimum wage of N70,000. Some media outlets merely managed to capture Anambra State only among the states whose governors have indicated interest in paying the new minimum wage. "To put the record straight, the promise by the Governor of Anambra State, Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo to pay the new minimum wage was made good since the month of October, when the new minimum wage payment commenced in Anambra State with ...

 Ebonyi gov suspends health, housing commissioners The Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, has suspended the state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Moses Ekuma and his Housing and Urban Development counterpart, Francis Ori. Our correspondent gathered they were suspended on Monday during the State Executive Council meeting in Abakaliki, the state capital. A statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Jude Okpor, which was sighted by our correspondent on Tuesday morning, read, “Following cases of gross misconduct and dereliction of duties by some government officials and matters related thereto, the Chairman of Council directed the indefinite suspension of the Honourable Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development and three months suspension of the Honourable Commissioner for Health respectively.” The development may be connected to the alleged theft of pieces of property belonging to the Ministry of Health by its officials and the reported underper...

 Alake issues 90-day ultimatum to MIREMCO on performance improvement, threatens sanctions The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake has given the Mineral Resources and Environmental Management Committee (MIREMCO) a 90-day ultimatum to improve its performance or face severe sanctions from the federal government. Speaking at the 2024 Annual General Meeting (AGM) of MIREMCO Chairmen, Dr. Alake expressed dissatisfaction with the agency’s current performance, emphasising that it is MIREMCO’s core responsibility to interface between sub-nationals, local communities, operators, and the federal government to minimise cases of conflict. ” The federal government is supposed to rely on your reports on the activities or inactivity of operators and whether they comply with environmental regulations and all other sundry regulations governing the sector.  We are not impressed by the execution of that mandate, and we will not hesitate to wield the big stick if, after 90 days,...

 Edo Government: E-Governance Platform Managed by Unknown Non-State Actors The Edo State Government has revealed that the state’s e-governance platform, introduced by former Governor Godwin Obaseki, is being operated by unidentified non-state actors or consultants. Governor Monday Okpebholo made the announcement while directing an urgent review of the platform. A statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Musa Umar Ikhilor, on November 25, 2024, explained that no official within Edo State’s public service has administrative control over the platform. Ikhilor expressed concerns that the platform’s operation by external parties posed a significant data security risk, as it exposed the state’s governance system to the influence of non-state actors or consultants. He emphasized the need for an immediate review of the platform’s operations. The statement clarified, "Reports circulating that the Senator Monday Okpebholo-led administration has shut down the e-governance p...