Labour: we’ll begin strike on Nov 6 unless N30,000 minimum wage is adopted

THE Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has served a formal notice to the Federal Government that its members will begin an indefinite national strike from November 6, except the payment of N30,000 as new national minimum wage is adopted.

It accused Minister of Labour Senator Chris Ngige of feeding the public with half-truth about the work of the tripartite committee on the new National Minimum Wage and misleading the government into gagging workers and forcing them to become slaves, rather than workers.

Rising from its National Executive Council meeting in Abuja, the NLC said workers would not be intimidated by any threat of “no work, no pay”.

It noted that the government was trying to return the country to the dark days of the Abacha military regime by attempting to force workers not to protest inhuman treatment through nonpayment of salaries.

The Congress accused the Minister of Labour and Employment of trying to twist the truth by misinforming the public that the meeting of October 4 and 5, 2018 was inconclusive as the members of the Tripartite Committee on National Minimum Wage did not agree on a figure.

The NEC, which is the highest decision-making organ of the NLC, said the recent antics of Minister of Labour and Employment was anti-labour and anti-workers, especially with regards to the minister’s utterances, which it deemed as an act of bad faith intended to scuttle the work of the committee on the new national minimum wage.

It rejected and condemned the minister’s claims in the media that negotiations were still ongoing on the issue of a new National Minimum Wage, which implementation is already long overdue.

According to the NLC NEC, the latest posture by government was calculated to cow workers into submission as well as stop labour from protesting government’s foot dragging on the new national minimum wage and an assault on workers with the “no work, no pay” clause in the Trade Disputes Act.

The communique signed by the NLC President, Ayuba Wabba and General Secretary, Dr. Peter Ozo-Eson, argued that fixing of tenure for workers holding union executive positions in contravention of the provisions of ILO Convention 87; and the prohibition or exclusion of non-card carrying members of trade unions from leading or being part of negotiation delegations of trade unions were reminiscent of the Abacha military era.

It resolved to “organise a national day of mobilisation and sensitisation rallies for workers to show their outrage and mourning in the 36 states of the federation and FCT on Tuesday.

The day, according to NLC NEC, will also be used to educate and sensitise Nigerians on the plight of workers and pensioners, the insensitivity and duplicity of government on labour issues, and to protest the proposed obnoxious policies of government against organised labour

The

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Photo: Amosun visits Old Woman who delivers baby @ 67

Senator Ibikunle Amosun, today in Abeokuta, visited 67 years old Mrs. Ajibola Olutayo Otubose, wife of 72 year old Prof. Oluwatowoloju Otubose, who gave birth to a baby boy, after 40 years of expecting a child.

Minimum wage: Accept the N24,000 we offered - FG tells Labour

by  Adeola Opeyemi -

The federal government has urged Organised Labour to accept its offer for minimum wages - The government is currently offering to pay N24,000 while Labour insist on N30,000 The federal government has urged Organised Labour to accept the new minimum wage proposal, considering the capacity and ability of the government and the private sector to pay.

Minister of labour and employment, Senator Chris Ngige, made the call when he received the new Director-General of Nigeria Employers Consultative Association (NECA), Timothy Olawale, on a visit to his office on Friday in Abuja. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ngige had a few days ago, while labour leaders were threatening to call out workers on a full strike over the minimum wage issue, announced that the federal government had offered N24, 000 to the workers.

But, the workers’ leaders countered, saying that N30, 000 was the amount agreed on by the tripartite-partner committee saddled with the responsibility.

 The minister told the NECA DG that it was imperative for organised labour to accept the proposed figure instead of the N30, 000 in line with social dialogue and the overall interest of the nation. He appealed to NECA to weigh its influence on the organisers labour to accede to the new wage offer mutually agreeable to all the social partners.

According to him, Nigeria cannot afford rounds of labour crisis in this country, so it is imperative for organised labour to accept the new national minimum wage figure Read more:

I’ll continue to hold Jonathan in high esteem – Buhari

By Anthony Ogbonna

President Muhammadu Buhari has said that he would continue to hold the former President of Nigeria, Goodluck Jonathan, in high esteem because he (Jonathan) conceded defeat at the 2015 presidential election.


Jonathan and Buhari President Buhari made the statement on Thursday night when he hosted members of the Kannywood entertainment industry to a dinner at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Buhari, while recalling his political struggles since 2003 when he made his first attempt to clinch the presidential seat, lauded Jonathan for accepting defeat in the 2015 general elections.

According to him, “I’ll continue to hold former president Jonathan in high esteem as a result of that singular act.

“He (Jonathan) was in power as Deputy Governor, Governor (Bayelsa), Vice-President and President, all for about 10 years and he voluntarily accepted defeat and surrendered power to me,’’ he said. Buhari also reassured that the brutal activities of the Boko Haram sect in the country  would soon become history.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan who contested under the then ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, had called and congratulated the then, victorious

Ooni of Ile-Ife reveals why he married Prophetess Noami

 John Owen Nwachukwu 



The palace of the Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, has revealed why the king opted for Olori Moronke Naomi Silekunola Ogunwusi.

There was jubilation at Ile-Ife, Osun State yesterday as the Ooni received his new wife at the palace, a day after he marked his 44th birthday.

The palace said he married the woman because of the spiritual strength she will bring to the kingdom and the fear of God in her.

A statement issued to DAILY POST by the Director, Media and Public Affairs of the palace, Comrade Moses Olafare, confirms Naomi as the Ooni’s new wife.

He also revealed that the marriage rights were done privately in Akure, Ondo State and she was later received at the Ooni’s palace.

“Her Majesty, Olori Moronke Naomi Silekunola Ogunwusi is the new Yeyeluwa Oodua.

“Necessary rites fully performed,” the statement read.

The monarch also took to social media on Thursday to express his joy.

He wrote, “I waited patiently upon the Almighty the King of kings, he eventually did it in the midst of many trials.

“Shilekunola, Moronke, Naomi; the greatest Arsenal you can apply on this highly revered throne with many rules and regulations in the midst of undiluted tradition, heritage and culture is the “Fear of God In You”.

“It is the beginning of your wisdom on this throne of Oduduwa. You are welcome home my beautiful and adorable queen

PDP Submits Saraki’s Name To INEC As Its Senatorial Candidate For Kwara Central

Saraki’s name was used to replace the name of one Ope, whose name was initially filed as the PDP candidate for the senatorial district.



BY JOHN ALECHENU, OLUSOLA FABIYI, PUNCH NEWSPAPEROCT 19, 2018

   



The national leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party has sent the name of the President of the Senate, Senator Bukola Saraki, to the Independent National Electoral Commission as a senatorial candidate.

The name of Saraki was among the list of candidates submitted to the commission in Abuja on Thursday night.

Saraki, who represents Kwara Central District in the Senate, was among the 13 presidential aspirants of the party.

He came third at the party’s national convention which was held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

The PDP had held the senatorial primaries before that of the presidential primary.

While Saraki paid for the PDP nomination and expression of interest forms,  it was however not clear if he paid for that of the Senate as well.

Investigations by one of our correspondents in Abuja showed that Saraki’s name was used to replace the name of one Ope, whose name was initially filed as the PDP candidate for the senatorial district.

It had initially been speculated that the former governor of Kwara State was among the suspected presidential aspirants in the party who had another plan since they knew they could lose the PDP presidential nomination.

It was learnt that Saraki is being positioned to return as the President of the Senate in 2019 by the PDP, if former Vice President Atiku Abubakar wins the presidential election.

The source said, “Bukola Saraki’s name is there (in the list). He’s returning to the Senate on the platform of the PDP.”

Investigations by one of our correspondents in Abuja showed that Saraki’s name was used to replace the name of one Ope, whose name was initially filed as the PDP candidate for the senatorial district.

It had initially been speculated that the former governor of Kwara State was among the suspected presidential aspirants in the party who had another plan since they knew they could lose the PDP presidential nomination.

It was learnt that Saraki is being positioned to return as the President of the Senate in 2019 by the PDP, if former Vice President Atiku Abubakar wins the presidential election.

The source said, “Bukola Saraki’s name is there (in the list). He’s returning to the Senate on the platform of the PDP.”

Meanwhile, the tension among the All Progressives Congress aspirants heightened on Thursday as members who aspired for governorship and National Assembly seats inundated the party’s Director of Organization, Altai Abu-Bakr Kari, with calls in a bid to know their fate.

Kari, who led some party officials in an APC branded coaster bus held tightly to a bunch of files on one hand and struggled to answer calls to his mobile phone with the other.

It was gathered that aspirants for national assembly seats were especially eager to find out the outcome of their petitions to the Prof. Osariemen Osumbor-led APC Governorship and National Assembly Appeals Committee.

This was against the backdrop of the party’s last minute effort to beat the 12:00 midnight deadline set by INEC for the submission of the list of all party candidates for the 2019 elections.

A summary of the panel report document obtained by one of our correspondents in Abuja, on Thursday, indicated that all petitions against the Senate and House of Representatives primaries were rejected.

In Delta State for example, eight petitions were upheld by the committee which agreed with the petitioners who argued that they won the primaries but that their names were surreptitiously replaced.

Seven petitions were rejected for lacking merit.

In the South-West zone, six petitions were received and treated by the panel from Ekiti State. The petitioners faulted the conduct of the National Assembly primary held in the state but their petitions were thrown out.  A similar fate befell three petitions filed against the conduct of the House of Representatives primary in Osun State.

In Ondo State, the panel upheld three petitions for Senate, referred one to the National Working Committee; rejected two and upheld the five petitions for the House of Representatives.

The five argued successfully with documentary evidence that they won the primary but their names were substituted.

Of the two petitions received from Lagos, one was rejected for the Senate, while the one for the House of Representatives was upheld.

The panel also rejected two senatorial petitions from Ogun State and recommended that the third petitioner be adopted as the candidate, saying stakeholders of the party in the areas agreed to adopt him as a sole candidate.

The Osunbor-led APC panel equally upheld the disqualifications of some of the party’s aspirants by the Adams Oshiomhole-led NWC and its decision to grant automatic tickets to serving governors and some lawmakers.

Some of the prominent members disqualified are a former Inspector-General of Police, Suleiman Abba, and the Political Adviser to the Kaduna State governor,  Mallam Uba Sani.

From the panel’s report and recommendations, it became obvious that pressure mounted by some state governors, especially the Kaduna State Governor, El-Rufai, as well as the wife of the President, Aisha Buhari, did nothing to influence the committee.

In the North-West, the panel upheld the automatic ticket given to Senator Shehu Sani (APC, Kaduna Central), after rejecting petitions filed by Senator Mohammed Saleh, Usman Ibrahim and Samsuddeen Giwa challenging the decision of the APC NWC to disqualify them from contesting the primary.

It also threw out a petition by Dr Abba Ibrahim who cited irregularities in the party’s decision to grant Sani an automatic ticket.

For Kaduna North, the APC panel threw out the petition filed by Senator Aliyu Lawal who also complained about alleged irregularities in the conduct of the primary in the area.

Sahara Reporters

News: Ooni of Ife, Obama Ogunwusi Picks New Olori

 KUNLE AWOSIKA   SOCIETY   19 OCTOBER 2018

Hours after his 44th birthday, Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi shared on his Instagram page photos of his new bride Shilekunola Moronke Naomi as the new Queen.

He wrote: I waited patiently upon the Almighty the King of kings, he eventually did it in the midst of many trials. Shilekunola, Moronke, Naomi; the greatest Arsenal you can apply on this highly revered throne with many rules and regulations in the midst of undiluted tradition, heritage and culture is the “Fear Of God In You”, which is the beginning of your wisdom on this throne of Oduduwa.

You are welcome home my beautiful and adorable queen.

#OoniOfIfe #Otisese

According to her website, the new Olori, named as Prophetess/Evangelist Naomi Oluwaseyi, “is the Founder/President of EN-HERALDS, a prophetic mandate and an interdenominal ministry based in Akure, Ondo state, Nigeria.”

Alleged N1.3 bn fraud: Fayose finally opens up – EFCC

 THERE were indications last night that detained former governor of Ekiti State, Mr. Ayodele Fayose, had begun opening up on the allegations of corruption brought up against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, which took him into its custody on Tuesday. Fayose Fayose, according to reliable sources within the commission, started responding to the issues put to him by his interrogators on Thursday, a day after EFCC secured a court warrant to detain him up to 14 more days.


This came as his lawyer and human rights activist, Mike Ozekhome, hinted on Thursday that the former governor’s legal team had begun moves to get him out of the EFCC custody. The EFCC, which started following Fayose’s financial transactions more than two years ago, accused him of receiving N1.3 billion from the Office of the former National Security Adviser, Col, Sambo Dasuki (retd) and laundering the cash on choice property in Lagos and Abuja and receiving kickbacks from contractors.

But since arriving the EFCC interrogation centre, sources hinted that Fayose rebuffed all attempts by the security operatives to talk, forcing the agency to approach a court to obtain a detention warrant to keep in beyond 24 hours. A source in EFCC told Vanguard last night that Fayose had started talking to the operatives of the commission but did not say in which area the former governor responded.

The official said: “Fayose has surprisingly begun talking and we hope he can open up on all the issues we are putting to him relating to the ONSA cash of N1.3 billion and the issue of alleged kickbacks from contractors.”


However, Fayose’s lawyer, Mike Ozekhome, SAN, said concerted efforts are in top gear to secure the former governor’s release EFCC custody. Mr Ozekhome said:

“Fayose’s lawyers are already taking steps to enforce his fundamental human rights by getting him released. “Yes, his lawyers will go to court to enforce his fundamental human rights. “The EFCC has no right to keep him beyond 24 hours. “If they have done that by obtaining a Magistrate Court’s Order that will be in the form of holding charge which has been declared unconstitutional and illegal by the Supreme Court.

Holding charge is illegal. It is unconstitutional.’’ Fayose challenges EFCC over audio recording Meanwhile, Mr. Fayose has alerted members of the public of an audio recording conversation currently circulating in the social media in which the EFCC acting chairman, Ibrahim Magu boasted that nothing will happen should he die in their cell, saying that nothing should happen to him. Fayose, who reacted through his Chief Press Secretary, Idowu Adelusi, said he was baffled by the conversation and by the plot to eliminate him because of his opposition to the misrule of the President Muhammadu Buhari wondered why his punishment should be death.

EFCC refutes fake tape However, in a statement by its Head, Media and Publicity, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren urged Nigerians to disregard the purported audio recording  in which the Acting Chairman of the Commission, Ibrahim Magu, purportedly made comments to the effect that, “nothing will happen peradventure Ayo Fayose dies in custody. The audio recording is fake as the comments did not emanate from the Chairman of the EFCC.”

Vanguard

How Small Jpron was Killed - Police, ...Arrests 21 Suspects Over Shomolu, Bariga, Obanikoro Bloody Cult Clash

Idris Aina Oct 18, 2018 Top Stories0

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The operatives of the Lagos State Police Command have announced the arrest twenty-one suspects in connection to the cult clash that occurred at the Somolu-Bariga end of Lagos Mainland, on Wednesday, October 17, 2018.

In a statement issued by the command’s spokesperson, CSP Chike Oti, the incident occurred after Ibrahim Balogun popularly known as Small Jpron and one Solomon, were killed at a political gathering organised by Hon. Ademorin Kuye at Home Touch, situated at No. 228, Ikorodu Road by Obanikoro Way.

Oti stated that the deceased persons, who had involved in several cult clashes, were on the wanted list of the police for leading several cult fights in the Shomolu, Bariga, Fadeyi and Ojuelegba areas of the state.

He said the deceased were trailed to the gathering by a rival cult group who invaded the arena and began to attack people. “Regrettably, the host of the political meeting, Hon. Ademorin Kuye, did not inform the police of his intention to host his supporters,” Oti said.

He continued that; “21 persons have so far been arrested in connection with the case and are currently been questioned by homicide detectives of the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (SCIID) Panti, Yaba. Also invited to Panti, is the politician, Hon. Ademorin Kuye.

“The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, CP Imohimi Edgal has ordered a manhunt for the perpetrators of this dastardly act, vowing that the Command will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that the authors of the crime are prosecuted.

“He once again requests politicians to inform the police before gathering in public places. He notes that until the INEC gives the go-ahead, political campaign at this time is illegal and those in breach of the electoral law will be made to face the full wrath of the law.”

Meanwhile, the operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) and the Nigerian army have been mobilized to the scene to prevent a further breakdown of law and order.

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Why governors are not comfortable with new minimum wage — NGF

Gov. Abdulazizi-Yari of Zamfara State. [Photo credit: THISDAY]

The Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF) says it is not against the upward review of the minimum wage.

The chairman of the forum, Gov. Abdulaziz Yari of Zamfara, said this while briefing journalists on the outcome of the forum meeting held on Wednesday in Abuja.

He said the issue was not just on agreed figure to be paid by the governors, but the “ability or resources to take care of that agreed minimum wage.”

Mr Yari said the forum had made it clear that the governors were not against any upward review of salaries or against the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) to get minimum wage reviewed.

“But, the problem of state is the capacity to pay what is agreed. As we are talking today we are struggling with N18,000. Some of the states are paying 35 per cent, some 50 per cent and still some states have salary arrears,” he said.

“So, it is not about only reviewing it but how we are going to get the resources to cater for it.”

Mr Yari added that the National President of NLC, Ayuba Wabba, was invited to brief the forum on states performance in the use of London and Paris Club refunds.

The Federal Government disbursed the fund to states with the condition to use larger percentage of the money to pay workers’ salaries.

He said while some states had recorded some progress in line with the condition they signed with the Federal Government, others were still owing arrears.

“So, we invited the National President of NLC to give us details on how some states performed. Some other states that are not up to date, where are they.

“So they have signed Memorandum of Understanding with the NLC at the national level and their representative in states on when they are going to overcome the issue of salary arrears.

“That has been done and it has been taken to the Central Bank Governor to ensure that those states were also paid.”

Mr Yari also disclosed that an update was received from the NGF Secretariat on Polio and Primary Healthcare Under One Roof.

He said governors expressed commitment to facilitate the development of a minimum package and investment plan for State Primary Healthcare Boards.

He added that observations were raised about the issue of PHC, including concern that the function of the local governments was being taken away.

“It was made clear by some governors that the PHC has nothing to do with the national, that it is just a domestic issue of local governments.

“Those issues were raised, debated and we are going to put a memo in place to the National Economic Council so that it can be discussed.”

Mr Yari also said the forum received briefing on the forthcoming 24th Nigerian Economic Summit (NES) from Mr Laoye Jaiyeola, the Chief Executive Officer of the NES Group.

“Memebers commended the group for upholding the public-private dialogue and assured the team of the full participation of states as the summit will help align government policies and programmes with the needs of the private sector.”

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Nigerian police foil bank robbery attempt, kill two in gun duel – Official

Armed Nigerian Police Officer

The Nasarawa State Police Command on Thursday said it foiled a bank robbery attempt by a four-man gang, following a gun battle with the suspects in Lafia.

Kennedy Idirisu, spokesman for the command, confirmed the incident to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lafia.

He said that policemen on duty at a branch of Diamond bank on Jos Road, Lafia, got a tip-off about the robbery on Wednesday, and engaged the gang in a gun battle at 10a.m. in front of the bank.

Mr Idirisu said that the gang drove in in two vehicles, both with Lagos registration number – a Toyota Lexus marked EKY 282 DP and Toyota Corolla marked FST 411 FH.

He said that the police arrested one of the suspects, and two died while receiving treatment at the Dalhatu Araf Hopital, Lafia.

According to the spokesman, a suspect escaped with bullet wounds.

“Our investigation revealed that the gang trailed a staff member of the General Hospital Nasarawa Eggon, from the bank in Lafia, where he withdrew N250, 000.

“They followed him to Nasarawa Eggon, took the money, and returned to Jos Road, where there are clusters of banks, to carry out another operation, not knowing that they were being trailed.

“The police swooped on them and arrested one of the suspects driving the Toyota Corolla, while the others in Toyota Lexus opened fire in an attempt to escape.

“The jeep and two of the suspects were arrested on Shendam Road while the driver escaped with bullet wounds,” Mr Idirisu said.

He said that the arrested suspect confessed to the crime, adding that items recovered from the vehicles included the stolen N250, 000, a master key and a wallet containing N31, 000.

Similarly, Mr Idirisu said that the police arrested three other robbery suspects on the same day at Nasarawa LGA for allegedly robbing a couple at Gunki Village.

He said that the robbery took place on Tuesday.

According to him, the police recovered two locally-fabricated pistols, two live cartridges and valuables of the victims from the suspects.

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Lagos to enhance tradesmen, artisans productivity

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Wednesday reassured Lagosians that government would continue to work in collaboration with relevant stakeholders to design and execute programmes to enhance the productivity of Tradesmen and Artisans across the State.

The Governor, who gave the assurance through the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr. Tunji Bello at the 9th edition of Tradesmen and Artisans' Week & Graduation Ceremony for Retrained Artisans at De Blue Roof, LTV 8 Compound, Agidingbi, Ikeja, said that growing the capacity of Tradesmen and Artisans is a key component of productivity that cannot be ignored.

He said in the last three and half years, through the Ministry of Wealth Creation, the government has shown unwavering commitment to the empowerment of Tradesmen and Artisans in Lagos State.

According to him, "In line with our policy of inclusion, we have continued to invest heavily in programmes that have benefitted individuals and groups particularly under the State Employment Trust Fund (ETF)".

He explained that through these programmes, the government had succeeded in giving a higher sense of belonging to artisans and tradesmen in the State, stressing that such professionals had stepped up their skills to meet up with current global standards.

Ambode assured Lagosians of the sustenance of the programme by an All Progressives Congress (APC) controlled government in the State as the programme is embedded in the manifesto of the party.

He said aside from providing a platform for individuals and groups to contribute their quota to the economic development of Lagos State, the government recognised and celebrated the progress made by the Artisans and Tradesmen.

The Governor said it is generally accepted today that the advancement of a nation from poverty to prosperity is not a technical process but rather a transformation process.

He said the government had worked tirelessly to restore the feeling of dignity in labour and reinforced the importance of artisans and tradesmen as an important sector of the economy.

While noting that the yearly event provides a great opportunity for interaction, networking, and other activities of the Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment, Governor Ambode declared that the local artisans and tradesmen now have products whose quality of output can compete favourably with those of their counterparts in neighbouring countries and sub-region.

He commended the President, the Executives and members of the Lagos State Council for Tradesmen and Artisans (LASCOTA), organisations and individuals from the private sector for their support towards improving the competencies and socio-economic conditions of the Artisans.

Ambode urged the graduates of the artisans’ up-skilling training program to take advantage of the opportunities provided for financial independence and become employers of labour in order contribute their quota to the growth and development of the State economy.

Earlier in her address, the Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Mrs. Uzamat Akinbile-Yussuf said the State Government would continue to foster the creation of an enabling environment for artisans through the access to market, finance and capacity building by partnering with the private sector.

Lagos Assembly orders immediate return of PSP, disowns Visionscape

The Lagos State House of Assembly has ordered the 20 Local Governments and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in the state to call on the Private Sector Partnership (PSP) operators in their areas to go back to refuse packing job with immediate effect.

Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, who gave this directive on Thursday on behalf of the lawmakers during plenary also ordered the Clerk of the House, Mr. Azeez Sanni to invite the Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Babatunde Durosinmi-Etti to appear before the House on the matter next week.

This followed an Urgent Matter of Public Importance raised by Hon. Gbolahan Yishawu (Eti-Osa Constituency 1) on heaps of refuse scattered all over the state.

Speaker Mudasiru Obasa emphasised that the Lagos State Government does not know about Visionscape.

Obasa stated that there are three arms of government including legislative, executive and judiciary and that the state government ought to have consulted the House on Visionscape before they started operation.

“We insist that we don’t know anything about Visionscape because we were not consulted before they started work.

“We once wrote the Commissioner for Finance, Hon. Akinyemi Ashade not to pay Visionscape again and he would return any money he paid to them after our instruction to the coffers of the state government. We will go to that when the time comes but we have to do the needful now.

“We are calling on the 20 local governments and 37 LCDAs in the state to have meetings with the PSP operators to go back to work and they should start paying them and make the residents to start paying the operators. We have to avoid epidemics and be proactive,” he said.

The Speaker also warned those stopping people from dumping refuse at the dumpsites to desist from doing so, adding that he saw a lot of refuse trucks in a bad state and that some of them have been abandoned.

He insisted that the House ought to have approved the new refuse disposal policy of the state governnent before Visionscape started work.

“We are inviting the Commissioner for the Environment to come and report to us within one week. The Clerk should write all the local councils in the state to do the needful and the Commissioner for the Environment should work on this and report to us in a week,” he said.

Hon. Gbolahan Yishawu had said that there were several heaps of refuse on Lagos roads, adding that they were not like before “because some PSP are now working and the state government has bought some trucks.”

He said: “Some refuse are taken to Epe and Ikorodu but it is a bit far now as 300 instead of 800 trucks now dispose refuse.

“We used to dump the refuse in Olusosun, but the place was gutted by fire. We can give the place to private companies.

“The sanitary land fill in Epe is not being utilised and the transfer loading stations too are not working effectively and the turn around time of packing the refuse is not being utilised.

“It is not all the PSP operators that are working.May be we can recall the PSP Operators and reopen Olusosun and the land fill sites should be operated properly.”

The Majority Leader of the House, Hon. Sanai Agunbiade from Ikorodu Constituency 1 revealed that heaps of refuse are worse in his area, and that for the state to have good sanitation, a law on environmental sanitation was passed in Lagos State, but that it seemed it was not properly done after that.

“The refuse on the road and on the streets are hazardous to the people. Flies from the refuse mix with the food people are eating.

“One day, Olusosun would not be able to accommodate refuse any longer. It would be better if we can change our policy on refuse disposal.

“I will suggest that we should challenge those in the Ministry of Health and those in the Ministry of the Environment.

“We can invite the people in the Ministry of the Environment to know their challenges. This has become an eyesore in Lagos State. We should invite the people in charge,” he said.

Also speaking, Hon. Bisi Yusuff from Alimosho Constituency 1 revealed that eight people died in Igando, where they dump refuse in his area.

Yusuff stressed that Visionscape does not know the job, and that they did not even allow PSP operators to help the people.

“There are big rats on the roads now and they could even make a vehicle to stumble.

“We should look at it critically. They are not picking any refuse in the state. It is an important matter that should be handled urgently,” he said.

In his comment, Hon. Abiodun Tobun from Epe Constitueny 1 stated that Lagos State is dirty and that only God would help the state.

He stated that Epe is not benefitting from the system and that their water has been contaminated and that all their roads are now bad.

“There is no industrial estate in Epe, but they have in other places. “They cannot bring refuse dump to Epe, they can relocate it if that is what we are benefiting. We want better things in Epe such as industries and other things,” he said.

Hon. Noheem Adams from Eti Osa Constituency 1 said that there are refuse in many places in his area.

He stated that in the days of PSP, people knew when they would pack their refuse outside. We should invite both the commissioner and LAWMA officials as well as the local government. We should be able to do our best because we need the people’s vote now.

This was corroborated by other lawmakers such as Hon. Oluyinka Ogundimu from Agege Constituency 2, Hon. Saka Solaja (Ikorodu Constituency 2), the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Wasiu Eshinlokun-Sanni (Lagos Island 1), the Chief Whip, Hon. Rotimi Abiru (Shomolu 1) and Hon. Abdulsobur Olayiwola (Mushin Constituency

EFCC grills Fayose, asks ex-gov to return N1.3bn

The immediate past Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, finally honoured an invitation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Tuesday after losing his immunity from prosecution and arrest.

After leading Fayose to the interrogation room, it was learnt that he was asked to write a statement explaining how he spent N1.3bn he allegedly received from the Office of the National Security Adviser through a former Minister of State for Defence, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, during the build-up to the 2014 governorship election in Ekiti State.

The commission also asked him to return the money.

A source at the EFCC, however, told our correspondent that the former governor refused to admit to collecting the money.

He said, “We have treated Fayose with respect since he arrived in our office. We asked him about the money he received from Obanikoro and when he would return it but he is denying everything.

“He said in his statement on oath that he never received any money despite the overwhelming evidence. The man is refusing to cooperate despite the overwhelming evidence we have.”

It was learnt that as of 7 pm on Tuesday, the former governor was still writing his statement.

The funds allegedly traced to Fayose were said to be part of the N4.7bn allegedly handed to Obanikoro by the then National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd.)

While about N1.3bn was given to Fayose, another N1.3bn was also handed over to the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in Osun State in 2014, Senator Iyiola Omisore.

The funds were said to have been transported from Lagos to Ekiti State by air.

Since the investigation began in 2015, the EFCC has interrogated over 20 persons.

Apart from Obanikoro and Omisore, others interrogated by the EFCC include Captain Ahmed Borodo, the pilot whose plane was allegedly chartered by Obanikoro; Aide-de-Camp to Obanikoro, Lt. Olumide Adewale; and Fayose’s aide, Abiodun Agbele (who is standing trial for allegedly receiving the funds on behalf of Fayose).

Others interrogated include bureau de change operators and senior bank executives.

“Despite the statements made by all these people indicating that Fayose received money, the man is still denying the allegations,” an EFCC detective said.

However, Fayose’s lawyer, Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN), said Fayose would not compromise himself in the name of administrative bail.

Ozekhome said Fayose’s accounts had already been frozen by the commission and was already in court over the matter.

On whether Fayose would return the money as demanded by the EFCC, Ozekhome said, “Which money are they saying he should return? Has he said any money is with him? They won’t dare tell him to return the money.

Punch

Nigerian passport with 10-year validity will be effective from December 2018

The issuance of Nigerian Passport with 10 years validity, will commence from December, 2018 – this was confirmed by Mr Mohammed Babandede, the Comptroller-General, Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS).

The Immigration boss, who was in Ibadan alongside other senior officials for the first International Conference on Border In-Transition at the University of Ibadan, made the disclosure when he visited Gov. Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State recently in Ibadan.

Babandede who said the Nigerian passport with 10-year validity would have features that could stand the test of time, added that it would run concurrently with the old ones.

“We thank President Muhammadu Buhari for approving the new passport with 10 years validity.

“We have also repositioned and improved on our services as directed by the president,” he said.

Yabaonline

2019 AFCON Qualifiers: Super Eagles Top Table After Libya 2nd Leg Defeat

Three-time African champions, Super Eagles went top of the Group E table in the 2019 African Nations Cup qualification series, with a 3 – 2 victory over the Meditteranean Knights of Libya.

The game took place on Tuesday night at the 18,000 capacity Stade Taïeb Mhiri, the home ground of Tunisia Premier League side, CS Sfaxi.

Odion Ighalo put Nigeria in the lead in the 14th minute and Ahmed Musa doubled the lead, three minutes after. But the Libyans pulled one back through Mohamed Zubya in the 35th minute, while Ahmad Benali levelled the game in the 74th minutes.

Ighalo’s superb finish at the 81st minute consolidated the Eagles victory.

Recall that Nigeria had thrashed Libya 4 – 0 in the first leg encounter in Uyo, on Saturday.

The coach Gernot Rohr’s men lead the table with 9 points, following closely is South Africa with 8 points, after they played a goalless draw with Seychelles earlier at the Stade Linite in Victoria.

The Bafana Bafana had outclassed Seychelles in the first leg 6-0 at the FNB Stadium Johannesburg last weekend but failed to secure a win over the eastern African country.

Thewhistle

LAGOS ASSEMBLY DECRIES CONDITION OF ABATTOIRS IN THE STATE

Lawmakers in the Lagos State House of Assembly have expressed dissatisfaction over the poor and unsanitary condition of abattoirs in the state.

The lawmakers observed the deplorable condition of abattoirs within the Lagos metropolis and the neglect of modern slaughtering facilities provided by the government, but that butchers slaughter and process meat in the open, which according to them is crude, filthy and unhygienic.

It was  further observed that despite the huge investment of the Lagos State Government in the agricultural sector over the years, especially on the purchase of modern machine  for slaughtering meat in hygienic manner to preventing outbreak of diseases, the state’s abattoirs have not been utilised them.

The lawmakers also frowned at the means by which the processed meat is being conveyed on motorbike, car-trunk and other illicit means with impunity in the state.

Contributing, Hon. Rotimi Olowo suggested the need for the House Committee on Agriculture to embark on inspection tour and investigate the present condition of the abattoirs after which the House will decide further actions on the outcome of the investigation.

 Hon. Bisi Yusuf, representing Alimosho constituency I, stated that “the condition of the abattoir is very dirty and irritating,” and suggested that the Ministry of Agriculture should inspect and monitor activities in the abattoirs.

The Majority Leader, Hon. Agunbiade added that, “there is need for the Committee on Agriculture to do an oversight of all the abattoirs in the state”.

“I suggest that necessary agencies should take holistic view into the conduct and the state of the abattoir and report back to the House because the image of the state is at stake and unnecessary activities have been going on in the abattoir," Hon. Tunde Braimoh stated.

The Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa noted that the motion had exposed raging issues in the state’s abattoir. According to him, the existing law on abattoirs  which provides for the individuals should be encouraged.

He therefore mandated the Committee on Agriculture to make visit to all the abattoirs in the state and report to the House within two weeks.

AGEGE PUPIL EMERGED OVERALL BEST IN LAFARGE AFRICA'S LITERACY COMPETITION

... To represents Southwestern States in Nigeria at the Finals

 AYO IDOWU a Pupil from DAIRY FARM PRIMARY SCHOOL, SANGO, AGEGE was recently celebrated and honoured for putting Lagos and AGEGE LGA. on the world map through her exemplary and excellent success in the just concluded Regional Lafarge Africa National Literacy Competition.

She emerged winner as a Lagos State representative at the regional stage of the competition beating other representatives from other states from the South Western part of Nigeria, thus having emerged first she will be representing the entire  Public Primary Schools in the whole of the Southwestern NIGERIA at the FINALS of the Competition Schedule to come up soon.

The Executive Secretary of Local Government Education Authority, AGEGE Hon. Olalekan Olatunde Majiyagbe and also the Chairman of all Education Secretaries Forum in Lagos State could not hold back his Joy during the presentation of gift items to the pupil. He urge the People of AGEGE, Basic Education Family in AGEGE and the rest of the Southwestern States to continue praying for the pupil so that she can also succeed at the Finals.

He appreciates God almighty over the Victory and also thanked the Chairman of Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board, Dr. Ganiyu OLUREMI SOPEYIN for his Support, encouragement and interest in developing basic education across the State.

Agege Lgea Agege has always been in the news over educational achievements of this nature, so we were not surprised that the authority is at it again.  We Congratulate the Pupil, the teachers, her friends in class and Parents over this Victory.

#Grassroots times

Expect A Fantastic Cowlso Conference, ...Bolanle Ambode Assures Women

AgegePulse Magazine

The wife of Lagos State governor and chairman of the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials, COWLSO, Bolanle Ambode, has given assurance that the 18thnational women’s conference of the committee, will be better than the previous editions.

She spoke in her office at Lagos House, Alausa, Ikeja, while giving some insight into the level of preparation for the three-day conference, holding from Tuesday 23rd to Thursday, 25th October, at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island.

Mrs. Ambode noted that the conference theme ‘Strengthening Our Collective Impact’, would focus on the advantages derivable when women act together, as against when they act individually.  



According to her, ‘This theme focuses on the advantages derivable from our collective impact, compared to when we act alone. If you take a closer look at our society, women are strong willed. It is very obvious that God created and endowed us with skills, innate abilities and a hidden strength that no one can explain’.

‘When we come together and collaborate, whether in government establishments, privately owned businesses, NGOs or wherever we find ourselves, we tend to achieve significant lasting social change that will be beneficial to all. We have unique powers of being able to look at problems and come up with solutions that would transform lives and make the world a better place’.

Speaking further, the chairman of COWLSO stated that the conference would be declared open by Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State and declared closed by Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi, adding that major highlights would come up as usual, including the fun-filled gala nite on day two of the conference, where lots of mouth watering prizes would be won.


She disclosed that free transportation had been provided from the conference venue to Yaba, Ketu, Oshodi, Mile 12, Ojo, Agege, Ojodu-Berger, Iyana-Ipaja, Ikorodu and Lekki-Ajah, for the convenience of participants, on day two which is the gala nite.

Shedding some light on the resource side of the conference, she listed topics for discussion to include: ‘Vulnerable but not Defenceless; ‘Hazards of Teenage Pregnancy’and ‘Life of Purpose – Navigating Aspects of Life Successfully’, to be examined by seasoned facilitators like Dr. Veronica Ayo Iwayemi, Folashade Adetiba and Omotola Rotimi among others.


She added that one of the major highlights of the three-day conference, is the inspirational woman of the year award, often given to a woman of impact, generally acknowledged in the society, and certificates of appreciation would also be given to individuals and organizations for their long-standing partnership and support for COWLSO.


In addition to a live-streaming of the conference according to her, non-participants could follow the programme onwww.lagosonline.tv; www.facebook.com/followlasg; twitter handle- @followlasg and You Tube.com/lasgpage.



The national women’s conference is organized once every year by COWLSO.



Folashade Kadiri (Mrs.)

Director Public Affairs

Office of the Wife of the Governor of Lagos State

Just In:Fayose announces arrival at EFCC office

FTwGoPintLin

The immediate past Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, on Tuesday announced his arrival at the office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in Abuja.

Fayose made this known on his Twitter handle @GovAyoFayose.

He posted a picture of himself wearing a customized T-shirt with the inscription “EFCC I’m Here”

He said: “I’m now in the custody of EFCC. While I’m here, my media aide, @OlayinkaLere will operate this twitter handle.”