On Wednesday, members of the organised labour forcefully rejected the federal government’s proposal of a N48,000 minimum wage for Nigerian workers, staging a walkout in protest.

The unions condemned both the government and the organised private sector for presenting what they termed “ridiculous offers.”

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While the government proposed N48,000, the organised private sector put forward N54,000.

During a briefing held at Labour House, labour leaders criticized the government for failing to provide any data to justify the proposed figures.

They expressed their dissatisfaction with the offers, emphasizing that the proposals do not meet the needs of Nigerian workers in the current economic climate.

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The labour unions’ decision to walk out highlights their demand for a more substantial and well-supported minimum wage that reflects the rising cost of living and economic realities faced by workers across the country.

Picture of Gov. Peter Mbah, 

The Enugu State government has called on its residents to embrace farming and utilize any available space within their homes for agricultural activities.

This call was made by the Commissioner for Agriculture and Agro-Industrialization, Patrick Ubru, during the launch of the “Back-to-Farm” project in the Amurri Ancient Kingdom, located in the Nkanu West Local Government Area.

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Commissioner Ubru emphasized that this initiative is in line with Governor Peter Mbah’s administration’s commitment to leveraging agriculture for community agro-industrialization, food security, and the creation of employment opportunities for youths and women.

“We aim to see the success witnessed today in the Amurri Ancient Kingdom replicated across every community in the state,”

“We urge traditional rulers and their councils to spearhead this initiative, encouraging all residents to participate by cultivating crops or engaging in animal husbandry.”

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“Even those without land can contribute by using bag sacks or plastic vases for planting. It’s crucial for everyone to get involved” he said.

Ubru, who symbolically planted yam seedlings during the event, highlighted Governor Mbah’s vision of cultivating over 300,000 hectares of arable land.

He mentioned that through mechanized farming and public-private partnerships (PPP), the state has been able to create significant employment opportunities.

Furthermore, the commissioner disclosed that the governor has ordered 1,000 tractors to facilitate the full mechanization of farming and the cultivation of over 300,000 arable hectares of land, thereby making agriculture a profitable venture.

“We plan to provide training to hundreds of youths on modern Songhai farming techniques this year, with a focus on empowering at least 20 youths from the Amurri community,” added Ubru.

He commended the people and traditional ruler of Amurri for their proactive approach to prioritizing agriculture and serving as an example of successful community projects.

Earlier, the traditional ruler of Amurri Ancient Kingdom, Charles Nwoye, highlighted the longstanding tradition of the “Back-to-Farm” project in their kingdom, aimed at educating youths and children about the importance and benefits of agriculture.

In Anambra State, 30 drivers faced arraignment for attempting to bribe Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) officials and committing various traffic offenses.

The arraignments took place before a mobile court on the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway, presided over by Chief Magistrate Mike Anyadiegwu.

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Of the 30 drivers arraigned, 27 were convicted, while three were cautioned and discharged.

This initiative by the FRSC, RS5.3 Anambra Sector Command, aims to ensure swift justice for road traffic offenders and curb reckless driving on highways.

ARC Charles A. Iyiegbuniwe, a public education officer at the FRSC Anambra Sector Command, confirmed the development in a statement on Tuesday.

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He revealed that the drivers collectively committed 68 offenses, including overloading, failing to install speed limiting devices, driver’s license violations, and light signal violations.

Other offenses included using worn-out tires, driving while using a phone, and number plate violations.

Two drivers were specifically arraigned for attempting to corrupt marshals on duty.

The convicted drivers received options for fines as penalties for their offenses.

CC Adeoye A. Irelewuyi, the Sector Commander of RS5.3 Anambra Sector Command, expressed satisfaction with the mobile court’s operations.

He highlighted the necessity of the court sittings due to the reckless and improper use of roads by motorists, which has resulted in avoidable traffic crashes in the state capital.

Irelewuyi urged motorists to comply with traffic laws to ensure safety and prevent loss of life and property.

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He also indicated that the mobile court sittings would continue periodically until a satisfactory level of compliance with traffic regulations is achieved.

Picture of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, 

Former Nigeria’s President, Olusegun Obasanjo has said that adopting and implementing Western liberal democracy in Africa was a significant misstep.

Speaking in Abuja on Tuesday during a meeting with members of the House of Representatives about reintroducing the parliamentary system of government, Obasanjo emphasized the need for African nations to develop a democratic model that better aligns with their unique cultural values and needs.

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Obasanjo argued that Western liberal democracy is fundamentally incompatible with Africa’s core value systems, as it is rooted in European cultural norms.

He highlighted that before colonialism, African nations successfully managed kingdoms and empires with their own governance structures, which were resilient against external and internal opposition, unlike the European monarchical systems.

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He stressed that the imposition of Western democratic models has not served African countries well and called for the creation of an “Afro-Democracy.”

Obasanjo believes this new system would be more in tune with the continent’s traditions and values, offering a more suitable framework for governance in Africa.

In a bid to halt the planned mass wedding of 100 orphaned girls in Niger State, the Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, has taken legal and administrative action.

She has petitioned the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, and sought a court injunction to stop the event organized by the Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, Abdulmalik Sarkindaji.

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The Speaker announced last week his intention to sponsor the marriages of 100 girls, many orphaned by insurgency, as part of his Mariga constituency project.

He assured that he would cover the costs of dowries and materials for the wedding, set for May 24.

The announcement sparked widespread concern, prompting the Speaker to clarify that the weddings were not forced but financially supported by him.

During a press briefing in Abuja, Minister Kennedy-Ohanenye emphasized the need for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the planned marriages.

She expressed concerns about the girls’ ages, consent, and readiness for marriage.

She also highlighted the ministry’s commitment to providing education and vocational training for the girls.

“The Ministry has petitioned the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) and sought a court injunction to halt the sponsored marriage until further investigation ensures the welfare of the orphans,” said Ohaeri Osondu Joseph, the minister’s spokesman.

In a formal statement, the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs advocated for the education and empowerment of the orphaned girls, instead of early marriage.

The Minister emphasized that developing the girls through education and skills acquisition would be more beneficial and contribute to societal development.

“While acknowledging the Speaker’s good intentions to alleviate suffering, it is crucial to consider the future of these children by determining if they prefer education and empowerment over marriage,” Kennedy-Ohanenye stated.

She argued that prioritizing education and empowerment would break the cycle of poverty and inequality, enabling the girls to make informed choices about their futures and reducing the risk of gender-based violence and other negative outcomes associated with early marriage.

The ministry reiterated its dedication to protecting the rights and welfare of women, children, and vulnerable groups in society, in accordance with the Child’s Rights Act.

Full Statement from the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs:

PRESS RELEASE

WOMEN AFFAIRS MINISTRY MOVES AGAINST MASS MARRIAGE OF 100 ORPHAN GIRLS IN NIGER STATE

… Advocates for their education and empowerment

The Federal Ministry of Women Affairs has responded to the proposed mass marriage of 100 orphaned girls in Niger State by Speaker Abdulmalik Sarkindaji, planned for May 24. The Ministry insists on investigating the girls’ ages, consent, and preparedness for marriage.

During a press briefing, Minister Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye emphasized the importance of prioritizing education and empowerment over early marriage.

She acknowledged the Speaker’s intent to help but urged a focus on sustainable development for the girls.

The Ministry has petitioned the IGP and sought a court injunction to pause the mass marriage until investigations ensure the orphans’ welfare.

The Ministry remains committed to protecting the rights of women, children, and the vulnerable in society.

Ohaeri Osondu Joseph, Fnipr, Fcai,
Special Assistant, Media.

The arraignment of former Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika and his brother, Ahmad Sirika, on corruption charges has been postponed by the FCT High Court.

During the session on Tuesday, the prosecution counsel, Olwaleke Atolagbe, informed the court that the defendants had not been served with the charges, necessitating an adjournment.

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has filed an eight-count charge against the Sirikas, accusing them of contract fraud amounting to N19.4 billion.

The charges allege that Hadi Sirika awarded contracts worth the said amount to Enginos Nigeria Ltd, a company reportedly owned by his younger brother, Abubakar Sirika.

Additionally, Hadi Sirika faces charges in another FCT court alongside his daughter, Fatima Hadi Sirika, his son-in-law, Jalal Sule Hamma, and Al Buraq Global Investment Ltd.

Justice Suleiman Belgore has adjourned the case to May 23 for further proceedings.