Google search engine

Google search engine

Home Blog Page 465

Nurses Vow To Begin Nationwide Strike Over Unmet Demands

By
Dailygazettenig
-

 

Nurses under the umbrella of the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives – Federal Health Institutions Sector (NANNM-FHI) have reaffirmed their commitment to embark on a seven-day warning strike starting Wednesday, insisting that the government’s failure to respond to their demands has left them no choice.

Speaking on Tuesday, the National Chairman of NANNM-FHI, Morakinyo Rilwan, said the union had issued a 15-day ultimatum on July 14, 2025, demanding urgent action from the Federal Government to avoid a collapse of healthcare services. However, he said, the government failed to respond.

“As far as we are concerned, there has been no communication from the government to this moment. That is why we are saying the strike is going on, and nothing is stopping it,” Rilwan stated.

“Even if the government calls today or tomorrow, it won’t stop the strike. They had enough time. Fifteen days is enough for them to call us for negotiations. It is because they are not sensitive to the welfare of the masses. That’s why they allowed 15 good days to elapse.”

The nurses are demanding several reforms, including an upward review of shift and uniform allowances, a distinct salary structure for nurses, improved core duty allowances, mass recruitment, and the creation of a nursing department within the Federal Ministry of Health.

Rilwan emphasized that the strike was driven by the frustration of members who have endured decades of poor working conditions.

“For over 40 years, we have been patient with them. They subjected us to no provision of gloves, equipment, and for the past 40 years, nurses have not embarked on any strike.”

“And we gave them notice of 15 days. Maybe they are looking at it that these people have not gone on strike for a very long time, so they are not going to go on strike. But they are wrong,” he said.

He added that nurses were undeterred by potential government retaliation, such as salary deductions:

“This strike is not initiated by the leadership of the union, it was initiated by the members, and they said this is what they want. So, we don’t have any option but to allow them to exercise their rights, because they are tired.

“They are not even contemplating ‘no work, no pay,’ because that is the only language the government can use, and they are ready because the money they are taking is not even enough for them. They are ready to sacrifice that as long as this strike continues.”

Rilwan also explained the next steps should the government continue to remain silent after the warning strike.

“If the 21 days elapse and there is no reasonable response from the government, we would embark on a total and indefinite strike,” he warned.

Addressing concerns that some hospitals may not participate in the strike, Rilwan clarified that the only institutions exempt are those that are not financial members of the association.

“Nobody is pulling out. Federal Medical Centre Ebute-Metta and Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos, have not been part of our association because of some issues.”

“They have opted out of the association for the past three years. So they are not legally covered to participate in this strike because they are not legitimate financial members of the association, but other hospitals in Lagos and other states, including the Federal Capital Territory, are joining the strike.”

Google search engine

Peter Obi Denies Joining PDP, ADC

By
Dailygazettenig
-

 

Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), has refuted claims that he issued a statement distancing himself from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) while affirming support for the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

In a clarification issued on Tuesday through Ibrahim Umar of the Peter Obi Media Reach (POMR), the former Anambra State governor dissociated himself from the widely circulated statement.

The statement read: “Peter Obi Media Reach–POMR has been made aware of a purported statement from our Principal, Peter Obi, denying joining the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP and reaffirming his commitment to the African Democratic Congress, ADC.

The 2023 Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party has been a subject of speculation in the political space even as he has remained focused on his mission for the establishment of a new Nigeria of our dreams.”

The media office stressed that Obi has been clear and consistent regarding his stance on ongoing political coalition efforts.

“Peter Obi has been unequivocal in his position in the ongoing coalition and didn’t need anyone to put words into his mouth.”

The statement further criticized those circulating the false narrative for pushing a dishonest agenda.

“He has remained focused on his mission but would not accept anybody attributing a statement to him just to satisfy their devious agenda.”

POMR urged the general public and media outlets to disregard any statements not issued through official channels.

“The media office wishes, therefore, to urge the public to disregard any statement purported to come from him outside his media office or his official handle.”

Google search engine

Bandits Kill Soldiers, Vigilantes In Deadly Plateau Ambush

By
Dailygazettenig
-

 

At least two soldiers and two vigilantes were killed on Tuesday when armed bandits ambushed security forces near Dogon Ruwa community, located in the Bashar district of Wase Local Government Area, Plateau State.

According to local residents, the incident happened around 1 am, when soldiers and vigilantes were pursuing the attackers following an earlier attempted assault in the area.

The assailants reportedly seized weapons and uniforms from the fallen soldiers before fleeing.

Confirming the attack, the traditional leader of Safiyo, Abdullahi Yakubu, under whose jurisdiction Dogon Ruwa falls, described the event as a surprise ambush:

“There was a report that the bandits were coming to attack Dogon Ruwa, and people quickly alerted security forces who quickly mobilized and moved to where they were said to have been sighted.”

“While on their way to the area, unknown to the security, the bandits had laid an ambush and opened fire at them, resulting in the deaths of two soldiers and two vigilantes,” Yakubu said.

Another resident, Ibrahim Sale, said the aftermath of the attack has left the community shaken:

“After killing the security personnel, the bandits also took away the rifles and uniforms of the soldiers,” he told newsmen.

Sale added that the incident has triggered fear and growing unrest among residents of Dogon Ruwa and nearby settlements.

As of the time of reporting, the spokesperson of Operation Safe Haven, Major Samson Zhakom, had not responded to inquiries regarding the ambush.

Wase communities have faced repeated assaults by bandits, with several incidents in recent months leading to loss of lives and property destruction.

Google search engine

Reps Summon Minister, NIWA Boss Over Multi-Billion Port Project

By
Dailygazettenig
-

 

The House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee on the Rehabilitation and Operationalisation of the Baro Inland Port has summoned the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, and the Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Bola Oyebamiji, over questions surrounding the delayed takeoff of the multi-billion-naira port.

During a sitting in Abuja on Tuesday, the committee’s chairman, Saidu Abdullahi, demanded that NIWA submit comprehensive documentation within seven days.

These documents are expected to cover the entire planning, construction, handover process, and current operational status of the port—initially built to reduce pressure on Nigeria’s seaports and boost inland waterway transport.

“We need everything, the full contract files, evaluation reports, evidence of what was done and what was not done,” Abdullahi declared.

“We are asking for all relevant documents as far as the Baro Port is concerned. We are not here to fight anybody. This committee is very serious about its job.”

Abdullahi stressed that the summons to the minister and NIWA MD was necessary to clarify discrepancies and establish accountability.

“The Managing Director and the Minister are summoned to appear. The matter has been referred to this committee, and we are going to do our work thoroughly. We want to know how much was paid to the contractor. We want the financial breakdown. Let’s stop playing games. Somebody must take responsibility for what is a scandal,” he said.

The lawmaker expressed concern that although the port was reportedly completed and commissioned, it remains non-functional, with no cargo activity or access routes.

“This is a very serious matter. We cannot allow a project that has gulped several billions of naira to go to waste. This House will not accept it. We have a responsibility to the Nigerian people to ensure that this kind of waste does not continue unchecked.”

He reiterated that the investigation was not a witch-hunt but a quest for accountability.

“This is not about a witch-hunt. It’s about accountability. The people deserve to know what happened to their money,” Abdullahi added.

In response, officials from NIWA explained that although the Baro Inland Port was commissioned in 2019 by former President Muhammadu Buhari, it has not become operational due to several challenges.

Representing the NIWA MD, Agbahe Fidelis, General Manager of Ports and Environmental Services, cited lack of access roads, silted waterways, vandalized railway infrastructure, and security concerns as major setbacks.

Despite physical completion of the facility, the absence of critical supporting infrastructure has prevented the port from functioning as intended, he said.

To move forward, the committee resolved to visit the Baro port—located in the Agaie Local Government Area of Niger State for an independent, on-the-ground assessment of the project’s current condition.

Google search engine

‘Nigerians Are Not Criminals’ – NIDCOM Condemns Anti-Nigerian Protest In Ghana

By
Dailygazettenig
-

 

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) has strongly criticized a recent protest in Ghana where demonstrators called for Nigerians to leave the country over alleged misconduct.

Responding to a viral video of the protest, NIDCOM described the demonstration as a baseless generalisation.

In a statement released Tuesday via X (formerly Twitter), the commission’s Director of Media, Public Relations, and Protocols, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, conveyed the reaction of NIDCOM Chairperson, Abike Dabiri-Erewa.

Dabiri-Erewa condemned the protest, stressing that it unfairly portrays all Nigerians in Ghana in a negative light.

“Nigerians are not criminals. They are good ambassadors wherever they find themselves while those bad ones should be fished out to face necessary sanctions,” she said.

She called for unity between the two West African countries, highlighting the strong ties they share.

“Ghana and Nigeria are like Siamese twins. They are brothers and in the spirit of ECOWAS and regional integration should continue to live in peace like brothers.”

Dabiri-Erewa urged Nigerians residing in Ghana to remain calm and avoid retaliation or provocations. She stressed that maintaining peace and diplomacy is key in resolving such matters.

Additionally, she refuted claims made in some online videos alleging attacks on Nigerian-owned shops.

“There is no evidence to that, and we must at all cost try to prevent any reprisal attacks.”

She also acknowledged and appreciated the efforts of both the Nigerian and Ghanaian High Commissioners in managing the situation diplomatically.

Furthermore, she noted that the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs has been in touch with Ghanaian authorities and has already taken proactive steps to defuse tensions.

Google search engine

Open Grazing Still Banned, Offenders Face Three-Year Jail Term, Ogun Govt Warns Herders

By
Dailygazettenig
-

 

The Ogun State Government has reiterated its commitment to enforcing the Animal Grazing Regulation and Cattle Ranch Establishment Law, warning that violators risk a minimum of three years in prison without the option of a fine.

The reminder came on Tuesday in a statement by Kayode Akinmade, Special Adviser on Media and Strategy to Governor Dapo Abiodun, amid growing concerns over herders disrupting traffic and encroaching on farmlands in different parts of the state.

According to Akinmade, the government is alarmed by the increasing number of traffic obstructions and crop destruction caused by those still practising open grazing—despite the clear provisions of the law enacted in 2021.

“The law banning open grazing and prescribing a three-year jail term for violators was passed to address incessant bloody encounters between herders and farmers,” Akinmade said.

“The state remains fully committed to modern cattle rearing and farming practices to guarantee the safety and security of the people.”

He further emphasized that the law was not passed in vain and will be “enforced to the letter” to protect both lives and livelihoods across Ogun communities.

“The Government of Ogun State has observed cases of obstruction of traffic, invasion of people’s farmlands and destruction of crops across the state. This is a violation of existing law and will not be tolerated a minute longer,” he warned.

Clarifying the legal implications, Akinmade explained that the law mandates strict penalties for those who disregard the rules.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the Animal Grazing Regulation and Cattle Ranch Establishment Law prescribed a jail term of not less than three years without the option of fine,” he said.

“This includes the forfeiture of the herds of cattle or livestock under his/her control to the State Government for anyone who rears, herds, or grazes any livestock in any part of the State except within the permitted ranches.”

Google search engine

Sowore Slams Tinubu’s N150m Reward To Super Falcons, Says System Unfair To Police

By
Dailygazettenig
-

 

Human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has criticized the Nigerian government’s reward system following President Bola Tinubu’s ₦150 million gift to each player of the Super Falcons, describing it as “brutally unfair” to long-serving officers of the Nigeria Police Force.

Sowore made his remarks in response to President Tinubu’s recent announcement honoring the Super Falcons after their 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) victory in Morocco.

The team secured their 10th WAFCON title with a dramatic 3-2 comeback against Morocco in Rabat.

During a reception held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Tinubu conferred the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) award on all 24 players and 11 coaching staff.

In addition to national honors, each player received $100,000 (₦150 million) and a three-bedroom apartment under the Renewed Hope Housing Scheme, while coaching staff received $50,000 (₦75 million) each.

“You have inspired millions, especially young girls, who now see proof that their dreams are valid and achievable,” Tinubu said.

“You have inspired me, too. And it’s great for a nation to have assets that are the hope of today, tomorrow, and the day after. You represent that hope. You ignited that hope. And we will continue to encourage you, the next generation, and other generations after you.”

However, Sowore expressed outrage over what he sees as stark inequality in how different groups are treated in Nigeria.

“Life is brutally unfair to Nigeria Police Force officers!” Sowore tweeted. “Super Falcons won WAFCON, trained for 1 year, played for 1 month, were rewarded with $100,000 (N150 million) each and houses!”

“Police officers protected them for decades, worked 35 years, retired with $1,500 (₦2 million as gratuity), no houses, no medicals, and a little pension!

“The President or the Governor who handed the awards? $1 BILLION in gratuity, a lifetime pension, homes everywhere, full medicals!”

Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga defended the rewards, arguing they were well deserved and aligned with global trends in rewarding excellence.

“When you remember that Multichoice, the organiser of the BBNaija reality show, is offering the winner ₦150 million grand prize, you wonder why some Nigerians are unappreciative of President Tinubu’s rewards to the Super Falcons,” Onanuga posted on social media.

“President Tinubu has rewarded excellence, creativity, hard work, soccer artistry and the undying Nigerian spirit.”

Sowore’s criticism comes on the heels of recent protests by retired police officers across Abuja, Edo, and other states, demanding removal from the Contributory Pension Scheme, which they say has left many of them in dire poverty.

In Abuja, retirees shut down the main gate of the Force Headquarters and later marched to the National Assembly, holding placards and accusing the scheme of corruption and failure.

One retired officer told journalists: “I am speaking from the bottom of my heart, sir. Virtually, we have nothing at home. A retired CSP cannot even send his children to school. Our condition has deteriorated beyond repair.

Even our wives and children no longer respect us. We are becoming useless to society. Please forgive us if we’ve offended anyone. We are just pushing because we have been pushed to the wall.”

In Benin, another protester, Retired Superintendent of Police Anthony Nnachor, echoed the frustrations:

“We are here to let the whole world know the predicament we are passing through. We are on a peaceful mission. Everybody here with me would have served in the force for 35 years meritoriously.

“It has become imperative for us to tell the world the problem we are going through. We are now living in abject poverty, and we can no longer meet our primary responsibility as parents.”

“The majority of us are dying. What is the main reason? The police in 2004 established a Pension Act. The serving members of the scheme are supposed to contribute 7 per cent, while the federal government will contribute 8 per cent.”

“This means that you are working for your retirement. It is the money that you have worked for that they will use to pay you. At the end of your service, they will calculate what we call a lump sum and give you 25 per cent. What we want now is for the Federal Government to exit us from this evil contributory pension scheme.”

Google search engine

83 Year-Old Ivory Coast President Announces Intention To Seek Fourth Term

By
Dailygazettenig
-

 

Ivory Coast’s President Alassane Ouattara, 83, announced on Tuesday that he will contest for a fourth presidential term in the country’s upcoming October 25, 2025 election.

The declaration comes amid heightened political tensions following the disqualification of several leading opposition figures from the race.

Speaking publicly for the first time since his party nominated him, the long-serving president said:

“I am a candidate because the constitution of our country allows me to run for another term and my health permits it.”

He argued that Ivory Coast, the world’s leading cocoa producer, was grappling with serious economic, security, and monetary challenges, which require experienced leadership to manage.

Ouattara has been in power since 2011 and is the standard-bearer of the ruling Rally of Houphouetists for Democracy and Peace (RHDP) party.

His decision to seek re-election has drawn sharp criticism from political opponents and civil society groups, who accuse him of consolidating power and undermining democratic norms.

Tensions have been escalating as key opposition candidates; Laurent Gbagbo, Charles Blé Goudé, Guillaume Soro, and Tidjane Thiam, have been barred from contesting by the electoral authorities.

Gbagbo, a former president; Blé Goudé, his ally; and Soro, a former prime minister, were excluded due to prior criminal convictions.

Thiam, an ex-international banker and head of the Democratic Party of Ivory Coast (PDCI), was reportedly disqualified over nationality concerns.

In response, the PDCI and the African People’s Party of Ivory Coast (PPACI)—led by Gbagbo, have launched a joint campaign demanding that their disqualified candidates be reinstated.

Opposition parties have accused the ruling authorities of manipulating the legal system to silence key challengers and control the outcome of the election.

However, the government maintains that the judiciary remains independent and that all decisions regarding candidate eligibility followed the rule of law.

Critics say the political environment is becoming increasingly repressive, warning that the country risks sliding back into unrest reminiscent of past election-related violence.

Google search engine

Benue Governor Under Fire For Distributing Branded ‘Hyacinth Cares’ Wheelbarrows To Women

By
Dailygazettenig
-

 

Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, is facing mounting criticism after the state government distributed branded wheelbarrows to women as part of a rural empowerment initiative.

The items, labeled “Hyacinth Cares,” were distributed last week to women involved in farming and petty trading.

According to state officials, the gesture was designed to ease produce transportation and enhance economic resilience in rural communities facing worsening security conditions.

The wheelbarrows are said to be constructed with steel frames and have a 100-litre capacity, aimed at aiding mobility and supporting local livelihoods.

However, the initiative has sparked outrage on social media and within the state, with many critics arguing that the programme is demeaning and fails to address more pressing needs such as poverty alleviation, insecurity, access to credit, and improved agricultural infrastructure.

The backlash has also revived memories of a similar scheme under former Governor Samuel Ortom in 2017, which involved distributing wheelbarrows to youths, a move that was heavily criticized at the time.

While some have described the wheelbarrow distribution as a symbolic and insufficient gesture, others have called for more meaningful and sustainable interventions, including provision of fertilisers, investment in mechanized farming, and improving access to financial services.

Former Publicity Secretary of the APC in Benue State, Dan-Morgan Ihomun, condemned the initiative, saying the state’s priorities were misplaced.

“On the wheelbarrows saga, I think the Benue State government should have rather provided fertilisers to farmers. Fertilisers are more important at these times,” he said.

In defense of the government, a statement released on July 21, 2025, by Comrade Ngorngor Talento, Media and Publicity Aide to the ALGOVC Chairman, highlighted other components of the empowerment efforts.

The statement disclosed that Deputy Chairman of Vandeikya Local Government and ALGOVC Chairperson in Benue, Rt. Hon. Janet Hembafan Orukuna, also distributed farm inputs under the Renewed Hope Initiative, a nationwide agricultural support programme spearheaded by Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.

“The Deputy Chairman of Vandeikya Local Government and Algovc Chairman Benue State Chapter, Rt. Hon. Janet Hembafan Orukuna, has successfully distributed farm inputs to beneficiaries in the local government area.

The intervention is part of the Renewed Hope Initiative, a nationwide agricultural support programme championed by the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.

The distribution took place at the Vandeikya Local Government Secretariat, where the Deputy Chairman emphasised the importance of agriculture in rural development and food security.

She applauded the First Lady’s visionary leadership and expressed her commitment to ensuring that the initiative reaches the grassroots,” the statement read.

The statement added that “Beneficiaries expressed appreciation for the support, describing the gesture as timely and impactful for the farming season.”

Despite attempts to frame the initiative as part of a broader agricultural intervention, public perception remains divided, with many calling for more strategic approaches to rural development and women’s empowerment in Benue State.

Google search engine

Agbo Assumes Office As Enugu Information Commissioner, Urges Staff To Prioritize Professionalism

By
Dailygazettenig
-

 

The newly redeployed Enugu State Commissioner for Information, Dr. Malachy Agbo, has called on staff of the ministry to renew their commitment to professionalism and effective communication of the government’s initiatives and programmes.

Addressing management and staff during his inaugural meeting at the Ministry, Dr. Agbo underscored the critical role of the Information Ministry in ensuring that citizens remain well-informed about ongoing government interventions aimed at enhancing good governance.

“The Enugu State Government, led by Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, is doing a lot to improve the lot of Ndi Enugu. Therefore, it is our duty to ensure that the people of the state are inundated with good governance news. We must disseminate information across all channels, engage the public, and ensure that facts are not distorted by mischief makers,” he stated.

Highlighting the essence of his reassignment, Agbo said it was to bolster public enlightenment and understanding of the government’s transformative programmes across sectors.

He stressed the importance of the ministry’s mandate and the need to execute it with diligence and unity.

“Everyone in this team has experience and strengths that will enable us to deliver on our mandate. We should strive to leverage our collective strengths to inform the public and set the records straight at all times,” he added.

Dr. Agbo assured staff that the ministry’s structural challenges would be addressed through a thorough evaluation of its operations, including a potential reallocation of duties to optimize performance and maximize individual capacities.

He expressed gratitude to Governor Peter Mbah for entrusting him with the position and pledged to work collaboratively with all ministry personnel to deliver timely and accurate information to the public.

Describing the meeting as interactive, he encouraged staff to remain steadfast, professional, and united in the pursuit of the ministry’s objectives.

Responding on behalf of the staff, the Head of Department for Administration and Supplies, Mrs. Ugochukwu Adimora, welcomed the Commissioner and expressed the ministry’s readiness to support his leadership.

“We pledge our support to the Commissioner in achieving the administration’s goals of keeping the public informed about the state government’s policies and programmes in a timely and accurate manner,” she said.

Google search engine

1...464465466...1,227Page 465 of 1,227
- Advertisement -
Google search engine

MOST COMMENTED

CATEGORY

A digital news platform committed to providing factual, reliable, and balanced reporting of events. Stay Updated, Share !!!
Contact us: dailygazetteltd042@gmail.com

EVEN MORE NEWS

POPULAR CATEGORY

© Copyright Dailygazette Nigeria 2026