Ekiti Workers To Get N15,000 Wage Award For Six Months.

Ekiti Workers To Get N15,000 Wage Award For Six Months. 

......As Oyebanji pays one month salary arrears to LG workers, primary school teachers. 

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has approved payment of N15,000 wage award for all workers in the state as part of measures put in place to cushion the effect of current economic situation in the country. 

The payment will run for a period of six months pending the time an agreement is reached on minimum wage for workers. 

According to a statement signed my the Special Adviser, Media to the Governor, Yinka Oyebode, pensioners in the state will also receive N10,000 wage award for six months as approved by Governor Oyebanji. 

The wage award takes effect from this month. 

Similarly, Governor Oyebanji has also approved payment of July 2018 salary arrears to local government workers and primary school teachers across the 16 local government areas of the state. 

The payment is in fulfillment of the Governor’s promise to prioritize workers’ welfare and wellbeing as well as his pledge to ensure all outstanding entitlements of workers, owed by previous administrations, are paid to them. 

The Governor had earlier put in place some palliative measures for workers at the wake of the subsidy removal. This include payment of some outstanding entitlements, extension of the minimum wage to senior workers on level 14 to 17 as well as provision of shuttle buses for workers and students in the state. 

Describing Ekiti workers as dedicated,reliable and understanding, the Governor urged them to continue to live up to expectation as the engine room of the government, adding that his administration would continue to take care of their welfare within available resources.

Supreme Court reserves judgement in Kano governorship dispute.

Supreme Court reserves judgement in Kano governorship dispute.

The Supreme Court has reserved judgement in the Kano State governorship election dispute between Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and Nasiru Gawuna of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The apex court said the date for the judgement would be communicated to both parties.

Earlier, a five-member panel of justices led by Justice Inyang Okoro had listened to closing arguments from the lawyers representing both parties and accepted a cross-appeal filed by APC.

Yusuf had appealed the November 17 judgment of the Court of Appeal, which nullified his victory in the March 19 governorship election.

He also notified the apex court of the contradictions in the CTC judgment, which upheld the governor’s election and awarded the sum of N1 million in his favour.

Recall that a three-member panel of justices of the appellate court led by Justice Moore A. Adumein upheld the appeal of Gawuna.

The panel held that Yusuf was not a registered member of NNPP and, therefore, ineligible to contest the election.

However, in the long argument before the apex court on Thursday, parties raised issues concerning the jurisdiction of the court in political party membership of a candidate.

The lawyers also argued over whether the court could “visit the sin of INEC’s failure to sign over 160,000 ballot papers on the voters in Kano State.”

Borno State Government pledges continued support to the military.

Borno State Government pledges continued support to the military.

....Launches this year Emblem Appeal week.

Borno State Government has pledged to support the Nigerian military to continue to sustain the existing relative peace and rapid return of normalcy in the state.

Borno State Governor Prof Babagana Umara Zulum stated this today during the occasion of the launching of this year Emblem Appeal week at the Government House Maiduguri.

The state Governor was represented at the occasion by the Deputy Governor, Alhaji Umar Usman kadafur said the present administration will continue to render its assistance and support to the Nigerian Legion during their annual launching of Emblem Appeal week.

Borno Deputy Governor, Alhaji Umar Usman.

The state Government later announced a donation of 15 million naira, a car donation, 100 bags of 50kg rice, approval for provision of permanet office accomodation and 2 Hajj seats to the Nigerian Legion and widows of the fallen heroes as appealed by Chairman Nigerian Legion Borno State Council.

The Governor said, while we remember our fallen heroes and those with permanent disability, it is also pestinent to commend and appreciate gallant soldiers and other security forum members operating in the state for their relentless efforts which brought relative peace.

Earlier in his address the chairman Nigerian Legion, Borno State col. Williams Adamu (rtd) said since this year's event started with the launching of the emblem appeal week, the Nigerian Legion in Borno State has found it necessary to place on record that the present administration has tremendously assisted the Nigerian Legion in various ways, recalling that Governor Zulum has donated More than 15 Million Naira and two hundreds bags of rice in the last year's armed force remembrance day celebration.

He then equally appealed to the state governor to provide them with toyoto Hilux vehicle for office administration, two seats for Hajj pilgrimage for the year 2024, two seats for holy pilgrimage to Jerusalem and a permanent office accomodation.

As part of the event, over 5.3 million naira was realized with the Borno State Government giving the highest donation of 15 million, 1 million by theartre commander operation hadin Kai, five hundred thousand Naira from Garrison commander, five hundred thousand by the Secretary to the State Government and 1.8 million from members of the state executive council.

Port Harcourt refinery reopens after years of closure.

Port Harcourt refinery reopens after years of closure.

The Port Harcourt Refining Company in Rivers State has resumed operations, in line with the federal government’s commitment, aiming to produce refined goods at the plant by December 2023.

The plant underwent turnaround maintenance and underperformance for many years prior to its development. 

The total processing capacity of four Nigerian refineries, located in Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna, is 445,000 barrels per day (bpd). However, in 2019, they were shut down.

But in August, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, the minister of state for petroleum resources (oil), said that the refinery will start up again in December.

Lokpobiri said this during an inspection tour of the rehabilitation work progress at the PHRC Ltd. plant

“Our objective in coming here today is to ensure that in the next few years, Nigeria stops fuel importation. From what we have seen here today, Port Harcourt Refinery will come on board by the end of the year,” he said during the visit.

More than two years have passed since the federal government authorized $1.5 billion (1.2 billion euros) in funds to rehabilitate one of its largest oil refineries, when activities at the Port Harcourt plant resumed.

The government selected Maire Tecnimont, an Italian company, to handle the facility’s repairs at the Port Harcourt location, which can produce about 210,000 barrels per day.

“We are happy to announce that the rehabilitation of productivity refinery will commence in three phases, the then-Minister of Petroleum (State) Timipre Sylva had told reporters.

“The first phase is to be completed in 18 months, which will take the refinery to a production of 90 percent of its nameplate capacity,” said Sylva, adding that the second phase would be completed in 24 months and the third in 44 months.

Nigeria has been dependent on petroleum product imports despite having the largest oil producer in Africa due to a lack of refining infrastructure within the country. Fuel shortages occur often.

However, the government has been attempting to increase capacity at the nation’s underperforming state-owned refineries as part of efforts to restructure the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).

The restoration of refinery operations at the plant and the start of a comparable project at the Dangote Refinery are expected to enhance fuel supplies in Africa’s top oil producer and enable savings on refined fuel and other petroleum products.

Osun Assembly passes 2024 budget of N273.90bn

Osun Assembly passes 2024 budget of N273.90bn

The Osun State House of Assembly, on Thursday, passed the  state’s N273,908,997,410 budget for 2024.

The motion for the passage of budget was moved at plenary by the Majority Leader, Mr Babajide Kofoworola and which was supported by other members.

Earlier on Wednesday, the Chairman of the House Committee on Finance and Appropriation, Mr Olumide Fatunmise, had presented the report of the committee to the legislature for passage after the third reading.

The Speaker, Prince Adewale Egbedun, said the final copy of the Bill would be produced and forwarded to the Governor, Sen. Ademola Adeleke, for assent.

Osun communal clash: Crisis extends to Oyo state as Ilobu farmers seek intervention

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Gov. Ademola Adeleke of Osun had presented the 2024 budget of N273,908,997,410 before the legislature on Nov. 9 for consideration and approval.

 (NAN)

First Lady splashes N950m Christmas largesse on elderly citizens.

First Lady splashes N950m Christmas largesse on elderly citizens.

Two hundred and fifty vulnerable elders in Lagos State have benefitted from the Renewed Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme (RHIESS) of the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu. 

The beneficiaries got N100, 000 each. 

The initiave was launched simultaneously across the 36 states of the country, and Abuja. 

The total money disbursed amounts to N950 million as approved by the Governing Board of the Renewed Hope Initiative and each state got N25 million. 

Beneficiaries also got free one-year health insurance under the Lagos State Health Insurance Scheme (LASHMA), courtesy Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

The governor’s wife, Mrs. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, promised that the state would replicate the initiative, saying that by February 2024, more elderly persons would benefit. 

Beneficiaries, aged 65 years and above, were nominated from the five ibile divisions of the state – Ikeja, Lagos, Epe, Ikorodu and Badagry. 

Mrs. Sanwo-Olu, who also doubles as the state coordinator, read Mrs. Tinubu’s speech. 

The speech read: “This Renewed Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme (RHIESS), with the theme ‘Better Days Ahead’, is and economic empowerment programme borne out of a steadfast commitment to the well-being of our elderly citizens. It marks a significant stride in our collective pursuit of a more inclusive and compassionate society.

“This scheme is to support 250 vulnerable elderly citizens aged 65 and above in all 36 states of the federation, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and veterans from the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA).

“These selected beneficiaries will receive N100,000 each. This is to cushion the effects of the economic situation and alleviate the burdens of our esteemed elders during this festive period.

“The total sum to be disbursed is N950 million as approved by the Governing Board of the Renewed Hope Initiative. Each state will receive N25 million. We are committed to ensuring that each state receives this gesture, without discrimination.

“As we approach the festive season, it becomes very important to emphasise the significance of prioritising our elderly citizens in our initiatives. By reaching out to the eljderly this festive period, we not only honour their contributions, but also acknowledge the unique encounters they face. 

“To our senior citizens, I urge you to embrace life to the fullest, prioritise your health, nurture your minds, and strengthen your bonds with loved ones and with God. These are the keys to a rich and fulfilling life in your golden years.

“I equally extend my heartfelt appreciation to all your excellencies, state coordinators of RHI, and partners who have supported with free medical screening and the distribution of other sundry items to beneficiaries, in ensuring the success of this programme. 

“This period should be a time of joy and comfort for all, even as we hope for a greater Nigeria, in security, education, health, employment and business opportunities for all. We seek your continued support and prayers for the administration of President Bola Tinubu, as we look forward to better days ahead.”

Transport fare slash: Presidency names Chisco, others as participating companies.

Transport fare slash: Presidency names Chisco, others as participating companies.

The Presidency has revealed the companies that will be participating in the 50 per cent slash of inter-state transport fares approved by President Bola Tinubu.

Tinubu, on Wednesday, approved the reduction as well as free train rides for Nigerians starting Thursday, December 21, 2023, to January 4, 2024.

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, while announcing this gesture to State House Correspondents at the Aso Rock Villa on Wednesday said Nigerians willing to travel can board public transport via mini buses, luxury buses at 50 per cent discount of current cost.

Meanwhile, the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, has

revealed the five participating transport companies in the scheme.

In a post on X on Thurday, Onanuga named, GIG (God is Good), Chisco Transport, Young Shall Grow, God Bless Ezenwata, and Area Motor.

He wrote, “Participating companies in the FG’s plan to reduce the transport burden of travelling five million Nigerians:

1. GIG ( God is Good)

2. Chisco Transport

3. Young Shall Grow

4. God Bless Ezenwata

5. Area Motor.”

The Presidency also posted a document showing 28 routes the buses will run. They include Lagos- Kano, Lagos-Abuja, Lagos-Kaduna-Zaria, Lagos-Jos, Lagos-Enugu, Lagos-Onitsha, Lagos-Owerri, Lagos-Aba, Lagos-Abakaliki, Lagos-Nsukka, Lagos-Uyo, Lagos-Port-Harcourt, Onitsha- Kano, Onitsha-Lagos.

Others are, Onitsha-Jos, Onitsha-Abuja, Onitsha-Sokoto, Onitsha-Gombe, Onitsha-Zakibam, PH-Owerri-Aba-Kano, Aba-Owerri-Abuja, Aba-Lagos, Abuja-Sokoto, Abuja – Lagos, Abuja-Onitsha-Owerri-Port-Harcourt, Abuja-Enugu-Abakaliki, Abuja-Gombe and Abuja-Kano.