NIGERIAN NOTCH

By Declan Emelumba CYNICISM is an age-long bane of the human race, but it is often the trademark of those described by the holy book as "men of little faith." In ordinary parlance, it could be the apt definition for "men who are bereft of vision and insight." Either way, it leads to the same end: such people are often thrown away by the prospect of new ideas, particularly the ones that jolt or beat human imagination. In my days as a student of political science, one of my lecturers in foreign policy repeatedly urged us to always think of the “unthinkable”. At the time, it sounded weird, but because he kept harping on it during his lectures, it dawned on me and my classmates that the lecturer made a lot of sense. When you think of the unthinkable, nothing will shock you. Thinking of the unthinkable is actually another way of dreaming big, beyond human imagination. It is about the power of positive thinking, which can shatter all barriers to progress. This

Organised Labour last night suspended its planned nationwide strike for one month following an agreement with the Federal Government. Though details of the Memorandum of Understanding suspending the strike, were sketchy at the time of this report, the agreement, Vanguard gathered, was reached very late at night. The meeting was reconvened yesterday for both government and labour to find common ground and avert the planned strike by organized labour to force the government to address the suffering and pains of Nigerians, occasioned by the petrol subsidy removal. Earlier yesterday, the National Executive Council, NEC, of NLC and its TUC’s counterpart, had met separately to review Sunday’s meeting with the Federal Government’s offers. Vanguard gathered that at the end of the separate NEC meeting, leaders of NLC and TUC set up a committee to harmonise their resolutions to arrive at common ground. According to the sources, the joint resolution of NLC and TUC was presented to the

Officials of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) will meet today to consider the offers made by the federal government during intensive discussions between both parties in the ongoing dispute arising from the removal of the subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), it was learnt last night. During a meeting held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, yesterday, several agreements were reached. Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has approved N35,000 provisional wage award for all treasury-paid federal government workers for six months, following further consultations with the government delegation that met with the leadership of NLC) and TUC) earlier on Sunday. It would be recalled that at the meeting between both parties, the federal government pledged its commitment to expediting the deployment of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses to alleviate the public transportation challenges triggered by the removal of the PMS subsidy. There is also funding sup

As per the commitment made to reduce prices and following a periodic review of its opera- tions for efficiency, the man- agement of BUA Cement Plc has announced that effective October 2, 2023, it has decid- ed to bring the price reduction forward. As a result, BUA Cement would now be sold at an ex-factory price of N3,500 per bag. The company in a statement said the essence is to allow Nigerians to enjoy the benefits of the price reduction before the completion of our plants. It said, “we refer to our previous pronouncements regarding our intent to reduce cement prices upon the com- pletion of our new lines at the end of the year in order to spur development in the building materials and infrastructure sectors. “Upon completion of the ongoing construction of our new plants, which would in- crease our production vol- umes to 17 million metric tonnes per annum, BUA Cement PLC intends to review these prices further in line with our earlier pronounce- ments by the first quarter

Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has predicted that Nigeria will soon rise to become one of the strongest nations in the world, even as he called on all Nigerians to strive to love the country more and make it work for everyone.  These statements were contained in the governor's independence day message to Nigerians. According to the governor "The least we can do as Nigerians is to invest our faith in our country and pray fervently for her progress".  He added, "Therefore, as we celebrate this year's Independence anniversary, we should renew faith in Nigeria. We must remain confident that this blessed country will ultimately become a great nation. I foresee a Nigeria that will sooner rather than later rise above the challenges that currently impede her march to a virile and prosperous nation.  I see in the nearest future a new Nigeria that is the bastion of democracy where the expectations of the majority will be met, where justice and equity shall

The President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, CON has congratulated Nigerians on the occasion of the nation’s 63rd Independence Anniversary. In a statement issued by his Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, Hon Eseme Eyiboh, the Senate President while acknowledging present challenges in the polity said that there were many landmarks in the nation’s 63 years to give a sense of optimism for a better tomorrow. While noting the particular struggles that Nigeria has passed through as a country in the last 63 years, Senator Akpabio said that each country has its unique path with unique challenges it must pass through. Affirming that the fabrics of national cohesion are increasingly being braced by the unique Nigerian struggles, Senator Akpabio said that he was confident to assert that Nigeria was now on the correct pathway to rediscovery. “As we reminiscence on our 63 years as a country it is tempting to allow present economic and security considerations becloud the tri

Nigerian labour leaders have insisted on going ahead with their indefinite nationwide strike starting on Tuesday, October 3, 2023. Yesterday, aviation and electricity union leaders directed their members to join the indefinite strike to protest the mounting hardships foisted on Nigerians due to the removal of fuel subsidy by the Tinubu administration. The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) deputy general secretary, Comrade Chris Onyeka, said the strike will still start on October 3 as planned. He said: “We are at an advanced stage of the planning and mobilisation of members for the strike. We have also set up a joint committee between Trade Union Congress (TUC) and NLC for proper coordination of the strike. Don’t allow anyone to mislead the general public by what the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) said. If we are going to call off the strike, then we will let the public know.” It would be recalled that that the NLC had yesterday condemned the reported statement of the

The Apex Igbo Socio-cultural Organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo worldwide, on Friday said it is making frantic efforts to secure the release of the leader of the  Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. The President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, made this known during the grand finale of the 2023 Igbo Day celebration held at Michael Okpara Square, Independent layout Enugu. Chief Iwuanyanwu also said that though he believed that there is marginalisation of Ndigbo in Nigeria, he is seeing a bright future for Ndigbo. He said that after a series of research briefly after his inauguration as PG of Ohanaeze, he saw that Ndigbo are blessed with abundant natural resources such as coal, limestone and gas. Lamenting against the prevailing insecurity in South East, Iwuanyanwu said Ohanaeze would not sit and watch somebody who is sojourning abroad to ruin Igbo land with thoughtless sit-at-home order. “The leadership of Ohanaeze and other leaders in Sou

The Office of the President of the Senate wishes to alert the public on the existence of Parody X  Handles purported to belong to Distinguished Senator Godswill Akpabio, the President of the Senate, this was made known by an official statement from Hon Eseme Eyiboh Special Adviser, Media/Publicity and spokesperson to the President of the Senate. The offending Parody X Handles are bearing "Senate President Godswill Akpabio @ oficialGAkpabio" with various messages on the proceedings of the Senate President Godswill Akpabio at plenary sessions. For clarity, the verified X Handles of the President of the Senate, Distinguished Senator Godswill Akpabio are "President of the Senate @SPNigeria...Official account of the office of the President of the Senate, Federal Republic of Nigeria" and @Senator_Akpabio, which is his personal account.  The Senate President therefore denounces the Parody X Handles and urges the public to disregard them. All X Handles other tha

Lagos State Government has ordered the immediate closure of Ladipo Market, Mushin, over alleged environmental infractions including reckless waste disposal, unhygienic premises, and non-payment of waste bills, among others. The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, who ordered the closure in the early hours Friday, said the market would remain closed until the mandatory conditions of redress were met by traders and market stakeholders, adding that it was part of ongoing efforts at instilling compliance in markets around the state. Speaking on the development, Wahab underscored the critical importance of environmental hygiene in markets. He noted that, “It is imperative that markets in the state adhere strictly to environmental laws and regulations put in place for the well-being of residents. “The closure of Ladipo Market serves as a stern reminder that no entity, regardless of its size or influence, is above the law.” Wahab stated that th

The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite, has identified lack of accountability in the use of taxes in Nigeria as one of the major issues preventing Micro, Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (MSMEs) from paying taxes to the government. Anite said the government used taxes received to improve the local business environment. Speaking at the 18th Abuja International Trade Fair organised by the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), the minister stated that paying taxes by many small businesses and MSMEs is scary as they contend with tight profit margins. She, however, said financing and taxation could play a crucial role in driving a new economy in Nigeria, especially for MSMEs. According to her, “MSMEs are an essential part of our economy and contribute significantly to economic growth and development. A key focus for me is consumer credit reforms. Imagine what access to affordable credit could do for your businesses.” She added that consum

The Nigerian government says it has earmarked a fund of 75 billion naira to support up to 100,000 start-ups and Micro Small and Medium Enterprises MSMEs at single digital interest rates repayable over 36 months. The Nigerian Minister of Industry Trade and Investment, Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite said this during the opening ceremony of the 18th Abuja International Trade Fair organised by the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital. The minister who was represented by the Ministry’s Director Commodities and Export, Mr. Irimiya Kaura disclosed that the sum of 75 billion naira has also been earmarked in order to strengthen the manufacturing sector in response to the  current economic challenges. “We also intend to provide small grants to micro businesses in each to the 774 local governments of the federation,” she said. “As a government we are working hard to organize the disorganized SME market, and enable greater organization and formalization, We are read

Poor execution of projects in the Country has got the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi worried, lamenting that all ongoing federal road projects are products of substandard construction none of which can last seven years. According to Umahi, except President Bola Tinubu does something to address the procurement system in the Country, “his lofty intention to help this country may not be achieved.” Umahi who is a certified Engineer premised his assertion on the inference drawn from findings gathered during his recent road inspection tour crisscrossing the entire nation. The former Governor of Ebonyi State noted that from the tour it was discovered major roads are riddled with potholes which he said have deteriorated into “boreholes.” While addressing contractors from the six geo-political zones at the Ministry headquarters on Tuesday, in Abuja, the Minister expressed dissatisfaction over the poor work done by contractors over the years Umahi who lamented the contractors have che

The President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has felicitated the Muslim Umma on the occasion of this year’s Maulud Nabiy describing it as another opportunity to reminiscence on the virtuous legacies left behind by the Holy Prophet, (SAW) In a message issued on his behalf  by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity Hon Eseme Eyiboh, the Senate President said Prophet Mohammed (S.A.W.) left behind positive marks on humanity for which his followers should emulate. Noting the need to be supportive of authority, Senator Akpabio enjoined the faithful to increase their prayers for those in authority and for the nation. “The occasion of the birthday of the Holy Prophet is a reminder to all adherents of the Islamic religion to rededicate themselves to prayerful support for those in authority and for the nation,” Senator Akpabio was quoted as saying. “Even more, it is an opportunity for everyone of us to devote ourselves to uncommon godly citizenship and love for one anot

The Nigerian Government announced that it will prioritise the processing of raw materials in Nigeria in order to give job opportunities to Nigerian youths and women.  This was disclosed in a statement by Mr Tunde MacAlabi, the Chairman of the Organising Committee for the Business, Trade and Investment Summit component of the Africa International Trade Exhibition (AITE) 2023’s Business, Trade, and Investment Summit on the sideline of the 78th edition of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).  He said President Bola Tinubu restated his administration’s commitment to promoting ease of trade for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) across Africa in the summit which was organised by Mr. MacAlabi; Prof. Tai Balofin, President of Nigerian Progressive Professionals and Ms. Khuraira Musa, Chief Executive Officer of K-Pro Consulting of New York.  SME’s  The President represented by the Minister of Trade and Investment, Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite, Tinubu said that the Federal Government

The hospital where late singer Ilerioluwa Aloba aka MohBad was allegedly taken to, has issued a statement concerning the singer’s death.   In a statement shared on Instagram by Perez Medcare Hospital, it was disclosed that the singer was brought in dead at the hospital.   The hospital also denied allegations that the singer was admitted into the hospital.   The statement partly read, “The attention of the management of Perez Medcare Hospital has been drawn to the misleading and false information being circulated in some social media platforms that Mr. Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba (AKA Mobbed) died in our medical facility.   “We consider it pertinent to put on record that at about 04:30pm on the 12th of September 2023, the lifeless body of Mr. Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba (AKA Mohbad) was brought to our medical facility and our medical team immediately sprang into action and after assessment, it was discovered that there was no sign of life, no central or peripheral pulse, no he

The Federal Government of Nigeria has launched a programme called NATEP to boost youth employment in Nigeria. What is NATEP? NATEP simply means National Talent Export Programme, an initiative to enhance Nigeria's foreign exchange earnings. President Bola Tinubu which was represented by the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite launched the program on the sidelines of the 78th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), at the weekend. This new initiative seeks to position Nigeria as an export hub for talent outsourcing in Africa following the example of India, Bangladesh, Mexico and The Philippines. The unveiling of the programme took place at the Microsoft Office in New York, United States of America, on Friday, September 22, 2023. A number of dignitaries from multilateral institutions and global tech giants joined the Ministers of Industry, Trade and Investment and her counterpart from the Ministry of Communications Innovation and Digital Econom

Dangote group’s Executive Director Devakumar Edwin has revealed that the refinery would sell petrol to Nigerians in US dollars and not Nigeria Naira. Dangote Refinery is set to begin refining petrol by November 30, 2023, and diesel and jet fuel operations by October 2023, the group’s executive director Devakumar Edwin says. In an interview with S&P Global Commodity Insights on Monday, Edwin added that the refinery would receive its first crude cargo in two weeks’ time and would begin producing up to 370,000 barrels per day of diesel and jet fuel in October 2023. Furthermore, Edwin pointed out that the refinery would initiate a gradual increase in petrol production, aiming to reach an impressive 650,000 barrels per day by November 30. He emphasised the refinery’s readiness to receive crude oil, stating, “Right now, I’m ready to receive crude. We are just waiting for the first vessel. And so, as soon as it comes in, we can start.” Regarding the shift in the original timel

At the sidelines of the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly UNGA in NewYork; United States of America, Nigeria’s Minister for Industry, Trade and Investment; Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite has launched the National Talent Export Programme, NATEP on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in New York. This is in a bid to position Nigeria as a talent export hub designed to create not less than one million jobs in the next five years as a special purpose vehicle owning to its large population of teeming tech savvy youth doing well in all faucet of life. In her opening remarks at the launch of the initiative at the Microsoft office in NewYork; the minister highlighted the need to ensure Nigeria takes the lead in exporting global talents that are doing well across the world which will also drive a huge investment in training and also attracting more investment in talent exportation. She said that the initiative is in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda to

The Anambra State Chapter of South East APC Young Progressives Forum, lead by it's national convenner Mr. Paschal Candle, has called out the Prof Charles Soludo's administration for what it's sees as a big deceit on the part of government, with the recent pronouncement of  free education programme in the state. In a press release made available to this newspaper by it's national convenner, the group frowned with dismay, the flagging off of Prof Charles Soludo's free education programme across all government owned nursery, primary and junior secondary school classes in Anambra State, a situation it sees as deceitful.  Recall,  the governor, recently abolished all fees, dues and levies running into several thousands hitherto being paid by students in these basic education classes in the state.  However, the group said that it's perplexed on how Governor Soludo will launch with fanfare a programme that is supposed to have been in existence since 2004. &

IT’S no news that women, like their male counterparts, indulge their sexual fantasies from time to time, but, unlike men, they need to keep a stiff upper lip about their escapades – most of the time. But have you ever imagined that a day would come when a married woman would openly parade her lust with the connivance of her husband? Of course, we’ve heard of polyandry, a term used for a woman with more than one husband. Its practice is more prevalent in remote areas devoid of civilization where there is an acute shortage of women. But in the civilized world, another vocabulary has been added to the marital setting. It is called polyandry. I recently came across it whilst reading the interesting story of Sarah Wheeler, a 32-year-old married mother who said: “I was married to a man called Paul and at first, I had no doubt about the commitment we had made to each other to be faithful for the rest of our lives. Then I became close to a male friend and we began to spend a lot of

 By Chigozie Igbo 3:24am is the time, morning is few hours away, and this thought of writing about a country that has so much pissed Nigerians cropped up. Initially I just waved at the thought of penning this down, but the urge kept coming back. For quite sometime now, I have gone on leave, most times discarding the urge  to write, because most of our countrymen rather watch videos, mostly comedy skits, than read. Reason, its said “if you want to hide anything from us, pen it down”  Their assumptions might be right, but I believe there are few that still read. The topic of discourse, Nigeria a thorn of many parts came to me as a direct message. Yes, Nigeria is a thorn of many parts. A thorn as we know it inhibits, also making it impossible for goals to be achieved. The Igbo’s call it (Ogwu). The adage of money is in thorns can give one a view of what thorns imply, (Ego di na Ogwu). Nigeria as a country is so blessed that the indigenes of this country have no reason to be po